I was a smoker for as long as I could remember. I can’t remember having a meal when I did not reach for my cigarettes for dessert. I would reach for them first thing in the morning, and they were the last thing I caressed each night before bed – a night cap smoke out in the cool Alberta night air. What could be more relaxing?

I ended up in a divorce for other reasons, and when it was time for me to get back out in the dating world again; I just didn’t feel good about myself. Most of the ladies I encountered who I actually had interest in were non smokers. Restaurants had become non smoking establishments, so I would have to leave my date after dinner for a few moments while I stepped outside for a smoke. Then, of course, I became more self conscious about the way I smelled when I came back in.

Inviting people to the house started becoming embarrassing too, when they came in and noticed the smell of the cigarette smoke in the house, and I noticed a light yellow nicotine tinge on the walls of the ranch house. My teeth became stained, my face grew older faster then it would have if I didn’t smoke I believe, and I wondered what must be happening to my insides if the outside was showing signs of neglect and premature aging due to cigarette smoking?

The final straw was when I managed to get a really nice lady who I was very interested in to go out on a fine Sunday afternoon with me. We stopped by a nice little lake along the countryside, and brought along a picnic lunch. It was a beautiful day, and I dressed to impress, and brought the perfect bottle of wine. My female companion suggested we take a walk around the lake, enjoy some of what nature has to offer, and I couldn’t carry on a conversation and walk at her pace at the same time – I was out of breath, winded, huffing and puffing – and it was VERY embarrassing.

I went to the docs first thing Monday morning and asked him to help me quit. He was delighted of course, with my decision, and confirmed that I was making the right one. The road to recovery wouldn’t be easy, he warned, and went over the various stop smoking aids available to me, and even suggested things like acupuncture, hypnotherapy, and meditation. He pretty much said – use whatever will work for you. If one method doesn’t work – try the next, but don’t give up.

Finally after three months of struggling with all different sorts of remedies for my nicotine addiction – I went to an acupuncturist and paid $200 dollars for three visits.

After the second visit – I didn’t need the third. I had quit smoking rather easily in 2 weeks time from my first acupuncture session.

Bottom line is – since then I can walk better, talk better, I smell better, I got the house painted and freshened up, and I actually even feel more energetic and confident about myself. I am glad there is no smoking in most public places – hence it is easier to not think about smoking. And, strangely enough, now I simply loathe the smell of someone else’s lit cigarette, its absolutely horrendous to me.

All the money I save I have been putting in my piggy bank as I have great plans for it. If any of you see clear to voting for me this month, I sure would like to put the Ad Revenues the winner receives into my little savings plan. I am saving up to buy my very first sports car … at the age of 55!

Good luck – don’t forget to vote!