I have previously posted about the undeniable fact that I never win anything. I’m just that type. I’m the one whose raffle ticket ends in 3 when the winning ticket ends in 4. I stand at the cashier pouring over scratch-offs looking for some indiscernible sign that I should pick a specific one, finally deciding on one and…you got it. Not a winner. And most recently, I bought 4 tickets for the local Great Rotary Duck Race only for my little rubber friends to get caught up in some riverside foliage. Yup. No win.
I’m not bitter. I’m seriously not. I have just resigned myself to the fact that some people are winners of fabulous prizes, and some are not. That’s me.
Until last Tuesday when the fates determined a different ending to my usual story.
Last week I was shopping in my local neighborhood variety store…you know the type that you run to when in need of batteries, Tampax and jumbo pearl olives?? All too often. Those three things. Weird.
So, this particular store holds a contest-of-sorts each Tuesday based on your membership number. ($5.00 for a lifetime membership. And, the Tampax are cheap.) They actually give away some pretty nifty little items. I’ve seen barbeques, crockpots (and you know I love me a slow cooker), blankets, outdoor patio sets and various smaller items given away. They even have this “throw away” section wherein if you are able to match the last digit of your membership number to the featured number you can win free stuff like scotch tape, or even gum. I love gum.
Every Tuesday I stand at that Lucky Number board, perusing through numbers on a hope and a prayer that my number might be there and that I will be the “lucky” recipient of some great prize. Heck, at this point I’d even take an amputated light-up leg, a’la “Christmas Story”. So, this Tuesday, being no different, I was standing underneath those numbers somewhat dejected but resolved nonetheless.
And then I saw it.
My membership number was up there! And not only was it up there, it was proudly placed beneath the GRAND PRIZE…an electric skillet! You all, I completely forgot that I hadn’t actually done any shopping yet and raced up to the checkstand.
“I believe I am a winner,” I stated, rather jauntily, as I handed over my membership card to the cashier. I stood there preening, looking around me and willing those shoppers completing their purchases to witness my triumphant success!
“Yes, you are. Just a minute and let me type your number into the register here,” she said.
This is it. I have finally won something! I wish Jer were here. He would be so happy.
“Here you go, ma’am,” the cashier said, snapping me back from my thoughts.
I looked down, ready to hungrily accept my big prize. What the frick?!?
A bag of frosted animal cookies.
“That’s too bad, actually. You missed out on the Grand Prize by one number. That would have been exciting, huh?” the cashier asked.
I looked up at her, astonishment written all over my suddenly pale face. I managed to perform a tight smile and answered, “Right. Super exciting. Thank you.” I walked out of that store with a bag of animal cookies where there should have been an electric skillet. And I forgot my dang Tampax!
Oh, well. There’s always next Tuesday and someone’s got to win the big prize. Maybe, just maybe, it will be me. If not, I could always use some more animal cookies. Or tape.
Love to all, Mindy
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Brandy
Oh God, did I laugh at that one. Poor Mindy, only a bag of cookies. Maybe next time they will be giving away a years supply of Tampax. Those always come in handy.
Oh, a years supply of Tampax would be the bomb! =)
Mindy
My luck’s not as bad as yours, but it extremely similar! In my entire life, I’ve won 1) a bike, when I was 5 (it was a full sized men’s bike) from a coloring contest; I didn’t get to ride it until I was about 12, 2) tickets to see the midnight premier of “Star Wars ep. 3″ a couple of years ago from a radio station (had to travel over an hour to the theater and still pay for snacks and drinks), and 3) a book from Goodreads.com a few months ago. Judging by the declining value of my prizes over the years, I can’t *wait* to see how pitiful my next win will be … that is if I ever have one again.
Your poor little 5 year old self…had to wait 7 years to ride your own bike?! How cruel can one contest be, and why would they give away an adult-sized bike for a coloring contest? It’s a crazy world full of crazy people. =)
Mindy
A bag of animal crackers? I hope it was a big, honking bag! Maybe you missed the part where she said it was a lifetime supply of???
Nope. Not big. Like 8 ozs. Seriously. =)
Mindy
I love animal crackers! Just saying…
♥Spot
Okay, I’ll admit I was plowing through some serious cookie-age on my drive home. =)
Mindy
What a bummer!
Although animal cookies are real good and sound yummy right now.
I also have the “no win luck”, so good for you!
Yup, I’ve got to call it a “win”. Just hope it’s not my one and only… =)
Mindy
You got robbed!!! Tell me that’s not rigged…..
I was a never win anything person, ever, then I hit a streak. It’s been so weird. I get called things like lucky, and blessed. Huh, me?
I can’t even deny it anymore, just waiting on the streak to end. I think your day is coming, my friend, it’s a comin!
Thanks Angelia! I’m a hopin’. Although, I feel slightly lucky that I won the general prize. That’s how non-existant my winning streak has been. =)
Mindy
You are to funny! I know how you feel I can’t beleive that we haven’t ran into each standing at that STUPID numbers board. I never win either. Oh I lied I won 9 books for my GREAT Bookclub!!!! Yep its true. ~Val
Yeah, that Lucky Number Tuesday board does draw a crowd, huh? It’ll be my luck that winning the stupid animal cookies will take me out of the pool for awhile. =) And, yes, you did win 9 (signed) books which was AWESOME! =)
Mindy
Were they the frosted kind with the colored candy dots? I’d take those. Those are awesome. Way better than a skillet….
Yep…those are the ones. And…the bag is gone. Guess it wasn’t such a horrible prize. =)
Mindy
Were they the pink and white frosted circus animal cookies? With the little sprinkles? Because I LOVE those and would totally choose them over a skillet.
Okay, okay. So I shouldn’t complain about the cookies! I get it! In fact, they were even more special as they were harvest colors. I’m grateful. Really. Sort of. =)
Mindy