Commentary: Random Thoughts from the Humidor (XVI)
1 Apr 2013
In this segment of Random Thoughts from the Humidor, I voice my contemplations about babies, head colds, and going in on cigar purchases with friends.
Six Weeks Old
My son is six weeks old today. He has truly been a blessing, and it’s amazing how I’ve only known him for 42 days yet I couldn’t imagine life without him. That said, before he was born I remember selfishly wondering how his arrival would change the amount of time I like to spend smoking, writing, and reading about cigars. So far so good. I certainly have less time for my cigar endeavors, and the opportunity cost of this time has definitely gone up. But I’ve been able to keep a reasonable pace—even if jaunting off to Nicaragua this year is out of the question. Still, I wonder how other cigar enthusiasts who are fathers handle these considerations. To what lengths do they go to keep their children from being around tobacco? How honest are they with their children about their cigar smoking? What have they learned that I may be able to benefit from?
Sudafed Blues
For the past few days I’ve been battling what’s probably nothing more than the common cold. Annoyingly, the sickness hit right around a few key cigar-smoking opportunities that I had been looking forward to. I chose to pass them up. This got me thinking about this article I wrote almost exactly three years ago. The gist? Back then I concluded that head colds rendered cigar smoking completely pointless given my inability to taste or smell clearly. I stand by that conclusion after trying to smoke a Flor de Las Antillas yesterday. All I could sense was spice and heat. I got no nuance, balance, or interesting flavors. Needless to say I’m looking forward to ending this cold and celebrating with something nice.
Buying Boxes with Friends
Sometimes there’s no room in the budget for a box purchase. But splitting a box among friends is entirely within reason. While I know this is nothing new, I just started splitting boxes recently—particularly with smokes that are either very expensive or only sold in large-count boxes (30-40 cigars). The benefits are plentiful. On one hand, I get more variety and less per-purchase pain in the wallet. I also get to pay lower per-unit costs since cigars by the box are generally cheaper than singles. On the other, I get to compare tasting notes with friends and have great conversations. If you haven’t already adopted this practice, I’d highly recommend splitting a box purchase or two. And remember you don’t necessarily have to buy boxes online. Keep an eye out for discounts on boxes at your local tobacconist.
photo credit: Stogie Guys
Patrick Ashby
Co-Founder & Editor in Chief
Patrick Semmens
Co-Founder & Publisher
George Edmonson
Tampa Bureau Chief
Well, if your son is in the public school system (once he's older), you will be enemy number one with your cigars. The "tobacco" word is a terrible thing in that system, even if cigars and cigarettes are 2 very different products. I like to say that one is a habit, the other a hobby, and all of the other reasons that the two products are different.
Patrick–
While I don't think you'll be enemy number one, I agree the anti-smoking programs in elementary school will scare the bejesus out of your son. You'll need to reassure him that the health risks of cigars are minuscule compared to those of the nicotine delivery system called cigarettes. And then demonstrate by example, as I suspect your father did: Fine cigars and scotch (or bourbon, rum, etc.) may be safely enjoyed in responsible moderation. Love your website. Keep up the good work and enjoy your new family member! Good luck with sleep!
I was very happy to read that and see that others are feeling the same way I am. My first son was born almost two weeks ago and I've been facing the exact same thing. I tend to agree with what the others have said, its all about explaining it to our children and making sure they see our views on it as well; then the decision is up to them. Now as far as my time being available to smoke, that's a whole different story. Its not a big deal however because I know he'll even out and it will be just fine, plus the warm weather is just getting started around here. Best of luck with your son!
congratulations on your son! My daughter will turn 3 shortly, and the biggest trick we've had to re-learn is finding our own time(s) for our respective hobbies. It took us a year or so but we've been able to realize a sense of balance where we can each take time for, say, a cigar, and not feel it's encroaching on time that should be spent w spouse/child. Getting back to this point took a conscious effort.
as for distancing the kid from tobacco, I don't. Not really. I haven't ever tried to hold her while smoking or anything and I'll generally toss the smelly clothes in the laundry as soon as I come back inside, but she's frequently running around the yard while I mow or sit on the porch or walking next to me when we take the dog out, that sort of thing. It may get interesting when she hits grade school but for now it's given a level of normalcy (as is moderate alcohol consumption) and it's just something daddy likes to do. fingers crossed, i guess.