Today I am three months without a cigarette. Since I have no idea how to provide myself with the bells and whistles to celebrate my bronze period, I am hoping someone with the necessary expertise will help me out.

It has been an interesting journey, the reading on the stages of mourning has been very apt. I don't know if I've quite got to the acceptance stage yet, I still fight occasionally. One thing that took me by surprise was how the effects of jet lag awoke the desire for a cigarette, sleep deprivation does me no good.

So after 45 years of smoking I am free which amazes me. Not a non-smoker or even an ex-smoker, but a smoker in recovery. I am happy with that tag, reminds me never to become complacent.