[Gee]

Good topic. Brothers good me started 30+ years ago. Was up to a pack and a half a day. I just quit two weeks ago but....... I bought another pack last night. Pretty much gave up drinking but last night had a couple drinks with a friend and he had a pack on him and well you know the rest. The pack I bought is now in the toilet and I am ready for round two of quiting again. Feel guilty about buying the pack but realize there will be slips on occasion and I am telling myself last night was the last slip. Like Mike I found excersise to be an aide. I get up and head for a walk first thing in the morning (sometimes without an RC in tow) instead of reaching for the smokes, after eating I go for a walk or believe it or not do dishes. Just something besides sitting. Sitting down at the PC was also a reach for the smokes so now I reach for the bowl of Jolly Ranchers instead. Life style change is a definate need. Motivation is to live longer and healthier, hopefully it will add some years to my life. I am sure everyone at one time said that they will be lucky to live until they are 30 (or some age) so we burned the candle at both ends then shit next thing you know you are 40 and you start thinking more about your own mortality and the golden years coming up. Smokes are 7.00 dollars a pack in my neck of the woods and when I started they were .75 cents. Hate to do the math and figure how much money that would of been in my pocket. Probably several VWs, a Gulf Airstream and one hell of a nice rc collection. Drinking and boredom are my stay away froms for stopping smoking. Waiting for something would cause me to light up one after the other. In just the couple of weeks I had stopped it help my lung capicity and maybe more important in ways my selfesteem. The cravings (or triggers) weren't as strong and I definately was feeling better in just that short of time. I loved that comercial they use to have about the # of times (on average) that it takes a smoker to stop smoking before they quit ofr good. They related it to someone jumping out of a plane with no parachute. Thud they hit the ground but they got up and did it again. This is the second time I have ever seriously tried to stop but it is the first time I really wanted to stop. The first attempt wasn't for me. This time it's for me (and to have more time with the ones I love) and no one else but the outcome will benifit those around. Been using the gum to curb the nicotine withdrawl and was down to maybe one or two pieces a day. Back on the wagon for me.

I thought about the electric smokes but that would be trading one habit for another I my mind so it's time to put the will power to the real test and give it up completely. It's good to hear from you guys that have quit thanks for the input and your stories. It helps those of use trying. Just one more reason this forum is the best around.