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The Sew What’s New Archive
This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was
retired in August 2007. It is being provided by
“Sew What’s Up,”
which serves as the new home for many members of “Sew What’s New.”
From: jennifer007
Date: 09-07-2003, 10:28 PM (1 of 26)
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Hello Everyone! Just thought I would update on my battle to quit smoking. I haven't smoked since Tuesday of this week. I am inching my way up to that week mark. I have been Very Very Grouchy, but using chocolate to curb that a little. Mostly using tic-tacs and mints, (low fat type items) with the occasional chocolate. DH is doing good. Not smoking inside, (only inside for the morning bathroom break.) The rest of the time outside. I do feel like I'm  most of the time, but it is getting better. I have had great support from family and friends, church and strangers! Keeping myself busy helps fight the habit of smoking while watching tv or working on the computer, so I have been avoiding those things for now...Thanks for all the encouragement I have received from this board on setting this goal into motion! Jennifer |
User: jennifer007
Member since: 05-22-2003 Total posts: 29 
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From: allie-oops
Date: 09-08-2003, 02:11 AM (2 of 26)
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Congratulations!!!!!!!! Hubby and I quit Friday, it lasted until Saturday when we almost came to blows, lol.....well, we'll just have to try again. Are you using the patch or anything? Allie "onward through the fog"
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User: allie-oops
Member since: 10-25-2002 Total posts: 282 
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From: dmoses
Date: 09-08-2003, 08:54 AM (3 of 26)
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Keep up the good work, Jennifer, and I think that it is great of your husband to smoke outside! The thing that helped me to quit(17 years ago) was thinking about smoking as enslavement, and cigarettes as 'the enemy'...and keeping that idea in my head. I was *not* going to be a slave to anything.  It was a real mental battle! I also did a lot of knitting and I sipped a lot of water. I personally have never had a lot of success quitting smoking, or dieting, or exercising with another person. For me, it has always been a personal battle that I had to do on my own. I have always needed all of my energy to concentrate on my own 'battle'. That doesn't mean that I can't be supportive of or encouraging to my spouse or friend, but I can't 'police' him or her. Take care,
Donna |
User: dmoses
Member since: 02-22-2002 Total posts: 964 
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From: MaryW
Date: 09-08-2003, 09:41 AM (4 of 26)
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Congratulations Jennifer. That is great. You are doing just fine, take it day by day. The saying goes "inch by inch, life is a cinch" Donna, I am the very same way. I cannot involve others when I set my mind to do something. It is me and me alone. My battle, my solving the problems and my victory! I find others cloud my determination somehow. MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
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From: weB2cats
Date: 09-08-2003, 11:46 AM (5 of 26)
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Start walking! Soon your lungs will cut off the desire neuron (or whatever it is) that maintains our desire to smoke. You are now in the position to retrain your physiology to demand the clean air that it's been denied. It's all a response to years of un-training your body to seek that which is bad and deny that which is good. Like WATER. You need more to flush toxins from your body. I know it's hard to drink so much water but you will have more energy faster than any diet or vitamin pill. Walking is also a good way to meet people and have private chats. And you'll be doing something good for yourselve(s). Then, make an appointment for a new haircut or manicure or something special. Maybe a new subscription to Walker's magazine. Maybe double appointments at the local beauty school where the prices are more resonable. That is the strategy I followed to stop smoking. Now, I just can't be around smoke without feeling woozy. I guess this was probably an addiction withdrawal of some kind. And, try to give thanks every day for healthy body and mind. |
User: weB2cats
Member since: 11-07-2002 Total posts: 232 |
From: jennifer007
Date: 09-08-2003, 11:48 AM (6 of 26)
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Allie - Opps, things have NOT been easy between the 2 of us, I am very edgey sometimes and he gets a lot of it. I also tend to read into things, my thoughts are very jumbled and I can't get the right words out sometimes, so I'm still a wreck on some things, but it is getting easier. This attempt is about the 5th or 6th one I've made. This is the best I have ever done and I feel pretty good about it. I used the patch and intended to use those the whole time but they just wouldn't stay stuck to my skin so after the 3rd day of trying to keep the patch on, I gave that up and went to the tictacs, gum and licorice. Seems to be working pretty good. Still crave though. That's the worst right now. Not the cravings after you eat, but when you are trying to relaxe, or when things get to noisey, etc. I see a pattern in my triggers for smoking, those are the ones I have to substitute with, not the habit ones, those are easier to deal with. Change some habits! Lol! Jennifer |
User: jennifer007
Member since: 05-22-2003 Total posts: 29
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From: jcook
Date: 09-08-2003, 12:47 PM (7 of 26)
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Congratulations!!!! Quitting is not easy but you've already shown that you have the determination it takes. I thought I might let you know what helped my aunt when she quit. She made plans for the money she would have spent on cigarettes. Now for her, it was gardening and she went and bought new plants or statues or something every week instead of smokes. That plan didn't work out for me because the money went right back into household budget before I could make that plan! Another thing that might help with the cravings is to do some deep breathing exercises when they hit. That helped me out quite a bit. I guess because the action of inhaling is still there, the breathing is relaxing and it does work to clean the toxins out as someone else already said. Stick with it, you can do it!!! Jill |
User: jcook
Member since: 08-16-2000 Total posts: 50 |
From: allie-oops
Date: 09-08-2003, 06:32 PM (8 of 26)
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Jennifer, you're doing GREAT. I've heard that if you do deep-breathing through those cravings, they go away quicker. Also, each one you don't give in to makes the cravings weaker. For me, I find that I get downright homicidal around smokers when I quit. When dh smokes around me, I lose all control - and since I tend to smoke more when I'm angry, I end up giving in. I remember one time I had quit, pulled up in my van next to a smoker, and it was drifting right into my van....my mom had to keep me from getting out in traffic and punching him, lol! The best success I had was when I started riding my bike the minute I quit. I can't walk, need foot surgery desperately, so riding is the only thing I can do. It helps a LOT! The only reason I started again was cuz dh had left his cigarettes at home, and I picked one up wondering how it would taste.....BIG MISTAKE. I guess it's like alcohol, you can't ever have even a little bit. Before the night was through I had smoked the entire pack. Jennifer, I wish you much success in your quitting!!!!!!!! "onward through the fog"
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User: allie-oops
Member since: 10-25-2002 Total posts: 282
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From: Aimee S
Date: 09-08-2003, 06:44 PM (9 of 26)
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Congratssss Jenn. Good for you..... If it really gets hard you can use what I did to quit. I got my tongue pierced. ohhhh I also got pregnant..... You can do it. We have faith in you. You will see. Food will taste better, things will smell better. The more you disaprove, the more fun I am having!
http://photos.yahoo.com/aimeehs29 |
User: Aimee S
Member since: 02-23-2003 Total posts: 488 
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From: jennifer007
Date: 09-10-2003, 06:11 PM (10 of 26)
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Yaaaahhhh!!!! I have made it one week without any smoking! I am celebrating! Wahoo!!! Everyone has great ideas for quiting, and some I already use and some I don't think are for me!  Funny thing though, my food doesn't taste better, maybe all the mints I'm chomping down on but I would have thought it would taste better. It does taste different just not any better. Go Figure!??!!! I have made it through several of my major triggers (like the computer, company etc.) and have been taking it all in stride. Still get cranky, but not near as bad so there is hope! I am working on new curtains for the dining and living room as my reward for not smoking this week. I bought fabric for it last year, but I'm thinking I may buy some better fabric now! lol Thanks for all the encouragement!!!!! Jennifer |
User: jennifer007
Member since: 05-22-2003 Total posts: 29
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From: chiloGod
Date: 09-10-2003, 06:32 PM (11 of 26)
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Congrats Jen, I will be keeping you in my prayers. I believe that God will give you strength, as well as peace and joy! |
User: chiloGod
Member since: 08-19-2003 Total posts: 65 
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From: Mother in Law
Date: 09-12-2003, 11:52 PM (12 of 26)
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YESSSSSSSSS Jen you did the one week. Great!!!! I know the trigger things are the worse. I use to go to the grocery store and after the stress of going through the isles and getting all the groceries and paying for them I'd get in the car and think. I've got to have a cigarette. That was tougher than the after dinner one. Or when something stressed me out I needed that relaxer to help let me down and relax. Oh boy those were the toughest ones. But you can get through it. Just think about how good those curtains are going to smell when you finish them and how they would smell when you finished them if you still smoked. Uck, they'd stink. So keep up the good work and cut out all the stinkin thinkin. Hang in there one day at a time one week has gone and you got there. Take one more day and one more day and before you know it it'll be over for good. I'm rooting for you gal. Hang in there........... Susie |
User: Mother in Law
Member since: Total posts: |
From: mamahoogie
Date: 09-13-2003, 07:06 PM (13 of 26)
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I've never been a smoker, thank goodness, so I've never had to quit but I have known people who did. Most of them tried several times before they kicked the habit. One of them was my former employer who said he and his wife both finally went to a clinic to learn how to quit and the biggest thing they learned was to change their routine and to remove the cigarettes from easy access. He used to light up every time his phone rang and lots of times he would already have one lit and in the ash tray. So, he used to keep his cigarettes in the trunk of his car so if he did want one he would have to get up and go outside, at home or at the office and it gave him a chance to talk himself out of wanting one. He managed to quit too and so did his wife. My dear SIL quit by listening to those tapes with the hidden messages. She's been smoke free for about 25 years and she didn't have many withdrawal symptons at all. Hang in there. You can do it. We're all rooting for you. 
I've decided to live forever - so far, so good.
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User: mamahoogie
Member since: 12-25-2002 Total posts: 461 |
From: jennifer007
Date: 09-18-2003, 08:17 AM (14 of 26)
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yesterday was 2 WEEKS without any smoking! I really think I will make it this time, and wanted to Thank Everyone that gave tips, support or just hung out to see if I'd make it. I still have a long way to go, but my home is SMOKE FREE and I am enjoying it! It gets easier everyday. I hope when the really hard things in life happen, that I don't reach for the lighter. There will still be tests in my life, but my kids test me everyday, and the first question they ask after school; did you smoke today? Answer: NO!!!!! They are happy about that! Thanks again, Jennifer |
User: jennifer007
Member since: 05-22-2003 Total posts: 29
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From: Magot
Date: 09-18-2003, 10:00 AM (15 of 26)
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Being accountable to someone is a great help - and being accountable to your kids is very brave! Just think f theur faces if they came home from school and you had to say "yes" - ouch. well done on 2 weeks!have one of these!  ( with no ciggie)
love and kisses, Jan
Guts-R-Us Cells a Speciality DNA to order. |
User: Magot
Member since: 12-22-2002 Total posts: 3626 
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From: mamahoogie
Date: 09-18-2003, 12:50 PM (16 of 26)
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From what I've been told you are over the worst of the cravings and well on your way to quitting. Way to go!! So glad you have your children on your side too and checking up on you. You are setting a great example for them.
I've decided to live forever - so far, so good.
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User: mamahoogie
Member since: 12-25-2002 Total posts: 461 |
From: Aimee S
Date: 09-18-2003, 01:00 PM (17 of 26)
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I know you can do it Jen... Your kids are like mine with Hubby. It took a heartatack to get him to really want to quit. His problem is that he is used to smoking while driving it is sort of like eating in a favorite chair in the living room so we both did a change. I would quit eating in the living room and he would not smoke while driving. once he quit smoking while driving the other times where easier. I can tell you there are times when you know he wants a smoke but he doesn't for fear of not seeing his kids grow up... Soooo Are the things in the world smelling better and is the house starting to air out and food better also. One thing you will be able to smell better is the smell of the fragrences in the malls and the soap asiles. Another benefit is that I have noticed with my guy is that he does not stain my sheets any more. While he was smoking no matter how well he bathed he left a sweat stain on the sheets at night that you know came from the tar of the smokes. I love haveing nice sheets now. I dont have to worry about tossing them after 5 uses. The more you disaprove, the more fun I am having!
http://photos.yahoo.com/aimeehs29 |
User: Aimee S
Member since: 02-23-2003 Total posts: 488
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From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 09-18-2003, 05:52 PM (18 of 26)
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Jen, all the 'stuff ' I have read say the worst is over at about the 2 week mark... I'm so proud of you.. I knew you could do it... Keep up the good work... And I know its work.. Soon, (you will be surprised how soon) it will be 6 months, then a year, and first thing you know 5 years will have passed...That is where I'm at now and proud of it.. Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022 
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From: jennifer007
Date: 10-01-2003, 12:49 PM (19 of 26)
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Hey Guys! Today is my ONE MONTH! without smoking anniversary! The house smells better, food tastes better, My breath is much better! (CHEWING GUM-Sugar Free)  Hubby has done well with smoking in the bathroom or outside. Just wanted to thank everyone for the support THANKS THANKS THANKS THANKS THANKS THANKS!!!!!!!!!!
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User: jennifer007
Member since: 05-22-2003 Total posts: 29
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From: mamahoogie
Date: 10-01-2003, 01:25 PM (20 of 26)
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Congratulations. The worse is over. You are well on your way. Once hubby sees that you can do it maybe he will try to stop too. Here's to clear lungs and a healthy heart!!!
I've decided to live forever - so far, so good.
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User: mamahoogie
Member since: 12-25-2002 Total posts: 461 |
From: dmoses
Date: 10-01-2003, 02:07 PM (21 of 26)
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Congratulations, Jennifer! Woohooooo!! Take care,
Donna |
User: dmoses
Member since: 02-22-2002 Total posts: 964
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From: plrlegal
Date: 10-01-2003, 02:34 PM (22 of 26)
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WHOOOOO! HOOOOO! Way to go Jennifer. Patsy Patsy
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User: plrlegal
Member since: 05-19-2001 Total posts: 318 |
From: Aimee S
Date: 10-01-2003, 02:51 PM (23 of 26)
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I knew you could do it..... Congrats
The more you disaprove, the more fun I am having!
http://photos.yahoo.com/aimeehs29 |
User: Aimee S
Member since: 02-23-2003 Total posts: 488
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From: lovemyfabric
Date: 10-01-2003, 03:14 PM (24 of 26)
| Congratulations Jennifer! Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for yourself. |
User: lovemyfabric
Member since: 06-06-2003 Total posts: 126 
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From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 10-01-2003, 06:16 PM (25 of 26)
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Jennifer, I am so proud of you ! ! Congratulations ! ! The worst is over now... Easier from now on ... Just do not ever take a puff again.. Someone told me that soon after I quit.. Said one puff is enough to get you started again.... I do not know if this is true, but I am not willing to test and find out.. I feel so much better these days.. Congratulations again, Keep it up ! ! ! 
Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022
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From: Mother in Law
Date: 10-01-2003, 08:32 PM (26 of 26)
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Jen, Good for you. But remember the easier it gets the easier it is to let your guard down. That's when I thought I was a hot shot and had it made and slipped up. Just keep thinking how much better you feel and how much it stinks and keep going. Don't look back. Except to think how hard it was to quit and you never want to smoke again. Hurray!!!!!! for you. Susie |
User: Mother in Law
Member since: Total posts: |
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