Back to HOF Again

Morning folks! Well, I hit HOF last night at 10:30pm. I wasn't
around here to celebrate it with you as Ric & I were having dinner at
his place and I didn't get back until late, and I felt too tired to
say boo about it then.

Well, I'm up and wordy about and as usual. HOF is a great place for
me to be. My quit really feels solid this time and I have been very
blessed that I have yet to have a real moment of doubt where nicodemon
got the upper hand. But I am vigilant. This is not the first time I
have gotten to HOF. I think this is the third time and I plan on this
being the last time that I have to write this. I did learn more about
myself with each quit and especially with the eventual failure where
the 'just one' BS finally got to me and I screwed up and smoked. I'm
not the sort of person to be able to pick myself up and re-start the
quit. No. I have to sit in smoke for some period of time before I
finally get pissed enough at that situation to finally make up my mind
to do another quit. I'm tired of that. I'm tired of looking in the
mirror and saying 'you failed again' to myself. It is one hell of a
lot sweeter to look in the mirror and say to myself 'you won one again
for yet another day'. And that is what quitting is. Not picking up
the next sickerette. That challenge is with us everyday whether we
actively think about smoking or not. Learning to admit I am powerless
over nicotine addiction is probably one of the hardest realizations I
have ever faced. But I am here and very glad to be here. That I can
write this 6 months after my first post here gives me pride and
encouragement that I will make it yet another day.

So, to all of you in AS3Land. THANK YOU! Thank you for all the hugs
you have sent me as I've posted. Thank you for sharing each and every
trial and tribulation that you have faced during this time. We all do
learn from each other and the support we give each other is certainly
part of the 'higher power' than does relieve our addiction.

Stay on course and keep focused. We all win this together and I am
damn glad to be a part of this wonderful community.

With Gratitude
FlatironMike
Six months, 12 hours, 20 minutes and 37 seconds. 3630 cigarettes not
smoked, saving $1,088.83. Life saved: 1 week, 5 days, 14 hours, 30
minutes.

Yeaaaa Mike!!!

The Gnomes, in assless chaps, are on their way with the chorus of
dancing pickerels to celebrate!!!

Happy HOFday!!!

Well done!

Cheers and High-Fives,
Marvin

FlatIronMike wrote:
> Morning folks! Well, I hit HOF last night at 10:30pm. I wasn't
> around here to celebrate it with you as Ric & I were having dinner at
> his place and I didn't get back until late, and I felt too tired to
> say boo about it then.
>
> Well, I'm up and wordy about and as usual. HOF is a great place for
> me to be. My quit really feels solid this time and I have been very
> blessed that I have yet to have a real moment of doubt where nicodemon
> got the upper hand. But I am vigilant. This is not the first time I
> have gotten to HOF. I think this is the third time and I plan on this
> being the last time that I have to write this. I did learn more about
> myself with each quit and especially with the eventual failure where
> the 'just one' BS finally got to me and I screwed up and smoked. I'm
> not the sort of person to be able to pick myself up and re-start the
> quit. No. I have to sit in smoke for some period of time before I
> finally get pissed enough at that situation to finally make up my mind
> to do another quit. I'm tired of that. I'm tired of looking in the
> mirror and saying 'you failed again' to myself. It is one hell of a
> lot sweeter to look in the mirror and say to myself 'you won one again
> for yet another day'. And that is what quitting is. Not picking up
> the next sickerette. That challenge is with us everyday whether we
> actively think about smoking or not. Learning to admit I am powerless
> over nicotine addiction is probably one of the hardest realizations I
> have ever faced. But I am here and very glad to be here. That I can
> write this 6 months after my first post here gives me pride and
> encouragement that I will make it yet another day.
>
> So, to all of you in AS3Land. THANK YOU! Thank you for all the hugs
> you have sent me as I've posted. Thank you for sharing each and every
> trial and tribulation that you have faced during this time. We all do
> learn from each other and the support we give each other is certainly
> part of the 'higher power' than does relieve our addiction.
>
> Stay on course and keep focused. We all win this together and I am
> damn glad to be a part of this wonderful community.
>
> With Gratitude
> FlatironMike
> Six months, 12 hours, 20 minutes and 37 seconds. 3630 cigarettes not
> smoked, saving $1,088.83. Life saved: 1 week, 5 days, 14 hours, 30
> minutes.
>


--
I don't smoke. I smell like bread. Life is Good.

Yeaaaa Mike!!!

The Gnomes, in assless chaps, are on their way with the chorus of
dancing pickerels to celebrate!!!

Happy HOFday!!!

Well done!

Cheers and High-Fives,
Marvin

FlatIronMike wrote:
> Morning folks! Well, I hit HOF last night at 10:30pm. I wasn't
> around here to celebrate it with you as Ric & I were having dinner at
> his place and I didn't get back until late, and I felt too tired to
> say boo about it then.
>
> Well, I'm up and wordy about and as usual. HOF is a great place for
> me to be. My quit really feels solid this time and I have been very
> blessed that I have yet to have a real moment of doubt where nicodemon
> got the upper hand. But I am vigilant. This is not the first time I
> have gotten to HOF. I think this is the third time and I plan on this
> being the last time that I have to write this. I did learn more about
> myself with each quit and especially with the eventual failure where
> the 'just one' BS finally got to me and I screwed up and smoked. I'm
> not the sort of person to be able to pick myself up and re-start the
> quit. No. I have to sit in smoke for some period of time before I
> finally get pissed enough at that situation to finally make up my mind
> to do another quit. I'm tired of that. I'm tired of looking in the
> mirror and saying 'you failed again' to myself. It is one hell of a
> lot sweeter to look in the mirror and say to myself 'you won one again
> for yet another day'. And that is what quitting is. Not picking up
> the next sickerette. That challenge is with us everyday whether we
> actively think about smoking or not. Learning to admit I am powerless
> over nicotine addiction is probably one of the hardest realizations I
> have ever faced. But I am here and very glad to be here. That I can
> write this 6 months after my first post here gives me pride and
> encouragement that I will make it yet another day.
>
> So, to all of you in AS3Land. THANK YOU! Thank you for all the hugs
> you have sent me as I've posted. Thank you for sharing each and every
> trial and tribulation that you have faced during this time. We all do
> learn from each other and the support we give each other is certainly
> part of the 'higher power' than does relieve our addiction.
>
> Stay on course and keep focused. We all win this together and I am
> damn glad to be a part of this wonderful community.
>
> With Gratitude
> FlatironMike
> Six months, 12 hours, 20 minutes and 37 seconds. 3630 cigarettes not
> smoked, saving $1,088.83. Life saved: 1 week, 5 days, 14 hours, 30
> minutes.
>


--
I don't smoke. I smell like bread. Life is Good.

On Sat, 11 Aug 2007 07:53:37 -0700, FlatIronMike
<FlatironMikeNYC@gmail.com> wrote:

>Morning folks! Well, I hit HOF last night at 10:30pm.

<snip>

>With Gratitude
>FlatironMike
>Six months, 12 hours, 20 minutes and 37 seconds. 3630 cigarettes not
>smoked, saving $1,088.83. Life saved: 1 week, 5 days, 14 hours, 30
>minutes.

WOO HOO!!!! Fabulous meter! Fabulous you!! I'm just sitting here
grinning. Excellent start to what I hope is an equally fantastic
weekend and rest of your life!

--
BessieBee

"If you want the rainbow, you got to put up with the rain"
Steven Wright

On Sat, 11 Aug 2007 07:53:37 -0700, FlatIronMike
<FlatironMikeNYC@gmail.com> wrote:

>Morning folks! Well, I hit HOF last night at 10:30pm.

<snip>

>With Gratitude
>FlatironMike
>Six months, 12 hours, 20 minutes and 37 seconds. 3630 cigarettes not
>smoked, saving $1,088.83. Life saved: 1 week, 5 days, 14 hours, 30
>minutes.

WOO HOO!!!! Fabulous meter! Fabulous you!! I'm just sitting here
grinning. Excellent start to what I hope is an equally fantastic
weekend and rest of your life!

--
BessieBee

"If you want the rainbow, you got to put up with the rain"
Steven Wright

Thank you Mike for being here! and Happy HOF!

--
Lynn VOF Leaper

"FlatIronMike" <FlatironMikeNYC@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1186844017.500042.160770@o61g2000hsh.googlegr oups.com...
> Morning folks! Well, I hit HOF last night at 10:30pm. I wasn't
> around here to celebrate it with you as Ric & I were having dinner at
> his place and I didn't get back until late, and I felt too tired to
> say boo about it then.
>
> Well, I'm up and wordy about and as usual. HOF is a great place for
> me to be. My quit really feels solid this time and I have been very
> blessed that I have yet to have a real moment of doubt where nicodemon
> got the upper hand. But I am vigilant. This is not the first time I
> have gotten to HOF. I think this is the third time and I plan on this
> being the last time that I have to write this. I did learn more about
> myself with each quit and especially with the eventual failure where
> the 'just one' BS finally got to me and I screwed up and smoked. I'm
> not the sort of person to be able to pick myself up and re-start the
> quit. No. I have to sit in smoke for some period of time before I
> finally get pissed enough at that situation to finally make up my mind
> to do another quit. I'm tired of that. I'm tired of looking in the
> mirror and saying 'you failed again' to myself. It is one hell of a
> lot sweeter to look in the mirror and say to myself 'you won one again
> for yet another day'. And that is what quitting is. Not picking up
> the next sickerette. That challenge is with us everyday whether we
> actively think about smoking or not. Learning to admit I am powerless
> over nicotine addiction is probably one of the hardest realizations I
> have ever faced. But I am here and very glad to be here. That I can
> write this 6 months after my first post here gives me pride and
> encouragement that I will make it yet another day.
>
> So, to all of you in AS3Land. THANK YOU! Thank you for all the hugs
> you have sent me as I've posted. Thank you for sharing each and every
> trial and tribulation that you have faced during this time. We all do
> learn from each other and the support we give each other is certainly
> part of the 'higher power' than does relieve our addiction.
>
> Stay on course and keep focused. We all win this together and I am
> damn glad to be a part of this wonderful community.
>
> With Gratitude
> FlatironMike
> Six months, 12 hours, 20 minutes and 37 seconds. 3630 cigarettes not
> smoked, saving $1,088.83. Life saved: 1 week, 5 days, 14 hours, 30
> minutes.
>

Thank you Mike for being here! and Happy HOF!

--
Lynn VOF Leaper

"FlatIronMike" <FlatironMikeNYC@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1186844017.500042.160770@o61g2000hsh.googlegr oups.com...
> Morning folks! Well, I hit HOF last night at 10:30pm. I wasn't
> around here to celebrate it with you as Ric & I were having dinner at
> his place and I didn't get back until late, and I felt too tired to
> say boo about it then.
>
> Well, I'm up and wordy about and as usual. HOF is a great place for
> me to be. My quit really feels solid this time and I have been very
> blessed that I have yet to have a real moment of doubt where nicodemon
> got the upper hand. But I am vigilant. This is not the first time I
> have gotten to HOF. I think this is the third time and I plan on this
> being the last time that I have to write this. I did learn more about
> myself with each quit and especially with the eventual failure where
> the 'just one' BS finally got to me and I screwed up and smoked. I'm
> not the sort of person to be able to pick myself up and re-start the
> quit. No. I have to sit in smoke for some period of time before I
> finally get pissed enough at that situation to finally make up my mind
> to do another quit. I'm tired of that. I'm tired of looking in the
> mirror and saying 'you failed again' to myself. It is one hell of a
> lot sweeter to look in the mirror and say to myself 'you won one again
> for yet another day'. And that is what quitting is. Not picking up
> the next sickerette. That challenge is with us everyday whether we
> actively think about smoking or not. Learning to admit I am powerless
> over nicotine addiction is probably one of the hardest realizations I
> have ever faced. But I am here and very glad to be here. That I can
> write this 6 months after my first post here gives me pride and
> encouragement that I will make it yet another day.
>
> So, to all of you in AS3Land. THANK YOU! Thank you for all the hugs
> you have sent me as I've posted. Thank you for sharing each and every
> trial and tribulation that you have faced during this time. We all do
> learn from each other and the support we give each other is certainly
> part of the 'higher power' than does relieve our addiction.
>
> Stay on course and keep focused. We all win this together and I am
> damn glad to be a part of this wonderful community.
>
> With Gratitude
> FlatironMike
> Six months, 12 hours, 20 minutes and 37 seconds. 3630 cigarettes not
> smoked, saving $1,088.83. Life saved: 1 week, 5 days, 14 hours, 30
> minutes.
>

Mike,

Aaaaaah, HOF . . . great milestone. You have done so very well.
Keep up the work - you are worth it. W T G ! ! !

Thanks for sharing this nice post.

jacks, VOF

Mike,

Aaaaaah, HOF . . . great milestone. You have done so very well.
Keep up the work - you are worth it. W T G ! ! !

Thanks for sharing this nice post.

jacks, VOF

On Aug 11, 9:53?am, FlatIronMike <FlatironMike...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Morning folks! Well, I hit HOF last night at 10:30pm. I wasn't
> around here to celebrate it with you as Ric & I were having dinner at
> his place and I didn't get back until late, and I felt too tired to
> say boo about it then.
>
> Well, I'm up and wordy about and as usual. HOF is a great place for
> me to be. My quit really feels solid this time and I have been very
> blessed that I have yet to have a real moment of doubt where nicodemon
> got the upper hand. But I am vigilant. This is not the first time I
> have gotten to HOF. I think this is the third time and I plan on this
> being the last time that I have to write this. I did learn more about
> myself with each quit and especially with the eventual failure where
> the 'just one' BS finally got to me and I screwed up and smoked. I'm
> not the sort of person to be able to pick myself up and re-start the
> quit. No. I have to sit in smoke for some period of time before I
> finally get pissed enough at that situation to finally make up my mind
> to do another quit. I'm tired of that. I'm tired of looking in the
> mirror and saying 'you failed again' to myself. It is one hell of a
> lot sweeter to look in the mirror and say to myself 'you won one again
> for yet another day'. And that is what quitting is. Not picking up
> the next sickerette. That challenge is with us everyday whether we
> actively think about smoking or not. Learning to admit I am powerless
> over nicotine addiction is probably one of the hardest realizations I
> have ever faced. But I am here and very glad to be here. That I can
> write this 6 months after my first post here gives me pride and
> encouragement that I will make it yet another day.
>
> So, to all of you in AS3Land. THANK YOU! Thank you for all the hugs
> you have sent me as I've posted. Thank you for sharing each and every
> trial and tribulation that you have faced during this time. We all do
> learn from each other and the support we give each other is certainly
> part of the 'higher power' than does relieve our addiction.
>
> Stay on course and keep focused. We all win this together and I am
> damn glad to be a part of this wonderful community.
>
> With Gratitude
> FlatironMike
> Six months, 12 hours, 20 minutes and 37 seconds. 3630 cigarettes not
> smoked, saving $1,088.83. Life saved: 1 week, 5 days, 14 hours, 30
> minutes.

Hey there, Mikey! I am so proud of you. Six months + a few hours
minutes & seconds. You have done it again. But you have to promise
yourself that you will never have to do it again. Don't forget that I
am watching you like a hawk. And you don't really want an angry
Kestrel on your trail.

Be strong. Don't smoke. Not even one. Especially not one.

Joyce 9 years 8 months 3 weeks 1 day

On Aug 11, 9:53?am, FlatIronMike <FlatironMike...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Morning folks! Well, I hit HOF last night at 10:30pm. I wasn't
> around here to celebrate it with you as Ric & I were having dinner at
> his place and I didn't get back until late, and I felt too tired to
> say boo about it then.
>
> Well, I'm up and wordy about and as usual. HOF is a great place for
> me to be. My quit really feels solid this time and I have been very
> blessed that I have yet to have a real moment of doubt where nicodemon
> got the upper hand. But I am vigilant. This is not the first time I
> have gotten to HOF. I think this is the third time and I plan on this
> being the last time that I have to write this. I did learn more about
> myself with each quit and especially with the eventual failure where
> the 'just one' BS finally got to me and I screwed up and smoked. I'm
> not the sort of person to be able to pick myself up and re-start the
> quit. No. I have to sit in smoke for some period of time before I
> finally get pissed enough at that situation to finally make up my mind
> to do another quit. I'm tired of that. I'm tired of looking in the
> mirror and saying 'you failed again' to myself. It is one hell of a
> lot sweeter to look in the mirror and say to myself 'you won one again
> for yet another day'. And that is what quitting is. Not picking up
> the next sickerette. That challenge is with us everyday whether we
> actively think about smoking or not. Learning to admit I am powerless
> over nicotine addiction is probably one of the hardest realizations I
> have ever faced. But I am here and very glad to be here. That I can
> write this 6 months after my first post here gives me pride and
> encouragement that I will make it yet another day.
>
> So, to all of you in AS3Land. THANK YOU! Thank you for all the hugs
> you have sent me as I've posted. Thank you for sharing each and every
> trial and tribulation that you have faced during this time. We all do
> learn from each other and the support we give each other is certainly
> part of the 'higher power' than does relieve our addiction.
>
> Stay on course and keep focused. We all win this together and I am
> damn glad to be a part of this wonderful community.
>
> With Gratitude
> FlatironMike
> Six months, 12 hours, 20 minutes and 37 seconds. 3630 cigarettes not
> smoked, saving $1,088.83. Life saved: 1 week, 5 days, 14 hours, 30
> minutes.

Hey there, Mikey! I am so proud of you. Six months + a few hours
minutes & seconds. You have done it again. But you have to promise
yourself that you will never have to do it again. Don't forget that I
am watching you like a hawk. And you don't really want an angry
Kestrel on your trail.

Be strong. Don't smoke. Not even one. Especially not one.

Joyce 9 years 8 months 3 weeks 1 day

WHOO HOOO!! That's SOOO awesome Mike...six months is HUGE!! I can't
wait until I hit that point some fucking day here.

CONGRATS! You're meter ROCKS and so do YOU!

Hugs, Crystal

WHOO HOOO!! That's SOOO awesome Mike...six months is HUGE!! I can't
wait until I hit that point some fucking day here.

CONGRATS! You're meter ROCKS and so do YOU!

Hugs, Crystal

Bravo! Bravissimooooooooooo!
I am so glad for you Mike, this milestone is a great one.
I sincerely hope that your present attitude towards THIS quit, will be with
you forever.

I've sent all my Italian tenors (the good ones ofcourse) to sing for you:
*Vincero'.....Vinceeeeroooooooooooooo' *

With lots of love and a big hug.
E

"FlatIronMike" <FlatironMikeNYC@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1186844017.500042.160770@o61g2000hsh.googlegr oups.com...
> Morning folks! Well, I hit HOF last night at 10:30pm. I wasn't
> around here to celebrate it with you as Ric & I were having dinner at
> his place and I didn't get back until late, and I felt too tired to
> say boo about it then.
>
> Well, I'm up and wordy about and as usual. HOF is a great place for
> me to be. My quit really feels solid this time and I have been very
> blessed that I have yet to have a real moment of doubt where nicodemon
> got the upper hand. But I am vigilant. This is not the first time I
> have gotten to HOF. I think this is the third time and I plan on this
> being the last time that I have to write this. I did learn more about
> myself with each quit and especially with the eventual failure where
> the 'just one' BS finally got to me and I screwed up and smoked. I'm
> not the sort of person to be able to pick myself up and re-start the
> quit. No. I have to sit in smoke for some period of time before I
> finally get pissed enough at that situation to finally make up my mind
> to do another quit. I'm tired of that. I'm tired of looking in the
> mirror and saying 'you failed again' to myself. It is one hell of a
> lot sweeter to look in the mirror and say to myself 'you won one again
> for yet another day'. And that is what quitting is. Not picking up
> the next sickerette. That challenge is with us everyday whether we
> actively think about smoking or not. Learning to admit I am powerless
> over nicotine addiction is probably one of the hardest realizations I
> have ever faced. But I am here and very glad to be here. That I can
> write this 6 months after my first post here gives me pride and
> encouragement that I will make it yet another day.
>
> So, to all of you in AS3Land. THANK YOU! Thank you for all the hugs
> you have sent me as I've posted. Thank you for sharing each and every
> trial and tribulation that you have faced during this time. We all do
> learn from each other and the support we give each other is certainly
> part of the 'higher power' than does relieve our addiction.
>
> Stay on course and keep focused. We all win this together and I am
> damn glad to be a part of this wonderful community.
>
> With Gratitude
> FlatironMike
> Six months, 12 hours, 20 minutes and 37 seconds. 3630 cigarettes not
> smoked, saving $1,088.83. Life saved: 1 week, 5 days, 14 hours, 30
> minutes.
>

Bravo! Bravissimooooooooooo!
I am so glad for you Mike, this milestone is a great one.
I sincerely hope that your present attitude towards THIS quit, will be with
you forever.

I've sent all my Italian tenors (the good ones ofcourse) to sing for you:
*Vincero'.....Vinceeeeroooooooooooooo' *

With lots of love and a big hug.
E

"FlatIronMike" <FlatironMikeNYC@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1186844017.500042.160770@o61g2000hsh.googlegr oups.com...
> Morning folks! Well, I hit HOF last night at 10:30pm. I wasn't
> around here to celebrate it with you as Ric & I were having dinner at
> his place and I didn't get back until late, and I felt too tired to
> say boo about it then.
>
> Well, I'm up and wordy about and as usual. HOF is a great place for
> me to be. My quit really feels solid this time and I have been very
> blessed that I have yet to have a real moment of doubt where nicodemon
> got the upper hand. But I am vigilant. This is not the first time I
> have gotten to HOF. I think this is the third time and I plan on this
> being the last time that I have to write this. I did learn more about
> myself with each quit and especially with the eventual failure where
> the 'just one' BS finally got to me and I screwed up and smoked. I'm
> not the sort of person to be able to pick myself up and re-start the
> quit. No. I have to sit in smoke for some period of time before I
> finally get pissed enough at that situation to finally make up my mind
> to do another quit. I'm tired of that. I'm tired of looking in the
> mirror and saying 'you failed again' to myself. It is one hell of a
> lot sweeter to look in the mirror and say to myself 'you won one again
> for yet another day'. And that is what quitting is. Not picking up
> the next sickerette. That challenge is with us everyday whether we
> actively think about smoking or not. Learning to admit I am powerless
> over nicotine addiction is probably one of the hardest realizations I
> have ever faced. But I am here and very glad to be here. That I can
> write this 6 months after my first post here gives me pride and
> encouragement that I will make it yet another day.
>
> So, to all of you in AS3Land. THANK YOU! Thank you for all the hugs
> you have sent me as I've posted. Thank you for sharing each and every
> trial and tribulation that you have faced during this time. We all do
> learn from each other and the support we give each other is certainly
> part of the 'higher power' than does relieve our addiction.
>
> Stay on course and keep focused. We all win this together and I am
> damn glad to be a part of this wonderful community.
>
> With Gratitude
> FlatironMike
> Six months, 12 hours, 20 minutes and 37 seconds. 3630 cigarettes not
> smoked, saving $1,088.83. Life saved: 1 week, 5 days, 14 hours, 30
> minutes.
>

((((((Mike)))))
This makes my heart sing!! I am so excited for you.Look at you,6 months
smokefree!!!! Congratulations,sweetie!!!
Becky
Two months, one week, one day, 18 hours, 38 minutes and 26 seconds. 3488
cigarettes not smoked, saving $324.46. Life saved: 1 week, 5 days, 2 hours,
40 minutes.

--
I'd rather be 45 wishing I could smoke,than 65 and wishing I hadn't
"FlatIronMike" <FlatironMikeNYC@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1186844017.500042.160770@o61g2000hsh.googlegr oups.com...
> Morning folks! Well, I hit HOF last night at 10:30pm. I wasn't
> around here to celebrate it with you as Ric & I were having dinner at
> his place and I didn't get back until late, and I felt too tired to
> say boo about it then.
>
> Well, I'm up and wordy about and as usual. HOF is a great place for
> me to be. My quit really feels solid this time and I have been very
> blessed that I have yet to have a real moment of doubt where nicodemon
> got the upper hand. But I am vigilant. This is not the first time I
> have gotten to HOF. I think this is the third time and I plan on this
> being the last time that I have to write this. I did learn more about
> myself with each quit and especially with the eventual failure where
> the 'just one' BS finally got to me and I screwed up and smoked. I'm
> not the sort of person to be able to pick myself up and re-start the
> quit. No. I have to sit in smoke for some period of time before I
> finally get pissed enough at that situation to finally make up my mind
> to do another quit. I'm tired of that. I'm tired of looking in the
> mirror and saying 'you failed again' to myself. It is one hell of a
> lot sweeter to look in the mirror and say to myself 'you won one again
> for yet another day'. And that is what quitting is. Not picking up
> the next sickerette. That challenge is with us everyday whether we
> actively think about smoking or not. Learning to admit I am powerless
> over nicotine addiction is probably one of the hardest realizations I
> have ever faced. But I am here and very glad to be here. That I can
> write this 6 months after my first post here gives me pride and
> encouragement that I will make it yet another day.
>
> So, to all of you in AS3Land. THANK YOU! Thank you for all the hugs
> you have sent me as I've posted. Thank you for sharing each and every
> trial and tribulation that you have faced during this time. We all do
> learn from each other and the support we give each other is certainly
> part of the 'higher power' than does relieve our addiction.
>
> Stay on course and keep focused. We all win this together and I am
> damn glad to be a part of this wonderful community.
>
> With Gratitude
> FlatironMike
> Six months, 12 hours, 20 minutes and 37 seconds. 3630 cigarettes not
> smoked, saving $1,088.83. Life saved: 1 week, 5 days, 14 hours, 30
> minutes.
>

((((((Mike)))))
This makes my heart sing!! I am so excited for you.Look at you,6 months
smokefree!!!! Congratulations,sweetie!!!
Becky
Two months, one week, one day, 18 hours, 38 minutes and 26 seconds. 3488
cigarettes not smoked, saving $324.46. Life saved: 1 week, 5 days, 2 hours,
40 minutes.

--
I'd rather be 45 wishing I could smoke,than 65 and wishing I hadn't
"FlatIronMike" <FlatironMikeNYC@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1186844017.500042.160770@o61g2000hsh.googlegr oups.com...
> Morning folks! Well, I hit HOF last night at 10:30pm. I wasn't
> around here to celebrate it with you as Ric & I were having dinner at
> his place and I didn't get back until late, and I felt too tired to
> say boo about it then.
>
> Well, I'm up and wordy about and as usual. HOF is a great place for
> me to be. My quit really feels solid this time and I have been very
> blessed that I have yet to have a real moment of doubt where nicodemon
> got the upper hand. But I am vigilant. This is not the first time I
> have gotten to HOF. I think this is the third time and I plan on this
> being the last time that I have to write this. I did learn more about
> myself with each quit and especially with the eventual failure where
> the 'just one' BS finally got to me and I screwed up and smoked. I'm
> not the sort of person to be able to pick myself up and re-start the
> quit. No. I have to sit in smoke for some period of time before I
> finally get pissed enough at that situation to finally make up my mind
> to do another quit. I'm tired of that. I'm tired of looking in the
> mirror and saying 'you failed again' to myself. It is one hell of a
> lot sweeter to look in the mirror and say to myself 'you won one again
> for yet another day'. And that is what quitting is. Not picking up
> the next sickerette. That challenge is with us everyday whether we
> actively think about smoking or not. Learning to admit I am powerless
> over nicotine addiction is probably one of the hardest realizations I
> have ever faced. But I am here and very glad to be here. That I can
> write this 6 months after my first post here gives me pride and
> encouragement that I will make it yet another day.
>
> So, to all of you in AS3Land. THANK YOU! Thank you for all the hugs
> you have sent me as I've posted. Thank you for sharing each and every
> trial and tribulation that you have faced during this time. We all do
> learn from each other and the support we give each other is certainly
> part of the 'higher power' than does relieve our addiction.
>
> Stay on course and keep focused. We all win this together and I am
> damn glad to be a part of this wonderful community.
>
> With Gratitude
> FlatironMike
> Six months, 12 hours, 20 minutes and 37 seconds. 3630 cigarettes not
> smoked, saving $1,088.83. Life saved: 1 week, 5 days, 14 hours, 30
> minutes.
>

On Sat, 11 Aug 2007 07:53:37 -0700, FlatIronMike
<FlatironMikeNYC@gmail.com> wrote:

>Morning folks! Well, I hit HOF last night at 10:30pm. I wasn't
>around here to celebrate it with you as Ric & I were having dinner at
>his place and I didn't get back until late, and I felt too tired to
>say boo about it then.
>
>Well, I'm up and wordy about and as usual. HOF is a great place for
>me to be. My quit really feels solid this time and I have been very
>blessed that I have yet to have a real moment of doubt where nicodemon
>got the upper hand. But I am vigilant. This is not the first time I
>have gotten to HOF. I think this is the third time and I plan on this
>being the last time that I have to write this. I did learn more about
>myself with each quit and especially with the eventual failure where
>the 'just one' BS finally got to me and I screwed up and smoked. I'm
>not the sort of person to be able to pick myself up and re-start the
>quit. No. I have to sit in smoke for some period of time before I
>finally get pissed enough at that situation to finally make up my mind
>to do another quit. I'm tired of that. I'm tired of looking in the
>mirror and saying 'you failed again' to myself. It is one hell of a
>lot sweeter to look in the mirror and say to myself 'you won one again
>for yet another day'. And that is what quitting is. Not picking up
>the next sickerette. That challenge is with us everyday whether we
>actively think about smoking or not. Learning to admit I am powerless
>over nicotine addiction is probably one of the hardest realizations I
>have ever faced. But I am here and very glad to be here. That I can
>write this 6 months after my first post here gives me pride and
>encouragement that I will make it yet another day.
>
>So, to all of you in AS3Land. THANK YOU! Thank you for all the hugs
>you have sent me as I've posted. Thank you for sharing each and every
>trial and tribulation that you have faced during this time. We all do
>learn from each other and the support we give each other is certainly
>part of the 'higher power' than does relieve our addiction.
>
>Stay on course and keep focused. We all win this together and I am
>damn glad to be a part of this wonderful community.
>
>With Gratitude
>FlatironMike
>Six months, 12 hours, 20 minutes and 37 seconds. 3630 cigarettes not
>smoked, saving $1,088.83. Life saved: 1 week, 5 days, 14 hours, 30
>minutes.


Good for you, Mike!! Great milestone and great post. Now, it's
obvious I need to be more diligent in my post reading. Ric? Ric you
say? Well, well. )
Sue

On Sat, 11 Aug 2007 07:53:37 -0700, FlatIronMike
<FlatironMikeNYC@gmail.com> wrote:

>Morning folks! Well, I hit HOF last night at 10:30pm. I wasn't
>around here to celebrate it with you as Ric & I were having dinner at
>his place and I didn't get back until late, and I felt too tired to
>say boo about it then.
>
>Well, I'm up and wordy about and as usual. HOF is a great place for
>me to be. My quit really feels solid this time and I have been very
>blessed that I have yet to have a real moment of doubt where nicodemon
>got the upper hand. But I am vigilant. This is not the first time I
>have gotten to HOF. I think this is the third time and I plan on this
>being the last time that I have to write this. I did learn more about
>myself with each quit and especially with the eventual failure where
>the 'just one' BS finally got to me and I screwed up and smoked. I'm
>not the sort of person to be able to pick myself up and re-start the
>quit. No. I have to sit in smoke for some period of time before I
>finally get pissed enough at that situation to finally make up my mind
>to do another quit. I'm tired of that. I'm tired of looking in the
>mirror and saying 'you failed again' to myself. It is one hell of a
>lot sweeter to look in the mirror and say to myself 'you won one again
>for yet another day'. And that is what quitting is. Not picking up
>the next sickerette. That challenge is with us everyday whether we
>actively think about smoking or not. Learning to admit I am powerless
>over nicotine addiction is probably one of the hardest realizations I
>have ever faced. But I am here and very glad to be here. That I can
>write this 6 months after my first post here gives me pride and
>encouragement that I will make it yet another day.
>
>So, to all of you in AS3Land. THANK YOU! Thank you for all the hugs
>you have sent me as I've posted. Thank you for sharing each and every
>trial and tribulation that you have faced during this time. We all do
>learn from each other and the support we give each other is certainly
>part of the 'higher power' than does relieve our addiction.
>
>Stay on course and keep focused. We all win this together and I am
>damn glad to be a part of this wonderful community.
>
>With Gratitude
>FlatironMike
>Six months, 12 hours, 20 minutes and 37 seconds. 3630 cigarettes not
>smoked, saving $1,088.83. Life saved: 1 week, 5 days, 14 hours, 30
>minutes.


Good for you, Mike!! Great milestone and great post. Now, it's
obvious I need to be more diligent in my post reading. Ric? Ric you
say? Well, well. )
Sue

Congrats on reclaiming HOF Mike!

--
Batman: "That's life, Robin, full of ups and downs. It ill befits any of us
to become to confident."
-
"FlatIronMike" <> schreef in bericht ...
> Morning folks! Well, I hit HOF last night at 10:30pm. I wasn't
> around here to celebrate it with you as Ric & I were having dinner at
> his place and I didn't get back until late, and I felt too tired to
> say boo about it then.
>
> Well, I'm up and wordy about and as usual. HOF is a great place for
> me to be. My quit really feels solid this time and I have been very
> blessed that I have yet to have a real moment of doubt where nicodemon
> got the upper hand. But I am vigilant. This is not the first time I
> have gotten to HOF. I think this is the third time and I plan on this
> being the last time that I have to write this. I did learn more about
> myself with each quit and especially with the eventual failure where
> the 'just one' BS finally got to me and I screwed up and smoked. I'm
> not the sort of person to be able to pick myself up and re-start the
> quit. No. I have to sit in smoke for some period of time before I
> finally get pissed enough at that situation to finally make up my mind
> to do another quit. I'm tired of that. I'm tired of looking in the
> mirror and saying 'you failed again' to myself. It is one hell of a
> lot sweeter to look in the mirror and say to myself 'you won one again
> for yet another day'. And that is what quitting is. Not picking up
> the next sickerette. That challenge is with us everyday whether we
> actively think about smoking or not. Learning to admit I am powerless
> over nicotine addiction is probably one of the hardest realizations I
> have ever faced. But I am here and very glad to be here. That I can
> write this 6 months after my first post here gives me pride and
> encouragement that I will make it yet another day.
>
> So, to all of you in AS3Land. THANK YOU! Thank you for all the hugs
> you have sent me as I've posted. Thank you for sharing each and every
> trial and tribulation that you have faced during this time. We all do
> learn from each other and the support we give each other is certainly
> part of the 'higher power' than does relieve our addiction.
>
> Stay on course and keep focused. We all win this together and I am
> damn glad to be a part of this wonderful community.
>
> With Gratitude
> FlatironMike
> Six months, 12 hours, 20 minutes and 37 seconds. 3630 cigarettes not
> smoked, saving $1,088.83. Life saved: 1 week, 5 days, 14 hours, 30
> minutes.
>

Congrats on reclaiming HOF Mike!

--
Batman: "That's life, Robin, full of ups and downs. It ill befits any of us
to become to confident."
-
"FlatIronMike" <> schreef in bericht ...
> Morning folks! Well, I hit HOF last night at 10:30pm. I wasn't
> around here to celebrate it with you as Ric & I were having dinner at
> his place and I didn't get back until late, and I felt too tired to
> say boo about it then.
>
> Well, I'm up and wordy about and as usual. HOF is a great place for
> me to be. My quit really feels solid this time and I have been very
> blessed that I have yet to have a real moment of doubt where nicodemon
> got the upper hand. But I am vigilant. This is not the first time I
> have gotten to HOF. I think this is the third time and I plan on this
> being the last time that I have to write this. I did learn more about
> myself with each quit and especially with the eventual failure where
> the 'just one' BS finally got to me and I screwed up and smoked. I'm
> not the sort of person to be able to pick myself up and re-start the
> quit. No. I have to sit in smoke for some period of time before I
> finally get pissed enough at that situation to finally make up my mind
> to do another quit. I'm tired of that. I'm tired of looking in the
> mirror and saying 'you failed again' to myself. It is one hell of a
> lot sweeter to look in the mirror and say to myself 'you won one again
> for yet another day'. And that is what quitting is. Not picking up
> the next sickerette. That challenge is with us everyday whether we
> actively think about smoking or not. Learning to admit I am powerless
> over nicotine addiction is probably one of the hardest realizations I
> have ever faced. But I am here and very glad to be here. That I can
> write this 6 months after my first post here gives me pride and
> encouragement that I will make it yet another day.
>
> So, to all of you in AS3Land. THANK YOU! Thank you for all the hugs
> you have sent me as I've posted. Thank you for sharing each and every
> trial and tribulation that you have faced during this time. We all do
> learn from each other and the support we give each other is certainly
> part of the 'higher power' than does relieve our addiction.
>
> Stay on course and keep focused. We all win this together and I am
> damn glad to be a part of this wonderful community.
>
> With Gratitude
> FlatironMike
> Six months, 12 hours, 20 minutes and 37 seconds. 3630 cigarettes not
> smoked, saving $1,088.83. Life saved: 1 week, 5 days, 14 hours, 30
> minutes.
>

Woo Hoo Mike!!! You did it! Sit back, take a deep breath of clean fresh
air... and r-e-l-a-a-a-a-x-x-x.
ConcordPhil
Charter member of the Lucky 7s and grateful to have not smoked 684
cigarettes in the past 1M 3D 5h 10m. Being smoke-free these past 34 days
has saved me $171.06 and 2D 9h of my life.


FlatIronMike wrote:
> Morning folks! Well, I hit HOF last night at 10:30pm. I wasn't
> around here to celebrate it with you as Ric & I were having dinner at
> his place and I didn't get back until late, and I felt too tired to
> say boo about it then.
>
> Well, I'm up and wordy about and as usual. HOF is a great place for
> me to be. My quit really feels solid this time and I have been very
> blessed that I have yet to have a real moment of doubt where nicodemon
> got the upper hand. But I am vigilant. This is not the first time I
> have gotten to HOF. I think this is the third time and I plan on this
> being the last time that I have to write this. I did learn more about
> myself with each quit and especially with the eventual failure where
> the 'just one' BS finally got to me and I screwed up and smoked. I'm
> not the sort of person to be able to pick myself up and re-start the
> quit. No. I have to sit in smoke for some period of time before I
> finally get pissed enough at that situation to finally make up my mind
> to do another quit. I'm tired of that. I'm tired of looking in the
> mirror and saying 'you failed again' to myself. It is one hell of a
> lot sweeter to look in the mirror and say to myself 'you won one again
> for yet another day'. And that is what quitting is. Not picking up
> the next sickerette. That challenge is with us everyday whether we
> actively think about smoking or not. Learning to admit I am powerless
> over nicotine addiction is probably one of the hardest realizations I
> have ever faced. But I am here and very glad to be here. That I can
> write this 6 months after my first post here gives me pride and
> encouragement that I will make it yet another day.
>
> So, to all of you in AS3Land. THANK YOU! Thank you for all the hugs
> you have sent me as I've posted. Thank you for sharing each and every
> trial and tribulation that you have faced during this time. We all do
> learn from each other and the support we give each other is certainly
> part of the 'higher power' than does relieve our addiction.
>
> Stay on course and keep focused. We all win this together and I am
> damn glad to be a part of this wonderful community.
>
> With Gratitude
> FlatironMike
> Six months, 12 hours, 20 minutes and 37 seconds. 3630 cigarettes not
> smoked, saving $1,088.83. Life saved: 1 week, 5 days, 14 hours, 30
> minutes.
>

Woo Hoo Mike!!! You did it! Sit back, take a deep breath of clean fresh
air... and r-e-l-a-a-a-a-x-x-x.
ConcordPhil
Charter member of the Lucky 7s and grateful to have not smoked 684
cigarettes in the past 1M 3D 5h 10m. Being smoke-free these past 34 days
has saved me $171.06 and 2D 9h of my life.


FlatIronMike wrote:
> Morning folks! Well, I hit HOF last night at 10:30pm. I wasn't
> around here to celebrate it with you as Ric & I were having dinner at
> his place and I didn't get back until late, and I felt too tired to
> say boo about it then.
>
> Well, I'm up and wordy about and as usual. HOF is a great place for
> me to be. My quit really feels solid this time and I have been very
> blessed that I have yet to have a real moment of doubt where nicodemon
> got the upper hand. But I am vigilant. This is not the first time I
> have gotten to HOF. I think this is the third time and I plan on this
> being the last time that I have to write this. I did learn more about
> myself with each quit and especially with the eventual failure where
> the 'just one' BS finally got to me and I screwed up and smoked. I'm
> not the sort of person to be able to pick myself up and re-start the
> quit. No. I have to sit in smoke for some period of time before I
> finally get pissed enough at that situation to finally make up my mind
> to do another quit. I'm tired of that. I'm tired of looking in the
> mirror and saying 'you failed again' to myself. It is one hell of a
> lot sweeter to look in the mirror and say to myself 'you won one again
> for yet another day'. And that is what quitting is. Not picking up
> the next sickerette. That challenge is with us everyday whether we
> actively think about smoking or not. Learning to admit I am powerless
> over nicotine addiction is probably one of the hardest realizations I
> have ever faced. But I am here and very glad to be here. That I can
> write this 6 months after my first post here gives me pride and
> encouragement that I will make it yet another day.
>
> So, to all of you in AS3Land. THANK YOU! Thank you for all the hugs
> you have sent me as I've posted. Thank you for sharing each and every
> trial and tribulation that you have faced during this time. We all do
> learn from each other and the support we give each other is certainly
> part of the 'higher power' than does relieve our addiction.
>
> Stay on course and keep focused. We all win this together and I am
> damn glad to be a part of this wonderful community.
>
> With Gratitude
> FlatironMike
> Six months, 12 hours, 20 minutes and 37 seconds. 3630 cigarettes not
> smoked, saving $1,088.83. Life saved: 1 week, 5 days, 14 hours, 30
> minutes.
>

Yay Mike!!!!!!!!! Happy HOF honey!!! Just for you, I will bring out
my.......

Patent pleather with silver studs assless chaps!

--
You are being mooned by the Assless Chaps Brigade!
(_____|_____)
| ^ |
| | | |
| | | | ACB ALL THE WAY!!

Halfway to the tubs!! You Rock Mike!

Sarah and Steve
Nine months, four weeks, two days, 23 hours, 2 minutes and 37 seconds. 7598
cigarettes not smoked, saving $3,039.60. Life saved: 3 weeks, 5 days, 9
hours, 10 minutes.


"FlatIronMike" <FlatironMikeNYC@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1186844017.500042.160770@o61g2000hsh.googlegr oups.com...
: Morning folks! Well, I hit HOF last night at 10:30pm. I wasn't
: around here to celebrate it with you as Ric & I were having dinner at
: his place and I didn't get back until late, and I felt too tired to
: say boo about it then.
:
: Well, I'm up and wordy about and as usual. HOF is a great place for
: me to be. My quit really feels solid this time and I have been very
: blessed that I have yet to have a real moment of doubt where nicodemon
: got the upper hand. But I am vigilant. This is not the first time I
: have gotten to HOF. I think this is the third time and I plan on this
: being the last time that I have to write this. I did learn more about
: myself with each quit and especially with the eventual failure where
: the 'just one' BS finally got to me and I screwed up and smoked. I'm
: not the sort of person to be able to pick myself up and re-start the
: quit. No. I have to sit in smoke for some period of time before I
: finally get pissed enough at that situation to finally make up my mind
: to do another quit. I'm tired of that. I'm tired of looking in the
: mirror and saying 'you failed again' to myself. It is one hell of a
: lot sweeter to look in the mirror and say to myself 'you won one again
: for yet another day'. And that is what quitting is. Not picking up
: the next sickerette. That challenge is with us everyday whether we
: actively think about smoking or not. Learning to admit I am powerless
: over nicotine addiction is probably one of the hardest realizations I
: have ever faced. But I am here and very glad to be here. That I can
: write this 6 months after my first post here gives me pride and
: encouragement that I will make it yet another day.
:
: So, to all of you in AS3Land. THANK YOU! Thank you for all the hugs
: you have sent me as I've posted. Thank you for sharing each and every
: trial and tribulation that you have faced during this time. We all do
: learn from each other and the support we give each other is certainly
: part of the 'higher power' than does relieve our addiction.
:
: Stay on course and keep focused. We all win this together and I am
: damn glad to be a part of this wonderful community.
:
: With Gratitude
: FlatironMike
: Six months, 12 hours, 20 minutes and 37 seconds. 3630 cigarettes not
: smoked, saving $1,088.83. Life saved: 1 week, 5 days, 14 hours, 30
: minutes.
:

Yay Mike!!!!!!!!! Happy HOF honey!!! Just for you, I will bring out
my.......

Patent pleather with silver studs assless chaps!

--
You are being mooned by the Assless Chaps Brigade!
(_____|_____)
| ^ |
| | | |
| | | | ACB ALL THE WAY!!

Halfway to the tubs!! You Rock Mike!

Sarah and Steve
Nine months, four weeks, two days, 23 hours, 2 minutes and 37 seconds. 7598
cigarettes not smoked, saving $3,039.60. Life saved: 3 weeks, 5 days, 9
hours, 10 minutes.


"FlatIronMike" <FlatironMikeNYC@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1186844017.500042.160770@o61g2000hsh.googlegr oups.com...
: Morning folks! Well, I hit HOF last night at 10:30pm. I wasn't
: around here to celebrate it with you as Ric & I were having dinner at
: his place and I didn't get back until late, and I felt too tired to
: say boo about it then.
:
: Well, I'm up and wordy about and as usual. HOF is a great place for
: me to be. My quit really feels solid this time and I have been very
: blessed that I have yet to have a real moment of doubt where nicodemon
: got the upper hand. But I am vigilant. This is not the first time I
: have gotten to HOF. I think this is the third time and I plan on this
: being the last time that I have to write this. I did learn more about
: myself with each quit and especially with the eventual failure where
: the 'just one' BS finally got to me and I screwed up and smoked. I'm
: not the sort of person to be able to pick myself up and re-start the
: quit. No. I have to sit in smoke for some period of time before I
: finally get pissed enough at that situation to finally make up my mind
: to do another quit. I'm tired of that. I'm tired of looking in the
: mirror and saying 'you failed again' to myself. It is one hell of a
: lot sweeter to look in the mirror and say to myself 'you won one again
: for yet another day'. And that is what quitting is. Not picking up
: the next sickerette. That challenge is with us everyday whether we
: actively think about smoking or not. Learning to admit I am powerless
: over nicotine addiction is probably one of the hardest realizations I
: have ever faced. But I am here and very glad to be here. That I can
: write this 6 months after my first post here gives me pride and
: encouragement that I will make it yet another day.
:
: So, to all of you in AS3Land. THANK YOU! Thank you for all the hugs
: you have sent me as I've posted. Thank you for sharing each and every
: trial and tribulation that you have faced during this time. We all do
: learn from each other and the support we give each other is certainly
: part of the 'higher power' than does relieve our addiction.
:
: Stay on course and keep focused. We all win this together and I am
: damn glad to be a part of this wonderful community.
:
: With Gratitude
: FlatironMike
: Six months, 12 hours, 20 minutes and 37 seconds. 3630 cigarettes not
: smoked, saving $1,088.83. Life saved: 1 week, 5 days, 14 hours, 30
: minutes.
:

WoWie Mike!!!
Could not of happened to a nicer guy!!!
I am so glad for you!!!!
This is truely GRRRRrrrrrrreeeeeaaaattttt news!!!!
You are a HOF!!!!
Congrats to you FlatironMike!!!!
Well Done My Friend~
mibabet
))
I have been quit for 1 Month, 4 Days, 22 hours, 44 minutes and 20 seconds
(35 days). I have saved $125.81 by not smoking 718 cigarettes. I have saved
2 Days, 11 hours and 50 minutes of my life. My Quit Date: 7/7/2007 12:00 AM

"FlatIronMike" <FlatironMikeNYC@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1186844017.500042.160770@o61g2000hsh.googlegr oups.com...
> Morning folks! Well, I hit HOF last night at 10:30pm. I wasn't
> around here to celebrate it with you as Ric & I were having dinner at
> his place and I didn't get back until late, and I felt too tired to
> say boo about it then.
>
> Well, I'm up and wordy about and as usual. HOF is a great place for
> me to be. My quit really feels solid this time and I have been very
> blessed that I have yet to have a real moment of doubt where nicodemon
> got the upper hand. But I am vigilant. This is not the first time I
> have gotten to HOF. I think this is the third time and I plan on this
> being the last time that I have to write this. I did learn more about
> myself with each quit and especially with the eventual failure where
> the 'just one' BS finally got to me and I screwed up and smoked. I'm
> not the sort of person to be able to pick myself up and re-start the
> quit. No. I have to sit in smoke for some period of time before I
> finally get pissed enough at that situation to finally make up my mind
> to do another quit. I'm tired of that. I'm tired of looking in the
> mirror and saying 'you failed again' to myself. It is one hell of a
> lot sweeter to look in the mirror and say to myself 'you won one again
> for yet another day'. And that is what quitting is. Not picking up
> the next sickerette. That challenge is with us everyday whether we
> actively think about smoking or not. Learning to admit I am powerless
> over nicotine addiction is probably one of the hardest realizations I
> have ever faced. But I am here and very glad to be here. That I can
> write this 6 months after my first post here gives me pride and
> encouragement t