On March 18th 2010, at around 3:30pm, I entered the local Salvation Army Thrift Store in my hometown of Kelowna BC, and before I left I found a sealed stack of “Molson Canadian” poker chips and decided to purchase them.

That simple purchase was one of the best decisions in my life.

The following day, I was on the computer, wishing to learn more about chips and came across a website, simply called The Chip Board.

Now, exactly 6-months after my discovery of this great hobby, I feel very lucky to be able to make this post to my fellow chippers.

I've enjoyed many hobbies in my life but by far the biggest difference with this hobby, beyond all the variety of chips one could collect, is the amazing people I have been honored to meet via emails in the chipping community. I was and still am a 'newbie' to it all ... but I have made so many good friends and have received so much positive advice and assistance along the way (as I learned the ropes of collecting chips) that this hobby is definitely unlike any other.

It is also today, that I recorded my 1000th different chip in my collection. Below, is a picture of my 1000th chip .... a chip from California from fellow chipper Jim Gagnon. It was added through my second trade with him.

It is quite fitting that on the 6th month, I also reached 1000 chips. But this would never have been possible if it wasn't for the many who in their own way assisted me to learn, develop and grow in this hobby. From many, I purchased the base of my collection (and some emailed me scan after scan of chips exclusively) .... from others, I was able to trade from my limited amount of traders for chips that improved my collection. Others, simply emailed me to welcome me to the hobby and offer their assistance, if I ever had questions about chips. And some, without informing me prior, sent me something which would benefit my knowledge and enjoyment in the hobby (I would come home and a box or bubble pack would be sitting at my doorstep and I never contacted them for it) .... Even today, just thinking about it, makes me smile.

On this day ....

I offer my thanks .... I think it is important to do so and if I did miss someone or misspelled your name, know that I greatly appreciate everyone who has participated. Without my many new friends, from this hobby, the hobby itself would never be as great as it is.

Thank you ....

Charlie Bianco, Mark Todd, Jim Gagnon, Greg Birdsell, David Caulfield, Riverboat Rick, Virgil Foss, Robert Nutt, and Debra Meister.

Archie Black, Steve Palumbo, Dave Trevett, “Smitty”, Doug “Cigarman” Smith, Ricky Pushkin, Tracy Crump, and Brice Young.

Albert Scalzo, Rog DeVree, Tim Harry, Gene Trimble, “Buzz”, Ed Norris, Lin Weisenstein, Norm Botoshe, Tony Inzerillo, and Ron Lammer.

Judy Wuerth, Steve Lane, Tom 'Bumper Car Psycho' Mgerack, Chuck Smorse, Len Cipkins, Todd Barrett, Mike Richter, and Joel Bloom.

Barry Weintraub, Steve Bedo, Allan McCurdy, Barry Hauptman, Eric Miller, Bill Purcell, “Skip”, Erik Daulpaise, and Richard Jezeski.

Rodney Anderson, Mike Schlotterbeck, Eric Rajala, Robert Eisenstadt, Jim Silva, Brian Cashman, Jim Selig, and Larry Nobel.

Jim Forsman, Mike Quinlivan, Todd Moss, 'Winnipeg Wes', 'Boston Burton', Don Lueders, David Smookler, Jerry Birl, and Ed Noel.

John Chamberlain, David Spragg, John Chopek, Charles Mades, Westen Charles, Bryan Jimison, Luke Rapley, Vic, and Jim Follis.

Von Mckenzie, Larry Pang, Michael Clemente, Fred DeKeyser, Larry Pang, Richard “Reggie” Gummer, Jim Colbert, and Mark Russell.

Jay Kalman, Bob Ciancia, David Byard, Tarl Cooley, Dave Viall, Michael Siskin, Steve Chiruck, Paul Liscio, and George Crawford.

Stanley Kan, Claude Argo, Roy Klein, Mike Levesque, Bryan Parrish, Don McMichael, Terence & Sandra Moore .. and many more ....

..... What a great first six-months. I thank you all and look forward to the next six months. I like trading chips, so I would appreciate your email. And for those who are new to the hobby or are not club members, feel free to email me and consider joining the club .... its the best hobby and club in the world!

But before I conclude this posting, I must thank the two best people which has made this 6-months the best for me ....

My wife Brandy (whom has battled bravely with a high-grade of cancer), has happily joined me in the hobby and enjoys putting chips into the binders, while I record them into the computer.

And my son Brandon, who at the age of 13 thinks chipping is cool! And looks forward to joining the club.

Thank you to everyone and I wish you all the best of health and success and may this hobby bring you as much joy as it does/has for me.

And here it is .... my 1000th recorded chip, in my collection.

Cheers.