Haven't checked in in about 4 years...

And my oh my, how things change! I had to register to be able to post, but with all of the internet trolls out there these days...no surprise there. Oh how I remember the nasty trolls we would get here... (these smileys are kinda cool too!)Just want to introduce myself to everyone except the real, real oldies, who may remember me. I quit over 7 years ago, and am happy to report that I have not had one single puff from a cigarette since January 15,stop smoking, 2000 (nope, not even one). I tried everything under the sun to quit over my almost 20 year addiction, and it was this bulletin board that helped me quit for the last time. Believe it or not, I still have an occasional craving (after all, I am a recovering addict), but they DO get way easier with time. What keeps me from lighting up every time I start the junkie thinking is remembering the pain and agony I went through in those first months, and knowing that I never, ever want to have to quit smoking again. I don't really know if I could, so I don't want to even have to try again!! My hats go off to all of you early in your quits. You have made a very brave and courageous decision, and yes, the road ahead can get pretty bumpy. It is the single hardest thing I have ever had to do, but also one of the most rewarding. PLEASE continue to get through one day at a time without a cigarette. It's the only way to quit, and when it finally does start getting a little easier for you (everyone is different, but for me it was about 3-4 months), it will be like childbirth...it's so wonderful and miraculous that you will forget the pain (well, most of it!).To any old friends out there reading...life is pretty good these days. Some ups and definitely some downs, but I can't complain. I am still serving on the school board, just went back to college, and my kids are now almost 11 and almost 14. (That just can't be possible, but trust me, it is!) Hubby is doing well,quit smoking, and we are still happily married (most of the time!) for over 19 years now. (And would probably be divorced if I had not quit smoking...so yet another benefit of quitting!) I have no idea if my e-mail will be linked to this (this format is all new to me), but would love to hear from anybody! I wish I had more time to spend here and encourage everyone who is still so early and vulnerable in their quits. Unfortunately, I do not, but it looks as though there is a wonderful support group in place here, which is a testament to all of the caring people here. Keep being there for each other, and as our dear, dear friend dz...aka Donna...aka Gramma dz used to say...NOT ONE PUFF!! (Remember how she always had to "yell" it until someone explained to her that all caps was the equivalent of yelling? God, I loved that woman!)Peace everyone,Lisa from MIsmoke free for: 7Y 7M 1W 5D 0H 58Mns $-Saved to date: $9719.50 (but NOT adjusted for inflation, so even more!) and 55540 cigarettes NOT smoked...yea for me!!