Real Men Don't Drink Smoothies!

If you smoke after sex … You’re probably not doing it right -- at least that’s what I’ve heard.

First thing in the morning, with my coffee… Afternoon breaks… After big meals… With a cold brew in the evening… The last smoke of the day … And yes, even after sex … There are so many ‘triggers’ we can associate with enjoying a cigarette, it’s been difficult to alter every single part of my day to accommodate my new life.

Instead of my usual half pot of coffee in the morning (approximately four full cups) I now have about two cups of instant -- I know, most smokers probably find instant coffee about as disgusting as non-smokers find a dirty ashtray but for such a small amount of coffee it’s just easier.

Come mid-day, instead of grabbing a coca-cola and walking out on the side-walk for a smoke, I now just walk. I’m still pretty agitated, still feeling some anxiety so getting up and taking a walk a few blocks down and back really seems to help.

Bar-b-que in the evening was tough last night though … I so much wanted to light the grill, crack open a cold one, sit back on the Adirondack and enjoy by beer and cig while I waited for the charcoals to be ready.

I’ve been able to practice “replacement therapy” in most situations. …

The other day, while at a business meeting at a local coffee house, instead of a nice afternoon café latté, I decided to try one of their ‘iced’ beverages. Not knowing what to get, I let the young lady behind the counter fix me one of her favorites.

Admittedly, it was pretty good -- I enjoyed it. Maybe this can be my new occasional, afternoon treat. I asked the cashier what it was called? … Under normal circumstances I don’t have insecurities about other’s perceptions of my manhood -- but I do think I’m going to feel funny asking for an ‘Iced, White Bunny with a shot of strawberry”!

A couple of months ago, while on one of my short trips to Chicago -- This time in Oak Park to be exact. I stayed at a hotel just around the corner from the Frank Lloyd Wright House. A short walk from there, under the L, is a fabulous little coffee shop where I could pick up a House Blend (two sugars), along with my complimentary USA Today from the hotel, I’d sit in courtyard of the shopping district enjoying my paper, coffee and cigarettes... Love It!

Am I now supposed to see if they serve smoothies?