Boo

When I really turned the corner in my quit was when I just learned to sit with my cravings. Acknowledge them for what they are. Recognize that each craving had as little or as much power as I gave them. Take a few deep breaths and vow not to make any long-term decisions based on a temporary feeling. I won the battle when I quit fighting.

I'm here. Just figured up how many cigarettes I haven't smoked since quitting. Then worked out how much money I've saved. You can't hide money...

Good job Jimmy. Fire up the party bus.

More than happy to throw my estimated 67,250 coffin nails on the fire. Good riddance.

Good job Kel. You are building a rock-solid quit for yourself.

Good job Sunnyside. Congratulations.

On a related note...couldn't help but notice that Yamaha makes a nice little 50cc dirt bike. I'm thinking that starting up the Moto-Boo crew would be a perfect opportunity to bond with the young 'uns. Sugar Britches gets bogged down with details: "She can't even ride a bicycle yet and he hasn't even been born yet." And that's why I'm the fun parent.

The magic cigarette. I had to smoke one first thing in the morning because it woke me up. Also had to smoke one right before bed so I could get some sleep. I had to smoke when I needed to focus on something. Also had to smoke when I just needed to clear my head and zone out for a bit. Finally figured out that attributing so many contradictory "benefits" to identical cigarettes was ridiculous. I need to relax or I need to focus sounds better than I need another fix. Facing the fact that I smoked because I was addicted to nicotine and I was addicted to nicotine because I smoked was important for me. Helped me recognize the futility of smoking.

We saved your seat Nana. Welcome back on the Train.

Here's a cover of an Australian song by a bunch of Americans including Neil Fallon "ON THE MICROPHOOOONE!" An AC/DC classic complete with footage of kangaroos, a duck-billed platypus, Mel Gibson, Steve Irwin wrestling a crocodile...all that good stuff.

Channeling my inner Evel Knievel. We had a baby shower at the house today for Sugar Britches. I'm not sure about the rules on these things, but I always thought that was a ladies only event. So as not to be in the way, I got together with some guys from work and rode dirt bikes on some trails up on Flat Top Mountain. It is ridiculous how much fun I had out there. Only dumped the bike once when I hit a tree root covered by wet leaves. To my credit, I landed a couple of jumps in spite of having not been on a dirt bike in years. I've decided to get myself a sweet jumpsuit and cape. Don't be a hater.

Welcome aboard the Quit Train Denali Blues. Good call on giving up the smokes and congratulations on seventeen days smoke free. A combination of push-ups and pacing around mumbling profanities got me through some of the toughest times in the early days of my quit. Buckle up, knuckle down, and drive on.

Great job Intoxicated Yoda. I didn't know what to get you, so here's that monkey gif you like...

I grew up on Roger Miller songs. Dad is a big fan and I knew the lyrics to most of his standards at an early age. And the tradition continues. I've already introduced Maddie to some of Roger's songs. Didn't know many lullabies, so there were times when I was giving her a bottle that I would sing "Chug-A-Lug" to her.

Top-shelf quit Jordan. Congratulations.

Kdad, I spent time where you are at right now. I kinda, sorta wanted to quit for a while, but wasn't ready to put in the work. I would abstain from cigarettes for brief periods. Then, I would find an excuse to light up again. And typically before I had even ashed out that cigarette, I was thinking about quitting again. It was a rotten process that accomplished nothing. One day I decided enough is enough. I quit smoking. Made the commitment and was relentless with that commitment. There were challenging moments but I am grateful that I finally quit once and for all. It is truly one of the best things I have ever done for myself. I've been down both paths at that fork in the road you currently find yourself at. One path will beat you down and goes nowhere. One path has a few bumps in the road but leads to the promised land. Proceed wisely.

Heard this one on the radio this morning. Gets ol' Boo feeling sentimental every time.

There's lovin' songs and leavin' songs...

Confession: I have watched "The Room" more than once. That is one great terrible movie!

Way to go Sunnyside.

You have built a great quit for yourself Kate. Congratulations.

Great job Sunshine. The challenging moments become fewer and further between as you continue. Let the high times carry the lows.

There are two questions every quitter should be prepared to be asked. The answers bolster the simplicity of it all. How did you quit? I stopped putting cigarettes in my mouth and lighting them on fire. Why did you quit? Freedom.