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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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)
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.
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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.
Well if you think your Mom rocks the Holidays, you are invited to share that with the good people of Rayovac. They are having an online sweepstakes that only has two more days to enter. It ends November 29th! The prizes are:
(3) Grand Prizes: $1,000
(20) Runner-Up Prizes: Paper Jamz Guitar, amp, drum kit, guitar strap, and 2 Rayovac Alkaline AAA 24 packs
Good Luck!
Disclosure “Followers who promote the Rayovac Mom Rocks the Holidays Sweepstakes may receive gifts from Rayovac.”
Well if you think your Mom rocks the Holidays, you are invited to share that with the good people of Rayovac. They are having an online sweepstakes that only has two more days to enter. It ends November 29th! The prizes are:
(3) Grand Prizes: $1,000
(20) Runner-Up Prizes: Paper Jamz Guitar, amp, drum kit, guitar strap, and 2 Rayovac Alkaline AAA 24 packs
Good Luck!
Disclosure “Followers who promote the Rayovac Mom Rocks the Holidays Sweepstakes may receive gifts from Rayovac.”
I thought I would take a moment today to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.
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.
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! :)
I hope everyone stays safe and warm and enjoys the Holiday.
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.
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! :)
I hope everyone stays safe and warm and enjoys the Holiday.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
Here is a listing of this week's winnings:
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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!
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.
Here is a listing of this week's winnings:
- Monday - Snail Mail Entry - Super Foods/FOOD CLUB MILK GADGET GIVEAWAY -Solar-powered Charger
- Tuesday - Local Online Entry - KXAS - Lord of the Rings: Aragorn's Quest Ninetendo DS video game
- 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)
- Thursday: McDonald's Monopoly Online Game - 30 My Coke Rewards Points
- 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.
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.
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.
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!
Well 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!
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...
$5.00 HEB Gift Card
A die-cast nascar car from a Tornado sponsored sweep (I have NO clue which one)
$200 Willy Wonka Gold Gift Card for candy! (who hoo..my butt's going to love that)
4 tickets to see Shrek the musical in Dallas (This was a local sweep that only went on for a week)
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.
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.
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! :)
In this past month, I have also had a wedding anniversary. I've been married to DH for 9 years now!
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.
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!
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!
Well, I guess I am off to enter a few more sweeps and then *try* to get some sleep.
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...
$5.00 HEB Gift Card
A die-cast nascar car from a Tornado sponsored sweep (I have NO clue which one)
$200 Willy Wonka Gold Gift Card for candy! (who hoo..my butt's going to love that)
4 tickets to see Shrek the musical in Dallas (This was a local sweep that only went on for a week)
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.
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.
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! :)
In this past month, I have also had a wedding anniversary. I've been married to DH for 9 years now!
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!
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!
Well, I guess I am off to enter a few more sweeps and then *try* to get some sleep.
Well 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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
Hello People!
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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:
First Class Stamps
Post Cards Stamps
USPS Postcards
Minnesota Lottery Scratch Off Tickets
Gift Cards
Cash
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.
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!
Take Care Everyone
Lisa
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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:
First Class Stamps
Post Cards Stamps
USPS Postcards
Minnesota Lottery Scratch Off Tickets
Gift Cards
Cash
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.
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!
Take Care Everyone
Lisa
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