KillTheCan.org Blog

Ode To Day 70 – The Day Was Too Tough

Chewie — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 20:19:38 +0000

The day was too tough, everything went wrong.
I knew there was no way, I would remain strong.
The nic-bitch was on me, with all her old tricks,
I knew I would cave, I just needed a fix.
“What would it matter, no one would know…
Postin up daily is just for a show.”
I knew she was lying, but it kinda was true,
Its my word ‘gainst theirs, who knows what I do?
I kept a can hidden where no one could see,
Just one little pinch, is enough to be free.
As I bent down to get it, a smile creased my face,
It had been 70 days since my last lovely taste,
It’s my little secret and I’ll hide it well,
It’s not like this dip will send me to hell.
With it in my hand and mouth open wide,
I felt a big stirring from somewhere inside.
And then I heard it, so loud and so clear,
“PUT THAT SHIT DOWN, YOU’RE CAVING TO FEAR”
The shout was so loud, I thought it a scream,
And then I realized it had all been a dream….
You see there’s NO WAY I’m going back there,
Too many folks from KTC care!
The nic-bitch is dead, I’ve got her on the run,
Tomorrow I’ll prove it, I’m postin DAY 71!!!!

NOTE: This is part of the Ode To The Quitter series written by KillTheCan.org forum member Phillip. For more details see Ode To The Quitter.

A Re-Review Of Jake’s Mint Chew Kola

Chewie — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 15:01:24 +0000

I recently wrote a review of the newest flavor from Jake’s Mint Chew called Kola. I’ve received some feedback on that review that possibly my taste buds were off (which is entirely possible). So, I reached out to Jake’s and got a couple of additional cans for a re-review.

In my original review, I said that with a name like “Kola” I was expecting a Coca-Cola flavor / smell which I just didn’t get. I was smelling and tasting was overwhelmingly lemon or citrus flavoring. I have to say that this time around I did get more of a cola smell when opening the can, but I’m still not seeing that flavor come through. To me, it’s still a citrus product.

This isn’t a bad thing. I’m actually a big fan of Jake’s Kola. But to MY palate this is a not a cola product aside from the whiff when opening a can. Aside from a slightly heightened smell of cola, I stand by everything in my original Kola review.

Kola has been added to the Jake’s Mint Chew website and is available as a 10 pack, part of a split 10 pack and is also included in their sampler pack (where now you’ll be getting 2 Wintergreen, 2 Straight Mint, 1 Spearmint, 1 Kola, 1 Cranberry, 1 Licorice and 1 Cinnamon). Jake’s Mint Chew can be found on the web at http://www.jakesmintchew.com/ As always, special thanks goes out to Adam and Jake for providing samples for me to try and review.

If you’re interested in writing a review for the site let me know. Cover the shipping and they’re yours!

The Support Of A Good Woman

Chewie — Fri, 24 May 2013 13:25:57 +0000

The Hall of Fame Letter

I’ve said it before and I’ll continue to say it every time I’m asked… Quitting smokeless tobacco is most likely the most difficult thing you’ll ever do in your life. It will affect you in ways you can’t imagine. It will force you to re-learn to most everything you’ve learned in your adult life. It will affect your family, friends and co-workers.

The life of someone quitting dip is a difficult one. Anyone who tells you otherwise is lying to you or is trying to sell you something. However, through that hardship will come a sense of pride and accomplishment like no other. Make no mistake… all the pain, suffering, sleepless nights, craving, and irritability are 100% worth it when you’ve attained your goal: Freedom from your addiction.

Nothing will make the quitting journey “easy”. But the support of family and friends (and folks who know what you’re going through like the people at KillTheCan.org ) can make it “easier”. I wanted to take the opportunity to share a post from Facebook today. Forum member Brian hit the Hall of Fame today. Here’s a message this morning from his fiance Stacy:

100 days ago Brian made a very important decision about quitting nicotine after using chewing tobacco for over 16 years. I don’t even know if at the time I fully understood exactly what a HUGE step it was. I’ve never been addicted to anything like that, so I never understood 1.) how hard it is to just up & break the addiction 2.) how much it potentially saved his life. I knew it was “better” for him but until I actually read the articles, watched videos, saw pictures & read stories of families (that within a short time span went through gruesome surgeries and/or lost loved ones) did I FULLY understand what an important & life altering choice Brian has made. At the beginning I told him “do this for you, but I support you either way”, I can say now, thank you Brian. Thank you for choosing a better life for our family. Better life of health, finances & being a positive role model for the kids. I also didn’t fully grasp how evil a nicotine addiction really is. I was naive, I thought I was “addicted” to sugar & caffeine & knew I had given it up in the past & figured it would be about the same. WOW…. Was I wrong. It was tough. REALLY tough. There were days where I could see it tearing him apart, controlling his every thought & action & with very little I could do to help. It’s tough & he’s tough. He did one of the hardest things to do & he’s winning. Brian, you’ve not only given up nicotine, but proven to yourself that you are capable of ANYTHING you put your mind to! Thank you for allowing me to be a part of this journey. You’re an inspiration to me & you’ve taught me many lessons along the way. To say that I’m am SO proud of you is an understatement that mere words can not express. You mean everything to me & I love you with all of my heart! Congratulations on the 100 days lover! Xoxo

Below are some photos that Stacy posted along with her note:

You can’t buy support like this.

Brian – You’re a lucky man to have Stacy by your side on your journey. Congratulations on your first 100 days of freedom from tobacco. Kick back your feet and celebrate today… you’ve earned it.

Stacy – Thank you for supporting Brian on his journey. Congrats to you too! While your trials and tribulations during the last 100 days have certainly been different than Brian’s you definitely have been fighting this fight.

Brian’s been keeping a daily(ish) blog of his first 100 days of freedom. Check it out at http://www.lifegonelive.blogspot.com/

Ode To Day 69 – I’m Out Of The Haze!

Chewie — Mon, 20 May 2013 16:38:18 +0000

As I sit here and ponder the last 69 days,
I can’t help but smile, cuz I’m out of the haze!
I thought that I couldn’t live without my can,
But in doing so I became a much better man!
I don’t have to lie, and hide my spit cup
Or swallow that shit when my boss just shows up.
My jeans fit much better without the ring in the seat,
And food tastes much better, from the sour to the sweet.
But the best thing of all, I’m now my son’s HERO,
And tomorrow I’ll post up day SEVEN ZERO!!!

NOTE: This is part of the Ode To The Quitter series written by KillTheCan.org forum member Phillip. For more details see Ode To The Quitter.

NOTE #2: It’s really difficult to find an image for the #69 that’s remotely appropriate. Feel free to Google the number “69″and see what you get. Be warned… you shouldn’t do this in an office environment as it’s definitely NSFW

Rest In Peace Lee Lewis – Nip Energy Dip Founder & President

Chewie — Sat, 18 May 2013 17:44:40 +0000

It is with a heavy heart that I write this today. Today I am saying goodbye to a friend, to a partner in my fight against addiction and one of the best human beings I’ve ever known. Lee Lewis, founder and president of Nip Energy Dip, passed away on Thursday, May 16, 2013 at the age of 43. Lee is survived by his wife Meredith and their two daughters.

I never had an opportunity to meet Lee face to face, but we’d talked countless times on the phone and traded emails for years. We’d worked together on projects for KillTheCan.org and for Nip Energy Dip. If you’ve ever spoken with Lee you’ll know one thing: He was a family man who was passionate about his family, his church and his businesses. When he started Nip with the nudging of his daughter, he dedicated his life to helping people fight their addiction to smokeless tobacco. I’m happy to say that Lee won his personal battle with tobacco as he’s been quit for several years now. He was taken from us far too soon.

Lee you will be sorely missed. I will continue the fight against tobacco in your honor.

Rest in peace my friend.

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/tallahassee/obituary.aspx?n=lee-bryan-lewis&pid=164914203

Ode TO Day 68 – I Woke Up This Morning And It Dawned On Me

Chewie — Fri, 17 May 2013 14:35:24 +0000

I woke up this morning and it dawned on me:
Damn it feels good when you’ve been set free!
Free from shackles of the bitch in the can,
Couldn’t have done it without the KTC plan.
It’s fairly simple if you put in the work,
Post everyday, it keeps you from going berserk!
Whenever you get the crave, and trust me you will,
Bear down, text a bro, there’s no magic pill.
It was our choice to start dippin’ that shit,
But we stand here declaring, “I’m gonna stay quit”
Today may be tough, but I know I’ll be fine’
Cuz tomorrow I’ll post up on DAY 69!!!

NOTE: This is part of the Ode To The Quitter series written by KillTheCan.org forum member Phillip. For more details see Ode To The Quitter.

Program Highlights From The 7th National Spit Tobacco Summit

Chewie — Thu, 16 May 2013 19:11:38 +0000

I received an email the other day from the folks putting on the 7th National Spit Tobacco Summit which KillTheCan.org is a proud sponsor of! I’ve had some questions on the forums about what the Summit will entail this year, who from the KTC team will be attending and if the show is open to the public.

The show is open to anyone who would like to attend, but there is a fee. Full registration is $395 (prior to July 12th, 2013). There are also one day fees ($125 per day) and student registration ($100) available. Full details can be found on the Summit website.

We’re not quite sure exactly who will be attending from KTC, but the mod / admin team will be well represented with folks you’ll know from the forums. There are quite a few other quitters who have expressed interest in attending – feel free to comment on this post to get plans together.

As for the agenda. As I said before, I received an email from the Summit folks with some program highlights and I wanted to pass it along:

HOLIDAY INN PARKSIDE – Missoula, Montana

Monday, August 5, 2013

Conference Registration
Open from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Casual Reception
Gathering from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Mix and mingle with your colleagues, Summit speakers, members of the Summit’s National Steering Committee and Spit Tobacco Advisory Board.

UNIVERSITY OF MONTANA – Missoula, Montana
University Center Ballroom
Tuesday, August 6 – Thursday, August 8

Just Announced — Tuesday’s Keynote Speaker
Pam Ling, PhD, MPH, Associate Professor of Medicine University of California San Francisco
Dr. Ling studies tobacco industry marketing strategies targeting young adults, women, and other high risk population, and new smokeless tobacco marketing strategies. She also studies how to use tobacco industry marketing strategies to improve tobacco control programs. Pamela Ling is an Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of California San Francisco, where she conducts research on tobacco, media, and social marketing to young people. Her work includes analyses of thousands of previously secret tobacco industry documents detailing marketing strategies targeting young adults, and translating the lessons learned to improve tobacco control efforts for young adults.

Tuesday, August 6 – Thursday, August 8

Concurrent Small Breakout Sessions
Expert presentations will be offered on topics covering:

Research & Dissemination of Findings

Policy and Environmental Change Solutions

Promising Practices in Community-Based Interventions

Youth Empowerment and Advocacy

Priority Population Interventions

Campus Based Interventions

Patient Education & Treatment

Employer-Sponsored Interventions

Dual Use

Harm Reduction

A Special Program for Dentists & Dental Hygienists offering CEU’s

Exhibits
Open throughout the Summit with 30-minute designated networking breaks each day.

Poster Sessions
Open daily with formal presentations scheduled for 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, August 6th.

Missoula Osprey Minor League Baseball Game
A Missoula summertime favorite in a tobacco-free stadium! Join your colleagues for a relaxing and entertaining evening. Family and friends are welcome. Remember to sign up on your registration form. First 750 fans to the game will receive complimentary Osprey Drawstring Backpacks. (Tuesday evening, August 6).

Experience Western Hospitality!
Western-Style BBQ (Wednesday, August 7) featuring entertainment, fun & games on UM’s scenic campus! Family members are welcome (remember to register for this evening event!) Traditional Native American Activities blended into the Summit activities compliments of Missoula’s neighboring Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes of the Flathead Reservation.

Physical Activity Options. Let’s Get Physical!
Remember to bring appropriate shoes and activity clothes to enjoy all these great options throughout the 3-day Summit!

Early Mornings/Lunch Break: Join a UM Fitness Guide at the Summit Registration Desk for a campus walk along the Kim William Trail (Riverside walk) or a group hike up the M on Mount Sentinel.

Missoula Parks and Recreation will provide information and tips on local hikes, scenic walks, bike riding trails, etc.

The University Fitness Center will be open to Summit guests for a small daily fee – enjoy the weight room, indoor track, climbing wall, Griz pool, racquetball courts, etc.

Closing Ceremonies
Cultural entertainment and presentations by guest speakers, Bruce Adkins, MD, PA, Director of the Division of Tobacco Prevention West Virginia Bureau for Public Health and Karla Sneegas, MPH, Branch Chief, CDC Office on Smoking and Health with the Summit officially adjourning at 12:30 p.m. (Thursday, August 8)

For more information visit the Summit Webpage at http://www.smokelesstobaccosummit.com/

I can tell you that we had a great time last year and met some outstanding people both on the conference floor as well as out and about in Austin. I’m sure that Missoula will be no different. We’re less than a HOF cycle away from this event (81 days as of today)… make your plans to get there!

Try Go Coffee Energy Smokeless Alternative At A Discount!

Chewie — Fri, 10 May 2013 16:23:37 +0000

I got a note from the owner of Go Coffee Energy the other night letting me know that they’ve discounted all of their “Best By April 2013″ product. This product is obviously still good because the majority of it is honey which is a natural preservative. Did you know that they used honey to preserve Alexander the Greats body for 15 years after he passed away?

If you’ve never tried Go Coffee Energy, this is a great opportunity for you to do “on the cheap” so to say.

You can get this “closeout” pricing directly from their site at http://shop.gocoffeeenergy.com/ Tell em KTC sent ya!

If you’re not familiar with Go Coffee Energy, you can check out my review here: Go Coffee Energy – A Cup In A Pinch

Have you tried Go Coffee Energy? Let us know what you think!

2 MILLION Posts On The Forums – That’s A TON Of Quit

Chewie — Wed, 08 May 2013 16:26:55 +0000

It’s not often that I put together a post that talks about the number of posts our quit forums have. In fact when I looked back on this blog I realized that it hasn’t been since we hit 500,000 that I did such a post. That being said, last week we hit a milestone that I simply had to share here on the blog: 2 million posts!

The forums have grown beyond any of our wildest dreams and I simply can’t tell you how happy this makes me. There are literally thousands of people out there looking for ideas on how to quit dipping. The KillTheCan.org community is conclusive proof that you are NOT alone in your battle to quit.

I think it’s safe to say that our quit forums offer the largest (and best) source of information available for those looking to quit. It’s the largest just based on the numbers. It’s the best because it’s coming from people who KNOW WHAT THEY’RE TALKING ABOUT. We used smokeless tobacco. We are addicted to smokeless tobacco. And we’ve successfully QUIT smokeless tobacco.

In addition to our forums, we’ve got several other outlets available to the potential quitters out there:

The main site - http://www.killthecan.org
Information about quitting, cancer pictures, stories from quitters and just about resource we can find to make quitting easier.
This blog - http://blog.killthecan.org
My ramblings, site announcements and more quit information. The more time you’re reading about your addiction, the more time you’re not focusing on your addiction.
Live Chat - http://chat.killthecan.org
Instant help at your fingertips. Dealing with a crave? Jump into chat and the hooligans in there will talk you off the ledge.
Social Media – Follow us on Twitter or on Facebook for more great content.

The tools are there. They’re free and they’re waiting for you. We’ll never tell you it’s easy, but we’ll show you the way.

What are you waiting for?

It’s Day SIXTY-SEVEN And Who Would Have Thunk

Chewie — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 15:59:44 +0000

It’s day SIXTY-SEVEN and who would have thunk
That I’d last this long without getting drunk.
I’ve been tested and I’ve been tried,
But I’ve also POSTED UP, so I’ve never lied!
Yeah there’s been days that I’ve wanted to CAVE,
But I’d txt a FOG CUTTER, and that killed the crave.
You see, you can’t do this alone, no one’s that strong,
So suck up that pride, KTC won’t lead you wrong.
Just keep postin up, everyday, never fail,
Look the nic-bitch head on, you’re STRONG, not frail.
Cuz at the end of the day, you’ll be feeling great,
I know I will, tomorrow I’m postin DAY 68!!!

NOTE: This is part of the Ode To The Quitter series written by KillTheCan.org forum member Phillip. For more details see Ode To The Quitter.