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I can't believe where I've ended up

DonBaldy

Platinum Contributor
Member For 4 Years
As many of you know I've been away from the form much more than I've been on lately. Most of you also know that I've been a dual user. Unfortunately vaping (I know it's mainly me) hasn't helped me kick the habit of cigarettes.

Most of you know that I've recently sold off most of my collection to redirect funds to other hobbies. Only kept the 5 devices I enjoy the most. I've lost interest in the hobby of vaping. It kind of got ridiculous. I also had to examine how much I was spending. Everything was getting more, and more expensive. And for what? They all do the same thing. That $300 mod/RDA setup didn't do anything more or better than the $40 mod/RDA. I was also feeling that I was always trying to keep up with the latest greatest, even though it wasn't a conscious effort.

Since the virus BS I've started smoking way more than vaping. I've been getting more and more depressed over it and as a result started smoking way more. Got back up to almost 3 packs a day.

Over this past weekend we went to our property in the country to get away for a long weekend. I had to make a run into town (about 20ish miles) and for some reason I decided to stop into one of the 2 vape shops in town. I'd been in there before and knew they carried anything I'd remotely be interested in. After taking with the shop owner for a little while I ended up buying a pod device. I had a voopoo Vinci X in the truck but really didn't like it much. It's too large and heavy for what it is.

I let it charge up while I went into the store to get the supplies I'd gone to town for in the first place. I didn't smoke a single cigarette the whole drive back to the property. It's usually at least 3 for that drive. We drove home on Monday. I had 1 cigarette on the drive home of 2 1/2 hours. It's usually half to a full pack on that drive. Since being home I've had about a pack. I'm enjoying vaping again. No changing cotton. No batteries to charge (well one). I'm still using my DIY juice although I've upped the nic to 6 mg from 3 mg and changed the vg/pg ratio.

So here I am pretty much back where my vaping journey began. For the last 5 days I've been vaping on a Smok Nord 2 with .4 mesh factory coils at 18w and I'm enjoying it like I haven't in a long time. I can't believe that a product from a company I swore I'd never have again has renewed my interest and has allowed me to win a few battles. The war is not over.

Thanks for reading my late night ramblings. I do miss the VU members. Some of whom I've become quite fond.
 

JuicyLucy

My name is Lucy and I am a squonkaholic
VU Donator
Diamond Contributor
ECF Refugee
VU Challenge Team
Member For 5 Years
As many of you know I've been away from the form much more than I've been on lately. Most of you also know that I've been a dual user. Unfortunately vaping (I know it's mainly me) hasn't helped me kick the habit of cigarettes.

Most of you know that I've recently sold off most of my collection to redirect funds to other hobbies. Only kept the 5 devices I enjoy the most. I've lost interest in the hobby of vaping. It kind of got ridiculous. I also had to examine how much I was spending. Everything was getting more, and more expensive. And for what? They all do the same thing. That $300 mod/RDA setup didn't do anything more or better than the $40 mod/RDA. I was also feeling that I was always trying to keep up with the latest greatest, even though it wasn't a conscious effort.

Since the virus BS I've started smoking way more than vaping. I've been getting more and more depressed over it and as a result started smoking way more. Got back up to almost 3 packs a day.

Over this past weekend we went to our property in the country to get away for a long weekend. I had to make a run into town (about 20ish miles) and for some reason I decided to stop into one of the 2 vape shops in town. I'd been in there before and knew they carried anything I'd remotely be interested in. After taking with the shop owner for a little while I ended up buying a pod device. I had a voopoo Vinci X in the truck but really didn't like it much. It's too large and heavy for what it is.

I let it charge up while I went into the store to get the supplies I'd gone to town for in the first place. I didn't smoke a single cigarette the whole drive back to the property. It's usually at least 3 for that drive. We drove home on Monday. I had 1 cigarette on the drive home of 2 1/2 hours. It's usually half to a full pack on that drive. Since being home I've had about a pack. I'm enjoying vaping again. No changing cotton. No batteries to charge (well one). I'm still using my DIY juice although I've upped the nic to 6 mg from 3 mg and changed the vg/pg ratio.

So here I am pretty much back where my vaping journey began. For the last 5 days I've been vaping on a Smok Nord 2 with .4 mesh factory coils at 18w and I'm enjoying it like I haven't in a long time. I can't believe that a product from a company I swore I'd never have again has renewed my interest and has allowed me to win a few battles. The war is not over.

Thanks for reading my late night ramblings. I do miss the VU members. Some of whom I've become quite fond.

:hug:

I'm glad you are smoking less again - and we miss you here BTW
 

gsmit1

Platinum Contributor
Member For 4 Years
The most important thing is getting away from those infernal cigarettes. You don't have to have new vapemail or a handcheck to hang out here and be encouraged by other members who want to see you quit too. I'm sure I speak for everybody. Or at least I hope so.
 

gsmit1

Platinum Contributor
Member For 4 Years
Thanks, Lucy. It's hard to have gone back to smoking so much and even harder to admit that fact here, a place that celebrates the successes of so many. It's embarrassing that I've never been able to share in that success.
I have a high degree of confidence that you are not the only person in this struggle. Nobody whose opinion you should care about is going to look down on you for that.
 

DonBaldy

Platinum Contributor
Member For 4 Years
I have a high degree of confidence that you are not the only person in this struggle. Nobody whose opinion you should care about is going to look down on you for that.
I normally don't care much what other's think of me, but there are several here whom I hold in high regard and their opinion does matter from some sill reason. I've been a member here for 4 years which is a record fro me when it comes to an internet forum of any topic.
 

JuicyLucy

My name is Lucy and I am a squonkaholic
VU Donator
Diamond Contributor
ECF Refugee
VU Challenge Team
Member For 5 Years
Thanks, Lucy. It's hard to have gone back to smoking so much and even harder to admit that fact here, a place that celebrates the successes of so many. It's embarrassing that I've never been able to share in that success.

I dual used for over three years and had the same problem, so I get it

But, preserver - It's now been over four years since I lit up :)
 

gsmit1

Platinum Contributor
Member For 4 Years
I know, but, but, but....I am happy that I'm at least over all the shiny.
If you feel that the hobby is not something your life is bettered by and a Smok Nord 2 is your most successful tool to date, again, that's all that matters. The truth is that the vaaaaast majority of regular vapers are not shinies or enthusiasts and couldn't possibly care less about the stuff we prattle on about here everyday. There's not a thing wrong with that and it's a lot cheaper.
 

DonBaldy

Platinum Contributor
Member For 4 Years
If you feel that the hobby is not something your life is bettered by and a Smok Nord 2 is your most successful tool to date, again, that's all that matters. The truth is that the vaaaaast majority of regular vapers are not shinies or enthusiasts and couldn't possibly care less about the stuff we prattle on about here everyday. There's not a thing wrong with that and it's a lot cheaper.
True. I've known that all along, but still loved the shinies. I used to revel in the huge clouds, but now I'm loving the 18 watts and enough cloud to make it different from a cigarette. I will say that products like this nord 2 and factory coils have come long way. Flavor is damn good. As good as the RDAs I'd been using.
 

gsmit1

Platinum Contributor
Member For 4 Years
I guess deep down something is there. Something that guided me into the vape shop. Something that's gotten me to use a Smok pod mod. Must be some part of me that hasn't given up completely.
My friend you know that those cigarettes will kill you and that no matter what the mommy groups and the politicos say, the huge harm reduction of vaping is real. You don't wanna die any sooner than you have to. I'm betting that's what took you in there and back out with an accursed Smok device that you wound up loving. Surrender is the only defeat. You're not gonna give up.
 

DonBaldy

Platinum Contributor
Member For 4 Years
No doubt about it. Subohm setups in general have improved an hundredfold just since I started.
Sure have. so far the coil has lasted this 5 days and shows no sign of weakening, although I do have another few packs of coils and a few replacement pods on order, because, well, it is Smok and these things will likely vanish tomorrow. When I did use setups with factory coils in the beginning I was lucky to get 3 days.
 

gsmit1

Platinum Contributor
Member For 4 Years
Sure have. so far the coil has lasted this 5 days and shows no sign of weakening, although I do have another few packs of coils and a few replacement pods on order, because, well, it is Smok and these things will likely vanish tomorrow. When I did use setups with factory coils in the beginning I was lucky to get 3 days.
The good news is, the Nord and RPM coils work in numerous popular Smok devices and the coils are likely to be with us a good long time. There are also RBA's for any pod that fits those coils too.
 

DonBaldy

Platinum Contributor
Member For 4 Years
The good news is, the Nord and RPM coils work in numerous popular Smok devices and the coils are likely to be with us a good long time. There are also RBA's for any pod that fits those coils too.
I saw that, and almost bought it, but nope. It's just another shiny and I really don't want to deal with a tiny RBA. The flavor on these things is pretty damn good, but on the other hand it would be good to have for when/if the government shuts down vaping. Hell with this little pod and only filling it every other day, I can make juice for many years and have the supplies to do so since I'll only make 30 ml at a time.
 

Huckleberried

VU Donator
Diamond Contributor
Member For 5 Years
VU Patreon
I love you Don Baldy. I'm glad you're here with us, any time you pop in. Like others, I miss seeing you as much, you're one of my fave peeps here. As was said, you don't have to compete for the shiniest of the day, we have lots of places to hang a hat.

Your share is most certainly helping someone, possibly going through the same. You helped me today by giving me a smile.
 

Smigo

Gold Contributor
Member For 2 Years
Sure have. so far the coil has lasted this 5 days and shows no sign of weakening, although I do have another few packs of coils and a few replacement pods on order, because, well, it is Smok and these things will likely vanish tomorrow. When I did use setups with factory coils in the beginning I was lucky to get 3 days.
Good one turning back to vaping from the cigs.
And have coils ever changed! Think mesh has really been a game changer with factory coils. They seem so much more consistent in quality these days.
Good luck with your return journey. :)
 

SteveS45

Diamond Contributor
ECF Refugee
Member For 5 Years
Congratulations on returning to the path of becoming an X-Smoker @DonBaldy and good luck on the path. I have always said there is no one correct way to vape, I think it is what works for you is the best for you. I was a Dual User for many years until I realized I was kidding my self that I was cutting down.
 

DaBunny

Silver Contributor
Member For 2 Years
@DonBaldy your avatar says it all

46550.jpg
<--- Dats a Monkey on your back...
Just like smoking...

you already Know and have experanced the diferance in health and $$$.

soooooooooooooo.......
Just make it more difficult to smoke.
and EASIER to just Vape.

example.
Leave your smokes in the trunk of your car OUTSIDE.
leave the lighter in the Basement.

Now if you want a smoke.
GO to da trunk retreve one smoke, replace the pack to the trunk and then go to the basement.
and get your lighter.
GO OUTSIDE to SMOKE... you can only vape in the house.
then replace the lighter to the basement.
and you earned dat smoke.
PLUS you got a bit of excersize.

no one can tell a smoker NOT to smoke.
its a choice only YOU can make...

just make it a bit harder to make a Bad choice and Easier for the good choice.

ESPICALLY when it rainning. cold as hell. middle of the night... great motivators for making good choices
{{ if ya get what i mean }}
 

nadalama

Senior Moderator
Staff member
Senior Moderator
VU Donator
Diamond Contributor
Member For 4 Years
VU Patreon
I'm so sorry to hear that you've been having a rough time, and beating yourself up about it, too. I was concerned for you as soon as the virus started getting a lot of news time and things started shutting down - I think you were one of the first of us to be impacted in a serious way, and out of the blue really.

On the other hand, it's great that you've now talked about it some, and turned things around some, and are in a more comfortable and workable place with whatever combination of smoking and vaping that you can manage right now, during what has to have been an extremely stressful time for you and your family.

I think I speak for most everyone here that we only want the best for you. You've been an outstanding member of this community, and we have definitely missed having you around.

I hope you'll eventually be able to put the cigarettes down, but I hope that for everyone who smokes. As things stand in our environment these days, we have to do what keeps us functioning and able to deal with life as it is. Everyone copes differently, and in my view, what you're doing is just employing a coping mechanism. We all do that in various ways, every day, to meet the circumstances of our lives.

Hang in there, @DonBaldy. You're among friends here.
 

gadget!

"The Trader"
VU Donator
Platinum Contributor
Member For 5 Years
VU SWAT
VU Patreon
Wayne,
You're a great guy with a lot of heart, we missed you around here!
I wish you the best of luck getting off cigarettes. I know how hard it can be, I smoked for over 45 years and tried to quit many times.



Sent from a Galaxy far far away
 

vuJim

Gold Contributor
Member For 4 Years
ECF Refugee
Reddit Exile
The first time I got into vaping, three years ago, I did the same as you did, @DonBaldy: Turned it into a hobby. It got ridiculous. So I dropped it. (I did not go back to smoking. I hadn't been smoking for six years when I decided to try vaping.)

Late last summer I took up vaping again. Only this time I vowed not to go nuts. I just wanted to vape in the most convenient, trouble-free ways possible.

I am back to building on RTAs, and I'm now up to six mods, eight tanks (two of 'em came with the mods & I don't use 'em), and five RTAs, but that's not shiny-itus so much as experimentation and hedging against the upcoming FDA Deeming Rules.

The only reason for the large number of tanks and RTAs is because I like to have at least three loaded-up with different juices at any one time, so I can easily switch juices when one burns out on me. I figure eventually I won't be able to acquire replacement coils for the tanks, thus the RTAs.

Eventually I'll figure out what's excess stock and put some stuff up for sale here.
 

DaBunny

Silver Contributor
Member For 2 Years
O YA AND DON... ya may wanna UP your Nic for a while.
that really helps curb da nic fit feeling.
then reduce down some. I started at 18 am now down to 13.
MAKES a differance
sparkey got some low wattage stuff and it made me want to SMOKE even MORE.
some flavors can bring that on to.

for me Vanilla and cherry... LOVE EM BOTH
yet unfortunatly its to much like how i started smoking sooooooooooo
I tend to shy away
cuz then I don;t care the Nic level I WANT A RUM CHERRY CIGAR or VANNILA CIGAR..

ya i stated smoking cigs to get off da CIGARS.

now am vapping to get off da cigs i used to get off da cigars
NICOTINE ADDICTION is a BITCH.
 

DonBaldy

Platinum Contributor
Member For 4 Years
Thanks everyone for your words of encouragement. It's a tough road.

@vuJim don't get me wrong. There is nothing wrong with vaping as a hobby in addition to vaping for the health benefits and it was fun for a time.

For me it became consuming. One day I looked up and realized I had over 20 setups ( yeah I know a drop in the bucket for many). I was literally surrounded by mods and atomizers. Almost all of them looked cool, but saw little to no use. Wasted money! Money spent of storage solutions for mods, storage for atomizers, building supplies, batteries, DIY supplies, and whatever other widgets that accompany vaping. Almost all of my time was spent searching for this mod, or that RDA, or this gadget ( no not that Gadget. That one is easy to find and we really like that one) Calculating how many mods and other junk I can obtain within my given budget. It had become more of an obsession rather than a hobby. I could manufacture any reason to get something new, or stock pike because of coming FDA regs or bans. I was like a junkie and doing it more than half the time with a cigarette in my hand. I wasn't quitting. I guess it was time to hit the reset button.

I do hope that some casual VU member does see this post and understand that it's still a struggle for even some of us long time members and that they aren't alone.


I love you Don Baldy. I'm glad you're here with us, any time you pop in. Like others, I miss seeing you as much, you're one of my fave peeps here. As was said, you don't have to compete for the shiniest of the day, we have lots of places to hang a hat.
Your share is most certainly helping someone, possibly going through the same. You helped me today by giving me a smile.
Thank you Huck! You along with so many here who's names I won't mention ( lucy, Crom, wb80, catman, deb, nada, steve, pami, gadget, jwill, bx10r, and a long list of others) are people I've become quite fond of and appreciate. Although unlikely I do hope to meet many of you in person one day. A lot of very special people here.
 

DonBaldy

Platinum Contributor
Member For 4 Years
O YA AND DON... ya may wanna UP your Nic for a while.
that really helps curb da nic fit feeling.
then reduce down some. I started at 18 am now down to 13.
MAKES a differance
sparkey got some low wattage stuff and it made me want to SMOKE even MORE.
some flavors can bring that on to.

for me Vanilla and cherry... LOVE EM BOTH
yet unfortunatly its to much like how i started smoking sooooooooooo
I tend to shy away
cuz then I don;t care the Nic level I WANT A RUM CHERRY CIGAR or VANNILA CIGAR..

ya i stated smoking cigs to get off da CIGARS.

now am vapping to get off da cigs i used to get off da cigars
NICOTINE ADDICTION is a BITCH.
I never smoked cigars so flavors don't encourage smoking. My smoking addiction is very mental. It's kinds of a security blanket. I'm 48 and have smoked since I was 10.
 

DaBunny

Silver Contributor
Member For 2 Years
I never smoked cigars so flavors don't encourage smoking. My smoking addiction is very mental. It's kinds of a security blanket. I'm 48 and have smoked since I was 10.
OK THEN EASY ..
get don't laugh..

6517438eca34d33321dac58e9d14e116.jpg

THAT sucker.. It really has the security blanket feeling of a cig.

THAT RIGHT THERE was My first E-cig

just be careful NOT to light it { almost did that a couple times}
so only allow a DEAD lighter around it...
 
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Grandpa

Bronze Contributor
Member For 4 Years
You know, I've kinda got over the hobby mindset too for the time being. I got a SL Class and paired it up with my favorite Steam Crave Aromamizer Supreme v2 and I like this combo so much I've been using it exclusively for the last 5-6 months now. Everything else is on the shelf and I haven't even shopped for the last couple of months. I guess if you find something you like and it works for you, stick with it.
 

JuicyLucy

My name is Lucy and I am a squonkaholic
VU Donator
Diamond Contributor
ECF Refugee
VU Challenge Team
Member For 5 Years
I guess deep down something is there. Something that guided me into the vape shop. Something that's gotten me to use a Smok pod mod. Must be some part of me that hasn't given up completely.

You will always be our friend, even if you don't vape again

I feel ashamed that I can't help my husband quit smoking - I've helped so many people (in person and online) quit, but the one who matters most is still a hard core smoker - go figure, lol

Not that I am pressuring you - because we all know how that works - but a few things that helped me finally quit

First, I discovered that the first thing I inhaled besides air in the morning is what I would inhale the most that day. So, if I vaped first, I vaped more and smoked less for the day - the same in reverse, if I lit up first, I would mainly smoke that day

Second, I realized whenever I said I was quitting smoking it sent my brain into an involuntary panic, like I hadn't had a smoked in three days in an irritating situation bad panic. So, when talking to myself and others, I said I was trying to stop smoking instead, it really helped with the mental aspect, which was a real biggie for me. Something about quitting vs stopping cut my no-cigarette anxiety levels significantly

Third, looking at the triggers that would send me straight to a cigarette - it really helped when I knew I was about or was encountering a situation where I instinctively wanted the comfort of a smoke

Fourth, was WTA. Hard to find these days, but it is likely you are addicted to the alkaloids in cigs on top of the nicotine

Fifth: Just relax - we are here for support regardless of what your struggle is
 

Rhianne

Diamond Contributor
Member For 2 Years
ECF Refugee
The most important thing is getting away from those infernal cigarettes. You don't have to have new vapemail or a handcheck to hang out here and be encouraged by other members who want to see you quit too. I'm sure I speak for everybody. Or at least I hope so.

One day I shall remind you about saying you don’t have to hand check! :teehee:
 

Rhianne

Diamond Contributor
Member For 2 Years
ECF Refugee
True. I've known that all along, but still loved the shinies. I used to revel in the huge clouds, but now I'm loving the 18 watts and enough cloud to make it different from a cigarette. I will say that products like this nord 2 and factory coils have come long way. Flavor is damn good. As good as the RDAs I'd been using.

I’m so glad you’re enjoying it. We’ve missed you! :hug::hug:
 

bobnat

VU Donator
Gold Contributor
Member For 4 Years
You will always be our friend, even if you don't vape again

I feel ashamed that I can't help my husband quit smoking - I've helped so many people (in person and online) quit, but the one who matters most is still a hard core smoker - go figure, lol

Not that I am pressuring you - because we all know how that works - but a few things that helped me finally quit

First, I discovered that the first thing I inhaled besides air in the morning is what I would inhale the most that day. So, if I vaped first, I vaped more and smoked less for the day - the same in reverse, if I lit up first, I would mainly smoke that day

Second, I realized whenever I said I was quitting smoking it sent my brain into an involuntary panic, like I hadn't had a smoked in three days in an irritating situation bad panic. So, when talking to myself and others, I said I was trying to stop smoking instead, it really helped with the mental aspect, which was a real biggie for me. Something about quitting vs stopping cut my no-cigarette anxiety levels significantly

Third, looking at the triggers that would send me straight to a cigarette - it really helped when I knew I was about or was encountering a situation where I instinctively wanted the comfort of a smoke

Fourth, was WTA. Hard to find these days, but it is likely you are addicted to the alkaloids in cigs on top of the nicotine

Fifth: Just relax - we are here for support regardless of what your struggle is

Well said!
 

bobnat

VU Donator
Gold Contributor
Member For 4 Years
After vaping and not smoking for 2.5 years, I started again. I did the dual thing for about 4 months. I knew I wanted to stop and I also knew that if I could do it once, I could do it again...and I did. So can you. You gotta believe in yourself.
 

Rhianne

Diamond Contributor
Member For 2 Years
ECF Refugee
You will always be our friend, even if you don't vape again

I feel ashamed that I can't help my husband quit smoking - I've helped so many people (in person and online) quit, but the one who matters most is still a hard core smoker - go figure, lol

Not that I am pressuring you - because we all know how that works - but a few things that helped me finally quit

First, I discovered that the first thing I inhaled besides air in the morning is what I would inhale the most that day. So, if I vaped first, I vaped more and smoked less for the day - the same in reverse, if I lit up first, I would mainly smoke that day

Second, I realized whenever I said I was quitting smoking it sent my brain into an involuntary panic, like I hadn't had a smoked in three days in an irritating situation bad panic. So, when talking to myself and others, I said I was trying to stop smoking instead, it really helped with the mental aspect, which was a real biggie for me. Something about quitting vs stopping cut my no-cigarette anxiety levels significantly

Third, looking at the triggers that would send me straight to a cigarette - it really helped when I knew I was about or was encountering a situation where I instinctively wanted the comfort of a smoke

Fourth, was WTA. Hard to find these days, but it is likely you are addicted to the alkaloids in cigs on top of the nicotine

Fifth: Just relax - we are here for support regardless of what your struggle is

Finding WTA now is like finding a pot of gold and a rainbow. I’m not even sure if Aroma is still selling juice. It was hard enough to get some over a year ago from Jerry. Any idea where to get some?

I was reading a novel today and they mentioned someone quitting smoking etc and all of a sudden I got a craving. Like WTF?? Thankfully I had no smokes in the house and no RYO stuff that I could find. I had some Umba WTA and filled my tank and was satisfied.
 

JuicyLucy

My name is Lucy and I am a squonkaholic
VU Donator
Diamond Contributor
ECF Refugee
VU Challenge Team
Member For 5 Years
Finding WTA now is like finding a pot of gold and a rainbow. I’m not even sure if Aroma is still selling juice. It was hard enough to get some over a year ago from Jerry. Any idea where to get some?

I was reading a novel today and they mentioned someone quitting smoking etc and all of a sudden I got a craving. Like WTF?? Thankfully I had no smokes in the house and no RYO stuff that I could find. I had some Umba WTA and filled my tank and was satisfied.

Fucking sneaky ass smoking monkey

About twice a year I find myself thinking it's time to light up, out of nowhere usually too
 

Rhianne

Diamond Contributor
Member For 2 Years
ECF Refugee
Fucking sneaky ass smoking monkey

About twice a year I find myself thinking it's time to light up, out of nowhere usually too

I kind felt bad that my craving kicked up like that, but with all the stress lately maybe not. I’m just glad that my pipe tobacco was put away somewhere. WTA does help. I wish I had more of it!! Although NET helps too, imho.
 

JuicyLucy

My name is Lucy and I am a squonkaholic
VU Donator
Diamond Contributor
ECF Refugee
VU Challenge Team
Member For 5 Years
I kind felt bad that my craving kicked up like that, but with all the stress lately maybe not. I’m just glad that my pipe tobacco was put away somewhere. WTA does help. I wish I had more of it!! Although NET helps too, imho.

Nets helps me also when a craving hits; sometimes I just want NETS though
 

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