Things I noticed on day 3

Things I noticed on day 3 (in no particular order):

1.) At the gym. Fifteen minutes on the treadmill and I can still
breathe. That's good. Can also smell the gym now. That's bad Car
smells like crap too. Open the windows.
2.) Meeting break... mind and stomach (yes stomach!) tell me it's time
for a smoke. What's up with that?
3.) Three in the afternoon and a smoker tells me it's hot outside.
Wicked disorienting because I'm supposed to know because I go outside
for a smoke at least four or five times a day. But not anymore. Maybe
I should go for a walk. Screw it... probably too hot outside.
4.) Thinkin' about when I was a smoker. Used to chew nicotine gum when
I couldn't smoke. I'm thinkin' that this was pretty fucked up... using
something that was designed to help people quit as a crutch to get me
through until I had an opportunity to smoke. Kinda like methadone to a
heroin addict?
5.) Yesterday I ate like a pig. I mean I ate corn chips, spaghetti, a
tuna sandwich, a coupl'a eggs, buncha chocolate chip cookies, grapes,
pizza... everything I could get my hands on! Today I ate a banana and
a few pieces of California roll. Kinda strange but maybe it's just my
own peculiar early-quit roller coaster.
6.) Yesterday I told my boss (a smoker) that I quit. When she said
"That's great, congratulations", I was wondering if she really was
thinking that I was a traitor. Or maybe secretly thinking that I would
slip and be back outside with her and the other smokers within a week.
I wonder this stuff because that's what I, as a smoker, used to think
when one of "us" quit. Sad, isn't it? Not very flattering either.
Anyway, sorry boss, AS3's got my back on this one
7.) Yesterday I didn't drink my morning coffee. Started getting a
wicked headache about 7:30. Popped a couple of aspirin, downed a cup
of java and it went away. Today, had my morning coffee as soon as I
woke up. One addiction at a time please. I'll deal with caffeine
later.
8.) I never wanted to use the ashtray because it made the car smell
worse. Instead, I used to put my butts out in a half-filled bottle of
water (I know, it's disgusting and yes, a couple of times I did burn a
hole in the plastic water bottle and some of the "stuff" spilled out -
talk about gross!) Anyway, I saved a couple of those bottles, half-
filled with water and old cigarette butts. Whenever I think that a
smoke would taste good, I just open up a bottle, take a deep whiff and
think "Holy shit, I used to enjoy this crap?". I will keep these
bottles for a long time because... they help.
9.) In a meeting. Smoker sits next to me. I can smell the tobacco
smoke. I really used to think that washing my hands after a smoke and
swishing some water around my mouth made the smell go away. Pfffttt!
What an idiot I was.

Okay, that's enough for now. Thanks for being here family.
Phil

On Wed, 11 Jul 2007 23:05:43 -0000, Concord Phil
<ConcordPhil@gmail.com> wrote:

>Things I noticed on day 3 (in no particular order):
>
>1.) At the gym. Fifteen minutes on the treadmill and I can still
>breathe. That's good. Can also smell the gym now. That's bad Car
>smells like crap too. Open the windows.
>2.) Meeting break... mind and stomach (yes stomach!) tell me it's time
>for a smoke. What's up with that?
>3.) Three in the afternoon and a smoker tells me it's hot outside.
>Wicked disorienting because I'm supposed to know because I go outside
>for a smoke at least four or five times a day. But not anymore. Maybe
>I should go for a walk. Screw it... probably too hot outside.
>4.) Thinkin' about when I was a smoker. Used to chew nicotine gum when
>I couldn't smoke. I'm thinkin' that this was pretty fucked up... using
>something that was designed to help people quit as a crutch to get me
>through until I had an opportunity to smoke. Kinda like methadone to a
>heroin addict?
>5.) Yesterday I ate like a pig. I mean I ate corn chips, spaghetti, a
>tuna sandwich, a coupl'a eggs, buncha chocolate chip cookies, grapes,
>pizza... everything I could get my hands on! Today I ate a banana and
>a few pieces of California roll. Kinda strange but maybe it's just my
>own peculiar early-quit roller coaster.
>6.) Yesterday I told my boss (a smoker) that I quit. When she said
>"That's great, congratulations", I was wondering if she really was
>thinking that I was a traitor. Or maybe secretly thinking that I would
>slip and be back outside with her and the other smokers within a week.
>I wonder this stuff because that's what I, as a smoker, used to think
>when one of "us" quit. Sad, isn't it? Not very flattering either.
>Anyway, sorry boss, AS3's got my back on this one
>7.) Yesterday I didn't drink my morning coffee. Started getting a
>wicked headache about 7:30. Popped a couple of aspirin, downed a cup
>of java and it went away. Today, had my morning coffee as soon as I
>woke up. One addiction at a time please. I'll deal with caffeine
>later.
>8.) I never wanted to use the ashtray because it made the car smell
>worse. Instead, I used to put my butts out in a half-filled bottle of
>water (I know, it's disgusting and yes, a couple of times I did burn a
>hole in the plastic water bottle and some of the "stuff" spilled out -
>talk about gross!) Anyway, I saved a couple of those bottles, half-
>filled with water and old cigarette butts. Whenever I think that a
>smoke would taste good, I just open up a bottle, take a deep whiff and
>think "Holy shit, I used to enjoy this crap?". I will keep these
>bottles for a long time because... they help.
>9.) In a meeting. Smoker sits next to me. I can smell the tobacco
>smoke. I really used to think that washing my hands after a smoke and
>swishing some water around my mouth made the smell go away. Pfffttt!
>What an idiot I was.
>
>Okay, that's enough for now. Thanks for being here family.
>Phil

Yep, it really is GOOD to not be smoke'n.

I like the bottle idea, but <gag> all I'd need would be the thought
<gag> of it.

Oh, hey dude... idea #328 on how to make a million. Bottle that crap
and sell it as a stop smoking aid, and you can claim weight loss as a
side effect!!!

Gary W.
--

Concord Phil wrote:
> Things I noticed on day 3 (in no particular order):
>
> 1.) At the gym. Fifteen minutes on the treadmill and I can still
> breathe. That's good. Can also smell the gym now. That's bad Car
> smells like crap too. Open the windows.

LOL! It's pretty amazing how the stench of cigarette's can cling to us
.... finding *that* smell repulsive is a good thing.

> 2.) Meeting break... mind and stomach (yes stomach!) tell me it's time
> for a smoke. What's up with that?

Mental habit -- change up that routine part of your day.

> 3.) Three in the afternoon and a smoker tells me it's hot outside.
> Wicked disorienting because I'm supposed to know because I go outside
> for a smoke at least four or five times a day. But not anymore. Maybe
> I should go for a walk. Screw it... probably too hot outside.

Go for a walk for a drink of water (buy a bottle), ideally on another
floor where you can use the stairs and feel good about yourself.

> 4.) Thinkin' about when I was a smoker. Used to chew nicotine gum when
> I couldn't smoke. I'm thinkin' that this was pretty fucked up... using
> something that was designed to help people quit as a crutch to get me
> through until I had an opportunity to smoke. Kinda like methadone to a
> heroin addict?

I guess it comes down to what works for each of us -- I used the patch
almost 3 years ago for a few weeks. CT, Chantix, Zyban ... there's lots
there but anything is better then smoking!!

> 5.) Yesterday I ate like a pig. I mean I ate corn chips, spaghetti, a
> tuna sandwich, a coupl'a eggs, buncha chocolate chip cookies, grapes,
> pizza... everything I could get my hands on! Today I ate a banana and
> a few pieces of California roll. Kinda strange but maybe it's just my
> own peculiar early-quit roller coaster.

Could be that 'oral fixation' ... I drank bottled water ... a lot! Plus
I found the cap was good to twiddle when my fingers needed something to do.

> 6.) Yesterday I told my boss (a smoker) that I quit. When she said
> "That's great, congratulations", I was wondering if she really was
> thinking that I was a traitor. Or maybe secretly thinking that I would
> slip and be back outside with her and the other smokers within a week.
> I wonder this stuff because that's what I, as a smoker, used to think
> when one of "us" quit. Sad, isn't it? Not very flattering either.
> Anyway, sorry boss, AS3's got my back on this one

That's the life of an addict -- most likely you're a very real reminder
for her that she wants to quit too. It's not a small undertaking, but
it's worth your Life.

> 7.) Yesterday I didn't drink my morning coffee. Started getting a
> wicked headache about 7:30. Popped a couple of aspirin, downed a cup
> of java and it went away. Today, had my morning coffee as soon as I
> woke up. One addiction at a time please. I'll deal with caffeine
> later.

Haha! Give it a little time and you'll be able to enjoy the java again
-- but beware because it's been said that caffeine has a bit more kick
when you quit.

> 8.) I never wanted to use the ashtray because it made the car smell
> worse. Instead, I used to put my butts out in a half-filled bottle of
> water (I know, it's disgusting and yes, a couple of times I did burn a
> hole in the plastic water bottle and some of the "stuff" spilled out -
> talk about gross!) Anyway, I saved a couple of those bottles, half-
> filled with water and old cigarette butts. Whenever I think that a
> smoke would taste good, I just open up a bottle, take a deep whiff and
> think "Holy shit, I used to enjoy this crap?". I will keep these
> bottles for a long time because... they help.

http://www.johnphoto.com/smoking.html ... this is my 'Butt Can' on the
back steps of our old house. A large can full of old butts soaked with
rain ... mmmmm ... mmmmm ....

> 9.) In a meeting. Smoker sits next to me. I can smell the tobacco
> smoke. I really used to think that washing my hands after a smoke and
> swishing some water around my mouth made the smell go away. Pfffttt!
> What an idiot I was.

My kids used to reel away from me because I stank of stale cigarettes
.... gradually I got the hint but there's nothing like smelling it for
yourself to realize the truth.

> Okay, that's enough for now. Thanks for being here family.
> Phil
>

Cheers!

-- Marvin

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

On Jul 11, 8:11 pm, Marvin The Paranoid Android
<marvinparanoidandr...@hotmail.com> wrote:
> Concord Phil wrote:
> > Things I noticed on day 3 (in no particular order):
>
> > 1.) At the gym. Fifteen minutes on the treadmill and I can still
> > breathe. That's good. Can also smell the gym now. That's bad Car
> > smells like crap too. Open the windows.
>
> LOL! It's pretty amazing how the stench of cigarette's can cling to us
> ... finding *that* smell repulsive is a good thing.
>
> > 2.) Meeting break... mind and stomach (yes stomach!) tell me it's time
> > for a smoke. What's up with that?
>
> Mental habit -- change up that routine part of your day.
>
> > 3.) Three in the afternoon and a smoker tells me it's hot outside.
> > Wicked disorienting because I'm supposed to know because I go outside
> > for a smoke at least four or five times a day. But not anymore. Maybe
> > I should go for a walk. Screw it... probably too hot outside.
>
> Go for a walk for a drink of water (buy a bottle), ideally on another
> floor where you can use the stairs and feel good about yourself.
>
> > 4.) Thinkin' about when I was a smoker. Used to chew nicotine gum when
> > I couldn't smoke. I'm thinkin' that this was pretty fucked up... using
> > something that was designed to help people quit as a crutch to get me
> > through until I had an opportunity to smoke. Kinda like methadone to a
> > heroin addict?
>
> I guess it comes down to what works for each of us -- I used the patch
> almost 3 years ago for a few weeks. CT, Chantix, Zyban ... there's lots
> there but anything is better then smoking!!
>
> > 5.) Yesterday I ate like a pig. I mean I ate corn chips, spaghetti, a
> > tuna sandwich, a coupl'a eggs, buncha chocolate chip cookies, grapes,
> > pizza... everything I could get my hands on! Today I ate a banana and
> > a few pieces of California roll. Kinda strange but maybe it's just my
> > own peculiar early-quit roller coaster.
>
> Could be that 'oral fixation' ... I drank bottled water ... a lot! Plus
> I found the cap was good to twiddle when my fingers needed something to do.
>
> > 6.) Yesterday I told my boss (a smoker) that I quit. When she said
> > "That's great, congratulations", I was wondering if she really was
> > thinking that I was a traitor. Or maybe secretly thinking that I would
> > slip and be back outside with her and the other smokers within a week.
> > I wonder this stuff because that's what I, as a smoker, used to think
> > when one of "us" quit. Sad, isn't it? Not very flattering either.
> > Anyway, sorry boss, AS3's got my back on this one
>
> That's the life of an addict -- most likely you're a very real reminder
> for her that she wants to quit too. It's not a small undertaking, but
> it's worth your Life.
>
> > 7.) Yesterday I didn't drink my morning coffee. Started getting a
> > wicked headache about 7:30. Popped a couple of aspirin, downed a cup
> > of java and it went away. Today, had my morning coffee as soon as I
> > woke up. One addiction at a time please. I'll deal with caffeine
> > later.
>
> Haha! Give it a little time and you'll be able to enjoy the java again
> -- but beware because it's been said that caffeine has a bit more kick
> when you quit.
>
> > 8.) I never wanted to use the ashtray because it made the car smell
> > worse. Instead, I used to put my butts out in a half-filled bottle of
> > water (I know, it's disgusting and yes, a couple of times I did burn a
> > hole in the plastic water bottle and some of the "stuff" spilled out -
> > talk about gross!) Anyway, I saved a couple of those bottles, half-
> > filled with water and old cigarette butts. Whenever I think that a
> > smoke would taste good, I just open up a bottle, take a deep whiff and
> > think "Holy shit, I used to enjoy this crap?". I will keep these
> > bottles for a long time because... they help.
>
> http://www.johnphoto.com/smoking.html... this is my 'Butt Can' on the
> back steps of our old house. A large can full of old butts soaked with
> rain ... mmmmm ... mmmmm ....
>
> > 9.) In a meeting. Smoker sits next to me. I can smell the tobacco
> > smoke. I really used to think that washing my hands after a smoke and
> > swishing some water around my mouth made the smell go away. Pfffttt!
> > What an idiot I was.
>
> My kids used to reel away from me because I stank of stale cigarettes
> ... gradually I got the hint but there's nothing like smelling it for
> yourself to realize the truth.
>
> > Okay, that's enough for now. Thanks for being here family.
> > Phil
>
> Cheers!
>
> -- Marvin
>
> --
> I don't smoke. I smell like bread. Life is Good.

Phil - Great "reinforcement" memories for all of us. God love us, and
you,. So many things we forget.
Hugs,
Pam

On 7/11/2007 6:05:45 PM, Concord Phil wrote:
<snip>
> 8.) I never wanted to use the ashtray because it made the car smell
> worse. Instead, I used to put my butts out in a half-filled bottle of
> water (I know, it's disgusting and yes, a couple of times I did burn a
> hole in the plastic water bottle and some of the "stuff" spilled out -
> talk about gross!) Anyway, I saved a couple of those bottles, half-
> filled with water and old cigarette butts. Whenever I think that a
> smoke would taste good, I just open up a bottle, take a deep whiff and
> think "Holy shit, I used to enjoy this crap?". I will keep these
> bottles for a long time because... they help.


I used to do the same thing with iced tea bottles, the glass Lipton ones.
Then I'd make the mistake while driving, once a month, of grabbing the
ashtray instead of the tea, and get a mouthful of the wrong one.

I didn't use that to help me quit, but you could. It's a hell of a deterrent!


John

--
John

Very insightful Phil. Sounds like you've got a good grip on things.
Keep it up.




"Concord Phil" <ConcordPhil@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1184195143.400332.313510@m3g2000hsh.googlegro ups.com...
> Things I noticed on day 3 (in no particular order):
>
> 1.) At the gym. Fifteen minutes on the treadmill and I can still
> breathe. That's good. Can also smell the gym now. That's bad Car
> smells like crap too. Open the windows.
> 2.) Meeting break... mind and stomach (yes stomach!) tell me it's time
> for a smoke. What's up with that?
> 3.) Three in the afternoon and a smoker tells me it's hot outside.
> Wicked disorienting because I'm supposed to know because I go outside
> for a smoke at least four or five times a day. But not anymore. Maybe
> I should go for a walk. Screw it... probably too hot outside.
> 4.) Thinkin' about when I was a smoker. Used to chew nicotine gum when
> I couldn't smoke. I'm thinkin' that this was pretty fucked up... using
> something that was designed to help people quit as a crutch to get me
> through until I had an opportunity to smoke. Kinda like methadone to a
> heroin addict?
> 5.) Yesterday I ate like a pig. I mean I ate corn chips, spaghetti, a
> tuna sandwich, a coupl'a eggs, buncha chocolate chip cookies, grapes,
> pizza... everything I could get my hands on! Today I ate a banana and
> a few pieces of California roll. Kinda strange but maybe it's just my
> own peculiar early-quit roller coaster.
> 6.) Yesterday I told my boss (a smoker) that I quit. When she said
> "That's great, congratulations", I was wondering if she really was
> thinking that I was a traitor. Or maybe secretly thinking that I would
> slip and be back outside with her and the other smokers within a week.
> I wonder this stuff because that's what I, as a smoker, used to think
> when one of "us" quit. Sad, isn't it? Not very flattering either.
> Anyway, sorry boss, AS3's got my back on this one
> 7.) Yesterday I didn't drink my morning coffee. Started getting a
> wicked headache about 7:30. Popped a couple of aspirin, downed a cup
> of java and it went away. Today, had my morning coffee as soon as I
> woke up. One addiction at a time please. I'll deal with caffeine
> later.
> 8.) I never wanted to use the ashtray because it made the car smell
> worse. Instead, I used to put my butts out in a half-filled bottle of
> water (I know, it's disgusting and yes, a couple of times I did burn a
> hole in the plastic water bottle and some of the "stuff" spilled out -
> talk about gross!) Anyway, I saved a couple of those bottles, half-
> filled with water and old cigarette butts. Whenever I think that a
> smoke would taste good, I just open up a bottle, take a deep whiff and
> think "Holy shit, I used to enjoy this crap?". I will keep these
> bottles for a long time because... they help.
> 9.) In a meeting. Smoker sits next to me. I can smell the tobacco
> smoke. I really used to think that washing my hands after a smoke and
> swishing some water around my mouth made the smell go away. Pfffttt!
> What an idiot I was.
>
> Okay, that's enough for now. Thanks for being here family.
> Phil
>

Hi Phil!
Welcome to AS3. Im glad your quit is going well for you.Keep posting,it
really helps in the early days.
Becky
One month, one week, two days, 28 minutes and 53 seconds. 1950 cigarettes
not smoked, saving $181.44. Life saved: 6 days, 18 hours, 30 minutes.

"Concord Phil" <ConcordPhil@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1184195143.400332.313510@m3g2000hsh.googlegro ups.com...
> Things I noticed on day 3 (in no particular order):
>
> 1.) At the gym. Fifteen minutes on the treadmill and I can still
> breathe. That's good. Can also smell the gym now. That's bad Car
> smells like crap too. Open the windows.
> 2.) Meeting break... mind and stomach (yes stomach!) tell me it's time
> for a smoke. What's up with that?
> 3.) Three in the afternoon and a smoker tells me it's hot outside.
> Wicked disorienting because I'm supposed to know because I go outside
> for a smoke at least four or five times a day. But not anymore. Maybe
> I should go for a walk. Screw it... probably too hot outside.
> 4.) Thinkin' about when I was a smoker. Used to chew nicotine gum when
> I couldn't smoke. I'm thinkin' that this was pretty fucked up... using
> something that was designed to help people quit as a crutch to get me
> through until I had an opportunity to smoke. Kinda like methadone to a
> heroin addict?
> 5.) Yesterday I ate like a pig. I mean I ate corn chips, spaghetti, a
> tuna sandwich, a coupl'a eggs, buncha chocolate chip cookies, grapes,
> pizza... everything I could get my hands on! Today I ate a banana and
> a few pieces of California roll. Kinda strange but maybe it's just my
> own peculiar early-quit roller coaster.
> 6.) Yesterday I told my boss (a smoker) that I quit. When she said
> "That's great, congratulations", I was wondering if she really was
> thinking that I was a traitor. Or maybe secretly thinking that I would
> slip and be back outside with her and the other smokers within a week.
> I wonder this stuff because that's what I, as a smoker, used to think
> when one of "us" quit. Sad, isn't it? Not very flattering either.
> Anyway, sorry boss, AS3's got my back on this one
> 7.) Yesterday I didn't drink my morning coffee. Started getting a
> wicked headache about 7:30. Popped a couple of aspirin, downed a cup
> of java and it went away. Today, had my morning coffee as soon as I
> woke up. One addiction at a time please. I'll deal with caffeine
> later.
> 8.) I never wanted to use the ashtray because it made the car smell
> worse. Instead, I used to put my butts out in a half-filled bottle of
> water (I know, it's disgusting and yes, a couple of times I did burn a
> hole in the plastic water bottle and some of the "stuff" spilled out -
> talk about gross!) Anyway, I saved a couple of those bottles, half-
> filled with water and old cigarette butts. Whenever I think that a
> smoke would taste good, I just open up a bottle, take a deep whiff and
> think "Holy shit, I used to enjoy this crap?". I will keep these
> bottles for a long time because... they help.
> 9.) In a meeting. Smoker sits next to me. I can smell the tobacco
> smoke. I really used to think that washing my hands after a smoke and
> swishing some water around my mouth made the smell go away. Pfffttt!
> What an idiot I was.
>
> Okay, that's enough for now. Thanks for being here family.
> Phil
>

Concord Phil <ConcordPhil@gmail.com> wrote:

>Things I noticed on day 3 (in no particular order):

Going through the list and recognizing myself in most of the points
felt good! Thanks for posting this!

--
Tihomir
*I don't smoke anymore*

He who reins within himself and rules passions, desires, and fears is more than a king - Milton, John

I can easily relate to most of those as being revelations as I just
finished day four. Keep it up, Phil!

Cheers,
Rob
Day 5 - I will not smoke today. I may smoke a pack tomorrow, but I
will not smoke today.

On Jul 11, 7:05 pm, Concord Phil <ConcordP...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Things I noticed on day 3 (in no particular order):
>
> 1.) At the gym. Fifteen minutes on the treadmill and I can still
> breathe. That's good. Can also smell the gym now. That's bad Car
> smells like crap too. Open the windows.
> 2.) Meeting break... mind and stomach (yes stomach!) tell me it's time
> for a smoke. What's up with that?
> 3.) Three in the afternoon and a smoker tells me it's hot outside.
> Wicked disorienting because I'm supposed to know because I go outside
> for a smoke at least four or five times a day. But not anymore. Maybe
> I should go for a walk. Screw it... probably too hot outside.
> 4.) Thinkin' about when I was a smoker. Used to chew nicotine gum when
> I couldn't smoke. I'm thinkin' that this was pretty fucked up... using
> something that was designed to help people quit as a crutch to get me
> through until I had an opportunity to smoke. Kinda like methadone to a
> heroin addict?
> 5.) Yesterday I ate like a pig. I mean I ate corn chips, spaghetti, a
> tuna sandwich, a coupl'a eggs, buncha chocolate chip cookies, grapes,
> pizza... everything I could get my hands on! Today I ate a banana and
> a few pieces of California roll. Kinda strange but maybe it's just my
> own peculiar early-quit roller coaster.
> 6.) Yesterday I told my boss (a smoker) that I quit. When she said
> "That's great, congratulations", I was wondering if she really was
> thinking that I was a traitor. Or maybe secretly thinking that I would
> slip and be back outside with her and the other smokers within a week.
> I wonder this stuff because that's what I, as a smoker, used to think
> when one of "us" quit. Sad, isn't it? Not very flattering either.
> Anyway, sorry boss, AS3's got my back on this one
> 7.) Yesterday I didn't drink my morning coffee. Started getting a
> wicked headache about 7:30. Popped a couple of aspirin, downed a cup
> of java and it went away. Today, had my morning coffee as soon as I
> woke up. One addiction at a time please. I'll deal with caffeine
> later.
> 8.) I never wanted to use the ashtray because it made the car smell
> worse. Instead, I used to put my butts out in a half-filled bottle of
> water (I know, it's disgusting and yes, a couple of times I did burn a
> hole in the plastic water bottle and some of the "stuff" spilled out -
> talk about gross!) Anyway, I saved a couple of those bottles, half-
> filled with water and old cigarette butts. Whenever I think that a
> smoke would taste good, I just open up a bottle, take a deep whiff and
> think "Holy shit, I used to enjoy this crap?". I will keep these
> bottles for a long time because... they help.
> 9.) In a meeting. Smoker sits next to me. I can smell the tobacco
> smoke. I really used to think that washing my hands after a smoke and
> swishing some water around my mouth made the smell go away. Pfffttt!
> What an idiot I was.
>
> Okay, that's enough for now. Thanks for being here family.
> Phil

Phil you sound GREAT. Tell your boss about a3s - I tell everyone I
know who smokes.

And you are so dead-on that this is family. I couldn't have gotten
through the last year and a half without a number of these people, and
that has nothing to do with my smoking.

Keep up the great work! Stephanie

Phil! Thank you for sharing this and reminding me of how I used to be
on a lot of points. Smoking does make monkeys or jackasses out of us,
doesn't it? I agree AS3 is Family in ways that no other place can
be! Your meter is looking great. Keep on keeping on and read and
post as much as you can. We CAN make it - a day at a time!

FlatironMike
FSS
Five months, one day, 12 hours, 32 minutes and 41 seconds. 3030
cigarettes not smoked, saving $908.88. Life saved: 1 week, 3 days, 12
hours, 30 minutes.

Hi Phil!

I remember all this very well. It was also a surprise to me that I
smelled like smoke. I never thought I did but now I smell it on every
smoker.

Keep on keepin on!
Ashley

This is an excellent post Phil!! Just a suggestion, print it out and tape
it up somewhere in the house. It is full of great points and could be quite
useful when having a craving.

You are doing brilliant and are half way through hell week. Stay stubborn,
keep fighting and whatever you do - don't smoke!

--
Lots of love
Summer (007) -- HOF
_________________________________________________

e-Mail: summer DOT cashmore AT ntlworld DOT com
http://www.summcash.blogspot.com/
"Before you criticize a man, walk a mile in his shoes.
That way, if he gets angry, he's a mile away and barefoot."
_________________________________________________


"Concord Phil" <ConcordPhil@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1184195143.400332.313510@m3g2000hsh.googlegro ups.com...
> Things I noticed on day 3 (in no particular order):
>
> 1.) At the gym. Fifteen minutes on the treadmill and I can still
> breathe. That's good. Can also smell the gym now. That's bad Car
> smells like crap too. Open the windows.
> 2.) Meeting break... mind and stomach (yes stomach!) tell me it's time
> for a smoke. What's up with that?
> 3.) Three in the afternoon and a smoker tells me it's hot outside.
> Wicked disorienting because I'm supposed to know because I go outside
> for a smoke at least four or five times a day. But not anymore. Maybe
> I should go for a walk. Screw it... probably too hot outside.
> 4.) Thinkin' about when I was a smoker. Used to chew nicotine gum when
> I couldn't smoke. I'm thinkin' that this was pretty fucked up... using
> something that was designed to help people quit as a crutch to get me
> through until I had an opportunity to smoke. Kinda like methadone to a
> heroin addict?
> 5.) Yesterday I ate like a pig. I mean I ate corn chips, spaghetti, a
> tuna sandwich, a coupl'a eggs, buncha chocolate chip cookies, grapes,
> pizza... everything I could get my hands on! Today I ate a banana and
> a few pieces of California roll. Kinda strange but maybe it's just my
> own peculiar early-quit roller coaster.
> 6.) Yesterday I told my boss (a smoker) that I quit. When she said
> "That's great, congratulations", I was wondering if she really was
> thinking that I was a traitor. Or maybe secretly thinking that I would
> slip and be back outside with her and the other smokers within a week.
> I wonder this stuff because that's what I, as a smoker, used to think
> when one of "us" quit. Sad, isn't it? Not very flattering either.
> Anyway, sorry boss, AS3's got my back on this one
> 7.) Yesterday I didn't drink my morning coffee. Started getting a
> wicked headache about 7:30. Popped a couple of aspirin, downed a cup
> of java and it went away. Today, had my morning coffee as soon as I
> woke up. One addiction at a time please. I'll deal with caffeine
> later.
> 8.) I never wanted to use the ashtray because it made the car smell
> worse. Instead, I used to put my butts out in a half-filled bottle of
> water (I know, it's disgusting and yes, a couple of times I did burn a
> hole in the plastic water bottle and some of the "stuff" spilled out -
> talk about gross!) Anyway, I saved a couple of those bottles, half-
> filled with water and old cigarette butts. Whenever I think that a
> smoke would taste good, I just open up a bottle, take a deep whiff and
> think "Holy shit, I used to enjoy this crap?". I will keep these
> bottles for a long time because... they help.
> 9.) In a meeting. Smoker sits next to me. I can smell the tobacco
> smoke. I really used to think that washing my hands after a smoke and
> swishing some water around my mouth made the smell go away. Pfffttt!
> What an idiot I was.
>
> Okay, that's enough for now. Thanks for being here family.
> Phil
>

Congratulation Phil you are doing great!! It's nice to notice some of the
good things like increased lung capacity and stamina.

I can't believe how stupid I was when I was smoking at home with my
parents. My mom might not have smelled it because my dad smoked I guess.
If the kid smokes I think I'll be smelling it right away the stench is so
strong. Anyway good on ya!!

Steve and Sarah

"Concord Phil" <ConcordPhil@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1184195143.400332.313510@m3g2000hsh.googlegro ups.com...
> Things I noticed on day 3 (in no particular order):
>
> 1.) At the gym. Fifteen minutes on the treadmill and I can still
> breathe. That's good. Can also smell the gym now. That's bad Car
> smells like crap too. Open the windows.
> 2.) Meeting break... mind and stomach (yes stomach!) tell me it's time
> for a smoke. What's up with that?
> 3.) Three in the afternoon and a smoker tells me it's hot outside.
> Wicked disorienting because I'm supposed to know because I go outside
> for a smoke at least four or five times a day. But not anymore. Maybe
> I should go for a walk. Screw it... probably too hot outside.
> 4.) Thinkin' about when I was a smoker. Used to chew nicotine gum when
> I couldn't smoke. I'm thinkin' that this was pretty fucked up... using
> something that was designed to help people quit as a crutch to get me
> through until I had an opportunity to smoke. Kinda like methadone to a
> heroin addict?
> 5.) Yesterday I ate like a pig. I mean I ate corn chips, spaghetti, a
> tuna sandwich, a coupl'a eggs, buncha chocolate chip cookies, grapes,
> pizza... everything I could get my hands on! Today I ate a banana and
> a few pieces of California roll. Kinda strange but maybe it's just my
> own peculiar early-quit roller coaster.
> 6.) Yesterday I told my boss (a smoker) that I quit. When she said
> "That's great, congratulations", I was wondering if she really was
> thinking that I was a traitor. Or maybe secretly thinking that I would
> slip and be back outside with her and the other smokers within a week.
> I wonder this stuff because that's what I, as a smoker, used to think
> when one of "us" quit. Sad, isn't it? Not very flattering either.
> Anyway, sorry boss, AS3's got my back on this one
> 7.) Yesterday I didn't drink my morning coffee. Started getting a
> wicked headache about 7:30. Popped a couple of aspirin, downed a cup
> of java and it went away. Today, had my morning coffee as soon as I
> woke up. One addiction at a time please. I'll deal with caffeine
> later.
> 8.) I never wanted to use the ashtray because it made the car smell
> worse. Instead, I used to put my butts out in a half-filled bottle of
> water (I know, it's disgusting and yes, a couple of times I did burn a
> hole in the plastic water bottle and some of the "stuff" spilled out -
> talk about gross!) Anyway, I saved a couple of those bottles, half-
> filled with water and old cigarette butts. Whenever I think that a
> smoke would taste good, I just open up a bottle, take a deep whiff and
> think "Holy shit, I used to enjoy this crap?". I will keep these
> bottles for a long time because... they help.
> 9.) In a meeting. Smoker sits next to me. I can smell the tobacco
> smoke. I really used to think that washing my hands after a smoke and
> swishing some water around my mouth made the smell go away. Pfffttt!
> What an idiot I was.
>
> Okay, that's enough for now. Thanks for being here family.
> Phil
>