Daily Check In

Ok, here's the place to let it all our; there are no secrets here.
You are safe and secure.
Here is where you can say whatever is on your mind about smoking.
For good or for bad.

This is the Daily Check In.

Let us share how we are doing so that we can support each other in our quit.

Peace!

Today is my quit day.
Please say a lil prayer for me.
Or send a lil message to the Universe if that's your thing.

I've been smoking again for three weeks after a three month quit.
Prior to that, I smoked for a year, after a two year quit.
And prior to that, I was a 35 year smoker. At my worst, I smoked 3+ packs a day.

It's progress, not perfection.
I'm getting there.

Stress is my fallback. So, I've got to learn a better way.
I know why I fell this last time.
I was not practicing the behaviors necessary in order to stay smoke free.

I've learned that smoking is a learned behavior. And in order to stay smoke free, I have to practice other behaviors. In the past, I've joined a chorus and a gym. Both of those behaviors - singing and exercising - helped me stay smoke free. Well, it's spring time now, and I'm out in the garden and mowing the lawn. There's my exercise. And I can sing to the radio all I want.

Wish me luck!

I'll be visiting this thread to let you all know how I'm doing. Cuz, today is the first day of the rest of my life!

Peace!

I'm in your corner!

Thanks, Notz!
Made it through the day today. Didn't think of a sickarette until I got home and got the the computer, lol! I've reached for them about three times already.

But, it's cool. I'm just using my deep breathing. I'm about to make a nice cup of tea -- Celestial Seasons Tension Tamer. It's my favorite. I have it every night in order to wind down from the day. And it's delicious.

So, now I am 13 hours, 31 minutes and 24 seconds nicotine free. That's 11 cigarettes not smoked, saving $3.38. Life saved: 55 minutes. Funny starting all over again.

Oh, I forgot to tell you about the gadget. I got it at www.silkquit.org. Download the free meter and keep it at your taskbar, and it will tell you all your quit smoking stats! Isn't that cool!!! Boy, it was really cool when I was up to two years smoke free at 3 packs a day! OY!

And my own personal mantra is something I use too.
Mine is "Nais gadol haya po." It's Hebrew for "A great miracle is happening here."
Anyone else have a mantra to help get you past the tough times?

Remember to keep the quit and post before you puff!

Peace!

Today, I am One day, 10 minutes and 7 seconds nicotine free!!! That's 20 cigarettes not smoked, saving $6.04. Life saved: 1 hour, 40 minutes.

One day down. And it's one day at a time.
I'm not doing too bad. I reach for my sickarettes while sitting at the computer now and then, that's about it. LOL! Take some deep breaths.

I've been keeping busy, which isn't too hard, since I'm busy as heck at work, and I have an interview tomorrow, and doing stuff around the house.....

Anyway, I hope someone will join me here.... Until next time,
Keep the quit and post before you puff!

Peace!

Good morning!

Today, I am Two days, 5 minutes and 10 seconds nicotine free! That's 40 cigarettes not smoked, saving $12.02. Life saved: 3 hours, 20 minutes. Yea!!!

I've got a busy day today. I'm bringing my class to the State House today. They are being commended for their accomplishments in and participation in a grass roots program with Brown University. They've identified a social problem for urban youth; researched it; and found a way to address it.

Our class choose "How to get to college." Most of them are the first generation to attend. We created a brochure of the 10 steps necessary to get to college and important web sites to help. We had a school wide assembly with a guest speaker to talk about the importance of education. This man works with street gangs; he spent 12 years in jail cuz he didn't take education seriously; now he's in college. That got their attention!

Today, we get to go to the State House and my students will be recognized for their achievements. I'm very pleased and thrilled for them. You should have seen them when I told them to wear nice clothes!

Afterwards, I have an interview at a great school I have subbed at twice. I really like the school; it's closer to home and the schedule is kinder to this old body. But, I really like my school now too. And I'm the Union delegate here, so, it's a difficult decision --- *if* I'm offered the job. It's just an interview today.

Then, a union meeting. We need to vote on a few items. Reform issues at hand.

Finally, we have Awards night tonight and Parent Teachers Night! I've made a homemade baked macaronni and cheese with broccolli to share. We always have some foods to share with the parents; it's what brings them in! LOL! While I *always* look forward to these nights, I am going to be EXHAUSTED tonight!!! Both the physical and emotional demanding aspects of today's schedual are taxing enough without a long night to top it off. I won't get home untill @ 9 PM. OY!

Anyway, wish me luck! I'm going to need it to get through this day.

And remember to keep the quit and post before you puff!

Peace!

Congratulations on your class and the impressive accomplishments! And...I hope the interview went well. Tough time for stressful events, no nicotine, I mean.

I used to put "bad rewards or good to me things" in the predictable locations where I would absentmindedly reach for my sickarettes (perfect term!). Hand lotion, gum, Hershey's Kisses, candle to light for perseverance, dog leash for a walk, dog biscuit for distraction, an old toothbrush to say go brush your teeth and other crazy things!

Hey, notz,
Those are GREAT items to put in place where I would reach for my sickarettes!
(glad you like that term! LOL!)
I'm impressed with your list!
I just got home, and I'm exhausted. We had Awards Night/Parent Teacher's Night tonight, after everything else today!
So, I'm going to hit the hey. Got a long day tomorrow.
But, when I come back, I'm going to see if there's other things I can add to that list myself. Cuz, that's a good idea.
Thank you!!!

Oh, and my kiddies thank you too! It was a lovely occassion at the State House. The Treasurer came and spoke to the kids too. There was a lil reception for them and certificates were handed out. It was all quite dignified and beautiful.

Peace!

Well, today, I am Five days, 14 hours, 36 minutes and 14 seconds nicotine free. That's 112 cigarettes not smoked, saving $33.65. Life saved: 9 hours, 20 minutes.
Nais gadol haya po!

Black licorice sticks. They are good to have handy where I would normally have a sickarette.
And good and plenties. I love 'em! LOL!
My cup of tea.
crackers and cheese; or peanut butter.
A gumby like snake that I got from the 1-800-try to stop program years ago, when I quit for two years before.
It's fun to twist it around, and good to use my hands; keep them busy.
pen and paper to doodle.

I'll think of others...

I should hear this week or next if I got the job. I interviewed for a job, but, I think I'll stay where I"m at. I really like it, even though it's farther away from home. I just wish I could sell my house and move. That would make life sooooo much easier!

Ok, remember everyone to keep the quit and post before you puff!
Are there any other quitters???

Peace!

Today is the anniversary of my dad's death.
It's a sad day for me, so, I have to be vigilant in my quit.
It's been 7 years since his heart stopped.
And I miss him.

Today, I have been One week, 23 hours, 50 minutes and 41 seconds nicotine free. That's 159 cigarettes not smoked, saving $47.96. Life saved: 13 hours, 15 minutes.
Nais gadol haya po!

Keep the quit and post before you puff!

Peace!

I'm sorry you lost your dad. I bet he's proud of you for not smoking. Light a candle in his memory not a cigarette for your grief.

Yes, there is a candle in his memory is burning now.
Thank you...

I won't smoke.
I'm home, safe.
And I'm one more day free from the nicodemon.
Nais gadol haya po!

Keep the quit and post before you puff!

Peace!

Well, I am now One week, four days, 15 hours, 26 minutes and 45 seconds. 232 cigarettes not smoked, saving $69.86. Life saved: 19 hours, 20 minutes. Yeeee hawwwww!

I had a few tough moments today. I went to the local watering hole after work. It's always tough then. But, today I had an extra burden.
I found out I didn't get the job I applied for.
I found out at my job; I am the shop steward. I sign for new postings.
The job I interviewed for was reposted.

Anyway, I went to the other school to pick up my portfolio, and happened to run into one of the principals.
He "encouraged" me to apply again. He went so far as to tell me that he, himself, would be the head of the interview committee. And that he knows that many people think very highly of me.

The fact that it is reposted means that no one was hired. I've applied there twice. They know me. They know my work ethic. They know what I do. I give 110%.

I'm at a school that really appreciates me now. And I like it. The only thing is that it is farther away -- about 20 minutes drive farther. It's a hastle. The postive things that the other school had, they are loosing. This was confirmed when I asked at the interview. (which may be why I didn't get the job this time; those working did not yet know! I hate school politics!)

Anyway, with all this, I wanted to smoke, and I didn't.
I got past it with deep breathing, my chantix, and my mantra:
Nais gadol haya po!
(A great miracle is happening here!)

I am now One week, four days, 15 hours, 37 minutes and 14 seconds. 233 cigarettes not smoked, saving $69.90. Life saved: 19 hours, 25 minutes.

Keep the quit and post before you puff!

Peace!

Well, I'm still smoke free.
It was a tough day, cuz my sister and her friend came over. They both smoke like chimneys! Thankfully, we were outside most of the day, and it was a beautiful day. We went down to the beach for a bit; too cold to go in the water yet, but, still nice sitting and talking. Later, we went out to dinner.

I'm making some pulled pork for tomorrow's BBQ at my brother's house. We have an annual Memorial Day volleyball party. Not playing as much volleyball as we used too, hehehe. The years have caught up with us. The younger generation is now playing more than we do! HA! Oh, and I made my famous corn bread to go with it. Yum!

Speaking of Memorial Day, I hope we can all take a moment or two and remember the meaning. We are asked to stop @ 3PM for a moment of silence to remember those who gave all, so that we could have the freedoms to enjoy our BBQs on this long weekend. Not too much to ask, I'd say.

So, thank you to all those men and women who serve and have served with honor and valor. My gratitude is yours.

I am now One week, five days, 14 hours, 16 minutes and 18 seconds nicotine free. That's 251 cigarettes not smoked, saving $75.57. Life saved: 20 hours, 55 minutes.
Nais gadol haya po!

Keep the quit and post before you puff!

Peace!

Had a wonderful day at my brother's house. Played two games of volleyball. My team won one and lost one. They were different teams though, so there wasn't a play-off, LOL!

Also played horse-shoes. I've never played that before. Played in teams. My team won! YEA!! I scored 4 points. LOL!

Never thought of having a sickarette. Too busy with good times, good food and good people. The pulled pork was awesome, if I say so myself. And the whole day was nice. Even a bit of sprinkling rain didn't stop the fun for a moment.

So, I am now Two weeks, 13 hours, 33 minutes and 3 seconds nicotine free. That's 291 cigarettes not smoked, saving $87.39. Life saved: 1 day, 15 minutes.

Anyone else out there yet???
Keep the quit and post before you puff!

Peace!

Hi, all!
Today, I am Two weeks, four days, 10 minutes and 1 second nicotine free. That makes 360 cigarettes not smoked, saving $108.04. Life saved: 1 day, 6 hours, 0 minutes.

I just got an email. It was a congratulations from my first quit, back in 2005. These are the stats, had I kept my quit:
Your Quit Date is: Tuesday, November 29, 2005 at 6:00:00 AM (3 1/2 years)Test Time Smoke-Free: 1276 days, 23 hours, 49 minutes and 19 secondsCigarettes NOT smoked: 51080 Lifetime Saved: 13 months, 4 hoursMoney Saved: $12,770.00

Boy, wouldn't I like that money now! LOL!
And imagine! 51 thousand sickarettes not smoked! OY!

I used to smoke over three packs a day when I first quit. When I relapsed for a year, I never went over a pack. I refused to! LOL! Somehow, I thought it wasn't quite that bad if I didn't go over a pack, LOL! But, I did finally quit again, after a year. Quit for three months. Then, another short relapse for two weeks. Now, I'm at my new stats again.

Well, a great miracle is certainly happening here. I feel good and I don't ever want to be enslaved by those sickarettes again!
Nais gadol haya po!

Anyone else out there quitting yet?
Thinking of it?
Come and share. It's not as bad as you think. Indeed, I can tell you that the anticipation is worse than the actual quit.

Keep the quit and post before you puff!

Peace!

Congratulations. I am 20 years 6 months since my last cigarette. I went from three packs a day to zero overnight. For me it was as easy as switching off a light.

WOW! Congratulations ferret guy!
I gotta admit,
It's not been that easy for me.
But, it's getting easier!

Thanks for sharing.
I hope we'll see more of you.
Love to hear more about why and how you quit.

Peace!

FerretGuy5,
You know, @ 3 years ago, when I first quit smoking, I was also a 3+ pack a day smoker. It was all about nerves. I would no sooner put one out and I would light another. Sometimes, I would have one in the ash tray, and light another, without even realizing that I had done so!
So very glad I"m not there anymore!

But, today, I am now Three weeks, five days, 15 hours, 23 minutes and 55 seconds. 532 cigarettes not smoked, saving $159.85. Life saved: 1 day, 20 hours, 20 minutes.
If I hadn't have slipped for that short time, less than two weeks, it would be 4 months now! And I've decided, when I reach a year, I'm going to forgive that two week slip. After all, what will it matter then?
But, for now, I'll keep myself honest.

Nais gadol haya po! A great miracle *is* happening here!

Peace!

I have to admit something here.
And this is not the first time this has happened....

I'm sick. I've got sinusitis. I'm feeling sick as a dog right now. On penecillin, sprays, fluids, rest, blah, blah, blah....
But, the symptoms - stuffed nose, headache and cough - are triggers for me. I felt like this all the time when I smoked!

A long time ago, I slipped because of those triggers. Didn't realize what a physical trigger they were until I analyzed it afterwards.
Today, I do recognize it.

I won't slip.
But, it's interesting what type of things can sneak up on me and wrestle away at my resolve.

Expect the unexpected.
One is too many; one thousand is never enough!

Peace!

I'm sorry you're not feeling well. I bet your body is better able to bounce back since being smoke free for awhile!

Thanks, Notz!

You know, I'm not as sick as I would have been, had I kept smoking. I know that for certain! Oh, do I remember smoking when I was sick. Coughing up a lung and lighting up a butt. Can you imagine!!
No more!

But, I'm glad too that I learned the most valuable lesson. Sometimes, we have triggers that no one can ever prepare us for. Who would have thought that a stuffy nose and a cough would be a trigger for a smoke? But, for me it is.

We've probably all heard of the acronym, HALT - hungry, angry, lonely, and tired. Those physical and emotional needs that can trigger us back to smoking if we are not aware. And they are not limited to those particular physical and emotional situations. Any type can. We need only recognize the trigger and be prepared for it.

Does anyone else have different types of triggers? A cough, a headache, a stuffed nose? Whodathunkit?
What about you?
Be aware; that's the key.
Have your own lightbulb moment!

Peace!

Well, I got through our high school's first ever graduation!
It was a beautiful event! Kids were excited, as we all were. Keynote speaker had us rolling on the floor laughing. Mayor and a bunch of dignitaries there. I led the kids in the turning of the tassel; the symbol of their graduating moment. LOL!

And today, I am Four weeks, two days, 23 hours, 27 minutes and 43 seconds nicotine free. That's 619 cigarettes not smoked, saving $185.86. Life saved: 2 days, 3 hours, 35 minutes.

Peace!

Today, I am One month, one day, 0 minutes and 25 seconds nicotine free. That's 640 cigarettes not smoked, saving $192.00. Life saved: 2 days, 5 hours, 20 minutes.
Nais gadol haya po!

Keep the quit and post before you puff!

Peace!

And now I am One month, four days, 15 hours, 0 minutes and 16 seconds nicotine free.That's 712 cigarettes not smoked, saving $213.75. Life saved: 2 days, 11 hours, 20 minutes.
Nais gadol haya po!

Hope all is well out there.
Wish someone would join me here!

Peace!