WE NEED LOTS OF SUPPORT

[lizzie]

Thanks for the support Valmarg and Chantal, Mrs P and Grock.

Like I said in my post, threw the pack straight in the bin when I realised the stupidity of the whole thing. I agree with Valmarg about it being an adult dummy. Couldn't put it better myself.

Luckily, The Old Man has never gone to buy me cigaretes, ever. He always said that if he did he would be encouraging me to carry on. Thers's only me and one of my brothers who smoke in the family. I don't smoke in the house unless I can get the smell away before he comes in from work. I'm banished to the yard in the cold.

I've got plenty of ideas for the pot. Especially when I worked out that I could stable and feed a pony on the money I save from not smoking. All I need to do is keep saving for the pony. After my son watched the National it's only re-inforced his ambition to become the youngest ever winning jockey to win. I've got to encourage him on that score.

Therefore, the fags HAVE TO GO so he can start working towards his dream. He's at the stage now with his riding when he needs his own pony to get any further. He's only 10 and can jump 3' fences. He needs to start doing shows etc. I've been told by his instrutor that he has a talent for horse riding. I'd fail as a mum if I didn't help him towards his dreams

[Chantal]

That's a wonderful motivation Lizzie, you can do it girl!

[lizzie]

I know.

I think I need a hug

Never mind, I can do it. Just need to keep trying.

[Tigger]

Big hug on it's way now........

[Chantal]

And one from me.

[Sue]

Lizzie, if you were tough enough to chuck the rest of the pack in the bin and get back on the wagon, you've proved to yourself you are stronger than the cravings and you will do it.

Us ex-smokers especially know exactly how hard giving up is and are sending hugs and willing you on.

Sue

[Anonymous]

Come on girls, let's have a 'group hug'.

It will get easier!!

Lizzie, you will be sent into the dunces corner. Two fags is an additional £2 fine in my book.

I know what you are going through. Don't for one minute think that I found it any easier. BE STRONG!

[pigletwillie]

Lizzie - here's a big hug from me too. I really feel for you at the moment. I too have been climbing the walls these last few days, and if I had had any ciggies in the house, I know I would have at least lit one and smoked half - no, ALL of it! Don't reproach yourself for having those 2 fags - you've had the guts to admit it to everyone and we all know how difficult it is. It's not the end of the world and I think you were showing even more strength by throwing the rest of the packet away.

Yesterday was my worst day by far - and I compensated by eating loads. Today hasn't been nearly as bad - probably because I was occupied by helping Piglet to dismantle a freebie greenhouse and then unloading it on to our allotment in the freezing snow/hail/rain.

Like you Lizzie, I never smoked in the house (except when Piglet was at work). That's when I would puff it up the chimney, especially if we had a log or coal fire on the go. (Don't tell him will you?) So I am enjoying the fact that I don't have to keep standing outside freezing my wotsits off. Actually, I have been out there just to "pretend" on the odd occasion. That's when I do really deep breathing excercises from Yoga.

One thing that has helped (apart from the Nicorette gum) is lighting an incense stick. We have loads of different "flavours" and whereas I would normally light the Lavender, Jasmine or Rose ones, I have been lighting the Sandalwood ones and it's just helped to have the woody, burny smell. I could still murder a ciggie at the moment though. I just want to be at the stage where Valmarg, Sue and Chantal are - where just the smell of a cigarette makes them feel ill.

Deep breaths - in.......out......in.......out....

Hang on in there gal. I wonder how Grock's doing. Has she gone to camp for the whole weekend (or longer ). I don't think I could go away with a load of darling little boys for ANY length of time without some sort of crutch God bless her.

It's got to get easier, so hopefully tomorrow is one of those easy days for all of us. £31 in the pot now (paid up until tomorrow night) and I will DEFINITELY put the money in every single day. Methinks I had better start putting in in the bank. Good idea.

Talk to you tomorrow. STAY STRONG.

Love, Mrs P

[lizzie]

Hi Mrs P

I haven't spoken to Grock. Phoned last night but she'd gone bo-bos. Very tiring having all those kids about. Especially my nephew who never shuts up.

I'm hoping she's ok but will wait and see.

I fined myself an extra pack of fags for giving in. Best to hit in the pocket I think.

I used to do the same, wait till the Old Man was at work, open all the windows in the living room and sit down with a fag and a brew. Then, out came the Oust.

Still feeling a bit jittery but it will be fine.

Thanks for the hugs everyone

[The Grock in the Frock]

o.k i f..k.. up at camp,ive smoked me ed off, and dont ask who ed is!iv'e ad the cat of 9 tails out beatin me self up about it,so go on ,you can all shout at me now

[pigletwillie]

SHOUT! SHOUT! There, I've shouted at you. Not really Grock - I guess the temptation was obviously too great. To be quite honest, I think if I had gone away to camp with a load of lads, I too would have smoked my head off.

None of us is perfect Grock. So you slipped up. It's not the end of the world. I am sure you feel bad enough without anybody shouting at you. What are you going to do now? Are you going to try again or are you going to leave it for a while?

Anyway, how was camp? You have GOT to tell us all what you all got up to. I am sure there is a story or two to tell!!! Come on then - out with it! Glad to see your puter's back in fine fettle. The amount you must have forked out on it lately, you probably could have bought a new one!

Look forward to hearing from you REAL SOON!

Lizzie - how are you doing? You have got to be even stronger if Grock has got to pick another date. Hang in there.

I think I am over the worst now. There have been times, I can tell you........ but I have been strong. I honestly did not think I could do it this time after really failing miserably when I turned 50. Since my 50th I have smoked say, 20 a day @ £4.15 a packet (2 years, 9 months, 2 days). Perhaps Peter or Alan could work it out how many cigarettes I have had and how much I have spent. I can spell but I cannot do maths. Thanks.

Love from Mrs P

[Tigger]

I can do maths but I won't!

Grock - come on - answer please. Mrs P has amazed us, Lizzie is astonishing and you (Grock) are quite wonderful.

Next phase please - tut, tut, - we're waiting.....

We love you all.

[The Grock in the Frock]

hello mrs p,glad your doin fine told you i wouldnt lie,im now back on the stupid pen and tryin again.camp was fantastic,me sides are still hurting from all the laughing,to much too tell on line and too naughty stories to put on ,after all us scouts are very professional just very happy we didnt put a kid too bed and find them the next morning woke up dead.ive got a 3 seasons sleeping bag,and still had to use a spare as it was that cold but was really made up as one of the mums told us her child loved it and made all the leaders thankyou cards.things like that realy make it worth while I LOVE BEING A SCOUT LEADER

[pigletwillie]

LIZZIE AND GROCK - YOU MUST READ THIS:

Piglet just worked out how many fags and how much money I've smoked/spent since I was 50 (see above).

Are you ready?

I've smoked 20,115 fags in 2 years 9 months - I can't tell you how sick and disgusted I feel.

I have spent £4,173.86 in that short time! I am so glad I have stopped.

Mrs P

[oldherbaceous]

Grock if you need something to help you through the difficult non smoking days, just think about ALAN not liking smokers. I'm sure this will give you that extra little bit of determination you might sometimes need. I think all of you are still doing really well.

Kind regards an encouraging Old Hebaceous.

Wheres theres a will theres a way.