The Great American Smokeout and How I Quit Smoking

Today is the Great American Smokeout. A day that began in the bicentennial year on my birthday, November 18, 1976. It’s a day that those who smoke cigarettes, cigars, or anything else try to quit the habit.

For some, it’s as close to an impossible task as it can be. They’ve tried over and over again only to fail repeatedly.

I started smoking at the age of 18 and smoked for nearly 10 years. I had tried quitting several times, and then I finally did it.

I was attending the Trenton Saint Patrick’s Day parade and would be drinking all day long. I’d be hanging with a bunch of friends going from bar to bar throughout the day. I thought to myself if I could make it through that day without smoking then I could make it through any day. I don’t recall how difficult it was or how much I struggled, but it did work.

In the following days, my method was simple. Whenever I wanted a cigarette, I would have a cup of coffee instead. I drank more coffee than ever. I remember stopping at every Wawa there was to get another cup. After a few weeks, I realized that I’d made it, but knew I still had to stay disciplined.

Just because this worked for me doesn’t mean it will work for everyone or anyone else. I learned that I probably wasn’t as addicted to smoking as I thought. If I had figured it out soon, maybe I wouldn’t have smoked for as long as I did. I also know that different people have different susceptibilities. I’m sure there are some who may never, ever be able to quit until it’s too late. This holds true for many things other than smoking.

So, if you smoke I hope you can find the strength to quit for just one day. One day can turn into a week and then a month.

Honestly, if you’re a smoker who says, “I don’t want to quit, I like to smoke,” then you’re not ready. No one likes to smoke, it’s simply an addiction. However, if quitting is something you truly want to do, it will happen.

Here’s what the American Cancer Society says about quitting today. “Quitting smoking isn’t easy. It takes time. And a plan. You don’t have to stop smoking in one day. Start with day one. Let the Great American Smokeout event on the third Thursday in November be your day to start your journey toward a smoke-free life. You’ll be joining thousands of people who smoke across the country in taking an important step toward a healthier life and reducing your cancer risk. Plus, the American Cancer Society can help you access the resources and support you need to quit.”

https://www.cancer.org/cancer/risk-prevention/tobacco/great-american-smokeout.html

Lately, the subject of first dates occurring at chain restaurants has garnered significant attention. A recent survey asking women about their least preferred venues for first dates has ignited a debate on the internet. This list, which was shared on Instagram by @DuvalPromo, is reportedly the result of polling women to determine their least favored first-date locations.

Among the 28 establishments on the list are restaurant chains such as Applebee's, Chili's, and Denny's are featured. The top spot for the most unsuitable first date location is occupied by The Cheesecake Factory, followed by Applebee's, Chili's, Chipotle, and Olive Garden, rounding out the top five. It's worth noting that the list includes not only restaurants but also specific first-date situations, including "your house," family functions, a bar solely for drinks, and church.

Whether it's a first date or a casual meal, the question arises: Why do some people have reservations about restaurant chains?

According to Farm Credit Canada, a chain restaurant is defined as a business with four or more locations. These restaurants are typically large-scale operations with multiple branches, sometimes spanning different countries or continents.

The expansion of chain restaurants did not occur overnight. Many of them have humble origins in smaller, local establishments. For instance, the Cheesecake Factory, which currently operates over 300 restaurants in the U.S. and Canada, began as a small bakery in Detroit and eventually evolved into The Cheesecake Bakery in Los Angeles in 1972, according to their website. It wasn't until the late '90s and early 2000s that additional locations began to appear.

Critics often express their reservations about chain restaurants, and there are valid reasons for their concerns. Many people prefer supporting local businesses over large corporations, as chain restaurant food is often mass-produced and served uniformly across various locations. Dining exclusively at upscale or independent establishments offers a sense of social prestige, something to brag about, and the feeling of indulging in a unique experience. However, ultimately, it's all about eating a meal.

There's something comforting about knowing that, for the most part, you can find something familiar to eat at any time and almost anywhere. Maybe that's why singer Walker Hayes dedicated his song Fancy Like, to the simple joys of eating a chain like Applebee's. So, let's chat about some of the reasons people actually enjoy dining at chain restaurants.

One of the advantages of dining at a chain restaurant is the predictability that comes with it. Local, independent establishments can be more hit-or-miss, often offering a more limited menu selection, which makes them a riskier choice for a date or group outing. When you open the menu, you can expect to find the same menu items prepared and presented consistently. Chain restaurants usually follow uniform recipes and they use the same ingredients, equipment, and standardized training procedures. You can expect a consistent experience whether you're in one part of the country or another. Restaurant chains are like your reliable pals on a road trip. You spot their logo on an exit sign, and you know it's there. It's that simple convenience that makes chain restaurants a go-to option, no matter where you are.

For many people, chain restaurants served as the primary dining option simply because they were the most accessible. You know how the place will look, how the wait staff is dressed, and how you are expected to dress at chain restaurants, ensuring a familiar dining experience wherever you go. Many diners have a soft spot for the food we know and love. It's like a comforting experience. Chain restaurant grub often brings back memories of late-night munchies after Friday night football games, college hangouts, and road trips.

Chain restaurants tend to be easier on the wallet compared to standalone establishments with more specialized menus and daily chef's specials. Most of us keep an eye on our dining budget and wouldn't want to feel like we've emptied our pockets for a single meal. That's why diners appreciate restaurant chains with Happy Hour, Budget Menus, and Late-Night deals.

Many local places struggle to seat larger groups, especially if you've got more than four people in your party. Unless you've made a reservation or a special request, you might end up waiting a while for enough room to open up, regardless of the size of your party. Additionally, local establishments sometimes arrange tables in closer proximity to maximize their limited space. Not everyone's a fan of dining elbow-to-elbow with strangers and involuntarily eavesdropping on neighboring conversations throughout their meal.