Taking A Break

Blogging about cards has been one of my go-to hobbies for the past eleven years.  It's been an activity that has provided me a place to document hobby memories, talk about trading cards, and best of all... interact with all of you who take time out of your busy lives to read my posts.

Normally... the act of sitting down in front of my computer and writing about cards is enjoyable, but lately... the passion hasn't been there.  With each passing week, I started fixating more and more on the amount of hours I spend writing and scanning... instead of focusing on quality content for myself and all of you.

That's why it's time for me to take a break from the blog.  I've been contemplating this decision for a few months, but was worried about losing followers.  However this week I've decided mental health needs to come before blog views and comment counts.

Is this the end of the blog?  Probably not.  It's a big part of my life and I don't see myself closing up shop and walking away.  Do I have an idea when I'll come back?  No.  Maybe next week or maybe next year.

Will I continue to collect and be a part of the blogging community?  Of course.  Just because I'm burned out on writing posts doesn't mean I don't enjoy reading yours.  Plus the additional free time should allow me to sort a few 5,000ct. monster boxes and finally reorganize my collection.

So a huge thank you to all of you who have supported me and this blog over the years.  This past Tuesday marked the 11th anniversary.  According to Hallmark, I'm suppose to celebrate with some steel:

1996 Leaf Preferred Steel #46

This was the first product I thought of when I saw the word "steel".  Back in 1996, Leaf inserted one of these Steel cards into each pack of Leaf Preferred.

Does the protective peel distract you?  Maybe I'll remove it.  Maybe I won't.

The back reveals Gwynn's Steel Stats.  It's hardly his most iconic 90's card... but it definitely fits the era.

Can't have my final post feature a single card... so here are five athletes who wore/wear #11 on their jersey:

1994 Pinnacle Museum Collection #12

2012-13 Panini Classics Signatures #113

2009 Bowman DP&P WBC Stars Gold #BDPW2

2009-10 Panini R&S Retired Team Patch Signatures #17

2007 UD Artifacts Photo Shoot Flashback Fabrics #PSF-LF

Until I return from this break... happy Thursday and sayonara!

Circled on My Calendar

March 1st will forever be an important date circled on my calendar.

1996 Topps Gallery Mickey Mantle Masterpiece #MP1

Fifty-two years ago, Mickey Mantle announced his retirement.  I'm sure that date is significant to New York Yankees fans, but not me.  I wasn't even born yet.

1993 Classic Four Sport Collection Jumbo (Blank Back) #NNO

Forty-eight years ago, Chris Webber was born.  I was a fan of Webber and the Fab Five back in the early 90's, but he's not the reason March 1st is important to me.

1991-92 Upper Deck #54

Twenty-eight years ago, Pavel Bure scored two goals against the Buffalo Sabres to become the first player in Vancouver Canucks franchise history to score 50 goals in a single season.

2015 Panini Immaculate Collection Collegiate Materials #6

March 1st, 1993 was also the day Mr. Conforto was born.  Both of these guys are cool... but again... not the reason I look forward to March 1st.

Mama Fuji (far right) @ Tahoe

The reason March 1st will forever be one of the most important dates on the calendar is because it's my mom's birthday.  She's no longer with us in person, but her spirit still floats around and watches over her family.  And until I join her... I'll continue to celebrate this special day.  Because I wouldn't exist or be the person I am today without her or my father being born.

Happy Birthday Mom!  Happy Monday and sayonara!