SIP & PUFF
HOW I got indoctrinated into smoking is still a vivid in my mind. Some where way back in 1982 when my friend visited me @ Blore in search of a job after finishing his MSW course he stayed with me for a week. He was a chain smoker and the hep brand was CAPSTAN. He had a nice explanation for the abbreviation, can a person screw thrice a night and the answer lies in the reverse. No after three screws p….. automatically collapses LOL
I latched on to the bandwagon of smokers, we used to find thrill in smoking a few puffs silently eluding our parents. Of course, I was busy with cricket and college life to make it a habit. It is only after joining a professional set up, and with the freedom of bachelorhood smoking became a habit. Most of the marketing personnel tend to fall into the trap since there are no bosses to fear in the field. Dealers and distributors are happy to share their cigarettes with you. In fact they find it a hospitable gesture to fetch you a cup of coffee and a cigarette. Lol.
How did I get into boozing. Being a cricketer, I was called for a party at KSCA cricket stadium by our club members. They wanted me to taste Beer, and it was UB. I sipped and found it too bitter for my taste buds. I refused to consume. My friend, an anglo, come man don t be sissy. He suggested and ordered lemonade to be mixed along with beer. It was so lovely, I drank it like a soft drink. I liked the combo so much that whenever I was offered beer I ordered for lemonade to be added. It gave a sweet and effervescent. One day my dad encourage me to sip a beer at KSCA and I got the official license to drink. My dad had stopped drinking.
Once I got into marketing without SIP AND PUFF we used to feel out of place. Our boss used to goad us for party time. We used to take turns to treat each other. Life sailed along even though the job was ever sapping traveling across the length and breadth of the country. High calorie provided by the booze fuelled our travel. Professionally we did not shirk our responsibility. Of course we sought company of colleagues who were drinkers as an automatic choice. The official conferences were sponsored with cocktail parties. It became the Hep thing to smoke and drink.
Looking back the habit which began in 1982 was difficult to really get rid off. I was advised by my parents to give up smoking. After marriage my wife kept on goading to give up smoking. I thought they were snatching away my freedom. I continued and my professional circle was filled with SIP and PUFF Company.
I tried unsuccessfully to get rid of the habit in 1998, 1999, 2000, 2002 & 2006 but I was unsuccessful. I was diagnosed as diabetic in 2002, after reading articles on the side effects of smoking if was firmly convinced that smoking is a real killer. The destruction it causes on the gums is irreversible. Last year when I saw my friend’s father suffering from lung cancer. I decided that no more smoking. But the withdrawal symptoms are really difficult to tide over.
I don t think any medication or tablets really helps to kick the habit of sipping and puffing. There is a brain surgery to get rid of drinking, and it works wonders. Basically, it is all about will power and one has to divert one’s attention to some real good hobbies. I found photography, blogging, driving, chatting with friends as real anchors. One has to kick the habit of munching too which adds weight. Thus ends the saga of my puffing. I am on the threshold of giving up drinking too by consuming 90% water and 10% alcohol. I am sure I will overcome this habit too in due course. Well what is the next best thing to do. It is better to concentrate on Inter-course with your partner. Of course. LOL.
