Opinion

Confessions of a smoker trying to quit

Warning: Reading this column may be hazardous to your health.
But I hope not.
I could empathize with President-elect Obama when reading about his “falling off the wagon” comment in response to being asked whether he had successfully quit smoking.
As a fellow on-again, off-again smoker, I could relate.
Like millions of others, I couldn’t begin to count how many times I have fallen off the wagon. The important thing, I suppose, is to keep climbing back on.
So, don’t worry, Mr. President-elect, you are not alone.
I started smoking (cigarettes as well as the “funny” kind) during my rebellious youth. I was probably about 15 when I started smoking. Hey, it was the ‘70s, that’s just what we did. Marlboro Lights still give me a flashback to my high school days.
But I kicked the smoking habit prior to my senior year of high school. I didn’t smoke another cigarette for probably 15 or 20 years.
Even then, it was only on rare occasion that I smoked.
But when I went through my divorce, I started smoking again. Smoking was like a comfort food. It calmed my nerves. It relaxed me.
And all along, I thought, if I want to quit, I can. No problem.
Boy, was I wrong.
Quitting smoking was hard. I don’t know how many times I said to myself, “OK, this is my last cigarette. Really. I mean it this time.”
When I started trying to quit, I could maybe go a few days without smoking. Then it stretched into weeks. Then months. Every now and then, though, I would give in.
If you’ve been a smoker, you know there are certain situations or times of day you associate with having a cigarette. I enjoyed having a cigarette with a cup of coffee, or after a meal, or if I was socializing with friends.
And smoking was a stress-reliever. For example, if I had a confrontation with my ex-wife over money or the kids, the first thing I would want to do is reach for a cigarette. It settled me down.
Neither of my parents was a smoker, ever. But both of my grandfathers were. My sister has been a smoker, too. And, like me, she’s quit, several times.
I have to admit, I enjoy tobacco. So, as an alternative to smoking cigarettes, I started smoking cigars (at least you don’t inhale those and they smell better). At the end of a long day, my “reward” is to unwind with a good cigar.
Any smoker will tell you he or she is aware there is a health hazard associated with smoking. Public education about the risks of smoking is so much better now than when I was growing up. Yet we all know people who smoked and lived to a ripe old age. As a cigar smoker, I can point to some of the famous cigar smokers — Winston Churchill, George Burns, Red Auerbach. They all lived a long life.
Then I think about my friend from high school who died of a brain aneurysm. She was 49. She never smoked. To me, it just goes to show, smoker, or non-smoker, we all have our “time” to go.
I’m sure, if you’ve never been a smoker, it’s hard to understand how difficult it can be to quit smoking. But if you are a “recovering” smoker, like me, it makes perfect sense.
I’ve known people who one day decided to quit, and that was it. They never smoked again.
I don’t have that much willpower. Because, like Mr. Obama, I have fallen off the wagon. I’ve made New Year’s resolutions. I’ve told people I was quitting, thinking that would make me more accountable. Yet, I don’t know how many times I have bought a pack of cigarettes, smoked five or six or seven cigarettes, and thrown away the rest of the pack. I’ve repeated that pattern countless times. It’s a waste of money, but at least it’s better than smoking the whole pack.
For me, quitting smoking is done incrementally, one step at a time, one day at a time. And, hopefully, the days will turn into weeks, then months, and so on.
So, Mr. President-elect, don’t despair. While non-smokers may question your resolve to stop smoking, people like me who know what it’s like to fall off the wagon can certainly relate to what you’re going through.
I’m pulling for you.
n n n
Recently, I received a phone call from a woman in Meeker asking if I was aware if there had been any reports of seismic activity in the area.
“We felt something at our house,” said the woman, who lives on 12th Street. “I had totally spaced it out until a co-worker said she felt something major at her house, and another co-worker said she heard something at her house, not so much felt it.”
So, I checked with the Rio Blanco County Sheriff’s Office to ask if there had been any reports of an earthquake. Undersheriff Mike Joos said, “Nothing I know about. Nobody has called us about it.”
Then I sent an e-mail to the National Earthquake Information Center in Golden. I received a response from John Bellini with the U.S. Geological Survey.
“We have not recorded any activity in that part of the state for some time,” Bellini said. “Your report is the only one we have heard from up there recently and have not detected anything as of late.”
n n n
Rio Blanco County is waiting to hear whether the Colorado Supreme Court will hear its case with ExxonMobil involving collection of use tax on construction and building materials.
Officials estimate the potential impact to the county to be $10.3 million. The county has set aside the money in reserve, just in case.
“It’s my understanding, should the supreme court hear/review the county’s use tax case and find in favor of the county, that we do not have to refund any of the previously collected use tax revenues and the county can continue to collect use tax revenues on construction materials,” said County Administrator Pat Hooker. “The $11 million we have set aside in reserves will be available to the county to meet other expenditure needs.
“Should the supreme court not find in our favor, the county will be forced to look at other sources of potential revenue to make up this loss of use tax revenues,” Hooker said. “We’re anticipating hearing from the supreme court yet this month, if they will be hearing our case. Our outside legal counsel is still optimistic that the county will prevail in this case.”
n n n
I was walking by the Meeker Hotel last Friday when I heard a tap at the window. It was Dessa Linsley, Rio Blanco County Extension agent, and she was wearing a wedding dress.
I had known Dessa was getting married, but I didn’t know when. So I went inside the hotel lobby and ended up taking some photos. Dessa was all smiles, as usual, and was thrilled it was snowing outside. Turns out she had wanted it to snow on her wedding day. She got her wish.
Congratulations to Dessa and her hubby, local rancher Brett Watson.
n n n
Brett, I discovered later, is the brother of Rangely volleyball and girls’ basketball coach Jimmie Mergleman. I continue to be amazed at how everybody around here is related or connected, or so it seems.
n n n
Bill Hawes, who has been collecting fossils in Rio Blanco County for 20 years, called me after I wrote a story about him for the newspaper.
“That was a good story,” he said. “You only got one thing wrong: my age. I am 58, not 56.”
Maybe he should have thanked me.

Jeff Burkhead is editor of the Herald Times. You may e-mail him at [email protected].

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  • It's that time again! Another edition of great local news stories is 
🐰 Hopping 🐰 your way this morning! Catch up on everything thats 🐣 hatching 🐣 in Rio Blanco County this week.
Need a copy? Signing up is fast and easy! Visit our website at ht1885.com/subscribe to get a copy sent to your door every week! 
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  • It’s getting late, do you know where your kids are? Read all the Rio Happenings for this week in print or online at ht1885.com.
  • Mormon crickets have hatched near Rangely. They were all sighted on BLM land north of Hwy. 64 near the junction of CR 96 and CR 1, down a dirt road near the Moffat County line.  The picture shown was taken yesterday by Mary Meinen from Rangely. She says the crickets are about the size of a ladybug (less than 1/2”). Some of them are actually yellow in color but most of them are darker. They are milling around and getting ready to start moving soon. Note: Photo is not to scale.
Rio Blanco County and the White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts are still asking for your help to identify additional hatch-outs of crickets so that control efforts can be put in place. The success of the program will highly depend upon local landowners and the public helping to locate crickets as soon as they hatch.  See last week’s paper for a list of ways to help or contact the County Weed & Pest District at 970-878-9670 or the Conservation District office at 970-878-9838 with any questions. Website: www.WhiteRiverCD.com
  • Read part three of the story of M.T. Streeter in this week’s edition of History Lessons! Find it in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
  • Meeker FFA Chapter members competed at the District Leadership Development Event in Craig, Colorado, this month. Top row from left to right: Eva Scritchfield, Charlie Rogers, Alan Rivera, Trent Sanders, Koy Weber, Orion Musser, Said Rodriguez, Carlos Carrillo, Aidan Tapia, Hayden Garcia, Tristan Rollins, Mathew Willey, Quentin Simpson. Middle row: Sidney Keetch, Aurora Stallings, Sydnie Ross, Ava Nay, Lili Piper, Leah Wood. Bottom Row: Jaicee Simmons, Kailynn Watson, Cody Richardson, Kayla Castillo, Braydin Raley, Autumn Stallings, Aimee Shults, Emily Hamm. Read the full story online at ht1885.com.
  • Choose-your-own-adventure…. Hear from our Editor in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
  • A crew from the Flat Tops Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation joined forces last summer to remove obsolete fences to improve habitat for wildlife. Read the full story and the foundation’s update from their 30th Anniversary meeting in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
  • Black Sulphur Tavern held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for their new business at 364 Seventh St. The space has been renovated with several TVs and games and provides a fun, friendly atmosphere to watch your favorite sports team and enjoy a burger and wings. Owners Frank Maestas and Pat Maestas are pictured with their new staff and Chamber of Commerce representatives Stephanie Hanson, Trudy Burri and Margie Joy. Follow Black Sulphur Tavern on Facebook. Their hours are Wednesday and Thursday 3-9 p.m., Friday 3 p.m. - 1 a.m., Saturday 11-1 a.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to midnight.
  • The winning teams and individuals for the 18th annual White River Community Association Buy-Fly Fishing Tournament are as follows. Individual top weight catch was Dave Metrovich and longest fish was Kevin Massey. First place team won by Rio Blanco Abstract: Erik Eckman, Adam Parrett, Dave Metrovich and Wayne Kirkpatrick. Second place team was Drake Consulting: Travis Kaiser, John Douglas, Tony Bartolomucci and Bob Brandeberry. Third place team Mr. Rogers and the Hood (accepted by Doug Rogers) Gary Rogers, Mark Beauchamp, Kyle Schutte and Rick Gunter. The white fish have been frozen and will be served at the annual White River Community Association fish fry fundraiser in June.
It's that time again! Another edition of great local news stories is 
🐰 Hopping 🐰 your way this morning! Catch up on everything thats 🐣 hatching 🐣 in Rio Blanco County this week.
Need a copy? Signing up is fast and easy! Visit our website at ht1885.com/subscribe to get a copy sent to your door every week! 
We appreciate all your continued support!
It's that time again! Another edition of great local news stories is 🐰 Hopping 🐰 your way this morning! Catch up on everything thats 🐣 hatching 🐣 in Rio Blanco County this week. Need a copy? Signing up is fast and easy! Visit our website at ht1885.com/subscribe to get a copy sent to your door every week! We appreciate all your continued support!
3 hours ago
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It’s getting late, do you know where your kids are? Read all the Rio Happenings for this week in print or online at ht1885.com.
It’s getting late, do you know where your kids are? Read all the Rio Happenings for this week in print or online at ht1885.com.
2 days ago
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Mormon crickets have hatched near Rangely. They were all sighted on BLM land north of Hwy. 64 near the junction of CR 96 and CR 1, down a dirt road near the Moffat County line.  The picture shown was taken yesterday by Mary Meinen from Rangely. She says the crickets are about the size of a ladybug (less than 1/2”). Some of them are actually yellow in color but most of them are darker. They are milling around and getting ready to start moving soon. Note: Photo is not to scale.
Rio Blanco County and the White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts are still asking for your help to identify additional hatch-outs of crickets so that control efforts can be put in place. The success of the program will highly depend upon local landowners and the public helping to locate crickets as soon as they hatch.  See last week’s paper for a list of ways to help or contact the County Weed & Pest District at 970-878-9670 or the Conservation District office at 970-878-9838 with any questions. Website: www.WhiteRiverCD.com
Mormon crickets have hatched near Rangely. They were all sighted on BLM land north of Hwy. 64 near the junction of CR 96 and CR 1, down a dirt road near the Moffat County line. The picture shown was taken yesterday by Mary Meinen from Rangely. She says the crickets are about the size of a ladybug (less than 1/2”). Some of them are actually yellow in color but most of them are darker. They are milling around and getting ready to start moving soon. Note: Photo is not to scale. Rio Blanco County and the White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts are still asking for your help to identify additional hatch-outs of crickets so that control efforts can be put in place. The success of the program will highly depend upon local landowners and the public helping to locate crickets as soon as they hatch. See last week’s paper for a list of ways to help or contact the County Weed & Pest District at 970-878-9670 or the Conservation District office at 970-878-9838 with any questions. Website: www.WhiteRiverCD.com
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Read part three of the story of M.T. Streeter in this week’s edition of History Lessons! Find it in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
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Meeker FFA Chapter members competed at the District Leadership Development Event in Craig, Colorado, this month. Top row from left to right: Eva Scritchfield, Charlie Rogers, Alan Rivera, Trent Sanders, Koy Weber, Orion Musser, Said Rodriguez, Carlos Carrillo, Aidan Tapia, Hayden Garcia, Tristan Rollins, Mathew Willey, Quentin Simpson. Middle row: Sidney Keetch, Aurora Stallings, Sydnie Ross, Ava Nay, Lili Piper, Leah Wood. Bottom Row: Jaicee Simmons, Kailynn Watson, Cody Richardson, Kayla Castillo, Braydin Raley, Autumn Stallings, Aimee Shults, Emily Hamm. Read the full story online at ht1885.com.
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Choose-your-own-adventure…. Hear from our Editor in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
Choose-your-own-adventure…. Hear from our Editor in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
4 days ago
View on Instagram |
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A crew from the Flat Tops Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation joined forces last summer to remove obsolete fences to improve habitat for wildlife. Read the full story and the foundation’s update from their 30th Anniversary meeting in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
A crew from the Flat Tops Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation joined forces last summer to remove obsolete fences to improve habitat for wildlife. Read the full story and the foundation’s update from their 30th Anniversary meeting in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
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View on Instagram |
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Black Sulphur Tavern held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for their new business at 364 Seventh St. The space has been renovated with several TVs and games and provides a fun, friendly atmosphere to watch your favorite sports team and enjoy a burger and wings. Owners Frank Maestas and Pat Maestas are pictured with their new staff and Chamber of Commerce representatives Stephanie Hanson, Trudy Burri and Margie Joy. Follow Black Sulphur Tavern on Facebook. Their hours are Wednesday and Thursday 3-9 p.m., Friday 3 p.m. - 1 a.m., Saturday 11-1 a.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to midnight.
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The winning teams and individuals for the 18th annual White River Community Association Buy-Fly Fishing Tournament are as follows. Individual top weight catch was Dave Metrovich and longest fish was Kevin Massey. First place team won by Rio Blanco Abstract: Erik Eckman, Adam Parrett, Dave Metrovich and Wayne Kirkpatrick. Second place team was Drake Consulting: Travis Kaiser, John Douglas, Tony Bartolomucci and Bob Brandeberry. Third place team Mr. Rogers and the Hood (accepted by Doug Rogers) Gary Rogers, Mark Beauchamp, Kyle Schutte and Rick Gunter. The white fish have been frozen and will be served at the annual White River Community Association fish fry fundraiser in June.
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