Can we make these teasers optional? I'm not creative enough to write a good one.

I was just checking my email after checking the status of my Heritage bids before going to bed. There was a message from a Collectors Society friend congratulating me for a 2009 Journal Award. This comes as a surprise, as I just started using this feature of the Registry in December 2008 and have not been as prolific or, in my view, as interesting as some of the other journal writers.

In any case, for the most part I've tried to keep my entries consistent with the journal guidelines

(Use the Journal feature to:

* Share your experiences and thoughts

* Share your unique acquisitions

* Share your knowledge with other collectors),

mostly the first two bullets, as I think my numismatic knowledge is not sufficient to make interesting reading. So I will just continue writing about my show and auction experiences, and brag about my purchases.

For me, the journals serve as way to remind myself of my numismatic journey. Precious few memories remain from my pre-college collecting years. Details from the five years before I started writing journals are fading. All I have for that period are records of purchases and sales in a spreadsheet. But the significant times in the past year have been recorded here. I've re-read most of them a couple times. Doing so brings back and reinforces pleasant memories.

Although I do this mainly for myself, I do occasionally write directly to all of you (like encouraging you to attend live auctions). Hopefully my journal entries will be of some interest, and maybe even good use to you. Obviously, the judges think they have some merit, and a few CS friends have offered kind and encouraging responses as well.

My short-term numismatic forecast is a little bleak, as I'm still in the red and probably should be glad that all my current bids have been surpassed. But my coin budget is projected to be in better shape in a few months, and I already have my eyes on a few coins in the upcoming (May 30) sale of the Dan Holmes collection of middle date large cents.

Finally, thanks to NGC and the journal judges. Thanks to those of you who have sent kind messages. Happy New Year, and best wishes to all!