My dear friend, Jan: I thought about smoking almost constantly, every waking hour for the first 50-60 days. After that I was surprised that I would go brief periods without thinking about it...Now, I go sometimes ALL DAY without thinking about it! I still have what RDMan calls 'those memories or thoughts', but I would not call it craving. Kinda like, 'I used to have a cigarette after mopping the kitchen floor....oh well.' and life goes on. It does get better with time. I just have to watch myself and be on my toes when stressed. I think that is my most vulnerable times now, and even that is terribly dull compared to those sharp, painful craves in the early months. One day at a time.....It DOES get better! [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 9/8/2006 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 146 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 7,331 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $1168 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 15 [B]Hrs:[/B] 12 [B]Mins:[/B] 40 [B]Seconds:[/B] 52

Jan As a quitter who has been quit for almost a year here I have to say that I still have memories of smoking. I have to say that in the past 3 months or so I have been less and less irritatied by these memories and thoughts because I have more and more faith in myself that I will not smoke. The cravings or thoughts and memories have had all kinds of different manifestation and I know that I have to use whatever coping mechanisms I can find in order not to smoke. I know that I must constantly revisit what will happen to my ability to breath if I should smoke. I know that I must constantly look to what I will do rather than smoke. So sorry to let you know but the memories and thoiughts are still there for me. There is however an overwhelming sense of joy and fulfillment as I gain new life and celebrate the freedom I have from the grip of the addiction to nicotine. Hope this helps. Celebrate your strength and know that your ability to remain quit is totally within your grasp. Cheers Phillip :) [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 2/17/2006 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 349 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 8,731 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $2792 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 57 [B]Hrs:[/B] 18 [B]Mins:[/B] 45 [B]Seconds:[/B] 50

Jan, There are many thoughts on this. Census has it that it will fade with time, once you get into the swing of the routines and changes. You have lots more time now, so use it for hobbies, activities, shopping, movies and even sleeping! Start to enjoy that fact that you feel better and look better and make sure your reward yourself, this will pass :) Josie _____________________ The SSC Support Team.