Say Anything Blog

Good for you.  Quitting is tough.

I chewed tobacco from about the age of 13 until I was 22.  Quitting was awful.  I got sick.  Threw up.  I had a headache for three solid weeks, but in the end I’m glad I did.

My wife told me that either the Copenhagen went or the smooches went.  I chose the smooches, but to this day when a friend cracks a can I salivate.

When the people fear their government, there is tyranny; when the government fears the people, there is liberty.

-- Thomas Jefferson

Rob’s recently listened-to songs:

Way to go, I’ve never been a smoker but I can imagine that it’s got to be 10 times tougher than succeeding in a diet.

What’s going to happen to US industry when the global warming extremists like John McCain double the price of electricity?  I would think all these factories will close and set up in countries where they aren’t scared of technology.

Whistler,

Actually, I had the diet thing to contend with later.  Like many people who quit, my weight went up, and I’ve had to steadily work it off and keep it off.  I have a low tolerance for boredom of any kind, so running gets old quickly.  Since its starting to get colder, biking is also out.  My trainer and I are starting roller skating (not blades!) after the holidays.  It should be amusing if nothing else.

“Poverty of goods is easily cured; poverty of the mind is irreparable.”

Congrats to you Bat One… what a true accomplishment! I have had my own struggle with unhealthy substances and so milestones are greatly appreciated. The reward of living clean is addictive too and worth every minute.
Oddly, I never think of men having to struggle with weight because I’ve been socially programed with the belief it’strictly a female problem. LOL, although I am fairly confident guys are more interested in the health aspect than in shaply curves as an outcome of their dieting.
Good job Bat…

Congrats, Bat One.  Your story also seems to reject the idea that badgering the smoker into quitting would work, but that it’s a great thing when the smoker decides for himself.

Rob’s story reminds me of a time when I was having coffee and shooting the breeze with a wonderful young lady while in college.  Somehow the topic of ‘baccy came up, and after I made a wisecrack about kissing someone who was chewing, she said something I really didn’t want to know; “IT TASTES FUNNY.”

Thankfully I didn’t spray her with my Sumatra roast!

LOL...ewww!

Merci, Mademoiselle!

The weight thing kinda took me by surprise, though of course its a common cliche that you put on weight when you stop smoking.

As for that male/female perspective, I’ll admit to a substantial amount of vanity, which is a large part of what drives me.  I appear to be at a point where not looking my age is every bit as important as not acting it.

“Poverty of goods is easily cured; poverty of the mind is irreparable.”

BB,

Thanks!  I guess I’m in the minority, but I despise all those other ex-smokers who regard it as their mission in life to reform everyone else that smokes.  Vile, preachy harridans, most of them.

“Poverty of goods is easily cured; poverty of the mind is irreparable.”

Happy Anniversary Late, Bat One! I remember 25 cent ciggs. I started when I was 5 years old. BUT I don’t smoke anymore. Occasionally I will if I drink. I remember the Flintstones commercials with Fred smoking. It is kinda funny to watch old Andy Griffith shows where he is smoking… Times have really changed!

Zsa Zsa,

Thank you so much.  25 cents, huh?  I’m not sure 10 cents a pack cigarettes makes up for the other, less enjoyable aspects of military life, but it was certainly appreciated when one is paid so relatively little to begin with.

Yes, times have changed.  I wonder if you also recall Ernie Kovacs wife, Edie Adams, doing “...Cigars, cigarettes, Tiparillos.” or the original Marlboro Man, tatoo and all, or news anchor John Cameron Swayze sponsored by Camels?  You’re probably not old enough!

“Poverty of goods is easily cured; poverty of the mind is irreparable.”

Bat One...Unfortunately I am old enough to remember. I am 48 years old. Yikes! The concept of time is so strange. Especially when you combine the concept of time & age…

Sorry, Kid.  I’ve got you beat.  Although I would never have asked.

“Poverty of goods is easily cured; poverty of the mind is irreparable.”

I thought I was one of the eldest here at Say Anything!