Still smoking support and chat thread

[etherealink]

I think your signature reveals a little of who you are. If your signature no longer says what you want, then do change it. A lot of people change theirs frequently.

Thanks for the compliment, I was just thinking it was a bit long is all lol.

****
Fogging out my Bulldog with an Igo-W on a k101 or an I30 when I don't have time to drip.
****
About analogs vs ecigs :
http://www.janty.com/en/news/item/vapor-test-results-by-keca

 

[etherealink]

Sorry shari.

Im going to crash usps tracking by refreshing my tracking on my k1000 I bought.

And probably meet my mail lady as soon as she comes to my neighborhood. Sending her a message now to change her route today to deliver my package as soon as possible. Also have some computer parts she needs to borrow.

K1000? Must be something new I missed

****
Fogging out my Bulldog with an Igo-W on a k101 or an I30 when I don't have time to drip.
****
About analogs vs ecigs :
http://www.janty.com/en/news/item/vapor-test-results-by-keca

 

[etherealink]

That is really up to "You" however, it gets just a little to much to try and read "Your" post when it is included in the post area everytime . . . So might I be so bold to suggest whatever "You" finally decide to use to put it in the "Signature Line" space provided by ECF as so many others have done . . . That way it would be separate from the actual post and still be included at the bottom . . . Just Sayin' . . .



YEP - Really"LIKE" Them PIF mods . . .

That's exactly the reason I had, I like the signature but it just gets in the way...

****
Fogging out my Bulldog with an Igo-W on a k101 or an I30 when I don't have time to drip.
****
About analogs vs ecigs :
http://www.janty.com/en/news/item/vapor-test-results-by-keca

 

[loxmythe]

K1000? Must be something new I missed

****
Fogging out my Bulldog with an Igo-W on a k101 or an I30 when I don't have time to drip.
****
About analogs vs ecigs :
http://www.janty.com/en/news/item/vapor-test-results-by-keca

It's a pipe. Pretty cool
I saw Drot selling one in classies I assume that's it.

 

[Topdogie01]

It's a pipe. Pretty cool
I saw Drot selling one in classies I assume that's it.

The green one? Yup. Awaiting delivery now. But tired and don't want to get out of bed

 

[mountainbikermark]

I got rid of my cigarettes yesterday. It's time to take that next step. Granted half a pack in about 2 months ain't nothing to sneeze at our be ashamed of but it's still time to stop having the crutch in the house. It's rubber meets road time, when the inevitable thighs of cigarettes show up it's time to take the rights captive abs replace them with something else.
I got an order of Killer juice yesterday afternoon that had a bottle of Ripe Strawberry in it that is in friggin credible. 3 more orders showed up today so in 2 days I got more new flavors than I've got tanks to fill with. I can at least change my thoughts to what flavor to try next if I can take my tank full of Strawberry off my battery for more than a few puffs. Walt, at Killer Juice, shipped my custom iced sweet tea with lemon out today along with my custom blend chocolate milkshake. My son confiscated my bottle of Boysenberry Pancakes and I thought I wouldn't miss it since it was my least favorite but when trying to empty a tank by vaping instead of dumping I found I really miss it now that I've finished the tank. Boysenberry is a cross between BlackBerry and Rasberry. Add in the maple syrup with a hint of butter pancakes and it's an interesting juice. So close to the real thing you might find yourself picking imaginary seeds out of your teeth.
I told my wife I might eventually but another pack of smokes but it isn't in the cards at this time.

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

 

[GtrSoloist]

Thanks again for the info Aikanae. I need to start making phone calls, I just hate using phones. If I don't get anywhere with the State, I will try calling the HMO I signed up with and let *them* enroll me, I get the impression from their website that they would be more than happy to do so. At any rate I looked up some of their Doctors and think I will just try to schedule appointments with them and get them to sort it all out.

Shortly after moving here, my uncle with N-stage lung cancer came to live with us so he could be closer to his family. It's not an easy thing to watch again. He's a Vietnam Vet; and within a week or so he told me that I have PTSD similar to what he has been dealing with for 40 years. (No I am not a Vet.) After checking out wikipedia I'm inclined to agree. It's shocking actually. I'm not sure if it's something that can be cured, he still has issues despite the various treatments he's had from the VA. I know a lot of people are dealing with it now, it's just good to be able diagnose something... even if it's just what flavor of crazy I am. lol

It's getting near the end for him, he's very weak, and immobile at this point. He's on 8 liters of O2 and still couldn't catch his breath so he went to the ER this morning and will be there for a few days. He will most likely be released to hospice. I feel bad for my aunt and his kids/grandkids but death is a part of life and often merciful for the one who goes-- hard for the ones who remain.

I really didn't mean to bring the thread down, so I'll part with this: What do you call a boy who finally stood up to the bullies? ...An ambulance.

 

[Uncle]

Just as an FYI: As a counselor in "Human Behavior Modification" - I can tell "You" that "PTSD" is NOT something that is "Cured" in the strictest sense of the term - However it is something that can be dealt with and many people have learned to cope with the affects/effects over time . . . Sometimes certain specfic "medications" will also help if and when needed or is found necessary . . . Please reach out to a professioal or support group that deals with this issue as soon as you can . . . Just Sayin' . . .

 

[aikanae1]

Thanks again for the info Aikanae. I need to start making phone calls, I just hate using phones. If I don't get anywhere with the State, I will try calling the HMO I signed up with and let *them* enroll me, I get the impression from their website that they would be more than happy to do so. At any rate I looked up some of their Doctors and think I will just try to schedule appointments with them and get them to sort it all out.

Shortly after moving here, my uncle with N-stage lung cancer came to live with us so he could be closer to his family. It's not an easy thing to watch again. He's a Vietnam Vet; and within a week or so he told me that I have PTSD similar to what he has been dealing with for 40 years. (No I am not a Vet.) After checking out wikipedia I'm inclined to agree. It's shocking actually. I'm not sure if it's something that can be cured, he still has issues despite the various treatments he's had from the VA. I know a lot of people are dealing with it now, it's just good to be able diagnose something... even if it's just what flavor of crazy I am. lol

It's getting near the end for him, he's very weak, and immobile at this point. He's on 8 liters of O2 and still couldn't catch his breath so he went to the ER this morning and will be there for a few days. He will most likely be released to hospice. I feel bad for my aunt and his kids/grandkids but death is a part of life and often merciful for the one who goes-- hard for the ones who remain.

I really didn't mean to bring the thread down, so I'll part with this: What do you call a boy who finally stood up to the bullies? ...An ambulance.

I'm betting if your enrolled with a HMO, then your in. Just make an appt. Your card could be delayed and it's no biggie.

PTSD is on a continuim, like a scale. So It's really hard to say where your at but it may not be as severe as what you've witnessed with someone else. Everyone's different. They also have made progress in treatment too. There's a good chance when you go to the doctor that they will have more information on the resources in your area.

When my mother and father died (both at home, different times) we used hospice. Talking with the nurse was very helpful. They also offered grief counseling. Hospice was essential both times.

​

 

[aikanae1]

Congrats on making such progress! You get dancing bananas too!

I got rid of my cigarettes yesterday. It's time to take that next step. Granted half a pack in about 2 months ain't nothing to sneeze at our be ashamed of but it's still time to stop having the crutch in the house. It's rubber meets road time, when the inevitable thighs of cigarettes show up it's time to take the rights captive abs replace them with something else.
I got an order of Killer Juice yesterday afternoon that had a bottle of Ripe Strawberry in it that is in friggin credible. 3 more orders showed up today so in 2 days I got more new flavors than I've got tanks to fill with. I can at least change my thoughts to what flavor to try next if I can take my tank full of Strawberry off my battery for more than a few puffs. Walt, at Killer Juice, shipped my custom iced sweet tea with lemon out today along with my custom blend chocolate milkshake. My son confiscated my bottle of Boysenberry Pancakes and I thought I wouldn't miss it since it was my least favorite but when trying to empty a tank by vaping instead of dumping I found I really miss it now that I've finished the tank. Boysenberry is a cross between BlackBerry and Rasberry. Add in the maple syrup with a hint of butter pancakes and it's an interesting juice. So close to the real thing you might find yourself picking imaginary seeds out of your teeth.
I told my wife I might eventually but another pack of smokes but it isn't in the cards at this time.

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

 

[etherealink]

OK, productive day so far. We went and got the taxes done (going to get enough back to move the new house and get into it asap and have some leftover for diy supplies), took some time to was my bulldog and finally made the commitment as a couple (my wife and I) that cigarettes are done for us.

So now we've emptied, washed and put away all the ashtrays we own and my wife is steam cleaning the whole house so we are nearly an operating room in here lol.

I do have to brag just a bit though since it was my signature for a while (can't find the section on the ECF site on my phone to add the signature so I'll just drop it for now), I snapped a few pics of my bulldog after I scrubbed the garbage back off of her from all the storms.

Sorry for the big images, I didn't take the time to edit them before posting.

 

[ShariR]

I hear you with the materials costs and labor costs. The low ball estimates are doing iffy work under the table. There are a lot of people out here that seem to take a job only when they need beer money. And I am being generous with that description. Then you have the other end of the spectrum that thinks every quote should be priced as if the customer is the quarterback of the TN Titans football team. So I am having trouble finding the middle ground. Most of the contractors are either out of the boonies, or out of Nashville and price and quality reflect that. Problem is, we do not have football player $ and ins co wants to pay for salvage prices.

Shari keep in mind not only have building materials gone up (just commercial locks alone have doubled in price in the last 5 years) but labor has gotten expensive due to overhead (taxes, insurance, licensing fees, etc) even small operations have to charge accordingly. I just had to incorporate as the self employment tax was killing me and have no full time employees now. Last year was my highest year dollar wise for sales yet worst year for profits and I was slow work wise. I do estimates and think holy crap I'll never get this one only to find I'm actually low. I just quoted some panic devices to a school at $1900 a piece and had a po in 2 minutes - I was $400 lower than the other low bidder AND I quoted the top of the line stuff made in the USA.
What really irks me is most lock companies (like Schlage and Yale) are manufacturing in china or Mexico yet have annual 8-12% price increases you'd think they went from paying a good wage in America to pennies overseas they'd pass it to consumers. Nope




Also be sure you know what your getting - ask for specific brands names when possible. I have a competitor that vaguely quotes stuff then uses the cheapest crap import he can find. I won't sell my customers anything I believe inferior. I'll refuse to quote the job.

It's hard be an honest businessman in a corrupt marketplace I may be broke but I have a clear conscience.

 

[ShariR]

Because of all the pipes bursting back in January from this unusual cold spell, the contractors are interviewing ME over the phone to see if they even want to come out and provide an estimate on the job. This is happening whether I mention insurance or not and I tell that it will be a cash job, which it will be. We do not even make it to the references part. More than half are not licensed or insured so I cut them out of the running, the rest are cherry picking and throwing out lead start dates of 10 to 12 weeks. Not worth it to hire a conractor from over 50 miles away; bill will be too padded or they will not want job.

Oh and Shari - ask contractors for references THEN actually call the people. The majority of my customers come from referrals. Even when I'm higher I can take jobs from my competitors. I've been known to have them ask around about how many times I've had to fix my competitors doors

 

[ShariR]

Does Lox's famous Swedish Fish qualify as a fruit. The only other fruity type vape I have is a lemon cream. I am not a fruit vaper at all. Do not care for them so don't have any left.

Fruits correct my taste buds when they are 'off' / I use pg hype from ave - peach with a touch of melon I think - and it's not all pg cuz I couldn't handle that - lox believes he read somewhere it's 10% pg / at any rate, try a fruit for a bit and see if your taste buds recover

 

[ShariR]

What a GREAT blog post Uncle. I read it and have subscribed so I can go back and read your linked references. A couple I am familiar with. Many new ones. A must read for a diabetic vaper. Thank you.

By the way. I saw your photo over there. You are quite the cutie. A handsome fellow. For some reason I pictured you in my mind as older than you appear in the picture.

First off - I Like the "Joke" . . .

AND "YES" - I will certainly No Longer call "You" Sir - "Madam" . . .

AND - Just for the record and in all seriousness - If you are under 45 (besides the fact that Ya' Could be one of "My" children if I have any ? ? ? ) and given "My" age and all I have been though in "My" Life - I HAVE WITHOUT A DOUBT EARNED THE RIGHT - to be called "Sir" and/or "Mr." when being addressed (unless I directly give Ya' permission to call "Me" by "My" First Name - Can Ya' Tell that I really hate when people in Business situations think that "We" are "friends" and call "Me" by "My" first name - WE ARE NOT FRIENDS, WE ARE CONDUCTING BUISNESS) . . .

SO - Feel Free to address "Me" as such and not with what names are now going through "Your" Head at the moment . . .

Oh BTW: Please note both the line under "My" ECF "Handle"/"Nick-name" - "Uncle"

and "Signature-line"

. . .


Anyway - I have access to a real computer (as Ya' All can notice) - SO I have updated "My Blog" about "Vaping' & "Diabetes" issues with "Sugar"/"Sugar Subsitutes" that are in "E-Liquids" which I post a while ago and it is now available to read for anyone that might be interested:

Diabetes, "E-Liquids", and Vaping?​

I really do hope that it is somewhat Informative, especially for those who are dealing with Diabetes and gives "You" something to think about before ingesting anything labeled "Sugar Free" or just "Vaping" any "E-Liquid" that is available without finding out what the ingredients are . . .Just Sayin' . . .

 

[ShariR]

Good for you, Mark. But do not let the fact that you tossed them stress you. I ended up keeping my last pack. It is still here somewhere. lol

For some reason, for me at least, the fact that I knew I had that pack put away actually helped me to not smoke a cigarette. Think it is a personality thing in my case. You know, the child that would do whatever she was told not to do. Yup, I was one of those. Just made sure I did not get caught. Knowing the pack was in the house was calming for me. Now I can not even remember where it is.

I got rid of my cigarettes yesterday. It's time to take that next step. Granted half a pack in about 2 months ain't nothing to sneeze at our be ashamed of but it's still time to stop having the crutch in the house. It's rubber meets road time, when the inevitable thighs of cigarettes show up it's time to take the rights captive abs replace them with something else.
I got an order of Killer Juice yesterday afternoon that had a bottle of Ripe Strawberry in it that is in friggin credible. 3 more orders showed up today so in 2 days I got more new flavors than I've got tanks to fill with. I can at least change my thoughts to what flavor to try next if I can take my tank full of Strawberry off my battery for more than a few puffs. Walt, at Killer Juice, shipped my custom iced sweet tea with lemon out today along with my custom blend chocolate milkshake. My son confiscated my bottle of Boysenberry Pancakes and I thought I wouldn't miss it since it was my least favorite but when trying to empty a tank by vaping instead of dumping I found I really miss it now that I've finished the tank. Boysenberry is a cross between BlackBerry and Rasberry. Add in the maple syrup with a hint of butter pancakes and it's an interesting juice. So close to the real thing you might find yourself picking imaginary seeds out of your teeth.
I told my wife I might eventually but another pack of smokes but it isn't in the cards at this time.

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

 

[aikanae1]

Because of all the pipes bursting back in January from this unusual cold spell, the contractors are interviewing ME over the phone to see if they even want to come out and provide an estimate on the job. This is happening whether I mention insurance or not and I tell that it will be a cash job, which it will be. We do not even make it to the references part. More than half are not licensed or insured so I cut them out of the running, the rest are cherry picking and throwing out lead start dates of 10 to 12 weeks. Not worth it to hire a conractor from over 50 miles away; bill will be too padded or they will not want job.

What a mess. Don't you know anyone who's lived there for a long time because what you really need are refferals from someone you know. I know if I find a good plumber or electrician or handyman, their name is passed on and then on again, etc. I ran into one person in my neighborhood who was born and raised here. Her references have been from heaven when I needed one.

Of course you wouldn't be going through all this if it was that easy. In the past I guess I've been fortunate because most my family, my ex and his family were in the construction/capentry/building/architectual trades. There's usually a distribution warehouse that's open to trades only. That's where we'd source materials. I was hoping your contractor "friend" would have access. Sometimes realators know the right ppl for a job too. I'm just brainstorming.

Hang in there. The day will come that it'll all be over with and eventually, you might even laugh at it (I hope).

​

 

[ShariR]

I live in a 'New' town. The town has been here since before the Civil War. I can practically throw stone and hit a major local battlefield that was on the march to Nashville. When I moved here in 2003 the population was 13,000. Five years earlier it was 6,000. Last year it was about 31,000. So all the homes are 10 years old or less. This town was cow pastures and horse farms and a couple of plantations. All there is/was here are new home builders and those that work for them.

You have to either go with handyman, unlicensed, uninsured people here and south of us, or the fancier contractors up in Nashville and Franklin - where the money is. Between the country music stars, football players, professional hockey players and all the California people that sold their million dollar CA homes to buy three out here (Nissan move), it is rich or poor.

I want a good contractor. Can not afford best. Our upstairs addition was done by a well referred contractor and our built in pool done by another one. Both were over 60 miles away and both of the jobs suffered from it. None of the workers wanted to travel out here and neither do a lot of the contractors. I will find someone. It is just a lot harder than if I lived back east or closer to a metropolitan area.

What a mess. Don't you know anyone who's lived there for a long time because what you really need are refferals from someone you know. I know if I find a good plumber or electrician or handyman, their name is passed on and then on again, etc. I ran into one person in my neighborhood who was born and raised here. Her references have been from heaven when I needed one.

Of course you wouldn't be going through all this if it was that easy. In the past I guess I've been fortunate because most my family, my ex and his family were in the construction/capentry/building/architectual trades. There's usually a distribution warehouse that's open to trades only. That's where we'd source materials. I was hoping your contractor "friend" would have access. Sometimes realators know the right ppl for a job too. I'm just brainstorming.

Hang in there. The day will come that it'll all be over with and eventually, you might even laugh at it (I hope).

​

 

[loxmythe]

Shari go to the local vo-tech and talk to the carpentry teacher. May have some good leads on recent grads just getting started out. I found some good workers over the years like that

 

[ShariR]

They do not have any vocational schools out here. At least none that I have heard of. The only things here are those buy a degree in something colleges that passes anyone through as long as govt pays the tuition. And those are for med techs, paralegals, truck drivers. We have Vanderbilt University 40 miles away and a community college with only academic programs. No high school shop classes or tech schools. Wish there was.

Even a couple of the local new home builders are using mostly unskilled labor and illegals. If I was a church goer I am sure I would not be having this much trouble finding someone. Earlier this week I went to the 'showroom' of the company that installed my kitchen cabinets. He is the guy that provided a one liner estimate. Uh, will do island and laminate with labor and tax for $x. I called and asked if that included the half wall and breakfast counter and electrical. Got an email back. Another one liner that said, wall is $x. No mention of if thy are removing island, moving and resetting appliances and rehooking up plumbing and electrical.

That is how he does business. He puts in cabinets for local builders and I do not think he wants this job. Too small. Has to do actual paperwork more than a one line quote. This is the norm and most of what I am getting. Not good enough to satisfy ins co. When I ask for breakdown of estimate, they get angry and dismissive. I do not think they want this job on their books. So I do not want them to do job. That reads trouble down the road and a poor job done. Or an unfinished job.

Shari go to the local vo-tech and talk to the carpentry teacher. May have some good leads on recent grads just getting started out. I found some good workers over the years like that