John Stone's Picture Gallery and Video Archive

[tsk2264]

Congratulations John!

I finally quit smoking for good (after several failed attempts) in January of 2006. It was the most difficult thing I've ever done in my life. What made it more difficult was the fact that my wife continued to smoke and left her cigarettes all over the house. She would smoke right in front of me all the time.

As tough as it was to quit in these conditions, I'm sure this was nothing compared to overcoming some of the other addictions out there like drugs and alcohol. I truly have nothing but the utmost respect for anyone who has turned their life around after being addicted to any of these kinds of debilitating addictions.

Congratulations again and thanks for running this terrific website!

[DFS]

Anyone know off the top of your head what one of the fastest growing addictions in America is today? No Google searches, off the top of your head now.

[John Stone]

Originally Posted by mastover

Thanks, and congrats. I needed to hear your message today. These past several months have been a tough ride in regards to remaining sober. Much tougher than ever before. This is the form of inspiration I need to absorb when I seek help and motivation to persevere.

Thanks again.

Thanks, Mastover.

I'm sorry to hear that you've been having a tougher time lately. It happens to the best of us. I know how selflessly you've worked to help others in the area of addiction, but that doesn't mean that you don't have your own struggles to deal with. Stay tough, my friend.

Originally Posted by tsk2264

Congratulations John!

I finally quit smoking for good (after several failed attempts) in January of 2006. It was the most difficult thing I've ever done in my life. What made it more difficult was the fact that my wife continued to smoke and left her cigarettes all over the house. She would smoke right in front of me all the time.

Well, I know how you feel. While Lisa and I both quit on the same day, she has stopped and started at least a dozen times since that day. I wasn't tempted by her smoking, though. In fact it repulsed me, and I told her so. That was probably not the best way to help her get through it, but I was being honest. Her smoking was definitely a source of friction between us from time to time. I felt like a jerk for complaining after how she stuck by me for all those "drug" years, but I couldn't seem to help myself. It was a tough situation.

I'm happy to say that Lisa has been smoke-free for over 2 years now!

Anyway, I digress--congratulations on your tremendous achievement!

Originally Posted by tsk2264

As tough as it was to quit in these conditions, I'm sure this was nothing compared to overcoming some of the other addictions out there like drugs and alcohol.

I've managed to quit a chronic weed addiction (and, to a lesser extent cocaine) and a heavy cigarette addiction, so I can tell you my own personal view in that area. I found that pot was harder to quit in the short term, but cigarettes were harder to quit over the long haul. I was still craving smokes a year after I quit, while my weed cravings went away after about a month.

I can't speak to drugs like heroin or crack, as I've never tried those (and it's probably a damn good thing considering my addictive personality).

The first week I quit smoking pot nothing felt enjoyable, and every waking moment was consumed with thoughts of smoking weed. It was horrible, and I hated being awake. Because I smoked pot constantly, everything I did reminded me of it: computer time, movies, music, food--you name it.

Originally Posted by DFS

Anyone know off the top of your head what one of the fastest growing addictions in America is today? No Google searches, off the top of your head now.

Has to be Internet.

[DFS]

Close John, but more specific - internet porn. It's ruining as many marriages, families, careers, etc. as many of the other addictions.

The problem is, it's not viewed in the same light as many other addictions because it's not as self destructive I suppose. Many people reading this view online porn multiple times a day. And if they tried to stop, they wouldn't be able to.

[Demian64]

John, or anyone else for that matter, I am curious, but did you have an health issues when you were overweight, smoking and doing drugs? I've had my own due to being overweight and having been quite the drinker and social smoker particularly stomach issues and anxiety. I certainly understand if that is getting a bit personal but I've been having a rather difficult time lately being off my exercise routine until I start PT and could use some validation, guidance or whatever right now.

[Reno_1ted]

Great update today mate, and well done on 5 years! I quit smoking on the second attempt Jan 5th 2004, and I know what you mean about it being a long haul. Even now every now and then, i get a strange craving for a cigarette. Nothing powerful or that would lead me to actually smoke, just a weird little craving. Guess they will always be there. This is one of my greatest achiements to date in life.

I know what you mean about the pot thing two. I was stoned every day except those when i ran out, for many years. You believe at the time that it makes everyday things better, watching films, eating, music... in reality, it really doesnt. It also seems to give you an excuse for being bored and doing nothing; doing nothing is a lot more fun stoned. Point is, you shouldnt be doing nothing! When i stopped getting stoned everyday, it was also at the start of my own transformation, a few months in, and since then i have never looked back in terms of my life accomplishments, job, life, love and happiness. The time spent getting stoned and doing nothing is now spent acheiving things and progressing life, moving forwards. It seems like the same thing has happened to you. Look where you have come in 5 years!

Your update reminded me of where i was, where i have come from and where i have got to. And i owe my WHOLE transformation to this site and the inspiration it gave me. Without this site, i wouldnt have made a transformation, therefore, would still be stoned every day, and therefore wouldnt be in the relationship or job i am in, earning this money, feeling and looking fit and strong, and being this happy. I owe you and this site a lot, and todays update bought that home once again.

Thank you John.

[Antimatter]

Originally Posted by DFS

Close John, but more specific - internet porn. It's ruining as many marriages, families, careers, etc. as many of the other addictions.

The problem is, it's not viewed in the same light as many other addictions because it's not as self destructive I suppose. Many people reading this view online porn multiple times a day. And if they tried to stop, they wouldn't be able to.

um not quite. theres a difference between a chemical addiction and a compulsion that is natural.

[DFS]

Originally Posted by Antimatter

um not quite. theres a difference between a chemical addiction and a compulsion that is natural.

Yes, thank you.

I never said there wasn't a difference. But are you implying that you can't be addicted to something unless it's a chemical?

[Rise]

Originally Posted by Antimatter

um not quite. theres a difference between a chemical addiction and a compulsion that is natural.

pot isn't chemically addicting, only mentally. Once the habit is broken, you're all set (John's example supports this) compared to cigarettes that are chemically addicting (nicotine, again John's example supports this).

so unless you're talking about cigarettes only, DFS is pretty spot on here with his addition of a popular addiction. Compulsory implies addiction, only mentally.

[Antimatter]

Originally Posted by Rise

pot isn't chemically addicting, only mentally. Once the habit is broken, you're all set (John's example supports this) compared to cigarettes that are chemically addicting (nicotine, again John's example supports this).

so unless you're talking about cigarettes only, DFS is pretty spot on here with his addition of a popular addiction. Compulsory implies addiction, only mentally.

I'm saying being addicted to drugs verses internet isn't the same. Drugs make you physically long for the next fix, but to stop going at it 12X daily, just get a hobby. Your body won't be telling you it needs a fix of nauhty america or suffer withdrawal brought on by a chemical need to avoid pain.

[DFS]

Originally Posted by Antimatter

I'm saying being addicted to drugs verses internet isn't the same. Drugs make you physically long for the next fix, but to stop going at it 12X daily, just get a hobby. Your body won't be telling you it needs a fix of nauhty america or suffer withdrawal brought on by a chemical need to avoid pain.

All true, but I think we are arguing different points here. Again, it's NOT the same...no one is saying it is. But it is AN addiction and it can lead to some of the same life devastating events. That was my point.

In addition, it's a much harder addiction to realize. For one, you may never have to realize it. Say for example, you're in the porn industry...then being addicted is no big deal. But if your a priest, different story. If your spouse is into porn also, again...no biggie, she likes porn too. But if you're a college kid looking up porn on a regular basis and an addiction arises, and then you find a partner who isn't into it and you say "ok, I'll stop"...think again, most can't...and an addiction is realized.

[John Stone]

Originally Posted by Demian64

John, or anyone else for that matter, I am curious, but did you have an health issues when you were overweight, smoking and doing drugs?

When I was fat and a smoker I suffered from quite a few chronic health problems: shortness of breath, persistent coughing and wheezing, IBS, acid reflux, insomnia, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, back pain, stress, depression...

What's disgusting is that despite many trips to my doctor to address those ailments, he never once suggested that I look at my diet, lose fat or start a program of regular exercise. He prescribed all kinds of medications, none of which helped at all. I've been to other doctors since then, and they are all pretty much the same.

I can honestly say that every single one of the aforementioned chronic health problems have been 100% ELIMINATED, and have been for a long time. I take absolutely no prescription medication. I did it by eating right, eliminating soda, drinking lots of water, cardiovascular exercise and weight training.

It all seems so logical to me now, but back then I was not educated about such matters. I relied on my doctor for help, and he let me down. Only by taking my health into my own hands was I able to improve my quality of life.

Doctors (at least in the US) are failing us in spectacular fashion. Pharmaceutical companies don't want you to improve your health the right way, they want you as a customer. The doctors are bought and paid for, and willing accomplices. I think it's wrong, and downright dishonest.

I'm not saying all medications are bad. Modern medicine is wonderful when it's really needed. I also realize that some people will not change their diet and begin to exercise because they just want to take a pill. That doesn't absolve doctors from at least trying to give the best solution.

Sorry, I'm going off on a tangent now...

Originally Posted by Reno_1ted

Great update today mate, and well done on 5 years! I quit smoking on the second attempt Jan 5th 2004, and I know what you mean about it being a long haul. Even now every now and then, i get a strange craving for a cigarette. Nothing powerful or that would lead me to actually smoke, just a weird little craving. Guess they will always be there. This is one of my greatest achiements to date in life.

Absolutely! Great job, Reno!

Originally Posted by Reno_1ted

I know what you mean about the pot thing two. I was stoned every day except those when i ran out, for many years. You believe at the time that it makes everyday things better, watching films, eating, music... in reality, it really doesnt. It also seems to give you an excuse for being bored and doing nothing; doing nothing is a lot more fun stoned. Point is, you shouldnt be doing nothing! When i stopped getting stoned everyday, it was also at the start of my own transformation, a few months in, and since then i have never looked back in terms of my life accomplishments, job, life, love and happiness. The time spent getting stoned and doing nothing is now spent acheiving things and progressing life, moving forwards. It seems like the same thing has happened to you. Look where you have come in 5 years!

Very well put, and totally true. I was doing the bare minimum to get by before, but now that I put real effort into the things I do my life has changed quite a bit.

Originally Posted by Reno_1ted

Your update reminded me of where i was, where i have come from and where i have got to. And i owe my WHOLE transformation to this site and the inspiration it gave me. Without this site, i wouldnt have made a transformation, therefore, would still be stoned every day, and therefore wouldnt be in the relationship or job i am in, earning this money, feeling and looking fit and strong, and being this happy. I owe you and this site a lot, and todays update bought that home once again.

Thank you John.

Thanks for the kind words!

[DFS]

So John, tell me what you really think about daylight savings?

[Nowhereman]

We can ALL move to Arizona. The land where DST is but a memory. Then again it's hotter then hell there.

[JoeSchmo]

Oh man, I LOVED today's update. My girlfriend absolutely hates daylight savings time. Why does she hate it? Because every year, when I lose an hour, I go on an enraged screaming rant for a good 30 minutes about the irrationality and stupidity of DST, and how, if it were in my power, I would kill its inventors with slow torture. She gets to hear this rant every year. This time, she reminded me via phone to change my clocks because of DST, and then promptly hung up before I could get going...

[John Stone]

Since I mentioned the landscaping today on the main page, I thought I'd reproduce this post from my New Home Contruction Journal up here in the public forums if anyone is interested in seeing how it came out...

--

Today was a very exciting day for me because phase one of the landscaping was completed! I'm really happy with how the landscaping came out. Beyond happy, actually. The entire feel of the home has changed for the better. This is the home I've had in my mind's eye for so long...

There are actually going to be two more phases that will take place over the next few weeks:

Phase 2 will add a massive (it will be around 100 feet long!) and very dramatic bed to the side of the house (more on that below), and an additional 18 foot Queen palm and some other plants will be added to the right side of the driveway. A large bolder will also be added to the bed near the curving sidewalk.

Phase 3 is going to be the "Kustom Kurbs" seamless brick edging. More on that below, too.

First, here's frame #33 in the animation:



In this shot you can see the Magnolia (far left), 3 Queen palms, a Sago, a low dense topiary and lots of other stuff like Azalea, Nandina, India Hawthorne, Texas Star Ligustrum, Verbena, Ilex Shillings and Dwarf Mexican Petunia:



Here's a closer shot from the same angle:



One of the Queen palms:



This is the bed near the curved sidewalk. In this bed I've got a Pindo palm, some Ilex shillings and other ornamental plants. Behind the palm are about a dozen "knockout" rose bushes. The rose bushes will get much larger this spring and will be covered in hundreds of blooms around nine or ten months out of the year:



This is the side of the house that is going to have a lot more work done. The bed just behind the Magnolia that ends at the queen palm will be extended all the way back to the end of the fence! The bed will wind and curve and be filled with all kinds of beautiful plants, palms and trees. The landscape designer is still finalizing his plans for this area. He said it will be as dramatic, if not more so, than the front of the house. Also, the bed around the Magnolia will be enlarged and elongated and more plants will be added there, too. The shapes of the beds will work together to sort of form "rivers" of grass. I can't wait to see it when it's all done!



Finally, here is a quick picture of my neighbor's "Kustom Kurbs" so you'll have and idea of what I'm talking about. We'll pick a different style and color to better match our brick pavers, but this is the basic idea. These seamless borders will be installed around the edges of all the beds and provide a nice finished look to the yard:

[daciz2]

You have a beautiful home. And those skies look good too. It was +10 degrees celcius here in canada. God I love spring.

[euan]

Looks amazing John! Loving those big palm trees!

[tsk2264]

QFT baby!

Reading some of this stuff brings back memories of what I went through before I decided to change my life.

Originally Posted by John Stone

When I was fat and a smoker I suffered from quite a few chronic health problems: shortness of breath, persistent coughing and wheezing, IBS, acid reflux, insomnia, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, back pain, stress, depression...

What's disgusting is that despite many trips to my doctor to address those ailments, he never once suggested that I look at my diet, lose fat or start a program of regular exercise. He prescribed all kinds of medications, none of which helped at all. I've been to other doctors since then, and they are all pretty much the same.

I can honestly say that every single one of the aforementioned chronic health problems have been 100% ELIMINATED, and have been for a long time. I take absolutely no prescription medication. I did it by eating right, eliminating soda, drinking lots of water, cardiovascular exercise and weight training.

It all seems so logical to me now, but back then I was not educated about such matters. I relied on my doctor for help, and he let me down. Only by taking my health into my own hands was I able to improve my quality of life.

Doctors (at least in the US) are failing us in spectacular fashion. Pharmaceutical companies don't want you to improve your health the right way, they want you as a customer. The doctors are bought and paid for, and willing accomplices. I think it's wrong, and downright dishonest.

I'm not saying all medications are bad. Modern medicine is wonderful when it's really needed. I also realize that some people will not change their diet and begin to exercise because they just want to take a pill. That doesn't absolve doctors from at least trying to give the best solution.

[split1911]

that is a beautiful home and a beautiful piece of property!