it's been 5 months

[back alley]

actually almost 6 months since i quit smoking.

a favourite spot to smoke has always been close by my computer, as i work away or surf the net.
even though i quit i never had the nerve to move my ashtray away from my computer table.

tonite, as i was cleaning up a bit, i decided it was time-- so i threw the ashtray out.
it was my favourite ashtray, reserved for me and not normally used by my smoking guests.

somehow, it feels significant.

joe

 

[Todd.Hanz]

Great job!

Todd

 

[Peter]

Great! Now if I could only stop for 2 months I am sure I could kick the habit too! 😛

 

[doubs43]

There's nothing quite like throwing away a bad habit permanently. Congratulations and stick to your guns. I quit more than 36 years ago and have NEVER regretted it. Neither will you.

Walker

 

[SRMC]

Congratulations! So, have you picked an appropriate reward for various milestones? I think one year is worth a Canon 7 don't you? Plus, you can justify the purchase because you're not spending money on smokes. At least that's what I'd tell my wife.

SRMC

 

[Huck Finn]

It is significant, Joe. More power to you! You're an inspiration. 🙂 😎

 

[st3ph3nm]

Congrats!

I was lucky, if you can call it that. After smoking a whole lot for about 2 years, I had a bout of pneumonia that had me in hospital for three days while they pumped me full of penecillin (sp?). Easy to quit after losing 10kg in two weeks!

Still, it's tough. Good on you.

Cheers,
Steve

 

[rover]

Good job Joe. Congratulations, hard work pays off and I am sure you are feeling better for your decision.

 

[Sonnar Brian]

Congratulations, Joe. More Money for Cameras, and better for your Health, too. Did the new Canon P come through?

After the Ronsonol thread I was thinking the Tobacco company would come up with a new Defense towards Lawsuits. No where on the Packs do the manufacturere actually instruct the buyer to set the Cigarette on Fire before inserting it in their mouth. How where they to know that people were desecrating their product in this crazy fashion?

 

[oftheherd]

Congratulations, Joe. More Money for Cameras, and better for your Health, too. Did the new Canon P come through?

After the Ronsonol thread I was thinking the Tobacco company would come up with a new Defense towards Lawsuits. No where on the Packs do the manufacturere actually instruct the buyer to set the Cigarette on Fire before inserting it in their mouth. How where they to know that people were desecrating their product in this crazy fashion?

LOL at Brian. Has anyone gone after the paper manufacturers? No telling what is in those, especially if you have ever been around a paper mill. 😀

Joe. Hang in there. It gets easier all the time. You may get unexpected cravings that crop up out of nowhere, for a long time to come. Stay strong and stay with it. It is a battle that can be won. By six months the hardest part is done. I quit for real about 30 years ago. I have always been glad and delight in telling people so.

 

[back alley]

wow, thanks guys!
the support is overwhelming.
i've been lucky this go round as the cravings have been almost nil.

hey bill m. how is the no smoking going for you?

brian, yes, the p deal is done. i sent off payment on the weekend and he is shipping the camera today. however, with christmas parcels floating around out there, who knows when it might pop up.

joe

 

[Stu :)]

I shall say a hypocritical congratulations! as I sit here burning a American-Turkish blend.

I tried giving up a while back and tried in vain to use the extra cash to buy premium B&W paper like Oriental Seagull and Ilford MGIV. But considering that 70% of my faculty smoke it didn't last long and I ended discovering the joys of Forte and Agfa paper!

Stu 🙂_,,

 

[wlewisiii]

Congrats! I'm slogging away at the trying, but I backslide alot. When I get the urge, I try to go find a shot instead (no, not whiskey, light! 🙂 ). Another good reason to always have a camera with me.

Maybe we need a "quiters" forum too 😱 Well, maybe not, but you are a good example to us Joe.

William

 

[bmattock]

wow, thanks guys!
the support is overwhelming.
i've been lucky this go round as the cravings have been almost nil.
hey bill m. how is the no smoking going for you?
joe

Joe,

I am glad and proud to say that I have not had a cigarette since June 12, 2004. Six months, buddy.

I still have the cravings, but I have resisted. I have put on ten pounds, according to the doctor, but my blood pressure is down and my lungs (just had a chest x-ray) are clear - no dark spots, no worries from the doctor.

Congrats to you - and congrats to me. I can't claim to have won the battle yet (maybe never), but every day is a little bit better.

Best Regards,

Bill Mattocks

 

[don sorsa]

To all former smokers - and former smokers-to-be -

Congratulations. Quitting smoking is very tough for some people while other seem to quit without any difficulties. Getting rid of the special ashtrays and paraphernalia is good - life changes for reformed smokers...

When you get the craving, and you probably will, don't think about "forever" - just think about not smoking for 15 minutes and after that 15 minutes passes if you still have the urge than hold back for another 15 minutes. Etcetera.

A little extra weight is better than lung cancer.