Braised Lambchop
a nurse trying to work while suffering with chronic pain - she rambles a bit

I'm taking the Labor Day holiday off from blogging, unless some earth-shattering event occurs, so I can watch my beloved Sooners and take a break from the news. I'm tired of politics, and I'm tired of the news.

So, I thought I'd leave you for the next few days with a list of the sweepstakes prizes I've received in the last month, since August 1. I don't talk much about my pathological obsession with entering sweepstakes, but I do enter them, usually on a daily basis. I get surprisingly little spam from their sponsors. I use a dedicated email address for sweeping, most entry forms have opt-out (or better, opt-in) boxes, and I've found that an entrant's preferences are respected if - if - the sponsor's privacy policy is available and clear.

The link above will take you to the most comprehensive free listing of sweepstakes and contests I know of. Each sweep is categorized by type, prize, start and expiration dates, and is rated by members of the site for quality. There are also valuable comments, so you can see from other people if their entry experience was good before you decide to enter yourself. I make it a practice to check these comments prior to entering any sweep myself, especially if I'm unfamiliar with the sponsor.

Don't be afraid to enter a sweepstakes from a company whose name you know and trust. It's not a scam, and you can pick up some nice swag. The more often you enter, the more the odds of winning a prize tilt in your favor.

Since August 1, I've received:

'The Sopranos: The Complete Fourth Season' on DVD (from Comcast/HBO)

Redken for Men hair products - full-size versions of shampoo, conditioner, and pomade (entered this one, by L'Oreal, for my husband)

$10 ITunes Music Store certificate (from Ford Motor Company)

Clock radio, frisbee, and a very cool koozie-like beverage can holder with a carrabiner (from Dr Pepper)

Squeeze bottle (from the San Francisco Giants)

The best prize, though, isn't here yet. I've also won a Kodak 5MB digital camera from Colgate/Palmolive. It should be here any day, and I can't wait to get it and start playing.

I wish everyone a safe and happy Labor Day weekend. Enjoy the end of summer.

BOOMER SOONER!!