Colonel_No_Cope Intro

[Colonel_No_Cope]

Just a quick note... I suppose its more for retread quitters like myself.

From what I have experienced over the last 270 days, I have a few observations.

1) do not come back the way I did. If you quit for 10 days or 1000 days... my approach (if you took the time to research me) is not the winning answer. Do not come back in with an attitude, even though the Nic Bitch wants you to... you will simply end up looking like a horse's ass. Not easy to live down... but easier than being labelled a repeat or serial caver.

2) take your medicine... guys, just take the beating. Its better than lying... and certainly better than dying. If you apply yourself... if you are dedicated to overcoming your past, and locking in your future as a quitter... then the pain you endure during your comeback days is relatively minor.

3) the retreads that guys appreciate having around are the ones that take a personal interest in others first... then themselves second. I think about a number of friends on KTC when I wrote this one. If you are a retread, style your return after them... you hopefully know who they are. You ought to.

4) you are gonna have newbs that don't trust you because you caved once... you will have fresh retreads that just don't get it yet... maintain your integrity throughout this. Try not to lose your temper at first flash. You will earn more respect by staying true to the system and helping others. This will not always be the easiest thing to do... but it does work. Everyone has caved... if not, they never would have found KTC, yet the only difference... the most significant difference is, you broke your word when you caved on KTC. Repair this... get your honor back... ASAP.

5) last but not least, some people will hate your guts... the very path you tread is despicable to them (see #4). You will have personal attacks, professional attacks, and quitter attacks. What matters most... to you and all those on KTC... is how many folks have you helped today.

Get called a "stalker"... have guys question the number of hours you spend on KTC... or in Live Chat... let them question your job status... who the fuck cares... forget all that.

If you are helping others as often as you can find time for... then you are reinforcing your quit every time. Your quit will be concrete... titanium... what have you. And this brothers, means others are stronger for it.

Maybe at that point... maybe... you have earned your keep as a retread.

There its off my chest.

[Radman]

The thing is that my children take priority, so it's common lately for me to skip the run to play with them.  I think it's worth the trade while they are young.  On the days I've taken extended runs or workouts, I pretty much feel like crap the whole time because my kids were wanting me to do something with them.  I dread the day when they don't want to spend time with me, and I figure every time I walk away from them, I expedite their transition to that. 

Good stuff from the good Colonel and yourself, I'd like to do something similar.

On your point here, I feel the same. However, most days I just end up taking them on my run! My daughter is 12 and my son is 4, both ride bikes well enough to easily keep up with me on a short 5K around the neighborhood. In the beginning they hemmed and hawwed and protested but I tell you what, it's a pleasing feeling the first time one of them comes up to you and says "Hey Dad, let's go for a run!".

Now, I do like the sound of that.

The girls, while only 2.5 years old, both love the outdoors... heaven help me if they degenerate into another TV/inside generation.

If we can maintain this interest, I see soccer, running, softball, swimming, camping and hiking in their futures. Again, they love the outdoors... I don't want to lose that.

Thats a good post rgross... its Russ, right?

Thanks man.

Correct, Colonel. Do you have a jogging stroller? Hit up REI and get you one of those B.O.B. strollers, they sell them for twins as well. Or check craigslist. Best purchase I ever made, and my wife agrees. They are expensive ($300+) but you can run with them like a madman. I still use it with my son on days he doesn't want to ride, or when it's getting dark or excessively windy. I once ran 13.1 around the neighborhood with him snoozing in it when he was around 1 year :)

Anyways, I think the whole point is I definitely understand the want/need to spend more time with your kids. I tell my wife I never feel like I spend enough time with them. However, as far as personal fitness and spending time with kids is concerned, I don't think they are mutually exclusive. Take the kids with you. Like I said, one day you'll be proud as shit when your kids are riding/running right along with you, and heck, you've done one hell of a job as a dad showing them that physical activity is just part of their day. That's something I didn't get growing up.

--Russ

Ditto. I didn't get it either. To this day, I've never seen my parents run or do any kind of excercise. I refuse to go that route.

I think we are on the same page here, and that is a great thing.

I've taken a page from rgross a couple times. About a month ago, my 8-year-old started taking interest in my run. He's rode his bike along with me several times. That is a wonderful thing. Good conversation, good music, and great company. My twins are only 3, and since I mostly run off-road, taking them is not realy feasible yet.

[rgross298]

The thing is that my children take priority, so it's common lately for me to skip the run to play with them.  I think it's worth the trade while they are young.  On the days I've taken extended runs or workouts, I pretty much feel like crap the whole time because my kids were wanting me to do something with them.  I dread the day when they don't want to spend time with me, and I figure every time I walk away from them, I expedite their transition to that. 

Good stuff from the good Colonel and yourself, I'd like to do something similar.

On your point here, I feel the same. However, most days I just end up taking them on my run! My daughter is 12 and my son is 4, both ride bikes well enough to easily keep up with me on a short 5K around the neighborhood. In the beginning they hemmed and hawwed and protested but I tell you what, it's a pleasing feeling the first time one of them comes up to you and says "Hey Dad, let's go for a run!".

Now, I do like the sound of that.

The girls, while only 2.5 years old, both love the outdoors... heaven help me if they degenerate into another TV/inside generation.

If we can maintain this interest, I see soccer, running, softball, swimming, camping and hiking in their futures. Again, they love the outdoors... I don't want to lose that.

Thats a good post rgross... its Russ, right?

Thanks man.

Correct, Colonel. Do you have a jogging stroller? Hit up REI and get you one of those B.O.B. strollers, they sell them for twins as well. Or check craigslist. Best purchase I ever made, and my wife agrees. They are expensive ($300+) but you can run with them like a madman. I still use it with my son on days he doesn't want to ride, or when it's getting dark or excessively windy. I once ran 13.1 around the neighborhood with him snoozing in it when he was around 1 year :)

Anyways, I think the whole point is I definitely understand the want/need to spend more time with your kids. I tell my wife I never feel like I spend enough time with them. However, as far as personal fitness and spending time with kids is concerned, I don't think they are mutually exclusive. Take the kids with you. Like I said, one day you'll be proud as shit when your kids are riding/running right along with you, and heck, you've done one hell of a job as a dad showing them that physical activity is just part of their day. That's something I didn't get growing up.

--Russ

[Colonel_No_Cope]

The thing is that my children take priority, so it's common lately for me to skip the run to play with them.  I think it's worth the trade while they are young.  On the days I've taken extended runs or workouts, I pretty much feel like crap the whole time because my kids were wanting me to do something with them.  I dread the day when they don't want to spend time with me, and I figure every time I walk away from them, I expedite their transition to that. 

Good stuff from the good Colonel and yourself, I'd like to do something similar.

On your point here, I feel the same. However, most days I just end up taking them on my run! My daughter is 12 and my son is 4, both ride bikes well enough to easily keep up with me on a short 5K around the neighborhood. In the beginning they hemmed and hawwed and protested but I tell you what, it's a pleasing feeling the first time one of them comes up to you and says "Hey Dad, let's go for a run!".

Now, I do like the sound of that.

The girls, while only 2.5 years old, both love the outdoors... heaven help me if they degenerate into another TV/inside generation.

If we can maintain this interest, I see soccer, running, softball, swimming, camping and hiking in their futures. Again, they love the outdoors... I don't want to lose that.

Thats a good post rgross... its Russ, right?

Thanks man.

[Colonel_No_Cope]

I have decided to tack on some more positive changes to my life, to supplement the quit plan I already have established, codified and implemented.

These are healthy goals... October has hopped on board as well, and we are now tracking our personal goal accountability via spreadsheet as well.  I am honored to be a part of this group, and excited by this new level of devotion.

Here is what I am holding myself accountable for, as well as accountable to my Quit Basterds of October.

(1) I will take 30 minutes a day to play with my twins without a tv, phone, etc. to distract me.

(2) I will conduct a 3+ mile road march with 60+ pounds of gear with boots on M-W-F, then a 30 minute cardio work-out on T-Th.

(3) I will take 10 minutes to have a conversation with my wife talking about something positive and tell her how much she means to me.

(4)  I will, at least once a week, contact one quit brother out of the blue (via Phone or Text) just to say hi.

(5) I will eat 2 healthy meals daily (calorie counts unnecessary at this point, unless weight goes back above 200)... I generally do not eat three meals, nor snack very much.  As such, I will support Mrs Colonel's healthy diet plan to the fullest extent.

(6) I will maintain my weight at below 200 lbs (for a 6'1" guy), with a goal of my ideal fighting weight of 189.

(7) I will take my blood pressure medication daily, without fail.  Monitoring via cuff as required.

(8) I will, thru stretching and exercise, manage my back and hip pain so as to not deter me from physical activity with my twins.

(9) I will ensure that I follow thru on all projects and goals set forth during the Mrs Colonel Morning Update Brief.

(10) I will not partake of alcoholic beverages to support the achievement of all the above.

I am accountable now on all the above, i.e., for my quit, my support, my health and my family's well-being.

Let's Roll!!!

Colonel

Excellent plan to live by, brother! Very well thought out, and matches many of my priorities in life during the last couple years. As a note, my main priority is my family. Period.

#2 and #1 give me fits. I don't march, but I do run a bit. The thing is that my children take priority, so it's common lately for me to skip the run to play with them. I think it's worth the trade while they are young. On the days I've taken extended runs or workouts, I pretty much feel like crap the whole time because my kids were wanting me to do something with them. I dread the day when they don't want to spend time with me, and I figure every time I walk away from them, I expedite their transition to that.

Thanks for posting this.

Point well-taken.

Like you, I dread the day that they find things to do other than play with Daddy.

I must temper my zeal to account for this, but I am trying to remember that exercise keeps me happy and healthy... if I am happy and healthy, I can continue to work out to sustain that... if I work out and am happy and healthy, I will live longer... if I live longer, they will have more time with Daddy in the long run.

But, as you said, we must keep them as our #1 priority... very true.

Thanks man.

[rgross298]

The thing is that my children take priority, so it's common lately for me to skip the run to play with them.  I think it's worth the trade while they are young.  On the days I've taken extended runs or workouts, I pretty much feel like crap the whole time because my kids were wanting me to do something with them.  I dread the day when they don't want to spend time with me, and I figure every time I walk away from them, I expedite their transition to that. 

Good stuff from the good Colonel and yourself, I'd like to do something similar.

On your point here, I feel the same. However, most days I just end up taking them on my run! My daughter is 12 and my son is 4, both ride bikes well enough to easily keep up with me on a short 5K around the neighborhood. In the beginning they hemmed and hawwed and protested but I tell you what, it's a pleasing feeling the first time one of them comes up to you and says "Hey Dad, let's go for a run!".

[Radman]

I have decided to tack on some more positive changes to my life, to supplement the quit plan I already have established, codified and implemented.

These are healthy goals... October has hopped on board as well, and we are now tracking our personal goal accountability via spreadsheet as well. I am honored to be a part of this group, and excited by this new level of devotion.

Here is what I am holding myself accountable for, as well as accountable to my Quit Basterds of October.

(1) I will take 30 minutes a day to play with my twins without a tv, phone, etc. to distract me.

(2) I will conduct a 3+ mile road march with 60+ pounds of gear with boots on M-W-F, then a 30 minute cardio work-out on T-Th.

(3) I will take 10 minutes to have a conversation with my wife talking about something positive and tell her how much she means to me.

(4) I will, at least once a week, contact one quit brother out of the blue (via Phone or Text) just to say hi.

(5) I will eat 2 healthy meals daily (calorie counts unnecessary at this point, unless weight goes back above 200)... I generally do not eat three meals, nor snack very much. As such, I will support Mrs Colonel's healthy diet plan to the fullest extent.

(6) I will maintain my weight at below 200 lbs (for a 6'1" guy), with a goal of my ideal fighting weight of 189.

(7) I will take my blood pressure medication daily, without fail. Monitoring via cuff as required.

(8) I will, thru stretching and exercise, manage my back and hip pain so as to not deter me from physical activity with my twins.

(9) I will ensure that I follow thru on all projects and goals set forth during the Mrs Colonel Morning Update Brief.

(10) I will not partake of alcoholic beverages to support the achievement of all the above.

I am accountable now on all the above, i.e., for my quit, my support, my health and my family's well-being.

Let's Roll!!!

Colonel

Excellent plan to live by, brother! Very well thought out, and matches many of my priorities in life during the last couple years. As a note, my main priority is my family. Period.

#2 and #1 give me fits. I don't march, but I do run a bit. The thing is that my children take priority, so it's common lately for me to skip the run to play with them. I think it's worth the trade while they are young. On the days I've taken extended runs or workouts, I pretty much feel like crap the whole time because my kids were wanting me to do something with them. I dread the day when they don't want to spend time with me, and I figure every time I walk away from them, I expedite their transition to that.

Thanks for posting this.

[Colonel_No_Cope]

Yeah, I figured I would dust off the Intro and use it for some more good.

As always, I appreciate the support received from all my Quit Basterds and those from other groups.

Its impossible to feel alone or isolated in a Group like our's... or using a site like KTC if you choose to avail yourself of all the resources available.

At any given time, I can talk to Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, FIREFIGHTERS, Cops (if I ever wanted to :P ), Doctors, Coaches, Lawyers, Teachers, Students, bad-asses of every industry imaginable, and just plain hardcore citizens from every state of the Greatest Country that ever was.

Yeah, its been a good ending to a trying past 2 months.

Thanks for being there, all of you.

Lets see what the next challenge brings.

Colonel

[Colonel_No_Cope]

I have decided to tack on some more positive changes to my life, to supplement the quit plan I already have established, codified and implemented.

These are healthy goals... October has hopped on board as well, and we are now tracking our personal goal accountability via spreadsheet as well. I am honored to be a part of this group, and excited by this new level of devotion.

Here is what I am holding myself accountable for, as well as accountable to my Quit Basterds of October.

(1) I will take 30 minutes a day to play with my twins without a tv, phone, etc. to distract me.

(2) I will conduct a 3+ mile road march with 60+ pounds of gear and wildland boots on M-W-F, then a 30 minute cardio work-out on T-Th.

(3) I will take 10 minutes to have a conversation with my wife talking about something positive and tell her how much she means to me.

(4) I will, at least once a week, contact one quit brother out of the blue (via Phone or Text) just to say hi.

(5) I will eat 2 healthy meals daily (calorie counts unnecessary at this point, unless weight goes back above 200)... I generally do not eat three meals, nor snack very much. As such, I will support Mrs Colonel's healthy diet plan to the fullest extent.

(6) I will maintain my weight at below 200 lbs (for a 6'1" guy), with a goal of my ideal fighting weight of 189.

(7) I will take my blood pressure medication daily, without fail. Monitoring via cuff as required.

(8) I will, thru stretching and exercise, manage my back and hip pain so as to not deter me from physical activity with my twins.

(9) I will ensure that I follow thru on all projects and goals set forth during the Mrs Colonel Morning Update Brief.

(10) I will not partake of alcoholic beverages to support the achievement of all the above.

I am accountable now on all the above, i.e., for my quit, my support, my health and my family's well-being.

Let's Roll!!!

Colonel

[Tiburonbob]

I posted this in my October Group... but its just as important for you guys to know what is on my mind.
-------------------------------------------
After CopeFiend pointed out my incorrect day count this morning, I have come to the conclusion that a new fog had set in during my approach to 2nd Floor.

Which also means that I have been at risk of complacency.

I am buckling down again, but just a note to my fellow Bastards... it ain't over. It'll never be over.

I'm an addict... I AM an addict... always will be. I will never forget that, but now I must change my mantra to "DO NOT LEAVE THE SITE... DO NOT SLIP AWAY FROM THE SITE AGAIN, YOU BASTARD!!!"

Sure, we all need to stay alert... but this stretch to 300 was the beginning of my downfall last time. I have missed roll 4 times in the last month... not a pattern per se, but could have been an indicator of the "milestone fog."

So, if you all see me slipping on Roll... or if I begin to sound complacent or foggy, fill my Inbox with PMs PLEASE.

Text the hell out of me if you are so inclined.

I do not wish to live in a world of shit, again.  I will NOT live in a world of shit again.

CNC, I haven't used your number in months and months but it's still safely stored in my phone. I have not sent you a PM since the early days of my quit but you are stored in my addresses. Please rest assured that I will watch your back every day. I'd appreciate it if you will do the same for me.
I have been pretty vocal about lamenting the loss of basterds after we hit the hall, but one thing to come from those that have left is the core group we have remaining. The remaining basterds are a force of quit, you are a huge part of that.
I will proudly quit with you again today.

^^^^ These guys fucking get it.

Longer timers right here... well done boys.

This is why this place works.

Drink it up men!

Thank you Colonel.

I am once again reminded of my nature. I am an addict. I must never forget. Thanks.

Don't leave me out. Im gonna watch you but you gotta watch me too! I am quit with you today.
Tbob.

[Scowick65]

I posted this in my October Group... but its just as important for you guys to know what is on my mind.
-------------------------------------------
After CopeFiend pointed out my incorrect day count this morning, I have come to the conclusion that a new fog had set in during my approach to 2nd Floor.

Which also means that I have been at risk of complacency.

I am buckling down again, but just a note to my fellow Bastards... it ain't over. It'll never be over.

I'm an addict... I AM an addict... always will be. I will never forget that, but now I must change my mantra to "DO NOT LEAVE THE SITE... DO NOT SLIP AWAY FROM THE SITE AGAIN, YOU BASTARD!!!"

Sure, we all need to stay alert... but this stretch to 300 was the beginning of my downfall last time. I have missed roll 4 times in the last month... not a pattern per se, but could have been an indicator of the "milestone fog."

So, if you all see me slipping on Roll... or if I begin to sound complacent or foggy, fill my Inbox with PMs PLEASE.

Text the hell out of me if you are so inclined.

I do not wish to live in a world of shit, again.  I will NOT live in a world of shit again.

CNC, I haven't used your number in months and months but it's still safely stored in my phone. I have not sent you a PM since the early days of my quit but you are stored in my addresses. Please rest assured that I will watch your back every day. I'd appreciate it if you will do the same for me.
I have been pretty vocal about lamenting the loss of basterds after we hit the hall, but one thing to come from those that have left is the core group we have remaining. The remaining basterds are a force of quit, you are a huge part of that.
I will proudly quit with you again today.

^^^^ These guys fucking get it.

Longer timers right here... well done boys.

This is why this place works.

Drink it up men!

Thank you Colonel.

I am once again reminded of my nature. I am an addict. I must never forget. Thanks.

[Nolaq]

I posted this in my October Group... but its just as important for you guys to know what is on my mind.
-------------------------------------------
After CopeFiend pointed out my incorrect day count this morning, I have come to the conclusion that a new fog had set in during my approach to 2nd Floor.

Which also means that I have been at risk of complacency.

I am buckling down again, but just a note to my fellow Bastards... it ain't over. It'll never be over.

I'm an addict... I AM an addict... always will be. I will never forget that, but now I must change my mantra to "DO NOT LEAVE THE SITE... DO NOT SLIP AWAY FROM THE SITE AGAIN, YOU BASTARD!!!"

Sure, we all need to stay alert... but this stretch to 300 was the beginning of my downfall last time. I have missed roll 4 times in the last month... not a pattern per se, but could have been an indicator of the "milestone fog."

So, if you all see me slipping on Roll... or if I begin to sound complacent or foggy, fill my Inbox with PMs PLEASE.

Text the hell out of me if you are so inclined.

I do not wish to live in a world of shit, again.  I will NOT live in a world of shit again.

CNC, I haven't used your number in months and months but it's still safely stored in my phone. I have not sent you a PM since the early days of my quit but you are stored in my addresses. Please rest assured that I will watch your back every day. I'd appreciate it if you will do the same for me.
I have been pretty vocal about lamenting the loss of basterds after we hit the hall, but one thing to come from those that have left is the core group we have remaining. The remaining basterds are a force of quit, you are a huge part of that.
I will proudly quit with you again today.

^^^^ These guys fucking get it.

Longer timers right here... well done boys.

This is why this place works.

Drink it up men!

[chewie]

I posted this in my October Group... but its just as important for you guys to know what is on my mind.
-------------------------------------------
After CopeFiend pointed out my incorrect day count this morning, I have come to the conclusion that a new fog had set in during my approach to 2nd Floor.

Which also means that I have been at risk of complacency.

I am buckling down again, but just a note to my fellow Bastards... it ain't over. It'll never be over.

I'm an addict... I AM an addict... always will be. I will never forget that, but now I must change my mantra to "DO NOT LEAVE THE SITE... DO NOT SLIP AWAY FROM THE SITE AGAIN, YOU BASTARD!!!"

Sure, we all need to stay alert... but this stretch to 300 was the beginning of my downfall last time. I have missed roll 4 times in the last month... not a pattern per se, but could have been an indicator of the "milestone fog."

So, if you all see me slipping on Roll... or if I begin to sound complacent or foggy, fill my Inbox with PMs PLEASE.

Text the hell out of me if you are so inclined.

I do not wish to live in a world of shit, again.  I will NOT live in a world of shit again.

CNC, I haven't used your number in months and months but it's still safely stored in my phone. I have not sent you a PM since the early days of my quit but you are stored in my addresses. Please rest assured that I will watch your back every day. I'd appreciate it if you will do the same for me.
I have been pretty vocal about lamenting the loss of basterds after we hit the hall, but one thing to come from those that have left is the core group we have remaining. The remaining basterds are a force of quit, you are a huge part of that.
I will proudly quit with you again today.

^^^^ These guys fucking get it.

Longer timers right here... well done boys.

[luby]

I posted this in my October Group... but its just as important for you guys to know what is on my mind.
-------------------------------------------
After CopeFiend pointed out my incorrect day count this morning, I have come to the conclusion that a new fog had set in during my approach to 2nd Floor.

Which also means that I have been at risk of complacency.

I am buckling down again, but just a note to my fellow Bastards... it ain't over. It'll never be over.

I'm an addict... I AM an addict... always will be. I will never forget that, but now I must change my mantra to "DO NOT LEAVE THE SITE... DO NOT SLIP AWAY FROM THE SITE AGAIN, YOU BASTARD!!!"

Sure, we all need to stay alert... but this stretch to 300 was the beginning of my downfall last time. I have missed roll 4 times in the last month... not a pattern per se, but could have been an indicator of the "milestone fog."

So, if you all see me slipping on Roll... or if I begin to sound complacent or foggy, fill my Inbox with PMs PLEASE.

Text the hell out of me if you are so inclined.

I do not wish to live in a world of shit, again. I will NOT live in a world of shit again.

CNC, I haven't used your number in months and months but it's still safely stored in my phone. I have not sent you a PM since the early days of my quit but you are stored in my addresses. Please rest assured that I will watch your back every day. I'd appreciate it if you will do the same for me.
I have been pretty vocal about lamenting the loss of basterds after we hit the hall, but one thing to come from those that have left is the core group we have remaining. The remaining basterds are a force of quit, you are a huge part of that.
I will proudly quit with you again today.

[loot]

ol LOOT'll quit with you anytime bro. be on the lookout for a funk around 225. we all deal with it. it will pass.

thanks for the post.