CHUD Challenge/Support Group

[Avalon]

This thread is for the sole purpose of uniting Chewers for continual support in ridding ourselves from various physical addictions.

Cigarettes, Drugs, Alcohol, Food....pick your poison.

Take the CHUD Challenge! We can do it! Together!

[Avalon]

I'll start.

I've been setting small, yet attainable goals for myself for awhile now. I stopped smoking marijuana for good, back in 2000, and though I was only an occasional drinker, had my last one at Christmas 2002. I recently lost the 20 lbs I gained while I was unemployed and today I smoke my last cigarette.

With all the deaths in the news this week, hearing about Fett's mother, and watching the weight challenge with Dr. Phil/Katie Couric last night - I feel stronger than ever. It IS mind over matter. Nothing more and nothing less.

In reading Fett's thread this morning, I discovered that Fett and Alice are going to quit smoking which inspired me to start this thread. Kudos to you both. I know there are other smokers here and I'd love for you to join me in a CHUD Challenge. It's much easier to reach your goals when you have friends who support your efforts.

Quitting smoking has been my toughest challenge. I've stopped twice in my lifetime. Now I want to be able to say that I quit for good. I'm not making excuses for myself anymore! None of this..oh, I'm not quite ready bullshit. I'm NOT ready..so the time is NOW. I'm facing it head-on and I'm gonna win!

[DJ Dylan]

Im slowly working towards quitting smoking... Ive gotten it down to 3/day.

[ArchibaldFredrickson]

For anyone who wants to quit smoking, for a weekly fee you can hire me. I'll follow you around and yell at you everytime you feel the urge to grab a cigarette. For a little bit extra I can punch you in the stomach. Nicotrell cares about you being able to quit smoking, and he wants to help.

[Social]

Dylan 'DJ Dylan' Friedman:
Im slowly working towards quitting smoking... Ive gotten it down to 3/day.I'm assuming we're not talking cigarettes here?

[Social]

I don't have any addictions--at least not any that I want to kick--but I have quit smoking before in the past. So for all you chewers out there who are trying to stop, I'll be the one with the whip making sure you don't "fall of the wagon!"

[ArchibaldFredrickson]

Never really got the whole wagon deal. You don't want to fall off the wagon but you also don't want to jump on the bandwagon. With all these wagons going around you gotta get confused right? How do you know which one to get on?

[Social]

I never much prefered wagons to begin with. I'm more of a Jeep girl myself.

[Charlie Brigden]

I haven't smoked since Friday morning. And I don't miss it. Well, not really.

[Alice in Wonderland]

I've not smoked since... well, whenever I said my last cigarette was, which I think was Wednesday or Thursday.

I wanted one *reeeeally* badly yesterday though. I drove to Hastings, after visiting Bodiam Castle, and I bought some inferior fish and chips smothered in too much salt and sat on the beach and et them. And the one thought that kept occurring to me was, "This meal could be salvaged with a cigarette."

Of course it wouldn't have been, because I've been off them for about four days so any cigarette I smoked would have had that awful taste they have after you've not had any for awhile, not the smooth comforting taste they have when you've been seriously engaged with them. It would have just made everything worse what with the added self-loathing and all.

So, anyway. That's the testimonial for today. Thanks for the good wishes, Avalon!

(Edited for my ungraciousness and illiteracy)

[Rath/Brendan]

I have a severe, severe, SEVERE spending problem. Plus other addictions that are too personal to go into here. However, if anyone would like to offer any suggestions on how to keep from getting sued by the bank, get out of debt, and STAY out of debt, I would love to hear them.

And as for everyone else who is dealing with their various addictions, I have only this to say: One day at a time. I know it's cheesy and cliched, but it's only cliched because it's true. One day at a time. I've found that that can be the simplest and easiest advice to follow, and it has proven for me to be the most successful and worthwhile. So, one day at a time. Peace.

[Alice in Wonderland]

There are many reasons a person overspends, and it's probably too big to get into here, but try this one for size:

Pay your bills with cheques and buy everything else in CASH ONLY. It helps when you see those actual notes going over as opposed to the relatively painless process of surrendering plastic for thirty seconds.

Secondly, cut up every store card and credit card you own, except one for EMERGENCIES. So if you max that out, you're fucked.

Get a loan and pay off all your cards with it. The interest will be less than the cards, and the payment amount won't change.

And then you just have to tough it out.

I've done it, and I overspent for years. You can do it too. You just have to suck it up, soldier. But destroying the cards is very necessary. Scary, but necessary.

[Diva]

Alice Is Pretty In Pink:
Pay your bills with cheques and buy everything else in CASH ONLY. It helps when you see those actual notes going over as opposed to the relatively painless process of surrendering plastic for thirty seconds. It's not really safe to carry around a lot of cash in NYC, but I did try that for a week. I stress only ONE week and I withdrew cash from the ATM four times with a minimum of $40 each time.

No wonder I'm always strapped for cash. The sad part is I don't even know what I spent it on. Nothing tangible (food, booze, etc).

Anyway, I use my debit card now and always keep my receipts. Every Sunday, I balance my checkbook (via computer program) so that I actually have to input what I spent all my money on. It's quite an eye opener.

Nowadays, I can afford to transfer $100 a paycheck into my savings account. Since doing that, I've managed to save up quite a bit of cash, which I hope to use to go on a really nice vacation one day. :)

[Alice in Wonderland]

Actually, I should start my savings account up again. I cancelled it when the shit hit the fan in Birmingham.

I can see how carrying cash would be perilous in NYC, but on the other hand, I always find it amazing how I can really really want something, and then if I don't buy it within 24 hours, my desire for it evaporates. That's why I got into leaving my credit cards at home.

And store cards are Satan - no more or less. I don't know how it goes down in the States, but here they are currently being chastised by the government for their usurious rates. You're looking at something like 30% APR for some of those bastards.

I was delighted to shred mine on New Year's Eve, and I haven't regretted it since.

[Charlie Brigden]

I'm not great with cash, but I'm just concentrating on the smoking right now.

[Alice in Wonderland]

And that alone will save you a ton of cash right there.

I worked out in Birmingham that my second biggest outgoing after rent wasn't food, or transport, or even movies... it was smoking. Seriously. Twenty a day is £31.50 a week, or £126 a month, which is pretty steep whatever way you look at it.

[Diva]

Yeah, in NY a pack of cigarettes run you about $8.00. I know people who smoke a pack a day, which equals over $200 a month!

[DJ Dylan]

Social's neither here nor there:
Dylan 'DJ Dylan' Friedman:
Im slowly working towards quitting smoking... Ive gotten it down to 3/day.I'm assuming we're not talking cigarettes here?I was talking about cigarettes.

[kittyinjammies]

I have to hand it to you guys, I wish I could quit smoking, but I know I'm not ready yet. You have to want to.

I think if I quit smoking at this point in my life I would probably implode from the stress.

[Social]

Dylan 'DJ Dylan' Friedman:
Social's neither here nor there:
Dylan 'DJ Dylan' Friedman:
Im slowly working towards quitting smoking... Ive gotten it down to 3/day.I'm assuming we're not talking cigarettes here?I was talking about cigarettes.In that case, cool! You're almost there then Dylan.

[Diva]

Yikes, if someone was smoking three joints a day and that was their "light" day, they'd be pretty fucked up.

[Social]

Diva dies by stereo:
Yikes, if someone was smoking three joints a day and that was their "light" day, they'd be pretty fucked up.I actually go to school with someone who does at least 5-8 joints a day, and that's after he has cut back some.

Oh, and yea, he is pretty fucked up!

[Alice in Wonderland]

Diva dies by stereo:
Yikes, if someone was smoking three joints a day and that was their "light" day, they'd be pretty fucked up.I know a lot of people like that. They function, yeah, but just about.

Happily enough I never refuse a joint, but am perfectly content to go months without them. It's one of those addictions that passed me by, really.

[Charlie Brigden]

Alice Is Pretty In Pink:
Diva dies by stereo:
Yikes, if someone was smoking three joints a day and that was their "light" day, they'd be pretty fucked up.I know a lot of people like that. They function, yeah, but just about.

Happily enough I never refuse a joint, but am perfectly content to go months without them. It's one of those addictions that passed me by, really.Ditto.

[Alice in Wonderland]

I am, however, absolutely gagging for a fag right now, and have been all morning.

[Charlie Brigden]

I'll join you in that sentiment. If I had nails, they'd be ripping into my palms right about now.

[dedalus75]

Diva dies by stereo:
Yeah, in NY a pack of cigarettes run you about $8.00. I know people who smoke a pack a day, which equals over $200 a month!Holy shit!!
8 bucks for a pack of cigarettes!!

And I thought we had it bad over here where a pack costs about the equivalent of 4 bucks.

Well, if I ever go the US I'd better have quit smoking by then.

That reminds me, best of luck everyone quitting your addictions!!!

[Alice in Wonderland]

I know! Last time I was in the US, it was $4.75 for a pack of Marlboro Lights. That was probably about three or four years ago. That said, I remember when it was $1.75 for 20 smokes, and that was what you paid in sterling.

I guess the Yanks caught on to that whole taxing-them-to-fuck thing.

And Fett, for some reason, today is really bad. The worst I've had so far, actually.

Though I bust into a coughing fit during a meeting today and stuff came out of my lungs that was not a pretty colour. Not alarming, but definitely not attractive. Maybe I'm starting to clean myself out.

For the last few weeks my lungs had felt very congested, sometimes I'd hear things bubble in there if I smoked too much, and that's gone for now, thank Christ, because that was scaring the shit out of me. So I'm not inclined to start again in a hurry.

I am inclined, however, to whinge endlessly about how much I'd like a fag, to whoever will listen.

[Charlie Brigden]

I know what you mean. I'm just in a generally shitty/depressing mood anyway, and the lack of nicotine isn't helping one iota.

[Alice in Wonderland]

I'm really bad-tempered lately, certainly. Almost bellicose.

You may laugh, but I'm going to get back into Yoga. I got this divida with all of the exercises, and it's full of deep-breathing and stretching and relaxation and correcting your posture, and I meant to do it a while ago but it didn't seem worth it while smoking, since every time I breathed in deeply I rattled slightly, which was a tad off-putting.

I suppose I could start now. I could do with some of that mysterious Eastern zen-like calm that Yoga is meant to impart.

[Avalon]

I am, however, absolutely gagging for a fag right now, and have been all morning.

I'll join you in that sentiment. If I had nails, they'd be ripping into my palms right about now.

OKAY! NOW we're talking...and the reason for this thread. Dylan, stay put.

I'm using sex, my "other" addiction, to get me through. j/k! j/k!

It's been a rough couple of days, but I'm holding on. Yes, I have started chewing on my fingernails and even scouted through my waste basket in my office looking for butts. Desperate means calls for desperate measures, I guess. However, I find that when I take deep, slow cleansing breaths (much like that of a badly needed first drag), it helps me.

My mood has been good because I'm happy that I'm quitting, and when I feel myself getting tense, I put my mindset elsewhere. A happy place. You know, like picturing Depp naked while staring at his new EW pics. wink

(It's a hand to mouth thing)

Oh. Don't. Tempt. Me. *evil grins*

[Alice in Wonderland]

(Tries to think of happy place...)

Umm... oh, I got one! Oh no, dammit, he smokes... um, okay... yeah. Oh that one's nice. Yeah, that'll do...

Actually, this whole "sex-as-distraction" thing sounds interesting. Is there a group I can join? :D

[Charlie Brigden]

While not wanting to sound like a fifteen-year old goth, I don't think I have a happy place right now.

[Sammy Jankis]

I'll go ahead and volunteer to help out with the sex as distraction thing. So let's get a collection together for airfare.

[Alice in Wonderland]

Downer, dude... :(

Avalon, how long have you been quit now?

(Edited to point out that I meant Fett with the downer comment and not Sammy, who is welcome to fly over and convince me that sleeping with him will distract me from the pain of nicotine withdrawal. Hell, if he's successful, he can try the same technique on Fett... :p )

[Sammy Jankis]

Thanks for the clarification.

Oh, and while I sympathize with Fett, he's on his own. I'm sure he'll understand. I'll play video games with him to distract him though.

[Jacob Singer]

I quit cigarettes over a decade ago, and haven't looked back since. Eventually you'll be extremely happy you've scraped this particular habit off of your shoe...

[Alice in Wonderland]

This is the downer. I've quit before. I've quit for eleven months once.

I guess I just suck. However, I've now whinged so much in this thread, I could never dare take it up again.

[Diva]

Fett:
Alice Is Pretty In Pink:
Diva dies by stereo:
Yikes, if someone was smoking three joints a day and that was their "light" day, they'd be pretty fucked up.I know a lot of people like that. They function, yeah, but just about.

Happily enough I never refuse a joint, but am perfectly content to go months without them. It's one of those addictions that passed me by, really.Ditto.But the difference between cigareetes and joints is that no one smokes a whole joint by themselves. They "puff, puff, give" to the next bloke. I refuse to believe that you know people who smoke more than 5 WHOLE joints in one day. There is no way they could function at any level.

[Alice in Wonderland]

I dunno. I think it depends on how big the joint is.

I mean, my best mate smokes most of the day. If I go up there, it will be at least five joints between three people in one evening, though me and her will share a couple in the afternoon. But they are quite skinny.

[Diva]

I suppose. NYC joints are usually rolled to maximum capacity. Also, it also depends on how potent it is. I've had joints where one hit knocked me out cold and others that I could smoke non-stop and still function really well.

[Winjer]

When you start smoking five joints a day, each of those joints isn't gonna come close to effecting you like your once-a-week joint would. Its perfectly easy to function normally and smoke five joints a day, its just expensive and a waste of time.

[Rex Hudler]

My problem is that I spend too much time on the internet. Can this group help me with that?

[Diva]

Yeah. Everytime you post, I'll reply, "Log off, fuck head!"

[Alice in Wonderland]

I must say, that as much as this morning sucked on a fag-wantingness scale, the evening's been fine. I also discovered that a friend sent me an enormous one of those ROTK posters - the one with Sam cradling Frodo, and that's done wonders for my morale.

I expect the nice glass of chilled Chardonnay I've got at my elbow will also improve matters.

Plus I made a nice bowl of beef noodle soup with veg and sesame oil and other niceness, which I'm eating now, and I can actually taste it, which rocks pretty hard.

Still not in a very Yoga place yet though.

[Avalon]

Actually, this whole "sex-as-distraction" thing sounds interesting. Is there a group I can join? :D

Heh. You're IN it.

While not wanting to sound like a fifteen-year old goth, I don't think I have a happy place right now.

Sweetie, with all you're going through, that is quite understandable. Just know that we're here for ya to offer the support you need to rid yourself of this insidious habit for good. That's all any of us can do for each other. It really is up to each of us an individuals to make across that "finished" line.

Sammy, be careful. We may take you up on it. Charles, included! Heh..it's a tough habit. Tougher than quitting heroin, so I've read.

Avalon, how long have you been quit now?

Saturday.

It's doubly tough because my husband has no intention of quitting. My son has been my biggest supporter because he is quitting, too. He's only smoked for a few years and I can't very well keep telling him to quit if I don't set an example myself.

Good for you, Jacob! Maybe you can offer some tips or advice? I work with a guy that has quit for several weeks now. Yesterday, I found out that he is using a lot of intake support (pills that work like a patch). I'm doing it cold turkey. How did you do it?

As an aside, I've stopped twice in my lifetime. Once for two months (I think it was), and the other time was for two years while I was pregnant and nursing my son. Once he was weaned, I couldn't pick it up again fast enough. Bad, girl. BAD!

However, I've now whinged so much in this thread, I could never dare take it up again.

Noooo, don't Alice. You can do it! That's why we're here. For support!

As far as smoking joints go, they are psychologically addictive, not physically addictive. I was definitely hooked in the psychological department. Loved it and still feel it should be legalized for medicinal purposes. Though I was a heavy user back in my 20's..not back in 2000. In fact, it was 5 years before that, that I had my own/last goodie bag. It was fun, but no more.

But the difference between cigareetes and joints is that no one smokes a whole joint by themselves. They "puff, puff, give" to the next bloke. I refuse to believe that you know people who smoke more than 5 WHOLE joints in one day. There is no way they could function at any level.

I agree and disagree. Yes, I was a greedy biatch. I rolled one and smoked the whole thing myself. But yes, I would share with others if they were around. I found that the more you smoke the less effect it has. If you stop for say 3-5 months and then have one..it feels much stronger. But, maybe that's just me.

I've had joints where one hit knocked me out cold and others that I could smoke non-stop and still function really well.

Agreed.

Russell, we are here to help. :) Actually, one of the reasons I haven't been posting much the last couple of days is because I like smoking cigs when I'm on the internet. ACK! I had to step away until I could nip that.

Alice, if ROTK posters help with morale, then I'm all for them! I'll wait for nekkid Depp. wink

You stated that your food tastes better. That has NEVER changed for me. Food tastes no different to me if I'm smoking or not. Isn't that strange?

[Charlie Brigden]

Thanks for this, Kathy. It's a great help.

After being in an absolutely fucking horrendous mood yesterday, I don't feel bad today. And the craving hasn't arrived today.

And loud music helps.

[Charlie Brigden]

Typically, I now have writer's fucking block.

[Alice in Wonderland]

Yeah, I'm not missing them this morning at all so far. I'm pretty busy at work, that helps.

Last time I gave up, I moved all of my stuff and installed it in my new place, and everything had this *smell* of stale smoke from my old flat, even though it had been in storage for months. And it was *horrible*, and took weeks to completely go.

And I wasn't smelling it at the time, because I was smoking.

I must say though, I'm not watching my diet at all this week, just eating what I want, and what I want is lots of biscuits and cookies and pizza and root beer. It's too much to take both on at the same time.

Friday, I'm going to have to pick up my diet again, but until then, I shall feast on carbs.

[WickerMan]

Fett:
Typically, I know have writer's fucking block.Can you take a step back from it mate?
Is there anything else you could be doing that could get you away from whatever it is that your writing?
Have you got any DVD/Games that need reviewing maybe?

[Charlie Brigden]

Reviewing games is what I'm trying to do right now, and I just can't do it.

GRR.

[WickerMan]

Fett:
Reviewing games is what I'm trying to do right now, and I just can't do it.

GRR.Oh crap, sorry pal.
What about some aversion therapy?
Just get Dan to wander past your desk every now and then and slap you round the head.

[Alice in Wonderland]

Are they good or bad games?

Is there a little guy/monster/robot that you shoot at and he makes a kind "eurgh" sound as he dies? That's something to focus on.

Is it a realistic "eurgh" noise, or a slightly fruity one? Indeed, isn't it a statement of our modern alienation and brutalisation that we can assess the noise some dying polygons make and coldly assert whether they represent the act of being laser-blasted out of existence in a realistic and non-fruity way?

If it's driving games, however, you're on your own. I have vowed never to touch them after continually smashing into walls and other cars in "Enter The Matrix" in a tedious and frustrating manner. Just write, "It's a driving game. It's shit. What do you expect? I want a cigarette, incidentally."

I mean, up in Macc, that would probably be considered avant-garde.

See? Easy.

[Charlie Brigden]

It's a Simpsons driving game. And it's good.

With driving games en masse, you have to realize that the driving section of said Enter the Matrix game was incredibly shoddy, and represents the bottom 2% of driving on the PS2. Atari must've spent about five minutes on that bit.

[Alice in Wonderland]

Is Sideshow Bob in it?

He's my favourite.

[Charlie Brigden]

I haven't encountered him yet. But he's bound to be here somewhere.

[Avalon]

You are most welcome, my friend.

*bashes him upside the head with her purse*

Are you in your happy place yet?
Good!
Have a great day!

*hurries off to work*

[Alice in Wonderland]

Re-reading this thread reminds me that I want cookies and root bear.

[DJ Dylan]

Alice Is Pretty In Pink:
I know! Last time I was in the US, it was $4.75 for a pack of Marlboro Lights. That was probably about three or four years ago. That said, I remember when it was $1.75 for 20 smokes, and that was what you paid in sterling.
I pay $2.65 for a pack of Camel Lights

[Winjer]

Damn you... I pay $8.50 canadian per pack...

[billylove]

Though this isn't as major a concern as you trying to quit smoking, I am working on changing my diet and exercise routines.

Recently, I have thought back, that I haven't been eating very well. I've been eating pretty much anything that tastes good and is in easy reach.

Though my body looks better, and my muscles are bigger than they have ever been, I have been slacking on my cardio and with the combination of my see food diet, I don't have a six pack any more.

So my goal is to reshape my workout routine and get my six pack back. I also have a goal inside this to re-do my weight lifting routine with better and safer methods of working out.

[Alice in Wonderland]

Well, fuck fuckity fuck fuck...

I got weighed last night and I put four and a half pounds on this week, probably because I've been noshing away on junk food like a heifer to counterbalance the whole non-smoking thing.

Gah. Now I have to not smoke *and* diet. This sucks on so many levels that I want to smash things in a Hulk-like rampage.

That said, the fag-craving has petered away greatly now, so it's not all bad.

Then again, the things I'd do for a chocolate biscuit right now... just don't get me started.

[Avalon]

Good morning, Alice. Ahh, yes, one of the evils of quitting. You have to watch the calories even more because cessation causes your metabolism to slow down. That is why I'm glad that I got myself where I wanted to be before I quit, because now it's a matter of maintenance rather than dieting again. Noooo thanks! And to think that the holidays are right around the corner. EEK! God help us all!

I've been doing good on the cig cravings but I'm real bad this morning. I think it's because my coffee tastes extra good and I always enjoyed them together. Whaaaaaa..

[Sammy Jankis]

The coffee probably tastes better because you're not smoking.

[Avalon]

Dylan 'DJ Dylan' Friedman:
Im slowly working towards quitting smoking... Ive gotten it down to 3/day.Dylan, I haven't forgotten about you. I think it's really great that you're able to maintain a steady 3 per day. If I tried to put a number on what I was allowed, I know for a fact that I would break that promise to myself. I am known to bend rules out of spite. I went the cold turkey route and I understand that many can't. Hang in there with us, and hopefully you can soon turn that 3 into 2 per day. Good luck!

[Avalon]

Winjer:
Damn you... I pay $8.50 canadian per pack...I paid around $38 per carton. I went from a pack a day to a carton per week while I was unemployed. That's $152 per month which is $1,824.00 per year. Do you know how many things that $1,824.00 per year will buy you? That in itself has helped me stay motivated. I recently bought myself a whole new wardrobe. Next year, I can do it again if I wanted to. :D

[Avalon]

Hey, Sam! Didn't see ya there. No, I think the reason is because I make damn good coffee. Nice boost though. :)

[Avalon]

Thank you to kitty and Rath for the added support, though I'd love for you to join us kitty. I wasn't ready. Not at all. I watched a program on tv and told myself that if I didn't quit now, I never would. I've smoked since I was just under 18. I am now 46. I didn't want to quit which is the VERY reason why I did. I would never pressure you, though. I care, is all.

Yes, Rath, it's one day at a time. One day at a time is one step closer to your complete freedom of any addiction. I am a strong supporter of those words. Thank for sharing them.

Billy, as with most body builders, I think they fall into a pattern of I can eat anything because I know I'll be at the gym soon enough. I know that's the way I got. Of course, I went to the gym to get bigger...now I want to head back to get harder. I miss those days, I really do. I never felt so good in my life. But, I had to make changes within myself first before I felt right about getting back into it. It requires a lifestyle change. One that carries you through as normal routine and part of your everyday. It takes dedication and work. I think I'm ready for it again.

So my goal is to reshape my workout routine and get my six pack back. I also have a goal inside this to re-do my weight lifting routine with better and safer methods of working out.

Talk to one of the trainers at your local gym. They can offer you some sage advice. The October issue of Men's Health has a great article and free workout poster to reshape a muscular body in a four-week program. Heck, I would do it, but I don't want to bulk up too much. Curves I like, but I don't want to get a competitive looking physique again. Good luck with your goal!

[Alice in Wonderland]

One cool aspect of not-smoking is of course that exercise is slightly less threatening now. I used to exercise a lot and had a fairly hard body myself, but my ongoing love affair with Boasters cookies and driving has had a softening effect.

That said, I'm looking to getting a cycle map, driving my bike somewhere really pretty, and then cycling around oohing and ahhing at the beauties of nature. That might work. Might make it seem all less like a chore, anyhow.

[Momotaro]

Alice Is Pretty In Pink:
I know! Last time I was in the US, it was $4.75 for a pack of Marlboro Lights. That was probably about three or four years ago. That said, I remember when it was $1.75 for 20 smokes, and that was what you paid in sterling.
Those must be New York prices, because out here in the rural parts of Oklahoma, a pack runs less than $3. Which would be around 1.75 pounds I guess. But then, we're surrounded by indian smokeshops, so shops have to remain competative.

But then, Alice, I guess you don't really want to hear about cheap tobacco prices right now, eh? :)

[Momotaro]

As for myself, I need to stop sleeping at work. I have this thing where if I don't keep busy at work, and I get comfortable in my chair, I get sleepy and more often than not, I'll fall sleep.

So, besides that, I need to loose weight. Once I get over my current sickness, I'll put into effect the weight loss measures needed to shed the excess fat from my person. Here's hoping, huh? I've got to look good for New Years, honey!

[billylove]

Thanks Avalon. I have several books and before making the changes I went through all of them. The one I studied the most was <a href="http://search.barnesandnoble.com/textbooks/booksearch/isbnInquiry.asp?userid=380MP1K519&isbn=0880117966&TXT=Y&itm=3" target="_blank">Muscle Mechanics</a>. Though when I first bought the book I thought his techiques made since but I always felt like I wasn't doing the exercises right like he says they are supposed to be performed. So I went back to moving the weight and not actually focusing on the form.

So I went through this book again, and I said I would do one of his routines and follow his way of doing exercises. Though the motions seemed a cop out to me. I soon realized that the way he says to do the exercises really made it a lot harder, and I was whipped after doing one of his routines.

Ok, enough shilling. I think I am on the road to having a new tighter and stronger body. I can already feel it.

----------------

To everyone trying to quit smoking:

My dad wrested with quitting smoking for years and I and my brother did our part. We would load his cigarretes with those things from spencers, the exploding caps, and the other ones that made the cigs taste like ass. I think we did our part in helping him quit smoking. He eventually stopped using them cause he said he would go through a whole pack cause he couldn't find one that tasted good. :D