dirtylaundry

as more and more non-smoking laws are getting passed around the U.S. and world, the more I smoke the more I feel like some kind of outcast mutant. Thats alright though. I accept it and understand it. However... I have taken the leap and have quit. Commuting 8 miles each way has seemed to help me get over it. Was wondering if there are any other ex-smoking mutants out there to share their story...

pj7

Ironically, after my 12.5 mile commute to work, the first thing I do when I get off the bike is roll a smoke. I wish that smoking had a majorly noticeable impact on my commuting, maybe then I'd get the urge to quit.

CliftonGK1

Ex? Hell, I still enjoy a cigarette now and then.
Last week after a 40 miler, a burger, and a half a pitcher of ESB, the first thing I did when I got home was roll a cigarette.

pedalMonger

Good job on quitting, don't tempt fate and try to have one every once in awhile, 99% of the time people end up right back to smoking as much as they did before they quit.

modernjess

Another reason why commuting by bike is so great. It get's me outside where I can smoke!

Hey, everyone has their cross to bear.

Treespeed

I have no problem with smokers and enjoy a pipeful of tobacco every now and then. I don't think smokers are mutants, it's just nice to be able to go get a drink or see some music without having to reak all night. The whole non-smoking section facade worked as well as having a no peeing section in a swimming pool.

bobcrotch

I dunno still dip copenhagen a couple times a day, sometimes not. As far as smoking goes though I could care less it doesn't bother me. People have a right to be able to smoke in smoking establishments (bars, etc).

The only time I don't like when folks smoke is when I'm eating, mostly I think because you can taste it and personally it messes up my taste of food.

Industrial

The after ride smoke is the best.

habernac

just passed my 5 year quit date in June, haven't felt this good in years. I'd still love to have one, but I know I'd be right back in there if I took even one puff. 20 year habits are hard to break.

Apnu

I'm an ex-smoker (smoked 13 years, quit 3 years ago) and I'm happy I stopped. But, I think the anti-smoking crowd is way overboard here. Its just a bunch of idiots who want to feel good by making a difference in the world. If they really want to make a difference and improve the health of the whole why not combat alcoholism?

I wish these zealots would go after drunk driving like the do after the poor sod hanging out in the building court yard, alone, stealing a puff. Then maybe they'd have a bit of respect from me.

I hate the anti-smoking crowd.

Nicodemus

I quit a month ago, I miss it.

I deplore the way this world is going with its selective sanitization of our lives. Even though I'm an ex-smoker I still feel that all these smoking bans (especially in pubs ferchrissakes) are over-the-top nanny-ism.

Before they ban smoking they should ban SUVs imho. But then, SUVs are the flavour of the month and not such an easy scapegoat, so every man and his dog enjoys jumping on the hate-a-smoker bandwagon.

Sad, really.

I wish I could have continued smoking. I really, genuinely enjoyed it. Too bad I want a long, healthy life

Nicodemus

You mean you couldn't care less?

bobcrotch

Yeah.. oops!

I also like the term nannyism, I'm going to steal that.

Heyduke

It is strange how I could have OP'd this myself.

I MIGHT feel a weekend of social smoking on first five minutes of my Monday morning 9-mile commute. That's when I'm hauling a weeks worth of clothes and food to the office. Otherwise, it's an unhealthy pleasure that I don't want to quit.

Interesting post...

crtreedude 

I was wondering why you have been so grouchy lately!

rwp

Yeah, nobody ever gives drunk drivers a hard time! Why do they get to drink & drive anywhere and anytime they want without getting hassled? I too am sick and tired of anti-smoking zealots coming after me each and every time I try to smoke a cigarette outside alone!!

If only I was a drunk-driving menace, then society would leave me alone and stop bothering me!

pedalMonger

I don't think its nannyism, even though it appears that way. Nannyism implies some kind of well intentioned but misguided attempt to look out for people.

I think its primarily because of fanatic non smokers demanding the govt do something, because they think that they will get cancer if they inhale even a trace of secondhand smoke. Which is absurd, most people inhale more toxins belched out from automobiles, while driving home from work.

Also governments are concerned about rising healthcare costs. For example, in the USA, there are all the boomers aging who'll be using their medicare benefits, hard to budget that while borrowing and spending billions on bombs and Middle Eastern meat grinders.

mike

Be careful what you wish for...

Hoshnasi

I agree, for the most part I think the second smoke debate is just bad statistics.

I have a 30 mile commute to work and come home and light up either a cigarette or cigar. I should quit cigarettes and smoke only cigars, much better for you if you don't inhale. It moves all the damage from my lungs to my wallet that way.

DataJunkie

I smoked from 15 years old till 23 or 24. I am now 32 and have not had so much as a puff. One puff and I will be back to smoking 2 packs a day in no time.

Taking up smoking was one of the single most idiotic things I have ever done. Quitting was one of the hardest things I have ever done.

jimmuter

I'm always happy to hear about someone who quit because it is healthier. Then again, the mortality rate is 100% regardless of your lifestyle. I prefer drinking myself, but enjoy a nice cigar once in a blue moon.

Nicodemus

didn't mean to pick, but that's my chosen pet peeve to call out here on BF

Brian Ratliff

It means you aren't going fast enough, is all.

SDRider

I'd rather see them outlaw the noxious fumes coming from the vehicles clogging our roads.

I don't smoke. I did many many years ago for a short time (5-6 years) but I quit when I was young thankfully. It's much more difficult to quit smoking after you've done it for 15-20 years.

Smoking really doesn't bother me unless I'm in a place with poor ventilation and lots of smokers. Vegas comes to mind...god some of the casinos/restaurants there smell like an ashtray.

MyBikeGotStolen

I quit smoking last christmas. And after 7 months I still want to smoke. But once your a smoker, your allways a smoker. Dont ever think you can have just one. I have quit before for 3 months or so at a time and every time I tried to smoke "just one" I was at the store buying a pack 30 minutes later.