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On the internet since 2002......a non-profit website you can trust!
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--Hamlet, ACT I, SCENE 3
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By BubbaJames
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The Village Happenings
Newsletter
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Editorial
Welcome to the final edition of the Happenings Newsletter for 2009! This has been another year of very little activity in the forum as many have moved on with their lives. Most of us continue to be life time friends and supporters of FV and will stop in to post whenever possible, participate in free giveaways and or to maintain our current info with the forum, year after year. It is YOU and those of you reading this newsletter that has allowed us to keep FV and "The Happenings " active for over 8 years on the net!
Will the Forum and Newsletter continue through 2010? That is something even I cannot predict. Month after month I try to assess the need for this free service and each time it falls short but something always changes my mind, right at the last minute and I will continue to pay the host for the forum and this website.
2010 will bring about great changes in my life. On October 1, 2010 I will have 30 years with my employer and I have decided to enroll in a retirement plan called DROP at the beginning of April 2010. What will this mean, it will mean I will be forced to leave my employer in five years (2015 or before). I am currently 53 and by the time I have reached the five year limit, I will be 58. I have made a resolution to begin cutting back on expenses and one of those could be my monthly website expense and FV's twice yearly dues. These sites are well established on the internet search engines and it might be possible to place links or ads that would pay for the cost of these sites to be self supporting......I suspect there are a number of options available to me for our community.
Ok, enough of my thoughts, lets get on with the news! I will pull what I can from the forum to create an update for you on members of Freedom Village.......a bit of the happenings in our Cyberspace Community in the last couple of months.
As manager and friend, I wish you all a safe, happy, smoke-free Christmas and New Year 2010. Keep in touch and forgive my faults and mistakes. I'll do my best to be here for you......respectfully and always......
LYMI
-Bubba-
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IN THE NEWS
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This is ...........
The Village Forum Happenings!
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Achiever's Quit Smoking List
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December 4, 2009 - As of this date we have had word of a few who lost their quits but other than that no other new quits or confirmations of old quits have been reported ( I have added a few who placed posts, we now have 31 confirmed Achievers). In October, 2009 an announcement was made that the Achiever's List was being updated. Nearly 20 people responded immediately to the request for their most current information or that of a family member or friend. Bubba states, "It is that time of the year to confirm everyone's quit dates. I've had a few who have felt it was wrong to drop and add names but lives are constantly changing and it is important the Achiever's List stay truthful and reflect those changes year after year. We tell ourselves we will never smoke again but none of us are perfect, we are as they say "only human". Our addiction will always be part of us and when we least expect it and we've become over confident, that is when the addiction can reclaim what we have worked so hard to achieve. If for any reason someone should loose their quits, Freedom Village Forum and MySpace will be online for them when they need a place to go, where no one will judge but will have understanding and empathy for their situation."
"If you quit smoking or you know someone who has, then be proud and set an example by giving your name or that of someone else (with their permission of course) to be listed in the Achiever's Quit List . I do not believe in bringing awareness to tobacco abuse with scare tactics (pictures of diseased lungs, etc), guilt trips or lectures. It is best to bring proof to smokers ( I WAS one!) that quitting can be done successfully and they are not alone in giving up cigarettes. There are no "ifs" "ands" or "buts"...CIGARETTE SMOKING IS AN ADDICTION and it does kill! When you "choose" to give up smoking.....it will be for your own reasons and not someone else's. Those reasons can be for freedom from an addiction in control of your life or it can be for health, monetary, social, family, love, etc.... whatever the reason it will be yours and yours alone. Take a look at the Achiever's Quit Smoking List....and you will see the proof that quitting is done everyday.....successfully!"
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Posts Made In Freedom Village Forum - October 18 to December 1, 2009
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Ria reports in on Denise's condition.....
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October 18, 2009 - "Hello everyone. I just wanted to let you know Denise is doing good. Her procedure went well. She tried to call Mags, but no answer on her cell. Denise's new blood test results came back and........... guess what folks, something else. She now has a liver and thyroid problem. She went to liver specialist last week and we won't know too much until those specifics come back. As for the Thyroid, she has been prescribed medication for that. Say your prayers that my friend "learns" to drink water and LIKE IT! lol It is important to the Thyroid meds. In conjunction with these two new things, there are some issues with her blood that they are looking into as well. Again, preliminary tests have been done. Soon as she knows the outcome, she will keep you all posted. Please pray for it all goes away. This girl needs a break after these past few years, and, well, you all know the end of that story. Thank you guys for always being there for her when she has needed you most! I know how she loves you all, and I certainly appreciate your support over the years as well." -Ria
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Life Choices
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October 18, 2009 - Post made by Mags on behalf of Ray Thigpen, son of JudyT...........
Today's 4-year anniversary of my quitting smoking reminds me that life is always about personal choices. A friend of mine recently reminded me that a person can do anything they want to do (more specifically, he told me that I could do anything I want to do). That is true, provided they first make the choice, and then do that thing which they have chosen to do. "Faith without works is dead" according to James 2:20. Faith is the choice. Works is the action. Therefore, to chose and not to do really isn't a choice. In fact, if you don't do the thing, then that is your true choice. To do, or not to do, that is the question!
So, how can you help somebody make a choice? You can encourage them, commend them, help them in every way imaginable, but until they "do the thing", they haven't really made the choice. Think of it this way:
A bird (or a reptile, I just don't particularly like reptiles) must make the decision to break through it's shell before it can live its life. If it stays in the shell, it dies. You can call it, or encourage it to break free of the shell and begin to live, but if you break the shell for it, it dies. Ultimately the choice must be made by the bird, just as we must make our own choices. Encouragement is a great thing, and can help someone make a choice, but if you "do the thing" for them, whatever they have chosen to do will die.
Your past choices have brought you to your present. If you are happy with where you are, GREAT! You've made some good choices. If you aren't happy with where you are, GREAT! Your past only led to your present. You can forget your past and choose to change your future - today! It's your choice. Ray Thigpen
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An Update from Lois - A trip to Seattle!
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October 20, 2009 - Hi!! I Missed You....All of You! Ok, I went thru a few months without being able to use my internet, and I am NOW, with my very own lap top, which I haven't used a whole lot, as I am still trying to get used to not using a mouse. (Extremely difficult when trying to play some of those free yahoo games.....lol) As I said before, Mom decided that she felt she could maybe make the trip to Seattle to visit my daughter & her family & see where they live etc. Well I didn't know she meant YESTERDAY...but a wk later my other daughter called to say that Mom was wondering why I hadn't made the arrangements yet. And yes, as soon as the arrangements were made, she had her bags packed. She was packed & ready, a wk ahead of time. (I had a list, but I didn't pk until the night before....big difference in her & me.....lol) We had the best time ever. My son-in-law is a real planner, and had everything arranged before we got there. One day, it was going to the Needle (yes, even Mom...all the way to the top with her wheel chair)...and then to a place called 'Cutter's for lunch, down by the Pikes Market Place (Sleepless in Seattle)...and boy was that good.....Ummmmmm!! SEVENTY EIGHT DOLLARS worth of good fish etc for JUST Mom/My daughter, Lisa/ & Me. I will be living on PB&J sandwiches for a while now. For dinner that night, my 4 yr old granddaughter, Cassidy, had prepared a meal, with a little help from her Daddy. She made up the menu, we had spaghetti, with sauce or no sauce, and salad & a fruit bowl...and brownies for desert. And she set the table. It was so wonderful...Her other grandparents were there, and also her two great grandma's.
Day two...Went to the Pumpkin Patch on a field trip for Cassidy...all of us.Lots of fun, and hot cider.....(that day was just a might cold in the morning.)...then we dropped Mom & my son in law off for a nap, and took off , just Lisa & Cassidy & Marley (the 2 yr old) to go shopping...majorly at Toys R Us so I could let the girls pick out their Birthday presents. I never get to be there for that special day in November, so I decided I would get to watch them pick out their own things, and let them have early presents from me this year, instead of a gift card. LOTS OF BUSINESSES & FUN .....then that night, we went into Seattle & had dinner at a Chinese Restraunt...excellent I might add.....and then to Macy's so I could by the girls each a cute little dress.....and then Lisa/Mom & Marley took off for home while I ...Get this...Eat your hearts out.....Went to the University of Washington...and Looked thru a 126 yr old telescope.......at Jupiter.....and it's 4 moons! ...WOW!
Day Three......On to a soccer game starring.....Cassidy! How much fun??? Sky's the limit! Afterwards we went with the other grandparents for lunch, then to their house for warm Rhubarb /strawberry pie. Ok...just a little mixed up here, on what day we did what, but I will tell you what else we did, and you will just have to fit it in somewhere. I know the first day there, Mom was very tired from the flight, so we left her to take a nap, and took the girls down to this magnificent park in their housing addition. for a couple of hours. Lisa took Mom; Marley; & me to a beautiful water fall in the mountains. The last day there, the other grandparents baby sat so Lisa & hubby, Grant could take us thru the Cascade Mountains..... and at the top of one of the mountains.......another wonderful restaurant.....(this one only cost me $98!!!!!!). Food just came in second to Cutters.....lol.
Just to let you know......There is usually only about 65 days of sunshine in Seattle, and we got 4 1/2 of them! The last day was quite chilly, but all in all, we could have not enjoyed our tour if we had been getting a lot of rain. I had not had a vacation in about 4 yrs...and the memories of this one will surely last me for a whole life time if I Never have another one. We were able to enjoy the company of my 'Many miles away' family, see where they go to school & church & play, and get to know them all better. Great fellowship, and OH.......What Majestic, colorful mountains God put out there for us! Ok, I've bored you all enough. (hope not though). Take care, & keep up the good work with your Quits!
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Wendy <smile> makes an unexpected but welcome visit!
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October 22, 2009 - "Wow the village has a new look - awesome - been ages.... still smoke free and would not change a thing to get there...<smile>looking for some help....off the topic of smoking though - for all my American friends....my 21 year old son is on a new journey and traveling from Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada down to Florida (for some concert fest thing) anyway he knows he is stopping in Minneapolis for another concert then after that he is open to checking out some of the country stopping in towns and cities that will give him some flavor of the country. He has been to Memphis as a young lad, and may want to stop there. But my friends where else should a couple of guys who are early 20's travel to? and are there any dangers they should stay away from....after all I am still a mom - should have seen me when he spent three months in Europe last year....arggg scary!! Any help would be great! Hugs and smiles to you all!
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Bubba's Niece Cindy
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October 24, 2009 - "I just received a call from Cindy and she told me she has been diagnosed with COPD. She is only 32 years old and it is bad. She's doing her best to quit smoking again but she and I both know it is going to be a rocky road to travel but she can and will do it. I'm trying to encourage her to join a 24/7 support group online as I feel it helped all of us and it will increase her chances of quitting and staying quit. I suspect QuitNet would be right for her but it is a bit confusing at first".
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Gracie stops in for a visit!
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October 27, 2009 - "Mags & Lois..... Thank You ! I am so over due for an F/V visit I don't like being out of the F/V loop and to jump in and see me being honored for a date that every month comes and goes now just like any other day w/ the exception of Mar 22 the date and Sept 22 which is the 1/2 yr date. Thanking God every day that I am nicotine free !!! I worked long and hard to get to the mind set of " I am not a smoker " and ya know what .... I aint lookin back cause I aint going that way another wonderful lesson learned on my journey to be nico free!"
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Val FLEW by FV waving and a huggin'!
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November 6, 2009 - "Just stopping by to wave hello! (((((FV)))))"
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Second-Hand-Smoke
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November 9, 2009 -
Post from Mags: "What a day...shessh my hands still smell of old smoke cause I played with this really cute yorkie who's owner smokes! Poor baby..that makes me sick to my stomach that old smoke stench.."
Reply from Shaine: "Yep, I know, I tell my 19yr old to stop kissing my dog as he leaves her smelling like smoke...ewwww"
Reply from Lois: "I know how that hurt when my grand baby was only...a baby, & her Mom wouldn't let me hold her, or I could see her 'cringe', because Hannah had just had her bath, and my daughter would say that she didn't want to hurt my feelings, and that she knew that since I smoked, that I couldn't smell it, but that the smoke really does transfer from the smoker to the sweet smelling baby. Very sad isn't it. Picture: Loved one wanting to only give hugs & love to new child, and Mommy feeling helpless not knowing whether to hurt loved ones feelings by saying something, or protecting her sweet smelling new born baby. Wow."
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Hi To All from Australia
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November 14, 2009 -
Shaine's post: "Hope you all are doing well, if you have dropped by looking in the village because you are new....stick around, the only way I could quit was here and still know I can come to lean on my friends for any reason, not even quit related. Ok guys, I've been having dizzy vertigo attacks, the last one lasted over a month and scared the buggery out of me,I still have it to a smaller degree now. Went to ENT specialist and he has gone down the menieres path. After a year of school to go to work I feel a little let down. Going through the "why me"? I could not even watch the kids fishing or I get motion sick. Anyway if anyone knows anything on this subject feel free to email me or post. Anyway my quit is 2 yrs 3 1/2 months....wooo hoooo! Thanks Village.
Reply from Lois: "I know absolutely nothing about vertigo, except that my Mom said she has it, and a lady at church said that her doctor said he has never seen anyone with as bad of a case as she has.....also, she said that the whole world just starts spinning around."
Response from Shaine:- "That is it Lois, you wake up and the room is spinning,you cannot even focus on anything on he wallas your eyes wont let you, you can walk after a day or so, then it is like being sea sick, I get motion sick from swimming laps, moving my head to quick, the wrong direction, bending down. Usually after a week it starts to go and only has small little spins for the next few months. This time it has not gone back to normal and fluid will not go from my ear and diagnosed menieres. I just got called for a job for my nursing course and had to turn it down. I am not too happy but am standing strong."
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Gram had 7 Years on Nov. 17th and Mags wrote an 8 year Journey for her Anniversary.
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From Bob for Mags big Day!
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November 18, 2009 - "An Eight Year Journey.......... 8 Years ago today I decided to change my life once and for all to improve my health. While my health wasn't all that bad the constant upper respiratory infections that always went into bronchitis were no picnic. It got to where very time it happened I was loaded down with med's and inhalers. I hated the inhalers. and the Dr looking down at me over his glasses and saying you should quit finally made sense.. It was a little over 2 months since 911 and that fateful day when I sat outside smoking and the peace and quiet just really got to me cause I felt so alone and thought " Man if this is all there is to this I should quit". This sent me to the computer and I had this joke ezine I was getting
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and in it was a link for " quitting smoking" I went to it and the rest just fell into place.. It wasn't easy at first. I had many days I wanted to just blow it completely. Everything made me mad and got to me. I thought everyone was out to get me cause I quit. then I thought things went wrong because I quit. then the depression set in..Stress was my enemy. I saw my Dr who was more than helpful to help me get thru the ruff patches..I drank a lot of water and chews Big Red gum. to this day I still drink a lot of water and have cut way back on the gum.. It took a long time for me to finally admit I was a drug addict. Even though cigarettes are legal they are a legal drug. Once I could admit that I started to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Even 8 years later I still have scary thoughts of what if...what if I slip..what if I get sick cause I smoked even after quitting..what if I slip and I can't stop..started running into folks I hadn't seen in ages and found out they had quit too we compared notes and found out most all of our what if's were normal..that is why message boards, email and phone calls are so IMPORTANT..Once you start talking and saying things you find out you're not alone and having someone who has BEEN there is more helpful than you'll ever know.. Since quitting I have managed to deal with many things I would never have dreamed possible..first thing right off the bat was we lost hubby's step mom and I remember telling him after the funeral and driving back that had I still been smoking that would have been a two pack event. A year after I quit I lost my Dad never had I experienced that kind of pain before. at the funeral home standing outside with the smokers I had several of them tell me how my Daddy bragged that I had quit..I never knew that. Two years later we experienced Hurricane Rita that was a horrible time not knowing if our house was ok..I held on to my quit thru all of it..A couple of months later Rick was diagnosed with Cancer. I had those Dr's assure me that by quitting I had upped my chances of being treated successfully. I made it thru two more Hurricanes and Rick loosing his job after 32 years and me going back to work..All this has made me realize that these things would have happened whether I smoked or not and I chose to not smoke and deal with them. Life will and has gone on since I quit and it will continue..I will continue to be vigilant about my quit and helping others who want to quit. To those of you out there who think you can't do it..remember this, YES you can and since it took practice to learn to be an addict it'll take practice to learn to reform from being an addict. Never give up on quitting and you will win the battle hands down. If you fall pick yourself up and go again practice makes perfect. Do it for YOU and no one else that is really important. and if you really want it and you have your mind made up to quit..you can achieve anything.. I am available to help anyone who needs it or to answer questions. You can email me if you want.."
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From Lois "Something To Think About"
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November 18, 2009 - "Say you were to go to the doctor, and the tests had come back, and he says to you, you have less than two years to live? What would you do with the remaining part of your life? It makes me think of the movie, "Bucket List" (Excellent movie).
Well, I actually had the experience yesterday morning, of hearing my friend, my next door neighbor, being told this by the professional doctor. And it is breaking my heart. My neighbor is a male, and only 40 yrs old. He is originally from El Salvador, and what family lives in the states, live in Georgia, and only speak Spanish. He has been my neighbor for about 8 yrs. He had asked me if I would go to IU Med Center in Indianapolis, In for some tests, as he would need someone to drive him home. I'm trying to cope. I'm trying to say the right things at the right times, not talk when I shouldn't, stay positive but also take this as something very serious. I know that things probably won't get a whole lot better. I talk to God about this a LOT. I know now why I happen to be living here in this neighbor hood. It wasn't by accident, it's God's happening, so I just keep asking Him to lead me, that I know that this is HIS plan, but to please help me know how to handle the things that come by us.
They found a cyst on his Pancreas, about 1/2 inch diameter. I just couldn't believe how serious it was. Besides what the doctor said, I looked it up on the internet, and this is the ONE cancer that NO one would ever want to be stuck with. The good thing is, the final results aren't back yet, and so we don't know if it's malignant or not, but the doc said that if it is, then they would naturally operate, and it is a major surgery...they take a lot out. He said that is almost the best way, because if the cyst is just sitting there, and it isn't known if it is malignant or on it's way to being malignant, then they will have to keep testing & watching it. Salvador asked them what if he chose to ignore it, and the doctor flat out told him that he would be dead in less than two years. (This is so hard!) I lost a very good friend to this disease. Salvador has had absolutely NO symptoms, but a friend of mine, Faye, a few years ago, had sever pain in her stomach...they put her in the hospital in Feb for tests, found out that she had the cancer in her pancreas, and she died a wk after Father's day that year.
So, as we look back at our old cigarette smoking habits, be grateful, that we made the choice, to live. At least WE have a choice. Listen to people like (((Liddie))), who gave us good advice, and shared her pics,so that we could learn from bad choices & turn them around. Love you all."
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Death in JudyT 's Family
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November 20, 2009 - "We lost Carlton's mom early Sunday morning and buried her Wednesday. She is where she has longed to be for so long, with her " FATHER " prayers needed..we will miss her..she is the last of the older ones in both our families."
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There was a time when Bubba was "in the Closet
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November 21, 2009 - "I'm not sure why I did it but I Googled "Closet Smokers" and came up with a forum that appears to have been around since August 2000 called Closet Smokers Message Board! What a cool idea that was to have created that type of board.
Now that I look back on it I suppose you could say I was a closet smoker off and on throughout my smoking life. I do know I was in the closet when it came to my Dad......for years I kept it from him but being an ex-smoker I'm sure he knew from the beginning. And then there was my paternal grandparents who had smoked those filterless cigarettes....I think they were Camel or was it Pall Malls....well anyway they both quit after only God knows how many years of smoking. As a teen I tried to stay in the closet but is wasn't easy. My grandparents didn't know until.....one night everyone was out except my grand-dad. I left him watching television and went to the far back bedroom. I tossed and turned because I wanted to smoke bad, this was one of those big bad cravings.....big time....I had to have one! Well I thought, I'll just take a few puffs and put it out in the glass of water by my bed.....no one will ever know.....oh yeah, did I mention my grandparents had a strict rule of NO SMOKING IN THE HOUSE?! Well anyway I didn't know at that time non-smokers and ex-smokers can smell cigarette smoke a mile away! I took a few puffs and the next thing I knew there was a loud knock on the door and a yell, "Are you smoking?".....it was my grand-dad and I knew then and there my days of being in the closet was over.....at least with my grand-parents. Throughout their lives though they begged me to quit."
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Bubba's Contest turned into a flop and then his Giveaway turned into stories from the heart!
A trial and error effort to keep The Village Forum alive and well.
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"My Story: How Tobacco Abuse Affected My Life"
Note: These five people were given $30 & $35 Amazon . com Gift Cards for their contribution to this community and giveaway. They were asked to purchase the movie "The Pack" but when I reviewed it, I was greatly disappointed and felt I had let everyone down. Hopefully these five people bought something they needed other than the DVD "The Pack" for I'm sure their stories came from the heart and they deserved something a lot better than that movie! To those people who participated......thank you sincerely for your honesty.....you are greatly appreciated and respected by this "Bubba".
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Maryanne's Story
"I am a smoker - have been trying to quit for years now - you know that (((james))) - I've had some successful, long term quits but never "the" quit - I'm still working on it and will continue to work on it until I get it right - I just found out my daughter is pregnant - she quit smoking - and I will too because I do not want my grandchild to know me as a smoker."
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Cindy Stroud's Story
"My name is Cindy Stroud I am Bubba's niece. I quit smoking for about 3 years and felt so much better life looked and felt great. I was so proud of myself, I had did something that I thought that I could never do on my own. I was working one day and asked a friend for a hit off his cigarette... BIG MISTAKE after that I bought a pack and would smoke one every so often but then started back full time thinking that I would be able to stop at any time I got ready cause I had done it before. Didn't happen so now I have been smoking again for about a year and a half now. I caught a cold about a month ago and went to the doctor. He informed me that I am now in the first stages of COPD at age 32. I have not quit smoking yet, it is soooo hard for me this time around. I look at my two children ages 9 & 6 years of age and wonder if I will see them marry or have their own children.
Yes, I am scared, I have watched my mama and my aunt die from COPD, it is a heart breaking sight. I do not want to die that way but that is what is going to happen if I don't stop smoking now. I ask that everyone pray for me I need GOD'S help. I am now on an inhaler because of not being able to breathe. My life has changed and it is all my fault. I am going to keep fighting this battle and win if not for myself for my children.They need me just as I needed my mother and lost her at a young age. I thank you for reading my story and hope that it will help you to stop or to not start back."
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Gord's Story
"Here is the story I have held off telling, I know that as I begin, this will bring back some memories that may or may not be pretty, but to help you, I will do it .
I am all of 11 yrs old and sitting with a gang of boys called the nickerson gang, they are about 2 to 3 yrs older, but trying to recruit me into their gang. They are the coolest lot around and I want so much to be just like them so I see that they are smoking and I go to the store and buy some Winston to see if I can be cool to. I smoke 2 of them and was sick as can be but I had to be cool so I practiced and worked hard at it to become cool. Eventually I became the top dog and made the new lads smoke to be part of the gang. As I grew older and stronger, the same thing happened with most drugs, I tried them to be cool and convinced others that it would be cool if they did it too. I will always regret that part of my life for sure, but something at the time I was forced into so I can find ways to live with my past.
When I was abused and sexually assaulted, at 15, I stayed alone for days at a time and contemplated suicide for a lot of years. I sometimes still do . but I have learned that smoking only dulls the pain , it is always there and I needed to come up with a better way of dealing with it. Smoking only made it worse.
It was just another way of killing myself, cause I just never had any self confidence, I hated myself for a lot of yrs and smoked like a fiend to forget and to be able to "handle it". Here is a kicker, I never ever told anyone about the sexual assault till I came to BV and FV, and then being almost anonymous and with trusted friends, it all came out and it has helped in ways that no one will ever know. My wife still does not know, my parents do not know, my sister or my brother does not know, but you do cause I trust in all of you here at FV and it helped to move forward to some extent. I still have issues with my past, but FV, and those in it taught me about more than quitting, it brought me home to Jesus (thank you so much Grace and others). Lastly I come here almost every day, I feel the achievements, and the pain, and for that reason you need to just keep doing what you're doing, cause in my thinking ...... even if you help just one of us, you are a winner. I guess I stay away because as someone once pointed out to me, it is a waste of time whining all the time, just better to stay away and not bother anyone. I still smell the raw smoke as my mother and father light up, me in the back seat of the car, and loving the smell of the fresh lit smoke, and yep, I still love that smell.
So there ya have it, and the reasons for some of my actions I hope lol. I hope you do real well with your contest, and the site, love you my friend even if I can only say so from time to time."
Mag's Story
"While my parents never smoked many aunts and Uncles and friends of the family did..In fact our own family Dr did..One of my favorite aunts had those long nails and smoked those long cigarettes and just looked way to cool to this 16 year old..
My addiction didn't start til I was out of school and my grandfather died..My cool Aunt was riding in my car to go get something to eat at my grandfather's funeral and she lit one up..I remember it smelling good and thought how I'd look cool like her if I did it but didn't do it with her for fear she'd tell my dad..I went out a lot and lived in the smoky bars and dance halls a lot of my friends smoked but I refrained. I'd get accused by my mother cause of the stench on my clothes..then it happened a boyfriend got me to try it and so began my many years of closet smoking and many not knowing I did it..
During my addiction we lost my mother in law to smoking. I didn't snap that's what did it. It took until Rick lost his sister to smoking for me to snap and "THINK" about quitting..that was 1996 and all I did was "Think". Then came my bout with pneumonia I quit while I had it but went right back..then came the bouts of bronchitis and I kept on..then it made me snap and I started on the road to recovery..
Since my over 8 year recovery I have lost two cousins, an dear Aunt and numerous friends to smoking. I have vowed never to go back to smoking and I'm just now realizing my grandfather's cancer was caused by his smoking and that cool aunt has quit but has had many bouts with cancer..
Never give up on quitting as you can stop the damage now but you can't always reverse what is already done but you can stop it from getting worse by quitting..to be cool is one thing but to die from being cool is another..I'd rather not die from being cool..
And just so you know, since I have quit all my nieces and nephews think I'm cool anyway so smoking had nothing to do with it..imagine that."
Alex's Story
"Quitting smoking was easy.... Well compared to try and lose the weight I gained, it seemed easy. Been over 7 years now and I actually never get urges now:) I have been doing weightwatchers now for 5 weeks and getting nowhere. I have no problems sticking to my points. I walk 40 minutes nearly every day. At the end of the week I am lucky to lose half a pound. Very frustrating.
I thought my cough was gone forever. Now I have a cough caused by my BP meds, but not nearly as bad as my smokers cough, which is long gone now. My wife is really happy I quit smoking, so what else could I want :)
I can actually drink a beer now without even thinking about smoking. Isn't that so amazing?
I am so happy I quit, even with all my weight problems, which is probably more to do with my age, or with years of drinking beer. Now I need a losingweightsupport . com site :) "
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Am I Still An Addict? (I wish there was more discussions like this...I love it!)
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November 24, 2009 -
Alex asks: "Am I still an addict..... Really am I? After 7 years am I still an addict? I don't think about smoking that much. I am studying a medical course and reading about all the illnesses caused by smoking and it is real scary. If I was given 6 months to live, like my mother was...would I return to smoking? Its a scary scary question. I am not sure....but I think I would, any thoughts anyone?"
Mags reply: "I'd go with you are now an "Addict in Recovery".
GailP reply: "Alex last February a very good friend of mine-a friend for more than 50 years passed away from lung cancer. She had been diagnosed just one year earlier. As soon as I heard I went to the hospital to see her and her comment to me was "Look what I have done to myself." Strong words, aren't they?"
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Happy Thanksgiving to Freedom Village Forum
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November 25, 2009 -
Cathy (Angel Mist) - "I want to wish everyone a very happy Thanksgiving! I hope everyone is blessed in ways beyond belief! I'm thankful that I celebrated my 5th year of being smober this month. I'm thankful for every moment that I don't light up....I know it's only by the grace of God. (((hugs))) angel
James (BubbaJames) - "Wishing you all a Happy Thanksgiving from the USA! :-)
Maryanne - "HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!!!"
Kimmi - "Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!!!!! God bless!"
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Bad News Turns To Good News
(So long as he has a strong desire to quit he will achieve his goal.....that ...I have no doubt.)
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December 1, 2009
Post from Robert: "I am ashamed to say, I lost my quit. Here I am to start again. The demon never really does let go does it?"
Mags reply: "Jump back on you know the drill..Never be ashamed, hold that head up, remember what you have accomplished and move forward..I'm an email away as I work now due to this darn economy.. Txangelmom@aol.com.. Hang in there my friend you can do it."
Shaine's reply: "Well you are back at it so good for you! It is a struggle but well worth it. We are always here."
Bubba's reply: "ROBERT, man it is good to see you! You're going to be ok.....I been kind of worried when I stopped hearing from you. Welcome back guy!"
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Quit Smoking Achiever's Confirmed for 2010
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As of 12/04/2009
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 Charlene - 03/18/1999 |
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Texas Mags - 11/18/2001
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Marsha - 02/06/2002
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Cindy Pearl - 02/28/2002
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Cheryl - 05/28/2002
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Jody - 07/24/2002
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Alex - 08/25/2002
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Gram - 11/17/2002
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JudyT - 01/01/2003
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Mardie - 01/19/2003
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Lois - 12/17/2003
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Julie - 02/10/2004
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Ron - 04/21/2004
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Suz - 03/14/2004
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Gord - 07/12/2004
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Angel - 11/07/2004
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Ray & Nancy T.- 10/18/2005
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Bubba - 12/25/2005
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Shaine - 07/28/2007
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Alena - 01/01/2008
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Valarie J. - 01/14/2008
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Mike B. - 10/21/2008
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Lise S. - 04/01/2009
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James S. - 04/01/2009
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Additions since last publication......
Val - 03/01/2002
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Gracie - 03/22/2002
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GailP - 03/28/2002
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Kim - 05/15/2005
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Kimmi - 09/14/2005
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Anita Harding- 12/09/2007
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“I have been given this day to use as I will. I can waste it or use it for good.
What I do today is important because I'm exchanging a day of my life for it.
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December 4, 2009
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Bubba's Movie Reviews
"I'm a member of NetFlix,
best movie rental ANYWHERE!"
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_______________________________________
My ratings are based on a scale of 1 - 5....
ONE being the WORSE and FIVE being the BEST....
but don't take my ratings seriously unless you think you know me well and
feel your "taste" in movies are similar to mine.
____________OK, OK, it was a FIVE not a ONE!!!!!_________________
G.I. Joe:
The Rise of The Cobra
(2009)
Length: 118 minutes
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Dennis Quaid, Channing Tatum, Sienna Miller and Marlon Wayans star in this action-packed G.I. Joe adventure, in which Hawk, Ripcord, Heavy Duty and the rest of the elite special mission force set out to stop evil arms dealer Destro (Christopher Eccleston) and his minions. Rounding out the star-studded cast are Brendan Fraser, Rachel Nichols, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Ray Park, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Saïd Taghmaoui and model Karolina Kurkova.
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PG 13 - For strong sequences of action violence and mayhem throughout.
 Bubba's Rating 4 "Really Liked It" |
Midnight Bayou
(2009)
Length: 120 minutes
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When he makes a break with his privileged life to buy a renovated plantation manor near New Orleans, well-to-do lawyer Declan Fitzpatrick (Jerry O'Connell) quickly discovers that his new house harbors some old and disturbing secrets. Convinced the house is haunted, Fitzpatrick turns to local beauty Lena (Lauren Stamile) and her grandmother Odette (Faye Dunaway) for help. Ralph Hemecker directs this drama based on the book by Nora Roberts.
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NR - Not rated. This movie has not been rated by the MPAA.
Bubba's Rating 3 "Liked It"
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Star Trek
(2009)
Length: 126 minutes
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Capt. Kirk (Chris Pine) and his trusted team on the starship USS Enterprise boldly go where no man has gone before in this installment of Gene Roddenberry's sci-fi franchise that follows the early days of the intergalactic adventurers. The crew includes Spock (Zachary Quinto), Chekov (Anton Yelchin), Uhura (Zoe Saldana), Scotty (Simon Pegg) and Sulu (John Cho). Eric Bana co-stars, and Leonard Nimoy appears as an older version of Spock.
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PG -13 - For sci-fi action and violence and brief sexual content.
Bubba's Rating 5 "Loved It"
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Echelon Conspiracy
(2009)
Length: 106 minutes
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After stumbling upon a strange cell phone that seems to steer him toward limitless wealth, a young engineer (Shane West) goes along for the ride. But the road veers into dangerous territory when he becomes the target of a global conspiracy. Edward Burns, Ving Rhames and Martin Sheen co-star in this politically charged thriller about a deadly device and the lengths to which people will go to get their hands on it.
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PG-13 - For sequences of intense violence and action, some sexuality and brief language.
Bubba's Rating 3 "Liked It"
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Night at the Museum 2: Battle of the Smithsonian
(2009)
Length: 105 minutes
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Ben Stiller returns as hapless museum night watchman Larry Daley in this sequel to the hit comedy. Though he's now working at the Smithsonian Institution, Daley continues to deal with exhibits that come to life while the museum is closed. His adventures this time include close encounters with Amelia Earhart (Amy Adams), George Custer (Bill Hader) and Ivan the Terrible (Christopher Guest). Owen Wilson, Ricky Gervais and Dick Van Dyke co-star.
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PG - For mild action and brief language.
Bubba's Rating 5 "Loved It"
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The Horseman
(2008)
Length: 90 minutes
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Already reeling from the shocking death of his wife, detective Aidan Breslin (Dennis Quaid) is destined for even darker days when he's tasked with investigating a series of grisly serial murders inspired by biblical prophecy. This chilling psychological thriller from director Jonas Åkerlund also stars Ziyi Zhang, Clifton Collins Jr., Peter Stormare, Patrick Fugit, Lou Taylor Pucci and Eric Balfour.
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R- For grisly and disturbing content, some sexual images and language.
Bubba's Rating 3 "Liked It"
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Don't walk in front of me, I may not follow. Don't walk behind me, I may not lead.
Just walk beside me and be my friend.
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Liddie's Corner
of the Web
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Granny Liddie
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____________________________For December 2009______________________________
RECIPE PICK
from Liddie's Village
About Liddie Wilhelm: Liddie came to Freedom Village some years back not only to help herself quit and stay quit from smoking but to let others know the dangers of smoking cigarettes and to quit before it was to late. She was already in the final stages of COPD. Liddie was a collector of recipe books and she would share them here and in Freedom Village Forum II, which I gave to her when I could no longer manage it. Liddie spent many hours typing in recipes until one day I got an email from her saying, "Bubba no one is coming to my board." I felt for her but was unable to get others to visit and post. With this new newsletter I will place one of Liddie's recipe's here every month. If you would like to visit click the name and it will take you there. I hope you will post your own recipes in Freedom Village II as I think my friend would have liked that.If you would like to become the caretaker of Liddie's Village please let me know. Liddie passed away as a result of COPD on August 29, 2007.
Note: This is not one of Liddie's recipes. If you want one of Liddie's recipes please visit "Liddie's Village" and while you're there, how about sharing a few of your own and it might just end up here!
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Peanut Butter Fudge
From -Doris E. Hashman from Columbus, OH
Ingredients:
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup milk
1/2 stick margarine
pinch of salt
1 cup peanut butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
Directions:
Mix sugar, milk, margarine and salt in a saucepan. Boil, stirring frequently, until it forms a soft ball in cold water. Remove from stove and add peanut butter and vanilla. Beat until creamy and pour into buttered 9x9 pan. Let cool before cutting.
*If you want chocolate peanut butter fudge, add 1 heaping teaspoons of cocoa to the top four ingredient before cooking.
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