shaking my jones

my dad is like a walking scared-straight for smokers. he's 82 now, and for something like 50 yrs, he burned 4 packs of winstons a day, like some weird incense (prolly smoked at least 2 1/2). he quit 10 yrs ago and his lungs still rattle constantly. i figured my own urge to smoke was triggered by proximity to work, musos, and alcohol (i started smoking cigs around the time i started playing in bands, initially to "disguise" the smell of weed and so i'd have an excuse to have matches 'n' ashtrays in my room) so if i took a wk off from work and two wks off from playing, i might be able to wean myself off the habit. so far so good. i was in the bar for a minute last night and didn't get the urge. kitty case suggested i chew toothpicks instead. will try that out at stooge prac this sunday, then at the jam and stoogeaphilia show next wk.