Lindyricks
Quit Limericks by Lindycat

Currants has quit for five days,
Been ignoring her nicotine craze.
This week may be hell,
But soon she can smell,
So for now, to the kitchen to graze.
By Currants 1/11/01

This is Lindycat's song
In her lungs tar didn't belong
Her friends thought she was joking
When she said she'd quit smoking
It's day 9, and boy, were they wrong!
1/11/01

I have been reflecting on an interesting aspect of my quit. I began smoking when I was 17, and prior to that, I was kind of, well, dorky, and not so great at talking to people, because I was kind of brainy and didn't know how to "talk cool." When I began smoking, I think the cigarettes gave me something to hide behind, because shortly thereafter, i was very socially capable and finally grew to have the large social circles and friendships I have now.

However, I am now experiencing something strange. Without my cigarettes to hide behind, I am having trouble having the simplest social conversations - with people I have been hanging out with for years! I just keep babbling, dorkily, like I did long ago, until I see this "Why won't she SHUT UP?" look in their eyes. I guess I have to work on remaining confident and comfortable talking to people without my longtime crutch - has anyone else experienced this sort of thing?

LIMERICK OF DAY 10

On my table ashtrays used to sit
Filling with butts bit by bit
But I find there's more space
All over the place
And it's cleaner there, now that I've quit!
1/12/01

This is a lesson that I think is cool,
Though I never learned this lesson in school.
I had this notion and I think it's a hit -
That quitters can win, and winners do quit.

I'd had enough of coughing up my lung,
Of overspending and smelling like dung,
And the looks from children as up I lit -
Yes, quitters can win, and winners do quit.

My breath now smells better - my teeth are whiter,
My savings are bigger, my future is brighter!
Into society as a non-smoker I'll fit -
I'm a quitter who'll win, and a winner who quit.

-Lindycat
1W 3D 15h 6m, Saved $41.52, 191 not smoked, saved 15h 55m of life!
1/12/01

Wow - a whole day away from you guys - I missed you! I had to work for a few hours, then went to see On Brother Where Art Thou, which was excellent, and then made it through a party (no drinks, no smokes, no nothin' except fruit, water and my new friend Gas-X)!

So... in celebration of One week, five days, 2 hours, 52 minutes and 20 seconds. 242 cigarettes not smoked, saving $52.60. Life saved: 20 hours, 10 minutes, here is today's limerick:

My body will try to demand
A smoke, and few understand
That quitting is toughAnd some days are rough
But I'm doing it - just as I planned!

Good night, you beautiful people - I'll be back tomorrow - I promise! :-x -Lindycat
1/14/01

With myself I have made a bet
Not to smoke one more cigarette
I'm feeling quite swell
Now that I don't smell
ANd the savings'll get me outta debt!
1/14/01

I am bloated and cranky and sad
And I'm often tempted to be bad
But instead I come here -
Get support and good cheer
For you all I am thankful and glad!
1/15/01

Ode to LauraChristine

Gather 'round folks and listen a bit
'Bout a great woman named LauraChristine
She is inspiring in her cigarette quit -
She's an artistic non-smoking machine!

Blairsville's the place to read what she feels
And her artful posts decorate weare aesthetically pleasing,
As she gives hugs to us while we heal
She joins us in helping and hoping and teasing.

Two weeks she has been free of that cigarette smell
She is on to a new life, free and clear
And we all know that we can do just as well
As long as LauraChristine is here!

Thanks for you support, (((LAURA)))!!!
1/15/01

We've all chosen not to smoke
And really, it is no joke
That although we're craving
And bloated and raving
We'd rather go through this than croak!
1/16/01

When nicodemon comes to my door
I stomp him flat on the floor
I toss him in the trash
With his butts and hhis ash,
All the while yelling, "No more!"
1/17/01

My co-workers' looks at me are off
Every day as I sit here and cough
I fear that they're spying
'Cuz they think I am dying
So of water I take a big quaff!

Okay, so that one is kinda weak... I'll try again:

I wanted a cigarette today
But my willpower told me: "no way!
"You have come way too far
To refill up with tar,
You're too strong to throw your life away!"

I am kind of off today - sorry!
1/18/01

Big tobacco - I'm so sick of you
Of your products and politics, too
You cause cancer & bad breath -
Heck - your products cause death
But you've lost me forever - woohoo!

I've said 'no' to the old cancer stick
My addiction was making me sick
And it's not even funny
You took lots of my money
But you're gone, as your habit I kick!
1/19/01

Quitting smoking has made me gain weight
Extra pounds, I have gained about eight
So I exercise more,
Drink water by the score
As my body begins to feel great!

-Lindycat
PS: You can tell what is consuming my mind today...=o(
1/22/01

The Water Poem

Water, water, everywhere
In the fountain and the sink
Filling up my water bottle
Causing me to drink

3,4,5,6 liters,
Pouring into me
Amazing me how often
I get up to run to pee!

But water, as a habit,
Though tasteless and much wetter,
Wehn compared to smoking,
Is a billion time better!

LIMERICK OF THE DAY:

I'm gloomy and cranky and sad
And I'm so very easily mad
But I can do it -
Can successfully quit -
To smoke now would be really bad!
1/23/01

Since I quit, I can taste - I can smell
And my body is feeling quite well
Though smoke now makes me queasy
I am breathing easy
And I sent Mr. Nic back to hell!
1/24/01

My friends want to party - so what?
I no longer am in a rut
I won't drink, I won't smoke
But I'll smile and I'll joke
Those smokers can kiss my smoke-free butt!!!!
1/25/01

Another weekend is here
To get through minus smoking and beer
But I know we can do it
We always get through it
As long as our Blairsville is near!

Have a great weekend, everybody - and keep your quits!
1/26/01

I have given up smoking, it's true
And it sometimes makes me feel blue
Then I look ahead of meAnd see my future's smoke-free
I've got a lot of living to do!

I used to sweat a lot as a dancer
I'd gasp, wheeze and look for an answer
Now my body moves faster -
I've averted disaster -
And smoke-free, I've avoided lung cancer!
1/29/01

I tried for a dose of Blairsville
Much better than tonic or pill
But each time that I tried
I was sadly denied
So today I did not get my fill!

Today I have achieved my week 4
Thru Hell Week and then 3 weeks more
With blowpops and gum
Look how far I've come
Without y'all I'd have fled out the door!
1/30/01

I quit smoking near 1 month ago
The side effects frustrate me so
The hives and the cough
Headache's pissing me off
But I'm saving some serious dough.

Gotta run - going for sushi then dancing tonight!!!
1/31/01

FOR JO:

Hell Week is chock full of pain
Makes you wonder what you have to gain
You feel under the weather?We're in this together!
Til Nicodemon has been slain.

FOR YOUR ENJOYMENT (but kind of for me, really):

Having a good day today
Great savings are coming my way
And I think at this juncture
I'll try acupuncture
To make remaining side effects go away!

That's right - going in on Wednesday to a doctor who has experience in helping with this and getting rid of the allergy and hive problems. I'll keep you all posted! -Lindycat
2/1/01

...to my one month anniversary:

A month it's been since I quit smoking
My friends all thought that I was joking
But I'm the one who's laughing here today.
Now I smell better and i can sing
And I'm learning to deal with everything
Because I have sent that Nicodemon away.

I'd never say that it is easy
Dizzy at first and a bit queasy
Cravings, weight gain, bad moods I had many.
Now I'm sweating less and food tastes great
Sense of taste and smell I can appreciate
And I have now saved quite a pretty penny.

Two days of my life I've gotten back
Worth the occasional nic attack
I feel empowered, healthy, strong and proud.
And now I know just what to do
To make it through month number two
Celebrate here in Blairsville nice and loud!

I did it!!!!! -Lindycat
2/2/01

Keep in mind that I am not having the best day - I am kinda down today.

I am emotional, cranky and tired
Alternating with nervous and wired
But this fuss in my head
Sure beats being dead
From that nasty habit I once sired.

Today I'm on day 34
And I'm feeling a little unsure
I'm not quite the old me
I have uncertainty
Of my future - what lies in store?
2/5/01

Sorry - I was busy today...

I am healthy as I can be
I exercise regularly
I don't smoke, I eat right
Get good sleep ev'ry night...
I am now very glad to be me!
2/6/01

Some friends and co-workers smell bad
They won't quit - and that makes me sad
They won't take my advice
Although I now smell nice -
But nonsmokers 'round me are now glad!
2/7/01

Here in Blairsville among friends
List'ning ears someone always lends
And though crave you might
In the middle of the night
The caring support never ends!
2/8/01

There's a reason that I'm in good cheer -
My lungs are remarkably clear
I don't gasp, I don't wheeze
Exercise is a breeze
As I see that old cough disappear!
2/9/01

(To the tune of Queen's 'Lazing on a Sunday Afternoon')

Another week I've spent as a non-smoker
It's tough but I am starting to feel grand
Now I exercise and eat right and I guzzle water, too
A permanent resident of Blairsville-land.

Lungs are clear and I've no trouble breathing
I no longer worry of bad breath
I have a lot of new friends ev'ry time I go online
And I have now pushed back, I have no pushed back my, I have now pushed back my date of death!
2/11/01

Twas a time when I laughed at the folks
Who didn't drink and never touched smokes
That they didn't take part
Was really quite smart
They didn't deserve all those jokes.

Now I am no longer sinking
I don't smoke and have cut off my drinking
So now I do find
I'm in their state of mind
I am finally smart in my thinking!

One day I think I'll drink again
But for now I don't know where or when
As of now I don't miss it
I can easily dismiss itAnd wait til I feel like a "10!"
2/12/01

Each day I walk past the smoking room
And see, perring out from the gloom,
The stares of those folks
As they puff on their smokes,
Heading straight toward their ultimate doom!

I am SO glad to NOT be among them anymore!
2/13/01

I am so sorry I didn't get a chance to limerick y'all yesterday, so I have 2 for today...

The first one is dedicated to those just starting out in their quit:

Quitting's tough and it's easy to slip -
One last cig to dangle from your lip
Though this start is the worst,
It is over with first
After that, it's a wonderful trip.

And for everyone...

In the morning, the thing I like best
Is that there's no wheezing in my chest
I don't cough when I wake
And my lungs never ache
From passing life's most difficult test!

Have a great Thursday, everyone! Love to all! -Lindycat
2/15/01

Today is a crummy ol' day
Emotions going ev'ry which way
I remind myself that
No matter where I'm atCome tomorrow I will be okay.

In my quit, although going as planned
I cannot make my guy understand
That when you cut out
Things you once raved about
Your emotions might get out of hand.

And yet, through it all, I don't want to go back. Staying smoke-free, and hoping the weekend will get better! Have a great one, everyone! -Lindycat
2/16/01

One month, one week and three days
My friends I don't cease to amaze
Their praises they shower
Over my strong will power
And the amount that I have changed my ways.

I do chew gum more than before
And I eat blow pops by the score
My aura's no longer filled
With a bad smell that killed
And there are no more ashes on the floor!!!!
2/19/01

...but still super-busy, so I am just dropping in for a quick hello and a "Lindyrick..."

I have found I don't crave anymore
To light up as I walk out the door
Or after I eat
Or just as a treat
So what was I smoking them for?

I am up to one thousand and nine
Cigarettes that I wasn't buyin'
That number is so high
That I must say "Oh, my!"
But for now I am feeling just fine.
2/21/01

Two months ago I would sit here
Smoking cigs, flat on my rear
I had no energy
To do good things for me
But now I think I'm in the clear!

I am up and am now getting out
Learning what real life is about
All my friends stand to witness
My new physical fitness
Smoke again? I am really in doubt!
2/22/01

My sense of smell now is so keen
I can always smell dirty or clean
I have de-scenting rocks
'Round the litterbox
Cuz I can tell when my cats are a-peein'!

My sense of taste also is great
'Tween spoiled and good I can diff'rentiate
And what is extra-nice
I can finally taste spice
When those peppers are heaped on my plate!
2/23/01

TODAY'S LIMERICKS ARE DESIGNED TO GIVE US ALL MORE INCENTIVE TO QUIT:

There once was a fellow who smoked
All day long he toked and toked
He became quite high strung
As he damaged his lung
Inevitably, that fellow croaked!

There once was a cig-smoking dancer
But one day her phone she didn't answer
They all asked "have you seen alovely young ballerina?"
But she'd checked herself in with lung cancer.

Just some more reasons to quit!!! Sorry if these are too sad! -Lindycat
2/26/01

One thing I like best 'bout my quit
Is when they ask me where I want to sit
And I am not joking
When I ask for "non-smoking"
If you've not yet, go on and try it!!!
2/27/02

A bad day, but no matter what
I will keep kicking Nicodemon's butt
Though I have tons of stress
Cuz my life is a mess
I had the strength to get out of THAT rut!

Sheesh! Boss making fun of my physical ailments, workload growing (keeping me away from Blairsville even more), boyfriend being difficult... but I am still:
3/1/01

ODE TO 2 MONTHS

I've not smoked for 2 months, as of today
I never thought that I could do it
The times were rough, along the way
But I found some ways to get through it.

My emotions swung, I raved, i cried
And I know I gained a little weight,
But the important thing is how hard I've tried
ANd the fact that I now feel great.

I've lost some buddies, some smoking friends
But I found support up and downhill
But here is where friendship with Nicodemon ends,On that day I first came to Blairsville.

Only one more month til the magic Three
My quit time has gone by so fast!
I am learning to love this brand-new me
Getting to know me has been quite a blast!

I still have hurdles in the days ahead
I know this, but I am prepared
And as quickly as those extra pounds I have shed
Of what's coming I'm no longer scared.

I'm lucky to have friends in Blairsville and home
I've received so much support and care
And I know that no matter where, smoke-free, i roam
For me, you will always be there!

(I'll be there for all of you, too)!!!!
-Lindycat
3/2/01

Since I gave up that addiction I've found
Self-improvement covers a lot of ground
I now exercise much more
Taking new classes by the score
Finding that new opportunities abound!
3/5/01

Well, for yesterday AND today, really - I am super-busy at work these days...

I'm sober, I'm smober, I'm sane
I have clarity galore in my brain
And I've not had to freak,
For I'm still quite unique
And hey - no more hangover pain!

I still have a blowpop now and then
Though no longer again and again
But once in a whileI stick one in my smile
When threatened by Nicodemon.

I know that second one isn't a true rhyme, but oh well. You get my point.
3/7/01

REASON 1

Though quitting has brought me much strife
I have done it to prolong my life
I want no early end
To time with my boyfriend
For I plan to spend it as his wife.

REASON 2

The money I once spent to toke
Really went right up in smoke!
And it is kinda funny
I'm saving TONS of money -
In fact, I am no longer broke!
3/8/01

...I am not really allowed to eat today, due to a medical procedure I am having done tomorrow (I can only have clear liquids - mmmm.... filling...) so I am a little light-headed and out of it right now. Please excuse me if this isn't my best limerick.

I've always had my photo shown
In albums that were my own
But it is quite a thrill
In the album of Blairsville
As an ex-smoker there I am known!
3/12/01

Sorry I haven't posted a limerick in a while - I am having a really bad week (but I still haven't touched a smoke)!!!

Just when I thought I had it beat
The cravings kicked me hard in the seatSee, I'm just quite a mess
Going crazy with stress
But I WILL NOT admit defeat!!!!!

No smokes for almost 2.5 months
2/16/01

Ken inspired this first one, but I think all newly-quit folks will like to read this...

Hell Week is horribly tough,
And true, week two's also rough
But stick with your quit
And each day, bit by bit,
Life's better without that smoking stuff!

And for Nanhal...

These are the days that we dread
We wish we had just stayed in bed
But although we may frown
When our world's upside down
Remember, we will come out ahead!

And for everybody...

I quit to save my life, that is true
To save cash and to feel better, too
But what's been the best lift
Is the unexpected gift
That I've gotten to meet all of you!
3/22/01

Sigh! Sorry I have been so sporadic lately, as far as posting goes - my life is in complete turmoil, and I just don't have any time to relax at all (no wonder I'm sick).

But here goes:

I've really been down in the dumps
Gettin' sick of taking life's lumps. But through it all, you see
I'm remaining smoke-free
To get through other tough-to-fix humps!

I guess I'm now learning to deal
More than ever, my troubles are REAL
I am facing it all
Without that old, smoky wall
Who knew how very much I could feel?
3/27/01

***

The first limerick for today is dedicated to Cheri - I think we all know how she feels!!!

You have decided to quit
Which we all know is a huge hit!
Though unsympathetic folks
May make a few jokes
In Blairsville we know you CAN do it!

And for everyone...

Quitting can make us feel stressed
Some days we're just not at our best
But for each smoke-free day
We can certainly say
With Blairsville's help we are truly blessed!
3/28/01

troubles, whether with their quit or anything...

(note my clean usage of the '-uck' rhyme =o))

There are days when you're down on your luck
And everything just seems to suck
Just remember - one day
Things WILL go your way
So in that bad mood, don't get stuck!

And a quit-related limerick...
Amazing how deeply I inhale
By avoiding the deadly nail
Each day I take off
Without even a cough
As my lungs become less and less frail.
3/29/01

***

My friends keep on pestering me
To join tonight's festivity
It involves driving far
And a real smoky bar
I said no - dancing's where I'll be!

This week's been stressful to the max
The world hanging onto our backs
But weekend-time's almost here
So lets let out a cheer
Now we'll have time to relax!!!!

Happy Friday, everyone! -Lindycat
Be sure to tune in on Monday for my three-month anniversary!!!!
3/30/01

***

Ode to Month Three

The top of a great mountain I've come to
And that mountain's name is Month Three
In the past I climbed Month One and Month Two
But now I look to the peaks ahead of me.

When I climed to my very first summit
I was shaky, unsure and full of fear
I could keep climbing or else I could plummet
I chose to climb -- and now I am here.
My great journey has not since ended
In fact, it has only begun
My life, lungs and wallet I've mended
But I must climb many more 'fore I'm done.

I have changed since that first hike
I know now that I can do it
This is a change I really like
On my journey up Mt. EverQuit!

LIMERICK

I seldom have reason to litter
And my attitude is far less bitter
I now never stink
And my lungs are getting pink
Since I became a winning quitter!
4/2/01

I used to smoke and to drink
Then one day i started to think:
"I am all out of breath
And much closer to death
Instead of black, I want my lungs pink!"

This summer, though, once I feel fine
I may occasionally drink some red wine
I shall only do it
If I can still keep my quit
If not, just with water I'll dine!
4/3/01

I would not get all a-twitter
And certainly, I'd never be bitter
If someone accused me
Of running away free
"Heck, yeah," I would say, "I'm a quitter!"

No more do children turn and stare
And give me a "you're evil!" glare
They've always known, and I knew
Smoking's SO bad for you
For your own body's sake, you should care!
4/4/01

An Un-Ode to the Nicodemon

Hey Nicodemon! Look at me!
I beat you voluntarily!
Your mind control and evil ways
Won't trap my mind in future days.
You took my money and made me smell
And you put my poor l'il lungs through hell!
You sped my aging up real fast
And turned me into a social outcast.
But now I've gone and tossed you out
Being smoke-free's what I'm about
So Nicodemon, go far away
And DON'T come back another day.

And... today's limerick...

Some folks use a patch or a pill
While others climb cold-turkey hill
But whatever your trick,
To your quit you should stick
Remember... cigarettes kill!
4/5/01

It's fun to say: "No, I don't smoke!"
And not mean it as a big joke
And another great thing
That a great quit will bring
You'll find that you're no longer broke!
4/9/01

I once made excuses, I'd state:
"I don't want to gain all that weight"
Or "I really love to smoke"
Now I know - what a joke!
Three months quit, and now I feel great!
4/10/01

I went out to lunch this fine day
Passed dozens of smokers 'long the way
Now the weather is warm
They come out by the swarm
I don't miss them, I can honestly say.

My lunch now tastes better I know
I have more cash to spend as I go
While they're out there stinking
I'm more positive-thinking
Here in springtime Chicago.
4/11/01

Life can turn you upside-down
Make you want to run screaming through town
No matter how hard you choke
THERE'S NO OPTION TO SMOKE
So remember to smile and not frown!
4/12/01

Sorry I haven't been on much today - combination of a cranky mood and a busy day.

But - I can't get through a weekday without doing a limerick for my favorite family!

It is true that quitting is no fun
One of the hardest things ever done
But to help climb that hill
There's nothing like Blairsville
To make you feel like you're number one!
4/16/01

Sorry I have been in absentia today - I haven't been in the best mood, and it is tough for me to write when I am like that - but I have been reading!

Here is today's limerick...

I was thinking, last night, before sleep
Thoughts that were really quite deep
Though my problems are a curse
They would be even worse
If my solid quit I did not keep.

You are all in my thoughts - I will hopefully be happier soon and then I'll post more!
4/17/01

As the weather gets nicer I see
The old gang out there smoking but me
And as I'm standing tall
I don't miss them at all
It's much nicer to be outside smoke-free!
4/18/01

LIMERICK IN HONOR OF JOHN MILLER'S M!

In Blairsville we've a QB named John
Our quits he helps us focus onHe never forgets us
Rant & rave? Well, he lets us!
For friendship it's him we look upon!

DAILY LIMERICK

Some days are good but some are bad
We'll be cranky or anxious or mad
But there is one great thing
Being smoke-free will bring
That we've quit will make our bodies quite glad!
4/19/01

There once was a young guy who joked
That he'd live a long time, though he smoked
His friends begged him to quit
But he'd not hear of it
And from lung cancer that young fella croaked!

In some places it is considered "hip"
To have a cigarette dangling from your lip
But the thing here to be,
In Blairsville, is smoke-free
While enjoying each smokeless friendship!
4/20/01

To everyone who has supported me, today and every day, thank you so much for your kindness - I can't tell you what a huge difference it makes to know that no matter what happens, I am not alone.

I am doing limerick therapy today - kind of sarcastic and humorous...

My boyfriend is being a shmuck
And in a fleeting job I am stuck
But no matter the strife
I'm okay in my life
With Blairsville I am not out of luck!

My problems outnumber my smilesThey go on for miles and miles
But to my quit I stick
'Gainst that Demon named Nic
I'll not give in to HIS wiles!
4/23/01

I want to thank everyone who gave me their hugs and sweet messages this morning! I am so sorry I haven't been too active on the boards lately - I have been really busy and really unhappy, and the combination makes me kind of quiet - but this too shall pass (I hope)! My boyfriend has offered to go into therapy with me so we can work things out together, which is a good sign. Now if I could find a new job and work things out with the family...

But at least things are good with my Blairsville family, and so here is your limerick - I love you guys!!!!

When the world falls down on my head
And fills up my hours with dread
I know you're here to see
That I stay smoke-free
As this worst of habits I shed!
4/24/01

This son is to be sung to the tune of "Hit the Road, Jack"

Nic refers to the Nicodemon.

Hit the road, Nic
My habit don't stick
No more, no more, no more, no more
Hit the road, Nic
My habit don't stick
No more.

Now that Nicodemon is a really bad guy
He'll snuff out life in the blink of an eye
I quit smoking you see
He'll never have control over me
(That's right!)
Hit the road, Nic
My habit don't stick
No more, no more, no more, no more
Hit the road, Nic
My habit don't stick
No more.
4/25/01

The weekend is upon us and so
Off to have fun we all go
We must try not to slip -
Not put smokes to our lip
And if offered one, we'll all say: "NO!"

Have a wonderful weekend!
4/27/01

It's warm out and summer is near
And a reason to be happy is clear
We can bike, skate and run
Without wheezing in the sun
Being smoke-free's a great reason to cheer!

-Lindycat stuck in a cubicle during this great weather...
4/30/01

An old friend I ran into today
Was outside smoking on this first of May
When he asked where I've been
Much to his chagrin
I said: "I've been living the non-smoker's way!"
5/1/01

this one's to Lindy from Mark S.

Blairsville opened the door
and smoking you will do no more!
Here you sit
with this wonderful quit
Congrats on your awesome four!
5/2/01

There was an ex-smoker named Jean
who had an extreme case of mean
With a grumble and groan
and a squinchy-eyed moan
She wasn't exactly serene.

(but she didn't smoke, either, and that's most of it right there!)
Coyote 5/2/01

From Bill

There once was a chain smoker named Bill
Who decided that he'd had his fill.
He stormed and he raged
'Til his therapist had him caged.
And now he's a patient at Blairsville!
5/2/01

There was an ex-smoker named Kate
Whose cravings just wouldn't abate
She walked and she chewed
and she thought something rude
But she stopped smoking before it was too late.

Coyote (who's a Kate, not a Jean, but hey, you go with what rhymes)
5/2/01

From Jessanne

There once was a chain smoker named Jess
Met a Sista online named Nurse Tess
The Demon strutted Blairs' halls
Sistas kneed him firm in his b#@ls
And Nik cheered, "He's testicle-less!"
5/2/01

ODE TO MONTH FOUR
I have reached month number four
And I amaze myself, it's true
To that Nicodemon, I've said: "No more,
Get out and be gone with you!"

The amount I've not smoked mystifies me
Two-thousand, four hundred eleven
Per month, that's six-oh-two-point-three (602.3)
Keeping me closer to life than to heaven!

True, I still have some bad days
But most days I feel so healthy
No longer surrounded by a smoky haze
I am finding myself more wealthy

So many news friends I have made since I quit
Since the day I first climbed up that hill
Not only am I sweet-smelling and physically fit
I've found a family in Blairsville!

Thanks for all your support, everybody!!!

TODAY'S LINDYCAT ORIGINAL LIMERICK
(I have to distinguish mine now)

For the folks who are new to the quit
Things get better at first bit by bit
If to your quit you stick
They'll improve really quickAnd as an ex-smoker, you'll be a big hit!

-Lindycat 5/2/01

There once was a smoker who thought:
"Is this good for me? No, it is not!"
So one day she quit
And found out, bit by bit,
She enjoyed being an ex-smoker a lot!
5/3/01

The Nicodemon first came to me
In the year before 1990
I thought he was my friend
But that came to an end
I fought him, now I'm finally free.

-Lindycat
(yes, that was me last Halloween, dressed as an Amazon).
5/4/01

from Lou:

To Blairsville I came to not smoke
I swore this time nary a toke
It's a year now I've quit
Not one butt have I lit
Due not in small part to you folk

I just found out that a friend of mine (who is only 27 years old) who has been battling stomach cancer (not smoking-related) is not going to be with us much longer. Last time I saw her, she was so proud of me that I quit smoking, saying that she wouldn't wish cancer on anyone, and wants me to take care of myself.

So, on that sad note, here is a poignant limerick (I realized limericks are supposed to be funny, traditionally, but I was never one to follow with convention...), but this is for anyone who might be thinking that the quit is too tough and they want to smoke again...

People pass on every day
In every imaginable way
But at least we hold the key
To live life smoke-free
So in loved ones' lives we shall stay.
5/7/01

Here is a limerick I came up with in the elevator...

You know it's a corner you've turned
A long time since the last ciggy burned
You've achieved a great deed
No more smokes do you need
It's Blairsville that's taught you what you've learned!
5/8/01

I wrote a song (Forge - you should sing this song a hundred times today)...

Song to be sung to the tune of Disney's "The Tigger Song"

The Quitter Song

THe wonderful thing about quitters
Is quitters are wonderful folks
Their attitudes are far less bitter
THey never smell like stale smokes
They're smoke-free, toke-free, choke-free, croak-free
Fun, fun, fun, fun, fun
But the most wonderful thing about quitters?
I'm not the only one,
No,
I'm not the only one!

Quitting smoking has improved my mood
Happy 'stead of bitter and stewedI don't hide at all
Back behind that smoke wall
I have a much improved attitude!
5/9/01

Sorry I haven't been on much today - I have been too busy running around telling everyone about my new job, now that I can.

So...

I ran into a friend in the hall
Whom I hardly see anymore at all
See, we used to smoke together
In good and bad weather
But now, 'stead of seeing her, I call!

That was only so-so, I know... I'll try another one...

I'll be visiting family next week
I'm so excited I can barely speak
My first visit since the day
I threw the Demon away
I think they'll find me much less bleak!
5/10/01

Good and bad times - there's been a mix
Of moods since I quit needing my fix
Not only more healthy
I am far, far more wealthy -
I've saved five-sixty-two twenty-six! ($562.26)!

It is and it isn't that funny
That cigarettes cost me that much money
But not in this lifetime
WIll ol' Nic get my dime
I spending it in CA with my honey!

Have a great smoke-free week next week - I will try to pop in if I get access to a computer!
5/11/01

...even though I still haven't found out what has happened to our beloved Becca and John Miller, I am still SO very happy to be back - thanks to those who welcomed me this morning!

Here are some limericks I came up with while in California last week...

California's at a smoke-free pace
"No smoking" rules in every place
But what still made me sore
Was just outside every door
The smokers' blow smoke in your face!

On past vacations I'd be
Hiding my habit from the family
This time was no worry
No air-freshening in a hurry
Because this time I was smoke free!!!

Walking along the beach is great
The waves and soft sand are first rate
But what quivered my guts
Was the number of butts
Litterbug-smokers still live in that state!

And...

limerick for today...

A co-worker without a clue
Was someone I thought I knew
This morning she inquired
If a smoke break I desired
But I quit over 4 months a-goo!

Sorry that last one stunk...
But - I'm back! -Lindycat
5/21/01

JOHN MILLER IS A BIG TEASE!
He took yesterday off, yes I know
And he's busy today - yes, quite so
But I need that one drug -
Called the "John Miller Hug"
But instead he said: "hi!" and then left ... d'oh!

OTHER LIMERICK...
A friend said to me just last night
That my teeth are looking very white
See, when I smoked they were brown
And that caused me to frown
But now I smile often - big and bright!

-Lindycat (they never really were brown, but is sounds good in the rhyme)
5/22/01

The stink of cig smoke surrounds you
Makes you reek of nicodemon poo
To get rid of the smell
Banish old Nic to hell
This is an action that you must do!
5/23/01

In Blairsville is a QB named Jess
The first day of her quit was a mess
She held strong on that day
Now her quit's under way
Send her (((HUGS))) to alleviate her stress!!!

We love you Jess - hang in there! -Lindycat
5/29/01

I had a long weekend, its true
Many parties and fun things to do
But the thing that's the best
Is that I passed the test
I was smoke-free at the holiday BBQ!
I hope that a nice and relaxing weekend was enjoyed by all, and if not nice and relaxing, then at least SMOKE-FREE!!!
5/29/01

For Jess, Rosemarie and anyone else who has had a recent (yet temporary) setback in his or her quit:

Quitting smoking is extremely tough
What your body goes through is quite rough
Should you fall off your quit
Jump right back up on it
Cuz I know you're made of the right stuff!

And for all of us...

Whether far from or close to our quit date
We will always be Nicodemon bait
We must stay on our guard
No matter how very hard
Or lung cancer could end up as our fate!
5/30/01

I can't tell if these have become boring or not. Maybe I should switch to haiku or something?

Though the board makes our patience wear thin
Double posting ain't even a sin
It can never abort
Our own world of support
Here in Blairsville is what helps us win!
5/31/01

Life - it really can suck
Things fall and you forget to duck
What can make it more rough
Is that quitting is so toughBut stick with it -- you'll increase your luck!

(once again, I used the -uck rhyme in a clean way)!!!!!
6/7/01

I have now finished month eight
And most of the time, I'm feeling great
When Nicodemon 'butts' in
I kick him out again
Lung cancer will not be my fate!
9/02/01