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Titanic! Old! Fogey! Today!

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suze

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Dec 25, 2009, 12:48:20 PM12/25/09
to
Hey, all--

10 years ago today I snuffed out my last cigarette. I can still see
my hand shaking--I was terrified to face withdrawal, terrified I'd
fail, terrified that even if I succeeded, I'd pine for them
forever. For 29 years I sucked down a pack a day, without fail. It
was woven into every hour of my existence. I couldn't imagine a life
without them.

10 years later, I can't imagine my life with them! Who was that who
smoked? I don't even recognize her--She seems like a cartoon
character, a cutout addict, not me at all! Smoking seems so alien
now--I can't even relate to the idea. I am completely at ease
without them, and utterly grateful to be free. It is a terrible and
insidious addiction. I will never go back to smoking-- It would be
like putting myself in a cage. It is one of the delights of my life--
that I am free of that stuff.

It wasn't an easy road, tho'. It took a year, I'd say, to get my
body, brain, and spirit wrapped around the reality that I would never
smoke again. I needed this group every day of that year. It was
literally my lifeline. The communal wisdom, the humor, the quick
support in times of need--It kept me honest, and on the road. I
would not have succeeded without this group. (thank you jefo, elle,
stepper, katy!)

So you new folks--Be strong! At first it is very hard. But, believe
me, it is worth every moment of your suffering to get yourself free of
this addiction. Strip it down to bone and it's simple: It's poison,
and it's killing you. You don't need it. You can live a happy,
relaxed, lovely life without them! The most powerful tool is your
mind. Change how you think about cigarettes and you will succeed.

Suze
10 years free!

duane

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Dec 25, 2009, 1:55:46 PM12/25/09
to

Thanks for the post. I'm a little past 8 months now after 45 years of
smoking. It's going fine and I still get a lot from people like
yourself.

Duane

elle

unread,
Dec 25, 2009, 3:04:03 PM12/25/09
to

Suze! Congratulations on ten years smoke free. Amazing that we ever
did that to ourselves, isn't it? Being free is a wonderful thing!

hugs,

elle
9y+

kestrel

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Dec 25, 2009, 3:33:53 PM12/25/09
to
On Dec 25, 12:48 pm, suze <suzesmokenom...@gmail.com> wrote:

Congratulations, Suze. Ten years quit is a grand and glorious
accomplishment. You have described the quitting process succintly and
with great compassion. The long list of AS3 quitters is growing and
learning all the time. And for you to have quit on Christmas Day is
so lovely for you. You will never forget what you did on that special
Christmas Day.

Joyce
12 years+

Wayne Baker

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Dec 25, 2009, 3:35:09 PM12/25/09
to
Congratulations Suze! Your lungs must have no memory of being filled
with smoke by this time, I'm sure. What an achievement!


---
Wayne Baker
Smoke Free: 3m 1:36
Not Smoked: 2,642
$ Better Spent: $607.66


suze <suzesmo...@gmail.com> wrote in news:90be1078-5525-44e5-9157-
5cc566...@a10g2000pre.googlegroups.com:

DavidL

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Dec 25, 2009, 4:42:00 PM12/25/09
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Thanks Suze
Good stuff!!
Congratulations.

Stepper

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Dec 25, 2009, 7:32:53 PM12/25/09
to
On Dec 25, 12:48 pm, suze <suzesmokenom...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Hey, all--
>
> 10 years ago today I snuffed out my last cigarette ...

Suze! Suze! Woohoo!

I am glad to see you my friend and glad you are still quit after TEN
YEARS!

I've got my own TOF coming up in a few days & will be glad to join you
among the Titians!

Stepper
9 years + a bunch

Stepper

unread,
Dec 25, 2009, 7:35:13 PM12/25/09
to
On Dec 25, 3:04 pm, elle <m...@myob.com> wrote:
> elle
> 9y+

Hi, elle!!!! Hugs back!

Stepper

Marilyn Matte

unread,
Dec 25, 2009, 11:02:06 PM12/25/09
to
suze (suzesmo...@gmail.com) writes:
> Hey, all--
> Suze
> 10 years free!

Awww, this is so very good to see, Suze! Well done -- it truly is a
wonderful, smoke free, life.

mmm
TOF too :)


Jef.

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Dec 25, 2009, 11:43:00 PM12/25/09
to
"suze" wrote
> 10 years ago today I snuffed out my last cigarette....

> 10 years later, I can't imagine my life with them!

The beginning and the end are so simple and true-- if you stick to it and
slog through all the hard stuff in the middle.
How nice to see all my back-in-the-day pals showing up around me after this
voyage!

Hi Suze, elle, Stepper, Marilyn, ally, etc., etc.. Wow-- it's been a decade
already, has it? Yikes!!!
Well, hell-- somebody's gotta provide an example for these anxious newbies;
might as well be us, eh?
You guys are the best. No shit.


DavidL

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Dec 25, 2009, 11:59:53 PM12/25/09
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Yeah.....might as well be y'all.
Glad you guys stuck around.

suze

unread,
Dec 26, 2009, 10:45:22 AM12/26/09
to

>
> Thanks for the post.  I'm a little past 8 months now after 45 years of
> smoking.  It's going fine and I still get a lot from people like
> yourself.
>
> Duane

heya, Duane--good to hear it's going well for you--just keeps getting
better as time goes on. congrats on those 8 months! suze

Message has been deleted
Message has been deleted

suze

unread,
Dec 26, 2009, 10:52:40 AM12/26/09
to
Thanks, Wayne. Yes, I'm sure my lungs are better--Could be dead by
now if I hadn't quit, I smoked so much! Good on ya with that 3
months--Those are the hardest! Keep walkin'! Suze
Message has been deleted
Message has been deleted

suze

unread,
Dec 26, 2009, 11:17:04 AM12/26/09
to

Yikes, indeed--10 years! Impossible to imagine, wasn't it, in the
midst of withdrawal, where minutes drug on like days, neverending.
We had a time, didn't we? I remember it with such fondness--Could get
all weepy and maudlin I have such feeling for all of you! We shared a
terrific challenge with each other, like war comrades, except we
didn't have to kill anyone (tho' several of us came close!).

You, my friend, were a light for us--Kept us laughing in our agonies.
And you still are, for the work you still do here. Thank you for
your kind heart and your witty brain and your most zany sense of
humor--You have made a difference in this world for many people, me
included.

Suze

suze

unread,
Dec 26, 2009, 11:34:34 AM12/26/09
to

Oh, Stepper! Sweet man! Great to see you here! We had a time, didn't
we? I would have never made it without the strong support of you and
the rest of our cohorts--You made a big difference for me. I'll be
watching for your TOF---We deserve some celebration, yes? Suze

suze

unread,
Dec 26, 2009, 11:37:08 AM12/26/09
to
On Dec 25, 8:02 pm, ag...@FreeNet.Carleton.CA (Marilyn Matte) wrote:

marilyn, marily, ever-funny and wicked marilyn! thank you for all
the times you made me laugh--it was such a welcome relief in the midst
of the struggles. i hope you are still possessed of that black sense
of humor and it wasn't just a withdrawal symptom! and late congrats
on your tof, too! suze

suze

unread,
Dec 26, 2009, 11:43:11 AM12/26/09
to
On Dec 25, 12:04 pm, elle <m...@myob.com> wrote:
> Suze!  Congratulations on ten years smoke free.  Amazing that we ever
> did that to ourselves, isn't it?  Being free is a wonderful thing!
>
> hugs,
>
> elle
> 9y+
>
Oh, sweet! It's Elle! Makes me smile just seeing your name! I so
valued your insight and your support all those years ago....You helped
me get here. I hope your life in CA is good--Send me an update
sometime--would love to hear how you're doing! Big hugs back
atcha---Suze

suze

unread,
Dec 26, 2009, 11:45:47 AM12/26/09
to

Hey, Joyce--Thanks! You were one of those "distant beacons" to me
while I was in the throws of withdrawal. In those times, it was
impossible to imagine being 2 years quit! I see you are still
stickin' around, helping newbies--That's a gift to all, Joyce. Suze

suze

unread,
Dec 26, 2009, 11:47:16 AM12/26/09
to

Can't see how long you've been quit, David, but keep it up. It does
get better--Takes longer than you'd like it to, but it does, step by
step. Suze

PolarBear

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Dec 26, 2009, 12:16:12 PM12/26/09
to
On Dec 25, 12:48 pm, suze <suzesmokenom...@gmail.com> wrote:

wow is this already ten years ago. time is flying. great job. I loved
reading your post and the way you wrote it. So true not an easy road
but you showed us that we can walk on that road and overcome all
barricades if we want to stay smoke free.

HappyPolarBear

msmomo2u

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Dec 26, 2009, 1:11:49 PM12/26/09
to

Awesome!
Thanks for leading the way!!

Les Stewart

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Dec 26, 2009, 1:39:08 PM12/26/09
to
GoSuze!!GoSuze!!GoSuze!!GoSuze!!
GoSuze!!GoSuze!!GoSuze!!GoSuze!!
GoSuze!!GoSuze!!GoSuze!!GoSuze!!
GoSuze!!GoSuze!!GoSuze!!GoSuze!!
GoSuze!!GoSuze!!GoSuze!!GoSuze!!
GoSuze!!GoSuze!!GoSuze!!GoSuze!!
GoSuze!!GoSuze!!GoSuze!!GoSuze!!
GoSuze!!GoSuze!!GoSuze!!GoSuze!!
--
Les Stewart 9y+
Beaumont, TX 30�N 94�W


"suze" <suzesmo...@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:90be1078-5525-44e5...@a10g2000pre.googlegroups.com...

rosie@readandpost

unread,
Dec 26, 2009, 2:31:41 PM12/26/09
to
On Dec 25, 11:48 am, suze <suzesmokenom...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Hey, all--
>
> 10 years ago today I snuffed out my last cigarette.  I can still see
> my hand shaking--I was terrified to face withdrawal, terrified I'd
> fail, terrified that even if I succeeded, I'd pine for them
> forever.    For 29 years I sucked down a pack a day, without fail.  It
> was woven into every hour of my existence.  I couldn't imagine a life
> without them.
>
> 10 years later, I can't imagine my life with them!  Who was that who
> smoked?  I don't even recognize her--She seems like a cartoon
> character, a cutout addict, not me at all!  Smoking seems so alien
> now--I can't even relate to the idea.   I am completely at ease
> without them, and utterly grateful to be free.  It is a terrible and
> insidious addiction.  I will never go back to smoking-- It would be
> like putting myself in a cage.  It is one of the delights of my life--
> that I am free of that stuff.
>
> It wasn't an easy road, tho'.  It took a year, I'd say, to get my
> body, brain, and spirit wrapped around the reality that I would never
> smoke again.    I needed this group every day of that year.  It was
> literally my lifeline.  The communal wisdom, the humor, the quick
> support in times of need--It kept me honest, and on the road.   I
> would not have succeeded without this group.  (thank you jefo, elle,
> stepper, katy!)
>
> So you new folks--Be strong!  At first it is very hard.  But, believe
> me, it is worth every moment of your suffering to get yourself free of
> this addiction.  Strip it down to bone and it's simple:  It's poison,
> and it's killing you.  You don't need it.  You can live a happy,
> relaxed, lovely life without them!   The most powerful tool is your
> mind.  Change how you think about cigarettes and you will succeed.
>
> Suze
> 10 years free!

HOW FANTASTIC IS THAT?
great present you gave yourself suze!

Marilyn Matte

unread,
Dec 26, 2009, 4:22:03 PM12/26/09
to
suze (suzesmo...@gmail.com) writes:

> On Dec 25, 8:02=A0pm, ag...@FreeNet.Carleton.CA (Marilyn Matte) wrote:
>> suze (suzesmokenom...@gmail.com) writes:
>> > Hey, all--
>> > Suze
>> > 10 years free!
>>
>> Awww, this is so very good to see, Suze! =A0 Well done -- it truly is a

>> wonderful, smoke free, life.
>>
>> mmm
>> TOF too :)
>
> marilyn, marillyn, ever-funny and wicked marilyn! thank you for all
> the times you made me laugh...it made a big difference for me. it's
> wonderful to see you here with that tof. i hope you are still
> possessed by that black sense of humor---it wasn't just withdrawal,
> was it? suze

I am pleased to report I am still possessed; I was that way before I
quit, and hope to remain so. I'll tell you something you already know
... a sense of humour carries a great deal of weight in getting me through
the tough times.

Hmmm, that reminds me, I've a joke to post. <grin>

Ten years, Suze - ten years! Wow!

mmm
TOP
(Still the founder and President of the Jef. Fan Club)

Lynn

unread,
Dec 26, 2009, 7:02:31 PM12/26/09
to
congrats on your TOF and your freedom out of the cage
--
:) Lynn OOF+ Leaper
support www.quitbuddies.org

"suze" <suzesmo...@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:90be1078-5525-44e5...@a10g2000pre.googlegroups.com...

Stepper

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Dec 26, 2009, 8:30:34 PM12/26/09
to

This is a <a href="http://www.google.com/"> test </a>

elle

unread,
Dec 26, 2009, 8:57:49 PM12/26/09
to
It worketh not, at least from here, but it's nice to see an old friend!

hugs,

elle
9y+

SilentNight

unread,
Dec 26, 2009, 9:18:15 PM12/26/09
to
On Dec 25, 12:48 pm, suze <suzesmokenom...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Hey, all--
>

thanks Suze !!!!!
congratulations !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
steve
One week, two days, 11 hours, 33 minutes and 3 seconds. 237 cigarettes
not smoked, saving $71.11. Life saved: 19 hours, 45 minutes.

eightpans

unread,
Dec 27, 2009, 2:40:38 AM12/27/09
to

Awesome ...Nice one !!! Well done !!!
Chris

Mark Earnest

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Dec 27, 2009, 3:00:07 PM12/27/09
to

"suze" <suzesmo...@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:90be1078-5525-44e5...@a10g2000pre.googlegroups.com...

Take a walk on the wild side, Suze...you made it.
Titatanic Old Fogie is a great place to be, and does wonders
for your health.
No more worries about what smoking did to you, for one thing.

Way to go for the tenth time!

Mark
tof


CuckooCat

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Jan 2, 2010, 7:34:37 PM1/2/10
to
Happy TOF and thanks for a great post!

Cheers!!!

rosie@readandpost

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Jan 3, 2010, 11:11:41 AM1/3/10
to
CONGRATS on your ten years suze!

writer272002

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Jan 3, 2010, 9:14:39 PM1/3/10
to
What a great story Suze! Congrats and enjoy your TOFness! :)

Stephanie Jones

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Jan 4, 2010, 2:39:33 AM1/4/10
to
On Dec 25 2009, 10:55 am, duane <harry3...@gmail.com> wrote:
> On Dec 25, 12:48 pm, suze <suzesmokenom...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>
>
>
>
> Thanks for the post.  I'm a little past 8 months now after 45 years of
> smoking.  It's going fine and I still get a lot from people like
> yourself.
>
> Duane

Suze, this is STUPENDOUS! I'm speechless (for me). Just holding you
up in prayer adn admiration!

Stephanie

FlatIronMike

unread,
Jan 4, 2010, 11:06:34 AM1/4/10
to
Woo Hoo Suze! I am late to the party but no less impressed with your
TOFdom as well as your story! Thank you! So do sit back and enjoy as
The Original Yodeling Gnomes head your way, along with Horace, the
Huffing Hogg, to sing songs of smobriety to help you celebrate this
fine occasion!

FlatironMike
Two years, ten months, three weeks, three days, 12 hours, 37 minutes
and 26 seconds. 21170 cigarettes not smoked, saving $6,351.15. Life
saved: 10 weeks, 3 days, 12 hours, 10 minutes.

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