HEEEELLLLLp the yellow poka dot bikini doen't fit any longer. Five pounds in five days what the he--. Okay everyone, if you see my hand go near the chocolate, be sure to give it a slap. I am also going to start that aerobics class first thing tomorrow morning. So if you hear the music from Flash Dance that is just me trying to sweat off a few pounds. Regarding the Dr. Pepper, well that is my other addiction. Of course I don't do diet. That's probably why 5 pounds in 5 days. Also anyone up for walking. I figured we have done such a great job with smoking, maybe we can start stressing the exercise. Each time we walk we will post our miles. If anyone is game, then maybe we can set a goal to be at hundred or more miles or by this spring. We will all look great with our beautiful skin, pearly white teeth and wonderful bodies. Just let me know if you are in. If it is alright with the Captain, I might apply for another job on the ship. I think I need to stay away from the goodies :( Have a great evening. Julie [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 1/15/2007 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 35 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 717 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $122.5 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 3 [B]Hrs:[/B] 9 [B]Mins:[/B] 40 [B]Seconds:[/B] 35

Where does the time go!! Let's get this party started. The Captain had lost all track of time. Was very busy late last week, then took off the weekend for golfing in the Nashville area, and didn't get home until Sunday evening, walked right back into it early this morning, and here it is mid-afternoon before I can get to my crew. We are now in Rio, land of the non-stop party, and I expect the same for this ship!! This will not be for the faint of heart...Nursey, stay the course and we'll try to help Hubby out when we can, tho I would think a swift rap on the back of the head with a pool stick would have got his attention but whooooo the Captain is not in to violence....Freemom, sounds like you are hangin in there..good for you, just everyone hang in there, I will get back here as soon as I can, and I am trusting everyone will keep the ship afloat and the party going....The Captain..... [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 1/26/2007 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 38 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 772 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $85.5 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 7 [B]Hrs:[/B] 17 [B]Mins:[/B] 14 [B]Seconds:[/B] 31

The Captain is here.....shape up all you wenches :)I see things are starting to get going here in Rio and we do have the weekend coming up, i hear it's a topless weekend, personally I won't have a problem with that, I go topless all the time :) The Captain has been too busy in a very stressful 6 or 7 day period here in his day job. A couple of people in my group know that, and they said they actually looked in the smoke shack for me after the events of yesterday! Ha! The Captain wasn't there! They both said that if made it through yesterday without smoking, he really did quit!! That made the Captain proud. BUT not as proud of what I am about to tell everyone now. I have a friend in the company and he and I worked together on and off in Cincinnati for years, we both smoked, he still does, and I told him of my quit, told him about Chantix, and how well it worked for me, and he said he would try. Well this morning I get a message from him telling me he has started about 2 weeks ago, but is still smoking, but not nearly as much. He is facing that smoking HABIT not addiction thing we all went through those first 14 days. I encouraged him to set Monday next as his Quit Day. I will message him that day. We chatted some more and I told him of this site. His last sentence to me was "Thank You- you have saved my life" That's some pretty powerful stuff and while The Captain isn't much on sharing much of his emotions, I had a tear in my eye, quickly wiped away of course before anyone else saw it. I never thought of it that way. We are supporting each other, and ourselves for that matter, to save lives, ours and others...now let's party ON!!! I will be back as soon as possible, I seem to have run low on chocolate and wine (hint hint) everyone take care, stay strong, help those who need it, I must be off....The Captain... :8|: [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 1/26/2007 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 40 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 809 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $90 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 8 [B]Hrs:[/B] 2 [B]Mins:[/B] 23 [B]Seconds:[/B] 55

Ahhhh, I can almost hear those steel drums in Barbados calling...we will set sail in the morning for Barbados so we can dock before everyone takes off or whatever for the weekend. Nursey, no casino on The Highroller, however The Captain has been known to get a little dice game going once in a while :8|: In the meantime, we'll see how we can get a couple of tables set up for the Hold Em games and put hubby to work...the plan is to hang out in Barbados a while then head west. The Captain is thinking about heading south west from Barbados and making a stop in Rio de Janeiro, major party city of course. This place is not for the faint of heart, so if anyone wants to jump off now is the time ;p Anyway, my day is going well, hope yours is too....I must be off.... [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 1/26/2007 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 33 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 672 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $74.25 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 6 [B]Hrs:[/B] 17 [B]Mins:[/B] 19 [B]Seconds:[/B] 7

good morning everyone...Ahhh Rainie, The Captain has thought a lot about what you mentioned regarding the funk the ship seems to be in.(now the vision of you in leather drinking beer is another thing)..Perhaps early on, we were all so in need of support we were posting multiple times a day. The ship was launched, and we were off to the Land of Quit. Now that the numbers are continuing to pile up, and our shipmates are becoming a little more comfortable with their quits, in various stages of progression, the need to communicate is dropping off. Yes, I for one have been maybe crusing through the quit with ease, don't hate the Captain, hate the Chantix ;p. I see a shift in discussions from craves and urges, to dealing with the added weight gain, etc. We have picked up some new crew members along the way, and perhaps reading what we the regulars are writing, is enough for them to get through, but they still need to share what they are going through, again, we can help. We have had a lot of fun and I don't want that to end, if nothing else, we need to get to THE BEACH, the 100 day mark, then perhaps the Magic Ship, aka The Highroller, is docked, or another crew takes over. There is no doubt that I would not have made it through these 30 something days without the support of this group, and my partner Rainie. Let's pick it up folks, you know how the Captain gets grumpy if he detects slackers on board, the plank has had little or no use, but it is still there....everyone keep on keeping on, stay strong, help those that need it, and I will see you all later on...The Captain "Sail away from the safe harbor.. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore.Dream.Discover. Mark Twain [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 1/26/2007 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 33 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 668 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $74.25 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 6 [B]Hrs:[/B] 16 [B]Mins:[/B] 20 [B]Seconds:[/B] 55

The Captain here...just inhaling lunch before running off to not only the last meeting of the day but the WEEK!! and is feeling bad cuz he hadn't check in with everyone but it looks like all is well. Genuflects and tips his cap to our ever effervescent Faith!! 5 months, excellent, but did you ever doubt you would make it this far? I know you didn't....Jimmy, would love to hop the helicopter with you for that weekend trip to Vegas but The Captain has other plans but I am sure you will be cashing in so much the smokes won't even enter your mind, we're pulling for you...ahh the lovely M'Lady with he 1s, 5s and 10s and her camera no doubt, I will contact my people and have the Chips there for Faith's party...seems you wenches just cant' get enough...but I know this there better be some pictures to share with the wonderful Ms.Rainie upon her return from bein' a biker babe... I must be off, but everyone enjoy the weekend and all the happens in Rio or wherever you are..stay strong, help those that need it, and congratulate those who continue on their journey...I must be off.......The Captain Mr. Magic...

The Captain welcomes back the divine Ms.Rainie, sounds like you had a great time, and stayed busy during the week..Freemom, if you are still bouncing in to read...I am sure you are as disappointed in the fact you fell over board as we are..but we KNOW how hard a quit is, and I think there is the difference. All of us on this boat have been there, and those who have never been addicted have no clue. Have no shame Freemom, if this was easy I am sure everyone of us wouldn't be here right now...help is not far away, and you are welcome back anytime...The Captain pulls out his harp and gives his best rendition of the Otis Redding classic..Try A Little Tenderness in honor of our fallen shipmate.. oh she may be weary them young girls they do get wearied wearing that same old miniskirt dress but when she gets weary you try a little tenderness oh man that un hunh i know shes waiting just anticipating the thing that youl never never possess no no no but while she there waiting try just a little bit of tenderness thats all you got to do now it might be a little bit sentimental no but she has her greavs and care but the soft words they are spoke so gentle yeah yeah yeah and it makes it easier to bear oh she wont regret it........ Now...where do we cruise to next? Rio has been great, but the chopper pilot is bi##hing about the cost of fuel and wants to get closer to the mainland..given our current location, I believe its best we cruise along the northern coast of Brasil heading for the warm waters of the Gulf...perhaps make passage through the Panama Canal, and head west towards the playgrounds of Mexico...so get everything you need on board and we sail out in the morning....I must be off... The Captain.. Mr. Magic ole' [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 1/26/2007 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 45 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 914 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $101.25 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 9 [B]Hrs:[/B] 3 [B]Mins:[/B] 31 [B]Seconds:[/B] 58

Good Morning everyone, and good morning Rainie, so good to see you back. The sun is shining this morning and is a welcome sight after the storms all day and last night, Spring isn't to far off here in West TN. Nursey, the beer/smokes thing I know I can relate too however, while I don't drink a lot while playing golf, I did knock back a few, and had no urge at all to light up. Not sure if it is the drug, or the will to do it, combination of both, whatever it is I like it. Freemom, we're here to help. I know you are having a rough time, let us know what we can do, none of us wants to see you slide. JT, that's one thing I don't miss about Cincinnati, the jam packed courses that take 6 hours to play ;p but one of these days I will head over that way. I did play a Reynolds Plantation course on my way to watch the Masters last year and it was very nice indeed. Welcome aboard Redy, I know our very own Faith will welcome you in style. Hey Mom, I am tellin' you, it is getting easier, and I know what you are thinking, like is this as bad as it is going to get? I had the same feeling, you know, this has GOT to be harder. Sit back and enjoy the ride, cuz you are cruising now. Nothing planned today for The Captain, he'll just take things as the come, that is unless I get a call to play 18 ;) The captain walks off singing a blusey tune: I was born by a river in a little tent, And just like this river, I've been running ever since. It's been a too long, too long-time a-coming, But I know a change gonna come, Oh, yes, it is. It's been too hard living, And I'm afraid to die. I don't know what's up there beyond the sky. It's been a long time a, long time a-coming, But I know, Lord I know a change gonna come, Lord. Yeah, yes. I must be off....have a great Sunday...Mr.Magic

Hey Rainie...hope you put a good word in with the Big Guy for The Captain this morning...I did pass the same yesterday afternoon at Mass for us all no matter what your Big Guy looks like. Anyway...Rainie is right again.;) It is a choice to quit- YOUR choice.You choose not to smoke when the opportunity presents itself. You just don't. Rainie asked me once how I can stay in control when she had the answer all along, I made a choice not to smoke. No way, no how, and I am not going back. I don't smell of smoke, my clothes don't smell of smoke, I can walk into a room and not worry about the odor of smoke. I can smell and taste things I haven't in years, and for someone who likes to cook as much as I do, that is a nice plus. Now I know how really bad the food in the cafeteria at work is :8o: I can walk over a mile at a good pace and not be winded, I can walk up some steep hill on the course and not be winded, there are so many things. Had I only known....Thanks for the reminder Rainie....everyone take care...The Captain [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 1/26/2007 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 30 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 608 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $67.5 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 6 [B]Hrs:[/B] 1 [B]Mins:[/B] 48 [B]Seconds:[/B] 24

The Captain looks over the top of his shades..OMG it's Faith!! she is among the living!! Welcome back...it is so good to see you again ;p The Captain still didn't get out on the links, so he spent time in the kitchen, which was a good thing, and WATCHED golf on TV..was walking through the market earlier today, and walked past a woman who no doubt just put a cigarette out to come in the store. I still can't believe I smelled that bad all the time, or the last 40 years anyway. I am to the point now when I smell smoke, it justs smells BAD, and not like I want to light up when I smell it. Is this it? Have I turned the corner finally? Been in a Southern Rock mode today for some reason that I can't not explain...Everyone continue to enjoy the remainder of the weekend. Faith, stay vertical as long as possible and are you SURE you are only 55? Enough of that mid-life stuff too, 60 is now the new 30 you know, the Boomers have taken over the USA :eg: and the world!! The Captain slides his shades up, his ballcap back down, and begins to sing another favorite Allman Bros tune: Last Sunday morning, the sunshine felt like rain. The week before, they all seemed the same. With the help of God and true friends, I've come to realize, I still have two strong legs, and even wings to fly. So I, ain't a-wastin time no more. Cause time goes by like hurricanes, and faster things. Well, Lord, Lord, Miss Sally, why all your cryin? Been around here three long days, lookin like we're dyin. Go step yourself outside, and look up at the stars above, And go on downtown, baby, find somebody to love. Meanwhile, I ain't a-wastin time no more. Cause time goes by like pouring rain, and much faster things. You don't need no gypsy to tell you why, Ya can't let one precious day to slip by. Well, look inside yourself, and if you don't see what you want, Maybe sometimes then ya don't, But, leave your mind alone and just get high. Well, by and by, way after many years have gone, And all the war freaks die off, leavin us alone. We'll raise our children, in the peaceful way we can, It's up to you and me brother, To try and try again. So, hear us now, we ain't wastin time no more. Cause time rolls by like hurricanes. Runnin after the subway train. Don't forget