Heh... my how times have changed...
HAM radio got its name from 'amateur' radio broadcaster who while sending cw (morse code) like their fists were hams, in other words poorly. Really has nothing to do with the lunchmeat.
But yea I hold a ticket and am active have held an advanced ticket for a decade or so now.
Never got the extra because I dident want to be constantly pestered to administer exams.
My current station uses vintage gear.. a Heathkit HW101 (which I refurbished myself) a whopping 80 watts on a good day and a home made G5RV antenna. Very modest station.
Also I do a good deal of SWL with my Yacht Boy PE400.
Not going to post my callsign here for obvious reasons. But if you had some questions about the 'hobby' ask away.