The Kitty smoke stop fundraiser.......

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Message 1180125 - Posted: 23 Dec 2011, 7:03:59 UTC

Here's the deal.....
The kitties want me to finally give up smoking.
I have tried before and failed miserably.
And am still miserable about it.
I know it's now more of a habit than a pleasure.
And after 25 years of Camels and Pall Malls, I should probably take the chance that I can kick them before they kick me.

So...

I should like to entertain pledges if I can succeed for at least one month after the 1st of the year.

I will be open and honest about this, and my end of the bargain is....
Should I fail, I will match any and all pledges on February 1st to the GPUUG fundraising efforts.
But if I succeed, I expect all pledges made by others to be honored.

I shall not cheat, I am far too honest for that. If I fail, I will pay up.

Your move, fellow Setizens.
Please pledge enough that I cannot afford to lose this deal....LOL.
I am hoping you shall.

Meow, meow, meow, meow, and Mark.
"Freedom is just Chaos, with better lighting." Alan Dean Foster

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Message 1180131 - Posted: 23 Dec 2011, 7:38:47 UTC - in response to Message 1180125.  
Last modified: 23 Dec 2011, 7:39:54 UTC

Here's the deal.....
The kitties want me to finally give up smoking.
I have tried before and failed miserably.
And am still miserable about it.
I know it's now more of a habit than a pleasure.
And after 25 years of Camels and Pall Malls, I should probably take the chance that I can kick them before they kick me.

So...

I should like to entertain pledges if I can succeed for at least one month after the 1st of the year.

I will be open and honest about this, and my end of the bargain is....
Should I fail, I will match any and all pledges on February 1st to the GPUUG fundraising efforts.
But if I succeed, I expect all pledges made by others to be honored.

I shall not cheat, I am far too honest for that. If I fail, I will pay up.

Your move, fellow Setizens.
Please pledge enough that I cannot afford to lose this deal....LOL.
I am hoping you shall.

Meow, meow, meow, meow, and Mark.



Spell this out in different terms.

If I bet you a $250 pledge to the GPUUG and you DO quit; I owe what?

If I bet you a $250 pledge to the GPUUG and you DON'T quit; I owe what?

If it isn't a you quit / I pay, you don't quit / you pay bet, then that's not enough motivation since you will have raised money for the GPUUG even if you fail.

You'll need lots and lots of skin in this game for it to be motivation-enough on its own.

Be very, very careful my friend. Use a dollar limit. I've lost two similar bets (the money, held by a 3rd party, went to charity).

Your "match" language makes me think like a lawyer on this one.

EDIT - This from a 36 year smoker.
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Message 1180133 - Posted: 23 Dec 2011, 7:56:58 UTC

The 'fail' bet is all on my end......

Whatever amount is 'bet' or pledged against my quitting I will pay if I fail to do so.

Said amount is expected to be donated to Seti if I am successful in quitting.

The point is, I don't want to lose. Therefore, I will not impose a limit.

If I lose, I pay.

The whole point is that some of you fellow Seitzens make it so impossible for me to pay up that I cannot fail.

But the downside is that this can't be a simple game.

If you pledge and I win...you WILL be expected to pay up.
"Freedom is just Chaos, with better lighting." Alan Dean Foster

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Message 1180135 - Posted: 23 Dec 2011, 8:03:16 UTC

A PM just asked me 'if I knew what I was doing'......

I do.

Pledges now.........the kitties are standing by.
"Freedom is just Chaos, with better lighting." Alan Dean Foster

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Message 1180136 - Posted: 23 Dec 2011, 8:08:47 UTC - in response to Message 1180133.  

The 'fail' bet is all on my end......

Whatever amount is 'bet' or pledged against my quitting I will pay if I fail to do so.

Said amount is expected to be donated to Seti if I am successful in quitting.

The point is, I don't want to lose. Therefore, I will not impose a limit.

If I lose, I pay.

The whole point is that some of you fellow Seitzens make it so impossible for me to pay up that I cannot fail.

But the downside is that this can't be a simple game.

If you pledge and I win...you WILL be expected to pay up.


Okay ---

You'll have to trust that I'll pay-up to the same degree I'll have to trust that you didn't have one cigarette during the time period in question. And you can't go stand in a phone booth with a smoking friend, either. Agreed?

Because I expect to lose, and I expect to have to pay, and I will keep my word, I'll need a tiny modification. You'll have to let my payment come on the second Thursday of February. That's for practical reasons.

If you will accept that codicil, I'll wager $250 **in addition to what I would have done anyway** to the GPUUG's hardware fundraiser. IF you go one month (I'm assuming we're talking about the month of January) without even one puff of one cigarette butt you find laying around in an ashtray.

I accept that you are a man of your word; you do the same for me.

January 1, or 2?

I think we're both crazy to engage in this. Honestly, I hope I lose. Good luck.

$250.00
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Message 1180138 - Posted: 23 Dec 2011, 8:14:01 UTC - in response to Message 1180136.  

The 'fail' bet is all on my end......

Whatever amount is 'bet' or pledged against my quitting I will pay if I fail to do so.

Said amount is expected to be donated to Seti if I am successful in quitting.

The point is, I don't want to lose. Therefore, I will not impose a limit.

If I lose, I pay.

The whole point is that some of you fellow Seitzens make it so impossible for me to pay up that I cannot fail.

But the downside is that this can't be a simple game.

If you pledge and I win...you WILL be expected to pay up.


Okay ---

You'll have to trust that I'll pay-up to the same degree I'll have to trust that you didn't have one cigarette during the time period in question. And you can't go stand in a phone booth with a smoking friend, either. Agreed?

Because I expect to lose, and I expect to have to pay, and I will keep my word, I'll need a tiny modification. You'll have to let my payment come on the second Thursday of February. That's for practical reasons.

If you will accept that codicil, I'll wager $250 **in addition to what I would have done anyway** to the GPUUG's hardware fundraiser. IF you go one month (I'm assuming we're talking about the month of January) without even one puff of one cigarette butt you find laying around in an ashtray.

I accept that you are a man of your word; you do the same for me.

January 1, or 2?

I think we're both crazy to engage in this. Honestly, I hope I lose. Good luck.

$250.00

First pledge taken......
And no, the 'safety butts' in the soda cans shall all go out this next week.
I know about snarking a little toke from a long lost bit left in the ashtray.

This is all or nothing.

You are gonna lose, I hope.

OK.......$250.00 is the bet so far...I can cover that, I need more pledges.

Meowwcoughmeow.

"Freedom is just Chaos, with better lighting." Alan Dean Foster

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Message 1180160 - Posted: 23 Dec 2011, 10:44:38 UTC

I now anti-smoking has been trendy for decades, so I'd like to remind people a couple of things I feel get swept under the rug in the name of PC, regarding quitting.

1) You will almost certainly gain weight. Obviously not a problem for a lot of people. However if you are already overweight, you may end up trading in one health hazard for another.

2) You will almost certainly drink more alcohol (soft drinks too, see above). Again not a problem for a lot of people. However if you already drink a few times a week, again you may end up trading in one health hazard for another.

3) Temper. This is the most elusive of all, as it is impossible to measure quantity and effect. To make matters worse, it kicks in 3-4 weeks after quitting. This can be a problem (almost always is) because after 2-3 weeks of thinking "I quit smoking and I feel great!", it's almost impossible to admit to yourself that you are acting like an idiot and it's because you quit smoking a month ago. Oh, and it lasts at least a year. If you jumped out of your seat reading the previous sentence, I'm sorry. I wish it wasn't true too. So yeah, temper coupled with the fact that people find it easier to burn bridges with age will obviously result in dire social straits. Cheesy rock pun intended.

4) And most important. Should ideally be attempted during a happy phase. Not recommended if you are tangled up in blue. Again rock pun intended.

This post is absolutely not a detterent. It's sharing intel while preparing for battle. The more you know about the enemy, the greater your chances. And it's written to every smoker reading it, as I don't know Mr. M well enough to give any personal advice. Though I do hope you make those kitties proud!

I'll leave you with one of my favorite people to ever walk this planet. Unfortunately George Carlin was a bit before my time.
(Totally NOT safe for work)
Bill Hicks - 'Smoking'
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Message 1180162 - Posted: 23 Dec 2011, 11:29:08 UTC - in response to Message 1180125.  

Here's the deal.....
The kitties want me to finally give up smoking.
I have tried before and failed miserably.
And am still miserable about it.
I know it's now more of a habit than a pleasure.
And after 25 years of Camels and Pall Malls, I should probably take the chance that I can kick them before they kick me.

So...

I should like to entertain pledges if I can succeed for at least one month after the 1st of the year.

I will be open and honest about this, and my end of the bargain is....
Should I fail, I will match any and all pledges on February 1st to the GPUUG fundraising efforts.
But if I succeed, I expect all pledges made by others to be honored.

I shall not cheat, I am far too honest for that. If I fail, I will pay up.

Your move, fellow Setizens.
Please pledge enough that I cannot afford to lose this deal....LOL.
I am hoping you shall.

Meow, meow, meow, meow, and Mark.


Best of luck. I did in back in 1976 and I have never looked back. What is the real shame is that I still got bladder cancer from second hand smoke. Each day is a victory and as the days stretch into weeks it becomes easier and easier.

I will make some extra donation if you make it a year. All the best and just remember: good health it a real outcome from a fellow NYer.

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Message 1180164 - Posted: 23 Dec 2011, 11:45:27 UTC

I dont care if you smoke, its your money and your life ;)
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Message 1180167 - Posted: 23 Dec 2011, 13:01:37 UTC

I'm still gonna quit, noncontributors notwithstanding.

Smoke Em'..
"Freedom is just Chaos, with better lighting." Alan Dean Foster

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Message 1180168 - Posted: 23 Dec 2011, 13:01:39 UTC

Mark -- I'm in for $100. Best of luck, it took me several years to quit when I made the choice. I still remember my last smoke, it was like the first one- nausea, bad taste, dizziness. Once you break the addiction you will be happier.

A Living example of Artificial Intelligence.

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Message 1180172 - Posted: 23 Dec 2011, 13:10:56 UTC - in response to Message 1180168.  

Mark -- I'm in for $100. Best of luck, it took me several years to quit when I made the choice. I still remember my last smoke, it was like the first one- nausea, bad taste, dizziness. Once you break the addiction you will be happier.

Glad somebody offered a puff of support..
"Freedom is just Chaos, with better lighting." Alan Dean Foster

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Message 1180177 - Posted: 23 Dec 2011, 13:26:26 UTC
Last modified: 23 Dec 2011, 13:30:57 UTC

I have seen many try to quit, many fail to quit, and several died without quitting. I sincerly wish you the very best, and I'm in for $50, which is all I can afford, but because of the valiant goals of the GPUUG, I will make my donation today. :D

Steve

Edit: Payment made. $50
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Message 1180193 - Posted: 23 Dec 2011, 14:14:29 UTC - in response to Message 1180160.  
Last modified: 23 Dec 2011, 14:15:50 UTC

I quit on October 3rd 2010, after 23 years of smoking.

1) You will almost certainly gain weight.

Check. Added 30 kilo's to my weight, on top of the 20 kilo's I gained after I quit drinking in 2007 which I was slowly getting rid of again. Eating the same, still drinking soft drinks without sugar, doesn't matter. Will take over a year to see a difference. I'm not worried. Just bought some bigger pants and underwear. :P

2) You will almost certainly drink more alcohol (soft drinks too, see above).

Maybe at first, but this tends to taper off. I drink even less than I would when I was smoking as well. But mostly green tea without sugar (or milk, you horrible Brits ;)) or the Light and Zero flavors of the various soft drink brands.

3) Temper. This is the most elusive of all, as it is impossible to measure quantity and effect.

Luckily I already had a very difficult to follow mood swinging thing going on before I quit smoking, so apparently it doesn't stand out. :P

4) And most important. Should ideally be attempted during a happy phase. Not recommended if you are tangled up in blue. Again rock pun intended.

Actually, one should be completely behind the decision to stop smoking. When I quit, my girlfriend tried to stop as well. But where I managed to do so without too many problems, she quit the quitting within a week and has since been standing on the balcony smoking a ciggie every now and then. All because I had mentally prepared myself, I had said for a full month and a half before the 3rd that I would quit that day. She hadn't.

And then it's all just will power.
Yup even now I still have a craving for a cigarette now and then. I just don't need it anymore. All a psych thing.

I wish you all the luck in the world that you manage it, Mark. And if not, nothing lost. There's always a next time. :-)
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Message 1180207 - Posted: 23 Dec 2011, 16:03:44 UTC

Well, I think it's safe to say I have taken the right choice.

I am not only have made the choice to quit, I have given it a voice.

This is not an easy thing, as others have noted.
Giving up a 'friend' or maybe just a companion for so many years..
Is not going to be easy.

Like it's buddy, alcohol, they can be bad buddies.

I have to give up at least one.

I have chosen the worst of the two.

At least I think I have.
"Freedom is just Chaos, with better lighting." Alan Dean Foster

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Message 1180221 - Posted: 23 Dec 2011, 16:47:37 UTC
Last modified: 23 Dec 2011, 16:49:07 UTC

Mark, I pledge $50.00. And I hope you quit.

I started smoking in 1967 when I was 15. I quit August 10th 1989.

I wadded up a half a pack of ciggs and said thats it im done. It wont be easy Im here to tell you. After the 3rd day my wife told me either stop being an ahole or start smoking again. ( wives are wonder full for an attitude adjustments )

After all these years I still get the once in the while urge to light one up. That will never go away, Butt (pun intended) when im around those who do smoke, and smell like rotten stale ashtrays, Im glad I quit. Plus who the hell can afford $10.00 a pack ciggs anyway?

Go for it Mark, you can do it.
[/quote]

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Message 1180227 - Posted: 23 Dec 2011, 16:58:07 UTC - in response to Message 1180221.  

Mark, I pledge $50.00. And I hope you quit.

I started smoking in 1967 when I was 15. I quit August 10th 1989.

I wadded up a half a pack of ciggs and said thats it im done. It wont be easy Im here to tell you. After the 3rd day my wife told me either stop being an ahole or start smoking again. ( wives are wonder full for an attitude adjustments )

After all these years I still get the once in the while urge to light one up. That will never go away, Butt (pun intended) when im around those who do smoke, and smell like rotten stale ashtrays, Im glad I quit. Plus who the hell can afford $10.00 a pack ciggs anyway?

Go for it Mark, you can do it.

I know I can.
"Freedom is just Chaos, with better lighting." Alan Dean Foster

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Message 1180266 - Posted: 23 Dec 2011, 19:28:36 UTC

Inlight of your other posts, I think this is an excellent time for you to stop smoking. You may well prevent your and Lori's roles needing being reversed. You will be at her side, and in the best health possible to be strong for her.

Steve
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Message 1180292 - Posted: 23 Dec 2011, 21:08:48 UTC
Last modified: 23 Dec 2011, 21:14:32 UTC

Hey mark I will renew my star on the SETI project for $15 if you quit. I'm unemployed right now but will do the $15 to seti if you quit. ( I donated last year for the new servers)

Edit
I am real lucky I never started smoking as a kid as I later got Asthma as an adult. Every time I ran I lost my ability to breath easily. I expect I would be dead if I had started spoking. Good luck stoping.
Over the last few years my asthma has gotten better and I no longer need the inhaler to breath while running. I am lucky in that regard.
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Message 1180294 - Posted: 23 Dec 2011, 21:20:02 UTC - in response to Message 1180292.  

Hey mark I will renew my star on the SETI project for $15 if you quit. I'm unemployed right now but will do the $15 to seti if you quit. ( I donated last year for the new servers)

Edit
I am real lucky I never started smoking as a kid as I later got Asthma as an adult. Every time I ran I lost my ability to breath easily. I expect I would be dead if I had started spoking. Good luck stoping.
Over the last few years my asthma has gotten better and I no longer need the inhaler to breath while running. I am lucky in that regard.

Thank you.....and I am lucky too.

"Freedom is just Chaos, with better lighting." Alan Dean Foster

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