zh.....I know what you mean about the soapbox and people don't believe it when they start smoking but they will regret it. They just do it because everyone else does or to be cool or whatever the reason may be. But you regret it because like any other drug, you have to fight that temptation every day. Some days are easier.

Now I'm not going to get on my soapbox but I sure do like the sound of that EX-SMOKER....

And you're right about the health issues, they swayed my decision and in a way, really, I'm not sorry that I went through it because I am now working on getting better and feeling better physically by the day. It's one of those "blessings in disguise" things I keep hearing about. Ofcourse, I wish I hadn't had a pulmonary embolus and I hope I NEVER get another one, but something good did come out of it and that makes all the difference in recovery --- it wasn't for nothing.

***hugs*** you made me feel so much better!!!!

Take care,
Kimberly
aka Ex-smoker