Kris

@jillar Thanks for being there, I do try to be careful about things. I have tried to do many things here at the house that have been a s***show. I have replaced plumbing fixtures, took apart pipes under sinks to clean out clogs with great success. My first disaster was trying to fix a toliet and I had water shooting straight to the ceiling. That was a fun one. You never know what you can do until you try. I do have a no electricity clause because that would be a killer if you know what I mean LOL

@Sal, The only problem I see is that you are still abusing your lungs, not what you are smoking. Once the damage to your lungs, regardless of what you are smoking, the damage can't be undone. I know this kind of straight up honesty seems cruel, it is not intended. I was there when my husband lungs stopped working. He never was a smoker of tobacco, just the other. He also had a skin cancer that moved to his lungs. Had he never smoked anything we might have had more time together. The number one thing they listed on the death certificate was Acute Respiratory Failure, the second was the cancer. You are going to have to dig deep on this one. Smoking anything is bad, you need to give the edibles another chance, as they are the way to freedom from the need to smoke something, your body will adapt. I can't say it will be easy, I have no idea, we do not have the option in my state. You have options, use them.

@Sal When I first joined the board I did not know what a thread was or how anything worked. I am way behind (did I say way, way) on technology. Did not have a clue and I still have to ask poor @jillar questions.

Bringing this one back for all of our new members or lurkers as some may be. @Sal @TONY we are here for you and happy you are on the train. I know that you are facing a challenge everyday but you are winning. That is the most amazing thing for me, that there are so many out there that want to quit and are doing it. It is possible but even at the beginning we did not think so. We take the challenge one day at a time. Then everyday we feel better physically and mentally. Kind of a rush don't you think, that we can win, at least that is how it feels to me.

10. check the obits to see if you are there. Q-Tips

shop! shop! shop! for anything and everything!

I must say the only joke I have had lately is putting on a pair of jeans. I almost fell for itl. When you live in pajamas all day. every day when you finally put on clothes someone has replaced mine with a smaller size. So, someone confess to this horrible crime as your earliest convenience. Thanks!

Okay @jillar Do we need to start monitoring for the little bunnies in your charge. You are supposed to keep them sober but watch the mating. (I must say, it shocks me that there are so many bunnies on adoption websites. We all think of dogs and cats but there are many bunnies that need a good home.)

@Boo, I have never read the books of Larry McMurtry. I have been a big watcher of his movies thru my husband and our best friend. I will admit that I am in love with Gus McCrea and Woodrow Call. My husband and our best friend have now passed. I have their ashes here with me. I have to make a decision on what to do at some point I need to spread their ashes. I live about 20 minutes away from Lonesome Dove Road. We travelled the road often as teenagers. I think that might be the most poetic place to have my son spread all of out ashes once I pass.

@AceWhite Sorry I missed this earlier, been under the weather. You not only have my adoration for your quit but also that you celebrate doing things that most of us only dream of. You are running, biking, swimming and ice skating. I always thought you must be in your 20s or 30s. You are at an age when most of us slow down but you are out the tearing it up. I am jealous!!

Steven, Sorry I missed your milestone, I too have been ill. Worried it might be Covid but I now I don't think so. Sore throat, aches and pains, chills and fatigue. No fever, so I just think it is a reaction to allergies and the weather. I hope you are feeling better. You have hit your 7th month mark. That is so great, each day is a gift and I hope you have many more! I will never catch up, I am only at six months. I think when you start this with a person in the same timeline it makes it easier to keep going when you see them do so well. Thanks for all your help!

Linda, I could not be more proud and happy for you. You have really kept me going with my quit! I am so thankful for all your support since I joined the board. You have shown courage and determination thru all the crap parts and been uplifting, positive, kind and generous to us all.

@KEL Sorry to tell you but I do feel like an old lady. I am on social security, widows benefits that start at 60. Not something I planned to do early but my health went south, so here we are. I am trying hard to keep it together but having a hard time right now.

I am really struggling right now. I want to smoke but I will not do it. It is hard to come here and admit that everything in body and soul want to smoke. I feel that I have been so strong for so long I should be past the hard part but I am not. I feel like a failure even though I have not smoked, i am guilty of the desire to smoke. Maybe tomorrow I will feel better tomorrow.

Closing thought for the day, I am struggling everydayl I just wanr to be the person I was. I was a smolker and that is no longer an option. I feel like my skin is breaking away from my body, my brain is under constant pressure, my migraines are worse, I do not sleep well, I have no energy. I have seen the doctor. I am just tired and want a littlw piece, I want sleep without waking up every hour. I want someone to help me pick up the pieces so I can keep going. Why is it so hard? When will it stop being such a challenge? I am doing it but I am exhausted. I think it will make me feel better just to tell you my ugly truth.

@intoxicated yoda I get it, like I said. I was sick fpr many years and seen multiple doctors until I was able to make someone really listen. Same thing, over a year having hip pain, seeing my primary care, she did not realize how bad it was until I had no reflex in my right knee, she thought it was my spine, turns out it was avacular necrosis, I had lost the blood supply to my hip and it collapsed. There was alot that happened then. In the end I had to have a total hip replacement but that was a vacation compared to the pain I had before. I tell you this because sometimes you have to go through hell to find a doctor that listens to you. I finally started to write down everykthing so I would not forget things that they should know. I will still say you need to find the right doctor.

@intoxicated yoda Just wanted to check and see if you have seen your doctor about the issues.I had digestive problems for years. Finally saw a gastro doctor that listened and scheduled a colonoscopy. Nothing appeared wrong to his eyes but he took biopsies of my colon. That finally confirmed a diagnosis of lympocitic colitis. He put me on a drug for that and it all got better. He said I would have the potential of flare ups but this has not happened. I went for years having to know where the ladies room was, I even had my route to and from work planned out for available bathrooms. See a doctor!

@intoxicated yoda I can't speak to the coffee thing, I am a hot tea with cream girl. I do drink a lot of diet coke. That would be main caffiene source. I am a big carb eater, just easier to make toast and eat cereal Can't deny my love of salty crunchy snacks. I have found that I am craving more fresh vegetables. I have got that stocked up. I think a protein and a salad will make a good dinner. I usually keep the meat to 4 to 6 ounces. I have the habit of eating a good meal for dinner but I tend to snack when I can't sleep. I wish I could be as strong in my diet as my quit. My most important thing right now is my quit. I can take small steps with the other stuff. I am proud of your quit and your weight loss.

Is a brownie dessert made with chocolate?

FOUR MORE YEARS! FOUR MORE YEARS! You have won the presidential reward. Congratulations on a well run campaign!

8. to dispose of used cooking oil (Sorry it is Texas, home of the chicken fried steak.)

@TONY Good Morning to you. Glad you had a great night. I am glad that you are not struggling with your quit. There may be rough waters ahead but know that we are here if you need us. Have a wonderful day!

NOPE and still going

Trying to sleep, which runs from me. I would love a good thunderstorm. At least in my part of the world we are getting some winter temps. I love the cold!! So funny talking about summer and winter in the same conversation. At least we are together in one thing, to help everyone quit smoking!

@Sal,You are just a couple of teenagers in mad love. It is so wonderful to know Mrs. Sal is Anita. I was also a bride of 31 years when I lost my husband, as they call it here high school sweethearts. We started dating at 15 years old, we could not even drive yet. Sounds like you were the same. It makes it more important to get through this so the both of you have each other until a very, very old age. I hope I can be of support while you quit!