El Bandito

The question "do you have a hobby?" does not enquire about 'the last time'...which I believe puts you in breach of the rules, and therefore at risk of ...well nothing really! It went wrong when Marti didn't read the rules properly... What was the last treat you got yourself?

That

Buy one now one later?

Honestly...read the rules! Golf When was the LAST time you read the opening post? :) morning Marti, happy Easter!

I was well and truly asleep! Hope everybody is not feeling too delicate!

Hmmm...never wrote a contract. Maybe I should have. What's the next reward?

There is always a choice. Keep going Evelyn.

5 iron When was the last time you walked, just for pleasure

Of the castle

The Bakon I heed your order. 1. Here on the islands, it is wise to maintain the winter wardrobe...spring is a bit hit and miss. Today is miss. 2. As Rocket surgeon, already miraculous that I have managed an Avatar at all. Changing it may be beyond me.

14

Lovely poem. Thanks for posting it LB

Nice Rachael! Excellent work. My quit has had its moments..but overall I'm pleased that it hasn't been too tough!

You get a cd I insert an Easter egg

If you are a person of the Christian faith... Resurrection? Born again? Powerful imagery for someone choosing to turn away from death. :) Just sayin'

One of the best ones that I saw was on holiday. We met an Irish family. Several generations all together, all come to Cyprus to get some sun. We were all staying in little apartments around a pool. Next to the pool was a bar with a polo table and some video games. Sitting there, I was chatting to the Patriarch, Dennis. I commented that the kids all seemed happy and occupied. He explained that they were hunting tokens. There were 6 kids of varying ages and they were all hunting around the pool and gardens looking for 50 cent coins that Grandad had hidden. I commented that presumably this only worked for an hour... He winked, and said "the secret is to hide 8 but tell them you have hidden 12, keeps them busy for hours...."

-17

Sugar melting in the rain... What a lovely turn of phrase! :) I don't doubt your quit Evelyn. Just don't smoke. That's it. Keep on keeping on!

I have a Humidor 2 feet from my right hand, full of Cuban cigars and, I think, a few packs of cigarettes bought for La Bandita (a brand she does not like) I have to say, I had forgotten all about them until I read this. We never threw them away on quit day because not smoking was, for us, a choice. If we want to smoke, we will smoke. I think La Bandita even argued that having them there helped her quit.

For me, I am moving from the Sarge's position, to the OP. Partly I guess influenced by Allen Carr. I'm sure many have read it, but essentially he writes that we are brainwashed into believing that we enjoy smoking. I won't attempt to make his argument, but there are some parts of it that are persuasive. However, there are times when I am aware that I am remembering certain cigarettes with fondness. Cristobal used to post a great graphic about 'How your cigarette tastes' with anticipation being much greater than reality. I guess if you genuinely believe that you enjoy something, well you do. However, looking back, I cannot identify a specific element of smoking that I enjoyed. I do identify certain cigarettes, like Babs above, and the 'experience'. Carr would argue these are pleasurable because they relieved withdrawals or were associated with genuinely pleasurable moments, finishing a chore, sitting down to 'relax' for example. For me, the jury is out on whether I genuinely enjoyed some cigarettes. What is certain is that the question is academic. 1. I cannot be the 1 a day smoker. Don't know why I can't and some can. But I can't. Therefore, the 5 good ones per day, come with the other 25. 2. I choose not to be told what to do by an addiction. So I don't smoke. 3. Even if I decide that 5 a day are 'good' cigarettes and I want them back. They kill me just as dead. So, I'll choose living, and do something else five times a day...I am working on sex as a concept but La Bandita seems less than interested :(

Cold? COLD? I am in my shorts here! Bit rainy today...will bring back memories of England for you. Have fun Gem.

Ava! The good news is, you have established that you did not miss your calling, and are not in fact a champion dog groomer undiscovered. Cocoa still looks cute. I used to have Yorkies. Could you just go for the washing and grooming? Then they only need clipping once a year. Otherwise - Colleen has a great idea.

Hey Evelyn. Good morning! Happy Easter. You are in charge of your life and your quit. We all want you to go forward and succeed. People want to be sure that your medics are onside with you and able to support you. They want this because they care about you. All we can do for you here is to be here for you, try to encourage you and try to support you. Great start to your new quit. keep smiling!

Morning Tiger! Happy Easter!

Good morning Evelyn. I will join you. Not One Puff Ever...just for today.