Quit Blogs

Just popped online to say hi and to keep in touch. What a lot of new names....... Congrats everyone who has decided to travel this journey to being a non smoker. The road has many ups and downs, bumps, hic cups and pitfalls. Take it from me, YOU CAN DO IT. I was a heavy smoker and am in my late 50's, so the habit was very indented into my life style. I am now 18 months down the track and with the occasional visit from his not so nice lordship Mr Nicodemon, we get thru the weeks without even wanting a ciggie. Never did I ever think I would say that!!
I have out the monies saved purchased a very new Imac. Great machine, does some wonder full tricks - just a pity the dummy sitting at the keyboard can't remmember what the heck she is doing in some of these programmes. It really is mostly a hit and miss with me!!
But I digress,
Keep up the faith in yourself and you will reap the rewards. Drink heaps and heaps of water, Blogg your heart out, keep your sense of humor and stray strong for yourself. The best thing is to remember to treat yourself with something nice each clean week. eg flowers, a magazine, perfume, new CD, top or strides ....... whatever.......but avoid things that go in your mouth. Endulge the other senses. Also remember don't be too hard on yourself if you should have a slip. Acknowledge it, learn from it and move on. Don't beat yourself up about it. This addiction is not easy to beat but it can be done. Only you can do it - with a bit of help from your blogging family and friends. Take care everyone make 2012 your year to be strong.
Love to one and all.

Just popped in to read your blogs and oh so many new names. Welcome to you all and what ever part of your journey you are on, it is so nice to hear that so many of you are really putting in so much effort to stay positive and clean of the cigs.
As to myself I am well, after being smoke free for 527 days (around $6,475. saved - including my treats to me for being a good girl!) and near 11 thousand cigs not smoked I feel great.
Like many i gained my share of kilos. 10 of them to be honest and I hate every single one of them. I can now report that I have lost 3 of them and intend to loose the rest over these summer months. Maybe I could give them to Santa!!!! ?????
I made up my mind not to let the kilo gain freak me out. I planned to be smoke free for the year then the next summer to really watch what I put in my mouth. So it does work. Just wish wine wasn't so nice. Me thinks I might have have to start drinking something I don't like!!!
Life is too short to let the cigs take over your life and after smoking for over 40 years I am now a very proud 'quitter'. The social time of the year is difficult and the pressure is on as Mr Nicodemon is out there waiting to pounce and tempt you into that 'one won't hurt me' dribble. We have to say 'I don't smoke so f*#* off'. Lot of power in that statement. Try it!
Keep strong and all the best. Will pop in again before Christmas. Lots of Love and positive thoughts to you all.

Sorry I haven't been in touch but I have been in Oz for the last 7 days, hubbie loves the V8 car racing so we went to Surfers. This trip was compliments of being a quitter. The money I have saved not smoking meant we could take this trip. Hows that for a goal?
Great to see so many new names on the blogs. Keep up the good work. It is a struggle somedays - especially at the start of our journey - but the journey is worth it.
Treat each day as a new day and survive each day. Bit like the old saying (showing my age here!) Save the pennies and the pounds will look after themselves. OR in todays speak would be - Save the cents and the dollars will look after themselves.
SURVIVE/SAVE TODAY (and be a non smoker) and the weeks and months will soon add up.
Hey good luck every one and keep up the blogs. We are all here to support one another and it is great to know you don't struggle alone. Have a great day and an even better weekend. Till next time. Kia kaha.

Spent the day in the garden and had a revelation.....
Was in the shady corner of the garden and had finished what weeding needed doing. But I caught myself just sitting there, (not like me, I usually get stuck in and keep going) Anyway, I'm sitting there thinking, why don't I want to move ???? The sun has got this part of the garden yet, the breeze has a little chill and I feel reluctant to leave. Why ????
Then it dawned on me, The neighbors, 2 doors down, over the fence, were sitting in there yard having a cuppa and smoking cigarettes. I was enjoying the whiff on the breeze.
So here I am at day 480, thinking I'm over it..... and catch myself sniffing the air like a dog for a whiff on the wind. The lesson is... never take your day for granted. Each day is sent to try us. I may have to wait till they are out of sniffing range to weed that part of the garden in future. Or wait till the wind changes..
Have a great week everyone and stay strong for yourself. Life is too good to be a sucker all your life.

Reading all the blogs and it is great to see everyone doing so well. Myself, I am 470 days and feeling really great. Had the flu last week and the coughing wasn't half as bad as years past. Spent 5 days in bed feeling like death warmed up but OH So Proud of myself for giving up the cigs. Made a big difference in my recovery. So for me, this was a great revelation. No more cigs for me. I have no regrets about quitting, just wish I had had the support of these blogs 40 years ago. I'ts never too late to stop but if you stop sooner it must have better benefits health wise. As I said No regrets about quitting, Just regret not quitting sooner.
Keep up the good work everyone, even though I may not always blog I do log on and read your blogs. Love the cigs jokes, they make me smile!! Night Night everyone. Kia Kaha

Hi everybody, had a great time at my friends 60th last week, drank more than my share of good Marlborough wine, ate far too much, shouted the roof down over the Austrailian v Ireland game. (Good result there!) Suffered Sunday for over indulging, got the flu on Monday, suffered sore throat and have been a 'snotty nosed little monster' (hubbies discription!) all week and have a BBq planned for tomorrow night for the 'revenge' match.
Begger for punishment aye?
Never mind must be in my second childhood but loving it! Don't even want a ciggie and never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I would say that. 456 days (ish!) and loving life.
To those who are beginning this journey take strength in the knowledge IT can be done, YOU can overcome that demon, YOU have made the best choice in your life and HAVE found the most supportive friends ever. Have a good weekend. Kia Kaha and Love to all.

Just popped in to see how we are all doing,
As to myself I am feeling great, That little nicodemon pops into my thoughts every now and again and I have learnt how to P.... Off very quickly and not let the thought go to far.
Talking to my friends who have given up, and I feel so sorry for them not having access to a computer. This is a great support system. It must be so tough for them and so lonely. Glad to hear they are both still on the journey. I have offered to be there for them but I think, they think, that by talking about it and how they are feeling, they will want to light up more, so I haven't had a lot of contact with them. Am catching up with them today at a friends birthday. This party maybe an eye opener for my girlfriend as I think there may only be one smoker going to this lunch. This may help her see that she can go out and have a good time, a drink and no ciggies. Will keep you up dated as it may help others out there.
Well I must away and go get my glad rags on. We are hitting the wineries of Marlborough and should be a great day out. Take care every one and kia kaha.Have a great weekend.

Greetings whanau. So very happy today as two of my friends have decieded to get on the wagon and become smoke free. They are a married couple and started on the 1st of September. alas they do not have the internet and will miss the best support of all time.
So many newbee's logging in and it is so great to have you on board. Spring is the season of hope, and new life. Congrats on the start of your new life.
My other great news that I must share is, my new grandson arrived safe and sound Friday night at 9.30 pm weighing in at 6lb 8 oz. (Not good at the kilo thing !) Mother and child doing well, dad somewhere over the moon!
Grandma has to go to work tomorrow so I've had to come back to earth. Thank goodness for face book and modern toys so I get to see photos so quick. Am not going to be able to see this little one for a few months but we can skype!!!
Nite nite everyone, have a good week and remember the 4 D's. :)

Could not let this day go by without popping in to congratulate you on your breathday. Hope your day was special and you managed to celebrate in a nice way. I enjoyed it better than my birthday!! Mind you 1st is better than 58!!

To all those who are starting, keep u the good work. It seems like a life time to get the first under your belt, but it does come round a lot quicker than you think at the first week or month. Don't give up on yourself and you will be there to help others on this journey we have chosen. I never thought I would be in a good frame of mind to encourage others, but here I am. If I can do it ...... you can too.
Nite nite everyone!

Greetings whanau, just popped it to read the bloggs and touch base. So glad to read how well some of you are doing. We have a long road ahead of us. The occasional 'bump' can test us to the max. and when fall off the wagon and have a little slip up it is important to acknowledge the slip, understand what caused it, pick yourself up and try again. I stand and applaud you for your honesty.
I would like to offer my congrats to Clarence the Cat who will be celebrating on Thursday. It is a great feeling to be a year old. May you live a long and healthy smoke free life.
I'm off to bed early tonight, stayed up late last night to watch the All Blacks and am not only feeling sleepy but a little disappointed too. At least they have 14 days to iron out the kinks.
To each and everyone have a good week and be proud of how far you have come.

To those of you who are in the snow and feeling down I hope all is well and you are remaining strong. Just think how cold it would be if you had to go out for a ciggie!!!!! Better to stay inside and keep warm.
We have no snow on the ground at the top of the South, but it is on the hills surrounding us. (Mind you that could change over night!!)
Hope everyone is safe as you make your way to work, uni, polytec or just getting the children off to school.
Just popped in to say hi really, Still a happy non smoker. Till next time take care and keep warm. Kia Kaha

I seem to be able to catch up on a Sunday and it is so great to read all the bloggs. Life is throwing some of you some nasty curve balls at the moment and I would each and every one of you to stand up and wrap your arms around yourself and give you, yourself, a hug. We are all doing so well and for those who are struggling keep blogging, keep strong and be proud of yourself. Your whanau family are here to help you thru the tough times. Till next time ............. take a deep breath, drink water, delay ,(by reading a blogg or 2) and take it easy on your self..!! :)

Popped in to read the bloggs and want to congratulate each and every one who are hitting their own personell milestones. Be it your first day, week, month or year. Well done to each and every one of us. Take a bow and be proud of the choice you have made. You made the right choice.
As to myself, I am happy to report that all is well, 404 days for me and I never ever thought I could get this far.
Over the road from where I work is a small house and every morning around 8 am a young lady sits on the step and has a ciggie. Some mornings it is pouring down with rain or freezing cold frosts. Do I envy her at all ???? No way. I am so pleased I gave up and even though the road has been difficult, I have never regretted the decision I made to give up. I have my 7 th grandchild due in September and this child will grow up to never remember Grandma with a cig in her hand or stale smoke on her breath. I had smoked since I was around 15, so I was well addicted. So If I can do it and stay strong, then so can you. Take heart, the journey is well worth it. Kia Kaha Whanau.

Greetings Blogg family, Sunday morn and still feeling a little sad re the Crusaders Match last night. Our Boys have done so well this year with all of the trauma that they have had to deal with. Am so proud that that they have stood strong. They are an inspiration to us all.
Just popped in to read the bloggs and see how all the family are. Great to see so may of you doing so well.
Take care and stay strong. The road is long and winding but oh so worth the journey.

Hello to everyone. I am feeling so guilty for not touching base with you all. I see many new names in the 'bloggs' and want to congratulate you all in making the decision to become a quitter. I found the support in fellow bloggers really uplifting and here I am not keeping in touch with you 'newbees'. I will endeavour to keep in touch.
As to myself, I am just over a year since I last puffed (mmmmmm..... that sounds like a confession!) but the 7.500 cigs I haven't smoked are well worth the hard time at the beginning.
I craved chocolate too. I did find the 85% Chocolate, this is a little on the bitter side, and have been nibbling on that. You don't seem to want as much and it has less sugar. I now find I don't like the ordinary chocolate as much and now prefer the bitter one. Hope this helps those who crave the chocolate.
I watched my weight - for the first time in my life!- when I quit the ciggs. Even today, I am still watching what I put in my mouth! I love food and the sweet side of life. Wine and sweet nibbles are my big down fall! So I now use the 4 D's to curb that. I love the 4 D's. They got me thru most of the bad times at the beginning.
So to you all out there, keep up the good work and stay strong for yourself.
To the lady whose partner is in Wellington hospital having heart surgery, I do hope it all goes well and your partner has a trouble free recovery.
Till next time, Keep blogging !

Hi everyone, thought I had better drop in and say hello. Yes I know long time no hear from me..... mmmm just too busy chasing y tail at present. So to all those new bloggers who have started this long and difficult journey, Hi and welcome to your new life. It does get easier the longer you travel. I started this journey 341 days ago, that was 6,820 cigs ago!!! Or better still $3,985.80 ago. AND...... I haven't reached my first breathday yet. !!! June 21 is the day for me.
To all of you who have been brave enough to take this journey a very special hello from me. It is not easy and there are many pot holes and pit falls on the road we are on. Keep blogging and you will find many helpfull fellow people on the same road as you travel.
Never in a million years would I have thought that I could make it this far. Sometimes even now I finish doing a task, like weeding the garden, and think mmmm..... I could have a cig! Then I remember I gave up that near on a year ago. Duh!!! The thought lasts as long as it does and it has taken me longer to actually write that than to think it!! Make sence?
Any way just in to say even though I don't always make a comment I am popping in to see how we all are.
May your day be kind to you and better still, may the sun keep shinning to keep you well and strong. Bye for now!
As some one else said "us oldies don't like change very much" and this new site has taken me a day to get used too. 3 changes in a year is a little too much for this old chook!!!

Hello my quit family, I really should apoligise for not logging in on a regular basis but .......... No excuses really. So really lovely to see new folk giving the cigs the nudge out of their lives. It is a long journey and with all the ups and downs you will find the struggle is well worth it. I am at day 327 and really looking forward to the 22 of June. One whole year! Never thought I would ever get her, but here I am nearly there and not even wanting to have a ciggie. I have deceided to have a really posh night out and treat myself. I have watched the weight all the way thru and feel the extra 6 kilos gained isn't as bad as it could of been. Because I can taste food better I cut the sugar out of my diet as well and it has made a big difference.
Do hope you all take strength that there is life after ciggs and life is sweet. Life smells, tastes,feels and Is better. Stay strong and keepp the 4 D's. I fould around month 6 I didn't need them as much anymore but for the first 6 months they kept me sane!! Keep blogging. WE ARE worth the journey. Love to one and all.

Have been reading thru the bloggs nad can relate to the thrill of watching the :CiggiesNot smoked" total. I found this a great motovater and keept jumping on line just ot see the total rise. Myself I am now around the 5,680 mark and it still ives me a thrill. In a couple of months I am celebrating my 'breath day'. Mentioned this to hubbie this morning and asked - How do you think I should celebrate it? His answer " I could take you out for tea, somewhere really nice!' "Nice idea" I said "But I have been trying to watch what I put in my mouth!"
His reply.......... " Said I would take you out for tea, didn't say you had to eat anything!!!"
Don't you just love the humour???? Any one got any bright ideas??? A posh dnight out does sound tempting ........ and it is a celebration...... I working on persuading myself!!!!
Keep up all the great bloggs peoples. This is a great tool and never loose your sence of humour. lots of love. kis kaha!!!

Just 'popped' in to ssay hello and let you know I am still around. So glad to see Pukeko back with us. Did you ever do the pot plant with the scented flowers?? I keep asking after you because when I started you always gave me encouragement.
My stats are; 270 days quit
5,400 cigs not smoked
$3,450. spent on treats for me!! or money I should have saved.
6 kilo weight gain, not bad, as I
love my food!!!
Keep happy every one and stay strong. Kia Kaha!

Just popped in to say hello and welcome aboard to all our newbee's. As to myself I am doing fine and at the 36 week stage, I am feeling comfortable. mmmmmmmmmm......... maybe I shouldn't push my luck on that as last time I felt comfortable it turned round and tried to trip me up!!! Just beware that the nickdemon does have a habit of gettig you when you least expect it. Take a deep breath and be strong is my best advice.
Message to the quitline team, many thanks for being there, have any of the team heard from pukeko??? Haven't heard from her for quite some time and I am sure she mentioned Christchurch being her home town. Tell her, and all our other ChCh whanau that we are praying for their saftey and sending huggs of friendship.
Keep blogging peoples, it is a great support group and I would never have managed to get this far with out the help of my friends on this blog page. take care and be safe out there.