Kev, I am sorry that you are having a rough time at the moment. It is not just you - it happens to a lot of people, including me actually. Looking back, one of the most interesting things about quitting is that you have to face yourself and you have to re-educate yourself. That's why being here means you are much more likely to succeed. I am very optimistic that you will 'make it' - probably more than you are. If you can just get through a bit longer, it starts to get easier. This phase will not last forever - for me it started to ease at around Day 120. There is actually a scientific reason for it - to do with brain chemistry and serotonin, and how nicotene stimulates these 'feel good' areas. When you quit, it takes time before the brain wakes up and starts producing the good chemicals on its own. Hence many people have a 'down' period around where you are now. Another thing you learn from quitting is how to succeed at something. You learn that you can actually talk yourself into either 1) succeeding 2) failing. The choice is yours. You will start to recognise "Junkie Thinking" more and more. Please know that I am not criticising you - we all have it - me too. I have thought all these things. I cried my way through month 4. Your junkie is still alive at the moment, but that's OK. You just need to recognise that this is just a thought. It does not make it true. When you get those thoughts, you need to challenge them. I often think that maybe I am just too addicted and that quitting is the wrong thing. - No, you are a nicotene addict. You will get through this phase. 'Life is not about how long, but how much you enjoy it' - don't be fooled - life as a non-smoker is infinitely better. Really and truly. You will laugh when you look back at this. I have trouble saying I WILL do X if I am not sure that it is easily possible = preparing for failure. Junkie Thinking You will get throught this. Lizzie :) [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B]4/23/2003 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 1635 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 24,525 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] �6,131.25 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 163 [B]Hrs:[/B] 13 [B]Mins:[/B] 3 [B]Seconds:[/B] 24

Morning All, Unhooked, when you put it that way, I see what you mean. Hence, today I shall say.. I PROMISE NOT TO SMOKE TODAY and I also promise not to eat any chocolate :) Aloha, if you could reach through that screen and shake the junkie out of me then I would be a very happy man. It seems to be an ever present and strong thing within me. It is why at ninety ish days I am still climbing the walls when most people have moved on to a more serene phase. I often think that maybe I am just too addicted and that quitting is the wrong thing. Then I try to remember that maybe it is just a phase and that I will feel more comfortable with the whole thing later. I am constantly reminding myself of the advantages of not smoking. I am especially reminded when I pick up my ipod and think of all the new music that I have that I would not have had if I smoke. Smokefree reminds me of all the physical health benefits such as being able to smell better and sense of taste improving. Junkie reminds me of my deteriorating mental health due to the fact that I am not cutting out all emotions by smoking and that this is one of the reasons why I started smoking in the first place. I will go for a long walk today though Aloha. There is no longer any wedding to worry about so I can take as long as possible. It helps me no end. Because I am writing today, It means that I did not smoke last night at the wedding. Yippee. That means that I might make 100 days after all. News of my quit spread through the family as things often do during these gatherings. I got told 'Life is not about how long, but how much you enjoy it' which didn't really help me that much. But I stuck like glue to my dad and ensured I did not stray anywhere near the smokers. This helps immensely. I actually thought how much I would miss you all if I smoked. It seems to be very powerful thought. Anyway, enough from me today. Shower, walk then sleep. See you tomorrow. (HUGS) From Kev p.s. notice that not only the 'maybe' stuff is a junkie get out clause, but also apologising to everybody everyday. Its a softening up approach. Aloha, I think it is worth me going back to basics. I'll start today. [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B]7/12/2007 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 94 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 2,350 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] �394.80 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 11 [B]Hrs:[/B] 18 [B]Mins:[/B] 36 [B]Seconds:[/B] 26

Kev I'd like to reach through this screen and shake that junkie right outta you!!!! What is this "I'll try" and "I'll do my best" business??? What the heck is different now as opposed to a few weeks ago? Got a few little tips for you: Think about something else! Go back to basics!! Notice how much healthier (and richer) you feel, listen to that cd again!!! exercise!!!! ok, I feel much better now...hope you do too :eg: [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B]3/22/2007 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 205 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 8,200 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $1,394.00 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 28 [B]Hrs:[/B] 15 [B]Mins:[/B] 43 [B]Seconds:[/B] 35

Kev, smoke free has been winning for 93 days now and will continue to, as long as you make sure he does. Hope & try won't do it. Let's see some guts & heart, they're what gets it done. There isn't much point in promising only what is easily possible. A promise only matters if it involves some degree of difficulty. I mean I could promise to eat some chocolate every day, but it wouldn't mean as much as promising to exercise every day. The junkie is just trying to leave you an out, so you can say, "well, I only promised to try and I did..." I promise not to smoke this weekend and also to kick my friend Kev's butt if he does. Have fun at the wedding. Smoking is not fun. [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B]5/13/2007 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 153 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 3,060 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $1,683.00 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 15 [B]Hrs:[/B] 8 [B]Mins:[/B] 26 [B]Seconds:[/B] 12

Kev...you're the one in control, silly. :) [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B]8/25/2007 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 49 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 1,470 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $286.65 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 4 [B]Hrs:[/B] 9 [B]Mins:[/B] 55 [B]Seconds:[/B] 25

I guess we have a clever Kelly and Aloha! :) It should read something like 'I will pick out a shirt that I wear in honour of Sue and Aloha'. I know about the girls don't like to dress the same as I spent two hours late at Marks & Spencer following my mum around being asked what I thought of dress 1 to 100. After a while they all looked the same to me. I've still got final pick as to which looks nicest on her to do this afternoon. In the end she bought dresses 1 to 100! (or at least it seems that way). Onto the promises. I know I just can't catch you two out! I had been wondering whether promising during No Mans Land was useful as I have no idea one second from the next as to whether I am going to light up at all. I don't feel in control at all. Junkie and smokefree seem to take alternate control of my brain now. Just yesterday I passed the garage door and thought 'I am really glad I don't smoke anymore. I would have been out there shivering at 5am' so I know smokefree wins over sometimes. My mum always said never make promises you can't keep. I've kind of followed through with that all my life and you'll notice that is why I have trouble saying I WILL do x if I am not sure that it is easily possible. So whilst I cannot make my usual promise. I will promise to try my absolute best to not smoke today (and hope my best is good enough). It is going to be an interesting situation as the father of the bride has bergers disease and had to have his toes and fingertips removed and the bride smokes like a trooper. I will be thinking of you when at the wedding for sure and I have plans to keep reminding myself that Tresa never accumulated over 1000 days by smoking. You're all heros to me really, no matter how many days accumulated. I've been using all the distractions I can think of this week to get me away from thinking about smoking btw. Anyway, I am about to get ready for the wedding. Have a good one. HUGS from kev [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B]7/12/2007 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 93 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 2,325 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] �390.60 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 11 [B]Hrs:[/B] 15 [B]Mins:[/B] 51 [B]Seconds:[/B] 51

Good point ck, And uh, Kev? Sue and I have to wear the same shirt? You know girls don't like to dress the same ;p Oh, and I promise I will not smoke today or during the wedding or reception this weekend :) [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B]3/22/2007 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 204 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 8,160 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $1,387.20 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 28 [B]Hrs:[/B] 12 [B]Mins:[/B] 16 [B]Seconds:[/B] 16

Hey, Kev! [IMG]http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc221/jstforkel/104.gif[/IMG] Thanks for sticking around. I'm a little disappointed to hear you won't be playing Britney but I suppose we'll be okay w/o her. Alright, I have a question. Today appears to be day three that I have not seen your promise. (I say I have not seen it because sometimes things are there and I miss them completely.) So, I am wondering what makes you decide to promise or not to promise...that is my question. :) [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B]8/25/2007 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 48 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 1,440 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $280.80 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 4 [B]Hrs:[/B] 7 [B]Mins:[/B] 46 [B]Seconds:[/B] 0

Live-Wire, reporting for duty. :) So I finally learnt how to do that image thing, no if I could work out how to do that non-smoking thing...ah yes that is what I am doing right now and in fact have only 8 days before I hit the beach. Luckily Kelly, you caught me just in time. I'm still onboard and will gladly dj for the mustquiteers! I just ordered some electronica especially for the occasion. Ah, you want NO ELECTRONICA..ok, I think I have enough music for any taste. I even have motorbikes going around the isle of man on vinyl! No Britney Spears though ok! :) Plus I need to stay onboard for beachwear tips. :) Tresa, I would love to leave the junkie thinking behind. Hopefully its grip will loosen as I go through this No Mans Land phase. I'd agree with Lizzie and say this is a very very strange phase. Even I am lost for words sometimes, though you would never know by my posts. :) I've apologised several times already this week to both my parents for smoking imminently .. and then not smoking. The trend continues. Tomorrow will be my first wedding smokefree and my second reception smokefree. Hence I will not be around much on Saturday and maybe Sunday. I totally plan on staying smokefree for the whole time and reporting back. It is before the 100 days and I really really want to make 100 days smoke free. I've even picked out a shirt especially for Aloha and Sue to wear for my 100 day beach photo. Btw, Gen, for you, most definitely. Even Van Morrison :) But as you are already at the beach, I need to get there. [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B]7/12/2007 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 92 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 2,300 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] �386.40 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 11 [B]Hrs:[/B] 12 [B]Mins:[/B] 59 [B]Seconds:[/B] 59

:) Hmmm. How do you do it then Tresa? Hi Kev. You're showing off now! Can you make sure you've got really boring tunes on there for me: Van Morison U2 Travelling Wibury's (Before recently re-released I have to add) Nora Jones The Beatles Frank Sinatra The Pogues You know,things you can sing along to. Gen ;p [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B]3/28/2007 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 198 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 3,168 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] �990.00 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 26 [B]Hrs:[/B] 5 [B]Mins:[/B] 15 [B]Seconds:[/B] 15