In 2008, when we attended the Annual National Sweepstakes Convention in San Antonio, TX, I was invited to be a guest on the morning show on 99.5 Kiss Rocks. During the interview, the DJs use the term prize pigs. I dislike the term because, although I enter many contests in a given month, I do not consider myself greedy. I enter what I can (time permitting) for prizes I want to win, follow the rules, and win what I win. (See I Win Every Contest I Enter.)  Their complaint came from the fact that it was the same people calling in repeatedly to win the on-air prizes.

Fast forward five years, I remember calling my local radio station, KiSS 92.5, to talk to the morning DJs about how reality TV is unscripted television being directed and arranged by the production company. The topic of prize pigs arose after they learned I was the Contest Queen.  They wanted to know how it was the same people getting through over and over again. I wanted to know, too, as I rarely get through, and if I do, I never seem to be the correct caller. For me, call-in radio prizes are few and far between.

RiRi Tickets

Well, one Monday, shortly after, I got through. Due to the time change, I languished in bed far later than usual.  To stop myself from falling back asleep, I turned on the radio. Moments later, I heard the cue to call in to win tickets to Rihanna. I thought, “I should try.” I rolled out of bed, picked up the phone, and dialed. Busy, busy, busy, ringing. My heart began to pound. Roz and Mocha (the DJs) answered and began talking to me. I knew then I was caller 9 as I didn’t get the usual “You’re caller 6.” click.  I was embarrassed to say anything to the DJs as I told them I never win on the phone. Later I went back over my wins spreadsheets, and I couldn’t find a call-in win from a radio station for several years.

In the meantime, my daughter said to her dad, “I think mom won something.  She’s shouting.” and then came to see what all the excitement was about at that early hour.  I got to take Lane to her first concert.

Experiences like this are why I love this hobby.  Right now, going to a concert is not in my budget, yet winning is allowing me to have some mother-daughter time, which is something money can’t buy.

So, do you call in to win?