On an average Bourke Accounting workday, I’m up by 4:30 AM. I don’t leave the house until 7:30, but I like drawn-out, non-rushed mornings. I sit on my back porch, drink coffee (I just bought some nice chicory) look at the moon, plan out my day and, um, yeah, smoke cigarettes.

I know, I know, I know. Cigarette smoking is about as retro and attractive as heading off to the opium den – and just as healthy.

I’m not a stupid person (usually). I am aware of the risks presented by smoking. I know the toll it takes on teeth and skin; I know about the myriad of internal organs negatively affected by the filthy habit. I also know that smoking isn’t a good look at work. For example, Bookkeeper Christina had a question for me the other day. Annnd I was out enjoying a smoke. While Christina was understanding, it made me feel bad that I wasn’t there when she needed me. Also, Bill doesn’t really like the smell of smoke. If a staff meeting is on the schedule, I make sure to get my cig in at least a half hour beforehand, as Bill becomes nauseous when exposed to the lingering aroma of Marlboros (and if you’ve ever met Bill, you know he can be quite vocal when displeased).

So, I pay around $6.00 a day to dodge my boss and rearrange plans. That six bucks also provides me with lovely fits of wake-up coughing and bucolic wheezing on hikes. Finally, my (new) car smells like a wet ashtray and there are gray smudges inside and out. What am I doing here?

For most smokers, sucking up that gentle cocktail of formaldehyde and arsenic isn’t just a convenient way to get that nicotine-addled monkey off our backs; instead, smoking is a way of life. Hungry and dinner is three hours away? Smoke. Sad? Smoke. Happy? Well, you get the point. It doesn’t matter if we picked up the habit decades earlier while attempting to look cooler or more mature, the reality is that we are now hopelessly addicted.

Smoking simply isn’t good for us. However, considering our current situation, smoking is more harmful to us Marlboro People than ever before. It’s no secret that “smoking suppresses immune function in the lungs” and increases the risk of influenza (Scientificamerican.com). Since the Coronavirus attacks the lungs, we smokers have put ourselves behind the eight ball before the game even started.

I love smoking, I always have. I am a natural born smoker. As much as I love it, I think now is a good time to kick the habit. Obviously, undoing the years of damage is going to take a minute, but after 24 hours without a smoky treat, the risk of heart attack is greatly diminished (Healthline.com). In addition, after two weeks, lung function can increase by as much as 30 percent (Healthline.com). I don’t know how I’m going to do it yet – and I guarantee that my co-workers will hate me, as I will be difficult – but it’s time for me to give up the ghost and the smoke. Although Rome wasn’t built in a day, I’ve grown tired of burning it down every single day. Fellow Smokers: wish me the greatest of luck, please.

The customer is always right. If you walk in smelling of Philip Morris’ sweet, sweet adulterated tobacco leaves, you won’t receive dirty looks from your Bourke Accounting bookkeeper or tax preparer (not even Bill!). While Bourke Accounting wants you to be healthy and happy, our great guidance doesn’t extend to your personal habits. Bourke Accounting offers the very best in financial services, and we want to be able to provide that to you for many years to come.

Come see us any time. Our number is 502-451-8773 and don’t forget to visit our website at www.bourkeaccounting.com. See You Soon!

Written by Sue