Quit Smoking 9 Years Ago

Today is March 8. Today marks 9 Years since I quit smoking. Sure, I've gained 50 or 60 pounds, but this is also what quitting smoking has allowed me to do:
1.) I've saved almost $41,000 (I was a heavy smoker) that I would have spent on smoking 140,000 cigarettes.
2.) It has allowed me to go on four "Vacations of a Lifetime" to the following cities: Italy--Rome, Florence, Venice, Pisa, Ferrara, Verona; Germany--Munich, Dachau; Prague, Czech Republic; Bratislava, Solovakia; Budpest, Hungary; Vienna & Salzburg, Austria; and Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra, Dubbo, Carinda, Newcastle, and The Hunter Valley (Australia).
3.) My travels have introduced me to some great cultures and experiences. I got to see "The Birth of Venus" with my own eyes; I stood where Charlemagne is said to have been crowned Holy Roman Emperor; I was General Maximus Decimus Meridius, if but only for a moment; I saw-a da freakin-a Pope-a in person; Walked in Hitler's footsteps; and I hung around with Kangaroos, Wallabies, and a Wombat with a lousy disposition; I got to ring in the new year in Sydney Harbour, watch cricket, rugby, and Aussie football matches, and walk in the footsteps of David Bowie. I Just spent a week sharing the culture and food of South Louisiana with “The Four Aussies” I have met on my travels, including 4 days in New Orleans for Mardi Gras.( Even going to my first Endymion Ball). I got to drink some great beer and great wine and eat some great food all over the world.
4.) My travels have introduced me to some amazing people with whom I am still in contact, and who I consider to be friends, some of whom I now consider to be family.
5.) I was able to purchase my first home because I'm not squandering $600 a month on cigarettes.

There are many reasons to quit smoking, but the FREAKING MONEY YOU SAVE has got to be near the top.

Here's to 9 more years smoke free. And five after that...

TL;DR: Quit Smoking, Save Money.