Strollerderby

Oh man, how timely.  I'm 44 yrs old.  My parents (both) smoked like chimneys growing up.  (Let's not forget the day long car trips with the windows ROLLED UP.)  I smoked a bit, not that much.  I was recently diagnosed with asthma a few years ago.  The last month or two have been excruciating.  I've had bronchitis for much of that time.  I've been on 5 different inhalers, 2 cough medicines (one narcotic) and antibiotics.  Did I mention my 3 yr old?  It's been all I can do to wake up in the mornings some days!

My mother, sarcastically, asked if I thought this was due to growing up with smokers.  I said probably not, etc. all nicey nicey thinking, hey it's probably nothing to do with that.  You always hear about the smoker who dies at 107 yrs old and then the super healthy person who never smoked who gets lung cancer.  Isn't that what people always bring up??  Well, I think this sort of information does put a nail in the coffin so to speak.  It makes perfect sense actually.  Let me add that I am not angry or bitter (just sarcastic but that has nothing to do with my parent's smoking).  

Do not let people smoke around your kids.  It's just not fair to them.

I think it is a bit much to equate the experience of growing up in the same house a multiple-packs-per-day smokers to once in a while having a friend have a cigarette outside your house. Your kids breathe higher concentrations of toxins from the car and industrial fumes everywhere in our world.

Bean's dad, it depends on where you live.  Besides, I think there's a higer rate that can be linked to smoking with illnesses in children and adults.  I used to smoke, I knew it was bad, but at least I tried to not affect others.  I think that's the point of it, if you are going to smoke, that's cool, it's your choice, just don't put your smoke in someone else's face.

I realize there are a lot of smokers out there who do not seem to pay a smidge of attention to the people around them, but I'm not one of them.  I'm sorry if your kids see me smoking outside my car in the parking lot at the grocery store, but if you're parked right next to me I'm going to go around the other side.  If you're walking down the street I am going to attempt to avoid your kids.  I avoid my own kids.  They know that I smoke, just like I knew my mom did.  Yeah, my mom smoked in the house and in the car with me all the time, and that's probably why I smoke, or at least part of it.  I'm sure teenage rebellion and an addictive personality are part of the reason as well.  I don't smoke in my house or in my vehicle, I don't smoke near open windows or upwind if I can help it.  I will gladly stand in the rain or put out my cigarette if I am bothering someone.  I realize it's a disgusting habit and that it offends people and smells awful, but unfortunately that's the nature of addiction.  Just because it smells doesn't make it any easier to stop.  One thing I am glad about is that if your child does see me smoking, it will give you a great opportunity to talk to them about why it is not a good choice.  And if they don't believe you, have them come ask me!  I'll put out my cigarette and tell them what addiction is like, and how sad it would make me to see any kids smoking.