Butting-Out Date

Next month contains an anniversary, of sorts. I remember it as the month I quit smoking. For many years I was a pack-a-day smoker. Although, it was easy to recall starting the habit, I was looking all around on my PC to figure out when stopped. I did know that it was after moving into this apartment. One February day, I stepped out on to the balcony and took my last drag. I just couldn't seem to recollect which year that puff took place.

I searched.

MS Money didn't have records of my buying nicotine patches and Zyban. Even though the data from closed, old accounts is still available, it lacks a search feature. I gave up.

Then, I went through some photos. I found the following picture in a series of a dozen photos entitled SMOKE FREE DAY. It was with friends at Uncle Willy's Buffet at Lougheed in Burnaby. I know this was when I offered to take people out on the anniversary of quitting. The photo was dated February 4, 2002. Yet, I was unsure of which year it was in celebration.



Finally, when looking at myhistory.doc I found the answer. I keep single word processing file that contains information in point form. For example, a large purchase or a vacation might be listed. In that file under February 1999, a single listing states, 'Quit Smoking'. I have not bought a cigarette for eight years! What have I done with the extra $20,000.00?