[This is being cross-posted to chiptalk.net and thechipboard.com]

Though it's been awhile since I've been to either CT or chipboard, I'm surprisingly sad to say goodbye to both places. There's a couple reasons I'm walking away from all things poker; partially, because my obsessions have a short life span (usually 5 years, which I'm just about at), but mostly, it's because I've thrown myself full blast into my return to academics. There's just not enough room for poker, or chip collecting, in my life anymore. When I goofed off a bit during Fall semester to play some social poker online with the HPT crew, I got my worst grades of the semester. Fortunately, I got back on track and still managed to get a 4.0 in my first Korean class; and now that I've gotten that under my belt, there's no turning back. For at least the next 3.5 years, my full attention will be on learning Korean and finally - FINALLY! - getting my BA, in Interdisciplinary Humanities-Prelaw.

Because I am completely walking away from poker and all its trappings, I will be selling everything I own that's poker-related, except for my custom Timeless BearRose set and my Midnight Rose chips. Those will be cremated with me. Everything else, though, is up for grabs. Part of me wants to post my collectible chips, at least, on thechipboard; but I hesitate to do so when I know that it would be a one-way street, and I don't think that's all that cool to do. Not sure what I'm going to do just yet; the local Michigan folks will have first crack at the goodies once I sort them out, then I'll take it from there.

(BTW, Fred, I have one more chip for you that I was able to trade for, for the one that kept getting lost in the mail. If you're reading this, I'll need your mailing address again. If I get that before the next semester starts on Jan. 11, I'll try one more time to send it to you.)

I'll miss the folks at CT and chipboard; those of you who don't socialize on HPT, anyway. You've been a cool bunch of people, and I genuinely feel hesitant to post this somewhat melodramatic farewell. But I don't think you can hang out anywhere for five years, even sporadically, and not feel a twinge when you walk away. Anyway...I very much appreciate the camaraderie, advice, trades and purchases, and general good vibes that I got from most of you.

돌봐주� , 안녕히 계세요.