Smoke Break
Ever since college, I've had a certain affection towards nicotine. Cigars, pipes, cigarettes - I had them all. I have to admit, I didn't smoke because I needed nicotine or a stress reliever or anything like that. Instead it was more like trying on an accessory to a lifestyle. I loved the trappings of of the foodie lifestyle and, since I hung my identity on it, I naturally embraced the accessories. Cigars, major accessory. After a good meal, there was always time to enjoy a scotch and a cigar.Moving from the IT world to the world of a cook, things go decidedly downscale. Instead of cigars, you smoke Parliment lights. Instead of a scotch, you might enjoy a High Life (the champange of beers). The best part is, there's nothing wrong with that. In fact, sometimes, it's better than the cigar and scotch.
However, where it goes wrong is when the nicotine becomes part of your life, not in "I'm an addict" sort of way (because anyone who ever smoked regularly is an addict in some way, shape or form) but instead, more of "It's part of my daily life" kind of way. Now admittely, for a line cook, this is a useful tool. After all, what better excuse for a break is there than, "I'm going outside for a smoke?"
The break is worth it. But the rest of it? Not so much. My fingers reek, my clothes smell, I'm left with a foul taste in my mouth, I'm wasting money on cigarettes. And I'm left with this lingering feeling of "why the fuck do I want to do this?" So I cut back, stop buying, and now, when the occasional stressors just become too much, I'll bum a smoke. And what happens? Since I'm using them less and less, my system doesn't tolerate the toxins, to the point where I'll get dizzy spells.
That is definitely not worth it.
Not to say I'll stop completely. The next time I'm out at a bar with a friend who has a pack and we're in the process of getting sloshed, more than likely I'll bum one. Cigarettes and beer? They're just like peas and carrots.
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