The Giving Up Smoking Thread!!

kirstymccr

IDA
Thanks very much for that link - i was amazed to see psoriasis as a condition affected by smoking - thinking back my psoriasis started approx a year after i started smoking but at the time i associated it with exam stress - it was prob a combination of both, another reason to keep stopped to add to my list

newsgroup_monkey

Still going here :beer:

Mr O'Teen is still getting me from time to time, but I'm now feeling like a real non-smoker. I keep thinking that actually, all the upcoming social situations are going to be fun without smoking.....eg.

- Family going camping in August for a week
- Going out with Girlfriends family this coming weekend
- Had youngest son out over the weekend, went cycling, felt much better (and didn't have to have a break to have a fag)
- My car smells much better (and I don't have to worry about whether the law allows me to smoke in it or not unlike my neighbour)

We (my gf and I) decided we'd also do something positive (she was never a smoker but is very supportive) so we did.

We've bought unlimited film passes to our local cinema. Saw 5 films over the last 8 days (well just catching up). It's brilliant. It means I don't have to worry or think about smoking and it's definitely an incentive - every time we go, it makes me think how much better this is than smoking.

I know some of you have kids full time (I did have until separation last year) but then why not get them involved too? Our passes are £10.99 a month each.

Typical family of 4 per month = £43.96.

Before you say you can't afford it, go back to smoking 10 fags a day.

£2.50 x 30 = £75 Per month

Now imagine smoking 20 a day......... Even smoking Richmond works out at £140 a month...........

Keep going at it guys :T:T:T:T:T:T:T:T:T

Stu

in_debt_again_but_dealing_with_it

Interesting about the psorasis Kirsty, I suffer badly too, hands, elbows, knees and feet and since quitting my knees are almost clear and the rest is definately less "angry".
Hi Stu and well done - I'm beginning to feel like a non-smoker too and apart from the concern about civil liberties, big brother syndrome etc, I think the smoking ban is a good thing - definately is for me anyway - or am I being selfish?? By the way when did you quit?
Take care all,
IDA
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newsgroup_monkey

So far.............

One week, one day, 13 hours, 4 minutes and 43 seconds. 170 cigarettes not smoked, saving £39.22. Life saved: 14 hours, 10 minutes.


I too share your concerns about the civil liberties thingy. I made a concious decision to quit on July 1st because of it. I'm still seething that people feel that they can tell us what we can and can't do. Smoking today.... what next?

Definitely a non-smoker now. I don't even feel the craving! I'm drinking a lot of tea though and I'm finding myself more tired.

TNG

newsgroup_monkey wrote: »

.... I'm drinking a lot of tea though and I'm finding myself more tired.

It will pass, Stu. It will pass

Congratulations!

As for the civil liberties issue, I'm not so sure. It's like saying I ought to have the right to spike your drink with Pollonium 210 and fart in your face at the same time. That's the way I look at it... maybe I'm just getting Meldrewlike.....

newsgroup_monkey

oh, don't get me wrong. I don't believe that people have a right to smoke wherever they like.

It's just that if a pub (for instance) chooses to allow smoking, then they alienate non-smokers (if non-smokers feel alienated?). If that pub decides not to allow smoking, then they alienate the smokers. This way round, the government alienates everyone.

Non-smokers (of which I am now one!) argue that it's not fair because they come out of the pub stinking of smoke. Well, noone forced them to. I think that certain chains were wanting non-smoking pubs (Wetherspoons for one).

I think what would have been fairer to everyone was to say that if a pub has two separate rooms (or more) then one smoking is allowed in ONE only. If a pub has only one room, then sorry, but no lighting up.

As for bar staff saying "We have the right not to breath in smoke", why would they take up a profession that they know involves being in a smoke-filled area?

How about this one for a rant......

I believe that rather than banning smoking in public areas (most of which I feel is warranted) how about using this more sensible ruling?

1. No Smoking in any public space where a child is able to breath in smoke (including ones own home, car or other personal space) - this is a contentious one and difficult to enforce, but having a decent fine would make people think twice!
2. No Smoking in any public area where a "No Smoking" sign has been placed by the owner/manager.
3. Any smoking area (i.e. pub etc) should be CLEARLY marked as such.

Anyways, this is detracting from the thread somewhat so sorry :T:T:T

in_debt_again_but_dealing_with_it

Does anyone remember "smoke rooms" in pubs? Years ago late 60's early 70's I remember my dads local had a room called a "smoke room" - perhaps that would have been the answer re the pub issue (although the gazebos pubs are putting up are beginning to look more like rooms lol), as far as smoking anywhere else, I was very self conscious when I was smoking in public anyway and becoming less inclined to do it even before I quit. What I am not comfortable with is the "inform on a smoker" mentality particularly with regard to bus stops etc, don't know if it applies nationally but in our area a freephone number is advertised to "grass" on people smoking in bus stops!!! Pllleeease can we get a grip. Sorry a little off topic and soap boxy but just felt the need. Take care all.
IDA
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silverbullit

Yea! I got through my first weekend without a ciggie. I was dreading that, when i went out over the weekend, i would give in to temptation but the (surprising) support and encouragement of friends and the smoking ban together with my determination helped me to hang on to my resolve. Well chuffed!

Hope you're all getting on ok without any 'baby on ceiling/Trainspotting' moments!

***One week, 15 hours, 58 minutes and 3 seconds. 114 cigarettes not smoked, saving £25.47. Life saved: 9 hours, 30 minutes.

Tootie_Fruity

Can I join too ? I quit yesterday at 13:30. Was walking around the local lake in the sunshine. I smoked the last one in the pack and just stopped.

I'd been smoking for about 5 or 6 years. I used to smoke about 9 packs of 20 a week. So that's about £2,372.76 a year I can spend elsewhere.

I've tried quitting a few times in the past. Although it's only been a day, I feel remarkably relaxed about it. The thought of smoking again makes me feel sick. I remember the last time I quit - the first ciggy tasted absolutely awful. I can still taste it now. Never again.

in_debt_again_but_dealing_with_it

Welcome aboard Tootie you're in the right place for mutual support and a bit of a laff!!
Hi silverbullit no "trainspotting" moments for me!
love and hugs all
IDA
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