OLD LAPTOP: the Dell from hell

Let me begin by reiterating - I do not miss my employer. I do however, miss their laptop. Working on this Dell from 2009 has presented several challenges. It certainly hinders my blog presence.  Last week's post took HOURS to create.  I purchased this beast in 2012 thinking at that time, it was a new machine. It never occurred to check the service tag for the factory date, which I did this week.  That's when I found it was actually three years older. 

This crap happened in November too. I bought new 85,000 mile tires from Sears for the Baja in 2012, thinking these would last many years. After a blowout pulling into my drive around Thanksgiving, I needed a new tire.  What I found out though was I needed FOUR new tires. All were dry rotting away BECAUSE THEY HAD BEEN ON THE SHELF AT SEARS SINCE 2009! No wonder they are financially insolvent. Sold me tires already three years old??

I'll have a new Lenovo machine by the end of month, if all goes as planned. I'm doing the research now. I don't game or stream much video but would like to load music, pictures and basically, just be here more. In the country, expensive-by-the-gig satellite internet is my only option. The machine can't run much faster than the network allows. If any of my tech savvy pals have advice for processor speeds and recommended apps or software that should be preloaded through Lenovo, I'm happy to listen. My thought is I can get a better machine directly through them than I would at Costco or Best Buy.

All of this is to say - or share rather - an early post. My first post. I recently twittered:

Mr. Jon Pennysleeves hinted that I should share the story behind my collection. A few years have passed now [crickey!] and so many of you have been kind to lend me your ear and precious time continually. If you'd like to know how I made it to this point with you, please check out my first few posts. Instead of recreating the wheelie, I offer this link to Cardboard Bug Bites:

CLICK HERE FOR TRANSPORT TO JUNE 14, 2014

I hope you enjoy the ride!  Thanks for reading and sharing the hobby!

It's Been Too Long

Too long since I had a good nap for starters.  I can barely keep my eyes open as I sit here putting this little post together.  It's too late in the day for a nap.  If I stop now for a quick wink,  I'm a goner for the night.

Too much time has passed without sharing some great trade packages.  That's what's about to happen right here, right now.

Eamus Catuli!  Tom Olson once waiting another year, has since celebrated his Cubs World Series win.  This occurred well after after sending two different packages.  One contained 60 or so cards, the other was a box of 200 more delightful paper collectibles.  

The first featured two 90 Score Sandbergs - one is an error.  Gracie 94 UD ED and 95 Leaf Ltd Bat Patrol make an entrance into my collection.  SWELL Baseball Greats, 2013 Opening Day Stars, a dosing of Presidents and Cardtoons rounded out the first package.

Six weeks or so later, this surprise hit my mailbox:

Contents included a good helping of Sandberg and Grace, 93 Flair Tigers and the original framed cards of 96 Emotion EXL.

One of the original cardboard bugs

Holy Moly Tom Olson!  You rained some serious cardboard on me!  I am truly appreciative of your time and thoughtfulness!  You are my Sandberg and Grace connection.  I looked forward to more trade opportunities!

It's been too long - one year ago in fact - since there was a giveaway on this blog!  I am currently working to sort out my collection.  I shared a picture of my sorting process which includes a discard pile.  Adam Sanders of Cardboard Clubhouse commented on the post to suggest a contest for a box full of stuff from the pile.  I have to agree!   

So here's the first box - labeled 400 count!  Consider this a $40 dime box. There are lots from 2014 Panini Classic, 2014 Golden Age with minis,  2016 Diamond Kings,  2015 and 2016 Topps Archives and a handful of 2015 GQ minis. It also contains dupes from my collection, players I no longer collect, set dupes, commons etc.   My outcasts might be junk to one collector but another may find gold.  Here's a sneak peek:

If you want a chance at the box you must live in the United States and have a street address for UPS Ground Shipping.  You are required to comment to tell me why you are most deserving above all other readers.  I shall present your cases before the Great Randomizer.  She alone will determine your worthiness. The Randomizer will cycle three times before her decision is final.  Your opportunity to participate ends Saturday March 11 at 8.00pm EST.  [Any cycle jokes are cause for immediate execution disqualification as the Randomizer is subject to mood swings.]   

Thanks for reading and good luck!