:smt006 Congrats!

I'm finally posting about the trip I won to NYC a couple of weeks ago. It was the Icehouse 100 Day, 100 Prizes grand prize. It included a 3day/2night trip to NYC , hotel accomodations and VIP entrance to the Maxim Hot 100. First, I do thank the sponsors for the prize and of course SA for providing that ever important link. Having said that, I will simply say that the whole experience the night of the party was more than a bit disappointing. It was all circumstantial, nothing to be blamed on anyone involved with the prize. The hotel (the Bryant Park Hotel) was gorgeous and smack in the middle of Manhattan. Service was impeccable and everyone was very nice. Prices, as to be expected, were sky high. BReakfast for 4 in the hotel restaraunt was about $130. Luckily the sponsors kicked in $1600 in AMEX gift cards to spend on things like that.
I didn't get to do a lot of sightseeing or walking around as I was in pain from day 1 but what I saw was very cool. I have a few pics I was going to post but I can't seem to find the memory card for my camera. Anyways, the party was...interesting. I saw half the cast of my favorite show, Heroes. The guys who play Hiro, Sylar and Mohinder were there. I also saw Mike MacDonald from MadTV and Ice T's wife, Coco. Megan Fox from the new Transformers movie was the only girl from the Hot 100 list that I saw close up. All in all it was okay. I wish things had gone better in some areas but hey, it was all free and I'll certainly have the memories for a lifetime. I'll see if I can find the memory card and post the pics.

Well that didn't go well. Not sure what the issue is. Anyways, here's a link to a slideshow I made of the trip to New York. There should have been a lot more pics but with the group of guys I was with the theme seemed to be 'flip off the camera as much as possible'. These are all 'bird' free though. Enjoy.

http://www.rockyou.com/show_my_gallery.php?instanceid=73348575

:smt006 Nice pics! thanks for sharing!

nice trip win thanks for the update

Many thanks to SA!! We just returned from our Las Vegas trip that I won last year. Awesome trip; this was the Harrah's Dream Big, Win Big sweeps. It included R/T airfare for two, 4 days/3 nights of deluxe accommodation, $100 meal credit at The Range (Harrah's deluxe steakhouse) and 2 tickets to the Improv.

Ladies and gentlemen, Harrah's is an awesome sweeps sponsor. They came through brilliantly on everything. Their customer service is definitely world-class. I found out that every Harrah's employee must first successfully complete Customer Service training before they are allowed to begin work. This training continues throughout their employment. Here's just one example of their great work: The round-trip airfare allowance was a maximum of $500/person. Harrah's initially tried booking through Delta, but the price exceeded the allowance. The travel manager told me not to fret, and within minutes, we had non-stop flights with Southwest that were under the $1000 limit. Throughout our stay, I was continually impressed with the Harrah's team. They don't just answer questions, they consistently provide solutions. The hotel and casino are located very conveniently on the Strip. Already, I have communicated my praise and thanks to one of the Harrah's Vice Presidents, and I plan to send more.           

Remembering that AAA currently sponsors a daily Las Vegas sweeps on SA, I visited their website before we left home and saved about $50 on 2 show tickets for Mamma Mia. Thanks again, SA!!! Over the 3 nights, we took in 4 excellent, Broadway-quality shows. The comedians at the Improv were hilarious.

This trip was a blast for a few reasons: It was a second honeymoon for us. Next year, we will celebrate our 15th wedding anniversary. Although she is not a member of the Royal family, my wife is a queen to me. She left her country and her family behind to follow me around the globe and eventually settle down in Florida. She is from England and had never been to Las Vegas. Her fun meter was working overtime.

My first duty station in the Air Force was at Las Vegas. I had not been there since I left in 1980 to go overseas. My fond memories of Las Vegas were rekindled through this visit. It was a much needed break from work.

The entire trip was non-stop fun. Thanks to SA for everything!

Regards,
Chuck 

I won 1st Prize in a Discovery Contest.  The Prize was a week in Denver observing a vet hospital.  The vets and support staff were fabulous and I learned a lot about animal care.  I got to observe several surgeries and work with animals going through rehabilitation.  However, I think my favorite part of the trip was seeing my friend who lives in Denver and eating out (meals were covered and I ate very well). 

The worst part of the trip was making the arrangements.  I didn't get my plane or hotel information until a couple of weeks beforehand.  I had no contact person with the folks at the clinic prior to my arrival (despite several requests for one) and so I didn't quite bring the right clothing.   The rental car place had two reservations for me (luckily I picked the right one).  My per diem money ended up being UPSed to the hotel in the middle of the trip.    The hotel (Hotel Monaco) didn't have my free spa massage listed and then ended up charging me for the whole trip (which they quickly removed from my credit card, but still).  The folks at Discovery were great about working though these snafus (and gave me a free facial for my trouble), but it would have been better not to have the stress in the first place.  Still, it was my first trip win and the last one I'll probably take for a while since I'm giving birth around Thanksgiving.

I just recently became a member of SA and I must say I am trying to find my way around the site.  I just wanted to share a win I had almost 2 years ago.  It was the " This Could Be You " on Wheel Of Fortune.  I had entered the bonus round puzzle on line just a handful of times over a two week span.  I received a call and thought it was bogus but, the next day Fed EX was at my door delivering the affidavit with the postage paid return package!!  My husband and I flew to LA for 3 nights ( we extended our stay and did not have to pay for the difference for airfare) at the Universal hotel, $500.00 cash, auditions for the Wheel Of Fortune and a live taping of the show.  Two weeks after we came home, we received a letter that my husband made it on the show as a contestant:-).  Just two weeks after that we flew back to LA and he appeared on the show and won $7850.00 However, it took 120 days after the show aired to receive the check.  At any rate I've actively been entering anything I can and I don't let anyone tell me that I'm wasting my time or that the chances are slim to none.  This is the first web site that I've ever used to enter sweepstakes and I'm hooked.

congrats guys. great wins.

Okay here we go:

Day One of the big trip!  (As promised)

For any of you that aren't up to date on this:  http://www.sweepsadvantage.com/smf/index.php?topic=26637.0   So day one:

It is now 2:15 Pm PDT.  Leaving on the 5:00 ferrry for the mainland. It will take an hour and a half.

I still haven't finished packing yet.   But before you go: "Sheesh!", there is a story behind that! 

While getting ready to go just before noon I opened up a storage area I never normally use.  As I crack open the door about 100 yellow jackets come swarming out to greet me!  EEEEEK!!!! SCURRY SCURRY,  EEEEEK!!!!!   I am deathly allergic to the little buggers!!!!!!  Last year I had to take a little ambulance ride when I got bitten on the tongue by one...  DON'T ASK!!!!       SOOOO....Out I go out the front door like a swarm of bees was after me!  (and there was!!!!  ) 

An hour later all the yellow jackets have been "properly" disposed of.  Sort of.   

So now, I guess, I can get back to packing!!!  Next stop is Seattle...

Will take pictures from the ferry for the Travelogue for all of you when I get back.   (Big word..I know...look it up in the dictionary!)

On my way to broiled kangaroo steaks al fresco,

Loren   

Day 2:

Survived the attack of the Killer Zombie Yellow Jackets!  Finished packing in time to catch the 5:00 ferry.  The ferry ride was nice.  I took a few pics.

Made it to Seattle in one piece last night and stayed at Judy's kid's house.  Of course, I had to take more pictures.  But don't worry ... I won't bore you all with those!   

Leaving shortly for the Seattle airport (Seatac) where we will catch a 2 hr flight to San Francisco and the 15 hr flight to Sydney!  There is still seats available in Business class, so it is still looking good for us to get bumped up for free!!

 

I hear Koala bears aren't all that cuddly ....  wirey hair!!!   

Loren 

Well gang...

Day 3  or is it 4???  I'm all confused!!

Made it to SeaTac on Friday...caught the plane!     2hr flight to SF.

Went to check in with qantas. the girl said fine with the upgrade, then her boss dragged her aside and told her no.   actually maybe...

As it tutned out got upgraded.  15 hr flight to sydney AU just to find out that the remote for the tv, musicd and lights had been destroyed by a past passenger...so I just had to sit there and drink free booze instead of watching tv!!!     they did give me $100.00 worrth of free "duty-free" stuff to make up for it tho. 

Got the upgrade for the trip to Cairns also...SWEET!

I am In Cairns right now at an internet cafe. it is sunday @2:45 pm but my innerclock tells me it's ALL WRONG!!! 

More later Gators!!!!

Loren 

  Look like all is well in Loren's world!