My mother smoked, so I guess you could say I was born a smoker. At age 5 my neighbor and me would smoke a pipe before his wife got home and we did this almost everyday. I sneaked and was a regular smoker by the time I was in middle school. Through the many years, smoking not only became a crutch for me but I considered it my best friend. I could not even begin to count the number of times I tried to quit. Sometimes I would make it a few months but more often it would be only a matter of days. I tried cold turkey, nicotine patches, cotton stuffed straws and Chantix was my last failed attempt. About the same time that my husband lost his job, Groupon put a deal on for Premium Vapes Electronic cigarette starter kit. I figured for $25.00 I would try it to help cut down on cigarettes. My plan was only to cut down. I had no desire to quit smoking. So I began vaping and continued smoking. As the time went by I discovered that vaping was actually enjoyable. Without really noticing, I began to vape more and smoke less. I started thinking that maybe I should try once again to quit smoking. So I consciously began to cut down on cigarettes. When I got down to a couple a day, I got to the point where I almost dreaded lighting up. When I got down to 2 a day I realized just how bad they tasted. The cigarette that I had smoked for so many years actually tasted nasty. By the time I got down to one before bed, I would take a few drags and snuff it out and reach for my delicious tasting cig-a-like. I finished all the cigarettes I had and quickly upgraded to a bigger battery and more flavors. My hand to God, this is the first time in my life that I have ever felt like I could leave my best friend behind and choose a healthier alternative. I know smoking is an addiction. I am well aware that vaping is an addiction also. If you asked me if vaping is healthy… I would say no. If you ask me if it is healthier alternative I would have to say I am proof that it is. I have lost close to 30 pounds. I have started walking almost everyday and I might add… without gasping. The only problem I have encountered is my sense of smell being restored. Bad smells have started bothering me. Food in restaurants taste like they added to much salt. All in all, the bottom line is I feel improved and my only regret is that I did not try it a lot sooner. My plan is to continue vaping and possibly reduce my nicotine. I really have no intention of trying to become vape-free. I have one friend who I introduced to vaping and I will educate anyone who will listen to me and my story. I have no idea if I am an ex-smoker. It has only been 88 days since my last cigarette. I cannot promise anyone or myself that I will not go back to smoking tomorrow. But I do know that today I am okay and I am smoke-free.