Eight ain't enough

Since this blog began, there hasn't been one time when I seriously considered ending it.

There has been a couple of times when I toyed with the idea, though. One of those times happened this year.

It was fleeting, a stray thought flickering over a burning pit of seething rage, but it disappeared. Because I know there's still a good thing going here.

Eight years ago tonight -- in the wee hours, of course -- Night Owl Cards was born. For the most part, it's been a great time, filled with camaraderie and cool cards. I've learned a lot and I hope I've dispensed some knowledge, too.

But the internet is a weird place. And when you've done something for as long as I've written NOC, you come across all kinds of crazy things, both good and bad. Although I put on a good front here, I've focused mostly on the bad the last few months. But I'm working to correct that. And today is an example of my attempt to focus on the brighter side. On the anniversary of this blog, I'm holding a little contest.

If you would be so good to comment on this blog post, you will be entered into a contest for the following eight items, in honor of Dick Van Patten here. ... Well, OK, in honor of eight years of the blog.

I'm actually giving away more than eight things, but I'm packaging it as eight. Here we go:

Those are the "eight" prizes you're playing for. Some I just picked up, some I've had hanging around for too long for who knows why.

Also, just so you have something to open, I'll throw this in to the winner, too:

There's no way I'm going to snap my record of never opening a blaster of Gypsy Queen.

Per usual, I will randomize the entrants in the contest three times and the No. 1 person after three randomizings will be the winner.

I'll allow people to enter for a 48-hour period. The window for entering will close at 9 p.m. EST Thursday.

It's just a small token of thanks for reading this blog. Those of you who have read it for eight years, well, you're completely awesome and my kind of people.

I plan on a few changes in the year ahead -- nothing significant -- but you may notice them.

I still have some things on this blog I want to do. Which means eight ain't nearly enough.

So it's off to year nine.

Don't get weird on me now.