It was weird too...my stepmother has all these issues about nudity, and other women being hotter, and well, just things that wouldn't make you think that Playboy was going to be a rite of passage.

I am so annoyed at my brother right now. He sent our sis and me a link to an article about how banning smoking in bars and restaurants is linked to a drop in heart attacks in that area. Along with a cheery

I love you both dearly.  I know it’s hard to quit, but please stop smoking and/or don’t start back up again!

And the subject line? "Just sayin'".

Now he's all butthurt because I wrote a (kind of heated) response (i apologized already) about how it wasn't helpful. I mean, public health policy has no fucking bearing on conquering addiction. I made the comparison to depression (think happy thoughts now! How about now? Now?) but I don't think he groks it.

Jeebies crispies, our grandfather died of lung cancer and most of our mom's aunts (there were several) died smoking-related deaths. I taught health ed! WE KNOW.

RAWR.

Ugh. Apparently my natural cycle is 25-26 days. Annoying as hell. I kind of want to go back on the pill now. Also, have to go to the drugstore at lunch.

All my gray hairs are currently blue-black or cotton candy pink, big surprise.

In completely shallow and vexing news: today is my first day back in the office post-convention. I forgot that my company is WEIRD, and that the Halloween party is TODAY. Not tomorrow, like I thought. I am not in costume, dammit! But I will be in costume tomorrow.

Jeebies crispies, our grandfather died of lung cancer and most of our mom's aunts (there were several) died smoking-related deaths.

I might have to side with your brother on this one.

I might have to side with your brother on this one.

Really?

Not, "Hey, I would try to be a supportive person if smonster was trying to quit a really difficult addiction."

Because that really is like telling someone with depression, "I know it’s hard to be happy, but please stop feeling dead inside and/or don’t be sad again!"

We know life would be easier and our health would be better if we could cheer up or stop smoking. We know.

I don't really equate depression with smoking.

People do quit smoking simply because they decide to.

People don't get over depression simply because they decide to.

t preemptively unsubscribes

Someone let me know when the shitstorm dies down.

I know that my father and other loved ones dying from lung disease didn't make the difference in wanting to quit. It also doesn't matter that the bridge under my feet really is not going to crumble; still afraid of heights. Logic does not rule in many matters.

I also understand how difficult it is to watch loved ones doing something self-destructive. In their health, or in matters of the heart, etc. It is hard to bite the tongue although saying something usually does more harm than good.

Smoking is an addiction. A physical as well as psychological addiction. Do you think it's easy for a user to kick heroin or painkillers, too? Much as you may want to, it doesn't mean it's something you can do on a dime. I'm pretty sure you know that, too.