Happy New Year!

[rob]

Just wanna wish everyone here a happy, healthy and prosperous 2014!

I enjoy reading the posts here and feel that any questions that I post would be answered honestly by the regulars here.

I rarely post outside of this forum, but I did post a question the other day regarding the College Bowl 50K Showdown. The first couple of replies didn't make much sense to me and I just brushed them off. But then some other posters said that the first two were probably trying to give me bad info to get me dq'ed. I kinda felt like I was being treated like the country bumpkin on his first visit to the big city.

Also...I've never been big into New Year's resolutions, but I decided now is as good a time as any to quit smoking. I actually won't stop until tomorrow, since I figured a day filled with beer, food, football and betting wouldn't be a good first day without a cig. I'd be interested to hear from anyone who's beat the habit and any tips they have to offer.

[Optional]

I am 1 day into no smoking.

I think really wanting to stop is the key.

Quite a few years I stop for new year and don't smoke for January or even longer. But I never usually really want to quit.

Tend to get 4 or 5 weeks in and think "I dont feel any better without them" and "at least this shows I have no trouble giving them up when the time comes".

This year I've started developing COPD symptoms though. And reading what that is going to be like if I let it get any worse is very depressing.

So this NY I am in a funny place. I know I have to, I really want to save my lungs, I know I can't just take it up again in 4 or 5 weeks... and suddenly I am climbing the walls on my 2nd day.

Not really tips... but here's one.

Never let the assholes get us down ;-)

Happy new year to you too Rob.

[rob]

Opti - nice to hear we're in this together. Wishing you the best!

This is the best time of the year for me to do this. When I tried to do it in the past, I always started again when I had a major story to write. For whatever reason, I smoke more when I'm writing. I don't have any major stories scheduled for the immediate future.
Also, I always smoke outside, which isn't very enjoyable where I live this time of year. The wind chill was 20 below here this morning.
I'm fortunate that I should be able to retire soon at an age younger than most. I have a lot of great plans for then, but I realize that it wouldn't really matter if I have health issues.

And thanks for the advice regarding the assholes...

[Optional]

When I was a sales rep on the road all day (in the 80s) I'd light a ciggie every single time I got into the car, or as soon as I exited. Even if i could only have a few puffs before entering wherever I was going.

Until someone pointed out what an ingrained habit it was I'd never even noticed. But once I did I saved about a pack per day simply buying gum to stick in my mouth at that time. And still smoked as much as I liked other times.

Kicking those 'habit time' ones is easier usually I think. It's the ones we have to 'feel better' that aren't so easy I think.

[5mike5]

Yeah I wouldn't mind To stop smoking either. Damn gambling doesn't help or it's an excuse. Lol. It's how I started too from sitting at poker machines awaits buddies that smoked in my early 20s plus the bar scene didn't help. I'm 36 now going on 37 in April so I want to stop soon. Was not a resolution though. Honestly I havent even tried to stop, not 1 time since I started.

[Optional]

Ugh... not sure this thread is good for us Rob.

Reading it makes me want to buy some right now.

[rob]

Ugh... not sure this thread is good for us Rob.

Reading it makes me want to buy some right now.

I hear ya. I'm good so far. But I think I've already gained 5 pounds.