Hi Tresa, they probably have a big sign that says "be nice to the customers, they pay your wages" or something. I think you're giving them support by showing them what can go wrong with their systems .. for free. I'd ask to get paid for performing quality control for them! :)
If we were next door to each other, I'd gladly try and fix your computer. Whilst fixing it I could hear your experiences on how you quit. I can never learn too much about things like that. I realise that I am just scratching the surface as to learning how to cope a smokefree life. aka I still have a lot to learn.
My little musing for today is that everyone here actually provides a top class support role. Not computers of course but stopping smoking. You see, last night, I decided to make my threads available to my mum. Starting at the very beginning (4 1/2 days to go) right through to me making the beach. An eternal case of CTRL-A, CTRL-C, CTRL-V, for each single page. Theres probably a much easier way of course. :)
Whilst copying the pages, I started reading parts from the very beginning, right through (it didn't help my copying speed). My, oh, my! I can definitely say that I was a dusty old computer with defragmented hard disk drive (habit), broken monitor (view on life), dodgy keyboard with missing keys (low self esteem) and a clapped out mouse (this is where I should insert a joke about sticky balls but as mice are normally optical nowadays I will say .. was moving in the wrong direction).
But, unlike most support specialist who would have taken one look at me and would have said 'You're 'avin a laugh mate. That computer is a write-off, you want the new super dooper top of the range one. The one you have is only good for scrap. I'll give you �10 for it', instead, you spent weeks running defragmenting programs, replacing screens and trying different keys to see which ones worked. All for free! That is endless time and patience spent lovingly restoring this old relic into something that starts up and runs for some time, without knowing if I will crash and burn in a pile of burning broken plastic keys.
I hope you like my analogy. That is why you are to me my great friends. I am glad you don't tire quick because my hard drive gets fragmented with 'MUST SMOKE' segments quite quickly.
Anyway, I hope I didn't say anything that my mum might find upsetting or offensive. Its a lot of threads. Plus it is the first time in my life that I opened up to anyone about anything so I really am not experienced at it.
If you have made it through my soppy emotional kev drivel without throwing up then a little story from the national papers for today. It has probably been reported about before however, this was a near full page article and thought you might be interested. I've never tried one (and probably never will, if I smoke it is the old way). Have you?
E-cig 'can be puffed on indoors'
By Mike Swain Science Editor 23/10/2007
An electronic cigarette has been launched in a bid to dodge the smoking ban.
Smokers can puff away indoors on the battery-powered "e-cig" while enjoying a strong kick of nicotine.
It has an atomiser to create realistic puffs of "smoke" and lasts for 350 drags - the equivalent of 30 cigarettes.
But the Chinese-made, sixinch plastic stick doesn't come cheap. A starter pack, including a filter and a charger, is �50 while replacement filters cost �10 each.
The maker claims the device is a healthy alternative to smoking because it has no fire, tar, or other harmful chemicals found in tobacco products.
But it nevertheless contains 15 times more nicotine than you would get in a normal cigarette.
Claims that the sticks are a good way to give up cigarettes are disputed by experts who say the ecigs will still create a craving for nicotine. The devices are currently being tested out at London celebrity nightclub Chinawhites.
The club's co-founder John Stephen said: "Clubs should move with the times and offer members the choice to smoke outside or enjoy a smoke-free cigarette indoors.
"We're trialling these e-cigs to see if our members like them - and the few that have tried them say they are amazing.
"Our members who do wish to smoke should be given options that don't simply force them to light up on the street."
Nicole Cammack, 18, from Ashford, Middlesex, said: "This is a good solution. It's elegant and easy to hold - and it doesn't make your hands smell like a cigarette does." Rex Newmark, 23, from Hampstead, North London, said: "It would certainly be a talking point. I enjoyed smoking it - but I think it's a bit too feminine for a man to use."
The electronic cigarette was produced first in China four years ago.
Beijing firm SBT developed the e-smoking technology.
Manufacturer Golden Dragon, which now controls SBT, expects sales to double this year.
The company's range also includes e-pipes, e-cigars and e-cigarillos.
SBT's vice president Scott Fraser said: "We're a smoking replacement instead of just nicotine replacement.
"The nicotine is delivered to the lungs within seven to 10 seconds. It feels like a cigarette, looks like a cigarette, it even emits vapour.
"In many ways, it is like an actual smoking experience, and that's what makes us different."
FAG FACT
8.3 per cent of smokers have used the ban to quit, 15.8 per cent are smoking less and 34.1 per cent smoking less when out.
[B]My Milage:[/B]
[B]My Quit Date: [/B]7/12/2007
[B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 103
[B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 2,575
[B]Amount Saved:[/B] �432.60
[B]Life Gained:[/B]
[B]Days:[/B] 12 [B]Hrs:[/B] 21 [B]Mins:[/B] 40 [B]Seconds:[/B] 37
