to explain Bumper's post, Buddy the first family's dog was struck in killed by a car, only the dog was killed and it was an accident. The way I read it was that both Chelsea and the dog were killed, that is not the case.

Thank you, Nathen. That did sound like they both got hit. I'm glad Chelsea didn't wasn't hurt but very sorry about Buddy. He was a lab as I recall. They're great dogs.

So far I've hated every second of this year--cuz I'm trying not to smoke. Why do I do this to myself? I'm happier when i smoke. God I'm crabby right now.

Pat, did you quit yet? If so, how'd you do it? How did *any* of you quitters do it?

Cold turkey did it for me lcj. you can do it man, I did! after 3 days you no longer have a physical addiction.

I used the patch, I mean I really used the patch alot, two and three a day, way overdose, I quit for three months, got up one morning wanted a cigerette and have never looked back, a happy two pack a day man.

Ooops, thanks, Nathen,,, and no, I didn't mean "buddy died, along with Chelsea" O meant "Buddy died, who, along with Chelsea, was the only honest, forthright Clinton,,, " ahh, the downside of verbal economy...

Again, welcome Anna. Also, what Cea and Pat said (as usual).

Re: smoking--I used welbutrin(sp) and gum (nasty) ... quit for about 8 months. Went back to smoking, though not in my new house. Before taking it up again, had a spell of not being able to breathe--very scary--but got the whole lung, heart, breathe tests done. No damage from smoking (as yet) so it kinda took away my motivation for quitting. (Finally found out I was having a bad reaction to ibuprofin--side effects of facial swelling and pain and asthma-like breathing problems). Only thing is, I still miss the welbutrin--my little "happy pills." I liked them.

lcj, I quit (23yrs ago) by switching to cigars. One morning while driving to work some hot ashes fell off the cigar and burned a hole in the pants of my brand new suit. I was so pissed i threw the cigar out the window and never smoked again.

Sorry, lcj: the only time I ever quit smoking was for the ten days I was kept immobilized after of skin grafts, and all kinds of reconstructive surgery. (I'll spare you the details. They're pretty gory.) It was after they stopped letting you smoke inside hospital rooms, or I wouldn't have quit then, either.
Of course, I was lucky enough to be in a coma for two of those days, which did make the time go by a little quicker.

Tried the lit cigar to the pants cure but it does not seem to work, I mean I have lots of holes in my pants but I need a cigarette to help me forget the pain....

Holy Pants Batman is that man smoking?

lcj, go with Larry and Baldwinville, not the rest of us. Larry said,
Good for you, Larry. I'm afraid that's not the case for me. I made it for 21 days, but then all hell broke loose at work the day six long-time people were "let go"--Pamram remembers only too well--and I just headed for the store for a pack. Haven't looked back since. They say it's more addictive for women. I don't know if it's that or if there's another category I also fit in, I just know it's hard.

All the best of luck to you, lcj. Every cigarette you don't smoke is a victory. If you make it this time, you're a winner. If not, you still are, because you're trying, and you'll try again.

In the meantime, if you feel really crabby, you can vent to me, any time. No judgments here. You're doing better than I right now.

piece of cake!

it seemed simple enough 20 years ago. I said, this is my last pack I'm buying... and it was. Never looked back, never regretted it. Don't miss it, can't stand anyone smoking in my vicinity (actually, never could... my smoking was partly in defense of that dislike, pretty stoopid, huh?). I also like to think it helped my kids, that their parents don't smoke, and don't promote smoking in the home.
So good luck lcj, it's the best thing you can do for your life, and for all those around you! and quitting at any time is a good time!

I quit 3 thanksgivings ago. Why on Thanksgiving??? I wanted to quit for New Yrs. and got a jump start. Larrys right, cold turkey is best!!!

Pam Drop the Zyban, and try the Zoloft, you like it!.....<img src="http://www.arlo.net/ubb/smilies/wink.gif" width=15 height=15>

lcj, I started smoking 28 years ago. Since then, I've "quit" about 25 times. For some, it is fairly easy to quit with little or no problem. For others, it's not so easy. I personally, am happy to say that it's been over 3 years since my last cigarette and damn, I feel good!
Actually, I just didn't like the thought of the fact that I was allowing this substance to have power and control over deciding what was best for my health & my future. I finally decided I wanted to be in control. Took me long enough to think that, huh?
lcj, I know exactly what you're going through and I commend you for wanting and trying to quit, that's great! That's always the first step (no matter how many times you fall). Going through the quitting stages can be a pretty bumpy road, but I have faith in you that you CAN and WILL ultimately kick the habit. Take Control! Your lungs, your heart, your whole body will thank you. You have my support. Good Luck! That goes for anyone else wanting to quit.

Sorry, lcj. Haven't quit yet. It's getting late..I mean..shit..it scares me more and more that I do it, but I still do it.