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I’m going to start off by saying “A Million Thanks” to HP for giving me the opportunity to be a Santa Angel this year. I’d also like to thank them for giving all of the fifty bloggers the room to run each individual contest in our own way.
That being said, here’s the deal: I love traffic. We all do. So in that spirit, I’m framing this contest to include some link love and encourage visits to all the blogs entering into this crazy giveaway.
How?
Each contestant will post their stories on their own blogs or vlogs for all of us to go read or see. Use the Mr. Linky widget below to sign up. Fill out the fields as requested, using the url for your post, not your site. (This is very important... do not link to your blog, but the post specifically written for this giveaway within your blog!!! If you don't know how, please ask in the comments...)
It would be great if all the contestants would visit the other blogs in this contest to show some community spirit. Not saying that I care, but the judges might... Feel free to share your favorite posts back here in the comments section. If you have a Twitter account, follow me and the other contestants. Our hash tag will be #SugarMagic
What?
Tell us what you are doing to make an impact on the lives of others. It doesn’t have to be a Save-The-World kind of story. I just wrote about an ordinary refrigerator that helped me and many others. But saving the world is not off the table, either. Brian Carter will tell you all about One Day for Human Rights today… if you have a minute.
Tell us what you are planning to do with all this great hardware. I mean, there’s A LOT of hardware. More than one person could possibly ever need. How could all of these gadgets impact the lives of others that you know? How could these gadgets help you in personally inspiring or empowering others?
Who?
Winners will be chosen by a secret panel of ineligible (but still pretty nice) people. This group of wise and whacky women will read through all posts and follow the comment trails, so be nice out there…
When?
This contest officially ends at 11:59pm, December 16th, 2008. The winning entry will be announced no later than 11:59pm December 17th, 2008.
That’s it! You don’t have to pull some silly stunt like getting a tattoo. ;)
So think a little before you write that post. Who would you like to help other than just yourself? How can you make an impact in a way that changes not only your life, but brings opportunities to others? How much time are you willing to invest in community?
This is a great prize package, for sure. I mean, I’m going to be really really really bummed to pack up that TouchSmart… REALLY bummed… not to mention all the other great products. But I know (or at least hope) that it will go to benefit someone that will in turn be of service to others.
Peace and Good Luck!
144 comments:
Cool concept. I look forward to getting started!
My magic 8 ball says this is a good post :-)
Does it need to be an established blog? I don't have a blog.
Anonymous: Yes, you do have to be able to comment through a blog or vlog (video log). It's fairly simple to set up either... much like setting up an email account. You can use Blogger.com or for video, YouTube or Vimeo.com. Once you've posted a story or video, copy the URL and come back to enter.
Good Luck!
*sigh* what to do, what to do...
oh. this is it. oh dear oh dear.
what to write?
Oh man, thinking about dreams and connections and a world that I'd like to see come true.
Hmmmmmmmmm.
This is an amazing contest. I really only touched on a few items, but I would divvy up everything between the two people I mentioned in my post.
Thanks again for hosting this. What a phenomenal opportunity! :)
Okay, so I entered! What a great, great contest!
Well ... I didn't know I could do a video! I saw blog post and I got a-crackin'. Probably better this way, since I can tend to get tangential.
I'm looking forward to seeing how this all pans out.
This freakin' rocks!
I've got a million ideas running through my head, I only posted one though.
Thanks,
Nicolle
http://prettypinkchandelier.blogspot.com/2008
I know there are so many people who could really use these items. There are so many "in need." It breaks my heart. I wish I could use the items to take away all the difficulties that life throws at people, but instead I will do my own little part to encourage and inspire. Ta-Dah for you Sugar Jones!
@tadahmom on Twitter
www.terricamp.com
No matter who gets all this stuff, I know that every bit of it will be going to good homes. It's always left a good feeling to give stuff away and hope the people getting it do good things with it. And I loved the video of the FedEx guy showing up. Priceless.
Here's to wishing everybody the best of luck on this contest. Woohoo!
Thank you for the opportunity to enter this wonderful contest! Merry Christmas! (kreed511@verizon.net)
Thanks so much for this contest!
This is so exciting! I'm all blogged and signed up, and will now start visiting all the blogs.
And I have to ask: what couldn't I do with all that hardware. With a step-son in college, a son in the Job Corps and an up-and-coming genius granddaughter, it could all be put to amazing use.
Thanks Sugar and Hp for having this contest and I wish everyone luck and a happy holiday season
http://34skyline.blogspot.com/2008/12/magic-of-giving.html
Thanks for the opportunity! I'm excited to read the other stories and learn more about my fellow bloggers!
Thanks for not making your contest too difficult! It's been great looking through the other posts too - I always love to see how others will give away the items. Can't wait to see how the winner passes on the good fortune!
What an awesome opportunity to pay it forward! Brilliant idea. I look forward to reading the other posts and sharing my own ideas.
So my daughter walks in while I'm typing up my blog & says "Did you go to sleep at all?"
Yeh, not an unusual question. Looking forward to following the comments on all these entries. You go Sugar...I'm having a blast.
~Raven
thank you for this wonderful opportunity, will be checking out and reading other entries too.
THANK YOU!
Hey, I hace a blog, but it's in spanish, so I can't write a post in english... Can I do it in a ghost blog, or in a publicnote in Facebook?
I don't have a blog. But this is an amazing contest. God Bless you!!
Done and Done. How exciting!!
Is it okay to use a YouTube account? I can't Vlog, but I put up my post and sent in the link already.
This is fantastic! Thank you HP, and thank you Sugar for making it so simple to enter too.
Shellie
http://spacecoaststampers.blogspot.com/2008/12/hp-magic-giveaway.html
This contest is beyond expectations for me. Thanks to all who made this possible. I'm still hoping to win though. :-)
My post: http://marcpodi.spaces.live.com/blog/cns!A35B14836E0FE981!1717.entry
i love this contest, getting to read that so many people out their need these computers i wish that everyone does get a computer it would make me so happy.
Peter
http://peterifranco.wordpress.com/2008/12/11/hp-magic-giveaway-living-in-theory/
Wow! I am blown away by all the great stories and all of your hearts! This is going to be tough...
Don't forget to visit your fellow contestants... and spread the love any way you can out there. This is the season for giving. Who knows, maybe it will be super contagious!!
Sugaaaar!!
I NEED TO KNOW!!
Can i post it on FaceBook???!!
Please!
Allright, I posted in a ghost blog. But it's a post, isn't it? I'm Marcelo Lynch, btw.
Thanks
I did my Mr Linky, I'm about to follow on Twitter, I'll read the blogs & post them in a little bit, and how would I change the world? I'm going to be a teacher! For middle schoolers, in Pittsburgh. I believe that children need guidence and support, and that need is especially great in middle school. That's when children either make or break their self-confidence, and I'd like to be that a teacher that helps boost our future leaders.
I have a longer version of who I would share everything with on my blog, but in this comment the short version is: 1 laptop goes to my friend Rob for being an amazing friend to everyone. The mini goes to my sister that just started college and is already editor of the newspaper. The touch-smart would go to my mom, the owner of a small business that is really struggling a lot. I would use one laptop myself when I start teaching in the next year or so at a public middle school in Pittsburgh.
Thankyou for giving me a chance at some magic.
Hey! I will post my link again (I deleted the other one), with the Facebook public note. Hope it's OK!
Thanks again, sorry for being impatient xD
Really sorry. Dammit! Well, I think my other link was OK, so I will put th old one again. Juist to be sure, heres my FB link:
http://www.facebook.com/note.php?¬e_id=53309927392
Sorry '-.-
Awesome! It never occurred to me (for whatever reason) to blog about the charities I am involved in. Great and inspiring idea! Thanks!
Sugar thanks so much for hosting this.. I have entered a few other contests, and they all started to foster a feeling of competition. I love that before I even wrote my post, I was starting to feel like part of a community. This is really exciting!
http://justplainmomma.blogspot.com/2008/12/hp-giveawayi-wanna-win.html
I hope I can win this...it would help out alot!!!
cool I entered :D
I am going to post my question in the comments, because maybe others have the same question:
I am almost ready to go live with my entry. I know exactly who I want to give the products to. However, I think it will make a great story to keep it a surprise. The people I would give it to also read my blog. Is there a way to keep my post (entry) general, but send specific details to you via e-mail or is that going outside the bounds/rules of this contest? Should I care about the surprise or just include the specific information in my post. Because of the details, even if I include info w/out names, people will know who they are.
What do you recommend? I know all contest rules are different, so I want to make sure I stick to the rules of this contest.
Also... we are supposed to link this only to the post, right? Not just to our blog page? Yes???
Thanks. Awesome contest!
To answer the question posed by the GNO gals, yes, you can keep it general. I would hate to make anyone spoil a surprise.
Have fun!
Thank you for such a neat giveaway!
All these giveaways are so exciting! Even if I don't win, I love knowing that some peoples lives are being so enriched by all this great equipment. I bet even more lives are being enriched by the spirit of giving that is growing from it!
got this added to my blog.I know excatly where i would send it,share with my family.They have always held me up and loved me unconditionaly..
thank you and merry christmas to each and every one of you...
oldplace.betty(at)gmail.com
thankyou!
trisha
momdot
momdot.com made a great post about Santa & her daughter. http://www.momdot.com/do-your-kids-believe-in-santa-claus/comment-page-1/#comment-76659
An adorable video/song about a non-white christmas. http://www.sweetgirlboutique.com/wordpress/?p=62#comment-885
She has a great quote from Eleanor Roosevelt: http://www.myspace.com/mtonyx
Great idea, I love finding new people to read!
Done! I'm recycling the post I wrote for the moosh in indy contest... hope that's okay!
I so hope I can win! I would love to be able to really change some people's lives out there... and get to keep some of the great swag!
WOW! Congratulations to #37, RoguePuppet for winning the giveaway on a different site. She won the package at ChrisPirillo.com
More chances for all of you to win here!!
I've entered. And perhaps this has inspired me to start blogging.
Added my entry...
Oops! Forgot to ask if I could use my Tumblr Blog? :)
Thanks for the chance, It's nice to see HP and the bloggers getting so involved like this.
This would be such a great package to win. What a lot of people you could impact! Thanks for the chance.
I just finished posting, and I am all abuzz with ideas. I have to put your contest out of my mind, because you have no idea how... let's just say it would offer me a lot of hope.
But I'm putting it out of my mind, and just focusing on the work I'm doing.
Oh and so far I like retromom best, even if that lessens my chances. I'm just going to go on as if I am not going to win, okay?
Well I posted and though the announcement is a bit premature, I'm hoping it will get some measure of notice. Thanks so much Sugah!
Deb
Thank you so much! I am trying to read and comment on everyone's post but not all were linked to the direct post so it is taking some searching!
I really do hope I win, I am not going to lie. I could give to so many in need winning this giveaway!
I will say may the best post win and I wish you all luck!
Sugar,
Of all the contests I've looked at, I like your idea for the rules the best! It has been so fun to read everyone else's blogs. I've even found a few to follow, including yours. Thanks so much to Heather for sharing with me. I have plastered it on my facebook, and generally encouraged others to get involved if only to help them get in the spirit of giving. We can't all win, but we can certainly make a difference in our little corner of the world, and extend it to our cyber slice of the pie as well.
Thanks again for being so creative!
I just entered! Thank you so much for the opportunity!
Thanks for the chance to win something that will make us happy and will share the magic.
Wow, there really are a lot of great stories on the blogs! I am glad I'm not a judge. First off I'd go through way too many tissues and second I'd have a REALLY hard time deciding! I can't even pick a favorite at this point, since each story has touched me in a different way. So many worthy people, and yet not enough prize packages to go around! I mean, of course I hope I'll win, since I've tried so hard in entering so many contests so far, with no wins to my name yet (or else I'd have stopped entering by now) but still...I'm touched there's so many people out there that really want to give as much as they can, and probably like me, they don't have much to give right now but would jump at the chance if they won a big jackpot full of stuff.
Great idea. I wish there were more giveaways like this where the idea was to give towards a charity or whatnot. Thanks, Sugar!
What a cool idea this is! I just finished my post and am now looking forward to reading through everyone else's, to see what other people are doing for the world.
It feels good to know other people are out there trying to make this a great place for all of us
Entered! Good luck to all!
Just want to say how much fun I'm having with your contest Sugar! I'm inspired by so many of the other posts! My faves so far are Gwynne and Terri, but really there are tons of beautifully written entries! Plus I'm having fun following the #sugarmagic on Twitter!
I would like to be considered for this contest so I could give the HP computers to the following organizations/people:
1. Children: Kingsbury Day School (www.kingsbury.org) provides instruction to children with learning disabilities. These children have many strengths in addition to some learning weaknesses. Kingsbury is upgrading their computers and the TouchSmart would be helpful. The children benefit greatly from the accommodations that computers provide.
2. Widow: One of the students at Kingsbury recently lost his father. I’d like to give a computer to his widowed mother.
3. Orphans: Kristen’s Miracle House for AIDS Orphans is in the fundraising stage. Once it is built, they could probably use a computer. It was on the ABC News. http://www.legacymissions.org/KristinsMiracleHouse.html
4. Prisoners: Angel Tree ( http://www.angeltree.org/site_hmpg.asp) provides presents to children of prisoners on behalf of their incarcerated parent. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if some child wanted a computer and their wish could be fulfilled by HP?
5. Parents: I would like to give a computer to my parents as an expression of my gratitude for all they have done for me.
daiseyreader AT gmail.com
I think this is an awesome idea.
Sadly I'm doing little to impact anyone right now because I can't see past my own selfish depression I'm mired in. But it gives me a renewed hope for my fellow humans to see so many reaching out like this. It makes me realize that whilst I've been badly damaged, not everyone is like the people behind what happened to me.
I'm not going to enter your contest, but I am going to set a goal of visiting each of the blogs who entered. I need all the uplifting stuff I can get right now.
This contest must make you feel like one of Santa's elves lol. Glad you got picked to do this. Good luck picking a winner...every time I check back at your page that list of contestants seems to be rapidly multiplying!
I really appreciate this opportunity. You're doing a real good and really have the power to bring happiness to many people. Thank You.
Hi ,
Started following your twitter and had a little twit about your site:
http://twitter.com/n_reghabi/status/1054938127
I really really do hope to win,considering the post on my blog...
Anyway, lets hope for the best,but you know what? I'm getting this feeling that no matter how many sites I enter for winning this contest for the good reason, as soon as they see my ip which is from Iran , something happens!!! if you know what I mean! although the contest is mentioned worldwide , maybe Iran is not in that category anymore.Or maybe I'm wrong and thats just my luck.
Cheers
My entry
cool!
My entry is "here".
I'm following you Sugar on Twitter.I've twitted about your contest also here.
Thanks for the opportunity.
Sushruta
sushrukh@yahoo.co.in
Hey dear Santa Angel, I'm all set with my blog post on my blog and hope you will like it as i put alot of thinking into it and it jsut happens to be my very first blog post ever as i am failry new to this. Not as easy as it seems but im always up to trying new things online. Your contests prize is well worth it, thank you so much for the chance to win it.
What a beautiful thing...congratulations...haven't you always wanted to be Santa? :-)
I have read so many of the other bloggers' posts. There are so many people doing good things out there in the world. It's good to see so much service. I am so intrigued by everyone's stories. In fact it is 3:30 am and I am exhausting myself reading and writing so I need to quit now. I have a birthday party to take care of tomorrow!
I linked. Thanks for the chance.
Cool contest, and thanks for not making this difficult to enter, here is my blog post, and here is my Twitter status.
I hope you guys all have good holidays.
Aww, I like your idea. And that mister linky thing? Oh god. That thing is brilliant. I'll have to check into getting that once I start up my own blog. And I love this contest, it gives people such a great chance to help out.
Sugar, I posted a link to your contest on facebook (and fabulously40) - I think your idea of blog-hopping was ingenious. All of us 'win' because we are making new friends, networking, and are more focused on looking for ways to pay it forward.
Having been in an abusive relationship for several years, leaving, going back etc. Last year I was fortunate enough to find myself in a womens shelter called TurningPoint. It was the best thing that ever happened to me. It was my second shelter in a year and a half, and this time I met the people and the resources that helped me walk away from impending disaster and towards a new life with my then 10 yr old daughter. It has been a long and sometimes rough road, but every chance I have had, I try to give back to those who helped me out. The churches,the shelter, friends etc. I have always been a giver...and this is something that brings me great joy....I would keep two of the computers for myself and my daughter and would donate the other two to the womens shelter so that other women like me can find resources to rebuild their lives, look for work etc. I also plan to spend some of my time volunteering to help with setting up the computer and training some of the personel and showing them how to make the most of the information highway, so that they may share it with the women who come and go thru the shelter. I also would like to share my spare time at the shelter once a week to help the women learn how to set up free emails, write and save resumes,apply for jobs and some of the great online sites that can be of use to them. Also,since I am starting at DeVry University in January....a new life indeed....a laptop for school would be a sweet little keeper for me! Good Luck to all.
I've been in tears for the last few nights reading all of these... thanks for sharing your hearts with all of us.
I'm also hearing that you are all discovering each other at the blogs you are visiting. How awesome! I was hoping that would happen. When all is said and done, there will be some really good goodness left to smile about... I just know it.
{{big hugs!}}
Thanks for the opportunity to enter the contest hastle-free. You sure know how to simplify things. Your style is really forming a BIG umbrella. What a great HP magic and Theory.
What an opportunity to share with others some amazing HP computer equipment, as well as some moving statements of what differences the hardware could make to some people in need. Pay it forward...a great concept.
http://dianesattler.blogspot.com/
Can't wait to keep following the comments. Should be interesting to see what all is posted.
Wow, you have some amazing entries. Thanks for hosting this!
What a wonderful blessing you have! The chance to change people's lives...you can't ask for more than that..
This is absolutely awesome the generosity being shown by HP, Microsoft, the blog hosters, and all the entrants.
This is what Christmas is all about!
I do apologize for my entry being so long, I guess you could call it an essay.
I am sorry, I had to block my blog to invitation only. I have been getting personally attacked by some very mean and hateful bloggers out there but I still want to be in this contest. What should I do?
My health is in bad condition and I just could not take it any more. I woke up this morning to 7 hate emails.... I had to do something.
Here is the post that I posted on my blog:
HP Magic Giveaway- What I am doing to Help Others
www.livingintheory.blogspot.com is one of the 50 bloggers who was chosen to do the HP magic giveaway. Her rules are simple, tell them what YOU are doing to make an impact on others then come back and sign Mr. Linky.
I reached out to a good friend of mine this Christmas. She has a son, who is 6 and bi-polar. She is having severe financial problems. Her second child, a baby girl is due to arrive on Monday December 15th. She has nothing for the baby and can not even afford Christmas presents for her son. Her bills are so far past due. What was I to do, I wanted to help this friend but I myself am a Single Mom with financial problems myself. I went to the store and scrounged up enough money to buy her 3 baby outfits but that was not enough. So off I went on my internet mission to get this family what they needed. I posted a blog post and twittered the hell out of it, I contacted every company that I could get my hands on for donations, I spread the word like wild fire while keeping this family's idenity a secret as she is a fellow blogger.
Soon I started receiving donations emails and comments. Emails from other bloggers who were posting it on their site, even an email from a blogger who was adopting the family for Christmas. The baby will be here anyday now and she has almost everything that she needs either being sent or already sent for the baby. I am still collecting donations and will do until Christmas so that her son has a wonderful Christmas this year.
Now that they do not have to worry about the baby they can concentrate on getting the bills paid and trying to get things for their son for Christmas with what little money that they have.
Also, what I am planning on doing with all of this hardware is share some with the family and some other people who are in need. This would be a great Christmas gift for someone who never though in their wildest dreams that it could come true.
Thank you for letting me enter this contest.
-Claire
I am actually entering the contest. I've read some of the other posts, and need to go back and leave some comments. I love the whole idea of this, and have tried to live my life with a Pay It Forward philosophy.
My entry is here It will be fun to see who wins. I followed the contest on Chris Pirillo's blog, and enjoyed it a lot.
Good luck to everyone!!
I posted my link but u can also check out my main page on both of my blogs for what I would do with this prize if I were chosen!
Http://angiemarion.blogspot.com
Http://techieluvincrafter.blogspot.com
Thanks for hosting this!!
Angie
I've read through your blog and love it.
Thank you for the opportunity.
This forced me to learn how easy it to blog. I'll be sharing this information
Wow what a great competition - I love the idea of winning something to bless others with.
I really like this idea and I want to be able to help people in need that have come across hard times. Do I need a Computer to do it no not necarilly but it could help reach more people
I'm really hoping to win one of these giveaways :)
Here's hoping for the best.
If I messed up my Mr. Linky addition (blog not post) can I re-do it or change it?! Thx!
Thank you so much! Here is my blog if you need the link again!
http://bethaynmatt.blogspot.com/
I look forward to looking through the other blogs!!
Oh man, winning this would blow my socks off. *makes enthusiastic wishing noises*
thanks for the opportunity! yusssss!
It's great to see how involved and powerful people can be. I'm blessed in that I found my Job on Earth before I was 30, and have been saving the world, one person at a time, ever since.
We're talking all things romance at the Dr. Romance blog.
I posted on my blog...
I am hoping to make some foster kids really happy this year!
http://justcatie.blogspot.com/2008/12/things-i-find-when-i-cant-sleep.html
I made a mistake and linked to my blog first - please don't disqualify me - I have two -the second links to my blog.
Okay now I'm going to read other great entries.
Thanks for this opportunity! I posted on my blog at:
http://courtenayslife.blogspot.com/2008/12/living-in-theroys-hp-magic-giveaway.html
Good luck everyone!
Courtenay
Thank you for this great contest. I wrote about when I built a playground for the community history center.
There are so many amazing stories in every blog that was entered...well, those that allowed non-invited access to view. It brightens my heart to see so many people in this world who actually care and are working together towards a better tomorrow! Happy Holidays!
It was really neat to read everyone's entry. We all want to be the HP Santa - I know I do!
I really like the site and I love the idea of the HP giveaway.
Just wanted to say good luck to everybody who's entered. Nice to meet you all.
Thanks for this wonderful contest... thanks HP and Living- in theory
Sugar,
Thanks for hosting this contest and a unique and thought provoking method of entry! i really enjoyed clicking on other blogs to see how others have been inspired to make a difference in this world!
This is an amazing promotion. If anyone from HP is looking on, I'd love to have you as a guest at a Pensacola chapter meeting for the Florida Public Relations Association. You've got me dreaming about (or maybe it's having nightmares about) entering to win this prize package. And all I really want is a laptop!
My reasons for wanting to win this contest is difficult to right because as I write the words they become more realistic. Please believe me when I tell the hardships my family has endured. First My mom lost her father and a younger and older brother within a 3 year span. It has been hard on her and I see her cry when she talks about them. Shortly after this she became disabled, she won’t tell us everything she has or if it was the deaths of her family members, but I do know she has agoraphobia. I am 23 and I have 2 more sisters one who is 22 and one who will be 16 shortly. I have cancer and just had my cervex removed. My 22 year old sister is disabled with melonoma cancer, which is weird because she has never liked being in the sun. She is also agoraphic (correct spelling?) Myself and my 22 year old sister have a very rare blood disorder called inherited Dysfibrinogenemia. They say they don’t know alot about the disease. But I think it is causing the cancer in us. There are only about 300 people in the entire world who have this form of the disease. If I won this contest I would give my mom and my sisters computers. Because mom and sis doesn’t leave the house and this way they could have a life to read the news or anything they choose. My youngest sister stays at home for e-schooling on a computer provides by the school, only schoolwork is allowed on it. she has to be here to help my disabled family if something happens. Please let me pay it forward and help my family. Any old computers or broken ones (because that’s all we have) will go to http://www.atohio.org/computers.html This is a great site for disabled persons to get a used computer, they only have to pay shipping. One computer per household. Because my mom received one from here I would like to pay it forward to this site that helps the disabled. They aren’t the best computers, slow and not up to par, but will help someone if they really need one. Please choose my family, so that we can help the disabled people who really need help. Like us who pay bills online, and get to have a life, when they can’t leave the house do to the diseases. I hope we win, but if we don’t then I have sent you to a site that will help others. Happy Holidays everyone
Good luck to evrybody; all of us! And thanks for making this giveaway about more than money... Great for all of us!
I've just entered. Good luck to everyone and thanks to Living in Theory, HP and Microsoft for this opportunity. I really hope the winner will share, in the true spirit of the holiday season.
Pat Govender
Heyy, thanks so much for this! :)
-Nik
Thanks so much for doing this--this is SO cool!!! All the entries are incredible! If nothing else, it inspired me to start a blog. My entry (the one and only so far) is at http://joanisjolly.blogspot.com/2008/12/magic-before-christmas.html
have to say, I am really enjoying all these great posts and blogs!
ya deje mi comentaria en mi blog.
espero tener suerte
Saludos desde Argentina
I've read through lots of the posts and I know it will be a hard decision. I hope you have a Merry Christmas and thanks for the contest!
Marcia
verybody,
And no matter who wind this, let's all make sure to do something to celebrate December 18, the International Migrant Day. Do something to help and support an immigrant (or immigrant-prone) institution you know. Check this wen site too:
http://www.december18.net/web/general/start.php
Thanks! Rodrigo
I don't really blog normally but I do change the world from time to time =) I hope it goes well and good luck to all in the contest =)
h
Thanks for running the HP Magic Giveaway!
im holding my breath.
trisha
I've needed to blog about my story for a long time. Thank you for giving me the inspiration to do it TODAY! (((hugs)))
Ricci
thanks for the shoutout heather on one of our posts, that was really nice.
trisha
momdot
Sorry! Couldn't log into google/blogger before - browser kept getting hung. See how bad I need a new puter? ROFL! ha! Just wanted to re-comment now that I'm logged in - thank you again!
Ricci
That was fun -- I think...
I've never dived in to set up my own blog before -- I think I've learned something, and maybe strained something at the same time.
I bet it gets easier with practice -- you are a heck of an influence!!
Where does one begin explaining what an incredible gift like this would mean in our lives as well as those of persons I know...I'm not sure but I will give it a try.
Current circumstances have me living on a fixed income after being injured by a drunk driver who caused a multi-car accident in 2001. My youngest son also lives with me. He had to move back in because he became a transplant candidate when his kidneys shut down two years ago following a fairly routine surgery to repair a broken leg. He also has been a Type 1 Diabetic since his 18th birthday which probably contributed to the kidney failure. Diabetes runs on my ex-husband's side of the family. So both of us are disabled and unable to support ourselves without Social Security disability payments each month.
But thats not the whole story, those are just the facts. What I didn't tell you is that we both have a lot of hope for the future. He is #1 on the transplant list despite being a rare blood type and until his organs come through he thought about starting a home business that he could work around his dialysis treatments. In fact with all the online inspiration I get every day as I browse the internet on my white elephant of a computer I realize that I too, could start a home business of my own as well. I've always been creative and spent a lot of time making things for personal enjoyment and recently it occured to me after stumbling upon the Etsy.com website that I could also do it to supplement my Social Security benefits.
I think I would probably keep the HP Touchsmart for myself...being the matriarch of the family. :) The HP Pavilion Entertainment Notebook PC I would give to my son so that he could even take it with him when he goes for his dialysis treatments. He could even enroll in some online college courses to begin a new career after his transplant. It certainly will take his mind off his problems while he sits there for 4 hours each day having his blood cleaned. The Notebook PC I would give to my oldest son's wife, who now is a stay at home mom with a 14-month-old baby girl. It would allow her to look for ways that she might be able to work from home and make things easier for their growing family. She is sharp as tack and I'm sure she'll be doing something online in no time at all. The HP mini I would give to my next door neighbor who had hers stolen recently and has been devastated with its loss. The Photosmart wireless All-in-One printer I would donate to a local group which feeds about 100 low income families every weekend with products that they solicit from local supermarkets and the Oregon Food Bank. Both mom Heather and her oldest daughter Jessica have been doing that for the five years I've lived here and have done a real service to the community without ever being asked and seldom being thanked. As for the HP MediaSmart Connect I will need to find out more about that product before I can determine who would benefit from it the greatest.
As you can see, this prize will affect many lives...perhaps even change them forever. Its a good thing that Hewlett Packard is doing here and its an awesome thing that they recognized your blog as means to accomplish their investment in the future.
Motto to live by...
"Life isn't about avoiding the storms; its about learning to dance in the rain"
What a great contest! Hope I win!
Wow, you definitely kicked me off 'dead-center' and into getting a blog started -- this is going to be cool, though, my best stuff seems to just 'flow', and this, entry process and all, sure did.
Wish there was some way to put up a big sign, in bright red, saying "DON'T put what YOU consider to be your entry in THESE COMMENT FIELDS!!! It will NOT be accepted!!!"
I think some people just aren't aware of how simple it IS to sign up with Google BLOGGER -- it took me about ten minutes to create enough of a "structure" to contain my entry, AND it will be a reasonable starting point for something more "professional", soon enough!!
YOU have had a significant impact on MY life, and I thank you!!
Wow, it hit midnight, and someone blew all the linkies out -- sheesh, I can't BELIEVE I'm using a word like "linkies" -- I must be getting tired, time to go get my blankie and Mr. Rabbit, eh??
Ok - if I don't win, I'm pulling for Nicole at The Pink Chandelier -- good luck everyone
Thanks for hosting and sponsoring such an incredible give away. Not only is HP generous, but the give-away magic lives with you. It is hard to comprehend that HP would be so kind and give 50 of these prizes away!! WOW, They truly have the Christmas spirit. And I know its catching and spreading like wildfire.
I would love to see the faces of the benefactors.... It would be just like my favorite show-- Extreme Home Makeover=that is truly and inspiring show and proves that people love to help others and those that are helped are so gracious and thankful. This is just like that..... you are bringing joy to the world.....
Posted on my blog here.
sonny963@yahoo.com
Sushruta is posting double blogs on numbers 73 and 148. What do you think about that?
(a DIFFERENT Anonymous)
You're sure they're the same poster?? Linkie #148 was posted AFTER the deadline, so it doesn't really MATTER, but if it's the thought that counts, then -- Bad, Sushruta, bad! (where IS a rolled up newspaper when you need one?)
Relax -- it's a great day!
Please don't comment without knowing mate(Marc Louie Mancilla).
Is this still on btw ?
Holy smoke! Ever since I made my entry a few days ago, I have been coming back to read the posts of others when I have time.
I am humbled. And, I am in love with the world. This is the world that I believe in - the one where we all take our joy in helping each other out. The one where we are all looking out for each other as best we can.
What an awe inspiring group of people! Happy Holidays, all!
I hope you guys all have happy holidays, only one person will win.
Sugar, this contest is amazing. I came in late but I have visited many blogs that are deserving of this prize. I think that this is a wonderful exercise and the best HPmagic giveaway. I have been truly touched by all of the magic that is going around without the HP equipment. I truly am glad that I am not a judge.
Hi, Everyone,
I have an idea: we should keep on talking about other ways to keep this group going, so we can connect and support each other's volunteering efforts. Would it be possible to start a weekly column on Living In Theory, about volunteering? Maybe we could alternate sharing our challenges and experiences here... We're such a diverse group? What do you think?
Rodrigo
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