Hello,
My name is Eric Bates. I am 33 years old and a proud father of three kids. My wife and I have been married for 10 years this July. I have chewed tobacco since I was 16 years old.
It all started in high school, with the quick marts / gas stations that would sell chew to anyone with money. Once I hit college, it was everyday, nearly all day...no need to hide it from anyone. After graduation, I went to work in residential construction, the perfect climate for chewing tobacco.
My hobbies are baseball (coaching), golf, camping, fishing, anything outdooors, again, the perfect environment for chewing tobacco.
I've been around chewing tobacco for a long time. I've used it to keep from eating, I've used it to calm down, I've used it because others had, I've used it because I was bored, I've used it because it was there, I've used it because....well...because I could. It started with Skoal Wintergreen, the Spearment, then back to Wintergreen, then Cope - Long Cut, then Rooster, then Grizzly.
Now I have to stop. My choice. not my wife's, mom's, brothers, grandma's, dad's, but mine.
My reasons...
1. Brayden (7), Addison (3) and Carter (1). I've done well at hiding it from kids for a long time, but is it fair to them that their father sneaks around doing something that is bad for his health? When they grow up, I don't want to be a hypocrit.
2. My health. enough said. I don't want to be the guy with no jaw, what fun would that be?
3. To prove I can. If I can beat this, I can do anything.
I'm currently on day 8 (quit day of 4/1/11 - my mom's birthday). I planned this day about 25 days prior and discussed quitting with my family and my doctor. So far it's been pretty rough. Sunflower seeds hurt my mouth, I haven't had a good crap in a week (sorry if TMI), I eat everything in sight and I can't sleep...at all!
Sorry for the lengthy intro, I guess I had more on my mind than I thought. Thanks for welcoming me to your community. I know I'll be around for a long time!
-Boilerbates
