I just have this to say, on religion, having read today's and many other posts and readings, all in all (including the Bible and the teachings of Buddha, but not, pardon me Genghis, the Koran, just yet)...

I just have this to say:  Can we not all agree that not one of us, not ANY of us, has the true answer, the solution, the solid story, the perfect proof, the total insight, the complete and honest outlook, the irrefutable evidence, to prove anything?

And, with that, may I just add, that it's okay for each of us to have our own beliefs, and to know that those beliefs are personal and hard to hand on to anyone else?  Because each perspective is different, as is each person, and each religion, and each upbringing, and each individual experience?

And so, with that being said, can't we all just agree that life is incredible, and we should thank whatever brought it to us, and be done with that?

Amen.  Can I get an amen?

Thanks.

Tomorrow, a post on the wonders of playdoh (love that salty flavor, no matter the color), and paper dolls.  I promise.

In Dickday's most recent post, he provided a long list of topics for us all to choose from in order to create some nonsensical and non-political posts.  Needless to say, the posts have ended up political in nature and they make sense -- go figure.

Because of a certain situation having to do with gum disease, I chose Dick's question "What is that smell, is it merely a cigarette ash burning into my PJ's?"

More on the gum disease in a moment, though.  First, I'd like to start a fundraiser in order to buy Dick a new pair of plaid pajama pants, and a matching plaid pajama top.  These do not come with cigarette burns in them. 

Kidding aside, smoking is a very serious and sometimes touchy subject.  Dick should know, because he himself is having trouble affording his beloved habit.  In response to his griping in this post of his, many TPM'ers suggested to him that he just up and quit.  Just like that.  They offered all sorts of reasons, helpful advice and encouragement.  However, SleepinJeezus - himself a former smoker - took quite a different take on the situation and I keep finding myself pondering his thoughtful comment as I myself now toy with the question:  To quit or not to quit?

I once quit smoking, back in the late 90's, cold turkey, because I'd been told by a nurse practitioner that I was diagnosed with emphysema, aka COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease).  Scared for my health, I gladly threw away my cigarettes and stopped smoking for a good three months straight.  I even joined an emphysema support group and became not only an activist on their behalf, but also their state representative for California for a time.  Even after being told by my doctor that a mistake had been made in the diagnosis due to a faulty chest x-ray, and that I actually had very healthy lungs with 98% breathing capacity and no sign of emphysema, I continued to be a non-smoker and continued my work with emphysema.net, up until I had a huge and stressful fight with my ex-boyfriend and found myself craving a cigarette more than anything under the sun.  Unfortunately, I caved, and have since been a smoker to this day.

Well, getting back to the gum disease....this past week I went to the dentist about a loose tooth that seemed to be abscessed, and after taking x-rays the dentist referred me to a periodontist.  I met the periodontist on Monday and she promptly told me I have severe gum disease and it's most likely due to a combination of three factors:  1) my mother passed it on to me, 2) my dental hygiene is not up to par, and 3) smoking exacerbates the condition.  Now, I can't change my genes, but I can improve my dental hygiene and I can quit smoking.

Needless to say, on Monday I decided right away to quit.  Two days later, however, I've discovered that I'm still not 100% attached to this idea yet.  As SleepinJeezus said so eloquently and as Dick has expressed repeatedly, if one is not quite ready to quit yet, one should not force it because you're most likely bound to fail.  Believe, me, I am seriously considering the thought of quitting this year, I just know in my heart of hearts that I am not quite ready yet to let go of my habit yet. 

Those of you who wish to quit smoking, I gladly give you my support, encouragement and best wishes.  Those of you who want to know more about emphysema and COPD, please peruse the pages at emphysema.net because it's one of the best support groups out there. 

Those of you who feel like I do right now, who just aren't yet ready to quit even though you know you probably should, well, you have my utmost commiseration and support.  Those of you who don't agree, please don't waste your breath yelling at me to save mine.  When I'm ready, I'll know it.  Thanks for your understanding.  And Dickday, thanks for a great post.  It's really made me think.