Morning Edition - 6/20/05

Old Friend; I Quit
After close to 20 years of smoking, I quit today. I’ve always been afraid to make such an announcement, since soon after making such an assertion, I rush down to the drug store to buy another pack of smokes. So what makes me so sure that I can stay “clean” this time? Mainly, I’ve had enough. Enough of the, close to $7 a pack, the sucking-on-a-quarter feeling in the mouth, the dreaded ashtray aroma that lingers long after my last puff and the disapproving looks of surprise from everyone who catches me sneaking one at different intervals in the day. I won’t lie and say that I’m not afraid of the mood swings, the cravings or even missing an old friend that has been a stand-by through most of my adult life. Truth is, this has been a year to release many “old friends” that were simply a negative influence and detriment in my life. So, don’t wish me luck; it’s simply too early, but keep me in your prayers (for those that pray) and know that when I’m a bit on edge in the next couple of weeks, it’s the nicotine release running its course.

His Most Holy On CBS
CBS is in the works to produce a four-hour mini-series featuring his Most Holy Pope John Paul II. Karol Wojtyla, a.k.a. Pope JPII, will have his life story told from his early beginnings in Poland, through his 26-year reign as Pope. The Vatican supervised all writing for the miniseries and has even allowed footage of areas in St. Peter’s Square to be filmed. No actors have been chosen yet, but my choice to play JPII would be Brad Pitt… hey, a man can dream, right?

Enter Edwin
This weekend marked a wonderful twist in my dating debacle. After turning down several engagements this Saturday night, I set out to enjoy a night, without commitments, to hit the town and do “my own thing.” Proof positive that the most incredible things happen when you DON’T plan for them; I met one of the most gorgeous, intelligent and interesting men I’ve met in quite some time. After some verbal foreplay we set a date for last night where we enjoyed matching salads and shot the breeze and had some humorous conversation. His hazel eyes penetrated my soul – dramatic right? – but true. His beautiful pink lips parted to reveal model teeth – a perfect mouth to compliment perfect skin. I was won over by his beauty, but his sense of humor sealed the deal. After laughing and sharing like we’d known each other for years, we agreed to meet Wednesday for a night of Batman Begins. So, not unlike a giggling school girl, I’m excited – exhilarated even – at the thought of dating someone who makes my jaded, hardened heart warm with anticipation.

Life Has A Way Of Moving On
The case of the missing U.S. teen that disappeared during a visit to Aruba a month ago, has not deterred tourists from visiting the tiny island. With only 97,000 citizens, it’s amazing that Aruba welcomes 728,000 visitors and more than 500,000 cruise ship passengers yearly. In 1996 a U.S. woman was killed by two robbers, marking the only documented case of violence against a tourist to date. Tourism experts say the island has seen an increase in visitors this year.

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Keep passin’ the open windows…