Oops, sorry dear readers (yes, both of you) I've been a little slack in keeping up the hen scratchings here. Guess I should put it down to trying to cope/adjust with the whole non-smoking thing. Not that I'm struggling with it you understand, just that one of the challenges is keeping distracted.

The good news is that I've no doubt I can handle this. I've not got close to wanting to go out and buy a pack of cigarettes, and I haven't got overly cranky at work (yet. )

When I walk past someone just lighting up I don't stand nearby and breathe deeply, I just walk by feeling a little pity that they're still a slave to the habit. I'm still hacksawing my way through my chains but I'm on the way...

I've found a few effective techniques that help keep any twinges at bay. First is an obvious one, the most bitey chewing gum I can find, second, vegetables. Any crunchy fresh ones you can get hold of do, but I tend to go for carrots and sliced capsicum. Another really effective one is - believe it or not - old English style pickled onions. You know, the sharp, sour ones that makes delicate petals' eyes water. One or two (or three or four; love them) and I'm one craving spike over.

The really good news is that I'm already noticing real improvements. I can breathe much more easily, my sense of taste and smell are really sharpening up, and I feel I have more energy than before.

I can do this. I must do this. I will do this.