Explanations of Spreadsheets and Drawings

Ok, since Genny asked I'll explain my references in my last posting. You see, I have this spreadsheet. Actually, just calling it a spreadsheet seems like less than adequate, although that's really all it is - a Microsoft Excel Spreadsheet. But, it contains all of my finances - not only that but has a list of all of the gifts we've given people since we've been married (birthdays, anniversaries, chrismas', etc.) and a whole lot more. My brother likes to tease me about having my whole life programmed into that spreadsheet. I usually take offense, but to be honest, he's probably right. I have lists of things I want to do, things I have to pay, even a schedule of the family christmas lists for the past 5 years in that one file! It's sad to be honest, but it's a handy place for me to keep track of everything I need to. There are few things that would really put me into a panic if I lost and I have to say that this spreadsheet ranks in the top 10.

As far as the drawing in CT goes. Jeremiah and I were walking through the mall one day not long after we were married and we were flagged down by one of those guys with the clipboard - you know the ones I'm talking about. They wander around the center section of the mall where they get your attention (if you're stupid enough to make eye contact) and then beckon you over to have you listen to the latest spiel about some new, fancy product. Well, we fell into the trap and found ourselves being talked into entering a drawing for a free home security system. Thinking that we never win anything, we entered just to get the guy to let us go and get on with our shopping. We didn't think anything about it, but low and behold, 2 months later we got a phone call out of the blue stating that we had won a complete security system with service paid for like 6 months or something. That was fine and dandy, except that we were renting and had a clause in our rental contract stating we could not make any structural changes to the condo we were renting. After explaining to the person on the phone that we couldn't use it, she was completely surprised and asked us why we even entered the drawing in the first place. We explained that we were being polite and that their sales person would basically not take no for an answer. We told her to go ahead and give the prize to the next drawn person. She was less than enthusiastic, but agreed to pass it to the next person. So basically, that's the only thing we have ever won and of course, we couldn't even use it!