Well - it's almost a New Year and I was thinking about things that have happened in the last year as a chipper. Here are my picks as the good, the bad and funniest moments last year

My saddest moment was waking up in the wee hours of the morning last December to let my dog out... and learning that we had lost one of the most cherished people in the hobby... a respected leader, friend and chipper, Bruce Landeau
I realize this happened over a year ago - last December - but his presence was SO missed at the convention, I have to include it my "last year".

The funniest thing that happened to me as a chipper was at the convention. Someone called me over to a table during a trade session, and handed me a bag of chips and slot cards he said I "had requested." I couldn't recall asking for these items, so politely I thanked him and began sorting through the bag. I admit, I was rather confused because I had had all these items for several years. To my horror (those of you have have followed my new house saga understand why...) I noticed there was a big black (plastic) spider nestled between the slot cards. Before I could process the fact the spider was a fake, I shrieked and threw the bag across the room. The large group of fellow collectors roared in amusement. I have to admit, these guys "got me" and they got me good!

Best coup? The red Harrah's birthday chip that had evaded me FOREVER

Best moments were spending time with my chip buddies... the Karli's, O'Neals, Wags, Murph... and meeting so many others in June. I also saw how devoted and dedicated chippers are to our hobby when I was asked to help at the Building Fund table. Chippers stepped up to the plate so readily, I ran out of places to put them. The show of willingness I saw out of chippers still makes my heart soar...

Would love to hear what YOUR highlights were as chippers... if anyone cares to post them

Merry Christmas to all of you and love, good health and happiness to all in the upcoming New Year!