Quit Blogs

Hey folks, 568 days without a smoke, 22,720 cigarettes not smoked and $12,810 not spent on those filthy rolled up bits of weed.
I've had my moments for sure and still the odd thought and sometimes dream about smoking but am quite proud to say I haven't had a single puff since I quit. Not bad from a 40 a day habit so it can be done. It's not easy and you will be tempted on your journey for sure but it's worth hanging in there.
Blog here, this my most often visited site. I check it most days but don't blog as often as I should but am always lookin in.
Remember the 4D's, they work, don't leave home without a water bottle.
Find yourself a really strong motivator so you can focus on that when you find yourself being tempted, mine was my Granddaughters and I used to look at a picture of them when I felt like caving in, one of my reasons for quitting was so I could dance at their weddings.
My first few days was all about quitting for an hour at a time, anything longer freaked me out. Then it became one day at a time but break it down into small, manageable steps. I can think about quitting in terms of forever now without it scaring me.
Have a look at Minty's youtube page (www.youtube.com/user/SmokefreeNewZealand/videos?view=pl)
lots of reasons to quit there but one in particular is "Thanks tobacco, you killed my Mum." Haunts me to this day and is great motivation to not light up, as always Minty, you rock!!!
To everyone, have a great and smokefree Christmas as I will be away from a PC for the next couple of weeks so won't have a chance to blog closer to the day.
Kia Kaha and Arohanui to all.

Hey Folks, 501 Days today, 20,040 cigarettes not smoked and $11,289 not spent on those filthy bits of weed.
I keep popping in from time to time and love the support this site provides. Heaps of new members too which is great to see.
I hardly think about a smoke any more which is a massive turn around from the 40 a day I was smoking so for those just starting out, it gets better. Patience and perserverence is required however but it can be done and the benefits are awesome. Stay with it, blog here and don't leave home without a water bottle:)
Hoping everyone has a great and smoke free day.
Kia Kaha

Hey Folks, just a quick note to let you that know I'm still around. I check in whenever I can but haven't blogged for a little while so thought I'd better put in an update.
After quitting a 29 year, 40 a day habit I'm now 442 days without a puff. That means 17,680 cigarettes not smoked and rolling up to another anniversary with $9,971.00 not spent on cigarettes so nearly at the $10k mark.
I can't say that it was easy at the start but it definately gets easier over time. If you're just starting out, tough it out over those first few days, it's worth the effort and the rewards are there. Blogging here has been a saviour for me on many occasions so blog here and don't be afraid to ask questions. Quitline's advice has been solid also, the 4D's really work.
I hope everyone has a great and smokefree day, Arohanui to all.
Kia Kaha

365 Days today, can you believe that???
14,600 Cigarettes not smoked.
$8,230 not wasted on those filthy little bits of rolled up weed.
It's been a fairly tough year at times I'll admit but so very worth it. Okay, I've put on a few extra pounds (a few???? alright, a lot) on my journey but this is starting to get back under control now and the positives have far outweighed this slight negative.
I feel better, I breathe easier, I can smell again, I get more time back to spend with my kids and especially granddaughters without having to always stop for a smoke, I have more money in my pocket but most importantly, those rolled up bits of weed don't control my life anymore. I never realised just how much they did until i quit.
To those just starting out, stay strong and tough out those rough patches, it's worth it. Remember to take your quit in small steps, follow the 4D's, they work and keep blogging here.
I couldn't have got this far without the help of Quitline and of course you, my fellow bloggers, you have all provided inspiration to me throughout my journey to date and hopefully along the way I've been able to return the favour. As always, Arohanui and thank you for being there.
Kia Kaha

All right, it's not as big as the actual reward of not smoking but I have just spent some of the saved money from not smoking on a short cruise for my wife and I.
My Stats so far, 349 days without a smoke, 13,960 cigarettes not smoked and $7,875 not wasted on those rolled up bits of weed.
We took what was advertised as a "Wine and Food" (read "Booze Cruise") short cruise from Auckland out to Great Barrier island. Spent a fair chunk of that saved money but had a great time. Drank far too much and ate too much also, diet starts tomorrow, again!!!
To those starting out, make sure you put your money aside each week and reward yourself with it, you are so worth it. I sat there on the deck watching the sunset, drinking my "Pacific Island Ice Tea" and quietly patting myself on the back. If I hadn't quit, we wouldn't have had the money to spend on the trip.
Love the fact that so many milestones are being celebrated right now and the fact that this family is growing day by day. My first Breathday in a couple of weeks so can't wait.
Hope everyone has a great and smokefree week.
Kia Kaha.

I saw a note up the other day about tips for new quitters so I'm finally getting round to posting some which seemed to do the trick for me. Hopefully they will be of help to someone else.
1/ Keep the time frames manageable. When I first quit the idea of quitting forever freaked me right out. For the first few days I only quit for an hour at a time and then when I was comfortable I thought of it in terms of days, then weeks, then months and now I'm comfortable with forever. I found it really helped me get through some of the cravings as I only had to last for an hour so seemed to make it easier to get through.
2/ Find a strong motivator when you make your list. For me it was my Granddaughters so when I was tempted to smoke I just pictured them in my mind and my promise to dance at their weddings helped make me strong.
3/ Don't leave home without a water bottle and follow the 4D's they really work.
4/ Take the time to reward and celebrate your milestones, you deserve it. Be real proud of achieving them also, it's the toughest thing I can ever remember doing so pat yourself on the back.
5/ Also take the time to look at the newly opened door (Note the quote at the bottom). We can sometimes spend so much time dwelling on what we have left behind that we miss what's in front of us. Make sure you enjoy all the new smells, how easy it is to breathe, how much better things taste, how much more time you get back into your life, that sort of thing.
6/ Lastly and most importantly, Blog here! This extended family of ours has helped me through some pretty tough times. It's nice to know you're not alone and that there's no such thing as a "Normal" quit so questions about issues such as excessive flatulence are okay here, it happens to a few of us:)

Sorry, such a long blog but it's been a while. Today is day 301 for me without a single puff, 12,040 cigarettes not smoked and $6,793 not wasted on those filthy weeds. Next stop, 1 year!!!! Hard to believe after a 40 a day, 29 year habit but no stopping me now.

For those just starting out, stay with it, it does get better and truly is worth it. To everyone else, Arohanui, as always my eternal thanks go to you all for getting me this far.
Kia Kaha all.

"When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened for us"
Author: Helen Keller

264 days, 10,056 cigarettes not smoked and $5,948 not wasted on those filthy weeds. Sneaking closer to the 1 year mark now and even though it's still 100 odd days away it feels real to me now and I know I can make it.
Can honestly say I'm loving not smoking just now. I had to fill in some forms the other day and for the first time in my adult life I could tick "No" in the smoking section. That's something I would never have dreamed of doing before. The lady was an ex smoker so she knew why I had the big stupid grin on my face. It felt great!!!
My wife and I are going on a short cruise in a couple of months. Once again, not really saving the money from smoking but definately not wasting it either. I'd rather spend it on these sorts of things anyway. Really looking forward to it to be honest, sort of a 2nd honeymoon and will hopefully go towards making up for forgetting our anniversary last year.
Loving the fact that our blogging family is growing so much. It's great to see some of our elder members still looking in on us too.
To those just starting out, it's a tough journey at times but one which is definately worth making.
I hope everyone has a great and smokefree week.
Kia Kaha

Hey Folks, Great to see so many new people on here and it seems our family is growing day by day.
I haven't blogged for a couple of weeks and have been trying to keep an eye on the blogs when I can but that can be hard with so many people using the site(What a great problem to have I reckon).
242 days ago I had my last cigarette after a 40 a day, 29 year habit (9,680 not smoked and $5,458 not wasted on burning weeds). It's been a wild ride for sure at times, but I still count this as the greatest gift I have ever given myself. Sure, there are still times when I'm tempted but I don't seem to get "Cravings" any more. I just think about having one to see what it would be like or to join in with everyone else but these pass pretty quickly (Light at the end of the tunnel for those starting out, it gets easier and definately better).
Remember the 4D's, never leave home without a water bottle!!! Keep your list handy and find some strong motivators (I had a picture of my Granddaughters I would look at to inspire me not to light up).
Finally, this blog site and this amazing second family have been my saviour on many occasions so blog here and read some of the stories when you need help.

To those of you about to start or who have just started, those first few days can be a little rough but stick with it, the journey is worth it.
Hoping everyone has a great and smoke free week.
Kia Kaha

Wow, I can't believe how busy this place is. Awesome.
I hope everyone had a great Christmas and New Years.
I see a lot of people starting the year off by making the best move they could and to quit. This journey can be pretty tough at times folks but is most definately worth it.
You will be tested at times but this is a great place to be for advice and support.
I'm now at 220 days, 8,800 cigarettes not smoked and $4,968 not wasted on cigarettes. I used to be a heavy smoker and there were times early on when I wondered if it was worth the effort but I can assure you it is.
Follow the 4D's, they work, don't leave home without a water bottle and take the time to blog and read the blogs of others, there's lot's of helpful stuff.
Kia Kaha all.

Sorry, not been as regular as I would like but life has been pretty full on the last couple of weeks. All good stuff though so loving it.
Just had a look at my stats, 200 days since my last smoke, 8,000 cigarettes not smoked and $4,512 not wasted on those filthy rolled up weeds.
Nice to see so many new members to the Quit family and as always it's awesome to have the long timers popping in to help us and lead the way.
To those of you just starting out, this journey is tough, there's no denying that, but it really is worth it. It's the greatest Christmas gift you could ever give yourself, your Life.
Merry Christmas to all my fellow quitters, I hope it's filled with Love and Laughter.
Kia Kaha

All right, it's possible that I may have skimmed through a few copies in the past while I sat waiting at the Dr's or at our local fish and chip shop. After all, I know that's usually where I catch up on the latest gossip about Brad and Angelina when I skim through the Womans Day or New Idea so it's more than possible that I had done the same with this magazine also.
This morning, however, I found myself actually buying a copy of "That's Life". I bought it at my usual gas station where I normally get my Fishing mag or Rugby League Weekly from and the raised eyebrow from the guy behind the counter had me quickly explaining that I was buying it for no other reason than the fact I was in it.
I must admit to having a terrible "Cringe" moment when I was opening it up and although I still think I'm more Brad Pitt'ish in my own mind than the photo suggests, my Girlies look beautiful and I am happy with the article.
Thanks pukeko for your kind words. You and Shane36 have certainly led the way in the Stardom stakes and lisa2 was in the October issue of that's life which was awesome. I was quite nervous about the magazine coming out, after all there is something to be said for the anonymity of this site but I hope that if just one person decides to ring Quitline because of reading the article then that will be awesome.
I hope everyone has a great and smokefree week.
Kia Kaha

Today I am pretty stoked just quietly.
I was talking to a friend yesterday and said I was due for my 6 month anniversary and they were like "You must have had the odd sneaky puff right? After all you were a pretty heavy smoker and you still have coffee in the smokers tent with your mates."
True, I do have coffee in the smokers tent with my mates. They're my mates so surely I can still sit and chat with them right?.
As for the other, the answer is "NO. 100% NO!!!!!!"
To be honest I thought I would have failed well before now. I'm the ultimate "non stick to it" type of person. I leave a trail of half finished projects, ideas and good intentions in my wake. But, here I am 7,280 Cigarettes not smoked, $4,106 Not wasted on cigarettes, 182 days=26 weeks=6MONTHS since I last had a smoke.
I've been tempted for sure, I've had my moments, especially early on, where I've gone looking for a butt big enough to smoke in the ashtrays. I've been at that point where I wonder whether it's all worth it, surely it's easier to just smoke again, I can't quit if I'm going to have these constant thoughts and cravings for cigarettes all the time.
To those starting out, or restarting, those early battles with yourself are so worth winning. I'm here to tell you it does get easier, the thoughts and cravings do get further between and easier to deal with. Stay the course and if you slip remember it's just that, a slip, not failure.
Of course I haven't been alone in my journey and as always my eternal thanks go out to you all, my 2nd family, who have helped me through.
I hope everyone has a wonderful and smokefree day,
Aroahnui

Hey folks, 1 week from today and it will be 6 months, 7,000 cigarettes not smoked and $3,954 not wasted on those filthy rolled up bits of weed.
I should be happy but must admit to being filled with sadness over the 2nd mine explosion.
My Thoughts and Love go out to any who may have been affected.
I have attached a quote at the bottom which I have found really helpful to me over the past 5 3/4 months which I hope will help someone else, I've posted it before but thought it worthwhile posting again. I found myself dwelling on the cigarettes I was missing for a while there (the closed door) until I decided to change my mindset and think about all the new things I was gaining from quitting (The opened door). To me these are the smells, tastes, energy, time, LIFE, these sorts of things. It keeps me focused on what's ahead of me, not what's behind.
To my fellow quitters, I hope everyone is having a great and smokefree day.
Kia Kaha

When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened for us
Author: Helen Keller

Howdy folks.
169 days today (just a little under 6 months), 6,760 cigarettes not smoked and $3,819.40 not wasted on smoking.
Lots of new people here which is great, remember to follow the 4D's, keep the time frames small and blog here. I can tell you now that it just gets easier as time goes on and it truly does change your life in so many good ways.
It looks like the article will be in "That's Life" Magazine in December. Saw the copy and photo earlier on in the week. Looks good but must admit I always thought I looked more like Brad Pitt than the photo shows. Maybe it was the lighting or something? My Girlies look gorgeous though so that's all that matters.
To everyone in my Quit family, I hope you all have a fantastic and smoke free weekend.
Kia Kaha

Morning Folks. What a killer of a weekend. BBQ on Saturday was fantastic, drank too much and ate too much of course and went on far too long into the night but felt good at the time. Can't say it was the same yesterday but back at work now to straighten myself out for the week.
Well pukeko, I have joined you in the magazine stakes it would seem. Quitline asked if I would share part of my story and the photographer was roud on Saturday to get some photo's. It's supposed to be in "That's Life" next month I think. My Granddaughters were so excited to be getting their pictures taken and were already planning their debut's on New Zealand's Top Model.
Some relatives came up for the BBQ and it was quite funny because I hadn't seen some since before I quit and it took them a couple of hours to stop offering me a smoke every time they were lighting up. Old habits I guess. One of them gave me a lit smoke while they were ducking inside to get something and I was so proud of myself, I was holding it and didn't even think about taking a puff. In fact, it was so awful I had to hold it arms length until they came back. Can't believe I ever used to look forward to my morning smoke so much!!!!!
I hope everyone has a great and smokefree week.
Kia Kaha

162 days today, 6,480 cigarettes not smoked and $3,650 not wasted.
Hi Folks, sorry but I haven't blogged for a while. I look in most days when I can and love the fact that our family just keeps growing and growing. The support for each other as always is amazing.
Another busy weekend planned with my other family (Sorry guys, one day it will be all of us) around for a BBQ tomorrow which I am really looking forward to.
To all my smoke free family, I hope everyone has a great and smokefree weekend.
Kia Kaha

Hey folks, just a quick catch up. 154 Days today, 6,160 cigarettes not smoked and $3,481 not wasted.
My life is not only better now that I have quit with all the health stuff but it just seems to be more full now as well. I really don't know how I ever had time to smoke now that I am spending all my time LIVING!!!!!
I live my life now by MY rules, doing things because that's what I choose to do rather than being driven by those horrible little rolled up bits of paper and weeds.
To those of you who are just starting out or are about to start, you have come to the right place. The advice and support form this place will help you through the tough times, and believe me there are plenty but it really is worth it.
For those who have slipped, this is by far the toughest thing I can recall ever doing. You have to pick yourselves up, dust yourself off and get back on the horse again. We all help each other out here so no judgements okay.
To my fellow bloggers, as usual, Arohanui and thanks for keeping me on the path during this journey. Your advice and encouragement inspire me daily.
I hope everyone has a great and smokefree week.
Kia Kaha

So, 146 Days today, 5,840 cigarettes not smoked, $3,295 not wasted, although I did spend a bit of that over the weekend but it was worth it. Still would have been cheaper and easier with the Google calculator though I think:)
Lots and Lots of new members which is great, you've come to the right place.
Remember the 4D's, they work, make that water bottle your new best friend. Keep the time frames small at the start, one day at a time (Hours and minutes sometimes too). Make a list with strong motivators and call quitline or blog here if you need support or advice, we're all in this together.
It's tough at the start but gets easier and is so worth it.
To all my fellow quitters, have a great and smokefree day.
Kia Kaha

Why is it in this day and age that you can't go on to Google and type in how much trouble you are in and a converter pops up telling you what you have to do to get out of the mess you are in? I mean, if you want to know how much the $NZ is v $US, you just type in the amount and a couple of other things and there you go, currency converted!!!!
To fill you in, last Thursday was my 20 week (140 days) anniversary of quitting. I woke up feeling pretty pleased with myself and my wife got up also when I did. This was a little unusual as I go to work pretty early and I normally don't wake her. Anyway, she went upstairs and made me a coffee while I was in the shower. Shared a coffee with her and a quick chat then just as I was leaving she says "Congratulations, Happy anniversary." and gave me a kiss on the cheek.
"Thanks Babe" I said then out the door and off to work. Thought to myself on the way to work, "How lucky am I?? My wife remembered my 20 weeks and got up to congratulate me for it. Awesome!"
Fast forward a few hours and my daughter rings up while I am at work. "Congratulations." she says, "How long is that now?" she asks.
"20 weeks," I reply "I didn't think you'd remember but I'm stoked you did" I said.
"Not the smoking you fool, how many years have you and Mum been married now?" she asked.
It was about at this point the morning coffe made a little more sense. It was also the point I realised I might be in a little trouble too just quietly.
"Ha Ha, I knew what you meant, I was just joking." I told my daughter.
"You forgot didn't you!" she said.
"Ha Ha, of course not, after 23 years you think I'd forget my wedding anniversary?"
"It's 24 and you better not let Mum know you've forgotten it."
"Hmm, might be a little late for that".
Major damage control needed at this point so lots of phone calls and a bit of running round before I got home.
So, instead of just costing me a card, some flowers and a couple of chocolates it cost me those plus dinner Thursday night, the romantic weekend away (Which I had to tell her I had planned all along as a surprise) as well as a shopping trip to Michael Hill. She seems to be happy but I do wonder whether it would have cost me less if that converter was available. Did I go over the top or was that the right amount?
Anyway, I hope everyone has a great and smokefree day.
Kia Kaha

Morning Folks.
Had a great weekend and spent some time with my Dad which was good. He is off for three weeks at the moment to cross of some things on his bucket list while he is able. I'm so happy he is still well enough to do this.
Had some issues with my home PC over the weekend, took it in yesterday to fix it, got it home last night, fired it up and it died after 20 minutes. Looks like I am up for a new one but you know what, I have the money to spare now days. I might go out on the weekend and splash out on a flash new one. Yay for me being a non smoker.
Great to see so many new people on the site. You've come to the right place.
Also awesome to see people celebrating milestones. Pukeko, I hope you are feeling well enough to celebrate tonight. You'e earned the right to a knees up.
To those celebrating their own milestones, remember this. Celebrating 1 day, 3 days or 15 days is just as worthwhile celebrating as is 300 days. Take the time to congratulate yourself for each milestone, no matter how big or small you may think it is.
I hope everyone else has a great and smokefree day.
Kia Kaha