bookmark_borderIn the spirit of things

I got told off by our security guard as I entered the building this morning. We met at the door just as he was leaving and he politely asked me not to smoke there.

It’s nice that he was concerned for my health, although as I was huddled over trying to listen to my mobile at the time it was a little confusing. That and the fact I don’t smoke of course.

It’s funny, but any time I start thinking about this topic I end up considering smoking jackets and from there it’s a short hop to smouldering jackets (which belch smoke from the jacket itself), I’m sure it’s a comedy sketch from somewhere but I can’t recall where. I digress.

Having never been a smoker I really don’t see what all the fuss is about and as far as I’m concerned it’s a vile habit. Admittedly I choose to kill myself by slowly hacking off my limbs a millimetre at a time so I reckon my lifespan is about the same as that of a smoker but at least I’m not polluting those around me…

My grandparents smoked, my Grandpa more than my Gran and after several strokes left him wheelchair bound and in need of permanent care. He couldn’t talk and had very little control over his body, meaning that my abiding memory of him is an angry old man, banging on the table to try and communicate. He still had a smile and twinkle in his eye but for a young boy he was quite scary. Lord knows what my sister thought of him.

I know it’s a hard habit to break and I know it’s a bit twee (not to mention self-righteous of me) to suggest you thinking about it on this particular day, simply because someone, somewhere, decrees today as No Smoking Day but, if not today, when?

bookmark_borderGets in your eyes

No Smoking Day (yesterday) and found this article via Hydragenic.

As a non-smoker I’m always curious as to WHY people smoke. I’ve had friends in the past give it up for months on end, and watched them start again. The process usually follows these lines:
*Drags on cigarette*
Yeuch. These are disgusting, why did I ever start smoking…
[slight pause looking at the cigarette smouldering away]
*Takes another puff*
Ohhh I’d forgotten how bad this tastes
*Raises cigarette to mouth again, inhales*
etc etc… (for the next 4 or 5 cigarettes)

Bizarre, but obviously something more to do with the habit of smoking than of an enjoyment of it.

In the modern world I’m happy for people to have the choice, don’t get me wrong, but the worst kind of smoker is the inconsiderate smoker. If you do smoke, please think of others who may be around you. They probably don’t want smoke blown in their faces whilst they are eating, nor do they want to have to dodge your cigarette when you are walking with it, clamped between your fingers, lit end pointing out. Consideration, a trait that many people (smokers or not) could do with learning (inheriting?).