Introduction

When I was a kid my sister and her boyfriends used to let me scratch off the tickets they picked up for the instant-win lotto anytime they picked some up from the local gas station, knowing that all that lay between us and our potential millions was a speckling of easily scratchable silver was always a thrill and made the gas station a fun time for a kid. That excitement alone (and I'm sure the ability to keep an other wise whining bored child amused at the gas station) made the dollar ticket well worth it.

Over the years I never did find that million dollar ticket, at least breaking even over a months time between wins and loses, at most winning enough to fund a small party between myself and some friends. I always have enjoyed the possibility, the chance to get something for (next to) nothing it's almost one of the classic American dreams.

Years and years ago I remember someone in the immediate family winning a couple cases of Coca-Cola, everyone was shocked because "no one ever wins those things" but right there in my own home was proof, people DO win.

As the years went on I'd occasionally jot down my info and drop it in a dropbox for a chance at a free car, a trip to Disney or even that old elusive 1 million dollars. I never really won anything as far as I can remember back then but for just a few seconds it allowed me that freedom to think "what if" and actually believe it could happen.

The "what if"s come alot more regularly now, there are more sweepstakes and contests out there than most people could even begin to imagine and yes people actually win them. In the past (let's round up and say) 2 years I've become a relatively active participator in as many sweeps and contests as I could stand to enter at a time. With a little direction from some of the more experienced "sweepers" I've picked up a few tricks, learned to tell what's worth the time and what's not - bringing in some sort of win on pretty regular occasion.

That was the pull, in case you missed it. The "some sort of win" is always curious. Sometimes it's handy ($5 Gift Card to Subway? Don't mind if I do!) sometimes it's not (ooooh a "Christian Sci Fi" book... yeah let me jump right on that page turner). But a win is a win, and everyday I look forward the fact that I May Already Be A Winner. Here I'll be keeping track of my wins (the good, the bad and the... well, "special") as well as throwing in the occasional tip for anyone that's interested in scratching off a card or two themselves.