I QUIT

And in this entry whose genesis was last night's dream, I'll tell you how.

When I started college, I was 17 years old and not at all ready to leave home for Viet Nam. I chucked my plans to attend Murray State University and instead chose MTV Community College on the campus of MTV High School. Long story shortened, I started smoking and drinking coffee. I had to prove that I was no longer in high school, though almost all of my classes shared high school facilities.

I smoked Marlboros just like Paul Hornung for 23 more years. Yet it seems so strange to me that I ever smoked. I always was very sensitive to smoke, yet I indulged smoking one plus pack per day, nearly two on weekends. But here's how to quit.

First, there is no weaning away. There is no medication or gimmick. Just quit. Yep, cold turkey.

I had finished talking to my mom on the phone. I stubbed out my last Marly. I announced to my wife, "I just quit smoking." I continued, "Just leave the pack, my lighter and the ash tray there by the phone, but I'm done."

And I was. About 5 days later I threw out the evidences of my smoking career. Never have I had another. Never the urge.

The second smokeless night I was awakened by a cold sweat. I guess it was the nicotine oozing out of me. But that was it.

I started jogging. Up to 1,200 miles one year. Two years of 1,000 more. I guess it took that long for my lungs to get cleared out.

If you're hooked, you can do it. Hey, if Mr. OuttaControl can do it, believe me, you can too. Besides never, ever starting to smoke, the only thing I'd do differently in my approach would be to take it to God first. Stupidly, I didn't, thinking I was in control and would let God handle the more important stuff. Not realizing He was in it all along and He is concerned and caring about every detail in our lives.

Don't wait a couple of days for the New Year; do it now. Or if you must, then celebrate January 4--the day I quit.