The one thing I went without in 2005

I had a bit of a self-revelation on the way to work one morning this week. It came when I saw someone in front of me driving a bit recklessly because they were too busy lighting up a Malboro (or whatever their preferred brand may be).

See, I smoked for the better portion of my life between ages 18-23. Not a heavy smoker, when compared to the heaviest of smokers - maybe a two pack a week habit, up to three on a particularly bad week. Enough background, what happened was that when I saw Reckless McDriver swerving through the road to get his morning nicotine/tobacco fix I thought to myself - "it sure has been a while since I did that (as in driving wrecklessly b/c I was lighting up a smoke)." Then I let my mind wander a little into the past to try to attempt to think back to the last time I had indeed almost caused a wreck because of my habit and couldn't recall a specific last time (I did remember that I had made a decision around the age of 21 or so to stop smoking in my vehicle all together). In my blank thoughts, I then asked myself when was the last time I even smoked - I couldn't remember. All I knew is that it had been well before the turn of the year in 2005, meaning I had went an entire year without a cigarette. I can't say that completely about 2004, but I went most of that year without as well. I never really had a "quit date" as many others do.

What actually took me aback by that thought was that I remembered just how tough 2005 really was. Don't get me wrong, it had it's great highlights (including the day I got married!) but the majority of the year was laced with its troubles and challenges (money troubles, health troubles, hurricanes). In a moment of personal gratification, I smiled to myself and realized that if I had indeed made it through those challenges without smoking, then I could do it for the rest of my life. Now, challenges will only get tougher from here, but the foundation is there.

This one is for all of you who at any point told me - "you gotta quit that one day." - THANKS!

And while you are reading and since this has been my world for the last 48 hours - make sure your computer's anti-virus files are up to date as of late January/early Feb. There is a highly publicized outbreak that is supposed to happen today and the damage from the virus is supposed to be fairly significant. It takes an outbreak to remind us of this sometimes, but remember that most viruses/worms/general computer nastiness will get you any day of the week!