Coming soon to the cbid forums.
I am planning a box pass, to commemorate 2 anniversaries, which are coming soon. My 1 year anniversay, on the cbid BB, and my 20th year, off of cocaine. I was amazed by the changes in my life since I started posting on the boards here. My first post here, was around a year ago, not sure of the exact date, but I know it was in Feb. 03. I had been smoking premium cigars for 19 years, but not daily, as my budget was alot smaller, and prices were alot higher since I bought exclusively at my local tobacconist. I knew that there was a brotherhood surrounding the cigar world, because everyone I had met at my local, was friendly, and generous, even though we came from varied backgrounds, and political thought. But I did not realize how large the brotherhood was, until my arrival at this forum. I now smoke at least a cigar a day, if not 3-4. I no longer have "A" Favorite brand, but many. I had never smoked a boxpressed cigar, until I reached cbid. I had never smoked a Maduro cigar, until cbid, and I had never had an ISOM, with one exception, before cbid. Yes, I had smoked an ISOM, given to me by my grandfather, when He caught me smoking swishers, behind his shed, and wanted me to smoke a real cigar, if I was going to smoke. Damn thing made me puke. I was 12 years old. LOL The brotherhood, is great.
I was amazed when I realized, a few months ago, that I would be celebrating my 20th year, of being free from slavery due to cocaine addiction. The first couple of years was rough, and I am really amazed that the last 5 years, have been so easy. It helps that I moved away from my friends, of that era, of my life, and have no contact with them. I have been much more selective, in choosing my friends since I moved here 15 years ago, and have avoided being around people with substance abuse problems. That has made it much easier for me. Early on, in my recovery, my mentor, in my recovery, reintroduced me to his "Crutch" Premium cigars. He smoked H.Upman coronas. I enjoyed the ones he gave me, and began smoking a cigar, everytime the cravings for cocaine, got bad and I was tempted to slip. It helped a little, but the cravings were still pretty regular, especially on weekends. You know nothing to do, to keep my mind off of it. I was having a particular rough day, and went to the smokeshop, to buy some Upmans. He was out, and suggested that I try a new product from A.Fuentes. The Hemingway Line. It was a little pricey, compared to the Upmans, but I said what the hell. I bought a short story, I think it was almost $4. I was in heaven. That was the first cigar, that grabbed me and said this is for you. It was also the first cigar, that tasted like something besides tobacco. The chocolate and coffee overtones, woke me up to the true enjoyment of a great cigar. It was the first cigar that I nubbed, and wanted more. I bought my first box of cigars, first Humidor, and gave my first cigar away, that day. That was my introduction to the Brotherhood. I never looked back. I credit God with giving me the will power to stay off cocaine, and will tell anyone that premium cigars are one of the tools that God used to help me break this addiction.
Now back to the box pass, sorry about my longwinded explanation on the dbl anniversary. I will, on the 21st. of this month, start compiling my list, for the members of the pass. I already have several on the list, pending their approval, of course, but I am still waiting on a bunch of cigars for the box. Basically the only people going on the list, are people I have traded with, people who have bombed me, and people who they are willing to vouch for. Don't bomb me now, as the tenetive list, I already have. On the 15th of March, my 20th off cocaine, The box will be mailed, to the first person on the list. That is the plan, as of now. I am hoping that I can get this all organized by then. I will work on finalizing the list during the last week of this month. I am working on a few trades, to broaden the selection, in the pass, and am hoping to have something for everybody. Partially I am announcing this pass so soon, so it does not conflict with another pass, rumored to be coming soon, LOWMANS PASS. I am hoping there will be no conflicts, as I would love to include him in the pass. I am not all that great at organization, so bear with me. I hope this is not too confusing, as I am under the influence of my sinus medication, and that stuff makes me a little scattered. LOL Anyway, look for the Homebrews DBL ANNI PASS THREAD the last week of this month.
Thanks guys, and gals for making my first year here a wonderful experience.
Later
Dave (A.K.A. Homebrew)
