Guitars

Joined: 11 Dec 2004 Posts: 2223 Location: Mendota IL

Just passed the 10 year mark for me Shocked

It does get easier so stick with it. It is well worth the effort.

Joined: 29 Nov 2003 Posts: 14502

Still hanging in there and this is the absolute worst part of the year for me. No gerts for me, baby. Almost 4 1/2 months.

Recently, it has really reeked when I smell secondhand smoke.

Do Not Succumb To The Dark Side!
You can do it.

Posted: Fri Jan 20, 2006 7:25 pm

Thats awesome Jim. You should be proud!

Joined: 30 Nov 2003 Posts: 4406 Location: Hostile Territory

Hang in there Brothers - 13 years for me and still can't stand the smell of cigarette smoke!!!!

Joined: 13 Feb 2005 Posts: 5218 Location: In the wind.

Thanks guys, the encouragement is actually effective!
The last five or six hours have been pretty exciting....
-shipped out a Washy that I sold on the 'Bay.
-bought my ride to Florida.
-e/filed last years income taxes.
-gettin' a fat $1200 back.
-scheming out my next Dean guitar purchase...
-haven't smoked a cigarette.

*portions of this time frame have been purposely omitted by the author.

Joined: 29 Nov 2003 Posts: 14502

BillyBadAss wrote:

Thanks guys, the encouragement is actually effective!
The last five or six hours have been pretty exciting....
-shipped out a Washy that I sold on the 'Bay.
-bought my ride to Florida.
-e/filed last years income taxes.
-gettin' a fat $1200 back.
-scheming out my next Dean guitar purchase...
-haven't smoked a cigarette.

*portions of this time frame have been purposely omitted by the author.

"Quality time" with the Victoria's Secret catalog?

You can do that all you want, just don't give in.

Joined: 30 Nov 2003 Posts: 4406 Location: Hostile Territory

jim6251 wrote:

"Quality time" with the Victoria's Secret catalog?

You can do that all you want, just don't give in.

But you should stop when you need glasses - Twisted Evil

Joined: 29 Nov 2003 Posts: 14502

Tomorrow is the five month anniversary.
Thanks to all of you douchenozzles, plonkers, mebers, buttknuckles and JO's for your support. It did and will continue to make a difference.

Where's everyone else at with this? Billy?

I should ask Pete to change my screen name to Extra25Lbs.

Jim

Posted: Tue Feb 07, 2006 9:16 pm

jim6251 wrote:

Tomorrow is the five month anniversary.
Thanks to all of you douchenozzles, plonkers, mebers, buttknuckles and JO's for your support. It did and will continue to make a difference.

Where's everyone else at with this? Billy?

I should ask Pete to change my screen name to Extra25Lbs.

Jim

Thats awesome Jim!!!

Joined: 13 Feb 2005 Posts: 5218 Location: In the wind.

jim6251 wrote:

Where's everyone else at with this? Billy?

1 month +1 week +1 day Surprised

Thanks for asking, Jim!! Wink

Sluffed off on the sit-ups, though. And it's quite unfortunate, since I've been eating like a guy that just quit smoking!! Five pounds so far..... Sad

I think about just saying "screw it" and going and getting a carton all the time, still.
But, then I think about the people that have been extremely supportive and how proud my mom is of me.

And....if I were to blow it prior to DOA, Ian might beat me up. Shocked

And that would suck.
Cool

Joined: 29 Nov 2003 Posts: 14502

Even without smoking, he might offer to give you a spanking. A hard spanking with a hairbrush.

Don't pick up the smokes. If I can't have one, you can't have one. Simple as that.

Jim

Joined: 07 Oct 2004 Posts: 13338 Location: HNNNNGGGGG!!!!

I have tried repeatedly to stop spanking the monkey... but I am a hopeless addict.

Congrats to you guys for quitting the smokes. I kicked that habit in the late 80's... I had to sweat it out for a while... but eventually, like anything else, it will fade into the past.

Replacing addiction with addiction is the easiest way... exercise is what replaced smoking for me... now I'm just a lazy old bacon whore!

Posted: Tue Feb 07, 2006 9:47 pm

I could give you a spanking at DOA Billy! Maybe the hairbrush or a nice hard coat hanger. let me know bro. We can hook that up.

Joined: 07 Oct 2004 Posts: 13338 Location: HNNNNGGGGG!!!!

tnvol wrote:

I could give you a spanking at DOA Billy! Maybe the hairbrush or a nice hard coat hanger. let me know bro. We can hook that up.

Posted: Tue Feb 07, 2006 9:58 pm

I dont need that silly mask for some good ole man on man spanking.

Joined: 07 Oct 2004 Posts: 13338 Location: HNNNNGGGGG!!!!

tnvol wrote:

I dont need that silly mask for some good ole man on man spanking.

You are so oldschool!

Posted: Wed Feb 08, 2006 2:52 pm

I know!

Posted: Wed Feb 08, 2006 2:52 pm

I know!

Joined: 29 Nov 2003 Posts: 14502

Six month anniversary today.
Internet cake and e-ice cream for all.

I've fibbed about many things, but I can honestly say I haven't even snuck in a single drag since then. You guys helped. Thanks.

Jim

Joined: 29 Nov 2003 Posts: 5324

jim6251 wrote:

Six month anniversary today.
Internet cake and e-ice cream for all.

I've fibbed about many things, but I can honestly say I haven't even snuck in a single drag since then. You guys helped. Thanks.

Jim

right on..

after awhile, the smell of smoke becomes repulsive.. and you will notice the secondary smell of being near smokers.. i smoke a couple of times a week (band practice).. about a pack a week.. sometimes i can't smoke the whole pack before they go stale and nasty..

it's strange.. i guess i'm a situational smoker.. i have smoked heavily in stressful events in my life.. not too many, but enough to know what a heavy smoker is..

as funny as it seems, i've actually had a female stalker (not fun, actually).. and i was smoking about 3 packs a day for a month and a half.. when the stress was gone, the smoking dropped to the present level.. about a pack a week, if that..

as soon as i get back from band practice, i wash my clothes, and take a shower.. i can't stand smelling like smoke after..

anyway.. i congratulate you on quitting.. it's the best thing..

i should too..

Joined: 05 Jan 2005 Posts: 987 Location: Scotland

Good work Jim, you're over the worst part now.

Keep it up!

Enjoy the ice cream.
Cheers,
Ally.

Posted: Wed Mar 08, 2006 4:26 pm

Great job. I quit also and the money you save. Look at the guitars I have. With all the money you are saving you can make it all worth it by geting more DEANS!!!!!! What way can you treat yourself better than buying yourself a new DEAN. And a big cup of icecream on the side. Way to go Jim!!!!!

Joined: 02 Dec 2003 Posts: 2705 Location: Dallas, TX

Bravo buddy!

Cheers and schit and stuff.

It does get easier, ya? I know go for weeks at a time without thinking about it. Every so often the little bastard tries though..

Joined: 26 Oct 2005 Posts: 2877 Location: united kingdom

well done man. we shall dish out the support for as long as it is required. and throb i smoke exactly like you do Confused

thought i was the only non smoking smoker haha

Posted: Wed Mar 08, 2006 7:49 pm

I am, in a way, being forced to quit by two sources, so, starting this coming monday, the good old 13th, anyone including Jim want to berate, scream, cry, crave, and quit on this thread some more with me please!!!!

I also worked so hard on losing wieght this year, lost a load, I dont want to gain it back, im so scared of both.

I beg for help then!

I did it once before for 8 months, wasnt that bad, then again recently for one month, this time I want it for good.

See ya Monday. Please help me.

Joined: 13 Dec 2004 Posts: 7842 Location: So. IN

ja1010 wrote:

I am, in a way, being forced to quit by two sources, so, starting this coming monday, the good old 13th, anyone including Jim want to berate, scream, cry, crave, and quit on this thread some more with me please!!!!

I also worked so hard on losing wieght this year, lost a load, I dont want to gain it back, im so scared of both.

I beg for help then!

I did it once before for 8 months, wasnt that bad, then again recently for one month, this time I want it for good.

See ya Monday. Please help me.

It's not so bad man....just prepare yourself for a big fight, and demand nothing but strength from yourself...in a few days, it'll be like it never happened.

Joined: 29 Nov 2003 Posts: 14502

Jeff,

Cut down by one or two a day between now and the 13th. It'll help.

My toughest part was while driving. It was just natural to hop in, do up the seatbelt, crank the stereo and fire up. Didn't matter whether it was a block away to QuikTrip or across the state. That's just how you started out every time in the car.

You will get moral support by the bucketful. You've done it before and you can obviously do it again.

As to how to avoid my Holstein-esque ways, drink lots of water, do some exercise every day to keep the metabolism up, no regular soda and eat more vegetables. A bag of those mini carrots is better for you than that bag of mini-Snickers.

Posted: Wed Mar 08, 2006 8:15 pm

I will stock up on water and carrots and celery between now and the 13th but I need the veggie dips for that stuff, like the ranch dip, I can handle that. bring some to work., i have already cut alot down though, because of traveling and so busy music wise, so thats good,

That last quit was bad for my wieght, so I am gonna have to do like ya said I guess

Thanks Jim

Posted: Wed Mar 08, 2006 8:20 pm

I'm currently down to 5 cigs a day, and next week I plan on not smoking at work.

I'm a wuss and am on the step down program. Last time I quit cold turkey, I almost destroyed a city block in a single nic fit.

Joined: 29 Nov 2003 Posts: 14502

Eight months yesterday.

Joined: 12 Dec 2004 Posts: 6257 Location: Perry, Iowa

**********DEEP BREATH***************

Today is Day One.

Last Cig was about 11 pm last night.

Doubly hard .... I started smoking when I was with my late wife. With the exception of our daughter (now 14) and singing this is the last thing we did together.

Every time I've tried to quit, I have had flashbacks of our times together before she died in '98. A weakness ... an excuse, I know, but have decided not to fall for it this time. Keep my memories of her focused on the music and Steph.

I'm not real good at journalling, etc., but will try to stop in here for support when I have the urge.

Steve

Joined: 19 Dec 2004 Posts: 198 Location: Wichita, KS

BRG wrote:

**********DEEP BREATH***************

Today is Day One.

Last Cig was about 11 pm last night.

Doubly hard .... I started smoking when I was with my late wife. With the exception of our daughter (now 14) and singing this is the last thing we did together.

Every time I've tried to quit, I have had flashbacks of our times together before she died in '98. A weakness ... an excuse, I know, but have decided not to fall for it this time. Keep my memories of her focused on the music and Steph.

I'm not real good at journalling, etc., but will try to stop in here for support when I have the urge.

Steve

Best of luck on a worthwhile journey!!!

Posted: Tue May 09, 2006 10:07 pm

Today is day 6 for me. I already feel 200% better. I just know I can't go back. It sucks ass when it hurts to breathe!

Joined: 24 Oct 2005 Posts: 11995 Location: Louisiana

BRG wrote:

**********DEEP BREATH***************

Today is Day One.

Last Cig was about 11 pm last night.

Doubly hard .... I started smoking when I was with my late wife. With the exception of our daughter (now 14) and singing this is the last thing we did together.

Every time I've tried to quit, I have had flashbacks of our times together before she died in '98. A weakness ... an excuse, I know, but have decided not to fall for it this time. Keep my memories of her focused on the music and Steph.

I'm not real good at journalling, etc., but will try to stop in here for support when I have the urge.

Steve

goodluck man...

i hope for the best for all of yall.

Guest

BRG wrote:

**********DEEP BREATH***************

Today is Day One.

Last Cig was about 11 pm last night.

Doubly hard .... I started smoking when I was with my late wife. With the exception of our daughter (now 14) and singing this is the last thing we did together.

Every time I've tried to quit, I have had flashbacks of our times together before she died in '98. A weakness ... an excuse, I know, but have decided not to fall for it this time. Keep my memories of her focused on the music and Steph.

I'm not real good at journalling, etc., but will try to stop in here for support when I have the urge.

Steve

Be strong, Steve... You can definitely do it! I'm 6 months and a week sober, and it's tough as hell, especially when you have emotional attachments involved. But it can definitely be done. Just keep busy, focus on other things, and believe in the power of yourself. Smile

Joined: 29 Nov 2003 Posts: 14502

Today is the ten-month anniversary of NoSmoking.
No cigars.
No chewing tobacco.
No partial drags off of a lit one.

No nothing.

Yay!

And thanks to you guys for support.

Jim

Posted: Sun Jul 09, 2006 2:46 pm

jim6251 wrote:

Today is the ten-month anniversary of NoSmoking.
No cigars.
No chewing tobacco.
No partial drags off of a lit one.

No nothing.

Yay!

And thanks to you guys for support.

Jim

hey - CONGRATS jim - that is a TRULY admirable feat! and the rest of you guys too!
way to go!

I missed this thread before - it was during the "dark months" of my total OT slavery at G MAC Mortgage -

so Jim
just in case yer havin some residual angst and still need some inspiration to vent the ol nicotene induced emotions

I'm there for ya bro

Holdsworth really sucks - that guy is SUCH a copycat - what did he EVER do that was original at ALL?

and what girle man chops that guy has.

He's a drunk too!
He's SUCH a drunk he has to make his own beer cause he can't make it to his car!!

I hear he pretends to be the starving genius , but secretly does session work for Hasselhoff and Barry Manilow.

Please set me straight on this!

also
Gary Moore is a TOTAL weenie ...

that guy has NO balls ...
he plays mellow blues rock LIGHT
and beauty parlor manicure glitter metal.

I put him on when the Smooth Jazz station is getting to intense for me!

how am I wrong here???

HUH??????????

Laughing

Joined: 29 Nov 2003 Posts: 14502

I shall not be baited into a war with your inflammatory comments.

I will, however, let everyone know that you own the 60gb iPod and have it loaded with 50gb of Muzak. 70's-era Muzak, at that.

Jim

Posted: Sun Jul 09, 2006 3:34 pm

jim6251 wrote:

I shall not be baited into a war with your inflammatory comments.

I will, however, let everyone know that you own the 60gb iPod and have it loaded with 50gb of Muzak. 70's-era Muzak, at that.

Jim

IMPRESSIVE!

congrats bro - you are way past the need to vent!

very Zen, Mastah Lethah ji Laughing

BTW
as for 70's muzak - thats stuff is way too hard core for me! makes me nervous.

I'm mostly a vintage Mitch Miller and Lawrence Welk snob - those new 70's guys just did NOT learn their slushy arrangements from the MASTERS of early 60's muzak !

Mitch Miller's arrangements are SO swell, they make me wanna get up and ...............STRETCH! Laughing

Joined: 29 Nov 2003 Posts: 14502

Eleven months.

Joined: 29 Nov 2003 Posts: 14502

Sir Denis Eton-Hogg wrote:

That year mark is sneaking up on you Jim... any special plans?

When asked by my wife, I reply with the same request that I make for birthdays, anniversaries, special occassions and, generally, to celebrate any day that ends with a "y".

Wink

Joined: 30 Nov 2003 Posts: 4406 Location: Hostile Territory

A great way celebrate a day that ends with a "Y" is to start it by having breakfast at the "Y". Laughing

Posted: Wed Aug 09, 2006 2:23 pm

make it a a steak and BJ day...

Joined: 12 Apr 2006 Posts: 3554 Location: LUNDUN!

buy yourself a TC HT with the dough that youve saved....if you dont want a TC HT...buy it and ship it to me Twisted Evil

Posted: Thu Aug 10, 2006 12:53 am

major congratulations, we're all proud of you! and you should be too!

Joined: 29 Nov 2003 Posts: 14502

Ding Ding Ding

One year.
No smokes.

You guys have helped immensely. Thanks.

Jim

Joined: 12 Apr 2006 Posts: 3554 Location: LUNDUN!

jim, you officially rock for having the will to quit and stay quit for a year

Joined: 11 Aug 2005 Posts: 723

that really is awesome

Posted: Sat Sep 09, 2006 12:43 am

Excellant! Cool

Joined: 13 Dec 2004 Posts: 7842 Location: So. IN

I am on day 120 of no smoking...I am back on the wagon.....

Joined: 02 Dec 2003 Posts: 2705 Location: Dallas, TX

At 120 it should be starting to get better. It took me months to get to the point where a day would go by that I didn't think about having one.

Now it's been years, and I STILL think about having one from time to to time.

Joined: 13 Dec 2004 Posts: 7842 Location: So. IN

days 30-40 were the worst....I'm good now...thoughts of them now are repulsive.

Joined: 23 Jul 2005 Posts: 708 Location: Montreal

Grats everyone! Keep it up!

Joined: 22 Dec 2005 Posts: 9352

anyone else start coughing MORE when they first stopped smoking?

Joined: 29 Nov 2003 Posts: 14502

jim6 wrote:

Ding Ding Ding

One year.
No smokes.

You guys have helped immensely. Thanks.

Jim

UPDATE

Two years.
No smokes.

Still think about it / Can't have it
Wouldn't be prudent at this juncture.

Jim

Joined: 02 Aug 2007 Posts: 1137 Location: Jersey Swamps

Well done, Jim. Congratulations.

Joined: 13 Dec 2004 Posts: 7842 Location: So. IN

one week away from 6 months....doing good...don't really want them...Wife still smokes, and I'm ok with it....doesn't bother me a bit....

I gotta start dieting though...I have gained a "significant" amount of weight.

Joined: 29 Nov 2003 Posts: 14502

JammerML wrote:

I have gained a "significant" amount of weight.

You have no idea.

'grats on the 6 month mark.

Jim

Joined: 29 May 2007 Posts: 5911 Location: ill-adelphia

keep it up guys! good work!

a couple years after our family moving to america, my parents quit smoking (coming from eastern europe, they had been smoking a lot for a significant part of their lives).
it's been about 22 years now since they gave it up, and no relapses for them.
and my sister and i learned from their example and never took it up in the first place (not that neither of us didn't try it).

they quit for me and my sister's sake. and i do appreciate it a lot.

Joined: 22 Dec 2005 Posts: 9352

JammerML wrote:

one week away from 6 months....doing good...don't really want them...Wife still smokes, and I'm ok with it....doesn't bother me a bit....

I gotta start dieting though...I have gained a "significant" amount of weight.

i've gained like 25 freaking pounds.
i'm pushing 200.

Joined: 13 Dec 2004 Posts: 7842 Location: So. IN

1 yr. 9 days.

Joined: 24 Jan 2008 Posts: 18 Location: Florida Suncoast

Jim..YOU ROCK!!!!

I am 17 years "Smoke Free"

....and lovin it!! Very Happy

Joined: 01 Feb 2005 Posts: 12036 Location: Nevada

5 years 5 months here.

Joined: 29 Nov 2003 Posts: 14502

Congrats to those still on the path and encouragement for those ready to start. That sounded kinda Zen-like. Whoa.

Still no smoking. Inappropriate touching, to be sure, but no gerts.

I did a favor for a pal at work who smokes really good cigars. Like the $6 or $7 per variety. After the favor is finished, he hands me a Ziploc with two of those beauties in there. I gave them back. He was very apologetic once he realized the correlation.

No doobies, either.

Posted: Tue Mar 25, 2008 9:25 pm

jim6 wrote:

No doobies, either.

WHAT!?

J/K

Glad I never start smoking.......cigarettes that is. Laughing

Joined: 02 Aug 2007 Posts: 1137 Location: Jersey Swamps

It's been a little over 2 1/2 months for me right now. This thread helped a ton. Hopefully I can get middle C back into my vocal range.

Joined: 06 Apr 2006 Posts: 3897

jim6 wrote:

Congrats to those still on the path and encouragement for those ready to start. That sounded kinda Zen-like. Whoa.

Still no smoking. Inappropriate touching, to be sure, but no gerts.

I did a favor for a pal at work who smokes really good cigars. Like the $6 or $7 per variety. After the favor is finished, he hands me a Ziploc with two of those beauties in there. I gave them back. He was very apologetic once he realized the correlation.

No doobies, either.

Lotsa years under my belt, and I'm finally not even remotely interested in them anymore.

BUT, I certainly do enjoy a GOOD cigar, once a year or so...if the occasion arises. And I smoked a hookah during my stay in the middle east...I quite liked it.

I was VERY wary...I don't inhale anything, although for the hookah you've gotta or else you don't get anything out of it. Still, for me, fine cigars and shisha lack the BIG problem with modern cigarettes...

...nasty ass additives to make addiction a virtual guarantee! I smoked shisha every now and then and never woke up the next day wanting more...in fact, just like chewing tobacco, once you've had too much you get kinda ill. Same as cigars, for me at least.

But cigarettes?...gimme a break, there's so much crap in those things that turns something that truly COULD be a social thing into an addiction.

I've smoked some home grown tobacco and it's completely different in both taste and effect of the commercial stuff. While you can still get addicted to it, it's not nearly as potent as good ol' manufactured cigs.

Anyway, I understand that cigarette smoke is dangerous. However, in this life, if I can get away with a few moderate pleasures like a good cigar once in a blue moon, I'll take it Cool

Joined: 25 Mar 2006 Posts: 5765 Location: Joisey

2nd attempt at quitting (I quit then relapsed a few years back). 3 months 2 days smoke-free so far. No urges to smoke or anything, even with people smoking around me. I hope I can keep that s#%t up.

Guest

Lurker wrote:

How's everybody doing with their respective battles??

I think about throwing in the towel more and more as of late. Sad

I still haven't had one since I first got on board with you guys.....
But I sure want one.
Which would most definately lead to thousands.... Evil or Very Mad

Tryin' to stay strong, brethren....

Where are y'all at with this??
Confused

It's been almost three weeks, for me. (Monday will be 3 wks, Cool

)

HOLD OUT BROTHER!!!! 21 days to make or break a habit! The dreams may continue, but you're almost there! Don't give in!!!!!!

Good to see you man

Joined: 29 Nov 2003 Posts: 14502

Faust wrote:

ding

Joined: 12 May 2006 Posts: 84 Location: Chandler, Arizona

Holy s#%t, you guys are psychos. I actually like smoking. I smoke a pack every 2-3 days. When theres a ton of s#%t going on i smoke even more. Smoking is fucken crazy addicting. I'm only 21 but the longest I've gone without smoking is like a week. Takes balls to quit smoking.

Joined: 16 Feb 2008 Posts: 513 Location: Maine

I've been thinking of trying again to quit. Been smoking about 30 years and have been 2 pks a day for for quite awhile. My job makes it more difficult. Equipment operator for a small municipality. 5 of us there and we all smoke like we're on fire. While driving a truck, especially plowing snow because of the slow pace, smoke, smoke, smoke. Some storms, we'll go as long as 24 hrs. straight...

Ahhh well. I've actually got a script at the pharmacy right now for some quit pills. Just got to make up my mind that I'm going to do it.

Joined: 29 May 2007 Posts: 5911 Location: ill-adelphia

jim6 wrote:

Faust wrote:

ding

you, too?

Joined: 29 May 2007 Posts: 5911 Location: ill-adelphia

jim6 wrote:

I did a favor for a pal at work who smokes really good cigars. Like the $6 or $7 per variety. After the favor is finished, he hands me a Ziploc with two of those beauties in there. I gave them back. He was very apologetic once he realized the correlation.

he realized you weren't a whitehouse intern?

(that was bad and outdated. i'm ashamed of myself. Embarassed

)

Joined: 27 Feb 2006 Posts: 10221 Location: New Jersey USA

jim6 wrote:

Congrats to those still on the path and encouragement for those ready to start. That sounded kinda Zen-like. Whoa.

Still no smoking. Inappropriate touching, to be sure, but no gerts.

I did a favor for a pal at work who smokes really good cigars. Like the $6 or $7 per variety. After the favor is finished, he hands me a Ziploc with two of those beauties in there. I gave them back. He was very apologetic once he realized the correlation.

No doobies, either.

I quit smoking cigarettes in January of 1990. Havent had a puff of cigarette smoke since. However, I occaisionally had some nightmares that I was smoking cigarettes. Those contunued on a sporadic basis. Then about five years ago, I smoked a cigar at a bachelor party. My first stogie ever. I figured it was okay since there was no inhaling. I took a liking to the cigars, and now I smoke one every now and again. The nightmares have not returned since. And I have had no issues or inclinations to return to cigarette smokes. Just thought I would share that.

Joined: 19 Jan 2008 Posts: 594 Location: Standard Orbit

Like most young teens growing up in the south during the sixties the peer pressure to smoke was insurmountable. Besides you have to have Something to do while your fishing (WHAT! You don’t fish? Yea right.) Any way I smoked through high school, Camel unfiltered, just like my Dad. Quit during the summer after my senior year (1970) using the famous GOTMNWFCWWNTSBTPW method. Why bother with cigarettes? It was the seventies and there were SO MANY other ways to pollute our bodies.

Well somehow, by the grace of the Gods, I managed to survive the Seventies excesses. And as the years went by, and I matured, I gradually just grew out of the whole drug thing. There were just so many more important things to do! Being messed up just didn’t fit in. I have been clean for nearly twenty years, except for alcohol in strict moderation, and tobacco.

Yep, I said tobacco. Its true, I have not inhaled a tobacco cigarette since May of 1970. However, somewhere along the way, one of my buddies gifted me with a tin of Dunhill 965 and a FINE very high quality Italian free hand style briar smoking pipe! What a sublime experience, almost transcendental! Until then I had not realized that tobacco could be so complex! Cigarettes are truly evil; they hide and mask the true complex flavors and aromas in the natural leaf!

Cigarettes are tobacco ABUSE, plain and simple.

I have always been an amateur wine connoisseur; I just LOVE a hearty burgundy to complement a fine steak dinner. I practically worship some of those wonderful French Bordeaux’s that have survived from thirty and forty years ago.

Tobacco is just another extension of the same cultural phenomena. Being a natural product of the earth, when properly handled and cured by an expert, it possesses all the same complexity of character and taste as any fine wine. Especially when NOT adulterated with chemical additives. Like the potassium nitrate added to cigarette tobacco for an “even burn”. If you have ever lit up a “cowboy killer” – Marlboro Red in a VERY dark room you can see little sparkles as the tobacco burns. This light show might be fun to look at but it is the additives that keep the cig lit. It is these and other additives that make the cigarette the instrument of the devil.

Yes, I’m a pipe smoker, going on four decades. True, we are a rare breed these days. Mind you I don’t turn up my nose at a fine hand rolled premium cigar. Nicaraguan Padron Pyramid Aniversario 1964, thank you very much (my birthday is in November).

Inhale? NEVER!

Handling a pipe is actually quite an art in and of itself. Pipes and cigars will not stay lit like a cigarette will. You actually must pay attention to packing, tamping, and proper lighting.. Want to have some fun? If you ever see two pipe smokers at the same time ask them “What is the proper way to fill and light a pipe?”! Then stand back and watch the fireworks begin! The debate could go for hours. If it starts to lag you could toss in “What’s your favorite tobacco?”, “What’s better Briar or Meerschaum?”, or even “Matches or Zippo?”!!

I still have that original tin of Dunhill 965 as well as the free hand pipe. That empty tin now holds extra guitar picks. The pipe sits proudly in my rack of about twenty pipes. My current favorite is a beautiful briar Oom Paul I actually found on the side of the road, after a thorough cleaning it has served me well for more than twenty years. My current favorite tobacco is “Don’s Blend” a Cavendish put up by a local Tobacconist.

I think nothing caps off a fine evening meal like sitting out on the lanai with some pleasant conversation, a nice glass of Marsala, Brandy, or Single Malt Scotch and a rich bowl full of Don’s in my Oom Paul or Meerschaum bent billiard.

My maternal Grandfather, Oscar O’Brien, was a mountain of a man. He had a smoking pipe in his mouth almost his entire life. He lived to be ninety-three. He probably would have lived another ten years or more except for the “anvil incident”.

There is GOOD scientific data to show that PIPE and CIGAR smoking actually prolongs life. The government won’t let you see it though. But like Fox and Muldar told us: “The truth is out there”. You just have to look hard enough.

“I believe that pipe smoking contributes to a somewhat calm and objective judgment in all human affairs.” – Albert Einstein (1879 - 1955).

“…let us have a quite pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more cheerful” – Sherlock Holmes The Adventure of the Speckled Band.

It would be difficult indeed to understate the importance of Tobacco and the Pipe to the indigenous population of our fine homeland.

I make no apology for enjoying tobacco. And to those who chose to shun the evil of cigarettes, well more power to you! Just don’t lump us all into the same basket.

Good luck to you Jim, and congratulations for sticking to it for so long! And good wishes and best regards to everyone else on the list who is out to quit!

Keep up the good work!

Joined: 08 Oct 2007 Posts: 1555

I had my wisdom tooth removed last Wednesday. I haven't smoked since the 18th of March. I cannot frippin wait to light one up.

That is all.

I'm pretty sure I'll quite sometime soon though. Not a big smoker, a pack a week really at most.

Joined: 25 Mar 2006 Posts: 5765 Location: Joisey

If any of you guys have quit before and then relapsed, cold turkey the 2nd time around isn't nearly as bad. It was pretty easy actually, the first week sucked ass though.

Joined: 29 Nov 2003 Posts: 14502

Three years yesterday, with no cheating.

Ding.

Joined: 24 Jul 2007 Posts: 5321 Location: DOA #07-01193

Congrats.

Joined: 25 Mar 2006 Posts: 5765 Location: Joisey

jim6 wrote:

Three years yesterday, with no cheating.

Ding.

Congrats Jim! 9 months for me in exactly 2 weeks. No cheating either. I'm so glad I quit. Not only do I feel better and can actually smell things, those fuckers cost a fortune now! Shocked

Joined: 01 Feb 2005 Posts: 12036 Location: Nevada

congrats man.

I think it will be 6 years for me on Oct. 18th

Joined: 28 Jan 2007 Posts: 4764 Location: Indiana

You've come a long way baby

Joined: 22 Dec 2006 Posts: 292

Good luck dude. All the best, I really hope it all works out for ya!

Joined: 23 Jan 2008 Posts: 465 Location: florida

my daughtera have been asking me to quit for awhile now. ive been smoking so long it will probably feel like losing my mind. i wish i never started. good luck jim hopefully you will inspire many . how are you doing when you crack a brew .i smoke like a train when the beer starts flowing

Joined: 29 Nov 2003 Posts: 14502

greensnake wrote:

how are you doing when you crack a brew .i smoke like a train when the beer starts flowing

That was really one of the easier times. If you're having a beer or four, just keep the eye on the goal. If you can't do one without the other, then you can't have either. So.........resist and still drink beer.

Joined: 25 Mar 2006 Posts: 5765 Location: Joisey

greensnake wrote:

how are you doing when you crack a brew .i smoke like a train when the beer starts flowing

Oh man, that was the hardest part. Not to mention my parents and all of my friends smoke so, it was a bitch.

Joined: 25 Mar 2006 Posts: 5765 Location: Joisey

jim6 wrote:

greensnake wrote:

how are you doing when you crack a brew .i smoke like a train when the beer starts flowing

That was really one of the easier times. If you're having a beer or four, just keep the eye on the goal. If you can't do one without the other, then you can't have either. So.........resist and still drink beer.

Whoops, missed this post. Good (and very true) advice, Jim!

Joined: 01 Feb 2005 Posts: 12036 Location: Nevada

jim6 wrote:

greensnake wrote:

how are you doing when you crack a brew .i smoke like a train when the beer starts flowing

That was really one of the easier times. If you're having a beer or four, just keep the eye on the goal. If you can't do one without the other, then you can't have either. So.........resist and still drink beer.

yep, once you resist the smokes while drinnking then it just becomes second nature. I wish i could get the wife to quit.

Guest

Best of Luck! Wink

Posted: Thu Sep 11, 2008 2:32 am

I consider myself very fortunate that I never started smoking as a kid. Most smokers I know say they started when they were young, trying to look cool. I was already cooler than anyone else, so I guess that's why I never smoked.

Joined: 12 May 2006 Posts: 84 Location: Chandler, Arizona

Congrats to the you people.

I quit in January and just a couple weeks ago i screwed up and had a cigarette and a half, but I haven't had one since.

The first one was really good until i felt my lungs tighten up and my heartbeat get heavier then It really wasn't worth it. Then the next day I had a half a cig, i couldn't finish it because it tasted gross and I still felt the lung and heartbeat effect from the day before.

I know it's not the same for everyone but I can't believe how bad cigarettes really effected me until I had that one after having quit already. I still think about having one every day, but it's just not going to happen. It's nice being able to breathe better and have 90% less headaches lol. Come to think of it, i barely got any good reason out of smoking except the feeling of inhaling and watching the smoke go out.

Joined: 19 Oct 2006 Posts: 2897 Location: Anahiem, CA

holy zombie thread ressurection batman.

Joined: 29 Nov 2003 Posts: 14502

cerebrix1 wrote:

holy zombie thread ressurection batman.

BUT.........as the OP, I am quite pleased to say that I have not had a single drag since putting them down. Temptation has almost won a few times.

Joined: 14 Aug 2007 Posts: 753

jim6 wrote:

Mike wrote:

Better start buyin the low fat, low sugar stuff now because you're in for a metabolic shock if it hasn't started yet Laughing

I started doing Atkins almost two years ago and dropped about 35 pounds. I'll be damned if I'm going to gain it back because I quit smoking gerts.

The grace period of eating whatever is officially over. Especially after those Nutter Butter cookies I had when I donated blood this morning. There's a side benefit! The blood pressure was down significantly this morning during the screening from the last time I had it checked.

Again, thanks for the support. If any of you other folks are thinking of doing it, don't hesitate.

Jim

Good luck Jim. I smoked for 20 years or so. I have been quit for over 5 years now. I quit several other times but never as long. Each time before I quit the last time I would think that having one wasn't a big deal. Every time that lead back to me smoking again. This time I haven't had even a drag since I last quit. Don't go back. You'll thank yourself for it later.

Guest

Congratulations to those of you that have quit!!

Im on week one again it was last Thursday that I had a smoke. Its so hard but its the best thing for my family and I.
I wish I never started but thats what we all say.
Yeah its nasty yeah it hurts you but man did I enjoy it.
Heres to week one I hope week two is easier on me and everyone around me.
Iv been told Im an Ass Hole at least 5 times in the past week, ehh whats ya gonna do. Keep Moving Froward!!
Now I carry a big pack of gum and no lighters.
fuggin 8 bucks a pack 3k a year !!!STUPID!!!
Thats a kick ass USA right there Twisted Evil

Joined: 29 Nov 2003 Posts: 14502

THREAD NECROMANCY FOR RON

Joined: 29 Nov 2003 Posts: 12280 Location: PEORIA ILLINOIS

wow this thread just popped up like someone had bumped it. Before I saw and posted on it, it hadn't had any replies or edits since 2006.

So how is everyone doing ?

Posted: Sun Jan 06, 2013 11:04 pm

Jim6 wrote:

THREAD NECROMANCY FOR RON

Thanks, I just read through the whole thing and it is inspiring. It is sad to see friends from the past who are no longer with us though. Maybe they will come back for a visit someday