Life is good, another primate joining the membership of fellow cigar enthusiast. Welcome to the jungle!!
Not a fan of Thompson, does seem the package CI offer is an okay deal, and as already noted, there are some good deals if you shop around, and a word of caution regarding the infamous 'slippery slope'.
Just a suggestion, may want to browse the 'newbie pif' thread, just finished third go-around and thoroughly enjoyed it, came across number of cigars may have never tried. Again, welcome.
http://www.clubstogie.com/vb/showthr...68003&page=181