You guys have really truly touched on the point of an individual's collection, it's all about NOT impressing the next guy with what you have but rather the satisfaction of knowing your collection represents you, your abilities to add chips that YOU like and can afford to add. While some of the chips Ricky & Jim listed of late literally made my mouth drop, common sense had to prevail and say that everyone's situation in life is unique, we all have different sets of responsibilities and guidelines that we need to follow. For some of us, educating children, (colleges are NO bargain these days), providing perhaps for elderly parents struggling financially, etc., all have to figure into the equation. It all boils down to we all have to set goals and attempt to reach those goals. Personally, I have a lot more respect for a man that denies himself a very expensive "toy" due to the fact that a tuition bill is sitting on the table begging for a check to be sent back with it rather than a man that puts his needs first and if there is anything left the others benefit.
I believe part of the true definition of maturity is the ability to prioritize the issues in each one's life and act accordingly. Sure, I would love nothing more than a stable of ungodly expensive cars, multiple homes, art to die for, a safe deposit box full of gold coins, you get the idea but it ain't gonna happen in this life. Accepting that and making due and being grateful for what each of us does have should provide that happiness. Being able to NOT fall into the trap of envy over the next guy's "stuff" is what seperates men from boys. That old addage of a man's legacy after he dies of not what he left but rather what he managed to accomplish while he was here on this ole Earth of ours given the resources he had to work with still rings true. That said, it's off to eBay Land to check out my "watch list" and see what a few of those critters are up to price wise, not that it matters in the grand scheme of life but it's still part of the hobby of collecting. Just a closing question though. Would any of us be truly happier in life if we had every chip in perfect condition we could possibly want? After the initial thrill wears off, my thoughts are probably not......
During December and the upcoming holiday season this message really hits home. No kid ever suffered because dad had to spend any available "free money" on a medical procedure for him rather than buy an expensive chip, car, coin, jewel, etc. To all the chippers, rich, poor and those somewhere in the middle, MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! You fine folks have most certainly accomplished much more in life than you give yourselves credit for and that's what this game of living is all about......