Wednesday, November 17^th

I just quit smoking.

I remember the day I started so clearly, though it was 18 years ago (aaagh!). Kay Turner, the coolest girl at Youth Club was making friends with me, I felt so honored, and when she offered me that first cigarette (Consulate, Menthol - yuk!) - there was no way I was going to turn her down.

So that's my sad reason for starting a life long habit - to look cool. I remember how I must have looked, getting through packets of them when I never really needed to. How I have wished over recent years (especially since my mother died from cancer) that I had never got hooked, like some lucky people. Some people are lucky in a way, they can have a cigarette every now and again - I can't. If I have one, I have a pack. And so it goes on, year after year, feeling smelly & miserable about my repeated failures to stop.

I just quit smoking (it's been at least five minutes now). For the 39^th time - and the last time. What makes this one different? Well, I just found myself in the bathroom, in front of a mirror, and decided to watch myself. I have never done this before - I have tried everything - nicotine patches, hypnosis, and will power. Nothing as powerful as watching yourself inhale poison - the way your mouth and face contorts.

I was transfixed - I looked awful (I was prepared to overlook the smell!)

Another powerful thought struck me as I watched: I couldn't really love myself very much if I was doing this to my body - of my own free will!! I thought that was really sad. Maybe even the reason I am 32 and single (hey, you never know, I'm exploring all possibilities!!)

It was right then & there that I decided that this cigarette would be my last one (for the 39^th time - and the last!) I decided to share this with you for two reasons:

1. Sara (Teen Center Director) has been hassling me for ages to write an article about giving up smoking, and she can be real pushy!!
   
   
2. I'm counting on your support - hey, I just quit smoking (7 minutes!) in front of thousands of people!!
   
   Once I had the idea about writing this down, I started to rush my cigarette - can you believe it - the last one, the most savored, relished, slowly smoked Marlboro, I rushed it, because I just quit smoking, for the 39^th time and the last!
   
   

1. Do you think that adults who who smoke are hypocritical in telling their kids not to? Explain your answer.

2. Do you think that smoking should be made illegal? Why or why not?