TRYING not to lose interest

cmitch · 08-16-2012, 02:47 PM

A while back, I went through a spell where no cigar, even my old favorites, appealed to me. My palate was just off. Now, I'm finding myself quickly becoming disinterested in cigars, much of which has happened in the last 2 weeks. I started smoking cigars because of not only the flavor I liked, but I liked the socializing with the local BOTL's. Since our local B&M owner decided to become a 'dick' with some of his customers, I no longer go there and it has cost me the socializing time I had with BOTL I really liked. We have a meet up on Tuesdays for food and cigars but many of the regulars at the B&M do not show. Most have went their on way and are doing their on thing.

I'm not planning on giving up the Tuesday nights but where I used to have the fever to go to events at the Cigar Room in Madison, AL, I find myself just not wanting to go. 55 miles is just too far to drive to go to a B&M regularly. There's no way our local B&M is ever going to be an option again. IF we had another option here, that would be great but, at this point, I don't see that happening.

My issue with my left eye isn't helpful either, since smoke greatly irritates it to the point it looks like it's going to bleed. Doc doesn't know WHAT is wrong with it but I woke Wed. morning to severe burning and redness. I guess I could wear a patch!

I'm trying to stay with it. I really enjoy cigars but I fear when winter sets in and I have no where to go, I may give it up altogether. Maybe this is just a stage or phase.

The Poet · 08-16-2012, 02:52 PM

Life is not a circle, but rather a spiral. If you are meant to come back to it, you shall . . . albeit on a different level.

lilninjabuddy · 08-16-2012, 03:20 PM

We all have seasons in life.

Do what you want. What I mean by that is, if you don't really enjoy it anymore, don't force it. Just lay 'em down, and pick them back up when you get that itch again!

SvilleKid · 08-16-2012, 03:24 PM

Sorry to hear it, Clayton. I fully understand the local owner issue involved. Given the lack of visibility of that store, and it's owner's attitude and history, it would seem like a competitor would be able to move in and take that market away.

I wonder if the owners if Cigars and More in Bham would be interested??!!?? They were able to best several established (but snobbish) stores here. They would turn K's business in a heartbeat, with better customer response and service!

One can only hope! Hang in there. Give cigars a new role. Use as a relaxation tool. Smoke less, but pick your place and time to make it a "moment", even if you are alone.

pektel · 08-16-2012, 03:29 PM

I haven't sat down to enjoy a cigar in quite some time. Well, only a couple times in the past couple months. I'm not going to force myself if I'm just not feeling it right now. I seem to go in phases where I'm really into something, get a little burnt out by it, and take a break. Right now I'm on the "break" part of the cycle. But I'm not worried about it. They're just rolled up leaves. They aren't going anywhere, and they'll be even better with some more age on them.

poriggity · 08-16-2012, 03:58 PM

I feel ya. I used to smoke 2-3 cigars a day, then got burnt out. I now MIGHT smoke one or two a week... I am happy with that. Do what you gotta do man.
Scott

cmitch · 08-16-2012, 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SvilleKid

Sorry to hear it, Clayton. I fully understand the local owner issue involved. Given the lack of visibility of that store, and it's owner's attitude and history, it would seem like a competitor would be able to move in and take that market away.

I wonder if the owners if Cigars and More in Bham would be interested??!!?? They were able to best several established (but snobbish) stores here. They would turn K's business in a heartbeat, with better customer response and service!

One can only hope! Hang in there. Give cigars a new role. Use as a relaxation tool. Smoke less, but pick your place and time to make it a "moment", even if you are alone.

It's tough giving up times with your friends but it was so intolerable there. It just doesn't seem anyone is interested at this time moving in.

That may be my problem. I've been having a tough time relaxing lately. Like I said, maybe it's a phase. We'll see.

hammondc · 08-16-2012, 05:14 PM

I was in a similar funk about 6 months ago right after I started to slide down the other slope. Now, offspring #1 will be here in a month. I have been on a break for about 2 months. Mainly because it is too hot out right now. Still 95* at night. Finally lit one up last night and fully enjoyed it.

Put the cutter down and step back from the humidor. Take a break. Then try again.

DaBear · 08-16-2012, 07:12 PM

I don't know if I'm nearing that point or just slowing way the heck down on smoking, but I used to pack in 3-4 sticks per trip to work(which ended up being most days) bare minimum. Now, thats the most I'll ever smoke, even when I'm there all day long. I can't even decide what I want to smoke anymore either. Though I do blame half the problem on IPCPR just happening and me wanting all the new stuff(

V Melanios and Old Man and the C)

irratebass · 08-17-2012, 04:04 AM

Clayton, sorry about your weird eye issue......and my only advice to give regarding the cigars is.....take the break, put em' down they will ALWAYS be there, they aren't going anywhere.....good luck

ninjavanish · 08-17-2012, 04:56 AM

Clayton, I have had more than my fair share of run ins with the owner of that store. What I learned from my time there was that there's a fantastic terrace at the Marriott with fire pits and heaters that allows smoking.

Xikar77 · 08-17-2012, 05:56 AM

Hey man, I've gone through this phase twice already. I am actually just coming back into it after about 3 years of maybe smoking once or twice a year. Do what you feel you have to and dont stress over it. A break can be a good thing. Especially for the wallet!!!!!! :P

Subvet642 · 08-17-2012, 06:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lilninjabuddy

We all have seasons in life.

Do what you want. What I mean by that is, if you don't really enjoy it anymore, don't force it. Just lay 'em down, and pick them back up when you get that itch again!

I have a bunch of hobbies and I cannot pay attention to all of them all of the time. I find myself throwing myself into one hobby at a time and sort of rotating around between them all. I collect fountain pens (for one) and I haven't bought or done any repair work in over a year, and that's okay, 'cause when I feel like paying attention to them, they'll be there. If you don't feel like smoking, don't, but don't stress over it, either.

lilninjabuddy · 08-17-2012, 11:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Subvet642

HEY!

I resemble that remark....*

*I freaking hate it when people say this too, but I just couldn't resist.

Zanaspus · 08-17-2012, 01:14 PM

I went through a year and a half of this recently. Just keep them, forget about them, and down the road you'll have some wonderful HTF sticks that you can then smoke or sell.

shibby4781 · 08-17-2012, 04:44 PM

I too fear the loss of interest happening this winter. Too cold to smoke outside and the owner of the closest B&M is really not my cup of tea. Guy has a great cigar knowledge and has never steered me wrong but not really someone I want to hang out with. The next closest is about 30 minutes away. Not really worth the gas just to smoke IMO. But I figure if I take that break and don't lose interest the first smoke of the spring will be that much sweeter. I say take a break and come back to it when you are ready.

mk05 · 08-17-2012, 07:08 PM

Congratulations sir, you are not addicted to nicotine!

I smoke - like yourself - when I'm with friends; I associate cigars with having a relaxing time. I also associate smoking with "everybody shut the hell up so I can sit here alone and stare at nature" time. If you can find something else to associate with smoking that brings a smile to your face, I think you'll start enjoying again.

cmitch · 08-19-2012, 07:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ninjavanish

Clayton, I have had more than my fair share of run ins with the owner of that store. What I learned from my time there was that there's a fantastic terrace at the Marriott with fire pits and heaters that allows smoking.

We plan on that being our go to place on Tuesday evenings this winter. TC's had an event there about a month ago with Jason. I showed up after they were gone. What a shame I missed them.

cmitch · 08-19-2012, 07:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mk05

Congratulations sir, you are not addicted to nicotine!

I smoke - like yourself - when I'm with friends; I associate cigars with having a relaxing time. I also associate smoking with "everybody shut the hell up so I can sit here alone and stare at nature" time. If you can find something else to associate with smoking that brings a smile to your face, I think you'll start enjoying again.

It's a wonder. I usually smoke 1 a night and about 3 on Tuesdays. Of course, poker eats up about 4 to 5, depending on the game length. I'm in the process of planning a local herf at my place for the guys. That's when I'll find out who my true friends are. I've discovered, though, that great smokes often come at a price, prices I can't afford and it's either smoke so-so sticks or cut back. Life is too short to smoke so-so cigars.

SvilleKid · 08-19-2012, 01:38 PM

Clayton, before you cut back, let me know what you like. May not can send you $10 sticks, but I can rock your humi with decent $5-7 sticks!!!

08-16-2012, 02:52 PM	#2
The Poet Il megglior fabbro Join Date: Jun 2009 First Name: Thomas Location: Hickory, NC Posts: 8,420 Trading: (2)	Re: TRYING not to lose interest Life is not a circle, but rather a spiral. If you are meant to come back to it, you shall . . . albeit on a different level. __________________ Ninety percent of everything is crap - Theodore Sturgeon.

08-16-2012, 03:20 PM	#3
lilninjabuddy Cigar Ninja Join Date: Mar 2012 First Name: Derek Location: WA Posts: 150 Trading: (2)	Re: TRYING not to lose interest We all have seasons in life. Do what you want. What I mean by that is, if you don't really enjoy it anymore, don't force it. Just lay 'em down, and pick them back up when you get that itch again! __________________ When I have found intense pain relieved, a weary brain soothed, and calm, refreshing sleep obtained by a cigar, I have felt grateful to God, and have praised His name! -Spurgeon

08-16-2012, 03:24 PM	#4
SvilleKid Yes I am a Pirate Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: 33°46′08″N 86°28′16″W / 33.76895°N 86.471037°W Posts: 2,776 Trading: (52)	Re: TRYING not to lose interest Sorry to hear it, Clayton. I fully understand the local owner issue involved. Given the lack of visibility of that store, and it's owner's attitude and history, it would seem like a competitor would be able to move in and take that market away. I wonder if the owners if Cigars and More in Bham would be interested??!!?? They were able to best several established (but snobbish) stores here. They would turn K's business in a heartbeat, with better customer response and service! One can only hope! Hang in there. Give cigars a new role. Use as a relaxation tool. Smoke less, but pick your place and time to make it a "moment", even if you are alone. __________________ Ceilin' fan it stirs the air, Cigar smoke does swirl. The fragrance on the pillow case, and he thinks about the girl. Thanks, JB, 1975.

08-16-2012, 03:29 PM	#5
pektel I'm nuts for the place Join Date: Jul 2010 First Name: Peter Location: Grand Rapids, MN Posts: 4,320 Trading: (28)	Re: TRYING not to lose interest I haven't sat down to enjoy a cigar in quite some time. Well, only a couple times in the past couple months. I'm not going to force myself if I'm just not feeling it right now. I seem to go in phases where I'm really into something, get a little burnt out by it, and take a break. Right now I'm on the "break" part of the cycle. But I'm not worried about it. They're just rolled up leaves. They aren't going anywhere, and they'll be even better with some more age on them. __________________ The problem is not the problem. The problem is your ATTITUDE about the problem. Last edited by pektel; 08-16-2012 at 03:38 PM.

08-16-2012, 03:58 PM	#6
poriggity Cigar Zombie Fo Life! Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Scott Location: Lake Arrowhead, Ca Posts: 806 Trading: (13)	Re: TRYING not to lose interest I feel ya. I used to smoke 2-3 cigars a day, then got burnt out. I now MIGHT smoke one or two a week... I am happy with that. Do what you gotta do man. Scott __________________ Bearded Dad Blog

08-16-2012, 02:47 PM	#1
cmitch Heads up get down Join Date: Oct 2010 First Name: Clayton Location: NW Alabama by the river Posts: 2,720 Trading: (25)	TRYING not to lose interest A while back, I went through a spell where no cigar, even my old favorites, appealed to me. My palate was just off. Now, I'm finding myself quickly becoming disinterested in cigars, much of which has happened in the last 2 weeks. I started smoking cigars because of not only the flavor I liked, but I liked the socializing with the local BOTL's. Since our local B&M owner decided to become a 'dick' with some of his customers, I no longer go there and it has cost me the socializing time I had with BOTL I really liked. We have a meet up on Tuesdays for food and cigars but many of the regulars at the B&M do not show. Most have went their on way and are doing their on thing. I'm not planning on giving up the Tuesday nights but where I used to have the fever to go to events at the Cigar Room in Madison, AL, I find myself just not wanting to go. 55 miles is just too far to drive to go to a B&M regularly. There's no way our local B&M is ever going to be an option again. IF we had another option here, that would be great but, at this point, I don't see that happening. My issue with my left eye isn't helpful either, since smoke greatly irritates it to the point it looks like it's going to bleed. Doc doesn't know WHAT is wrong with it but I woke Wed. morning to severe burning and redness. I guess I could wear a patch! I'm trying to stay with it. I really enjoy cigars but I fear when winter sets in and I have no where to go, I may give it up altogether. Maybe this is just a stage or phase. __________________ No matter what one's status is in society, cigars are the great equalizer where the affluent and common share a love for the leaf. - Me.

08-16-2012, 05:14 PM	#8
hammondc Moar Padrons! Join Date: Aug 2010 First Name: Chip Location: Senoia, GA Posts: 2,628 Trading: (17)	Re: TRYING not to lose interest I was in a similar funk about 6 months ago right after I started to slide down the other slope. Now, offspring #1 will be here in a month. I have been on a break for about 2 months. Mainly because it is too hot out right now. Still 95* at night. Finally lit one up last night and fully enjoyed it. Put the cutter down and step back from the humidor. Take a break. Then try again.

08-16-2012, 07:12 PM	#9
DaBear Have My Own Room Join Date: Sep 2010 First Name: Bear Location: Raleigh, NC(NC State) Posts: 2,010 Trading: (26)	Re: TRYING not to lose interest I don't know if I'm nearing that point or just slowing way the heck down on smoking, but I used to pack in 3-4 sticks per trip to work(which ended up being most days) bare minimum. Now, thats the most I'll ever smoke, even when I'm there all day long. I can't even decide what I want to smoke anymore either. Though I do blame half the problem on IPCPR just happening and me wanting all the new stuff( V Melanios and Old Man and the C)

08-17-2012, 04:04 AM	#10
irratebass EMPEROR TOMPKINS Join Date: Aug 2011 First Name: Mickey Location: Mooresville, Indiana Posts: 8,313 Trading: (48)	Re: TRYING not to lose interest Clayton, sorry about your weird eye issue......and my only advice to give regarding the cigars is.....take the break, put em' down they will ALWAYS be there, they aren't going anywhere.....good luck __________________

08-17-2012, 04:56 AM	#11
ninjavanish Feeling at Home Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Trust me, your humi isn't big enough. Posts: 507 Trading: (16)	Re: TRYING not to lose interest Clayton, I have had more than my fair share of run ins with the owner of that store. What I learned from my time there was that there's a fantastic terrace at the Marriott with fire pits and heaters that allows smoking.

08-17-2012, 05:56 AM	#12
Xikar77 Just in from the Storm Join Date: Jul 2012 Posts: 21 Trading: (0)	Re: TRYING not to lose interest Hey man, I've gone through this phase twice already. I am actually just coming back into it after about 3 years of maybe smoking once or twice a year. Do what you feel you have to and dont stress over it. A break can be a good thing. Especially for the wallet!!!!!! :P

08-17-2012, 01:14 PM	#15
Zanaspus Adjusting to the Life Join Date: Aug 2009 First Name: Tony Location: Columbus, OH Posts: 492 Trading: (3)	Re: TRYING not to lose interest I went through a year and a half of this recently. Just keep them, forget about them, and down the road you'll have some wonderful HTF sticks that you can then smoke or sell. __________________ If you're gonna be a lamb, you might as well be a sheep.

08-17-2012, 04:44 PM	#16
shibby4781 Snozzberry Taster Join Date: Jun 2012 First Name: Keith Location: Lehigh Valley, PA Posts: 179 Trading: (3)	Re: TRYING not to lose interest I too fear the loss of interest happening this winter. Too cold to smoke outside and the owner of the closest B&M is really not my cup of tea. Guy has a great cigar knowledge and has never steered me wrong but not really someone I want to hang out with. The next closest is about 30 minutes away. Not really worth the gas just to smoke IMO. But I figure if I take that break and don't lose interest the first smoke of the spring will be that much sweeter. I say take a break and come back to it when you are ready. __________________ HAVE A MAGICAL DAY! THEN BEFORE AND NOW ONCE MORE I'M BOUNCING AROUND THE ROOM

08-17-2012, 07:08 PM	#17
mk05 Have My Own Room Join Date: Jul 2012 Posts: 1,331 Trading: (2)	Re: TRYING not to lose interest Congratulations sir, you are not addicted to nicotine! I smoke - like yourself - when I'm with friends; I associate cigars with having a relaxing time. I also associate smoking with "everybody shut the hell up so I can sit here alone and stare at nature" time. If you can find something else to associate with smoking that brings a smile to your face, I think you'll start enjoying again.

08-19-2012, 01:38 PM	#20
SvilleKid Yes I am a Pirate Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: 33°46′08″N 86°28′16″W / 33.76895°N 86.471037°W Posts: 2,776 Trading: (52)	Re: TRYING not to lose interest Clayton, before you cut back, let me know what you like. May not can send you $10 sticks, but I can rock your humi with decent $5-7 sticks!!! __________________ Ceilin' fan it stirs the air, Cigar smoke does swirl. The fragrance on the pillow case, and he thinks about the girl. Thanks, JB, 1975.