I'm in!

[Souliman]

Day 370

Wow, I can't believe it's been 101 days since I last posted. I guess the phrase "time flies when you're having fun" might actually be true.

SoÂ… This past Friday was a monumental day for me... My one-year quit anniversary. On June 22, 2011 I woke up and decided that I had had enough. I jumped on the computer (of course, with a dip in my mouth) and started looking for tobacco alternatives. That led me to KTC and somehow or another I found myself in the September 2011 pre-Hall of Fame group.

I read, laughed at some of the stories, thought to myself "sure, I'll give this a shot and see what happens" but I'm not one for online support groups. I took the plunge, walked into the bathroom with every can of Copenhagen I owned and flushed it all down the toilet. I never would've imagined that one year later I would be sitting here completely nicotine free and a member of one of the most bad-ass quit groups in history... The Pirates of September... but here I am.

Along the way I had some tremendous ups and downs, some family issues, some work issues, and of course some major craves. But through it all, I came to realize the power of association. People I've never met reached out to me when I needed them most, offered help to a total stranger, and expected nothing in return. To say that I was amazed would be a total understatement. Without realizing it I had become part of something much bigger than I could've ever imagined...the fraternity of KTC.

So here I am one year later, sitting at the same desk and reading through the introductions of some new members of KTC. I see some of the same stories, I see some of the same histories, and I see some of the same concerns. It makes me realize that through all of the time that I struggled with addiction I was not alone. Even though I thought I was the only one who had the problems I had, in reality there are thousands of people just like me.

So on that June morning a little more than a year ago, I didn't find a website, I found a brotherhood. More people than I could've imagined fighting the same fight as me every single day. I'm proud of my accomplishment of making it one year without tobacco, but I'm even more proud to be associated with a great group of quitters who every day step up to the plate and make that promise... I will not dip today.

Glad you are here friend.

x2

Congrats on being back in single digits. You made it thru all the season, all the sports, all the events, etc. There are no excuses.

Be on the lookout for a 400 day funk. It'll pass like they always do.

Be strong friend.

Never again for any reason.

Taz.......outstanding

I quit with Taz today

[CleanFuel]

Day 370

Wow, I can't believe it's been 101 days since I last posted. I guess the phrase "time flies when you're having fun" might actually be true.

SoÂ… This past Friday was a monumental day for me... My one-year quit anniversary. On June 22, 2011 I woke up and decided that I had had enough. I jumped on the computer (of course, with a dip in my mouth) and started looking for tobacco alternatives. That led me to KTC and somehow or another I found myself in the September 2011 pre-Hall of Fame group.

I read, laughed at some of the stories, thought to myself "sure, I'll give this a shot and see what happens" but I'm not one for online support groups. I took the plunge, walked into the bathroom with every can of Copenhagen I owned and flushed it all down the toilet. I never would've imagined that one year later I would be sitting here completely nicotine free and a member of one of the most bad-ass quit groups in history... The Pirates of September... but here I am.

Along the way I had some tremendous ups and downs, some family issues, some work issues, and of course some major craves. But through it all, I came to realize the power of association. People I've never met reached out to me when I needed them most, offered help to a total stranger, and expected nothing in return. To say that I was amazed would be a total understatement. Without realizing it I had become part of something much bigger than I could've ever imagined...the fraternity of KTC.

So here I am one year later, sitting at the same desk and reading through the introductions of some new members of KTC. I see some of the same stories, I see some of the same histories, and I see some of the same concerns. It makes me realize that through all of the time that I struggled with addiction I was not alone. Even though I thought I was the only one who had the problems I had, in reality there are thousands of people just like me.

So on that June morning a little more than a year ago, I didn't find a website, I found a brotherhood. More people than I could've imagined fighting the same fight as me every single day. I'm proud of my accomplishment of making it one year without tobacco, but I'm even more proud to be associated with a great group of quitters who every day step up to the plate and make that promise... I will not dip today.

Glad you are here friend.

x2

Congrats on being back in single digits. You made it thru all the season, all the sports, all the events, etc. There are no excuses.

Be on the lookout for a 400 day funk. It'll pass like they always do.

Be strong friend.

Never again for any reason.

Taz.......outstanding

[loot]

Day 370

Wow, I can't believe it's been 101 days since I last posted. I guess the phrase "time flies when you're having fun" might actually be true.

SoÂ… This past Friday was a monumental day for me... My one-year quit anniversary. On June 22, 2011 I woke up and decided that I had had enough. I jumped on the computer (of course, with a dip in my mouth) and started looking for tobacco alternatives. That led me to KTC and somehow or another I found myself in the September 2011 pre-Hall of Fame group.

I read, laughed at some of the stories, thought to myself "sure, I'll give this a shot and see what happens" but I'm not one for online support groups. I took the plunge, walked into the bathroom with every can of Copenhagen I owned and flushed it all down the toilet. I never would've imagined that one year later I would be sitting here completely nicotine free and a member of one of the most bad-ass quit groups in history... The Pirates of September... but here I am.

Along the way I had some tremendous ups and downs, some family issues, some work issues, and of course some major craves. But through it all, I came to realize the power of association. People I've never met reached out to me when I needed them most, offered help to a total stranger, and expected nothing in return. To say that I was amazed would be a total understatement. Without realizing it I had become part of something much bigger than I could've ever imagined...the fraternity of KTC.

So here I am one year later, sitting at the same desk and reading through the introductions of some new members of KTC. I see some of the same stories, I see some of the same histories, and I see some of the same concerns. It makes me realize that through all of the time that I struggled with addiction I was not alone. Even though I thought I was the only one who had the problems I had, in reality there are thousands of people just like me.

So on that June morning a little more than a year ago, I didn't find a website, I found a brotherhood. More people than I could've imagined fighting the same fight as me every single day. I'm proud of my accomplishment of making it one year without tobacco, but I'm even more proud to be associated with a great group of quitters who every day step up to the plate and make that promise... I will not dip today.

Glad you are here friend.

x2

Congrats on being back in single digits. You made it thru all the season, all the sports, all the events, etc. There are no excuses.

Be on the lookout for a 400 day funk. It'll pass like they always do.

Be strong friend.

Never again for any reason.

[Scowick65]

Day 370

Wow, I can't believe it's been 101 days since I last posted. I guess the phrase "time flies when you're having fun" might actually be true.

SoÂ… This past Friday was a monumental day for me... My one-year quit anniversary. On June 22, 2011 I woke up and decided that I had had enough. I jumped on the computer (of course, with a dip in my mouth) and started looking for tobacco alternatives. That led me to KTC and somehow or another I found myself in the September 2011 pre-Hall of Fame group.

I read, laughed at some of the stories, thought to myself "sure, I'll give this a shot and see what happens" but I'm not one for online support groups. I took the plunge, walked into the bathroom with every can of Copenhagen I owned and flushed it all down the toilet. I never would've imagined that one year later I would be sitting here completely nicotine free and a member of one of the most bad-ass quit groups in history... The Pirates of September... but here I am.

Along the way I had some tremendous ups and downs, some family issues, some work issues, and of course some major craves. But through it all, I came to realize the power of association. People I've never met reached out to me when I needed them most, offered help to a total stranger, and expected nothing in return. To say that I was amazed would be a total understatement. Without realizing it I had become part of something much bigger than I could've ever imagined...the fraternity of KTC.

So here I am one year later, sitting at the same desk and reading through the introductions of some new members of KTC. I see some of the same stories, I see some of the same histories, and I see some of the same concerns. It makes me realize that through all of the time that I struggled with addiction I was not alone. Even though I thought I was the only one who had the problems I had, in reality there are thousands of people just like me.

So on that June morning a little more than a year ago, I didn't find a website, I found a brotherhood. More people than I could've imagined fighting the same fight as me every single day. I'm proud of my accomplishment of making it one year without tobacco, but I'm even more proud to be associated with a great group of quitters who every day step up to the plate and make that promise... I will not dip today.

Glad you are here friend.

[tazmed]

Day 370

Wow, I can't believe it's been 101 days since I last posted. I guess the phrase "time flies when you're having fun" might actually be true.

SoÂ… This past Friday was a monumental day for me... My one-year quit anniversary. On June 22, 2011 I woke up and decided that I had had enough. I jumped on the computer (of course, with a dip in my mouth) and started looking for tobacco alternatives. That led me to KTC and somehow or another I found myself in the September 2011 pre-Hall of Fame group.

I read, laughed at some of the stories, thought to myself "sure, I'll give this a shot and see what happens" but I'm not one for online support groups. I took the plunge, walked into the bathroom with every can of Copenhagen I owned and flushed it all down the toilet. I never would've imagined that one year later I would be sitting here completely nicotine free and a member of one of the most bad-ass quit groups in history... The Pirates of September... but here I am.

Along the way I had some tremendous ups and downs, some family issues, some work issues, and of course some major craves. But through it all, I came to realize the power of association. People I've never met reached out to me when I needed them most, offered help to a total stranger, and expected nothing in return. To say that I was amazed would be a total understatement. Without realizing it I had become part of something much bigger than I could've ever imagined...the fraternity of KTC.

So here I am one year later, sitting at the same desk and reading through the introductions of some new members of KTC. I see some of the same stories, I see some of the same histories, and I see some of the same concerns. It makes me realize that through all of the time that I struggled with addiction I was not alone. Even though I thought I was the only one who had the problems I had, in reality there are thousands of people just like me.

So on that June morning a little more than a year ago, I didn't find a website, I found a brotherhood. More people than I could've imagined fighting the same fight as me every single day. I'm proud of my accomplishment of making it one year without tobacco, but I'm even more proud to be associated with a great group of quitters who every day step up to the plate and make that promise... I will not dip today.

[tazmed]

Day 269

I woke up this morning, walked into the bathroom for my morning purge, and thought about today. I remember posting here 200 days ago and thought I'd post something about the stretch between days 69 and 269...but then after posting roll I find out that SWJ had caved. Holy hell...I knew that he'd drifted away, but never expected to see him walk back in here with a Day 1. Someone directed me to read his intro back when I first quit and it was some of the funniest shit I'd ever read...what an imagination this guy has. And then he comes crawling back.

I've missed posting roll one day out of 269, and I had a good reason for missing that day. No one noticed I had gone missing, or at least no one reached out, until the next day when the guy who keeps our spreadsheet up to date asked what happened. Well, what happened was that we're getting complacent. My brothers didn't look out for me like I wasn't looking out for them.

So back to this morning...while I was making coffee and before firing up the computer, I was thinking about how comfortable I was getting in my quit. I literally thought about backing away from KTC because I don't contribute much here anymore. I wake up, post my roll, post my support for a few younger quitters, read a couple intros and head off. But, I'm not really "engaged" in the site anymore. I've been around long enough that I'm getting into "coast mode" and just kicking back and taking it easy. That's dumb... 'Crazy'

So reading through the new thread from SWJ I see a bunch of the old vets making their feelings about his cave known, and a few new guys posting their thoughts too. Then I run across this post from Grizzly25 (he's quoting Ready, then responds to it):

QUOTE (Ready @ Mar 15, 2012, 7:51 pm)
Ready - Day 1,505

I post roll every day giving my word of Honor that I will not use nicotine in any way, shape or form. I use the tools provided by those in the trenches next to me, knowing that they will not let me down. You have no idea how many quitters I would have to go through to cave. It would be impossible for me to cave. I would not dishonor them or myself by not giving them the respect they have earned to protect me from myself if the need arose.

This is what this site is.

Or you could join the site, quit, be involved, get bored of your freedom, get complacent, think you have things under control, ignore the things that kept you quit and...

Blah Blah Blah, I left the site I caved.

Character means something.

Just a reminder on what this site is about, its not mine but it is very accurate.

So here's this kid (I don't know how old he really is) with a month of quit under his belt and he gets it. que Yoda "The quit is strong with this one..." This guy spoke straight to me about getting comfortable. In case you missed it...

Or you could join the site, quit, be involved, get bored of your freedom, get complacent, think you have things under control, ignore the things that kept you quit and...Blah Blah Blah, I left the site I caved.

Character means something.

So with my post today, I'm going to work on re-engaging. I'll get back into chat and see if I can help someone else out. Whatever happens to my September 2011 group, I want to know about it, not just show up, post and bail out. We still have some hard core quitters there...I'll do better at keeping up with everyone. Hopefully they'll keep me accountable too. As for Grizzly25 (love your profile picture, by the way), I'll quit with you today. You spoke to me just when I needed it, but without even knowing it. Thanks for that. You sir, are a bad ass quitter... 'archer'

[AgLawyer]

Right on Taz. Congrats bro. I hugged a Mormon for you today. Elder-something was a little spooked. Guess I hung on a little too long for his likings.

'crackup' 'crackup' 'crackup'

That was hilarious.

But Taz, well done man...nice quarter comma.

[Souliman]

Right on Taz. Congrats bro. I hugged a Mormon for you today. Elder-something was a little spooked. Guess I hung on a little too long for his likings.

[zam]

Day 250

So yesterday morning I'm heading down to the place where I'm teaching a class all day and I'm hit with a memory.  About a year ago I was teaching at the same place and I remembered standing outside for about 10 minutes while we were on a break.  I had a big dip in and I was trying to cover my spitting into the bushes...you see, I was teaching at a church.  Not just any church, but a Mormon church.  Not that I have any issues with the Mormon church, but I knew that they have their rules against putting anything into your body that alters it.  So there I was, standing around with all these guys, in their house and knowingly violating their rules.  Nicotine had that much of a grip on me that I actively took a big dump on my hosts.

When I arrived I started feeling really guilty about what I had done the last time I was there.  As I walked in the door I saw the bush that I had spit into and...now this is a little corny...I said a little mental apology to the bush.  That made me feel a little better.  :rolleyes:

As I went through the day, every time we'd take a break I remembered that there was no longer a need to "go to my truck for something"...I didn't need to "make a phone call"...I didn't need to "excuse myself to the restroom for 10 minutes"...I don't do that shit anymore.  'arse'  A great day indeed!!!

Awesome post...

Although, I do sometimes miss having a reason to go take a break for 5-10 minutes from seeing nut-jobs in the ER....

Thanks for the post, taz. Oddly, in 26+ years of dipping, I couldn't be bothered by the costs, the insane health risks, etc. But in a rare moment of clarity, I realized I was living the same life you just described- that of a slave. I quit that day, and the next day I found KTC.

Great post.

[CoachDoc]

Day 250

So yesterday morning I'm heading down to the place where I'm teaching a class all day and I'm hit with a memory. About a year ago I was teaching at the same place and I remembered standing outside for about 10 minutes while we were on a break. I had a big dip in and I was trying to cover my spitting into the bushes...you see, I was teaching at a church. Not just any church, but a Mormon church. Not that I have any issues with the Mormon church, but I knew that they have their rules against putting anything into your body that alters it. So there I was, standing around with all these guys, in their house and knowingly violating their rules. Nicotine had that much of a grip on me that I actively took a big dump on my hosts.

When I arrived I started feeling really guilty about what I had done the last time I was there. As I walked in the door I saw the bush that I had spit into and...now this is a little corny...I said a little mental apology to the bush. That made me feel a little better. :rolleyes:

As I went through the day, every time we'd take a break I remembered that there was no longer a need to "go to my truck for something"...I didn't need to "make a phone call"...I didn't need to "excuse myself to the restroom for 10 minutes"...I don't do that shit anymore. 'arse' A great day indeed!!!

Awesome post...

Although, I do sometimes miss having a reason to go take a break for 5-10 minutes from seeing nut-jobs in the ER....

[tazmed]

Day 250

So yesterday morning I'm heading down to the place where I'm teaching a class all day and I'm hit with a memory. About a year ago I was teaching at the same place and I remembered standing outside for about 10 minutes while we were on a break. I had a big dip in and I was trying to cover my spitting into the bushes...you see, I was teaching at a church. Not just any church, but a Mormon church. Not that I have any issues with the Mormon church, but I knew that they have their rules against putting anything into your body that alters it. So there I was, standing around with all these guys, in their house and knowingly violating their rules. Nicotine had that much of a grip on me that I actively took a big dump on my hosts.

When I arrived I started feeling really guilty about what I had done the last time I was there. As I walked in the door I saw the bush that I had spit into and...now this is a little corny...I said a little mental apology to the bush. That made me feel a little better. :rolleyes:

As I went through the day, every time we'd take a break I remembered that there was no longer a need to "go to my truck for something"...I didn't need to "make a phone call"...I didn't need to "excuse myself to the restroom for 10 minutes"...I don't do that shit anymore. 'arse' A great day indeed!!!

[Souliman]

Nice work Taz. Cheers bro.

[Nolaq]

Day 234

I got a fax machine today.  Now normally that wouldn't be cause for any notice or comment, but today is different.  The guy who brought the thing in to hook it up noticed the tin of Altoids sitting on my desk.  I told him that they're for when I have to fight off a craving.  His response was "Are you kicking nicotine too?" 

That led to about a one-hour conversation about quitting where I got to inform him about KTC and WTP.  He probably won't sign up as he just passed his two year anniversary of kicking cigarettes, but he said he would check it out and pass the info along to others he knows are quitting. 

We talked about how hard some days are; how only quitters know the rage; how having the right attitude and a support system is the key.  Hell, he was a walking talking billboard for KTC and hadn't even heard about the site.  The coolest thing about the whole interaction was when we walked out he turned and asked "Isn't freedom great?". 

So, for bumping into a new brother, today is a great day.  And yes Braden, freedom IS great!  'archer'

That's freaking awesome. It's the little things that keep you quit each day.

And that bitch better print on both sides using Windows 7.

FUWaste...

[wastepanel]

Day 234

I got a fax machine today. Now normally that wouldn't be cause for any notice or comment, but today is different. The guy who brought the thing in to hook it up noticed the tin of Altoids sitting on my desk. I told him that they're for when I have to fight off a craving. His response was "Are you kicking nicotine too?"

That led to about a one-hour conversation about quitting where I got to inform him about KTC and WTP. He probably won't sign up as he just passed his two year anniversary of kicking cigarettes, but he said he would check it out and pass the info along to others he knows are quitting.

We talked about how hard some days are; how only quitters know the rage; how having the right attitude and a support system is the key. Hell, he was a walking talking billboard for KTC and hadn't even heard about the site. The coolest thing about the whole interaction was when we walked out he turned and asked "Isn't freedom great?".

So, for bumping into a new brother, today is a great day. And yes Braden, freedom IS great! 'archer'

That's freaking awesome. It's the little things that keep you quit each day.

And that bitch better print on both sides using Windows 7.

[tazmed]

Day 234

I got a fax machine today. Now normally that wouldn't be cause for any notice or comment, but today is different. The guy who brought the thing in to hook it up noticed the tin of Altoids sitting on my desk. I told him that they're for when I have to fight off a craving. His response was "Are you kicking nicotine too?"

That led to about a one-hour conversation about quitting where I got to inform him about KTC and WTP. He probably won't sign up as he just passed his two year anniversary of kicking cigarettes, but he said he would check it out and pass the info along to others he knows are quitting.

We talked about how hard some days are; how only quitters know the rage; how having the right attitude and a support system is the key. Hell, he was a walking talking billboard for KTC and hadn't even heard about the site. The coolest thing about the whole interaction was when we walked out he turned and asked "Isn't freedom great?".

So, for bumping into a new brother, today is a great day. And yes Braden, freedom IS great! 'archer'