I won the Talbots essay contest!

[CathyCA]

Recently, Talbot's had a contest for its customers to tell their stories of their Worst Valentine's Day Gifts. I entered the contest, and hoped that maybe I would win one of the gift cards they were giving as prizes.

Today, when I drove up to my mom's house to drop off Christian after school, Mom was waving a FedEx envelope at me. "This had better be good," I muttered as I stepped out of the car and walked up to her front door. I didn't recognize the sender, Promotion Mechanics. I unzipped the envelope and read the letter.

Congratulations! As the independent judging organization for the Talbots Valentine's Day Contest, I am pleased to inform you that your entry in the sweepstakes has been selected as the potential Grand Prize winner.

Subject to verification of your eligibility, you have won a trip to New York City, NY with four friends for a Girls Weekend; and one $500 Talbots gift card. The trip will include round trip coach air transportation between closest commercial airport and potential winner's residence, round trip ground transportation between airport and hotel, and 2 nights' hotel accommodations. The approximate retail value of your prize is $6,000; however, the actual value will be determined by your residence and seasonal rates.

Etc., etc.,

Woo-hoo! I am so excited. I've turned that awful gift into something wonderful! I've turned lemons into lemonade, straw into gold!

I didn't even save a copy of my essay because I just typed it in to the Talbots website. I do recall that I was limited to the number of words I could use (100). I did a search on the Talbots website tonight and found my entry. I've copied it in its entirety here:

**************************************

Three years ago, my husband of 20 years gave me the most unromantic gift ever: a label maker for Valentine's Day. That was my first clue that something was seriously amiss in my marriage. I soon learned that he was meeting women online and cheating on me.

I used that label maker a lot over the next year making file folder labels: Investigation, Alimony, Child Support, Property Settlement, Divorce Decree and Movers.

I got that label maker as part of my property settlement. I've made new labels this year: New Job and New House. And I would label myself: Happier Without Him!

**************************************

[DukeUsul]

Awesome!!! Congrats!

[cl15876]

Congratulations! As I've always maintained... YOU ARE AMAZING!!!! Although my feeble tributes to you don't compare, if I were him all those years, your valentines gift might have been found at the following link... http://www.mondera.com/Diamond/Product. ... tno=593546 .... I could go on but won't at this time ..... ;)

[TillyGalore]

Congratulations!!!

Hope you have a great time in NY, and an even better time spending your gift certificate.

I love their spring line this year, lots of great things to buy this year, unlike last year.

[Lavabe]

And you didn't even refer to him as ExLax!



Hey... do we get a chance to poll skew?

[YmoBeThere]

Congrats! NYC is so much fun to visit with friends.

[CameronBornAndBred]

Holy shitskies, that's awesome! Tell 'em you need to wait until Duke's basketball schedule is released to determine your trip date!

[CameronBornAndBred]

I just read Sweetie Pie your essay, she loved it.

[bjornolf]

Congrats! So, who ya takin'? ;) Some of the lovelies, I'm sure. Although I'm sure would love a mani-pedi on the girls' weekend!

[devildeac]

If you have trouble finding a 3rd/4th person, I am sure EJ and/or Ozzie might be willing to put on some pumps and join you.

[Very Duke Blue]

Wonderful!!! It couldn't have happened to a nicer person (winning the contest).

[Ima Facultiwyfe]

WHAT FUN!!!!!! Good things DO happen to good people!!!!! We're going to expect an extensive travelogue of your trip to the BIG APPLE. Now that's a great adventure! Bless your heart, girl!
Love, Ima
PS The essay was a hoot! I bet when they read it they just threw away all the other entries instantly!

[CathyCA]

I'm taking my mom, my two SILs and my BFF Kim to New York.

If I could take guys, I would be taking and my two sons and someone else. . . hmm. . . prolly Tilly's BF .

And there was no poll to vote on the essays. I'm just as shocked as anyone. Honestly, all I wanted was the gift card. The trip to NYC is a very nice bonus.

[TillyGalore]

If I could take guys, I would be taking and my two sons and someone else. . . hmm. . . prolly Tilly's BF .

Hey now!

[Lavabe]

If you have trouble finding a 3rd/4th person, I am sure EJ and/or Ozzie might be willing to put on some pumps and join you.

You'ld do anything to get some Woodies. ;)

[Johnboy]

Awesome! Congratulations and have a great trip! I thought the essay was hilarious!

[devildeac]

If you have trouble finding a 3rd/4th person, I am sure EJ and/or Ozzie might be willing to put on some pumps and join you.

You'ld do anything to get some Woodies. ;)

Maybe Oz and I can talk her into bringing a couple sammiches back with her...

[Very Duke Blue]

You will have so much fun. I love NYC.

[Lavabe]

Think you'll get on Regis and whatshername? Perhaps Hoda Kotb and Kathie Lee?

[ArkieDukie]

Congrats, Cathy! That's awesome! Love the essay. Have a great time in the Big Apple!