Today is my first day not smoking (again). I had quit in the past for a little over 3 years and I started back up when I decided not to be together with Rose anymore after 20 years, it's a lame excuse but it's what happened.

My mom has COPD, I enjoy being athletic and active, I am not getting any younger, cancer runs in my family,etc the reasons for quitting can go on and on. My problem always before is that I ENJOYED smoking so I was quitting because it was the healthy thing to do, the right thing to do, everybody wants you to quit, but never because I personally just didn't want to smoke anymore. It's a disgusting habit that does so much damage to myself as well as the people around me and that's not cool!

This time I DON'T want to smoke anymore!!! I don't like the way it tastes anymore, the way it makes me feel weak, short of breath, and everything smells like smoke. There are other things I enjoy doing in my life that smoking will take away from me. I enjoy being active, going to the gym, playing sports, doing crazy mud races, bike riding, etc.

So today is the beginning of my new life, I will not be a smoker anymore and I will be getting back to the gym starting next week, the weather might actually start to be looking up for me so I will be able to get back out again doing hikes and camping ;-)

It's been a tough day with cravings but the patches are really helping with them and the rest is on me to get through by being active, writing on here, texting my friends. The first two weeks will be the hardest and then it will get easier, after that it will be willpower forever; but without the craving I know I can do the rest. The day is almost over for me and that means the first 24 are a success!!

Here is what my Awesome Easter basket from my beautiful girlfriend looks like today after being demolished and ravaged by Casey..... he's lucky i like him lol

I had a blast!! Another reason for Buffalo to get out and drink lol

I think everybody got smacked with pussy willow, I think Heidi got everyone, Casey got me good a few times and you know i had to return the favor :-)

Once back at Terrys my beautiful Easter basket from my beautiful girlfriend was demolished by Casey lol....

I once again had a blast with a great group of friends; thanks y'all!!!

Heidi and I took a ride across the border to Canada, got to see the frozen falls, every food and beer joint on the strip (trying to find a beer acceptable for Heidi :-)) found a cool pizza place where we had great service and pizza, and then came back to Heidi's place.....Had a Great time except the border crossing was an interesting experience that I will be teased about for a minute lol ;-)

I got this tattoo today....Taz is my animal spirit!! :-)

I have never had so much fun with such a GREAT group of friends!! Just a few shots from the day.