Random Thoughts: Win Some, Lose Some

I'm not sure what it feels like to place first in any contest and don't recall ever being a first place anything. I was an above average student in high school and college but never ranked at the top of my class. I was someone others often turned to for help with their studies - math not included.  That was enough for me - enough to create the bitter spirit I've carried throughout life.

 

Example: this week, I joined the office pool for tonight's Powerball drawing thereby jinxing it for everyone else.  Sure it was selfish.  I knew there was no chance in this big, blue world that I could win.  Why should any of my co-workers have the opportunity?  WHY?  Life isn't fair as I am living proof!  HA on them.  They will all be at work Monday morning just like me - which makes ME feel good.

 

Last Sunday, I posted my first contest of the year. I neglected to mention how many times I would randomize the entries and which random number would take home the much-coveted Classic set.  The were 14 names added to the list which was then randomized twice. 

 

Behold:

 

 

Before randomizing, I recalled the few contests I entered this past year.  Almost every time, I found my name near or at the bottom of a list.  Based on this, my decision was to award the set to the name which fell next to the number..................ONE.  That's right I said ONE. 

 

But wait...

 

I was holding out on you when I offered this set up for grabs. What I didn't share was the fact that I had two - TWO - of these beautiful minor-league sets to give away.  It is only fitting that the loser takes home a prize too.  And by loser, I really only mean the name which fell fourteenth on the list.  Defgav is by no means a loser. 

 

Mark Hoyle and defgav, you will each receive this handsome and far from one-of-a-kind set.

 

 

So maybe I'm not a loser. Maybe my name just falls quite naturally, into last place.  I'll make an effort to enter more contests this year to test my theory.  In the meantime, I'll continue to offer more giveaways.  I'm still making room on my shelves for the fantastic cards so many of you generously send my way. 

 

It's almost time for the Powerball drawing.  I'm not one to spend cardboard cash on lotto tickets but if it keeps my coworkers employed...well, that's the least I can do.  In these days of rampant unemployment, I'm sure they'll thank me.