Back real quick to the hold pluracy thing: Prejudice, please dont immediatly flame me. I was actually quite interested in your surgery (I volunteer at the hospital myself) I just thought it sounded funny to have a sponge left in your body. I did'nt realize it was such a sensitive subject with you.
On the subject of smoking: OMG , you just have to bite the bullet and get past the withdrawal. Show how strong you are, man!