Get to know your fellow PIF'ers!

[LuckyLulu]

My turn!
I am Cindy, 36yo mother of two beautiful children. 10yr old daughter, 8yr old son and married to the love of my life and BFF for 12 years.
I am a registered nurse, taking care of the new mommies and babies and love my job. My husband is a firefighter/paramedic (and a very cute one to boot)
We homeschool our children and live every moment for our little family.
Up until 4 months ago we were living the "American Dream". During that time I became ill with some mystery illness and haven't been the same since. I was recently diagnosed with a brain disorder and the symptoms have become almost unbearable. Constant headaches, dizzy spells, stiff neck, losing strength in my left arm and hand etc...... I haven't worked in 4 months and have spent way too much time and energy bouncing between specialists, physical therapy and procedures to enjoy my life and my children lately. I may need brain surgery and a long road to recovery but I am determined to regain my life. I hate drama, so no pity party for me please

That's my story for now!
Lulu

 

[otbg]

My turn!

I am a registered nurse, taking care of the new mommies and babies and love my job.

My wife does the exact same thing at Winnie Palmer Hospital in Orlando. She also loves her job!

 

[kj4lxw]

Job security there lulu, there's always a need for those needed when its time to take those buns out of the ovens.
My hopes and prayers for an answer and recovery for you.

 

[VRubin]

Welpst, I'm Vanessa.. or V as most people on here call me. I'm 23 years old, married and mommy of two. My husband and I have been together 8 years in November, and just celebrated our one year wedding anniversay on Sept 9. I have a daughter and a son, and both are 3 years old right now. My son turned 3 on Sept 2, and my daughter will be 4 on Sept. 30. I'm a stay at home mom and have been since I took my maternity leave when I had my daughter. Sometimes I really wish I worked, but I know after about a month or so I'd be tired of it and want to be back home.. so I just don't bother lol.
I started e-cigs back in April, thanks to my older sister (some of you know her as PopTart). My husband had told us about ecigs a couple of years ago, and we blew him off. Then my sister got into them, and I thought it was pretty cool so I started it myself, on a Joye 510. (Of course my husband was ...... that I ignored him but not her, lol). I started smoking when I was 15, and had stopped during both pregnancies but picked it back up quickly after the babies were born. We never smoked in the house, but it still felt wrong. I honestly didn't start the e-cig to quit smoking, but it just kinda happened that way. Once I got some e-juice that I loved it was game over for the cigs. I went a few months without a cig, and slipped up at a family reunion (imagine that lol). I used to be heavily active on this forum and PIF but lately things have been pretty busy so I slacked off.... and have smoked probably 6 or 7 cigs in the last month, so I figured it was time to get back into the game.
I started on my sisters 510, ordered my own Tornado.. and was blessed enough to win Vapor Moon's very first Saber Touch giveaway contest. I've been using my Saber Touch for a few months now and just love it. My favorite juices are from Vaporbomb.. I'm a bit of a fangirl lol.
Errr.. okay thats all I can think of right now so The End




My monsters Savannah and Adrian:

 

[zbasspro]

awww V they r so precious!!!

 

[yssiM]

I love this thread! wow I must be bored....I guess i should do some laundry or dishes?? nah... this is more fun hehehe

 

[medic123]

Wow this is an old thread brought back to life. I have came along since this thread was born so I will introduce myself. I'm Vicki a 50 year old paramedic/firefighter. After almost 20 years on the truck I developed lots of neck and back issues so I took an office job (or so I thought). I am now the Volunteer Fire Coordinator for 450 volunteer firefighters in our County. Pretty much I am the babysitter for 450 kids! J/K I have been married for 14 years, I have one son and 2 stepkids, all grown. I have 1 grandson and 4 step-grandkids.
I found out about e-cigs on a cruising forum and thought what the he**, I will give it a shot. I ordered me and my husband kits from V4L and there has been no looking back. We both put down our cigarettes within a couple of days of our kits arriving. I am just starting to do some DIY for juice and still haven't gotten any really great results, but I will keep trying. Vicki

 

[bonniegirl]

My Turn:
Warning, Faint of Heart pass this by
Hi, My name is Bonnie and I am a vapaholic and the mother of an addict. I have two children, the DD is 28 and has been in and out of recovery for 15 years. My son is 21 and a delight. Both of my children have brought me lessons and joy in very different ways. Lesson from DD: Our children are not gifts given by God, they are given on a loaner basis. We, at some point, must hand them back over when our major job is complete. That job, IMO, is to ready them for the real world and teach them that they are only as good as their resources. Some great resources are strength from God, education, hard work, respect for self and others and the ability to look in the mirror and like what you see back. Lesson learned from DS: A man is measured by the number of times he avoids asking for a pat on the back but most ask to do so anyway. I have a wonderful latino lover as a husband. We have been together 27 years and will celebrate 25th wedding anniversary May 2012. he is an officer and a gentleman. He got a waitress with a one year old baby and encouraged me to go to college and I am now *and for the last 21 years) a registered nurse with specialties in Oncology and addiction. I have been published in 2 major Nursing journals and am proud of my vocation, though am at times frustrated by the lack of nurses that care. Our marriage is based on the premise that no other person can make you happy. He gives me room and encouragement to make myself happy and vice versa. It is a wonderful fulfilling friendship and partnership.
From the other side of the bed rails, I have seen the wrath of poor nursing care and am sickened by it. Real nurses are conduits of healing if the intent is pure. If the intent is financial gain, the outcome is not healing and is negative to the patients well being. I have numerous health issues,( read the what ails you thread for the gory details.) I am permanently disabled and yearn for the feeling of caring and usefulness I got from nursing. The grief is overbearing at times. I us humor to assist my mood and am my own best audience. I love parties for one where I entertain myself either aloud or in writing. I literally crack myself up.
I have been vaping since the dinosaur era and despite my join date and post count, have been around before many vendors were and even dabbled a bit in activism, having a large hand in the first Amicus curiae brief filed in conjunction with the SE/NJoy v FDA case in Federal court. I am well read and consider myself an egg head geek. I enjoy painting, quilting and gourmet cooking. I abor cleaning, laundry and rude people. I value honesty, respect, loyalty and civility.
Hubby and I are raising our 5 year old Grandson, our angel Gabriel, and he has blessed and stressed me beyond measure. I am old, tired and he deserves a young agile person to raise him. He says he does not want a young Nana , he will "keep the broken one he has." He is a delight.
He is daily teaching me to see the world through his instained, unapathetic eyes and it is awesome!
My latest calling has been to run a not for profit organization called "NO Butts." I visit physicians offices, buy breakfast or lunch and teach the office staff as well as Drs about e-cigs and vaping. I use medical information and research based studies to show harm reduction and ask physicians for referrals. Patients call me and visit my home where I demonstrate and allow them to try e-cig models. I assist them in ordering and help them with juice flavor choices (I have over 50 6ml bottles of flavors) and determine appropriate nic strength based on PPD and type of smoker they are. I have converted 121 to date and feel usefull and fulfilled. I am reaching those without technical computer savvy and the elderly and feel great receiving a note the patient has stopped analogs and is vaping succesfully.
I love the PIF forum and have made some life long friends here and hope to continue for many years to pay it forward. I am glad to be alive and feel blessed everyday.

Sorry for the wall of text, I warned you. This is about 10% about me...Think you know me better?

 

[zadane]

My name is Brian, I'm 6 foot 2, 205 pounds. I've been smoking for 4 years. It all started when I was in the army.

Before I started smoking I was vehemently against smoking, I hated everything about it, and I honestly lost a few of my really good friends because they started smoking.

I joined the army when I was about 17 and 10 days. I was in ait when I started smoking. The main reason I started was because I saw the smoke pit... a big group of people... every rank from e-1 to 0-4. I saw how they were just people in a pit smoking... there wasn't rank or anything there (except when someone threw a .... on the ground.) I couldn't understand it for a while, but I slowly started my way into the pit bummed a few analogs, and the rest is history.

I got out of the army early. I won't go into detail, let's just say it was the biggest mistake of my life to get out early. not sure if i can go back... but the thought crosses my mind every day.

I am currently unemployed. I got laid off from my job as a cook/waiter at a nudist resort. I love my job, just not my boss... I'm looking for work, i spend an hour a day applying for jobs online. and still can't get anything. despite working at a 3 star (not quite 4... yet) restaurant. I mean McDonalds won't even take me...

I used to live in Bremerton, WA. I still consider it my home. I lost my job up there because it was seasonal. and couldn't find anything else. When my family moved down here to California, I had no choice but to go, or live under an overpass.

I remember back up in WA, me and my girlfriend were looking for jobs, we applied at the same places. more than half called her back and set up interviews. 0 ZERO called me... and I have experience in all of the fields we applied for...

in fact she recently moved down here with me. and she has two jobs... she found them like it was nothing... While it took me a year to find the job as a cook. which I didn't even find, my brother found them he got a job there, two people were no call no show, so he came home and dragged me in and put me to work. Winter rolled around and i got laid off, no one wants to run around naked when it's cold.

I got started with vaping just a few days ago. and about a month ago me and some friends were drinking and i ended up ordering some cheap kit off a Chinese website. forgot I ordered it until it got here. the rest is also history.

Sitting here with my 510 waiting for new years so I can get in some hours at work and afford a 910 or an ego, (but I think I want the 910 more) and more juices.

I have no kids, I have no health problems... besides dental. I've been lazy and gaining weight, I always do in the winter. it's hard to go hiking and swimming and all that fun stuff when it's wet and cold lol. can't wait till summer so I can vape while out hiking and everything.

 

[PowerofParanoia]

I'm Frank, I smoked for 7 years before finding this lovely bunch of people.

I'm an Art Education student at Texas State University, a party school, but also the only one with a specialized Art education program within my financial aid limits.

I currently live with my boyfriend and our roommate Anna, a sweet girl who is about to graduate this upcoming semester.
I also live with a praying mantis, a hermit crab, a dachshund, a cat, and 2 rats. I'm beginning to think that I'm an animal hoarder.

I have one brother who is younger than me by 2 years, whom I haven't spoken with in almost 2 years. My family, much like a lot of families, is ridiculously dysfunctional. My parents got divorced when I was younger, but to be honest I'm thankful for it. I became closer to my dad and disowned by my mother because of a mishap with my little brother, who is now living with her.

Although I don't have issues socializing with people, I'm not a typical college student. I like to hide. I don't enjoy running around town in an insane fashion. I prefer to hide in my apartment, watch TV, read, play video games and when I have to leave my apartment I'm usually grocery shopping, finding stuff at the thrift store, or taking my dog to the dog park down the street.

I love to cook, but I'm not very good at improvising while cooking. My favorite dish at the moment is the chicken curry my boyfriend and I made earlier tonight. The house still smells delicious.

I love to ramble. Especially when people will listen, which is why I'm posting in this thread.

 

[Ciego]

Hello. My name is Paul. I am 53 years old. Both my wife and I are blind, she also partially deaf.

She teaches at a state school for the blind, where she has used her 23 years experience and Master's degree to teach everything from social studies to what used to be called Home Ec. We have no children.


My college degrees are in chemical dependency and human sexuality. Hey, one should pursue what one knows... <wink> Despite my university work, I have never worked professionally in either field. Go figure.
I have been a broadcaster, both in commercial radio and (gasp!) in pirate radio. I was once called "The Howard Stern of International Broadcasting" by a national media magazine. It's not a label I wear proudly.

I am an amateur radio enthusiast (my callsign is N0YPS), but I seldom play with my radio gear anymore. There's just not enough time.
I make part of my living as a musician and audio producer; I play keyboard instruments, melodica, autoharp and sing; I am currently rebuilding my home studio to include more modern technology, much of which is incredibly difficult to use without eyesight.

I speak Spanish nearly fluently and have traveled extensively in Central America, and incidentally on my own without a sighted guide. This doesn't mean I'm brave, it means I'm a bit touched in the head. LOL

I was born on the Fourth of July, and recent losses to our freedom, economy and dignity as a nation worry me. I am politically active and aware.

I was a moderate cigarette smoker since my broadcasting school days in the mid 1970's; thanks to vaping, I have laid down the analogs for good (I pray), and my wife is soon to follow. I have smoked only four analogs since Thanksgiving, and the most recent one was nearly three weeks ago.

I've spent a God-awful amount of money on vaping; different PV models (but still no real mods), juices, cartos, atomizers and the like. My wife went ballistic until she did the math, and realizes that I'll "break even" sometime this summer, compared to the cost of smoking analogs.

I am
a dyed-in-the-wool hedonist who loves good wine, delicious food, great music and magical sex...I won't settle for les. Pleasure is a gift from God, not a sin IMO.

I enjoy the company of most people and have a hard time finding fault in those with whom I socialize.


I loathe teevision and consider it to be a heinous waste of time, source of discontent and fountain of misinformation. That being said, I'm in the process of shopping for a 42" flat panel to put into the basement where I have my studio space. Again, go figure.


I believe strongly in God and country, in the love held in the hearts of most of us, and in vaping.

Amen.

<grin>

 

[yssiM]

Wow e1 I love these stories .... Ciego may I ask how you read what ppl have written on the screen? Do u have some kinda gadget that can read it for you? and If you are blind, why do u need a 42" flat screen? Can u see just a tiny bit? I love your story tho.. ty for sharing

I am Missy..I was the other half of zbasspro.. the PIF twofer..lol...yall know me already

 

[RippleInStillWater]

Does anyone need to be known biblically?!?!?! Except for you, PoP!!!

J/K my friends! I know how lucky I am..........

 

[keyzygirl]

Thanks for sharing ciego,very cool.

 

[Ciego]

Hey Missy!

Good questions.

My computer is equipped with what is called "screen reader" software. My particular program is called JAWS (Job Access with Speech), which reads aloud what's on the screen. No, it doesn'tdescribe pictures/graphics, but it does read text and HTML very effectively.

Why do I need a 42" flat panel TV? Well, even though I dislike television and can't see it anyway, I do have friends. I think. LOL And Superbowl is coming...

I don't have any "usable eyesight," but I can perceive light. I used to be able to read computer screens, etc. about ten years ago, but my eye condition progressed. They tell me that eventually I will be "stone blind." We'll, er...see. <grin>

I do have some trouble navigating this website. Some websites, such as Totally Wicked are absolutely inaccessible to me, although I'm working on a fix. I recently tried to order from another Forum supplier, but his check-out includes a Captia challenge, so I had to abort the (fairly large) order just before entering my credit card info. Too bad... his loss.

It's great to hear from my new PIF/ECF friends. I answer all PM within 24 hours, and would love to hear from everyone, especially folks from Minnesota/the Twin Cities.

Ah... time for a wee bit o' the vapor. Pffffft!

Paul
===

Wow e1 I love these stories .... Ciego may I ask how you read what ppl have written on the screen? Do u have some kinda gadget that can read it for you? and If you are blind, why do u need a 42" flat screen? Can u see just a tiny bit? I love your story tho.. ty for sharing

I am Missy..I was the other half of zbasspro.. the PIF twofer..lol...yall know me already

 

[yssiM]

wow ciego..very interesting! TY for enlightening me. I always wondered how the seeing impaired would interact via web! I am sorry about ur loss of vision, it has to put a lil stumble in ur step, but seems as tho u are taking it in stride! Pirate radio huh? Very cool!

 

[CarrieM]

My name is Karen or Carrie, 40+ yo Happily Divorced and living with my partner of 8 years Joed. I have 3 kids 21,22 and 26 and 2 grandkids 3 and 2. Started on ecigs in October 2010 and figured I'll break even some time in 2013. I like to bake, sew, read and we have gotten into DIY. Joed has gotten into modding a bit so I have 3 Flashlight mods 3.7V along with my Riva 510. This is a great group of people. Enjoy your stay!

 

[zbasspro]

Paul

boB here, thanks so much for sharing. I was caught off guard by your PM asking what the sample was and you stating you were blind. I didn't know if it was a joke since you had managed to read and comment on my thread.

I've been close to two blind people in my life and have been in contact with many others. They say blind peoples other senses develop stronger to compensate for lack of vision. There seems to be a lot of truth in that. The one sense I've noticed the most in the two I've known is their sense of humor, I see you as no exception. The first one I became close to was my drum teacher as a teenager, the other was a recovering alcoholic. The second I used to joke a lot with say "yeah it's easy to quit drinking when can't find the liquor store"

I hold dear to me the values you mention as well. To think that there are people who give up vaping due to the hassle and go back to ciggys because they are easier I couldn't imagine trying to do what us vapers do without being able to see, so I admire you much.

Take care my friend and best of luck to your wife. boB

 

[grandmato5]

Love reading all of your stories about yourselves and getting to know each of you a bit better.

My name is Joy. 55 years old and married for 37 yrs to a man who used to smoke but was one of those lucky ones that never became addicted. He could smoke when he wished and give it up anytime he wished. He hasn't smoked for the last 10 yrs by choice. I on the other hand have smoked for 33+ years until this past Sept when I bought my first PV with the intention of only using it when it was more convenient than smoking. Five hours into vaping I decided no more smoking and haven't since. YEAH! Yes, as my screen name implies, I am the grandmother to 5 fantastic grandchildren: grandsons who are 8 months, 6 yrs, and twins who are 12 and a 9 yr old granddaughter. They all think that having a vaping grandma is the best thing in the world. I work part time as a program coordinator for an adult literacy program. Genealogy is my passion and cruising each year is our favorite vacation. I think we really need to move where its warm all year long as this cold white stuff just isn't any fun anymore !!!!! BUT at least I don't have to stand outside in the cold to have a smoke anymore either so things certainly have improved so far this winter !!!

 

[Ciego]

It's amazing to me, although not surprising the wide variety of backgrounds from which we come. We are gay, straight, young, old, disabled/able bodied, ill and in perfect health. The one thing aside from vaping that I find in common here is a level of true caring that i have not encountered before online. Well, that and we're all fabulously good looking...right? <wink>

BoB; Yes, vaping can be challenging. I've flooded my atomizer more times than I can count and as a result have probably sucked more juice into my mouth than average. It hasn't killed me yet. BTW, judging from the taste, the little sample you sent me is Sugar Cookie. FYI. LOL. It's good, but not as good as the OMG and Tootsy Rolly. Both are excellent, but you really gotta shake 'em up before dripping.

One thing that is driving me crazy right now is trying to keep carts/cartos/atomizers all straight. The juice...well, I just grab one at random and vape away. However, not being able to figure out in advance which cartos are filled and which are blank can be tough. I have also sucked in a lot of priming fluid vapor...yeeek.

All in all, this experience has been fun, and thank God I'm done with the butts.

Cheers,

Currently vaping a weird mixture of JC Arctic Menthol (I think) injected into a nearly-depleted V4L Smilin' Special Menthol carto. It's tasty!

Paul