Today is 34 days smoke-free for me!! Thank you DUers!

[catpower2000]

I haven't posted about it in a while, because it's actually getting easier! My lungs are rejuvinating amazingly quickly, and I can't believe how fantastic I feel! WOOO HOOO!!!!

My main reason for posting this thread is as a thank-you. Many DUers supported me through this process, and I truly believe I couldn't have done it without you.

Underpants, when he was quitting months ago, took the time to PM me with detailed information about the patch, which is what really got me started thinking about quitting. UP, we'll get you back away from the dark side yet--you and your wife!!

BigJawnn and Arwalden inspired me with thier quitting stories--and they also inspired me by losing the weight they gained after quitting! I decided to incorporate working out into my quitting after reading Jawnn's biking threads. It's really helped!

Some people were just wonderful and fantastic support. Buddhamama, DoveTurnedHawk, GOPisEvil, Cheswick, RBNYC, LynneSinn, thank you all.

There are others who posted and PM'd, and I know I forgot so many people, but it's not because your support wasn't MUCH appreciated and your love wasn't felt!! Love you all!!! :loveya:

Thank you DUers!! Because of your support, I am smoke-free and loving it!!

Cat :hug:

[wtmusic]

1. Go Cat!!!

It's been 20 years for me but I'll never forget quitting. It's the hardest thing I've ever done.

Beware of a "two month bump" where the urge comes back. Once you're past that (in my experience) it's smooth sailing.

That's terrific. Keep us posted!

[catpower2000]

8. Thank you!

Congrats on 20 years! Woo hoo!

I'll look out for that 2-month bump--I don't want anything to sabatoge me this late in the game! I'm never going back, man! ;-)

Cat

[arwalden]

2. Congrats!! Have you gained any weight?

I did... but I managed to un-snack it off again. Not a "true" diet... I just quit the excessive snacking.

[catpower2000]

6. I haven't!

But that's because I started working out the very day that I quit. And the reason I did that is because I learned from your and Jawnn's experiences! I was very lucky to have such wonderful DUers go before me so I knew exactly what to expect!

Thanks again, Allen. :hug:

Cat

[Noordam]

3. I am three months into being smoke free myself

Good going. The patch is great and I got luckly, my Step 3 patches from Target were $8. LOL. The box was not open but the outer clear covering had a tear in it.

[catpower2000]

7. Congratulations to you too!!

Three months, huh? I wish I was there, but I'm getting there!

Cool on getting your patches on clearance--I love Target! :) I get my patches there--the generic Target brand, and they're only $30 a box, but I haven't found a clearance box yet! ;-) I'm still on step 2--the 14mg patch. Somehow, I didn't expect it to be smaller than the 21mg one, and then when I opened it, I was like, AWWWW. :) Cutie!

Cat

[Noordam]

56. catpower2000 wait until you see the Step 3 Size

they are smaller yet.

LOL

[Cheswick2.0]

4. I am so glad to hear you are feeling better

It has been over three year for me and I never crave a cig. There might be some social situations where I would be tempted. But I think of the money I save and how much better my lungs feel and the fact that my clothes and car do not stink of old cigarettes.... I don't think I could ever be that tempted again.

You have done a great thing for yourself. I am really proud of you!

[catpower2000]

11. I am glad to hear that you don't crave them! Something to look forward to!

I still have cravings, but compared to the INSANE ones of the first few weeks, it's SO much easier now. I am tempted at weird times--my mom calls it "Beginnings and endings". Like when you finish a project at work or at home--the first thought is still, "Job well done! Time for a cig." AARGH. But that's lessening.

I LOVE smelling good! I don't have to wash my clothes after one wearing, and my friends, when they hug me, say, "You smell great!" WOO HOO!! Now I smell other smokers and I think "Gosh, I can't believe I smelled like that for so long."

Thanks again for your support, Ches, you're awesome. :hug:

Cat

[Aristus]

5. Congratulations, Cat.

I'm proud of you! :bounce: Keep up the good work! :toast:

[catpower2000]

12. Thank you Aristus!

You were one of the people whom I was trying to remember to thank--you were wonderfully supportive and sweet. :)

Thank you! :loveya:

Cat

[underpants]

9. SMOKE BREAK!

Sorry I couldn't resist.

Congrats to you. you rock. Yes we are going to quit again real soon and DO IT this time.

34 days is AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!

[catpower2000]

18. Thank you UP!!

I swear, you won't miss them when you do quit. It gets SOOOO much easier after the first 2 weeks. Believe me. :)

Thanks, darlin. :hug:

Cat

[efhmc]

10. I hope that you are as proud of yourself as you should be. Many

congratulations and keep up the GOOD work!!

[catpower2000]

19. I am proud of myself! It's been a hard road, but totally worth it!

I kinda can't believe I didn't quit before, actually. I can't believe I let it go for 12 years. Thank goodness I'm only 30 and I have lots of time for my body to heal.

Cat

[GOPisEvil]

13. Congratulations!

I'm really very happy for you. :hug:

[catpower2000]

22. Thanks, David :)

:hug:

[arwalden]

14. How Much Do Smokes Cost Where You Live? How Much Have You Saved?

And... are you putting your savings away? Or are the savings becoming part of the general-fund again?

You really ought to figure out how much you've saved and REWARD YOURSELF with a gift of equal value!!

-- Allen

[catpower2000]

24. Well! According to quitnet.org, here are my stats:

Your Quit Date is: 8/21/2003 11:30:00 PM

Time Smoke-Free: 34 days, 13 hours, 18 minutes and 34 seconds

Cigarettes NOT smoked: 691

Lifetime Saved: 5 days, 6 hours

Money Saved: $87.50

So that's almost $90.00! I did buy Season 1 of Smallville on DVD last night for $49.99. :)

The stat I can't believe is the 691 cigs I haven't smoked! Good lord, when I think of a huge pile of 691 butts, it makes me :puke:

Cat

[StaggerLee]

15. Good for you!

Kick that habit's ass!

*speaking of- do you remember that old joke:

You can kiss a nun- but don't get into the habit.

:D

Congrats Cat!

[catpower2000]

25. LOL!

Stupid joke, but it made me laugh out loud. Thank you. :)

Cat

[Chilly_Willy]

16. Good job

Great job! A smoke-free, woman who loves the Redskins what more could a man ask for?

BTW - Go Redskins!!! We need more wins!!

[catpower2000]

29. Thank you

They look pretty good this year--I'd really like them to win this weekend just because I don't want to hear it from the NE fans. :)

Cat

[Chilly_Willy]

75. Redskins hopefully 3-1

I agree!

[BurtWorm]

17. Good for you!

[catpower2000]

30. Thank you! *bows* :)

:hug:

[bloom]

20. I love to hear good news like this!

congrats!

[catpower2000]

31. Thank you!

We need all the good news we can get right now! :)

Cat

[LynneSin]

21. Congrats Cat - I knew you could do it!!!

Now take some of that money you're saving and donate it to your favorite progressive causes!!!! Or just splurge and buy yourself something real nice!!!

I knew you could do it

:hug:

[catpower2000]

33. Thank you Lynne!!

You were so positive from the beginning, you were really wonderful. Thank you again. :) :) :)

Cat :hug: :loveya:

ps. I already bought Smallville Season 1 on DVD. ;-)

[arcane1]

23. sweet! Did you have many smoking dreams?

I was haunted by them for MONTHS afterwards :silly:


:toast::toast::toast::toast:

[Mandate My Ass]

27. I *still* have those

more than 13 years later.

Congrats, Cat, for getting that smelly monkey off your back! :hi:

[catpower2000]

37. Thanks, Monica!!

I'm very fresh! ;-)

Cat

[catpower2000]

35. I haven't actually, thank goodness...

It may still happen, after I go off the patch, when I'm totally nicotine-free. But by then I will have been down to 8mg a day for two weeks, so hopefully, my body will have finished with that sort of thing before then.

Thanks. :)

Cat

[BiggJawn]

26. Out-Freakin'-Standing! You GO!, Cat!

34 days....That's almost out of the woods, your body has NO need for Nicotine anymore...Now, on to the road!
Big Hug!

And...as for the money saved and not put in the tax coffers or RJ Reynold's pocket...
How do you think I'm affording all this bike gear? :7

190 Days Smoke-Free here...

[catpower2000]

40. WOO HOO to you!!

190 days is a LONG TIME. You aren't an ex-smoker anymore--you're a NONSMOKER.

Thanks for being such an inspiration!!! :hug:

Cat

[Skittles]

28. OUTSTANDING!!!!!!!!!!!!

:D

[catpower2000]

41. Thanks!!

If I ever smoke again, you'll KICK MY ASS. :)

Cat

[jono]

32. Wow, Cat! Congratulations!

I haven't quit yet, but your posts have certainly been an inspiration. Way to go!

:yourock:

[catpower2000]

42. I know you'll quit soon!

All the cool kids are doin' it. ;-)

Seriously, try the patch, if you haven't already. It's a godsend.

If there's anything I can do to help you quit, please let me know. I'd love to!

Cat :hi:

[jono]

61. I was unhappy with the patch

the first time I tried it. I would get so irritated and just rip it off. But I'm willing to give it another try. I'm going to start my nicotine fading now and set a quit date a couple weeks from now. Most of all I'll need some of this wonderful DU moral support!

edited for nit-picky punctuation

[catmandu57]

34. You're welcome

and a big high five to catpower2000.

[catpower2000]

43. YOU were one of the people I wanted to thank!!

You were awesome!! Thanks so much. :loveya:

Cat :hug:

[playahata1]

36. Good for you, Catherine!

How's it going in other parts of your life? Peace.

[catpower2000]

44. It's going pretty well!!

The plans to move back to Philly in November are well underway, so I am getting very excited about that. Work is hectic, but good. Still single! I guess that's okay too. ;-)

How about you!

Cat

[playahata1]

45. Same old same old.

Still an adjunct, still struggling $$$$, still sending out applications for tenure-track jobs. I pick up two more classes (12-week session) next week, so that makes four classes this semester.

Adjuncts in the Florida community college system get only $1500 a class. On the other hand, I see that adjuncts at George Mason U., not too far from where you are, make upwards of $2500 a class. Do the math, Jebthro!

[lanlady]

38. my smoke-free stats

from quitnet.com:

Time Smoke-Free: 138 days, 3 hours, 57 minutes and 38 seconds
Cigarettes NOT smoked: 4145
Lifetime Saved: 1 month, 1 day, 15 hours
Money Saved: $724.50

If you haven't joined quitnet, it's kind of fun, and it's free. Congrats to you!

[catpower2000]

49. WOO HOO!! Congratulations to you too!!

Yes, I have my quitnet stats posted in post #24 above. It IS pretty cool--I like that it keeps track of all the for me.

Cat :bounce:

[proud patriot]

39. That's great

I'm getting really close myself .

I quit when I was pregnant , but started up
again after .....

I'll let every one know :hi:

[catpower2000]

50. Oh, PP, you'll be SO happy you did!!

If you haven't tried the patch already, TRY IT. It's amazing. I was really, really an addict, and it worked AMAZING for me!!

If I can do anything to encourage you or support you, you just let me know! I'm there!!

Cat :hug:

[SOteric]

46. Yay Cat!!!

Way to go, chica! :bounce:

[catpower2000]

51. Thank you darlin!

Haven't talked to you in a while--howyabeen?

I'm good--still planning the move to Philly in November and getting VERY excited!! :)

Cat :hug:

[Crewleader]

47. I don't see my name and I was after you for a long time!

Just proud you did it, and I can say I told you so! ;-)

[catpower2000]

52. CREW!!!! OF COURSE you deserve thanks and praise!!

You were ALWAYS encouraging me to quit and you were AWESOME when I did quit--so here's your BIG THANKS NOW!!! :loveya:

I'm proud of me too, and looking forward to a long and healthful life. :)

Cat :hug:

[Missy Vixen]

48. Woooooo-HOOOOOOOO!

Congratulations, Catpower! Our felines send headbutts and purrs as well!

Now that you're kicking RJ Reynolds and his stinky friends around the block, you'll be in great shape, and you'll have more ca$h to spend on yourself!

Good for you!

Julie
and Holly, Mojo, and Oscar, the uncivilized felines

[catpower2000]

54. WOO HOO!!

Thank you Julie, and thank you Holly, Mojo, and Oscar!! (Mojo is an awesome name for a cat, BTW.)

Just bought Season 1 of Smallville on DVD with former ciggie money. :)

Cat

[myomy]

53. Now donÕt you feel better? YouÕre no longer a street person who has

to go ÒoutsideÓ for a cig. Way to go from a guy who smoked way too long and now has lung disease.

[catpower2000]

55. Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry...

I DO feel better and I wish the best to you and for your health. :hug: If there's anything I can do, let me know!!

Cat

[prolesunited]

58. Keep up the great work!

Lord knows you don't want to repeat the last month again.

:yourock:

[catpower2000]

62. No sh*t!!

Thank you, proles. :)

Cat

[Braden]

57. awesome

I am over the five year mark and I work out more than ever, I can breathe, smell and taste again! you are past the very hardest part. the physical addiction should be all but dead. Now you must simply kick the psychological/emotional part's ass!

[catpower2000]

64. Congratulations to you!!!

I can't believe how much more I can SMELL. I opened (unsealed) a jar of peanut butter the other day and I almost SWOONED, I couldn't believe how peanutty it smelled! LOL!

Cat

[Braden]

72. its pretty amazing.

and I thought everything smelled like smoke!

[Hubert Flottz]

59. Hang in there girl!

It's a hard thing to do! I salute you!

[catpower2000]

66. Thanks Hubert!!

It's awesome to see you around more lately! Missed you!!

Cat :hi:

[Noordam]

60. And now the BAD news

If you smoked indoors. Get some Windex and clean your CDs jewel cases and all plastic things. You will be very upset.

[catpower2000]

67. I didn't thank goodness!!

I live with a nonsmoker and so didn't have to get the sticky gross stuff off of everything. Whew!

The inside of my car, OTOH, is another story. X(

Cat

[Ilsa]

63. That's the second best news I've heard all day.

the first was that the Nigerian woman was set free instead of being stoned to death.

[catpower2000]

68. God, that's WAY better than mine!!

But I guess we can take good news anywhere we get it, right? :)

Cat

[arwalden]

65. In 331 Days You'll Be Bragging That It's Been ONE YEAR!!!

You're definitely over the roughest part. You're no longer physically addicted. Psychologically? Well... that's another hurdle altogether.

(In Unison: "That's another hurdle.")

But simply knowing that it's a psychological need and not a physical one, makes it a bit easier to wait out until it passes.

I'm so proud of you!!!!

Does your family know? Are you bragging to your coworkers, boss, etc? Brag-on, baby... brag-on!

-- Allen

[catpower2000]

69. Oh, I'm braggin', baby!!

I'm braggin all over the damn place! I just sent out a mass email to practically everyone I know with my quit stats today. Today was my day to celebrate--don't know why, (arbitrary number of 34 days), but today I just felt really great and wanted to shre it with my DU family!!

Okay, all, I'm off the computer for the day, thanks so much for all the congrats, love, and support. I love you all!! :loveya: :hug:

Cat

[Bossy Monkey]

70. Yay! Congrats! n/t

[scarlet_owl]

71. Way to go!

Quitting smoking is the best thing I've ever done. Enjoy your new smoke-free self!

[DoveTurnedHawk]

73. CONGRATULATIONS!

And Smallville Season 1 is a good pickup. :-) Season premiere Wednesday!

:hug:

DTH

[GoddessOfGuinness]

74. Happy Breathing!

I'm glad you've stuck with the program! :-)

[jonnyblitz]

76. it gets easier and easier. Year 6 of no Marloboros for me. n/t