I smoked for 16 years but quit the day my daughter was born. I didn't want her growing up seeing me smoking. I also thought it would be hypocritical of me to smoke, but tell her it was bad for her to smoke. Smoking is one of several things that fatherhood corrected in my life. I remain smoke free 20 years later.

I almost never see anyone smoking any more. In Austin it is illegal to smoke in restaurants, bars, offices, stores or any public space.

It's been the additives, courtesy of big tobacco that made it that, making sure you become a true junkie. Tried is back in high-school, and thought it was revolting... had the picture to stick a tongue into an ashtray. Would you do that to your partner? 'For the kids' is an excellent and strong motif.

Here it's been made so expensive, they now sell packets of 5, but tabacchi are about every street corner, any coffee bar supplies too, so it's not hard to get new, or from the vending machine, 24/24

My father smoked, but after a heavy flu he could not stand it any more... cold turkey he went, and happily lived on for another 45 years [gained some weight, but what to expect if your body is constantly fighting to get the dirt out]. Takes seven years to clean your system [bar the DNA damage which is irreversible].

Funny I always thought the question how I could afford playing golf. Demonstrated that their addiction was costing them more per annum... We all make our choices, don't we?

Do remember visiting Arlington/Fort Worth and a company had a prohibition for employees to smoke even within 20 feet of the entrances. Agree as those going outside cause for smoke to come in with the draft.

Now health insurers give discount to non-smokers [rather they surcharge smokers]. It's pretty damning evidence that smoking is bad for your health. Passive smoking is too... You smoke and anyone in your vicinity does too, and it's claimed the 2nd order inhalation is worse... smokers use filters, the people around you do not!

Smoking in restaurants was bad enuf (like to see the smoke stop at the edge of the non smoking section)
But smoking on planes....
really?

I used to say "I started smoking because of peer pressure, I'll be damned if I quit for the same reason!". Not so funny in retrospect.

Yoro that's still funny, even if it's kinda said with a wry smile.

I still have damaged lungs from all the second hand smoke,
not to mention paint fumes.
Now if we can quit burning coal...
that would be something.

Next up, the great American DRINK OUT.
Day 7, I've tripled my coffee intake
Trying not to pig out.
After new years, I might have to get a job to keep me busy.