Skip to main content

The non-smoking section

I used to think the perfect compliment to a cocktail was a cigarette. In fact, I remember saying "if I have a drink in one hand, I need a cigarette in the other or I'll tip over." Of course, after about 4 drinks I'd get a little wobbly anyway. But, that's beside the point. I was a smoker. (Although, I only bought my own pack every now and then. Yeah, I was that girl.) But then a wonderful thing happened. Austin passed a law that said "no more smoking inside."

At the time, a lot of folks were quite upset. How were we supposed to enjoy our drinks? Our concerts? I was among these people and had the attitude that you should be able to do whatever you want to do. But then Winter set in. How quickly we adapt. I refused to be part of a community that stood huddled in single-digit temperatures all in the name of a nicotine fix. Plus, for the first time in years we weren't coming home from a night out smelling like an ashtray. It was nice. So, out of sight, out of mind. I quit. (and so did a lot of my friends) And haven't looked back.

Recently, I have again found myself amidst a group of friends that are full-time smokers. The laws seem to be the same here in Canada. They too have to go outside and brave the weather. And, the cigarettes (like everything else) are pricier in Frosty North. It got me to thinking... Do they really enjoy it that much? Canada winters and Austin winters are two completely different things. You'd have to love it to stand in the cold 6 months out of the year. Right?!

Moving here has only secured my non-smoking status. "I'll be inside, thanks." And should I forget any the many reasons that I quit, all I have to do is pick up a pack of Canadian cigarettes. Their Surgeon General (or equivalent) uses scare tactics that would rival any American stratagem. Each pack is embellished with a graphic warning against the dangers of smoking. It can be a little gross, honestly. That's enough for me.


Smoking is one of the leading causes of statistics. -Author Unknown
Related articles by Zemanta
Reblog this post [with Zemanta]

Labels

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

A Hectic Spring

If I sit and really think about all the things that are happening over the next few months, I will surely lose my mind. My leisurely Atlanta life is being uprooted and I'm heading to the frosty north. As scary as that sounds, I'm not terribly nervous.... yet . Anxious is a better word. "Things" have been in the works for months now, and though we're still ironing out the details, one thing is certain - change....otherwise known as the story of my life. I'm no stranger to "starting over." This will be the 4th time that I will change cities without having been there. Of course, the first one was when I was 6, but still.... I went to Las Vegas at 18, Austin at 23 and am now in Atlanta about to celebrate the 2nd anniversary of my 30th birthday. The last move was the toughest. Austin was and will always be my home. So much so, that ultimately Matt and I agree that's where we want to end up....again. Yeah, it was hard to put that aside long enough to g...
Post a Comment
Read more

5 Things I've learned so far...

1. Our baby has fingerprints already. I'm not sure why but this freaks me out. 2. Pregnancy heartburn is NO JOKE. Before this, I think I'd had heartburn twice in my life. I'm Mexican for Christ's sake! We love our spicy food. I guess I have to go easy for the next few months. Boo. 3. I can't watch "A Baby Story" without being reduced to a sobbing mess. But I find myself turning the channel for the delivery part. 4. The placenta & baby (aka alien) are about the size of an avocado right now. 5. Our baby will have duel citizenship. Cool, huh?
Post a Comment
Read more

Look, Mom!! No stretchmarks!!

I've never been one of those girls with a fast metabolism, who can eat whatever they want, never exercise and still stay a size 4. Freaks. In fact, I'm the opposite. My metabolic rate is sluggish at best and weight loss is next to impossible without a strict regiment of working out and eating basically nothing. I tell you this because, for the first time in my life, I feel like I'm getting a taste of the other side. Matt, Steve and my Mom all say I should keep this information to myself but, hell I deserve to gloat just a bit. After 9 months of pregnancy, I've come out on the other side stretchmark-free and 3 pounds from my pre-pregnancy weight.... just 10 days after giving birth. WOO HOO!! Granted, I needed to drop a few pounds before I got knocked up. But, it's sure going to be easier to start from where I left off. I'm feeling pretty good actually. (Still a bit euphoric as I look at my beautiful little girl) In fact, I'm thinking that this pregnancy c...
2 comments
Read more