Still smoking support and chat thread

[FinallyQuit]

I'm right there beside you in many many ways. It's funny,I had to read your post twice to make sure it wasn't someone quoting me. Some things are different but the overall is eerily similar.
As far as the username, it's possibly a self fulfilling prophecy.
In 05 I rode a mountain bike trail system in the Blue Ridge mountains that was SO far over my head I was an idiot to even think about it much less train for several months after making motel reservations in Luray. The wife dropped me off at the trail head at 9am. I told her pick me up at around noon and I'd call her if I was running behind. I could've walked, if need be, the entire trail I started on in 3 hours was my thinking so that left plenty of time. About 2 miles into it, no more cell reception and the foliage was so thick my GPS couldn't pick up a signal to see where I was at (as I wrote, I'd planned well ahead including mapping things out on my GPS) so out came the paper map. Problem is I can't read a topo map worth a flip, thought inclines were declines, visa versa and other major errors. About halfway in I realized I'd made a wrong turn and had to double back to where I'd messed up. I was 5 miles past the correct point so that ended up adding 10 miles to my ride. By that time my 3 hours was about up,I was out of calories and low on water. Then Tropical Storm Cindy arrived about the time I got back to my correct turning point and it began to rain. A gentle, but very chilly, rain and I hadn't seen any creeks/brooks for a while to filter some water from because I was hovering around the peak of Massenutten mountain. If passed at least 30 creeks and brooks but figured I was just fine and didn't need to refill.Water goes downhill and it was rocky enough where the foliage was thinner so I got a GPS fix but still no cell reception. I'd climbed 1600 ' by that point as well so I knew the end of the journey was going to be a very fast downhill. Not good when you're low on calories (blood sugar bonk) and getting dehydrated. Between where I was and where I wrote about the serious decline was a series of serious uphill and downhill parts that I'd gain 100', lose 200' in rocky turns that were so sharp it was mind boggling . I was too tired to even hold my brakes to show down much less puddle back uphill. Then 1 last steep incline for about 4 miles that I was so exhausted from that I sat on the side of the trail and contemplated leaving my $3k bicycle behind and just trying to escape and survive before I finally got up the courage and strength to finish. And then the final downhill. It was what's called a fire road (basically a road big enough for a fire truck to navigate and made from small packed stone) and it was looming though I was too tired to even think about navigating. I stayed asking the side where gravity kept me going downhill but the small rocks were loose enough to provide lots of friction, keeping my speed at a semi crawl. Just past the end of that fire road my phone started sending text message notices, my daughter was worried when I didn't call and sent texts hours prior but my reception was just starting to come back as I got to the point of paved road. I finally got back to the lot my wife dropped me off at and after resting for a few minutes shakily called her and asked her to come get me. It was getting close to 5 when I finally made that call.
I wrote that to say that was easier than refusing a cigarette sometimes for me, but just like that story, I'll get there eventually even through the mistakes, fatigue, frustrations, emotions, lack of strength, lack of courage and stubbornness to do the right thing at the right time.
And so will you!

Support Our Troops!!!
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I'm an "s pen aholic" Noteate

Wow! What an inspiring story. I would have laid down and died before all that happened. Thanks!

 

[FinallyQuit]

Alisa, you have had quite a ride on your journey. It is kind of scary going back and reading it all, it is almost like reliving it. As I sit here typing it seems so long ago. Last night when I was going through my posts I was remembering conversations we had that seem like yesterday. I am still trying to select the right posts to copy over. That is difficult for me since I am so prolific. I think I am going to just put a few pieces here and there and maybe copy a particularly decent rant over if the topic comes up in discussion. Still thinking on it.

You really have come a long way. I am so very happy to see that you have been able to find a way that lets you vape more comfortably. I think when you go through a real hard time finding how to make it work for you, you appreciate it more. I know I do.

That period I had with the reaction to the custard and cinnamon juices was a scary nightmare for me that lasted over two weeks. I do not remember if I ever mentioned that my tastebuds were still screwed up until about a month or so ago. I am now able to taste more subtle flavors again. Eating food was fine, but vaping was a mess for me for a long time. I still get the equivalent of a bad case of Vaper's Tongue every couple of weeks but the frequency is getting less often now.

I'm still feeling major feelings of guilt over that damn Vanilla Custard. I'm so sorry Shari!!!!!!!

 

[FinallyQuit]

Is it weird that I'm almost in tears reading everyone's story? I lived it, but the memory is hazy. Now it's close and poignant again. I'm so proud of all of you!!!

Today is early release at 11 for DD2, so I get to work from 9 to 10:30. Waste gas much? Then I guess I'll just use annual leave the rest of the day since the powers that be did not close our office today. DD1 and her friend will ride the bus, they are released at noon.

Have a great day everyone!!!

 

[Karen N Daytona]

Good morning everybody! I hope you all have a terrific Tuesday!

I am going back to bed, just stopping by.....................................

 

[Claudia P]

Good morning everyone. Reading everyone's story make me feel like I had it super easy in comparison.
I had intended to join in last night but instead I sat down in the recliner in front of the tv and promptly dozed off. LOL

I got new living room curtains a couple of weeks ago and finally got around to getting the steamer out yesterday and steaming the creases out of them, whew that's a job for an old lady.

We are supposed to be out of the snow zone, just cold, so the weather guesser said, there might be a little flurry or two.
Well we have hit the pretty good dusting part and it's still snowing.

 

[aikanae1]

Thank you Aik on the not adding vodka to vg juices. I have read of people doing it in multiple threads and they did not seem to be getting any blowback from other posters. I am so glad you corrected me. The last thing I want to do is give someone bad advice.

So now, let me ask you, when you do thin a 100vg juice, my understanding is only a couple of drops of distilled water should be enough, right? I have read about the saline solution in the DIY threads. A couple of people swear by it. That is the only place I have heard it talked about. Are vendors using it?

Some add up to 20% DW. I'd say up to 2% saline. Saline is mainly a flavor enhancer. Yes there are some using alcohol but I don't think it's vodka, but 100% pure grain (everclear). Vendors add it which is one reason for me to stay away from those since it burns my mouth somewhat like your cinnamon experience. Other times alcohol just has a distinct flavor I don't find pleasent over 5% at most. Nature Flavors is 10%-20% alcohol. The vendors that use NF are noticeable. A lot of VG vendors are involved with making their own extracts. I've noticed VG really thins/thickens with the weather. It's not thick for me due to living where most of the year is over 80F.

​

 

[aikanae1]

I am not working and have no children or other things to take up my time. My house is 'lived in' and currently a construction zone. I have been cooking for so many years that it does not take long to make anything anymore, unless it is a lasagna or something along those lines. Oh, and I do not sleep well at night. Essentially, I have no life.

You have been sounding frustrated with your vaping for a little bit now. What is it? Flavors or hardware? Anything we can help with? Is it the vaping you are frustrated with or something else overlapping into your vaping and smoking routines.

A lot of things. Ordered Nova's, lost in the mail. Of course they weren't insured. USPS took almost 20 days to clear a pkg through customs from FT - makes Singapore post seem speedy that is IF my mailcarrier can figure out how to read english. I'm not happy with protanks / puritanks after spending too much on them. And nothing has flavor anymore after the first 30 seconds. I had a large flavor order arrive in *vials*. I can't use those vials. Have to transfer over to bottles which I haven't done yet. I don't have it to get fiddly. I need to fill and go for this to work. Still don't have authorization for medical referrals and phone conks out. Just average daily life.

 

[loxmythe]

Wow spotted 2 vapers in the wild today on a jobsite. One was Using a tesla and the other an evod. They still had to use the "smoke shack" outside though.

 

[Topdogie01]

Its cold today. 4* from what girlfriend truck said. Her abs and parking brake light came on the dash as she was leaving for work. Can't afford any problems. Girlfriends dads car wont even turn over. Not sure if it's the temperature or what. Letting him use my car to get to work in. So if girlfriend car has brake issues then we are without a car. Grr.

Saw sone vapers in the wild. Saw someone with some mech (they were talking about it but I didn't catch the name) with a dripper blowing clouds in the frigid temperature, and another using an ego with protank that I gave sone advice to about separating the tank when going inside abd holding tank upside down so it doesn't leak onto the battery when warms up.

 

[FinallyQuit]

Aik I only hit like on your post because I'm commiserating, not because I enjoy your hard time. I hope things ease up for you soon!

Vapers in the wild! I never see them here, just at Vaping Zone and the few people at work who vape. Never while driving or shopping. I'm really beginning to think I'm in the minority around here. . .

I'm going to start a pot of lentil soup, it's cold, soup is good. We had a little sleet when I was driving home from elementary school, but now nada. The great snow hype of 2014 isn't living up to expectations yet. By tonight it's supposed to be a 4" accumulation here in the midlands, heavier to the south, and less to the north. Weird.

 

[Topdogie01]

Whatever snow was here is ice. It got to 36 yesterday and mostly melted and is slick. Almost fell outside on ice. Instead I slid down the porch steps and couldn't step up without sliding down. Got sledge hammer from garage and removed the ice. Was either sledge hammer ir the propane torch I have.. (used for burning tree stumps and weeds in the summer)

 

[Karen N Daytona]

I had that with on e of my cars, the problem had nothing to do with the brakes. I can't remember what was wrong, it was a cheap fix

Its cold today. 4* from what girlfriend truck said. Her abs and parking brake light came on the dash as she was leaving for work. Can't afford any problems. Girlfriends dads car wont even turn over. Not sure if it's the temperature or what. Letting him use my car to get to work in. So if girlfriend car has brake issues then we are without a car. Grr.

Saw sone vapers in the wild. Saw someone with some mech (they were talking about it but I didn't catch the name) with a dripper blowing clouds in the frigid temperature, and another using an ego with protank that I gave sone advice to about separating the tank when going inside abd holding tank upside down so it doesn't leak onto the battery when warms up.

 

[Karen N Daytona]

it's hot here, 76 degrees hot, we will cool down into the low 40's tonight and be at 50 all day tomorrow, it's slowly moving south

 

[Claudia P]

I tend to speed read posts and at first glance I thought you were going to make lethal soup.

The snow line is hitting a bit more to the west than they thought it would, we were supposed to have cold with a slight chance of a flurry or two but absolutely no accumulation. Well that flurry has been going on since about 10 this morning and now has kids stranded at schools that they didn't close because it wasn't going to snow here, and busses that can't move and parents who can't get to the school to pick their kids up. Oh and it's flurried enough here for us to have full coverage and the kids across the street are about to start making a snowman. They have even sent the snow plow out and about to spray the salt solution, and not far from here is a 17 car pileup, so much for a slight chance of a flurry.

Aik I only hit like on your post because I'm commiserating, not because I enjoy your hard time. I hope things ease up for you soon!

Vapers in the wild! I never see them here, just at Vaping Zone and the few people at work who vape. Never while driving or shopping. I'm really beginning to think I'm in the minority around here. . .

I'm going to start a pot of lentil soup, it's cold, soup is good. We had a little sleet when I was driving home from elementary school, but now nada. The great snow hype of 2014 isn't living up to expectations yet. By tonight it's supposed to be a 4" accumulation here in the midlands, heavier to the south, and less to the north. Weird.

 

[aikanae1]

Geesh. We missed the polar vortex or whatever they are calling it. Winter was warmer than normal and the tourists are swimming in unheated pools. I miss sweaters and sweats.

 

[FinallyQuit]

Those of you with dentures or in need of dentures will understand why I just totally lost my tiny mind. DD2 said "mama your teeth were in the floor and I stepped on them." They broke in 3 pieces, one of the pieces is missing. Still no answer to HOW DID THEY GET IN THE FLOOR??????? But I think the cat did it. I had a nice visit to insanity land but I'm back now. Bye bye thousands of dollars. . . hello thousands more dollars I don't have and can't come up with. Oh, and going to work looking like an extra on the set of Deliverance.

I really want to smoke right now. Actually I really want to smoke a whole pack back to back right now. But since I'm broke I can't go get any so never mind, guess I'll stay quit for today. Have appt tomorrow for dentist to look at it and see if it can be fixed. Best friend/carpool partner says I can use her credit card and pay back with tax refund. Fingers and toes crossed I won't need a new one.

Sorry for threadjack, but sort of on topic since I really REALLY want to smoke right now.

 

[Karen N Daytona]

you made me spit my coffee!!!!!!!!! lmao

I am sorry to hear that, if it makes you feel better, Rambo ate roommate's denture last year, luckily I found a really cheap place to get them done over. and then Medicaid paid for them

Those of you with dentures or in need of dentures will understand why I just totally lost my tiny mind. DD2 said "mama your teeth were in the floor and I stepped on them." They broke in 3 pieces, one of the pieces is missing. Still no answer to HOW DID THEY GET IN THE FLOOR??????? But I think the cat did it. I had a nice visit to insanity land but I'm back now. Bye bye thousands of dollars. . . hello thousands more dollars I don't have and can't come up with. Oh, and going to work looking like an extra on the set of Deliverance.

I really want to smoke right now. Actually I really want to smoke a whole pack back to back right now. But since I'm broke I can't go get any so never mind, guess I'll stay quit for today. Have appt tomorrow for dentist to look at it and see if it can be fixed. Best friend/carpool partner says I can use her credit card and pay back with tax refund. Fingers and toes crossed I won't need a new one.

Sorry for threadjack, but sort of on topic since I really REALLY want to smoke right now.

 

[FinallyQuit]

Wow. I didn't mean to run you all off with my mental breakdown!! I can't stop crying and jonesing for a cigarette. I've never been this embarrassed in my life. . .DD1 has a therapy appointment in the morning. I'll be trying to cover my mouth the whole time Urgh. . .

 

[mountainbikermark]

Wow. I didn't mean to run you all off with my mental breakdown!! I can't stop crying and jonesing for a cigarette. I've never been this embarrassed in my life. . .DD1 has a therapy appointment in the morning. I'll be trying to cover my mouth the whole time Urgh. . .

Yup yup yup. The lie of the tobacco weed telling your mind that cigarette will make it all better.
Here's what I'm doing for the mental part. Comfort Food. Not real food but flavors. Reward my taste buds for success, reward my taste buds because I can, reward my taste buds to out think my brain with distractions by way of my taste buds telling my brain "look there goes Elvis" moments.
I've changed my routine from smoking at certain times for certain reasons to vaping different flavors. Same routine, just different action. I have a certain one, Menthol Blend tobacco, with a nice tobacco smoke taste with a hint of vanilla with my morning coffee. After lunch I use a Chocolate Tobacco. This also is my driving flavor and destress vape for now.
After dinner and all evening I use Cherrywood, a tobacco smoke laced with the taste of real cherries from the tree. Sometimes for a real treat I'll grab a cherrywood in 1 hand, Chocolate Tobacco in the other hand and vape them together to get a chocolate cherry taste until my bottle of chocolate cherry blend arrives later this week.
When that bag of cookies is yelling my name Honey Tobacco to the rescue.
I've got 5 more flavors in the mail and I'll find the best time to incorporate them into my existing routine once they arrive.
My only suggestion to you would be learn to laugh at those embarrassing moments, even if only on the inside. Being a goof up is something to celebrate as part of being human and alive. It's the baking powder part of the delicious bakery goods recipe called life. By itself it's not very tasty but without it the finished product isn't worth a flip.
Have a great evening everyone


Support Our Troops!!!
<><
I'm an "s pen aholic" Noteate

 

[mdw3258calif]

Heya folks, are all the good guys still here, plus some new friends???

I went AWOL for almost a week I think, and then saw as I was trying to catch up that the thread had been re-launched. Understand completely that we filled it up with our good and bad times, and sharing them, which I so truly love.

I'm still not smoking but it is a daily thing, and I have SO COMPLETELY LOVED this group for making that possible. I am OK for almost 3 months now with no analogs. If I had them, I would smoke them, but I'm so well and truly broke that I'm just grateful that I have PVs and a pretty good supply of various e-liquids. I can hang through just about everything so far.

My mentally ill son is now living with me and my mom full-time, for the moment. He is a bit of a challenge, but he has a good heart and is supremely high-IQ -- he tries to be good. My mom at 86 is deteriorating at a rapid rate. She's a bit of a challenge too. I have a part-time job shipping family pets to their overseas destinations (military and corporate relocations mostly) -- and trust me, it's a challenge these days with the weather going on. Various airlines suddenly announce that all pet shipments are suspended due to weather, and their owners have already flown to England, Germany, West Africa, you name it. Interesting and wonderful to try to keep everybody (especially the dogs and cats!) happy and safe.

BUT OMG I'm SUCH A GOOF! The main new life event is that my second grand-daughter was born this morning!!! She and my DIL are healthy, happy, and beautiful, bless their hearts! All I know is that she's better at having babies than I was -- both my sons were born after 20+ hours of labor, and my DIL bless her heart, has had both her daughters within just a few hours of arriving at the hospital. GREAT JOB!!!