Two Years

It was two years ago this morning that I smoked my last cigarette. Almost to the minute.

I used patches and gum and they worked. It was actually easier than I thought it would be.

I have never, ever, missed smoking or regretted quitting. Quite the opposite. It was the smartest thing I've ever done.

For years I thought "Why bother? I'm sure it's too late." I smoked a couple of packs a day for probably 35 years. I figured even if I quit, the damage was already done. I'd still die of the same things.

But I did quit and it wasn't too late.

After undergoing several assessments over the last couple of years I have discovered, much to my amazement, that my heart is healthy, my lungs are clear, my cholesterol is acceptable. I have some hypertension that is being treated with medication and, sometimes, exercise. There is some mild impairment to my respiratory system.

All things considered, I'm healthier than I deserve to be.

If you smoke, and you want to quit or have been thinking about quitting, I encourage you to do so.

If you smoke and have no desire to quit because you enjoy it, more power to you.

I refuse to become an anti-smoking zealot. I do not support draconian anti-smoking laws that are being increasingly implemented. I believe that bar and restaurant owners should have the right to make their businesses smoking or non-smoking as they see fit. Don't want to eat in a smokey restaurant...go eat somewhere else. Don't want to work in a smokey bar...get another job.

It's all about choice. I chose to quit for my own personal reasons.

But smokers should have the right to continue smoking if that's what they choose to do.

Non-smokers who cannot abide smoking should stay away from smokey places. They should also take their morally superior attitudes and shove them up their asses.

No lube.