tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15359680508344254452024-02-06T21:18:14.121-06:00Little Sweeper's Little CornerLisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08614291342322122154noreply@blogger.comBlogger48125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1535968050834425445.post-26987456186825308992016-09-18T20:50:00.000-05:002016-09-18T23:27:07.738-05:00Back in the Saddle Again, Take Two!Well this is a little hard to get back into the groove. Mainly because my biggest fan/most loyal reader passed away and that person was my Dad. He always checked every day to see if I would add anything. When he died, I was just getting over the passing of my Mom. Then bam! Now I get to learn how to do this thing called life without my parents! To be honest, it was easier this time around, but still very hard at times. <br />
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I was in Las Vegas with my sister when we got the news! Thank God for my husband who took care of me and all of the details. Four months after my Dad passed, so did my favorite cousin, Lana! She had suffered with several strokes for the past 18 months. Losing all these people in my family took me into a deep depression again, that I wasn't sure if I ever could crawl out of. When my Mother passed away I stopped entering sweepstakes slowly until eventually it became stopped completely, I stopped going out, stopped bing social. Basically I just wanted to stop life, so that I wouldn't and couldn't be hurt anymore. That doesn't mean I was suicidal, since I love my daughter, husband and my family and friends which are in my life, but I couldn't comprehend the impact of my Mom not being in my life any more on a day to day basis. I did try to keep up with my friends, that I had gotten to know through entering sweepstakes by attending conventions and keeping in touch via facebook and other places where sweepers hang out at. However when my Dad passed I basically quit everything regarding sweepstakes. I just wasn't winning anything via the efforts that I had tried (which wasn't much to be honest).<br />
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Thankfully I am here to say that I did crawl out of the pit of depression (knock on wood). Now that's not to say that I never get some kind of sadness or down in the dumps kind of mood. Everyone in life will have that experience, if they live long enough. Thankfully, I am in a happier place in my life right this moment and I thank God for it!<br />
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So here I am back on this blog and also trying to get back into the swing of sweepstaking and other hobbies (which I might share at another time on this blog) I have plans on promoting this blog and learning more things...so many things that are in my mind at the moment, of what I want to do and accomplish. I'm actually excited about and look forward to living life once again. I pray I get that chance.<br />
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Anyway, if you are reading this then I am thankful for you as well. I hope I will not disappoint anyone that starts reading this blog! <br />
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Until Next Time<br />
~Cheers~Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02806586568877226478noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1535968050834425445.post-84123395840055408622012-11-01T17:20:00.002-05:002012-11-01T17:20:32.051-05:00A short recap of the 2012 Nat'l Sweepstaker's ConventionWell, long time no writing! Shame Shame, you know my name, right?<br />
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The last time I wrote, I believe was towards the first of June. I haven't had much time or inclination for entering sweeps, however I did have the wonderful pleasure of attending the National Sweepstaker's convention in late August, right before school started. <br />
<br />
I got to take my daughter with me, and while she's attended one other sweepstaker's convention back in New Hampshire four years ago, this year was her first year in participating! Now my daughter isn't into this hobby quite like her little momma. However by the end of it all, while walking back to our hotel room after the night of the banquet, which is the BIG night at these things, her comment to me made me smile...<br />
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"Momma, I think I wanna be a sweeper now!" :)<br />
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I just smiled real big and told her that was basically the whole point in taking her with me. While she isn't particularly interested in stamps or postcards like myself, she was a big winner during the whole convention, especially during the banquet. In fact, she put her momma to shame, but that's ok. It was worth every penny spent, just to see my beautiful daughter smile when her name was called with a win. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQpRTyXUr37xR2kl0J3_DoKjxGmJS1t-uxvibGz0Pxh7DbHWutaJUGWnf6AJtXGPmL4vYmCbthsRN5_1lZ17FWSv_s8OF0EtrDpebQ8Al92j8gSyobyLArqNl3Evw3XExDUDCBLuLS2H_2/s1600/2012-08-18+22.04.29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQpRTyXUr37xR2kl0J3_DoKjxGmJS1t-uxvibGz0Pxh7DbHWutaJUGWnf6AJtXGPmL4vYmCbthsRN5_1lZ17FWSv_s8OF0EtrDpebQ8Al92j8gSyobyLArqNl3Evw3XExDUDCBLuLS2H_2/s320/2012-08-18+22.04.29.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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We actually sat in the back with several lovely people and had to yell really loud, because my daughter is kind of on the shy side. (I have no clue who she got that from, because it sure isn't her Momma or her Daddy) So this little sweeper/momma had to get a really big mouth, just so she wouldn't lose out.<br />
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I won't bore you with what her or I won during that week-end, but the best win in my daughter's opinion was the $500 in cash. And if it wasn't for the help of two of the nicest people in the sweeping world I've ever had the pleasure of meeting, none of it would have happen. <br />
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To make a long story short, if it hadn't been for the help of both Todd and Robyn, I wouldn't have gotten to seen my daughter's beautiful smile on the night of the banquet. The reason being is my back went out on Saturday morning and we actually ended up missing the morning session, as I literally couldn't move out of bed. I was fine 30 minuets prior when I went to have potty break, but afterwards, it was as if I was frozen stiff and to be honest it scared me. With my baby's help, she helped me get dressed and we went as quickly as we could to the vendor room, so we could sign up for the raffles for that night's banquet. I couldn't hardly move, I was in tears, and we lost our labels to put on our cards. Well, Todd ran around getting all the stuff for me, as I gave him our money for the raffles, and Robyn and (I hate to admit to my short memory, but hey it goes with the height right?) , another lady who sat next to her, put my new labels freshly printed off, on the cards and then Todd went and ran and put them in the boxes. I almost felt like it was a game show, trying to get it all sorted out. But not in the good and fun kind of way. More like the, I think my heart's going to stop and everything looks to be going ninty miles an hour kind of way and where the heck is my prize kind of way!<br />
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So if it hadn't been for their caring and helpful nature, it would have ended up on a low note for my daughter. Robyn and Todd are wonderful people, who I used to also see once a month at our local sweepers club. The two of them are hosting next year's Sweepers convention in Salt Lake City, Utah which happens to be where Robyn used to live. <br />
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I am about to go and sign up now for next year's convention. I've only driven through Salt Lake once or maybe twice in my life, but it's a beautiful area and I look forward to seeing (Lord willingly) in June of 2013! Hopefully my husband will be with us, if not I am sure it won't take too much to convince my daughter in tagging along with me! I encourage anyone and everyone to try and make it to a National convention at least once in their lifetime. Even if you are a shy person by nature, like my daughter is, I honestly don't believe you will leave without wonderful memories and several names of new friends! If you do attend next year's convention, and see a beautiful petite redhead, with a shorty of a momma on a scooter, flying by everyone, parting sea's of people like it was the red sea, then you will see us, so please say hello! :) And remind me to write on my blog....because Lord knows I need all the help in remembering I can get.<br />
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Take care and win big and often! Because I can attest that if you don't enter, you sure as heck can't win squat!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02806586568877226478noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1535968050834425445.post-67963919671780181112012-06-05T00:23:00.001-05:002012-06-05T00:32:03.943-05:00I've Got Nothin<span style="font-size: small;">Okay this is new for me. I can tell it's been too long since I've
updated my Blog, because Google has changed how you post. So this may
end up looking like crap (just an FYI). <br /><br />
I did think that I would go ahead and give a little update on what's
going on. Basically the title says it all as far as winning or rather not winning with entering Sweepstakes. If I won anything in May, then I've already totally
forgotten about it, which is pretty sad. Now I will also admit that I
just haven't entered that much lately either. I've lost my spark for it
to be honest and that makes me a little sad. I've been doing this for
about 8 or possibly even 9 years, so it's not really too surprising to
think that I might have a bad case of burnout!
</span><span style="font-size: small;"><br /><br />But in other news, we have a new addition to our family. We are now
proud parents to a beautiful little kitten, which we have named Smudge! Actually my
husband found this kitten off of Facebook, as my cousin's cat had a
litter and they were giving them away. He saw the photo of this kitten
and instantly knew it was meant to be ours and even the name of Smudge
came right to him! This is all really a big surprise to me, for a couple of
reasons. 1st, my husband wasn't really all that thrilled to get a pet,
until we got into a new house. (I will go into more detail about that
eventually) and I did mention to him that it could possibly be a good
idea to have a new pet in this home instead of a brand newly built home,
so that we could already be done with the house training and litter box
training, etc. Another reason this is a big surprise to me is that my
husband has never been a lover of cats. He's always had dogs growing up
and never a cat. He always regarded them as scratchy/bitty nasty
things. But boy oh boy has he changed his mind!</span>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
Even though Smudge is a little bit of a bitter and a claw-er (she is a
baby ya know and it's probably (or at least I'm hoping and praying) that it's just her teething. :) She's been a joy to have. Even though my husband agreed
to having a pet, and a cat to boot, I just knew that my husband
would never agree to letting our sweet new fur-baby be allowed in our room or ever get a chance to sleep with us. Well that
has since changed and Smudge now sleeps with us almost every night.
Sometimes she does become the attack kitty early in the mornings, etc
and boy does that wake you up. (and not in the good/fun way either)</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">But we got Smudge from my cousins when
she was basically either 4-5 weeks old. I do realize it was too young
to take away from it's mother and I still feel bad about it. However,
my cousin's family couldn't keep them for much longer and we already
knew we were in love! And it's so surprising how well Smudge has adapted to
us. The only fear we really have is that she tends to be a fast little
sucker and I'm scared to death that I am going to run over her with my
scooter. I've gotten her little tail or paw twice in the time that we
had her, one time being tonight. You have no idea how bad I feel.
Makes me want to spoil her and giver her anything she wants just so she
knows I love her and didn't mean it.<br /><br />
She must not hold grudges or is only mad at the scooter, because as I am
writing this post Smudge is asleep next to me on my left, sitting on my
box of snail mail sweepstakes to send off. I'm not sure why she likes
to sleep there, as well as my office depot box of envelopes, but she
does and I'm not going to change it. I love to have her near me, so I
can stroke her and whisper sweet baby talk in her ears. Another great thing about having Smudge as a part of our family is that I honestly believe it's helped me with my panic/anxiety attacks. Now they are not completely gone for good, I'm sure. But they have been reduced by a great deal and that I am so grateful to God for that!
</span><span style="font-size: small;"><br /><br />
So even though I haven't won anything in May of 2012 that I can recall, I
think I've gotten a wonderful win by how the good Lord has allowed us to
find one another. :) In fact I am going to try and add a couple of
photo's of Smudge so you can see the newest addition to our family.</span>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2wBxjuKE2w7DooJMc6msFDaY2iweRiYiPlBtl3Vn2u_hN9n_qCairhhng6zXwQfkQraxxAWUnebfdC9UiIhRYL6BKynGKpq83i7bl06saM2YbeK28DuXSKSdJ_dwUj2h09LTae-TPoC60/s1600/BabySmudge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2wBxjuKE2w7DooJMc6msFDaY2iweRiYiPlBtl3Vn2u_hN9n_qCairhhng6zXwQfkQraxxAWUnebfdC9UiIhRYL6BKynGKpq83i7bl06saM2YbeK28DuXSKSdJ_dwUj2h09LTae-TPoC60/s320/BabySmudge.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"> This is Smudge when we first got her!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Ovr5xwT2UzLvCQ5CzOiTlsIw2kYCNHNRc4rqNzusKEkHLE6bb2sTgh_epg01Z1eOEiDVXd6qvAXsryUOizT6PIUmZe1CEEX7m6zKSapp3D0gyINFYYUXgw-u0cx5oyPK9lc71NQJCl8Q/s1600/smudgetounge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Ovr5xwT2UzLvCQ5CzOiTlsIw2kYCNHNRc4rqNzusKEkHLE6bb2sTgh_epg01Z1eOEiDVXd6qvAXsryUOizT6PIUmZe1CEEX7m6zKSapp3D0gyINFYYUXgw-u0cx5oyPK9lc71NQJCl8Q/s320/smudgetounge.jpg" width="288" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">A photo that my husband took and didn't even have to Photoshop. I think it's just such an interesting expression and man look at that tongue! LOL</span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /><br />
Also of course, if I do win anything in June, I will try my hardest to
update on this site. I love to blog, yet my arthritis has been terrible
this month and even now at after 10pm, my left shoulder is about to
kill me it feels like. For some reason this past month, my arthritis in
both my arms have been horrible and even my arthritis medication isn't
helping me much, nor is my pain medication. Of course Doctors never
really do give out anything that can really help, unless your rich and
famous of course. Lord willing this flare up will go down soon and I
will feel better. I hate it when I hurt physically and even when I
hurt mentally, because depression sucks. It is slowly getting better,
Thank God! I have a doctor's appointment next week and sometime this
week I have to go and give blood. I'm scared to death (seriously) about
doing this and even when I was on Facebook and saw photo's of a fellow
Little Person and their hands/wrist and how they looked after giving
blood, I had a full blown panic attack. Not nice or pretty AT ALL! So
if you believe in prayer, please say a prayer that the person that does
the job of sticking me with the needle gets it in one go and that it
doesn't hurt!
</span><span style="font-size: small;"><br /><br />
Anyway, I am going to save this and hopefully add a couple of photo's of
Smudge and then beg my husband to rub Tiger Balm on my shoulder and
Lord willing it will easy some of the pain. Because God knows I can't
take anything else for it, which stinks.
</span><span style="font-size: small;"><br /><br />
I hope everyone out there is doing well and if your ever bored or even
want to brag on your own fur-baby, please feel free to drop me an email
or make a comment on here! I would love to read them!
</span><span style="font-size: small;"><br /><br />
Until next time!
</span><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
~Cheers~</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02806586568877226478noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1535968050834425445.post-22028353438468468482012-02-17T09:02:00.000-06:002012-02-17T09:02:11.809-06:00Needing to VentThis post has absolutely nothing to do with my hobby - entering Sweepstakes. It actually has to do with being a dwarf and certain comments which were made by Rosie O'Donnell and Chelsea Handler on Rosie's Talk Show, on Feb 8, 2012, which has angered and hurt many people of the dwarfism community. I tried to answer a question which was posed on the MSN.com website. The question was how could the two women apologize? My response was long and drawn out, but it helped me to express my feelings of deep hurt and anger against what was said and by who said it and how they've been dealing with this situation. Since it won't ever be seen by viewers of MSN.com, I felt the need to put it here. Feel free to pass it along. I honestly want this spread around, far and near. <br />
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Question: How could the women apologize?<br />
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Answer:<br />
<br />
It's clear that anyone who thinks that people with dwarfism shouldn't make a big deal of this and should just forgive and forget, more than likely has never been bullied all through their school years, as well as being avoided in the dating world, discriminated against while seeking employment, finding a doctor that knows about your condition for decent health care, had botched surgeries because of this example, been in constant physical pains each day of their lives because the world was not and never will be made for Little People, been picked up and thrown through the air, because they saw it on TV or in Florida where dwarf tossing is legal, and continue to be a stereo type in movies and television, and so much more. <br />
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How could the women apologize? How about an actual public apology on the show where all this transpired? Yet Rosie and her minions keep deleting the negative comments about herself and Chelsea Handler off of their website where people are complaining, and stop sending out a handful of "twitter" half ass apologies to only a select number of people. Rosie asked or expects us to "spread the word" that she apologizes? Why should we? Why should we be the one to try and clean up a mess that the two of them started? Because OMG we have nothing better to do with our time, than to clean the crap that they dished out?<br />
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Rosie and Chelsea hurt a community of dwarfs and their family members, most who are average height. We are treated like children, ignored, aborted because we are different, shunned in schools, discriminated in work places and even if we are hired we are often times overlooked (no pun intended) for advancements. People like Rosie and Chelsea want to keep us in a box because they are cowards and are hurtful people. They have no empathy for what LP's go through. They have NO remorse for what they've done and don't feel that they should be held accountable. These two people..they are not ladies to me, are ignorant cowards.<br />
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People with dwarfism just want a proper apology like any other minority that shouts out when they are insulted. This happens because of the pressure that comes from so called "normal" people, because they've been hurt. Dwarfs are still being made fun of because we are the last minority to be used by a large group of average height people who think because they were born with longer limbs that they are superior to us.<br />
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What gets me the most is the Pandora's box that they've allowed open, can now be used against the children in schools who have dwarfism or are a family member who loves someone that is a dwarf. That pisses me off the most, because unlike Chelsae's comment that dating or being in a relationship with an LP is child abuse, what they've done is set our community back by so much and won't be held accountable for their actions. Too many children are bullied enough at school as it is, adding this to the pot doesn't help. So in my eyes, those two women are the true child abusers.<br />
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I seriously doubt this is a phobia at all with Rosie, but more of an attention grabber for her poorly viewed showed. If anyone claimed to have a phobia towards African American's, Hispanics, people with down syndrome, the crap would hit the fan. Yet they can get away with it with dwarfs. <br />
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One of the definition of phobia is : A persistent, abnormal, and irrational fear of a specific thing or situation that compels one to avoid it, despite the awareness and reassurance that it is not dangerous.<br />
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1) We are not a thing...we are human beings. Treat us like one. We want what everyone wants, needs and desires and that's just simple acceptance and to find love.<br />
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2) Maybe Rosie is afraid of being in a situation with another Little Person. Probably it's because of the way TV/Hollywood is continually showing us in a consistent manor stereo types. Elves, gnomes, mythical beings, or just angry small people who will open a can of Whoop Ass if you dare say the word "shrimp" for whatever reason. <br />
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3) We're dangerous? Yeah right. We are so dangerous, that's why a man in England picked up another dwarf and tossed him in the air, causing him severe pain and suffering. There are many of us that are unable to protect ourselves against drunken idiots such as the man that did it to that person with dwarfism.<br />
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You may have noticed I use "person with dwarfism" a lot in this comment area. The reason for that is that being a dwarf doesn't define who I am as a person. It adds to it, but it's not everything about me. It's a medical condition that's brought about because of DNA/Genes from our parents, or grandparents, etc. It's something that couldn't not be helped, unless you think abortion would help...but it would only help the person that has a problem with it, not the person with dwarfism.<br />
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For if I was aborted, I would never have meet my husband, who's short stature actually came about from a drug called Thalidomide that his mother took in the late 1950's. I would never have gotten pregnant and had the most beautiful child I could ever imagine and I give all the glory to God that I worship and praise. My daughter is a joy and loves me. Love begets love and hate begets hate. Rosie and Chelsea is showing only hatred in a lot of people's eyes. Yes she is flawed, but we all are. <br />
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So Rosie and Chelsea, I will pray for you. Pray that you prosper, and that you continually have love in your life and are never faced with the same hatred that we've been shown in our communities and in our own lives, our whole lives. For if I only prayed for wonderful things to people that "like" me, what do I actually gain? It says in the bible to pray for your enemy's. They are not my enemies, but are also not my friends.<br />
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Last but not least the words "Midget" was actually made up by P.T.Barnum from the word "midge" which meant biting midges (insects). There really is no such thing as Midget's and if anyone had enough intelligence to look this information up for themselves, they would already know that. They would also know that it's used in a hostile manner towards people with dwarfism. It's the same as a Caucasian person would call an African American the famous and hated word by them that starts with the letter N.<br />
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I know how long this is, but as you may can tell. Their words and actions hurt me. They hurt children, they hurt others, and they even hurt themselves for not giving them a chance to get to know about us in a better manner than which they have done already and it's just wrong. They also show that they would never consider dwarfs for any type of respectable career for them and would clearly discriminate against us. Yet they can get away with. Shame on both of them. <br />
<br />
But all they have to do is publicly apologies and they both chose not to!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02806586568877226478noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1535968050834425445.post-64522313405428724212012-01-07T04:54:00.000-06:002012-01-07T04:54:48.033-06:00Something Evil ...this way comes. Or least I think it's evil and it only comes if you fall for it. Whatever could I be talking about? Magazine Sweepstakes! That's right, you maybe sitting there thinking I'm a few bricks shy of a full load, but let me go into more detail and maybe you will get a better understanding of why I think Magazine Sweepstakes are evil.<br />
<br />
One of the main reasons why I personally think Magazine Sweepstakes are evil is because most of the time, especially for a new comer to this hobby, it's very hard or tricky to see that they offer the signup page for the sweepstakes, and it's also a signup to order their magazine! Duping poor innocent people who only want to feel like a winner, into made to feel like a loser when the bill comes in. What? I don't remember ordering Redbook? (Or Martha Stewart, Allure, Lucky, Good Housekeeping, Better Homes and Gardens, etc, etc, etc)<br />
<br />
But wait! Oh crap I did, did I? Sometimes when I get in a funk and I really want to get the prize train coming to my house faster, I like to enter sweepstakes that have a lot of prizes being offered. Well, unfortunately Magazines are one of the best ways to get that train started, in my opinion. However, you do need to be very careful when reading the entry page, to make sure that you are not agreeing to order a year (or two) of magazines from that particular company.<br />
<br />
Why Magazine companies feel the need to do this, is beyond my true understanding. However, I have had one person explain what their personal thoughts were and I am incline to agree with them. As many of you are aware, print items are slowly going away like the dinosaurs. Newspapers, Magazines, etc. Well, one of the main ways a magazine makes money is not by the subscriptions that they sell, but rather by the revenues made by selling ad spaces in that magazines. That's the bread and butter of the whole thing. BUT they can't get top dollar for magazine ads, unless their subscription rate is high enough. So, one way to make it appear higher is to offer these sweepstakes and end up kind of tricking people into subscriptions. A lot of times people never even get in touch with them and let them know, because screw them because they screwed me. Or, they will either call the company and let them know an error was made, or they will write CANCEL on the first bill that shows up at their house. Regardless of what action you may take, it makes their subscription numbers look higher than what they really are.<br />
<br />
I personally dislike this type of sweepstakes trickery. It's rude and crude and horrible on my pocketbook. So I thought I would take a few moments and let you guys (even if it is just my Dad) know that whenever you are entering a sweepstakes that is being hosted by a magazine subscription, please read the fine print very carefully. Redbook is my main gripe. BUT once you train your eyes to look for the link that they offer for you to enter without a purchase (Because by law, there is a No Purchase Necessary way to enter) it does get easier to enter.<br />
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I thought I would try and show you a screen shot (From Redbook of course) and also letting you know about a particular sweep that they are hosting right now, in case you may be interested in entering it. This particular promotion, Redbook is giving away (15) $100 Gas Cards. <br />
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This is the <a href="http://www.redbookmag.com/sweepstakes/21354">link</a> for the 1st option, which if you don't look for the link to click to the "No Purchase Necessary" option, you will receive a Redbook magazine subscription.<br />
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Also, please note that you can not enter this promotion from this website. I am only using these as an example. If you are interested please feel free to go to their website, via the link I provided above and look for the link to take you to the No Purchase necessary form.<br />
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Example A:<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiGN1iy1XHRZ15A01Ry_xkhd6kBNwjsrBoAqK96hzhrj7nAwZqZN1SNnxxH68E2T16G_LwZSD811cowYzxUIYaRGZcqUyaOSZBx5Z9CUTvQRECBe4TQJLoCI9cL5Cper3xDJzhtzVoSJRT/s1600/redbook+example+A.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiGN1iy1XHRZ15A01Ry_xkhd6kBNwjsrBoAqK96hzhrj7nAwZqZN1SNnxxH68E2T16G_LwZSD811cowYzxUIYaRGZcqUyaOSZBx5Z9CUTvQRECBe4TQJLoCI9cL5Cper3xDJzhtzVoSJRT/s320/redbook+example+A.png" /></a></div><br />
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As you can see there are two paragraphs above the entry form, along with a cover photo of the current month's Redbook magazine. Well on the second paragraph there is a link to take you to the No Purchase Necessary form. THAT's what you need to look for and learn to train your eyes and your brain, to go for whenever entering a magazine promotion, just to be on the safe side. The link actually says CLICK HERE. I tried entering the website link, that could directly take you to that form, but you have to click on the main page first, and then click it yourself. Once you do, you should see a photo looks similar if not exactly like this...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_FIBZVPvzewhiIDxm2d_ZDPydusy-fM90AtWPT2d0xn7rfO8jfeHuLlvAjdfO_H98lrOj3my4RdG1EYJ4xor8tzQNZr8MllrjSxzc96ZMtomJYgkOTQ35QXBvHfdSxe6ehvkyfaB4T4Tz/s1600/Redbook+example+b.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="248" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_FIBZVPvzewhiIDxm2d_ZDPydusy-fM90AtWPT2d0xn7rfO8jfeHuLlvAjdfO_H98lrOj3my4RdG1EYJ4xor8tzQNZr8MllrjSxzc96ZMtomJYgkOTQ35QXBvHfdSxe6ehvkyfaB4T4Tz/s320/Redbook+example+b.png" /></a></div><br />
I hope this has been somewhat helpful. You just would not believe how many times I've ordered magazines by mistake and regretted it. In fact, I quit entering most magazine sweepstakes/promotions because of this. However, every now and then I find something that appeals to me, prize wise and I go back to it.<br />
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There is something that I've decided to do with all those magazines that's been delivered (I've been keeping them in a box) and that is to help me find photos to create a dream board. This is something of a craft project that sweepers sometimes do, and it's to help you visualize the prizes that you really want to win. Cars, Cash, Computers, Vacations, Jewelry, whatever. <br />
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I've never made one and I think I am going to finally do one very soon. Hopefully before the end of next week, so that I can look at it all year long. I am trying to be more positive in regards to entering sweepstakes and I think having a visual will help me stay on track and more motivated to keep entering.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02806586568877226478noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1535968050834425445.post-27050361692800948352012-01-02T22:38:00.001-06:002012-01-02T22:41:26.651-06:00Trying to change up my waysof doing things in regards to entering sweepstakes of course. :)<br />
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<i>Note: This is a REALLY long post, so I warn you in advance. You can read the first two paragraphs and then skip down to the last six paragraphs to save you some time. I basically just go into more details about the various ways to enter sweepstakes. But if you are already a seasons sweeper, you probably already know most if not all of what I wrote.</i><br />
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I've been entering Sweepstakes for right at nine years. I've won some nice things and had some wonderful experiences and had several opportunities to travel. However, one thing you learn if you stay in this hobby long enough is that sometimes the game changes and you need to be flexible to change with it, otherwise you will be left a loser and wondering why you are no longer winning like you used to. Thus becoming depressed and thinking that once again all sweepstakes are rigged, even when that's not the case.<br />
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After my last post, which was all of yesterday (I know I can't believe I've made two post so close together either..back to back basically...will wonders never cease?) I've been thinking of how I should or rather *need* to change my method of entering sweepstakes. Especially if I want to continue to win and maybe win something Big for 2012.<br />
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Right now there are so many ways to enter sweepstakes and be a winner. A few of those methods and an explanation of what and how to enter them are:<br />
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Snail Mail - (My all time favorite..I know I am a little crazy and alone in feeling that way. But I've always been drawn towards repetitive things, like Data Entry). Snail mail entries is usually your NAZ and maybe other requested information written down on a piece of paper or card, usually a 3x5..sometimes they like to throw in odd sizes like 3 1/2 x 5 1/2 cards/papers..thinking that people won't use them and thus being disqualified. So it's always important to read the rules people! Then you place your card or paper into an envelopes (you will never go wrong when using a plain white #10 envelopes also known as a business envelope) and put a first class stamp on it, and hopefully, Lord willing it will go to the right address and be added to the collection of all the other entries. <br />
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Online entries - a fairly cheap way to enter, as long as you have a computer/laptop and an internet connection, which does cost money, but you could also go to a library and enter from there. However, I doubt anyone going that route would get a ton of entries in daily, unless they seriously loved going to their local library!<br />
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Contest - This usually involves more participation and it also usually means a lot less competition. This can be anything from recipe contest, video/you tube, essays, talent (singing/dancing) and more. (This is my least favorite..because I feel so totally UN-creative and boring).<br />
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Facebook - This is a very popular way for sponsors to advertise their products/services and Facebook has millions of users, so it only makes sense that sponsors are going the route of using Facebook to attract new customers. This is a social type way of entering sweepstakes along with ...<br />
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Twitter - This is what is also known as micro blogging. I am sure most people have heard of twitter, even if they haven't posted a tweet. I will be the first one here to admit that I am not very keen on twitter contest. I've been told that it's a good way to win, because a lot of people feel the same way about it as I do, thus meaning the competition is low. I have won one or two twitter promotions, and I have decided to give it another shot for 2012. It still confuses me, especially when there are "Twitter Parties". I will hopefully go into more detail at a later time about what a twitter party really is and what it involves so that you can have a better understanding of it. <br />
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Texting - I don't know of anyone, unless they are under the age of 5-6 years old and possibly over the age of 80, who doesn't know what Texting is. Now the older generation probably doesn't use this method of entering promotions all too much, so it can be a great way to enter and win prizes. I've found that beer companies use this method a lot and I've won several nice prizes from texting. One of those prizes was a Cruise! It does involve using a cell phone and if you choose to enter this way a lot, please also remember that texting cost money and to look at unlimited texting plan from your cell phone provider. But if you have a teenager with a cell phone under your roof, you might want to invest in unlimited texting just for that reason alone.<br />
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Drop Boxes - You usually see these at grocery stores, but you can also see them at Malls and other places of businesses. Now the ones at the mall, I personally never enter. Those usually end up being given to Time Share places and they call you, trying to get you to come and view/listen to their pitches to sell you a time share property.<br />
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Now some people can use this to their advantage, if they have the will power not to buy into the spill they give to you. I've thought about seeing if my husband might want to try this, as we know someone personally who does this and they've received airfare and sometimes even hotels, just to listen to a sales man try to hock their properties. I'm just not sure I would be very good at it. I think once I saw the properties being offered and hearing only the good points of it from the sales person, my eyes would glaze over faster than a hot Krispy Kreme doughnut and I would sign something before my good sense came back.<br />
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But not all drop boxes are like that. I especially like the ones that are found at the grocery stores. Or department stores. Even though I just mentioned above about not entering drop boxes at the mall, I don't mean the ones inside a department store. I've found most of them in the ladies department or the teens/kids department, like at Dillards, Macy's, J.C.Penneys, etc. <br />
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Blogs - Well, as you know by reading this website (which happens to be a blog) you know a little bit. A blog promotion is usually held by the person who writes/creates the blog. The blogger normally writes a review about a product that was given to them from a sponsor and they are told to either keep it and give away another exact product to one of their readers or just give away the product that they've reviewed.<br />
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The biggest blog sweepstakes/promotions are from what is typically called "Mommy blogs" This area has become highly saturated in my opinion and they usually want you to jump through a LOT of hoops to get your entries in. And the prizes are not usually for anything spectacular. Small amounts in Gift Cards like $10, DVD's, Cd's, books, etc. I don't mind entering these occasionally, but I don't spend a lot of time on them, because like I just wrote, they usually want the person entering, to do several different things, to make the entry complete. <br />
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Things that range from posting a comment, following their blog, making a tweet and then coming back and posting that status link to that tweet, to prove that you really did tweet about their promotions, and many other things. Sometimes they will give you 5+ entries for each action taken, but then I get really confused about how in the world they could possibly keep up with all the entries for it to be truly legit. Some people have also expressed their skepticism towards mommy blog promotions and think that they either don't send the prizes out, which are normally provided by the sponsor or they give them to their friends/family members, instead of their readers. I am sure some of their fears are correct, but there are honest bloggers out there and it is another way to enter and win stuff. It's just not for everybody. Personally I think it's you either hate them or you don't.<br />
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Snap Tags - This is probably the newest on the scene of entering sweepstakes/promotions. You may have seen some odd little black and white photo with a lot of pixels/dots. There are also colored ones too. Well, if you have something on your "smart" phone, called a "Tag Reader", you use that application and take a photo of that picture and it then normally takes you to a special web page on your *smart* phone so you can enter. I can't say that I've been impressed with this method of entering, but it's still in it's growing stages I suppose and I am going to try and be more aware of snap tap promotions around me, and enter. But it's towards the bottom of my list when thinking about entering sweepstakes. Basically, I'm not going to be losing any sleep over it, if I don't enter one of them.<br />
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Radio Call Ins - I know you know about Radio call in...The DJ's will announce at a certain time to call to either win something or be put in a drawing for an even bigger prize. These are hard to win in my honest opinion. Basically because you tend to get a busy signal all the time. But some people really really love them. I guess if you spend a lot of time listening to the radio, perhaps either at work or maybe being a stay at home or work at home parent, you can enter these more frequently than other people. I also think that if you listen and enter on the week-ends, you might have a better chance of getting through, since most people like to do things with their families and thus making the competition lower. Or at least, that's my opinion. So far I've only gotten through once to be put in a drawing, which I didn't win. It made me feel the same way inside like I do when I only have one more number left when playing Bingo! It's not a happy feeling either. It's more like I'm on the verge of having a panic attack...so not fun to me!<br />
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Radio Remotes - This is where a radio station is at a certain location and they mention where they are and for how long and encourage their listeners to come and visit them and try to win various prizes or get entries in for something great, like trips or a car.<br />
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Game Shows - These are harder and probably not a lot of people do these. But some of the Games shows that come to my mind are Jeopardy (which I despise), Price is Right, Wheel of Fortune, Deal or No Deal, etc. There is usually a cattle call and long waiting periods and then you get interview basically. They are usually looking for people that are exciting or at least project excitement and that makes for good TV, even if it does embarrass yourself and your children for years to come.<br />
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I am sure there are few more ways to enter promotions and if you can think of anything that I might have missed please comment on this blog post or send me an email. I would love to hear from you.<br />
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So in answer to what I wrote at the beginning of this blog post, I am thinking about changing my way of entering. Last year I spent most time on snail mail entries and it really didn't pay off for me in the long run, which is most disappointing. My husband was the biggest winner and I think (although I am not certain) that most of his entries was from entering online. <br />
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The biggest change I think I am going to do is continue to enter my husband with online sweepstakes (possibly only, unless it's a local/restricted one) and just enter myself through the mail. I also now get to enter our child, since the birthday that was celebrated last year, makes her more open to more sweepstakes and contest! Whoo Hoo.<br />
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A couple of years ago it wasn't unusual for me to start my day entering online sweepstakes. I would normally take about 2-3 hours each and everyday (and yes I do mean every day) and enter online. I would later make time during the evening hours to do my entries for snail mail entries. Last year I tried really hard to enter 11 snail mail entries each day, but I didn't keep to it as well as I wanted to. What can I say? Life got in the way and I just wasn't going to make myself feel bad for not making my goal. <br />
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I guess I could make a goal of trying to enter 12 snail mail entries each day if I gave it some thought. I know I have a batch ready for tomorrow's mail and there are only 11 in it. My mind was still thinking 2011. So I guess I will end this post now and enter some more sweepstakes. Who knows..you might even get another post from me tomorrow. I don't want to say that's one of my new year's resolutions, which is to post each and everyday. I will say that I am hopeful that I will write more consistently on here. I mean that was the purpose of creating this blog space in the first place, right? <br />
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So bye for now and good luck to everyone that chooses to enter sweepstakes...because you will never be a winner if you don't enter!<br />
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~Cheers~<br />
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.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02806586568877226478noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1535968050834425445.post-84061133137412879082012-01-02T01:58:00.001-06:002012-01-02T02:22:09.907-06:00It's going to be swell in 2012!Yeah, that's my crappy motto for this year. I try to come up with a new one each year, and after 2012, I've got nuthin! I mean, what rhymes with 13,14,15,16,17,18,or 19? But if the Mayan calendar is to be believed, I am not going to have an issue with it either...so who cares, right? RIGHT!<br />
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I really should have written a blog post before now. I was planning on writing something on the last day of 2011, but eh...I didn't. What can I say? 2011 was the year of the lazy for this blogger. Oh who am I kidding? The last 44 years have been the year of the lazy for me! LOL Yeah, I know it's not really funny, but it's my blog and I'll bitch, moan, groan and make cheesy jokes and bad puns if I want to. I'm sure that could have been a song title, but it would have taken too long to print and sing to..so moving along.<br />
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Happy New Year!<br />
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and yes, I am actually writing this on day 2 of 2012...but it's still the first day of 2012 in California and probably some of western counties or states, like Hawaii, so it counts and it's all good! Right? RIGHT!<br />
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Last year wasn't anything spectacular for this little sweeper. In fact it started off pretty grim as my mother in law passed away on Jan 13. And even though we are still having to go through so many things that was brought on from her death, we are still together as a family of three and have somewhat to moderately good health. I pray daily for all my family to stay healthy, safe and happy. It's really more important than anything else, especially a prize....however! I am going to continue to enter sweepstakes and maybe even a contest here and there. I mean, I won't win squat if I don't enter, right? RIGHT! <br />
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I actually tried to keep track of my wins from 2011 in a spreadsheet like I've been doing for many years. I believe I am now entering my 9th year of being a sweeper. I still can't believe it to be honest. I never really stick with hobbies for very long, unless you count sleeping for longer than 12-14 hours at a time. That hobby I have always excelled in and probably will continue to do so. When you are a stay at home mom and are disabled, sometimes you get a case of what my husband likes to call "the case of the sticky mattress" which basically means, my fat butt doesn't get out of it until after about 12 hours or more. Yes I'm lazy..let's move on. <br />
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Even though I don't have the proper spreadsheet to look at or prove to anyone, I would have to state that it was my husband that was the biggest winner in this household over all of us! Even though we didn't win a trip or anything that made me wet my pants, I would still think or at least like to believe that we stayed in the black and not the red, as far as cost goes. I enter a lot of snails mail sweepstkaes and stamps cost money. I may end up switching my entering methods for 2012 and that will probably be the subject of my next post. Yeah! An idea...cool...something to think about and write...sweet!<br />
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I have realized something else...Voting contest are for the freaking birds! I know I never came back to give any more updates on the last voting contest I was in, but that's because it became very apparent that the people who entered that same contest, well...I hate to say it..but there were CHEATERS! I mean come on! Some of those photos had well over 12,000 votes (and no that is not a typo) in less than 24 hours. Even though the rules stated that it was unlimited voting..after 1000 votes, it wouldn't let you vote anymore. (I know this, because I clicked that dang vote button over and over and over and over, etc) At first they ( the people hosting the contest, which was a local news station) let the number of votes be seen, but they later changed it, so you couldn't see it. (Probably due to other people who entered, bitching about how a few entries had so many votes, so soon after the contest started. They should have stopped the contest and discounted every vote and started over...but they didn't. Well surprise surprise (NOT) that the photo that won, was also one of the photo's that had thousands of votes right at the very first of the competition! <br />
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I don't know what it is, but when you offer up a free trip to Disneyland or World, some of the worst can be seen in people! UGG. I am now just about certain I am done with voting contest, unless it states in the rules about no one using bots (computer programs that help cheaters win contest on the internet) and that it's either judged by a panel of judges and not basically a popularity contest. That's really leaves a bad taste in so many people's mouths and honestly, it makes the company (or local news station) look bad. I personally am very tempted to write a strongly worded letter to let them know, but I'm still shaking off the bad case of the lazies!<br />
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Soon after posting this blog post, I will be making my new spreadsheet for the wins for 2012. I have also been giving some thought as to what I want to write about here, in regards to this hobby. It's a wonderful hobby and it's given me and my loved ones a lot of pleasure. In fact, some of the wins (i.e. Gift Cards) came in really handy for Christmas.<br />
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I am also hoping that I will write on a more regular basis. I would love to be able to say I would commit to a weekly post..but I'm not so sure about that to be honest. But then you never know, so please continue to check back now and then. If you don't see anything new, shoot me an email and, well I was going to say write and tell me to get off my butt, but to write a blog post, I actually have to sit on my butt, so that wouldn't work. But you could say get on it and write something gosh darn it!...It's not like I have a job or anything to go to, right? RIGHT! Ok now I think I may be depressed...thanks a lot! oh wait..I'm probably just talking to myself again, so oh well...moving on...again.<br />
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I'm not really sure why I keep doing that right? RIGHT! thing, but it's working for me today, so just go with it, ok? OK! Oh crap...I think this post needs to stop now.<br />
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So that's it for today. Hopefully this post has made my Dad happy. (or just confused by his youngest daughter's mentality or personality disorder) He's basically my only reader, and maybe my sister, since it was her post on her personal blog that lite the fire under my butt to actually write...gotta go..two more minutes until 1-2-2012 in California. Bu-ByeAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02806586568877226478noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1535968050834425445.post-38443158844425130512011-10-24T08:42:00.000-05:002011-10-24T08:42:03.684-05:00And the race is on...Yep, the contest for the trip to California for the Disneyland adventure for the best family photo just started, literally twenty minutes ago and runs until November 6th, 2011<br />
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I am trying to attempt to add a widget here for my webpage. Please vote us. I do also return votes, for any other sweepstaker that needs votes on their contest entry. Please just send me an email or make a comment here...it does come to me and I will get in touch with you, if you leave your email of course. I honestly do love to support others in this hobby. It's a wonderful way to make friends.<br />
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<script src="http://the33tv.upickem.net/engine/SubmissionWidget.aspx?PageType=VOTING&ContestID=41494&SubmissionID=11823591" type="text/javascript">
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That should take you right to the voting and I will also add, that you may have to actually sign up before voting. I know that this can be a drag, and I hope and pray that this does not discourage anyone from voting. It takes a couple of minutes and then that's it..or at least it should be, and then you vote. Viola! Please pass this one to your family, friends, co-workers, anyone you can think of really. I have no shame, and I need a vacation, so that I am not tempted to embarrass my one and only daughter (and my loving husband) into another contest, just so we can get away from everything and get a break, so I don't break. Seriously, I so either wanna win this contest or sleep for a week.<br />
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Nothing else much to write about. It's the beginning of the week and I pray that it's a better one than last week. All I kept thinking was is this PMS or Grieving..kind of like is it real or is it Memorex? You remember those commercials for wait for it...<gasp> cassette tapes? I know them young-ens have no clue what the heck I'm talking about, right? But last week was not one of my better ones and I am praying that I can focus on more important things, like how to up my votes and maybe clean my house..I don't know about that second choice...it's never one I like to choose...so I think I will be focusing on how to get votes for my wonderful, but scary family photo so I can go to Disneyland!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02806586568877226478noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1535968050834425445.post-84269086211982630112011-10-17T22:35:00.013-05:002011-10-17T23:18:36.855-05:00Can I Sink Any Lower?Is it even possible for a little person to go lower than what they already are? That's kind of a stupid question I know. What could I possibly be talking about? Well I went and entered another voting contest. You would think I would get it through my thick head that I don't do well in voting contest and never enter another one ever again...However, I tend to forget and do it again and again. Short Memory. It comes with the height, so what can I say really..except please vote for me when the contest starts on October 24th maybe?<br /><br />This time it's for a local TV Station and it's wanting local people to submit family photo's..like group shots. Well, I looked through all my digital photos on Picasa 3 and do you know what? We only have about TWO of all three of us (My husband, daughter and myself) all in one photo. <note to self: Make an appointment with Olan Mills STAT> Pretty sad huh? Well, remember that sadness and take pity on me and vote..Please? Pretty Please? With sugar on top and topped with Chocolate sprinkles? (I hate cherries..that's why it's topped with Chocolate sprinkles) <br /><br />The grand prize (and I believe only prize, but I could be wrong about that) is a family trip to Disneyland in California. Now my daughter and I did get a chance to go there this past summer to Disneyland because of attending the National LPA convention, which was being held in Anaheim, CA and we got to enjoy California Adventure park (I love the fact that it literally is so close from Disneyland, you can walk to it) and Disneyland itself. However, my husband was unable to attend and I would really love for our family to get a chance to have a break from everything that we've been through this past, well...almost a year now. I still can't believe that time keeps ticking on, when I think of it all...but that's how life is, right?<br /><br />BUT I will say in advance two things. ONE: The photo that I submitted, please keep in mind I really don't have any other "family photo's", so I went with what I had and TWO: I should be the poster child for NOT taking AMBIEN and then entering contests. Because that's what I had done and then totally forgot about entering. When I got the email today that it was accepted and I clicked on the link, well...I kind of freaked out. But in a good way and I did have to fess up to my husband about it. Thank goodness he's a fun guy and doesn't let things like this embarrass him. Now our daughter on the other hand has made me promise not to link it to her friends, which are also my friends on facebook. So I had to create a group called "Youngsters" which includes all of my daughter's friends, in case I want to post something a bit more mature or embarrassing for her. :) i.e this photo.<br /><br />I will also be posting it to the "TWITTER" when the voting begins. A few other Twitter people/family/split personalities will also be twittering about it too. Here are some of the names of their Twitter accounts, if you should so desire to follow them. <br /><br />Angelspice25<br />Mommybird1998<br />HandHuggies<br />LittleSweeper<br />Mini_Mynx<br />jsmanning<br />ShortShopper<br />Wombatbear<br /><br />Yes we have quite a few of us on the Twitter, don't we? The main one I've been posting for this blog is LittleSweeper, but I've also been known to post a lot under Mommybird1998. If you have any difficulties finding me/us/them with those names, please let me know your twitter name and we can follow one another and be BFF's! I promise I will be your best friend..HONEST!<br /><br />So here's the link. I also want to say that I am not responsible if you have a drink in your mouth at the time of viewing and thus spewing your liquid/spit all over your computer/laptop monitor. You might not find it amusing at all. But compare it to the other people's entries and give me your honest opinion about it. I'm bored and I know I don't really update this blog a lot..but we wants more friends and someone out there's reading, right? btw..HI DAD!<br /><br />Click <a href=" http://the33tv.upickem.net/engine/Details.aspx?p=A&c=41494&s=11823591">HERE</a><br /><br />Thank you again in advance for any and all votes. Please feel free to share that link on facebook/twitter/blogs/snail mail/ESP and of course the ever popular word of mouth. BUT no verbal Diarrhea. That would stink. No pun intended...well, maybe a little. What can I say, that's how I roll. Seriously..I roll..on a scooter..everyday.<br /><br />Voting doesn't actually begin until October 24th and runs until Nov 6, 2011. I will also be trying my hardest to start posting more here, since I am now on some better medication and I don't feel like sleeping my life away, like I had been doing. Even though I will admit sleep is my crack and I do have a strong case of the sticky mattress. <br /><br />In other news, which I will give more details later..but it seems like my husband is in the lead for wins this year in our family. Also is it bad that when my daughter turned 13 a short while ago, I was so happy...because it meant I could enter more sweeps in her name? I even bought her own address labels for the snail mail entries. I was so happy, I almost cried. I think I did actually cry. My baby is growing up. (And it also means that her entering Radio Disney contest/sweeps will soon be a thing of the past) HEY! What can you expect from me on this blog anyways? It's a Sweepstakes blog remember? <br /><br />But please don't think I am criticizing you or anything like that and you suddenly think "WTF?" and not vote for us...I will totally kiss butt...I can be very good at it, and I think it may have something to do with the fact that I was born to be the right height to kiss your butt.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02806586568877226478noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1535968050834425445.post-1979711053569019012011-08-22T22:03:00.003-05:002011-08-22T22:35:51.397-05:00Back in the saddle again!Sounds like it could be song, couldn't it? Oh wait..I think it already is. Oh well! LOL.
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<br />Basically that's what today has felt like to me. My child started school today and is now in middle school. Soon to be a teenager (Lord help me) While we've all enjoyed the break from getting up early every morning to take our child to school, it's now been long enough to where we were all ready for school to start back. :) Our child wanting to see her friends and she also somewhat enjoys learning. Especially if it involves reading, which makes me so proud, as I was a BIG reader when I was her age as well.
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<br />For my husband, I think he's hoping that his pain levels can be sorted out or something, so that he can feel better again. If anyone who reads this blog believes in prayers, please keep my husband in your prayers, that his health can and will improve. He so wants to get back to cooking dinners for us again and he has told me that he feels totally useless, which is totally untrue. However, I do also understand that when you are suffering from pain and nothing you do or take seems to help, it's hard on your mentally. Stevie's been under a lot of stress as well and to be honest, I miss my fun loving, playful husband.
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<br />Now as for me, today meant that I am now trying to get back in the saddle of entering my sweepstakes on a more regular basis than what I have done recently. Not that I quit entirely, because I haven't. But I remember a couple of years ago, I used to enter 2-3 hours online sweepstakes each and everyday (including Sunday's) for over a year. I got plenty of small/med and even one or two large prizes during that time, but since I've slacked off entering, so have the prizes coming to my door. I haven't had that sense of excitement when the doorbell rings between certain times ( the times when I know UPS and FedEx delivers in our area) or when I check my mail or e-mail. I would love for that hopefully feeling to once again return in my life, so that it brights up our day, even if it's a T-shirt that we think is cute or make-up that I have to fight over with my daughter.
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<br />I haven't done much online entering today, but I did mail my 11+ entries (my # of entries that I decided to try and enter every day during this year, if possible) but I've also been concentrating on entering more Text Sweepstakes. I really enjoy winning those for some reason. But one of the reason's why I haven't entered a lot of online sweepstakes today is because this being our child's 1st day of school, plus we had Merry Maid's coming over to help clean our messy house. I can honestly say even though I hate paying the amount that we do, to have someone clean our house. It sure is a very nice feeling to look around and feel like we live in a nice/clean area and it takes stress that you didn't realize was on your shoulders, off. And in my opinion, that's really important for my husband to feel that right now.
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<br />BUT back to sweepstaking. Has anyone watched the TLC High Stakes Sweepstakers show that started on August 14th, 2011? If so, what is your opinion of it? I would love to know what other people think. So please feel free to leave me a comment. I love getting comments on this blog, even though they are few and far between. I am not your typical blogger I suppose. I don't advertise this blog, as some blogs are a dime a dozen and I don't want to be lost in the crowd or try to be something I'm not.
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<br />This blog was mainly created to share my love of this hobby. And boy do I love this hobby. It's helped not only us but people close to us, enjoy things that they might not otherwise enjoy or had at all. Especially during the Holiday season. I am also hoping and praying that My lucky sister will win another trip and take me with her.
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<br />She called me yesterday to give me some news. The first things she said is "I'm starting to get a little scared" of course, this made my heart skip a beat, as I have no clue what the heck she's referring to, but then the little snit said it was her third day in a row of winning instant wins. The 1st win was a $25 Gift Card to Sports Authority, the 2nd win was a $25 Gift Card to Macy's (I love Macy's <wink wink sissy> and then the 3rd win on that day of her phone call, she won a $100 Gift Card to Sports Authority! That little snot!
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<br />Just kidding Sissy! :) I am actually truly happy for my sister, as she had stepped away from entering since our Mom passed away and she told me last week that she finally felt like she wanted to start back with entering. She only enters online sweepstakes and I think she's made a fabulous start and I can only hope and pray that she continues with her winning and maybe will even win a trip and will take me her TB (Travel Buddy)
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<br />I think in this week's mail brought a coupon for free skittles to my husband, even though it's our child that will claim it, as she has a big thing for skittles. I don't know if she really thinks she can taste the rainbow or if it's just a big sugar high, but we all have our vices and at least ones that involve sugar, I can handle. I just pray that while she is in her new school God continues to protect her and keep her away from any and all that might lead her down a bad road that she can't come back from. But I know that God does watch over all of us. I just have to continue to remind myself and to keep up my relationship with him, as it's so important.
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<br />Well it is now officially past my bed time..or rather my new bed time, and I am so very tired. I keep having acid reflux and I can honestly say..this crud is getting old! I go to my doctor on Wednesday, so if you could also pray that everything goes well for me on that day too, in regards to my health I would be most appreciative
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<br />Until next time, which hopefully will be sometime this week!
<br />~Cheers~
<br /> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02806586568877226478noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1535968050834425445.post-70331962562910983492011-08-07T06:13:00.000-05:002011-08-07T06:13:11.444-05:00Getting back into the swing of thingsWell, it's taken me sometime to come back to this blog, but here I am. I thought I would post an update on what's been going on in my life, as well as Sweepstaking news and information to share with those who might be interested.<br />
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The last time I posted on here was back on May 11, 2011. Since that time, my child is no longer in school and has been enjoying her summer off from homework, teachers, etc. The only negative thing is she's been bored on more than one occassion and has to suffer with watching Netflix, reading books, surfing the internet, playing World of Warcraft, facebooking, etc etc, etc..such a horrible summer, right? <br />
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Actually she really hasn't complained (much) and we even took time, just the two of us to take a trip to California for the National LPA convention. This year it was in Anaheim, CA and we drove out there. Yep! Just the two of us. Thank God my van didn't break down (it did give me a scare when the check engine light came on though) but my scooter charger did break and that caused some problems on the way back through Las Vegas, NV but all of it ended up well..except for a lost beanie hat that I refused to go back for at the 7-11, where my daughter dropped it, trying to pump petrol into the van. (but I plan on buying some love this week-end, when we go shopping for back to school stuff.<br />
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The LPA convention was wonderful and I did enjoy myself. I would have loved to have visited more with my many Diastrophic friend's which I've made recently on our facebook group, but when you have a preteen and your have no one else to watch your child, you have to make sacrifices like going to Disneyland and California adventure! <br />
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But we are now back at home, still trying to recover from the long drive. School will start very soon and now it seems like our lives are starting to pick up speed in regards of so much going on in our lives. I wish I could share some of that information here, but at the moment I'm not able to. But all in due time.<br />
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As far as my hobby of entering Sweepstaking, it's starting to get more press than usual. TLC is starting a series that is beginning on August 14th, 2011. Please check your local listing to see when it comes on in your area, if you are interested in seeing how us "crazy" sweepers are and how far some of us will go to enter to win a sweepstakes. In fact, 20/20 had ran a show last night (08/05/2011) and I believe also tonight and talked to about 4-5 different sweepers. I knew of three personally and the others I've only heard about or saw their post on the sweepstake sites that I read each day.<br />
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In case you missed it, I am including the link to see the segment that was aired last night. Click <a href="http://abcnews.go.com/2020">HERE</a> You will see an area beside the video, on the right to scroll down and find "When entering Sweepstakes is a job". I believe the video is just short of 8 minutes. How long it will be posted on there, I am unable to answer. You may be able to do a search for it, in their search box, which is located towards the top of the page.<br />
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There is also another segment from 20/20 with tips on entering sweepstakes, that people new to this hobby might find interesting. The title is <a href="http://abcnews.go.com/Business/ConsumerNews/winning-secrets-sweepstakes-club-pros/story?id=13099503">"Sweepstakes Club Pros Share Their Insider Tips to Winning Big"<br />
</a> I just now watched it myself and found all the information that they shared to be correct and I agreed with all of it. The only thing not mentioned is that you do have to pay taxes on ALL your winnings.<br />
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Now as far as my winnings, I've been trying to keep better records, but I have also slacked off this summer. My husband seems to be pulling in more wins than anyone else in this household. I plan on adding a bit more details on this blog regarding our wins hopefully in the very near future, like sometime next week. <br />
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Sorry to end this so suddenly, but I've been entering sweeps, while catching up on my favorite soap opera (and I still can't believe that AMC and OLTL got canceled) and it's now after 6 am. Tomorrow is suppose to be a day shopping for school items and my child isn't going to be too happy if I sleep the whole day away. Hopefully a few hours will be enough.<br />
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Until next time..keep sweeping...or you won't win nuthin! ;)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02806586568877226478noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1535968050834425445.post-64471885605061235302011-05-11T20:25:00.000-05:002011-05-13T15:39:31.414-05:00FireFox 4.0 Sucks!Well, I wasn't sure if I was ever going to come back and update this blog. Mainly because of the difficulty in finding the joy that used to be in my heart in regards to entering sweepstakes and posting here since my Mom passed away last year. Today in fact would have been my Mom and Dad's 47th wedding anniversary, so my Mom (as always) has been strongly on my mind to say the least.<br />
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I've wondered what my future holds and to be honest, I don't know. I know who holds it, and that God and I have to trust in him to take care of myself and my family. I tend to worry too much and over analysis a lot of things and I think that's one of the reasons why I suffer with my eating (acid reflux) and with my anxiety of late. It's been really, really bad! And in one way, they are both effecting each other. Mainly since I am having a lot of anxiety, especially lately, I take a Xynax that has been prescribed by my doctor. Then later on at night, I've been having acid reflux come up or at least a horrible, nasty taste, that now that I think about it, taste very similar to the Xynax when it dissolves in my mouth just a little bit. A very bitter taste that's way in the back of my throat and makes me go running ( or as close to running as this LP can go anyways) to somewhere where I can get rid of it quick! Water, Pepto, Gum..anything! I absolutely hate this! I've been having trouble enjoying even eating my "safe" foods and I am tired of them as well. So I know I should probably cut back on the Xynax, but each and every-time I do, something happens that makes me pop one of those puppies and try to get rid of the horrible throw up feeling/heart racing/yuckiness that I feel when I get one of my attacks. (Like today for instance.) I am concerned that tonight will be another night where I am miserable.<br />
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But this blog isn't for posting my problems. So I wondered if I would ever come back and figure that I might as well pop in from time to time. I finally got Firefox back to working like I used to like it (The new version 4.0...sucks!) and now my form fillers are working again with me in regards to entering online sweepstakes! Yeah! <br />
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For those of you who may also be having trouble with the newest Firefox and wishes they could go back in time and not have added the update? Well, you can go to this website and download the old version. BUT you do have to uninstall the previous version first (don't delete profiles, as it will get rid of all your bookmarks, etc) I have an I-Mac and to uninstall something, you click, drag and drop the icon in the trash bin...easy squeezy, lemon peezy! Here's the link for those that might be interested and also for myself, in case my computer goes kaput like it did two weeks ago, and I lose all my bookmarks, etc.<br />
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http://support.mozilla.com/en-US/questions/812572<br />
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They also have downloads for windows and Mac's..and possibly Androids? I can't really answer that last one because I didn't recognize the little icon and don't know what it belongs to..but check it out if you are having problems with Firefox working with your form filler, like I did.<br />
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As far as sweeps wins for me goes, I haven't won all that much. I won $500 from Rumba Meats and a $50 check from somewhere that I can't think of at this particular moment. Bad Little Lisa! My memory is shot and it's probably caused due to stress. I am also not entering like I used to. I still love to enter sweepstakes, but my desire has decreased. There is ton more competition, and that's fine. I do feel that there are enough prizes out there for all of us, so I don't really care who hears about whatever contest or sweepstakes is going on at the moment. But this year will be the first time in five years, where my husband and I didn't attend the national sweepstaker's convention! :(<br />
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I'm really bummed about it I guess. I am going to miss my friends and the chance to win stuff. I miss getting to go somewhere and break the hum drum of normal life here at the old homestead. But I guess I figure there is no way in heck we can beat last year's convention winnings and our baby girl wouldn't be able to stay at my parents during our trip, since my Mom is no longer there. I am sure my Dad would be more than happy to watch her and let her stay, but since he's at Dyalisis three times a week, in the very early mornings, I know it's not possible. My husband and I are hoping that next year, which is suppose to be in Atlanta, GA all three of us can attend.<br />
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This Saturday, I am hosting our local sweepers meetings and I'm not really into it. The person that was going to co-host isn't able to be there, which I can understand things come up, but it would have been nice to have hear it from that person, instead of someone else. I'm getting a vibe from the group, that it's not the same, and I haven't seen certain people in months if not a year. I am also still nursing a personal grudge against something/someone from last year, and it's not making it any easier for me being there. So after this month, I may leave and look for somewhere else to share my hobby with, or maybe start a new hobby. Who knows?<br />
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So that's it for now. I would love to hear comments if anyone actually reads this blog, otherwise I just might delete the whole thing. Not to be depressing. Blogging is so saturated right now and I know that deep in my heart, this blog doesn't really offer a lot to a lot of people. But we shall see.Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08614291342322122154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1535968050834425445.post-85675476171928254062011-01-28T01:24:00.004-06:002011-01-28T01:28:12.464-06:00I've been putting this off...I didn't even know what title to give this post because basically this is something that I've been putting off and dreading, as well as not even having much time to write. It is also hard to write since my previous post was about how my Mom rocked Thanksgiving. This is because just over a week later, my mother had a massive heart attack and ended up on life support, which was turned off four days later.<br />
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My dear, wonderful, lovely, passionate, feisty but hurting in ways I don't think anyone could truly understand, mother has passed away. My Momma who always listened to me and has been there for me, even if we were "fighting" always said that she would watch my daughter for my husband and I, because she never really trusted anyone else to do the best job that she could do. Someone that would jump on the bandwagon, when my feelings were hurt or if it looked like I was taken advantage of from someone. A person that made it all better, when I hurt. Weather it was with medication or just getting me a wet washrag and putting it on my forehead when I was sick. Someone that was there at the hospital after giving birth to my own daughter and basically *saved* my life, so I could be a mother today. Someone that I want here with me right now, but can't be. Someone that I know, is in a much better place, but it still sucks for those that loved her and are left behind.<br />
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I can't even begin to express into words on this blog how hard this has been. Not only on me, but my sweet Dad who loves her so much and doesn't know how to make it without her. (But you will Daddy, you will. Momma would want you to, and Theresa and I both want and need you) My sister, who even though they didn't always see eye to eye, it was her Momma too, and my sweet wonderful daughter, who thought the world of her Grandma and who was my daughter's favorite playmate when she was a toddler! We are all in a world of hurt even still. <br />
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I feel like I am in a walking hell at the moment and I can't find an exit route to take out of it. Because not only did *I* lose my mother, four weeks later, my own husband lost his Mother. We have only been back in the country not even a week, and during our time in England, my daughter and I came down with either food poisoning or a nasty bug on the plane. We were so sick in fact, that my daughter couldn't even get off the floor of the hotel room because of throwing up so much, and we both missed the funeral. Once returning from England, I also promptly came down sick again, this time running fever and now my daughter has it too. I am thankful to God that it wasn't nearly as severe as it was in England.<br />
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I just seems like it keeps getting worse. Once returning from home, I also found out that a game I play online called World of Warcraft got hacked into. I lost a lot of items in the game and it's not important to me. It's a game. BUT it does make me concerned about if I have a virus or a key-logger on my computer and if it can pose a threat to my financial accounts that I do online. So I had to promptly cancel credit cards as a precaution and money is so tight, it's not even funny. I am also concerned about all the photos that I have online of my Mom, taken in this last year. I lost my saved phone messages from Mom about three weeks ago, and it broke me down in tears. I don't want to lose anything else, especially if it's in regards to my mom/parents. Then to add salt to all these wounds, is the fact of how my MIL left her will, and it's left my husband feeling hurt, confused and wondering if his own mother even cared about him. <br />
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Then today in the mail I get a wonderful letter from my child's school about truancy. YEAH! What Fun! NOT!!! So now I am wondering about the sentence that said , "We could prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law..which I do believe includes a big fine a possible jail time! Something two disabled parents who both lost their mothers in the space of a month, needs! So basically when it comes to fund raising at my child's school, they can piss off! <br />
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Of course this letter comes the day my child comes home running a fever, that is about .2 points from being at the level of where they state that we are suppose to keep our child home..because Heaven forbid we give it to the rest of the students at her school. Even though they sure do like to give bicycles away to perfect attendance record holders. Their favorite sayings is.."when you miss school..you miss out!" Well I would really hate for any student to miss out on what my child has, and since we are on the edge of being sent to jail, my child will more than likely be hopped up on Tylenol and praying that she doesn't puke on anyone tomorrow! Times like these is when I wished like heck we home-schooled our daughter.<br />
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So right now little Lisa is pissed, mad, sad, depressed, angry, and Lord only knows what else right now. I keep having mini (ha ha) melt downs and I know it gets to my husband. He's been trying really hard to make me smile and do so much for me. He's hurting and grieving too. I am so very grateful for all that he's done for me and my family. Especially for my Mom, when it came right down to it at the end. <br />
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I am not sure when I will post again here to be honest. My heart and my life feels very broken at the moment. I want to go back to being the person that I used to be, but I am unsure if that will ever happen. When you say the final goodbyes to one of the most important people that's ever to be in your life (your parents, Your spouse, your children and siblings are included in that), it changes you. You finally are forced to grow up in ways you didn't realize you needed to. Or maybe it's just me, who was babied so much by both my Mom and Dad and now realize it's different and a lot harder than I ever thought possible. <br />
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I keep thinking about feeling broken and wondering if maybe being broken like this, is God's way of putting me back together in his way and his time, to be the person that he had planned for me all along. <br />
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For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. (Jeremiah 29:11-13)<br />
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If I thought I could get up off my knees and not be in horrible, horrible pain ( I bad arthritis in my knees) I would be on them right now. But I will still pour my heart out to him. I will hope and pray that all of this will soon be a distant memory, but still a memory. Something not to be forgotten and cast aside, but something to be learned from and remembered. Something to share with others if the need arise. To somehow become a better person, a better Christian, because I know I am far from it at the moment. I want to learn how to pray better and praise him in the way he deserves. I want to murmur less, but it's hard when pressure keeps piling up. I want to get back into church and be surrounded around other believers. I want to get the joy back into my heart that came from him and goes back up to him in song. I pray I get that chance.Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08614291342322122154noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1535968050834425445.post-45892598549601493292010-11-27T08:40:00.002-06:002010-11-27T08:45:34.962-06:00Does your Mom Rock the Holidays?I know my Mom does Even when she doesn't feel good, she tries very hard to make it a good one for her family. My mom is getting older and it gets to be more challenging for her to do as much as she once did. Yet she always tries so hard.<br />
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Well if you think your Mom rocks the Holidays, you are invited to share that with the good people of <a href="http://www.rayovac.com/en/Promotions/Mom%20Rocks.aspx">Rayovac</a>. They are having an online sweepstakes that only has two more days to enter. It ends November 29th! The prizes are:<br />
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(3) Grand Prizes: $1,000<br />
(20) Runner-Up Prizes: Paper Jamz Guitar, amp, drum kit, guitar strap, and 2 Rayovac Alkaline AAA 24 packs<br />
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Good Luck!<br />
<em>Disclosure </em>“<i>Followers who promote the Rayovac Mom Rocks the Holidays Sweepstakes may receive gifts from Rayovac</i>.”Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08614291342322122154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1535968050834425445.post-78295609411611108722010-11-25T16:05:00.000-06:002010-11-25T16:05:05.092-06:00Happy ThanksgivingI thought I would take a moment today to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.<br />
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At the moment, my daughter and I are at my parents place, celebrating with family. We are having it a little different this year and having our dinner later this evening. I know I am really looking forward to all the yummy foods.<br />
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This has been a good week as on Monday, I received an e-mail letting me know that I am a potential winner in the Visa I-Tunes Sweepstakes. The prize is $1,000 I-Tunes Song Credits and a check for $250 to help pay taxes. My daughter is really excited by this, as she loves music. I also will enjoy it, as now I don't have to feel guilty downloading my GLEE music. I admit it. I am GLEEK! :)<br />
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I hope everyone stays safe and warm and enjoys the Holiday.Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08614291342322122154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1535968050834425445.post-3640176882880376372010-11-12T21:54:00.002-06:002010-11-12T22:02:06.761-06:00:) and :(Well for some reason it's beginning to look like I only update this blog about once a month. I'm not sure why, as I've won a few things in this last month, but I just guess a part of it has to do with my new computer that I have. I went from a PC to a mac, and even though I love several things about my IMac, it's really actually a lot slower than my last PC. This is extremely frustrating to me, as I am so ADD/ADHD in my internet/sweeping ways.<br />
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I usually have about ten or more windows open in Firefox, and even though I can do that on my I-Mac, I continue to get the spinning beach ball of death all the time. It freezes everything for a short amount of time, and then I'm good to go..until the next SBBOD comes around, which usually is in about the next minute or so. This is really starting to get on my nerves to be honest, and I don't enjoy being on the computer nearly as much.<br />
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So far this week has been nice in regards to the wins, even though they are small. I also had a disappointment. It seems I missed a phone call on my cell, telling me that I was a potential Grand Prize winner in a Coors Text Sweep and the prize was for a $100 GC. I was suppose to call before 9 a.m. the next day, and I didn't get the message until after 4 p.m. the next day! I went ahead and called and left a message with all the information that was requested and it would be so great if they still honored it, but I am not going to hold my breath on that one. So let this be a reminder....check your voice mail!<br />
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Tomorrow is the second Saturday in the month, and this means Local Sweeper's meeting. This month we will once again have a small group, as about four or five members all won a text sweepstakes, and they are in NYC getting the opportunity to watch the Dallas Cowboy's play the New York Giants (I think it's the New York Giants...Can you tell I don't watch football? :)I so wish I was with them, even though I am not a football fan. I do support the Dallas Cowboys, even if they are playing like crap this year, from what I've heard. I haven't actually seen a game in years...but they are still the team I support in football! Go Boys!<br />
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It's been exactly one year next week, when I was in NYC on the Gossip Girl Trip Win with my friend Belinda. We both feel in love with that place and we feel hard! I know I want to go back so badly! I have been entering every sweepstakes that offers NYC trip as a prize. In fact, I even went to Sephora on Thursday because they were offering a NYC prize in a promotion that was only open for three hours! It was also only open to their VIB (Very Import Beauty Insider) members, which I am. So I am keeping my fingers and toes crossed on that one! I would imagine the odds on that one are good, because of only having a three hour window open to enter and also only being open to a select group doesn't hurt either. The only negative about that night? I spent *way* too much money on Benefit cosmetics! I just love their make-up and I enjoy collecting the different sets that they come out with.<br />
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Here is a listing of this week's winnings:<br />
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<ul><li>Monday - Snail Mail Entry - Super Foods/FOOD CLUB MILK GADGET GIVEAWAY -Solar-powered Charger </li>
<li>Tuesday - Local Online Entry - KXAS - <span class="text">Lord of the Rings: Aragorn's Quest Ninetendo DS video game</span></li>
<li><span class="text">Wednesday - Text Entry - Coors Lite (Can't find which sweep) $100 Gift Card (More than likely will not receive, because I called back past the time requested) </span></li>
<li><span class="text">Thursday: McDonald's Monopoly Online Game - 30 My Coke Rewards Points</span></li>
<li><span class="text">Friday: I received in the mail $5.00 HEB Gift Card from an online restricted sweepstakes, as well as a $25 Home Depot Gift Card from turning in 500 My Coke Rewards points.</span></li>
</ul><span class="text"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="text">So basically not a bad week, except for not calling and possibly losing out on a $100 win, which still totally upsets me...oh well, on to the next one, right? I also need to remember to use some of the free food coupons I won from the McDonald's Monopoly game. It ends on November 15th, so I only have a couple of days left to use them. </span><br />
<span class="text"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="text">The holidays will be upon us soon, and that usually means "Holiday Sweeps!" Yeah! I don't know why, but I love these kind of sweeps, as it puts me in the "Christmas" spirit. So be on the look out for local sweepstakes, that also usually run during this time. This could be anything from local drop boxes at your local grocery store/Mall, Local Radio Station call-ins, and Newspapers. </span><br />
<span class="text"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="text">Well that's all I have for now. I really should have kept better track of my sweepstakes winnings like I've done in the past in a spreadsheet, as it helps keeps me motivates when wins are slow. I am totally doing that next year!</span>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08614291342322122154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1535968050834425445.post-92100943806544657012010-10-11T00:57:00.000-05:002010-10-11T00:57:22.326-05:00Monday MondayWell it's early Monday morning and I am not in bed, which is where I should be of course. I went to bed early, yet kept tossing and turning. I'm not quite sure why, as I had a very relaxing Sunday. I spent the whole day entering sweepstakes! My kind of a Sunday totally!<br />
<br />
I have won a few things since I last posted, yet I have gotten in the bad habit of not keeping track of what those wins where. Just off the top of my head...<br />
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$5.00 HEB Gift Card<br />
A die-cast nascar car from a Tornado sponsored sweep (I have NO clue which one)<br />
$200 Willy Wonka Gold Gift Card for candy! (who hoo..my butt's going to love that)<br />
4 tickets to see Shrek the musical in Dallas (This was a local sweep that only went on for a week)<br />
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My daughter and I are really looking forward to going to see Shrek the musical! It will mean for a late night for her, but sometimes when things like this pop up, I want her to get to experience these things, so I let her stay up a little later. She a good student and I am so proud of her, so I am hoping that it's not too difficult to wake her up the next morning.<br />
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I've been busy today writing out snail mail sweeps but also mainly entering online sweepstakes. I believe I have entered 100 sweeps today! I really am hoping to win a really, really nice prize before this year is out, if possible. I have been very blessed to win what I have and I am very grateful. I guess I must sound like a greedy person by wanting more. I guess it's just that when I receive a win or a win notice, it makes my day! I like to share what I win, with those that I love as well. So it's not only me that benefits from this hobby.<br />
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Among other news, I went last week for a Mammogram, and if you believe in prayer please pray that everything comes back normal. I always stress out when it's time for these things to get done, and I honestly wish I didn't. Of course, I also stress out when I have the other "womanly" exam that needs to be done yearly, along with blood test. I admit it now...I am a BIG baby! :)<br />
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In this past month, I have also had a wedding anniversary. I've been married to DH for 9 years now! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv1iCQZtny0V4t9PYfXPMjCfQcbAebYyVawXbgwnZkRinewSljaS3psNnHOqten7QldX7O1BAqC4TUr9NLCIz7MpNU4Mnefyj9Kd0JNcukrs9V8roiH8ZagOAfcV0zVc0QjReaTLtSSPfv/s1600/DSC01578-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv1iCQZtny0V4t9PYfXPMjCfQcbAebYyVawXbgwnZkRinewSljaS3psNnHOqten7QldX7O1BAqC4TUr9NLCIz7MpNU4Mnefyj9Kd0JNcukrs9V8roiH8ZagOAfcV0zVc0QjReaTLtSSPfv/s320/DSC01578-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Of course, he forgot it was our anniversary, so that didn't go over too well..but I am over it now. It was easy to let go of any anger and hurt feelings, as my DH broke his foot later on that night. (and no I didn't break it for forgetting our anniversary...ha ha ha) He's still hurting from it and is hobbling around the house. He seems to think that it would only take two weeks and then he would be right as rain. NOT! Of course with him out of commission so to speak, I have been having to get up early to take our child to school each morning. Since it's now the middle of October, the mornings are darker and much cooler. Two things I hate! I have never been a morning person, and it will never change. So I am looking forward to when Stevie does get all better, so he can start taking our sweetpea back to school. However, I will say that I do enjoy seeing my baby in the mornings and spending time with her as well.<br />
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My Saturday was fun, as it was time for our monthly local sweeper's meeting. This month I was up to do a "promotion" for the group. We actually had a small group this time, as several members were unable to attend. I believe including myself we only had 11 members. I *think* my promotion went over pretty good and to be honest, I am glad it's over. I get all jittery when I have to get and talk in front of a lot of people. This group has been good for me though, as it is getting easier. I'm just not totally over it yet!<br />
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I am also looking forward to our groups yearly Christmas party. We collect money each month from baskets that are put together by different members, and then raffled off. If we get $52 more next month, that means we will have $800 to spend on gift cards to give out to our members. Who Hoo. I believe we also decided to get Target and Wal-mart gift cards and if people want to trade afterward, then they can. I personally love, love, love Target! Perhaps a little too much if you want to know the truth. I should purchase stock options, as it seems like I am always spending money at that place! <br />
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Well, I guess I am off to enter a few more sweeps and then *try* to get some sleep. Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08614291342322122154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1535968050834425445.post-37564166113867668962010-09-05T11:20:00.000-05:002010-09-05T11:20:56.094-05:00Convention Updates - LongWell it's Saturday night and for the most part, the convention is about to wrap up. We have one session left, and that is for tomorrow morning for about three hours. I believe we have one more speaker and a few more prizes to be given away. <br />
<br />
I truly enjoyed the speakers at this convention. I was amazed by a speaker that gave great details of a prize won from Mastercard, where she was given the opportunity to see the seven wonders of the world. She has been to places, where I know I wouldn't ever have the chance to go to, not because of bad luck, but because of having a disability and it would prove to be too challenging. Yet I was given the chance to see it through her photos and hear her experience, which was truly remarkable.<br />
<br />
I got tips from Gwen Beauchamp about entering contest. She is also a remarkable lady and I can only hope to gain and retain the information which she so willingly shares with others about entering writing and cooking contest. Steve A'dolf also shared many great tips on entering sweepstakes and he has won over a 100 trip! <br />
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I wish I could share with you right now, all that I've learned on this trip. There is a gentleman by the name of Jeff Cosgrove that is making a video of the convention highlights and he will be offering it free to the people that attended this year's convention. I believe it a person did not attend, they can purchase a digital copy of it for a small price. If you've never been to a Sweepstakes Convention, consider buying one of these video's, as it's a wonderful way to get a little insight on what goes on. I can't wait to get my copy of this year's convention, as it will also include the speakers and their topics which they shared with us.<br />
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It's been busy this past week, what with attending sessions, visiting with old friends and making new ones. The time sure has flown by and I can't believe that I have been at this hotel for almost a week!<br />
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Tonight was the BIG night with the raffles. Not only do have great raffles with great prizes offered, but we also have a banquet, regular prizes in this sessions which are usually provided by donations, and also the vendor raffles. The banquet this year started earlier than I've ever remembered it starting. Even though that felt a little different, that's not a bad thing as these drawings and eating, can make for a long day.<br />
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The food this year was *really* good and both my husband and myself, enjoyed our meal. We started with a chicken and wild rice soup. It was really hot and kind of looked like something the cat left of the carpet, to be honest. I hesitated to eat it. Yet I think it was the best soup I've had in a really long time. In fact, I ate all of mine!<br />
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For our main course, we chicken breast, stuffed with mushrooms baked in a puffed pastry. It came with a nice rife pilaf and green beans. For once, I even ate some of those green beans. Usually at any type of banquet meal that I've ever been to, the veggies are not really to my liking, yet these were quite nice. Our meal also included a roll and butter.<br />
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For desssert we were given slices of cheesecake and chocolate cake. The chocolate cake was very rich and came with raspberries and blackberries on the side. I came close to taking my first bite of these berries, yet changed my mind. I'm very bad about not wanting to try new things. They smelled wonderful, yet after the taste of the rich chocolate cake, I didn't feel up to mixing a tart taste of berry in my mouth.<br />
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We were served coffee and had water at our table to enjoy with our meal. Now I'm not a coffee drinker, so my husband actually went down after dinner and brought me a coke. I drank water with my meal, and it's probably a good thing, as I never seem to drink enough of the H2O that God made. <br />
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When everyone was basically done with their meal, we had a Judy McCurdy as a speaker. Judy is an editor of Sweepstakes Newsletter, called Sweeping America! It really is a great newsletter, filled with snail mail sweeps. Judy is very entertaining and did a great job addressing all us sweepers. <br />
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After Judy's presentation, we were on our way to find out who the winners were going to be for that night. After a slow start, My husband won 500 pre-paid postcards! Who Hoo! Of course, they do all go to me, as I am the "Sweeper" in this family. The next drawing was for 1000 postcard stamps. My name was called! Who hoo again! I never really buy a lot of postcard stamps or USPS postcards, so I was very pleased with those two wins. <br />
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The next drawing was for 1000 first class stamps. My name was called yet again and I was tickled pink! The following drawing was for either the Minnesota Lottery Scratch off Tickets or for the $500 in Gift Cards! Well neither my husband, nor my name were drawing for the Lottery tickets. Yet someone I know pretty well, won 3 times on the Lottery ticket, and I am so pleased for him. <br />
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However, my husband's name was drawn for the $500 in Gift cards and also for $500 cash in the very last raffle drawing! You honestly couldn't have pushed me over with a feather with all of this! This has truly been a lucky year for us at a convention. The best every to be honest! Between the two of us, we won five out of six raffles! Now of course, we have not told our daughter that we won the cash, as she is very good at planning on how to spend that money. Especially since her birthday is coming up very soon. So Dad and Sissy...SSSHHHH! LOL This money will more than likely help pay the credit card that was used for this trip.<br />
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After the big raffles, there were names given out for the vendor raffles. The people that come to the convention and sell sweepstakes supplies, also have raffles which people can purchase tickets for. This year was no exception. In fact, I normally spend about $100 in raffle tickets for prizes given away by the vendors. I know my very first convention in Scottsdale, AZ the only prize I won was a vendor raffle, which was 100 postcards and 100 postcard stamps to go with them. Well, low and behold my name the last one drawn for an 8gb Ipod Touch! This is already going to my sister, as I had won a small ipod nano, which I gave to her yet it didn't work. So I had always promised her that the next Ipod anything would be hers! Hopefully she will get a lot of good use out of it! <br />
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That's pretty much a wrap up of all that's gone on, in the last couple of days. My husband and I, are both missing our daughter very much and are thinking about leaving a little earlier than we planned and going home. I am glad we came to this year's convention and Lord willing, we will get home safe and sound.Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08614291342322122154noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1535968050834425445.post-75792447046995662392010-08-31T17:09:00.000-05:002010-08-31T17:09:34.265-05:00We have arrived!Hello People!<br />
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Well my husband and I are at the hotel where the 2010 National Sweepstakers Convention is being held in Minnesota. We are actually staying at the same hotel where the 2000 LPA National Convention was held, which is the last LPA convention that I'd actually been to, and the only convention that my husband has ever been to. This hotel (Sheraton) is a great hotel and so far we are very pleased with everything that they have to offer. The food in the restaurant is a little over priced in my opinion, but we ate everything on our plate this afternoon. It was VERY tasty!<br />
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Stevie and I actually arrived late last night. We were on the road for almost 12 hours and by the time we got into our rooms, I was dead dog tired and all my muscles ached! Even though the beds are comfortable, the pillows were a little too big and I had a sore neck when I woke up. I'm glad we thought to bring a couple of our own pillows with us. I am hoping tonight is a little better in the sleeping department. But the showers here were nice and hot, which helped eased my muscles! <br />
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We haven't done too much today, as the sweepstakes convention doesn't really start until Thursday night and officially on Friday morning. We thought that we would do best, if we arrived early, so that we didn't have to rush and could relax before everything begins. I am glad we did too, as we got a good parking space as well as small fridge for our room.<br />
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I am planning on writing more about the convention while I am here, as well as take some photos. I also brought my little flip mini camcorder which I won, from the Hotels.com contest, which I am still hoping that people are remembering to vote for me. <hint hint><br />
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We are also hoping to attend the Minnesota State Fair before we leave. I've only been to the state Fairs in Texas and I would love to see how they compare with another state. I am also hoping to take pictures if we make it out there too. Plus, from what I understand there are lot of opportunities to enter for prizes. <br />
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Tomorrow, Stevie and I are planning on finding the nearest post office, so that we can buy the stamps which are needed for the raffles, which are held on Saturday during the banquet. This year's raffles include:<br />
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First Class Stamps<br />
Post Cards Stamps<br />
USPS Postcards<br />
Minnesota Lottery Scratch Off Tickets<br />
Gift Cards<br />
Cash<br />
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I will be sure and write and let everyone know if we win any of the raffles. Last year, I won 500 first class stamps. The year before, I won Stamps and Lottery Tickets. No big winner on the Lottery tickets, but wouldn't that be something, if someone here wins one of the big ones from a scratch off ticket? This year, I would love to win Cash or Gift Cards. I will be a "little" broke by the time we get home, but that's ok as this is Stevie's main vacation for the year. <br />
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Well, I think I am off to rest a little bit more and to try and enter a few more sweeps. I know that once the convention starts, there won't be much time for me to do it. I will be spending too much time talking to other people that share the love of this wonderful hobby, while my husband enjoys his Guinness!<br />
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Take Care Everyone<br />
<br />
LisaLisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08614291342322122154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1535968050834425445.post-10935687413049038492010-08-21T02:10:00.001-05:002010-08-21T02:13:37.606-05:00Thought I'd pop inHello everyone,<br />
<br />
I thought I'd take a moment and write a little bit. As far as my wins goes, I got a few to report.<br />
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2 movie tickets<br />
Make up from Lord knows where<br />
T-shirt from Facebook sweep<br />
but my biggest win was from the Hotels.com sweep and even though it's not the big one from there (yet) I won the flip mini camercorder from the daily entry with the most votes. So thank you so much for all your help, and hopefully you won't mind continuing voting for me. I still would love to win the Grand Prize of $102,000! and i know that with the help of family, friends, blog readers, and more, I could. Anything is possible, is what I tell myself.<br />
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I am also no longer trying to enter 10 daily snail mail sweeps. After seven months of it, I began to get burn out in this hobby, and I even started back on another interest of mine, which is playing World of Warcraft! (btw..I'm on Echo Isles if anyone is interested! LOL) So now I am trying to get back into the swing of entering. I think I needed the break to be honest. Entering Sweepstakes should be fun...not a job! I had begun to think of it as a Jobby (Job/Hobby) and to be honest, I don't need to do that. I'm fortunate to have a situation where I don't NEED to win things, to have a good life. All my wins are basically "gravy", so to speak. Now of course, I do like to win, and I hope and pray a good one is just around the corner. <br />
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At the moment, I am also trying to make arrangements for our yearly Sweepers Convention, which is in two weeks! I'm so excited to be honest, as I love to see all my friends that share in this wonderful hobby. This year's it's in Minneapolis, MN and I am also looking forward to hopefully seeing the Mall of America as well as the State Fair! There is nothing like Fair Food, is there? I wonder if I will be able to get my fried Oreo's? Or Fried Twinkies? Or Fried Reese's? (Do you see the theme here?) Thank God the fair is only a once a year thing for most people and for myself, more like a once in ten year treat. Otherwise, I am pretty sure I would end up with a heart attack at some point in the very near future.<br />
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In other news, I've been out of sorts because I've changed my computer. I admit it now...I am now a MAC user! I went out and bought myself one of the new I-Mac's! I still can't believe I did that, and I *am* slowly getting used to it. The hardest part was trying to figure out my e-mails. I entered all my information for my favorite e-mail, which is with G-mail. This ended up being a HUGE mistake as it tried to download OVER a 160,000 emails! yeah, I basically froze my new Mac! So I've had to make some changes and I now get all my gmail's and old e-mail accounts on my laptop, which I've had a few years. It's now the only windows pc we have. We gave my old computer to my Dad, and hopefully he is now using it to read this blog! Hi Daddy! :)<br />
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Well that's all I can think of to write for now. What about you guys? Any wins? Please feel free to share. I love hearing about other people's wins, experiences, etc from this wonderful hobby. One of the things that I am hoping to do while at the National Sweepstakes Convention, is take some photos of the decorated envelopes that are usually submitted for a contest that they have each year. You will probably be amazed at some of the talent that goes into this. I know I am each year. I don't let it get me discouraged though, because most people don't go into that much detail when entering sweepstakes. Mainly because some people don't want the judging agencies to think that they might be considered a *pro* in entering sweepstakes. <br />
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Ta Ta For Now!<br />
LisaLisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08614291342322122154noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1535968050834425445.post-28493599551315359812010-07-21T01:56:00.001-05:002010-07-21T02:00:16.235-05:00Hard At Work...or is it hardly working?I'm wanted to take a moment and say Thank you for all those who have voted for me in the contest from Hotels.com. I sincerely appreciate it, and feel free to continue to vote until September 6th, 2010. I am slowly moving up and I would love to win this thing. But then who wouldn't love to win $100,000 right?<br />
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To find my entry for this contest, you would need to go <a href="http://ineedavacation.hotels.com/Gallery.aspx?p=2&t=Popular">HERE</a> and look for Lisa Renea M. I am so hoping that I will eventually make it to the first page of Most Popular. <br />
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Being in a voting contest is harder work, than you might think. I am trying to repay favors, and vote for other people, in other voting contest. I am posting in sweeping message boards, calling family and friends, posting on facebook and twitter, and other various activities, to hopefully get more votes.<br />
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And to think there are some people that do this a lot! Some people have a real talent for contest, and to be honest, there is a better chance to win a contest, than perhaps a sweepstakes. That's because most people look at a contest, and either don't bother with it, or think they will come back to enter it, yet they never do. The pool of entrants are much smaller, so you odds of winning are much better. I just wish for this particular contest, I had entered when it first started, instead of when I did. But like the old saying goes..."Better late, than never".<br />
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At the moment, I am trying to update here on this little blog, enter sweepstakes online and through my cell phone, as well as taking care of various things around the house. It's hard to do some of the things that need to be done, as my scooter is in serious need of being charged. I really need to replace the battery on that thing, as I am having to charge it more and more frequently.<br />
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I am so grateful for having a device like my little scooter, as it makes getting around so much easier, as well as enjoying any trips I may go on, so I don't get all tuckered out. But other times I feel so dejected, because my butt keeps getting bigger and bigger from the lack of exercise. But whenever I try to do more, without my scooter, I end up hurting and then I get depressed. I hate pain! <br />
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One of the things that I am *trying* to do, is clean house. Why am I in the "cleaning' mode? Because we have Merry Maids coming. Yep! I'm cleaning the house for the maids. It makes absolutely NO sense, what so ever, does it? In fact, I personally think all of this cleaning for the maids, is a serious sign of a sickness or something. But at least once Merry Maids have come, cleaned and then leave, I will be left with somewhat of a nice looking home. For at least two days I reckon.<br />
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In "Winning" News, I've been fortunate to have won $10 Conoco gas card in the <a href="http://www.phillips66gasforlife.com/cp/gfl10_p66/home">ConocoPhillips-Gas for Life Sweepstakes</a> last week, as well as a Team Lowe's Racing drink coozie from <a href="http://lowes.promo.eprize.com/mancave/">Lowe's® Ultimate Man Cave for Dad Contest</a>. I've added the link there, so you might want to check them out, if you haven't already.<br />
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I missed out yesterday, mailing my daily ten snail mail entries. I'm a bit bummed out about it, but oh well. (That's always been my motto, for not letting things get to me). In today's mail I have twenty entries ready to go to the post office. I'm trying to stay on top of it, but I am *really* longing for another wonderful trip win (NYC or Paris/London are my two top choices) In fact, I keep dreaming that I am in New York. <br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"></div><br />
Have you ever been on a trip which you've won from Sweepstakes or a Contest? If so, please share where you went and where you would like to go to. I would love to hear from more people that also share this wonderful hobby as I do. <br />
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Last but not least, I am seriously thinking about having my own little promotion here. Now a lot of sweepers don't like blog sweepstakes, as it usually takes a lot of time to enter. Sometimes if feels like you have to jump through hoops to get entries into those drawings. I think if I do have a giveaway, I want to make it as painless as possible. I am trying to also think of what I could give away too. If you have any suggestions, please feel free to comment or write me an e-mail with suggestions. I look forward to hearing from you.<br />
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~Cheers~<br />
LisaLisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08614291342322122154noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1535968050834425445.post-39703314458095711762010-07-03T04:57:00.000-05:002010-07-03T04:57:39.235-05:00What I get up to when I can't sleepWell it's after 4 AM here and I am still awake. What happens to me, when I don't go to sleep like normal people? I go and look for and enter contest and sweepstakes. Now that isn't bad, is it? However, tonight I found one that is actually a voting contest. <br />
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I normally stay far away from voting contest. Mainly because they are just so dang hard to win. The people that do win, are usually either college kids, who understand the whole twitter/facebook a lot better than I, as well as staying up with their friends and keep voting, well into the morning. Then the other problem is that some techy person knows how to set up bots and rig it, so that they have the most votes. This will usually get the person disqualified, however someone else has to bring it to the sponsors attention. Plus, some sites don't really care, as they are thinking it's getting people to their sites and that's the main objective to them.<br />
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So I stay away from voting contest. Except tonight. I found a post on a local board that I belong to, and thought I would go ahead and enter it. Mainly because the prize is fantastic. The grand prize winner will recieve a check for $102,250 check. This is so that the grand prize winner can take a vacation every year for the next 50 years. Now granted, I seriouly doubt I will live to be 93..BUT I would travel so much more, if I had an amount like $102,250 in my checking account!<br />
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So I thought to myself after I entered this, how/what is the best way for me to get votes. Cause the winner with the most votes win. From what I've seen, you can't vote down someone else's entry, which I'm glad about. That's when voting contest can turn real ugly, real quick. So I started thinking and I first posted my request for votes, by the method the website suggested, which was e-mails, facebook and twitter. Now I don't have hundreds of friends that I coresspond thru emails with, nor do I have hundreds of friends on facebook, yet those friends have friends that I don't have, so I am also hoping that they will "share" this with their friends and on their facebook accounts. <br />
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The other way that I thought I could get votes, is by asking for them in various sweepstakes message boards and forums. That will hopefully bring in some votes. Then I also remembered "DUH" I have a blog for goodness sakes! So if you care to help this little sweeper/bloggie person, win a wonderful contest, that honestly would make a HUGE difference in my life, please check my entry out and vote for me.<br />
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The contest is being sponsored by Hotels.com and the web address is...<br />
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http://ineedavacation.hotels.com/Gallery.aspx<br />
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Just go to most recent and look for "Lisa Renea M" At the moment, I am the most current, but that will change...so you should be able to look for me by my name. <br />
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This promotion actually ends on September 6, 2010 and I am sure you guys will get sick of me mentioning this. So I am going to try and limit my request for votes on this blog, only at one a week..or maybe one every two weeks. <br />
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I am still trying to think of other ways to gather votes, and so far the only idea I've got is to take an ad out on Craig's list, but I'm not sure if that's allowed. LOL. I have no shame, do I? :)<br />
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btw...the photo on their site is a bit small, so I thought I would also post a bigger photo of it here, so that you can see me in my full glory! The idea is to submit a photo of yourself, and why you need a vacation. I personally feel like I need a vacation, so my eyes can return to normal from looking at my computer screen all the time. Sadly, they didn't let us add comments to our entries, but I hope I get my point accross in my little pictures...I mean, it could happen right?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-k44v8WEOtedHFsHUqksXSixglD5LgW-9XX3hM30wtj7zkpJvW9bXQAe0LAPq4uTPBsM2IwfTe3i-Eyrh56yb0Xwd-PeVR5PzRw6B_TBE9lkU1CMkGYVcZuzyCh3v0jz66qJaHvZ-aI7F/s320/Strange01.jpg" /><br />
<a href="http://ineedavacation.hotels.com/Gallery.aspx">http://ineedavacation.hotels.com/Gallery.aspx</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If anyone reading this has any ideas on how I can get votes for this contest, please please, pretty please send me an e-mail or submit a comment. I honestly would appreciate it so very much!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Another thing I forgot to mention, is that there is a daily prize of a Flip camcorder for the people that vote, so think of it as an incentive to vote. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">On to other news....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Not much has been going on with me. I actually got back from vacation with my daughter and my cousin Ricky. We drove up to Fort Collins, Colorado and met some wonderful people in our guild on World of Warcraft. We also drove all around Colorado and I now wish I lived there. Especially during summer. Texas heat and humidity is about to do me in.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">While I was gone, my husband won a PS3 game, called backbreaker or something. I have no clue. We just bought a PS3 for my birthday and I don't play those kind of games. I am more of a cutesy easy, looks more like a cartoon, gamer. I actually want to get the new Toy Story game on the PS3. I actually play more with my Wii than the PS3. (I love Harvest Moon games)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Nothing else is going on with me. Which is so totally boring. That's probably why I haven't updated the blog that much. I have won a few things, here and there..like a facial mask and music downloads. I know the next fun/big win is just around the corner.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Now I'm off to contemplate if I should take an ad out in our local newspaper, wear a T-shirt asking for votes or getting a magnetic sign to put on my car, asking for votes...See how desperate I am? I really, really want to win this!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> ~cheers~</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Lisa</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08614291342322122154noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1535968050834425445.post-59396614158087027002010-06-03T13:44:00.000-05:002010-06-03T13:44:27.584-05:00Back on the WagonThat's how it feels to me anyways. On May 25th, 2010 I forgot to mail my 10 snail mail entries. I am so disappointed with myself. I think mainly because my husband has told me he didn't think I would be able to follow through with that plan for the whole year. It stinks that he was right!<br />
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The reason why I forgot to mail any snail mail sweeps that day was I had been feeling a bit under the weather and I ended up checking my blood sugar and it was on the high side. (164 for a morning test) but I have read that being under stress and being sick can raise those numbers up. Now, to my knowledge I am not a diabetic. Both my parents are though, so it keeps me concerned enough to want to watch it as well as my diet. I seriously don't want to have diabetes and it scares me. So for a couple of days after May 25th, I just didn't worry about my sweepstaking hobby and tried to get to feeling better, which I admit that I am feeling much better, compared to a week or so ago.<br />
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I've gotten back on track with my snail mail entries as of June 1st and I am going to try and continue onward, as I truly want to have a good year with wins, if at all possible and Lord willing. <br />
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Today is also the last day of school for my child and I will be picking her up in about an hour. She asked me if I could please please please, get her out early, and I said I would consider it. Yet the more I thought about how we now are going to have her home for the next 11 weeks, without school I figured a couple of more hours couldn't hurt her, right? :) What can I say? This little Momma wants access to her desk to do her sweeps. Mimi tends to take over my desk, so that she can play her favorite pc activity, which is The Sims! (2 is her favorite, but she also likes Sims 3) <br />
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I am hoping to look for a desk for her this week-end, since I haven't been able to score any gift cards to office supply stores or furniture stores, so that I could buy her, her own desk. This girl seriously needs her own desk/PC. Whenever I do manage to get my space back, it's usually littered with cups, soda cans, crumbs, and wrappers of some kind of food left behind. <br />
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So a quick question for anyone that might be reading this blog. Am I the only person that gets frustrated when my spouse is right about something? Probably just me, but dang I hate it that he so called *knew* I wouldn't be able to manage my goal for sweeping. Oh well, he's my Lovie, so I guess I will keep him!Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08614291342322122154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1535968050834425445.post-21377443099360725002010-05-21T05:07:00.000-05:002010-05-21T05:07:36.995-05:00Much ado about ...NothingI really haven't had a lot of things to write about recently. My sleeping is totally messed up (as always) and so my days and nights are switched. At the moment, it's is almost 5 in the morning. Am I up early? Nope...I woke up at 11pm and I'm still up.<br />
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I am going to play around hopefully here, and add some photos from my trip to Vegas that my Sissy took me on. I think part of my problem with updating this site, is that when I was in Vegas I came across a new addiction for me. Benefit Cosmetics!<br />
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Before going to see the "Phantom of the Opera", I went to the Fashion Show Mall in Vegas, which was right across the street from our hotel, the Wynn! My husband and I have been to Vegas so many times, I can't remember them all. One of our favorite places to visit in Vegas happens to be the Fashion Show mall.<br />
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I thought I might get a little "pick me up" in regards to my face. I didn't really want to hurry back to the hotel to actually apply my own make-up, so I ended up stopping off at the Benefit Cosmetic counter and OMG, let me just say I have seriously found my all time favorite make-up!<br />
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The lady that actually got my hooked on it, was named Shannon and she had the brightest PINK hair, I've ever seen. It's looked like her real hair, so I don't know where in the heck she found that shade of Pink, but it worked for her! She totally rocked the look and she was awesome! She gave me loads of samples and I am hoping that my husband and I can go back to Vegas and I can run across her again, and tell her how much I love these cosmetics.<br />
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Anyhoo..Since I've been back from that trip, I've been re-finding my love of make-up. When I became a Mom, I guess you could say I took a little break from my daily make-up routines. Okay, a BIG break...more like ten years! Sad isn't it?<br />
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So since finding these new cosmetic's, I have been also watching you-tube video's of how to apply make-up and how to correctly use these new products, which btw, I've invested my child's education funds into, so that this little mama looks and feels good about herself. I don't feel too guilty, because my daughter is also now finding the love for these cosmetics and is also trying to snag them away from me. In fact, I am now missing three products and will be asking about them in about an hour, when I wake her happy butt up for school, as to where they are.<br />
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So that's what I've been up to. Trying to take some time out for me, to learn how to look and feel good about myself. I am still entering my ten a day snail mail sweeps. I was so worried that when I was on my last trip, that I wasn't going to actually keep up with my goal. However, I made them all out in advance and put sticky notes on them, for my husband to mail off for me each day. He is a trooper, let me tell you!<br />
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In fact, I occasionally make my entries up in advance. At the moment, I am about a week ahead of myself, which is nice as I can take a little break from it all. I love entering sweepstakes and I don't think that will ever change, but even I need to do something different, from time to time.<br />
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As far as wins, I think the latest things I've scored on is:<br />
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A 4 week Trial Membership to Blockbuster from "ampm Man Facts"<br />
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</style>15 Pizza Cash Coupon from the "Huggies Enjoy the Ride" promotion<br />
Ten (10) minutes of pre-paid telephone calling minutes!* by playing the " Colgate-Palmolive Mother's Day Instant Win Game".<br />
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and that's about it. nothing too special to be honest, but it all counts...a win is a win, right? I do wish I could win something a little bigger (I know it must sound greedy, huh?) but I would really love to go on a vacation with my family. Either to Disney or England. I haven't been to England in over 7 years and I am really missing it. Of course, I wouldn't turn away any cash prizes either, as I could use it to bankroll my benefit addition! Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08614291342322122154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1535968050834425445.post-38612352827727553062010-05-13T23:37:00.002-05:002010-05-14T00:18:11.919-05:00My First Twitter Partywas tonight! It was Marshall & TJMaxx and it was kinda cool. I still don't understand it all that much, as it goes kind of fast. The website that I used for this party was <a href="http://tweetchat.com/">TweetChat</a>. There was several winners over the coarse of two hours. I, however wasn't one of them. But that's OK, cause I am still learning. Going to <a href="http://tweetchat.com/">TweetChat</a> helped me keep track of all the tweets coming from the host and the guest. The direct messages that came to me, from other guest, was in <b>BOLD</b> and made it easier to keep track, when someone spoke directly to me.<br />
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There is another place on the internet that does the same thing that <a href="http://tweetchat.com/">TweetChat</a> does. It's called <a href="http://tweetgrid.com/party">Tweet Grid</a>. I haven't used it yet, so I can't really comment on it. But you might want to save both those websites, and consider using them, if you ever participate in a Twitter Party. I thought tonight's party was fun and the time went by really quickly. I believe it was for two hours, only I got in at the last hour of it. <br />
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Have you ever participated in a twitter party? If so, please share your thoughts and/or experience with it. I am trying to learn more about twitter, cause it does seem to be one of the new ways to enter sweepstakes.Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08614291342322122154noreply@blogger.com0