That's good news about some paid work and your call with the professor. As regards the quitting smoking I tried cutting down first but it didn't work - I felt the same way is if I had quit entirely without the benefit of actually quitting. Some of my friends have used a prescription drug called Champix (or similar) and reckon it is marvellous for reducing the urge to smoke - it might be worth investigating. As I say you need to visit a doctor to get it in the UK and probably elsewhere. I know it's tough but it is so worth it.