hello fellow exers

[newlife5]

just got word about froglady... RIP i will meet her on the other side for sure,...im at a loss for  words it happened so fast...but thankfully she didnt have to sit around and suffer...AND she had 5 years free...like me she was a long time smoker...

there is one truth all us oldtimers hold onto...

we thought we would never quit....we watched alot of our friends and family pass on,...and we know what we have done by smoking all those years it is a miracle we are not gone already....

this addiction is the pits..

we have alot of people to blame...but mostly ourselves..because nobody twisted our arms or did they?...

.big tobacco companies used to add the highly addictive nicotine in concentrated amounts purposely to boost sales... i remember this...the government made them stop because there were too many deaths caused by people smokng in their sleep...they would burn their house down...

there  were salesmen who would pass out free samples to the public...i know i got into that line and got 3 or 4 free samples at a time.. and i was only 15 or 16...

there were cigarette machines at the local gas station that took one quarter and one dime to operate..no age restriction there  either

we got smoke breaks at school...high school...in the parking lot the teacher used to smoke one with us...

i could go  on...

i am so glad she got to have 5 free years... im going on 3 years ... and she helped me along ..so many here have helped me along...

[Storm.3.1.14]

I like how the only thing you're pointing your finger at is the truth of how it used to be. How rampant smoking was in the culture. Look how far we've come now.

I, too, remember those vending machines. Slide that "clutch" over to the label you wanted, and PULL the "pinball rod'.

Wow.

Good to see you today!

[YoungAtHeart]

As you have helped others by sharing your journey.  Good to see you!

Have you watched any of the Mad Men TV series?  What a reminder of those times gone by.  Everybody - and I mean everybody - smoked ---- and they had booze in their offices, too.  I remember the ads where doctors were advising us that this or that brand was healthy.  They also used to give free cigarettes to servicemen overseas, too.

We were  brainwashed - and then hooked like so many fish on the line.  I remember hearing that when sales went down, Big Tobacco would increase the nicotine levels to make people smoke more to get their usual fixes.  Shameful.

So glad we don't give them that control over us anymore!

Nancy

[Starlite]

My prayers go out to the family of froguelady and prayers to you on your conitnued "quit" journey. Much Aloha

[tjanddj]

I remember the cigarette machines very easy access to anyone. When I started smoking I already knew that it was not good for me. I only blame myself for making a bad choice all because I needed to prove to someone that I could smoke a cigarette without coughing. Dumb Dumb! I did win the bet though. So glad I am free from it too.

She will always be remembered for all the help and support she has given. A memory to be cherished.

[JonesCarpeDiem]

great to see you Izzy!

[exldysmoker]

Yep, I remember the vending machines and the smoking area at high school!

[Strudel]

I too am glad that Betty had 5 beautiful years of freedom. Congrats on your great quit Izzy!

[SkyGirl]

Hi, Izzy!  Let's both spend more time here on EX like we used to do.  I'm still absolutely lovin' your profile pic!

xxxooo,  Sky

[Chris265]

Always good to see you.  Happy that you are keeping up the good fight.  Me too!!