6 months and 1 day ago

[oldslowchevy]

i had my last cigartte!!! i smoked for 15 years and for 9-10 of them i was smoking 2-3 packs aday of marlboro 100s. on july 8th of 06 at 9:30 pm i finally said no more. i can not say it has be the easyiest thing i have done but it sure wasn't as hard as it could have been. i am just now starting to feel better and just now starting to breath better. no i did not use the patch or gum, i just quit and yes there are days when the urge hits and hits hard but now my mind knows that i can make it with out it. and no i am not looking to have any praise i am just having a fit and i needed to vent and since i concider this my cyber family guess what i will vent here so ha-ha.:D

[Bob D.]

Way to go OSC. I did the same over 2 years ago.

[Gofor]

Hang in there OSC. You Can Do It!! Just think how many new tools you can buy with that Marlboro Money!!

Go

[wwsmith]

Good job OSC. I can relate. I quit in June of 2006 and am happier for it now. Hardest part for me is when I have a few cold ones.... :(

[wbrooks]

ME too Nov 11 2004 cold turkey, still get an itch but the mind knows better than to give in. I have no problem having beers with the boys that still smoke, but let me tell ya it has been much easier since they banned smoking in all the bars up here.
Hang in there buddy. BTW my incentive was to go and blow 6 months of smokes $ on tools at HD on the 6 month no pay plan. Could not afford to smoke and pay for the tools as well, not paying 28% interest helps squash the urges

[BadgerDave]

Sept. 27, 1999 I quit cigarettes and booze on the same day. I still get the urge every now and again for both but so far so good. OSC, it sounds like you're over the hump but you keep your guard up. I find even after all these years that there is always that temptation to have just one.

[JimDon]

No praise wanted, but you sure do deserve it.
Great job OSC. Keep it up.
I like the idea of others who said take 6 months worth of smokes money and blow it on TOOLS!
What a great reward to yourself.
After you do that the first time, try this. Every day, put the money you'd have spent on 2-3 packs in a dresser drawer for yourself. When you need to buy a tool for the shop or for work, go into the drawer, count out what you need and buy it. It's the gift that keeps on giving! :) :) :)
Jim Don
PS And you'll be around a longer time to enjoy all that fine equipment.

[hellcatt200]

ok i see lots are in same boat lol. feb 15th of '06 is my 1 year mark of quiting smokeing. I tried cold turkey but it didnt work so i got the patch. The first 6 months is /was the hardest for me. the breathing eased up after 8 months though. The money thing of not buying ciggs is what i get to spend this year with tax money :D . I cant wait !! good luck to all of us .( I was at 2-3 packs for over 20 years of both marlboro reds/lights )

[Woussko]

Forget the $$$. Your quality of life will be so much better now. Good job and keep up the good work. :) It's great when people do quit before it's too late and they simply can't recover.

[oldslowchevy]

thank you guys it mean alot to me that many of you know what i am going though and good luck you you all as well and badger dave smokes and booze on the same day ............... gee your my hero!!. lol. i am just glad that i wasn't near you for the frist few weeks as you must have been a real FUN person to be around.

[BadgerDave]

I've had this conversation with myself many times.
I want a cigarette.........http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/10/10_9_211.gif

OK then, I'll have a drink............http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/10/10_9_211.gif

[CheekyMonkeyWrench]

OSC,

Ridgid just sighed because they will have to honor your LSA for that much longer now:)

Congrats on accomplishing something few can. My father quit about 2 years ago, cold turkey, and he's never looked back. I know he will never go back, because at least once a week he mentions his improved breathing and fatter wallet to somebody.

I'm sure you have family members who are ecstatic, because of your decision to improve your life (I was so happy when I found out my years of nagging finally paid off).

Stay well!

Pete

[Josh]

Congratz OSC. One of my buddies here at work just quit smoking with his wife. I am really impressed with people that can stick with it and do whats best for them way too many of my relatives and friends have been quitting for the last 20 years or so.

Glad to have all of you quiters on the board.

Josh

PS>. I agree you should go out and spend that smoking money on some RIDGID tools :D

[Woussko]

Josh

How about RIDGID making up some special I Quit tools that family and friends can give people as a congratulations or thank you for quitting gift?


To Everyone that has quit: CONGRATULATIONS

I think a good idea and reward for your efforts is to plan that every year you keep off them, take the family out for a nice meal and maybe catch a good movie or do something all of you will enjoy.

In addition, please do this for all of you. Hire it done if necessary, but give you place a super cleaning and either wash, dry clean or just get rid of anything around that is full of tobaco tar and/or the foul smell. Then think about painting the inside of your house and if you have forced air heating, have the air ducts and your furnace cleaned. You worked hard to quit and now you deserve to enjoy your new life.

I don't know how much you have to pay per pack in your area, but where I am it's now close to $5 per pack. At $5 per pack and 2 packs a day that would add up to $3,650 per year!!! Then think of your reduced medical bills. You're going to be saving big time and will be able to help pay down any debts, buy nice things you want, have more fun in life and more. Enjoy and I'm sure your family and friends love the cleaner air and no more stinky you. They will also enjoy your better health.

LIVE AGAIN :) :) :)

[Zuki]

This posting makes me want to take up smoking so that I could give it up and buy more tools.:D

Keep it up OSC

[billmoy]

On the first day, I cut out smoking.

On the next day, I cut out drinking.

On the next day, I cut out loose women.

On the next day, I cut out paper dolls.

Seriously folks, congratulations to anyone that gives up smoking. The fact that you will be around longer to enjoy family and friends is your reward.

(quit smoking, cold turkey, 15 years ago after 37 years).

Its never to late, just do it.

[HVAC HAWK]

i quit cold turkey on a job site 16 1/2 years ago when the same person asked me for a cig for the 4th time that day . i took the pack and crushed them up in my hands and said I QUIT .you want to see his eyes :eek:

he said you could have giving them to me ,i said that's why i quit so do not have to supply you with cig anymore ;)

[michael stephen]

well am still trying to quit for the last couple of months.. sure need these inspirations from you quitters.. will continue to try though..

[Bob D.]

Keep at it michael, it's worth it.

[oldslowchevy]

well am still trying to quit for the last couple of months.. sure need these inspirations from you quitters.. will continue to try though..
mike you dont really feel the differce untill the 4-5th month and yes i still have the urge but i just keep bussy and then it goes away

[PLUMBER RICK]

i needed to vent and since i concider this my cyber family guess what i will vent here so ha-ha.:D

osc,you should check with the plumbers to make sure you're venting properly:D ask the dog.

congratulations, keep up the fun post:)

never tried smoking, and don't like alcohol:eek:

keep me away from soda and ice cream:D

rick.

[michael stephen]

mike you dont really feel the differce untill the 4-5th month and yes i still have the urge but i just keep bussy and then it goes away

yes its true.. tried quitting 3 years ago but it just came back with a vengeance.. the urge, its just too overwhelming..

[michael stephen]

Keep at it michael, it's worth it.

thanks.. need to try a little harder..

[VASandy]

I've been inspired. Just got the gum. Now I need to make the plan and get set. This is try #3 for me. First try was on the patch...then I managed to be at a bar during a presidential election. BAAAAAAAAAD combo. Second time I quit...I was federal sector security specialist. The date was 9/11/01. The whole group of us quitters met at the smoking area at the same time. It was a bad bad day.

Let's hope third time's a charm. Any NSA guys around here...keep an ear to the ground and smush 'em before they can do anything. That'd make it much easier to stay quit this time!!!

[Orange Apron]

I always tell myself I need to quit, mainly for the money reasons. Ive even gotten myself to cut down to 3-4 smokes a day, but I couldnt get myself to really quit. I tried Zyban years ago, and (long story short) with Zyban you smoke and take the anti depressant for 2 weeks while the drug builds up in your system. That part worked great for me, I was nice to everyone. Then the morning of my quit day I woke up with a HORRIBLE rash all over, and as I itched it got worse, then I read the side effects, and I was having them. Over the next month I could barely work an 8 hour day without feeling like I had arthritis in EVERY joint in my body. I made several more trips to the Drs office, but being frustrated and not being able to keep up the Zyban I went back to smoking.

I tried again with the patch, and that was awesome. It gave me some crazy weird dreams at night, but I didnt keep up with it. I only bought a few from a friend who had good luck with it.

I find that if I dont let my mind think Im quitting I can cut back. When I try I just put off the next one a little longer. Once the tax refund kicks in I will probably give the patch a more serious effort, that and I will keep one smoke and a lighter around, so my mind doesnt make me crazy about quitting

[blind bill]

It's good to see so many quitters amongst us. To me quitting was easy. I had lots of experience. Tried it 7 times before it finally stuck. I think what finally convinced me it might be a good idea was watching my father die of lung cancer. I can tell you that the urge will finally go away, but it took years in my case.

Hang in there all you quitters.

Blind Bill

[Newman]

As of last week I quit chain-buying tools and took up smoking - think of the money I'll be saving!!! :D


But seriously, I quit cold turkey in '92... :rolleyes:

[9.5 fingers to go]

Smoked for 12 yrs. Quit 5 November 1999. Woke up one morning with 2 left in my pack and said I'm done. That pack stayed on my coffee table for a month before I gutted up enough courage to toss it out. Thinking about that night I finally got the courage to throw it out still brings tears-of-fear to my eyes. But, never looked back and don't crave the stinky things at all. Is it me or is it just irritating to have someone smoking next to you after being a reformed smoker? Best thing I ever did.

[TerryD]

On July 10th, 2003 I was on my back patio having a cigarette before watching one of my favorite TV shows. Went into the house sat down turned the TV on and had a heart attack. Three stents later I came home. I am lucky to be here. Haven't had a smoke since that night.

To all of you that have quit.........congratulations
To the ones that are trying to................ hang in there, each day will be a little easier.

[oldslowchevy]

wow i never thouth this thread would have got more the 3-6 posts max but it is nice to see that i am not alone out there and there are other quiters like me. lol isn't it funny that your whole life you are told "nobody likes a quiter" and now it is a good thing lol

[djb]

wow i never thouth this thread would have got more the 3-6 posts max...

Coz you hit a nerve, OSC. Most folks are pretty passionate about smoking, either for or against it. I quit twice; once for a year almost to the day, then I just bought a pack and started again. But the second time stuck, I haven't had a smoke for 20+ years. I remember making a list of smoking pros and cons...the pro column had one entry: smoking helps me relax. The con column got pretty full. And now, of course, I realize I can relax without pumping poisonous gas into my lungs, so the pro column would be empty.

Everyone who's trying to quit: just do it! You can do it, and you'll never be sorry you quit.

- djb

[drtyhands]

I smoked for 20+ years.last year had a reacuring pain in one lung in a certain area for months,quit and swore to myself not to go back.The thought of trying to fight lung cancer without health insurance can make a person take a long look at priorities.

its been six months,and I can see what OSC means about the difference a few months of being smoke free.

Can't wait to get back up to the sierra's and run some circles around some camping buddies this spring:)

[oldslowchevy]

well it has been well over a year now, and with every thing i have been though, i think i have a very very good chance of making it now, though belive it or not, there are times that the urge still hits. but i just look back and i just think to my self, yup...... i'm a quitter.... and darn proud of it.

now i need to start getting back in shape, that is my next goal i would like to drop 6o pounds in the next two years so i can be at 200 again. i don't want to lose it to fast as i might pick it back up even faster, and i don't want that.

[mrs. westcoast]

well it has been well over a year now, and with every thing i have been though, i think i have a very very good chance of making it now, though belive it or not, there are times that the urge still hits. but i just look back and i just think to my self, yup...... i'm a quitter.... and darn proud of it.

now i need to start getting back in shape, that is my next goal i would like to drop 6o pounds in the next two years so i can be at 200 again. i don't want to lose it to fast as i might pick it back up even faster, and i don't want that.



ongra OSC:icon_bike:

[Lisa_PA]

now i need to start getting back in shape, that is my next goal i would like to drop 6o pounds in the next two years so i can be at 200 again. i don't want to lose it to fast as i might pick it back up even faster, and i don't want that.


One pound a month works but faster and people can and do get sick or just gain back even more. Give it time and you'll do well.

[plumberscrack]

Best thing you have ever done for your body is quit smoking.

Next best thing...lose weight..will be just as hard :eek:

Dropping 60 lbs in 2 years is doable but soooo hard to start during the holidays if it doesn't happen try not to get discouraged and give up. Nobody likes a quitter ;)

Still trying to finish off the Halloween candy and the feeding frenzy won't stop til New Years for me.

[mrs. westcoast]

Overweight people lose weight faster then people who weigh normal and trying to lose 5 lbs..


There is much more fat...


you can loose 60 lbs in 1 year...just look at that show..

Americas biggest looser or something...

eat right in normal portions and dont eat nothing after 6pm

[plumberscrack]

eat right in normal portions and dont eat nothing after 6pm

That's good advice coming from someone who is probably 5'2" and 120 lbs. :p

Don't eat after 6pm? who made up this rule?

Can't sleep when I'm hungry :rolleyes:

[mrs. westcoast]

:shocked2:That's good advice coming from someone who is probably 5'2" and 120 lbs. :p

Don't eat after 6pm? who made up this rule?

Can't sleep when I'm hungry :rolleyes:

6pm?

Dr.Oz

You can find him on oprah:nyaa-nyaa4::)

Personaly i eat after 6 pm cause Rob is arely home before 6...

Robert eats well beyond his dinner,with his snacks, italian salami,cheese,crackers,and water and after that cookies and milk..

So he has 2 different snack after dinner:shocked2:

He cannot gain a pound if i fed him horse food or whatever...quantities..i drink 8 glasses of water and next day i'am 3 pound heavier..just not fair:rant-on:

[plumberscrack]

:shocked2:

6pm?

Dr.Oz

You can find him on oprah:nyaa-nyaa4::)

Personaly i eat after 6 pm cause Rob is arely home before 6...

Robert eats well beyond his dinner,with his snacks, italian salami,cheese,crackers,and water and after that cookies and milk..

So he has 2 different snack after dinner:shocked2:

He cannot gain a pound if i fed him horse food or whatever...quantities..i drink 8 glasses of water and next day i'am 3 pound heavier..just not fair:rant-on:

Dr Oz? lol

"Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain"

Robert is young he won't gain weight til he hits 30.

Then his metabolism will slow down and thats' when he'll get a lil paunch :eek:

[oldslowchevy]

well most of the weight that i have gained was from the past year, from beeing laid up from my foot then the whole long ordeal with my wife(i miss you princess) then driving a dump truck and being semi retired and spending waaaaaaay to much time on the computer, basicly it is mostly from inactivity, once i get moving again i should be fine

[mrs. westcoast]

:angel:well most of the weight that i have gained was from the past year, from beeing laid up from my foot then the whole long ordeal with my wife(i miss you princess) then driving a dump truck and being semi retired and spending waaaaaaay to much time on the computer, basicly it is mostly from inactivity, once i get moving again i should be fine

OSC SO HAPPY FOR YOU TO START A WHOLE NEW BEGINING..


You owe it to yourself and your son....:angel:

Doesnt this looks delicious?

http://women4hope.files.wordpress.com/2007/09/fruits_and_vegetables2.jpg (http://women4hope.files.wordpress.com/2007/09/fruits_and_vegetables2.jpg)

Dr. Oz and co-author Dr. Rozen have released a new book called “You on a Diet” and visited today on the Oprah TV show about ways that you can changer your lifestyle to help you lose weight.
Dr. Oz told Oprah that your health has to do with your waistline, even more than how much you weigh. If you stomach measures over 32 ½ inches for a women, or over 35 inches for a man then you are to heavy. This excess fat around your waist is hurting your health. You could have fat thighs and a small waist and even though you might be overweight it is not going to hurt your health as much


You need to part ways with bad habits. That probably means getting more exercise. Dr. Oz recommends getting a pedometer and move 10,000 steps each day. You should include walking as an exercise. Dr. Oz recommend walking whenever you want to change a bad habit, whether you want to quit smoking, or lose weight, it is a good starting point. He strongly recommends building up your muscles to some degree. If you lose weight and do not build muscle you will slow down your metabolism. Muscles burn 50 more calories than fat does, so it is good to have extra muscles. You should try to sweat at least 1 hour a week. He said you could complete this at 20 minute sessions each time, just so long as you work up a sweat. You should also stretch regularly to avoid injury while exercising.
You should be eating more fiber foods, such as whole grain foods to help control hunger. They suggest eating hot red peppers and cinnamon to satisfy hunger. Use a smaller plate to serve yourself in the morning and have “emergency” food on hand that is healthy such as apples, carrots and breath strips.
Dr. Roizen recommended always reading the food labels for bad ingredients such as hydrogenated oils, sugar, and high fructose corn syrup. Avoid bleached flours and labels that use the word “enriched.” Don’t eat the food unless 1 serving has less than 4 grams of saturated fats and less than 4 grams of sugars. You should have plenty of vegetables and drink lots of water.
High fructose corn syrup has become readily available in most pre-made foods. By removing this sweetener they suggest a person could be saving themselves 33 pounds in a year’s time. High fructose corn syrup is ignored by the body and does not trigger the leptin hormone to tell you that you are full. The ghrelin hormone may still be triggering that you are hungry and instead you continue to eat more calories.
Improve your chances for not overeating by making sure you get enough sleep. Sex can also play a part in helping to lose weight. You need to eat nutritious foods and drink plenty of water too.

Your mood can also create cravings for food. They suggest that you may want to eat meat if you are angry, sweets if you are depressed, salt if you are stressed, and pasta if you are sexually frustrated. If you eat foods that are high in omega 3 fatty acids it can also help to fight off depression.
Dr. Oz recommends avoiding salad dressings that are pre-made and suggest using olive oil and vinegar that you make yourself. Salad dressing can add up to 1/2 of the calories for the whole salad. Another tip is to eat a handful of nuts before you sit down for a meal, it will help to release the leptin hormone that gives us the full feeling.

Finally, you can improve your chances of success if you “automate” your breakfast and your lunch. If you don’t eat breakfast, you should as it will help you from becoming too hungry all day and you will eat less. If you eat the same kinds of meals you will have a better chance at succeeding at weight loss.

[drtyhands]

You nailed it OSC,activities:)

Girlfriend quit drinking at 177 lbs.Used exersize to take place of the energy spent on Booze.117 at 5-6 now.
Me I gained When I quit the sauce.Probably cause I started eating:p

Holidays are tough,I like spring to make my big deals.

[thepapabear]

What great news, congratulations and hang in there.


The info about fresh veggies and fruits can make quite a difference too. You will be amazed how feeding your body really good foods for several days helps suppress all kinds of cravings, plus the extra energy, etc.

Of cousre I "preach" a better sermon on food than I eat, sometimes.

Merry Christmas, too.