Not the prize I anticipated

I’m not the type to spend a fortune on lottery tickets thinking it will make me rich.

Natasha Colbaugh

Buy this photo

But I must admit I recently went through a phase of entering contests.

You can’t help but imagine all the wonderful prizes being yours. Even the possibility of winning keeps you motivated.

I would enter for a trip to Jamaica or Hawaii, and just as quickly as I entered I would be packing my bags and requesting time off. If I entered a contest for a new vacuum or microwave, then the old ones were put in the trash the same day.

With as many contests as I have entered you would have to assume I won something, but in fact all I got was a bunch of junk email.

It’s not quite the prize I anticipated. But on second thought I should have known better. I don’t know anyone that ever won a fantastic trip anywhere. Every once in awhile this hopeful attitude overtakes me- but to no avail.

I still dream of taking trips to far away islands or having a robot vacuum that cleans my house when I’m away (as featured in a giveaway contest), but I don’t think these things will be given to me.

Which brings me back to an item I recently fantasized over- the IPad. In a blog written before Christmas I expressed wanting one. Actually, I said I would sell a kidney for one.

I don’t know if my husband Scott was scarred of me really selling an organ or if he just wanted to give me my heart’s desire. Either way he bought me the device I so longed for.

I knew exactly what it was the minute I opened the door to sign for the package. A small box with a shiny white box tucked neatly inside. I truly felt like I was a winner.

I don’t know if I expected this IPad to immediately start reorganizing my electronic life, but I hate to admit that I am slightly unsatisfied now that I have it. It’s as if not having it kept me interested. Maybe the fact Scott is always using it, is the reason I haven’t been able to enjoy it yet.

I think it’s like that with all wants; the excitement quickly fades once the object is obtained. It’s the needs in life that are quenched when fulfilled.

So I don’t think I will be entering any more contest, at least not in the same crazed fashion as before. Also in the future I will have to watch what I say about selling body parts, Scott is obviously very sensitive to the idea.