You know, it seems as if I shouldn't even say anything, but I quit smoking again today.

I've been down this road so many times, and you've heard it all before, but I've got to keep trying until I get it right.

I was having a conversation with a friend about religion, and he said something to me that stuck. He said, "I look at devout christians the way I look at pack-a-day smokers. As stupid as it is, some people just need it."

As much as I hated to admit it, he hit the nail right on the head. I have been doing something for so many years that I know is the most idiotic thing I could do for my health. I've been ignoring rationality and logic and all those things I call for in other people. I've been the worst kind of hypocrite.

Well, no more. Between that one realization, Peter Jenning's quick death from lung cancer, and my own deteriorating health, I just can't justify it to myself anymore.

So here we go. The cigarettes got thrown out last night and I pulled out my left-over nicorette to help me, but I'm off the butts.

I've been so dumb. Thanks Lon.

Joseph Haines, signing off from The Edge of The Abyss.