The journey to be an ex-smoker continues. I am very refreshed and renewed after a week's holiday in Punta Cana, D.R. The fresh air, white sand, blue water and free time did my mind a world of good.
Life continues to be a reawakening after 30+ years of being the victim of the nicotine addiction. One new chapter of this journey deals with being on foreign soil in a resort community with NO place prohibited from smoking.
For eight days I saw and smelled cigar, cigarette, pipe, ??? smoke on a consistent basis. I fought with the demon HARD from time to time. I dreamed of smoking. I smelled smoke in my sleep. I envisioned a lighter in one pocket and pack of smokes in the other. I considered how I would handle the buzz of a first smoke. I was offered a cigar from my beach neighbor.
The victory? I declined. I remain free. I am resolute in my desire to be free and will not return to the habits of the past. But continue to build new habits for my smokefree life.
For example, I enjoyed snorkeling and swimming with stingrays and nurse sharks....something I would never have considered as a smoker. What a tremendous joy to experience the wonders of nature (without wheezing and hacking) and sharing with family.
I won this battle and will continue to remain focused on the prize.....breathing freely!!!!
Keep the Quit,
Dave
My Mileage:My Quit Date: 1/19/2009
Smoke-Free Days: 544
Cigarettes Not Smoked: 16,320
Amount Saved: $4,284.00
Life Gained:Days: 92
Hrs: 6
Mins: 28
Seconds: 16
Sounds like you had a fantastic vacation and yes, I am jealous, but I'll get over it! 
