I Switched To The Electronic Cigarette And I Feel Great!!!!

   I did it! I finally quit smoking. I have replaced cigarettes with the newest form of smoking--the electronic cigarette!


   The first time I went to buy my electronic cigarette, I bought it at Sheetz, a local gas station. It was nice enough, but it had it's downfalls. A pack of cartriges cost $15 and lasted maybe for three days. At the end of the cartrige, my cigarette began to take on a burnt taste in my mouth, which was particularly unpleasant. It began to make me think twice about the e-cig. Then I heard about the vapor room in Frostburg, MD. I went up there and purchased the premium cigarette from the selection that they had. I purchased the "strawberries and cream" flavored liqued, and then the "vanilla cupcake" which is especially tasty. I was thoroughly satisfied with the service that I received there. The employees were extremely helpful and articulate. Their explanations and demonstrations left me feeling confident and at ease.


   The electronic cigarette contains no tar, carbon monoxide, or harmful toxins found in normal cigarettes. I will not be shortening my lifespan anymore. Now that's a plus! I actually smoke less as well. When I smoked regular cigarettes, I felt obligated to smoke the entire thing. The e-cig allows me to take a few puffs and put it away. Also, I save a lot of money. The average pack of cigarettes costs around $5. One vial of liquid used to fill my cartomizer costs $4 and it lasts about two weeks until it needs to be filled again. In addition, the electronic cigarette gives off no smoke. It only produces water vapor, so there are no harmful pollutants being released in the air. I can smoke pretty much anywhere I want, whenever I want. I can smoke in the house without having to worry about putting my son in danger. Now that makes me "breathe easier!'


   For anyone who is trying to quit smoking, I highly recommend the electronic cigarette. Switching to the e-cig has changed my life for the better. I am so delighted that I found this wonderful smoking alternative and I hope that by writing this, I can turn other people on to "vaping" instead of killing themselves with "cancer sticks."

Why Wicca Is My Way

   The choice to follow the path of spiritual enlightenment through Wicca was entirely my own. Wicca is a natural and practical aspect of my being. It meshes easily with the cycles of the universe. More importantly, it meshes well with me and the many facets of my personality.


   Far from the common belief of Satanists, practices of black magic, or worshippers of evil, Wiccans are a benign people who are closely attuned to nature. Their first and only commandment is to harm none. It is a celebration of the moon phases and of the seasons, the positive male aspects and the negative female aspects of nature, the Goddess and the God. This is a religion closely aligned with the sun and the moon, the oceans and the forests, the mountains and the shores. As children of the Goddess and the God, we are all equal. We all play intricate roles in the universal scheme of things.

   Instead of the ten commandments to guide us through life, we have only one: " An it harm none, do what thou wilt". This ever reminds us to be aware that every action that we take, every word we say and every thought that we think into fruition-- is similar to ripples in a pond. For every action there is a reaction. Wicca is an Earth religion, much like the Native American religion. Instead of worshipping within the confines of a building, we often hold our rituals outdoors in nature. We don't believe in Hell, the Devil, or "fire and brimstone". We do believe that evil exists in the world, but that humankind creates it's own evil and that such horrors are handled through the laws of "karma" and the lessons that reincarnation brings. We believe in the Threefold Law, meaning that everything you do, good or bad, comes back to you times three.


   I am a Solitary Wiccan. I don't belong to a coven, I practice alone. It is very rare that I find someone who shares my affinity for Wicca. Thus, I am very reclusive when it comes to my spiritual practices. I have my own portable altar which allows me to practice anywhere, anytime. I call upon the north, south, east and west. I call upon the elements of earth, air, fire, water and spirit. I call upon the Goddess and God and thank them for my many blessings. I practice when I am alone and feeling at peace with myself and one with the universe. Practicing the Craft helps keep me grounded and centered.


   In conclusion, Wicca is a religion of compassion and utmost mindfulness. The craft is generous, accepting and loving. It is unobtrusive, supportive and gentle. It is an ethical way of life that, once embraced, brings immeasurable joy and wonder to my everyday living.

Welcome To Salvation

   Raindrops of redemption soak me to the core

   Let my fears wash away in the pool of my trangressions

   My life is a menagerie of colorful images

   The day filters through with it's illuminous illustrations

   I keep my eyes unprejudiced and my mind wide open

   Empathy is my remedy

   Let the angels of mercy come down--

   Let them wrap their wings of reconcilliation around me

   The clouds are finally clearing

   Peace of mind is setting in

   The worst is over now, I can live again

   I want to be weightless and free

   I'm swimming in a pool of possibilities

   I'm embraced with overtures of opportunity

   I marvel at the delicate dusk

   The magic, the splendor, the awe

   Please don't destroy my delicate daydream

   I'm returning to innocence

   My spirituality is strong, cannot be ruptured

   Welcome to salvation

I Don't Step On The Scale Anymore

   I have issues with my body image, no doubt about that. I have had issues for a long time, since I was about twelve years old. Stepping on the scale for me can be a very formidable thing. If the number that appears before me is higher than I want it to be, I will berate and belittle myself all day and possibly result to drastic measures to lose weight. And of course the number will always be a little higher than I want it to be. So why not spare myself the drama?


   I have been getting much better with managing my quasi body dysmorphia and disordered eating. Like being an alcoholic, I will always be an alcoholic even if I am not an active one. So I will always have an eating disorder even if it is inactive for the rest of my life. Anyways, I wake up and eat a very healthy breakfast every morning. I get on my eliptical and do at least four miles, for about an hour every day. I eat fruit for the rest of the day, if I'm hungry.(okay, maybe that's not normal but let's move on...). I also take vitamins, supplements, and amino acids every morning. I am learning to love and appreciate my body type. I am a mesomorph, a naturally muscular build. That has been very difficult for me to accept for a very long time. It's most assuredly a daily struggle, but the rewards are well worth it.


   Stepping on the scale to see how much I weigh seems pointless to me. I am then judging myself according to a number. If I feel healthy, am living a healthy lifestyle, and fit well in my clothes, then I must be doing something right. A number on a scale doesn't own me or represent who I am as a human being. Aside from scales and weight and body image, I am a pretty spectacular person. I'm very opportunistic about this phase of my spiritual development. Someday I will look back at these obstacles that I am crossing and smile with pride knowing that I have crossed them. In the meantime, I am not going to jeapordize my progress. Therefore, I do not step on the scale anymore.