Attention readers... I need some serious help. I think I'm addicted to cards. It started out with base cards of my favorite players when I was around 8 years old. My favorite card for years was the 1982 Donruss San Diego Chicken card. I have no idea where it went, but one of these days I'll pick another one up.
Then in the early 80's my passion grew and I moved into the world of rookie cards. It was at this point in my life that I started collected in hopes of making money. I was buying everything from 1983 Fleer Ron Kittles to 1987 Topps Mike Greenwells. This trend continued into the early 90's, but soon things would change.
I switched over to insert cards. This emptied my pocket book and drove me into debt. I spent hundreds of dollars chasing inserts and parallels that are worth a fraction of what I paid. However, I don't have any regrets because it made me the collector I am today. Even though most of those inserts and parallels have been sold or traded, I still have a deep admiration for refractors, acetate inserts, and a variety of other 90's stuff.
I quit a few times in the mid 90's due to being broke, but the hobby always pulled me back in. I tried to collect autographs (Leaf Signature & BAP hockey), but I realized I couldn't afford them, so I went back to collecting rookies. This time I didn't focus on baseball. Instead, I focused on basketball and football. I was buying Vince Carter and Tim Couch rookies left and right.
Then in 2001 (after teaching a few years), I sold off the majority of my collection to pay off my credit cards. I kept a handful of cards that I wanted to pass down to my children (if I ever had any). This was one of the most difficult decisions of my life and I definitely regret giving up a few of the my old cards. But it is... what it is. I figured I was a grown man and this was a childhood hobby... one that I would never return to.
Then about three (maybe four) years ago, my students brought some of their card to class and I was hooked again. However... this time things would be different.
This time, I decided to focus on my favorite teams and players. Eventually... that led to creating a Japanese PC. Then... I even started a sports bust PC.
I know that my obsession with cardboard has been a problem... but I didn't realize that it was that big of a problem until tonight. Why tonight?
Because tonight, I spent just over $10 picking up inserts for one of the dumbest products I've ever purchased. It's the 2008 Inkworks Family Guy: A New Hope set.
I'm not embarrassed of collecting sports cards. I'm not ashamed of being a huge Star Wars fan. But after clicking the purchase button over at COMC and realizing I just bought Star Wars "parody" cards... It hit me.
I have a serious problem. More importantly... I need some serious help. The question is... Can you help me? Continue reading to see if you can...
I need the following cards to complete my master set of Family Guy: A New Hope set. Did any of you bust this product? If so... I'm glad to see that I'm not the only one with a problem.
Spaceships & Transports
ST-2 Tie Fighter
ST-3 X-Wing Fighter
Scenes From Space
S-3 Scenes From Space Card #3
Case Loader
CL-1 Evil Empire
Promotional Cards
P-1 General Distribution
P-i Free Card Offer from inkworks.com
Anyways... thanks for listening to me open up to the world about my addiction.
Actually... I have decided to do something about it. It's time to grab a hold of my collecting addiction. Starting this month, I'm going to cut my sports card budget in half.
I think this is a realistic amount... and I won't feel so guilty about throwing money away on cardboard... but at the same time I'm not quitting either. The fact is... I doubt I'll ever be able to quit.
I'm starting to understand what my mom goes through every time she tries to quit smoking.
So... while we're on the topic of collecting and quitting... here's today's question of the day: Have you ever thought about giving up your favorite hobby? If so... did you? Why or why not?
Wow... I've spent almost an hour writing this post... time for bed. G'nite everybody!
4 comments:
I (like most of us) did give it up in high school, but picked it back up again a couple years ago. I've thought about it since, giving it up, trying to figure out "why is this worth it?" but let's face it, it's fun! We're all huge sports fans, and this is part of what we do. For me, it's a great stress relief and if it wasn't cards, it'd be something else that I pour my money into.
Great post. Star Wars and Family Guy go together like peanut butter and chocolate. There's no shame in that.
First off, that Family Guy episode is awesome!!!
Second, cards are great. No argument from this collector, but they should be put into perspective. They are pieces of card board with pictures on them. A budget is a really great idea. Now, if you'll excuse me, I NEED to get over to eBay.
QUIT? NEVER….MOHAHAHAHA!!!
(...Joe) - Thanks for bringing it to my attention... if I didn't spend my money on cards... I'd just spend it on something else. Plus... I totally agree... it's stress relief. I love sitting down and flipping through cards.
TJ - lol... love the simile. you're right... i need to accept that.
Charles - Agreed... it's my favorite FG episode...and I'll let you know how my new budget thing works out. Btw... finally picked up a Bo Jackson auto!
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