I’ve been a smoker on and off for over 15 years. I know, as well as anyone does, just what smoking can do to a person’s lungs and health. I watched my father die of lung cancer – taken far too young – after smoking for 50+ years. Understanding ramifications isn’t the same as breaking an addiction. As most former smokers can tell you, it’s not an easy habit to break. In the past I’ve tried Zyban (nasty allergic reaction), the patch, and cold turkey. I never seem to manage more than a few weeks before I break down and pick up a cigarette. Strangely enough, despite all the emotional upheaval this week, I haven’t had a smoke since leaving Edmonton. I had fully intended to attempt to quit again this week. I just never expected to find that the desire to light up isn’t nearly as strong now that I’m camped out in a hotel.

It’s only been a few days. They do say the first are the worse. Then again addiction specialists also indicate that most smokers attempt to quit, on average, 8 times before succeeding.

The downside of all of this is the hubby’s cigar habit. I think I took up smoking again the last time as a line of defence against the cigars. Despite assuring me he’d try to quit this week too – we’re our own worst enemies – he’s still puffing away. To all those friends from Edmonton who read my blog I have a request for assistance. Call Drew. Harass him on phone, cell and email if necessary. Ask him to PLEASE try to avoid cigars so I can continue to try avoiding cigarettes when I return home. I shall participate in the campaign from afar (hi honey!).

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