Ok that is fine. <pause> You don't want me to be here. Because of the new law I can't be here if I am going to do that. <pause>I understand that you find it highly offensive, and it stinks, and it is a hazard to your health. <pause> Oh? It is also dirty? Yes, I agree! <pause> I really think it is awful when some people just throw their butts out a window and on the ground too. I don't do that you see. <pause> Oh? You thought that all smokers were inconsiderate? That is too bad. Do you think all people of color live on welfare too? <long pause> No? That's good because they don't. <pause> Oh, I see - smokers infringe on your right to breath fresh air. <pause> Oh.. no, I wouldn't want you to breath in second hand smoke. <pause> I agree, second hand smoke is bad for your health. <pause> Yes. You should be able to eat a meal in a resturant without having to walk though a haze. <pause> Really? You won't let your kid stay at a best friends house because a parent smokes? <pause> Oh, that parent smokes outside and not in the house. <pause> Setting a bad example? I see. <pause> Yes, death from smoking is horrible. <pause> No I didn't see the pictures <pause> The hospital bill was how much? <pause> No insurance? <pause> No, not all smokers are without adequate insurance coverage. <pause> Really? You believe that hospital rates are sky high because of smokers? <pause> No. I didn't know that you could tell if someone smokes because of the wrinkles on their face.
THUD
OH! Are you alright? (Helps back into seat) <pause>
OK. I understand. <pause> Yes it is difficult sometimes. <pause> I am afraid not. <angry pause> Well, you have passed your limit. <really angry pause> No. <sorry pause> It is alright. I will call a cab for you...........................
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I am trying to quit. It is the hardest thing I have ever done in my life. I know the ramification of the choice I made many years ago. Not only do I have to deal with that, I am dealing with being treated like shit by those who do not understand the addiction. This is not an excuse. I would love to be able to quit "just like that". I am tired of getting "picked on". Some may say that is not so, but....that is how I feel.
And - my 2 cents (I am going to say what I feel and then I will let it go). PF mentioned in a post that he received a PM about it not being good to "segregate" those Pixies who do not smoke from posting in this thread as he wanted to create a "safe haven" so to speak for those of us who want to talk about it without feeling as if we were being ostrasized (sp) or put in a defensive mode about the addiction. He may not have said it as gently as he should have though..
My cig addiction isn't so intense that I HAVE to have a cigerette every 1/2 hour. There are some people who do have it that bad. Because of that addiction, they cannot go into certain resturants, can't go to a movie theater, can't go to an opera, can't go to a city park, can't go to an outdoor concert, hell - some of those people can't even live in certain cities in Iowa! In some cases smokers aren't going to be able to obtain employment with certain companies! Get what I am trying to say? So, for those of you who feel "left out" or segregated I am sorry. It is a terrible feeling isn't it?
But I still love you all...
