In praise of smoking alone

[D. Generate]

I don't post here too often and don't know most of the folks here. I came here from CS when that all went pear shaped, but to be honest the last couple years I wasn't even posting there that often.

I moved to London from Reno in January 2007 and that was a fair bit of a lifestyle change. I fell out of touch with a lot of friends and people I care about as that kind of geographical shift will require. I don't regret the move as I married my true love, 17 years after we first dated, broke up, married other people, divorced, and eventually, reconnected. Still, the expat life takes some getting used to and accepting certain, inevitable changes.

2011 has been a very hard year so far. My mother passed away last month and I had to go home to help take care of my father and find a place where he could live and have the medical care he needs. I've had a couple accidents breaking bones, etc, that have limited me in doing things I am passionate about. The most recent last Friday leaving me in the hospital for six days and requiring an operation that will likely have significant ramifications that further limit me.

I hope the worst is past and am now trying to focus on a positive future. My wife is pregnant and we are expecting our first son on Halloween, which I am very excited about. I am currently off work recovering today, and a bit doped-up on opiates, which probably influences to a degree why I'm even writing this.

I have finally been feeling physically well enough to smoke and get back to things. I have had a Cohiba Lancero and am currently smoking a Bolivar Gold Medal. While a cigar doesn't make all things better, there is something about smoking alone when there is a lot on the mind that helps lend a needed perspective. I have spent today sending emails that I am far too behind on, and getting back in touch with friends and family that I have neglected. Enjoying a nice cigar and watching the smoke curl away lends a pleasant, meditative quality to the solitary herf.

As much as I enjoy smoking with friends, this bit of time alone with a cigar has been the best this year.