Tuesday, December 31, 2024

End Of 2024 Thoughts

*coffee is hot and ready and I am to for a new post on Cards Over Coffee*

The last day of 2024.

This has been a year to say the least but tomorrow brings in a New Year full of new possibilities and new hope.

I have a long list of resolutions both hobby and in life which I will post on here, so hopefully I can attack those with full force.

But first, as I said all year, I have to survive a day in 2024.

*takes a sip*

This year brought forth a lot of new changes to the way I collect. With finances the way they are, I had to make some big adjustments on how I added new cards.

First, I signed up for some apps that offered FREE gift cards. First one is Fetch which I have had for a while now. It's a receipt scanning app so all you do is scan receipts and earn points towards gift cards. I have earned over $200 to eBay this way. I don't get why more don't sign up for this. You throw receipts away, why not make some use of them. If decide to sign up, please USE MY CODE 8TB9M to earn 2000 points for yourself and for me. Help me, help you!

Another app I found was CashWalk. This one you simply walk and earn points, but you can also earn extra points by watching ads which I do. It doesn't take very long, and I use my gift cards for this to Walmart or Amazon. I joined this app just this year and earned $30 to Walmart already. If you sign up for this one, PLEASE use MY CODE GEPAM to sign up so I can earn points, and you can too!!

The other app I use is Frisbee. This is another receipt scanning app that earns you real money! You don't have to have any certain amount before you can cash out. Currently I have $18.43 I can use on a Visa Gift card just for scanning receipts. If you decide to join this one, just drop me an email to sportcardcollectors@hotmail.com and I will send you my referral link.

All three of these apps also offer games you can play and earn with to. I just don't have time for that aspect, even though I can earn more.

Second, trading. I have tried to increase my pwe trading since I have plenty of stamps. It hasn't gone overly too well as a lot of people are looking for new product and players and since I barely have any of that the last couple of years, it's been rough. But occasionally I find someone still.

Last, I have used my skills on social media to bring on a couple sponsors which has helped me get cards in return.

I will lean heavily again on all three of these things going into 2025 to keep my hobby going or otherwise it will crash.

*takes a sip feeling thankful for what I have been able to accomplish to stay alive in the hobby*

I wanted to take a minute out to thank those of you who voted for Cards Over Coffee in Nachos Grande's End Of The Year awards.

 
I am glad to have made Favorite Blog to read list, I assume I am Cards and Coffee unless someone else is and in that case I want to read your blog (I also like that name to hmmm), but this blog fell short of other awards.


  
Congrats to Fuji on taking home a couple awards. Cards Over Coffee was not nominated in either of these. How do you guys not find me entertaining?! I am the life of every party :) (when I get invited to do something and actually go)


And finally, a congrats to the GOAT Night Owl Cards again for taking home the trophy for Blog Of The Year. I heard this was a close race so who knows where Cards Over Coffee fell in that race. It was nominated in this category. Maybe make a run at 2025!

*takes a sip*

As for my 2024 thoughts on the hobby, I feel the hobby still isn't heading into a great place. Its money led so it's less creativity, high prices, low values and overproduction. Not a great place to be heading. And with Fanatics taking over soon with all of the key licenses in my collecting, I fear it's only going to get worse especially for us average-everyday-low-budget-actual-collectors. But I guess we can only just make the most of what we can from it and find new ways to enjoy it.

*takes a final sip before the end of this post and the year*

Once again, thanks to all that voted for Cards Over Coffee (I assume some of you must have), and I am hoping to blog more in 2025 or at the very least continue blogging. I am still up in the air on that with my schedule and whether I retire or not from blogging.

Here's hoping that 2025 is a better year, not just for me, but for all of you as well. I know for sure that 2024 wasn't just bad for me.

I want you all to stay safe tonight and make great choices tonight. (drink coffee instead of alcohol for one)

*Coffee Card Blogger Out*

Sunday, December 29, 2024

After The Holidays

Christmas is over and it was another great one being able to celebrate the Jesus' birthday with family and great eats. Like these friend veggies (don't worry I limited myself because of my weight gain)

I did get some mail days for the holidays, but those will have to wait until after the New Year to be posted as I have family visiting from afar and don't have a lot of time to do longer posts. But don't worry, I will catch up on those cards from Dennis, Wes, Oren, Crocodile Cards, Johnny and a few others. Thanks again to all of you!

In the meantime, I thought I would do a very quick non-card related post for today, so you don't think I disappeared like my first cup of coffee this morning.

Here are a few items I added this Christmas to various collections.

New Coffee Shop, would you expect anything else, for my Christmas village.

I've been slimed!

My favorite Ranger, Tommy.

A new addition to my Christmas Vacation ornament collection.

It even lights up!

We had to cat sit the last few days well which meant driving to someone's house and making sure they have food, water and clean cat boxes. The place we had to go is beautiful which made for some gorgeous pictures to be taken



The snow even sparkled there.

 
Speaking of cats, ours found a way to make themselves a gift this year by hiding in a gift bag.

Maybe I should do that next year, so the family knows what a gift I am ;)

I hope all of you had a great Christmas and Happy Sunday. Well, unless you are a Giants fan then no Sunday's are happy.

*Coffee Card Blogger Out*

Wednesday, December 25, 2024

You'll Shoot Your Eye Out

 
Please don't shoot your eye out. 

Then you can't read this blog, and I don't want to write without readers.

Instead, I want you to read this new blog post, get those bunny PJ's on, and drink your coffee from a leg shaped mug.

You know, it's a major award.

Oh, and I triple dog dare ya to have a Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday.

Tuesday, December 24, 2024

Twas The Night Before Christmas

'Twas the night before Christmas, when in my card room, sat a box by reader Grady M that I might have opened too soon.
The cards were all boxed within with care, In hopes that I might open them with coffee in hand in my underwear.

I opened the box and what to my wondering eyes should appear, but eight blaster boxes full of inserts cheer.

With the temptation to go through them, I was so lively and quick, I knew in a moment it would be in heaven it will be so slick.


More rapid Saquon on the eagles I went through the boxes, And I shouted, "I must be the Cards Over Coffee slasher!"

 So upstairs boxes in hand I flew, with my light box and I left out the Marvel cards too.

Down the light box on my bed, I went and took pictures of what I found.
 
I was trying to make sure the pictures weren't a blur, and did good with this round,

I spoke not a word and went straight to my work, 

And took all of the pictures; then ended with a smirk,

And laying my finger on my phone, 

I did an upload, and up the pictures rose; 

The pictures were then done, and I exclaimed as I went to bed with post done and out of sight,

Happy Christmas To All, And To All A Good-night

Monday, December 23, 2024

Some Cards In The Mail

*sits down, coffee in hand to get ready for a long-winded start to this post*

*takes a sip*

It's been a busy month since I joined the world of coaching, so I haven't had much time to catch up on a lot of posts and there are actually some cards sitting in my drafts.

Not that life wasn't already busy before that.

Now I just add extra cups of coffee to my daily regimen.

But it's been a blast coaching this group of girls and we recently added another person. There are now 17 girls, 3 coaches, 2 hours of practice a week and only 5 of those girls have any experience playing basketball. It's probably why they needed another person to join, and I still feel it's hard to jam everything in that needs to be taught. So far, we have only one play in the playbook and our first game is two weeks from today. With the team being so large, we had to split the team in half to create two game day teams (we still practice together as one team) and guess who the game day head coach for one of those teams is, yes, you are reading his writing. 

But don't call me Phil Jackson quite yet. These are just 3rd/4th graders. We are just there to teach the basics and to have fun. Winning isn't the top thing, even though I am a very competitive person.

*takes a competitive sip. yes, I am competing against your sip*

As for regular life, I mentioned I had my yearly doctor appointment in one of my last posts and wanted to leave an update on that. My blood work mostly looked good, and a quick assessment was fine, but my A1C went back up to 6.3 and I can only contribute it to the 12 pounds I have put on since July. 

Everyone knows I have had a rough year, and eating was obviously for stress. It's been extremely tough trying to lose the weight again even with daily exercise, so I asked the doctor for a little help for the first time in my life. I tried to get put onto one of those weekly shots to help with weight loss and wanted just to be on it for six months to get me some momentum again. But, with health insurance companies being health insurance companies, they wouldn't pay for it so that plan went out the door. They refuse to pay for any weight loss help unless I have diabetes. It sounds a little backwards to me, why wouldn't they want to help prevent me from getting diabetes first? With all of my health problems that worsen with weight gain and the fact diabetes runs on both sides of my family, I really could have used the extra help.

I did finally get put on a pill that treats my A1C that has a little underlying weight loss tie in, but not sure how successful it will be overall. Hopefully some help at least.

Now that I have rambled on about the past month, I am sure you are ready to read something about cards. The reason you came here.

Besides giving yourself an excuse to drink coffee.

*takes a sip*

The following cards were all separate mail days I received.

 
For some reason, I felt the need to add this card even though I know Devito will probably never start another game again with his struggles this season.

 
I added the relic because I didn't have one of him yet. I try to add an autograph and relic card of every Giants player I can.

Shiny new Griffeys are always welcomed! Stadium Club has a few Griffeys I would love to add this year.

 
Future Giants QB? Maybe? Will be interesting to see how this upcoming draft goes. I still see them drafting a QB this upcoming draft. But who knows. Everything with the Giants is up in the air.

And that does it for this random mix of cards.

*takes final sip before ending today's post*

I have been posting more recently despite the busy life, but that's only because I am doing it the night before. This won't last forever as I am brushing off the actual art of collecting cards by blogging instead since my time is very limited. I also am skipping out on my occasional relaxing video game doing this.

Hopefully can find a better balance in life to do everything. It's probably why I am still considering retiring in May from blogging.  I will see how things go until then.

Anyways, two days til Christmas! Who's excited?!?!?

I am!

Have a great Monday!

*Coffee Card Blogger Out*

Sunday, December 22, 2024

12 Cards Of Christmas

 The first card around Christmas that Oren traded to me,

A Rob Moore Prime Target Chromeee

The Second card around Christmas that Oren traded to me,

A heavy hitter of John Randle and Rob Moore Prime Target Chromeee

The Third card around Christmas that Oren traded to me,
A Caught On The Fly Big Unit, heavy hitter of John Randle and Rob Moore Prime Target Chromeee

The fourth card around Christmas that Oren traded to me,
Scott Rolen Future Impact, A Caught On The Fly Big Unit, heavy hitter of John Randle and Rob Moore Prime Target Chromeee

The fifth card around Christmas that Oren traded to me,
ONE CARD THAT'S HOCKEEEEEY!

Scott Rolen Future Impact, A Caught On The Fly Big Unit, heavy hitter of John Randle and Rob Moore Prime Target Chromeee.

The sixth card around Christmas that Oren traded to me,
An Artist Proof Scott Rolen, ONE CARD THAT'S HOCKEEEEEY, Scott Rolen Future Impact, A Caught On The Fly Big Unit, heavy hitter of John Randle and Rob Moore Prime Target Chromeee.

The seventh card around Christmas that Oren traded to me,
Set need refractor Erstad, An Artist Proof Scott Rolen, ONE CARD THAT'S HOCKEEEEEY!!, Scott Rolen Future Impact, A Caught On The Fly Big Unit, heavy hitter of John Randle and Rob Moore Prime Target Chromeee.

The eighth card around Christmas that Oren traded to me,
A singer of country music, Set need refractor Erstad, An Artist Proof Scott Rolen, ONE CARD THAT'S HOCKEEEEEY!!, Scott Rolen Future Impact, A Caught On The Fly Big Unit, heavy hitter of John Randle and Rob Moore Prime Target Chromeee.

The ninth card around Christmas that Oren traded to me,
World War 2 Veteran, A singer of country music, Set need refractor Erstad, An Artist Proof Scott Rolen, ONE CARD THAT'S HOCKEEEEEY!!, Scott Rolen Future Impact, A Caught On The Fly Big Unit, heavy hitter of John Randle and Rob Moore Prime Target Chromeee.

The tenth card around Christmas that Oren traded to me,
Iron Chef, World War 2 Veteran, A singer of country music, Set need refractor Erstad, An Artist Proof Scott Rolen, ONE CARD THAT'S HOCKEEEEEY!!, Scott Rolen Future Impact, A Caught On The Fly Big Unit, heavy hitter of John Randle and Rob Moore Prime Target Chromeee.

The eleventh card around Christmas that Oren traded to me,
A Diamond Mine Nomah, Iron Chef, World War 2 Veteran, A singer of country music, Set need refractor Erstad, An Artist Proof Scott Rolen, ONE CARD THAT'S HOCKEEEEEY!!, Scott Rolen Future Impact, A Caught On The Fly Big Unit, heavy hitter of John Randle and Rob Moore Prime Target Chromeee.

The twelfth card around Christmas that Oren traded to me,
 
Brett Favre Rocket Launching, A Diamond Mine Nomah, Iron Chef, World War 2 Veteran, A singer of country music, Set need refractor Erstad, An Artist Proof Scott Rolen, ONE CARD THAT'S HOCKEEEEEY!!, Scott Rolen Future Impact, A Caught On The Fly Big Unit, heavy hitter of John Randle and Rob Moore Prime Target Chromeeeeeeee.

Saturday, December 21, 2024

2024 Cards Over Coffee Hall Of Fame Cards

*sits down in a tux with a pile of cards to present the winners for the second time. let's get to some cards over coffee*

*first, lets take a sip or two*

Well, the second edition of my Hall Of Fame went a lot better than the first one. We actually had enough cards to have as nominees and actually be able to vote on them. I was hoping for more voters, but having twelve was pretty solid compared to other similar things I have done on this blog.

Maybe something to build off of for next year.

So, for now, let's get those winners presented.

*takes a sip before presenting the winners*

Here are the 2024 Inductees and who they were nominated by,

Leading the way in votes and nominated by Jafronius is the Luke Skywalker rookie card. 10 votes!

Elizabeth Shue took off with the votes early, finishing with 9 votes. This card was nominated by Matt.

With 7 votes is this Craig T.Nelson autograph nominated by longtime reader Oren.

This Marisa Tomei did a lot better than I thought it would scoring 6 votes. It was nominated to be here by Fuji.

And with a last second comeback with 5 votes beating out Danielle Fishel is Rocky Carroll autograph! This card was nominated by Jafronius.

Here were the other cards receiving votes (pictures of those cards can be seen HERE),

Danielle Fishel 1111

Chevy Chase 11

Karen Gillian 11

Jon Lovitz 111

Jim Belushi 11

Eli Manning 11

X-Ray Cards 111

And here were the first cards that made the Hall,

2022 Cards Over Coffee Hall Of Fame Cards


Congrats to the new members of the Coffee Card Hall Of Fame! And thanks to everyone who spent time nominating and voting. Let's make the 2025 Cards Over Coffee Hall Of Fame even better!!

*tips mug to all of you*

*Coffee Card Blogger Out*