"Imagine all the people living life in peace. You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one.
I hope someday you'll join us, and the world will be as one. "
~John Lennon


Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Smoke, Smoke, Smoke That Cigarette



Yes, I used to smoke. Never got to the three pack a day habit, not even two packs. And I did not want a cigarette as soon as I opened my eyes in the morning. I have to say, I liked the really small cigars, sweet tasting. At one time I even had a small gold glittery pipe and I liked cherry blend tobacco.

June 1981 I said goodbye to smoking. My kids were relieved. Probably not as much as my lungs were though. I was still playing tennis often and it didn't take me long to notice how much better I played after I stopped smoking.

Now I am one the people who do not like the smell of cigarette smoke, don't want to stand near someone who is smoking, and can detect the smell of cigarette smoke on people's clothes and hair. I try not to be a nuisance as I do believe we each have a right to make our own decisions.

When I moved into my apartment six months ago, I would catch a whiff of old cigarette smell when I opened the apartment door. Then I learned that the senior woman who occupied this apartment was a chain smoker. She had ash trays in every room. She smoked in bed. Yikes. Apparently, the apartment manager and the maintenance man spent many hours trying to "de-louse" (what is the word for getting rid of cigarette odors) and then the place was painted and new carpet and kitchen and bathroom flooring installed. It takes time to replace old scents with new ones. Finally, this place smells like home. I must say, I like my smells better!

13 comments:

Ms. A said...

It's nearly impossible to entirely get rid of the smell, especially if you have central air. It can hang in the duct work forever.

Liz Mays said...

What is it with the stickiness of that odor? It just fuses with everything!

LL Cool Joe said...

I can't stand the smell of smoke at all, but I love the smell of a bonfire. :)

Rock Chef said...

The smell of smoke really does cling to everything and I am sure it lasts longer than nuclear fallout :-)

Adam said...

it's what led to my father's lung cancer that killed him.

DJan said...

It is a nasty habit, but at one time most of us of a certain age took it up. I'm so glad you are a free woman today! Me, too!! :-)

CiCi said...

Ms A, this place does have central air. I have sprayed Lysol into the vents!

Liz, indeed the smell sticks to everything, hangs like a cloud over in into hair and clothes.

Joey, the smell of a bonfire is a great scent. It isn't like the smell of burning nicotine.

RC, unfortunately, the smell of smoke does linger. Do you think that smokers are immune to it, don't realize how strong it is? I didn't know it when I smoked.

Adam, I am so sorry about your father. I hope that watching him struggle with cancer has made you strong in resisting smoking.

DJan, way back then smoking was not considered a nasty habit. When I watch old movies most of the people are smoking in them. Gads. How different it is now.

Abby said...

That "old smoke" smell can be worse than someone smoking a cigarette right next to you. I'm glad it's fading in your apartment!

Hilary said...

I sure can relate to this post.

I also smoked my last cigarette in June (the 10th) of 1981 and like you, can't tolerate the smell of the smoke any longer. We've been house hunting recently, and just a couple of days ago walked into a home that smelled so intensely of smoke that I couldn't even look at the home. I was in there for less than a minute and my hair smelled well into the night.

I'm glad you quit when you did. Gladder still that I did.

terri said...

It's hard to believe that anyone still smokes indoors. I've stayed in hotels where the only room available was a smoking room. It's hard for a non-smoker to live with the smoke smell!

Brian Miller said...

ha i like the storm drain....smiles...ugh what a nasty habit....and hard to quick for sure...much props to those that do...

A Cuban In London said...

I've never smoked in my life, so I completely dig your post. Luckily I married a woman who doesn't smoke either. Here's hoping our children follow our example.

Many thanks.

Greetings from London.

Lisa said...

What an effort put in to rid of the smell. I can imagine the sweet smell of your home CiCi.

CiCi, I'm back blogging full-blown :) and have changed my blog name to the world as I see it! The address remains the same.