[Remember Ruby Ridge]

Prayers going out to your friend. Good luck with the smoking. I quite 4 years ago -- but it took a triple bipass for me to get the message;-) I will keep your friend, you, and your success in my prayer.

Ruby

[King Prout]

For those who have asked or are otherwise interested:
Dean and his wife Gay had to evacuate because of the fires, but has since returned home and rescheduled his oncologist and thoracic-surgeon consultations for this or next week (can't remember, don't have the email here at work).
He and Gay thank you all for your support and prayers.

Update on quitting:
I don't recall what day this is, but it has been a while.
Cravings are in serious decline both in strength and frequency.
I am snacking a lot. Snickers bars.
(Fortunately, I don't really have to worry about gaining weight for about 15 more years, going by family histories. Actually, I'd LIKE to gain a little weight, a little fat really. Flu season is coming on and I'd like to have burnable resources in store if (WHEN) I catch it.)
The monkey has subsided to an intermittent whisper.
I am wondering when these thrice-damned nicotine stains will fade from my fingertips. Scrubbing does not seem to make a dent... maybe bleach and sandpaper?
I am brushing my teeth a LOT. I find I cannot endure the feel of the slightest bit of coating on my teeth. I assume this is some redirection of an oral fixation linked to the physical actions of smoking, but not certain. Odd side effect, one of which I had not heard before.