It took long enough. After many failed attempts I finally had my last cigarette on January 29, 2016. Smoking since I was 14, full time about 18, mostly one pack a day unless I was out drinking so that would add a few more. I had a few respites, one occurring while sitting in MO’S PLACE, the local watering hole on Super Sunday (January 12, 1975) when a guy who was also trying to give up the smokes bet me $100 to see who would last the longest without a cigarette but the winner had to be smoke free at half time Super Bowl the next year (January 18, 1976). How I remember these particular years is I won a shit load of money betting on the PITTSBURGH STEELERS, winning both years. Thanks Terry Bradshaw, John Stallworth, Franco Harris, Lynn Swann, etc. My buddy (we worked together) was smoking by St Paddy’s Day but I lasted until the next Super Bowl. At half time he paid me five crisp twenty dollar bills. I gave one to the bartender, asked for change and a few quarters. I slowly walked over to the vending machine purchasing a pack of Marlboro Reds. OH, THEY TASTED SO SWEET.

   I had so many other frustrating failed attempts to cease, even started a new regimen: No smoking before 4PM on workdays, none after 9PM unless at a Rangers game/concert/bar/etc. Finally, a few days after my 64th birthday it was over. The price was too much. At a NY Rangers game I lost my pack at the pregame restaurant, headed over to the newspaper kiosk on the corner of 31st street and got a pack for $16. SIXTEEN DOLLARS, enough is enough I though so I stopped.During my agony of withdrawal I still had a pack safely stashed away in my coat pocket in case of an emergency and always carried my lighter… everyday for over two years, but finally it is over.

January 29, 2022…six years and counting…