The Great American Smokeout

The American Cancer Society created this day back in 1977. They have promoted it annually since then. It has been said many times that quitting smoking is harder than getting off heroin and it would appear to be true.

Margie: Yes, I used to be a smoker. The best way to quit is to come get my sister, Edna, and let her stay at your house for several days. She'll nag you until you'll be happy to quit to get her to leave.

A lot of folks use those stop smoking aids and that's fine. For me, I made up my mind and put them down. The 3 days it takes to get the nicotine out of your body is difficult and painful. After those 3 days, though, I promise you will feel like a new person.

Sign up if you'd like a visit from Edna.

Great American Smokeout

Margie: Today is the Great American Smokeout, Edna. I'm sure you remember that I was a smoker once. That nicotine is a powerful drug but it is possible to give it up. I know I certainly feel better.

Besides, I couldn't smell a thing when I was smoking. When I walk by gentlemen now, I can inhale their good smelling cologne. Of course that also means I can smell the food you burn up every time you try to cook.

Edna: Margie, I have to say, I'm glad you gave up smoking. That secondhand smoke always did worry me, but your cigarettes also took a big chunk out of our household budget. Now that you quit, we've got more money to spend on special tea.

Plus, I guess giving up smoking means you'll live longer. Lucky me.

Margie: Edna, you are so right. I really couldn't afford to smoke anymore. The government decided to discriminate and put that big tax on my smokes so it didn't hurt to quit. They won't get my money.

Yes, we have more tea money and more money for chocolate. I sure hope lots of people will give up smoking today. We'll all outlive you.

Edna: I highly doubt that, since I'm younger than you AND I've never smoked a day in my life. But then, I guess the stress of living with you is what's going to send me to an early grave.