Thank you all, my dear, dear friends. Yesterday we had one of those days here at our house -- no water for 36 hours, Freya sneaking a pizza off the kitchen counter, and the smell of fresh polyurethane pervading the cold, damp house.... On the other hand, I had the loving affection of Tom and my DS Jacob, calls and cards from family, and greetings from all of you. And tonight we're going out to dinner to try celebrate again. Carla, Luanne, Jon, Anita, Lori, Ingrid, Sue, Carolina, Pamela, and Carol -- each one of your messages brought smiles and memories to my mind. I just realized that with the exception of Ingrid, I know each one of you in the Real World (as opposed to online) -- Ingrid, we'll just have to correct that soon. The only birthday wish I have left (besides more rain) is to hope that I get to see you all again as frequently and as soon as may be. Rosefolly

I quit in 1993 pretty much just like nod702. Cold turkey but I chewed on toothpicks instead of sucking on peppermints. It took at least a year to get to the point I wasn't reaching for a cigarette 40 times a day. It took several years before I quit dreaming about having one. It was THE hardest thing I've ever done. I cannot believe drug addiction could be any harder. But, then, I've never taken drugs. I distanced myself from all contacts and activities I associated with smoking. No going to happy hour with the office crew on payday friday, no spending time with friends who smoked, no going dancing in smokefilled places, no coffee. I can do all those things now but not in the beginnng. I visited with friends by phone and those who cared about me understood. The ones who didn't weren't real friends. Nowadays, there is texting and email and facebook to keep in touch. Back then not. Your true friends will help you through this. They will not smoke around you or they will understand that you can't be around them for the time being. Just remember, this is well worth the effort. Don't give up.

Thanks everyone....especially Mimi for posting these. It is very cozy on the inside and I can't wait to decorate and get it just the way we want it. The only thing we have to buy is appliances, living room and new carpet for the basement and a new waterbed. 3 weeks and counting!!! Samkaren your resident DJ

Many Happy Returns of the Day, Liz!! Hope you have a great time at Stone Mountain.