Interview with Mary C., of Rensselaer, Indiana
Mary came in a close second place
in this year's Find-the-Footballs contest. This is closest race we've ever
had, and even into the late hours Sunday night it looked like Mary might be able
to close in on our first-place winner, Peter from Hawaii. [Editor's
note: It turns out that the winner's real name is Wendy. She
registered at dMarie under her husband's email address long ago, and has never
changed her registration information.]
Congratulations on your 2nd place finish in the dMarie Bowl VI Find-the-Footballs contest.
First of all, is there anything else you want to tell us about yourself, Mary C., of Rensselaer, Indiana?
I'm originally from Midlothian, Illinois and have lived in Rensselaer, Indiana for about 2
years now. I'm 34, and have been scrapbooking for about 4 years thanks to my sister who simply asked me one day to "help her out with a couple of layouts" she was working on. Now I'm addicted! I take photos and scrapbook everything, from my nieces and nephews to the wild life in my backyard. This prize most definitely won't go to waste.
Have you ever played in a dMarie Bowl before, and did you plan for this event before it started?
This was my first dMarie Bowl. I received your newsletter a few days before and thought I would give it a try. It was quite a hard competition to endure. Not only was the competition fierce, for Peter gave me fabulous run for the money, but it was physically and mentally exhausting. I did plan, in that I made sure I would have a full 48 hours access to my computer. I think next year though I will plan to have lots more chips, chocolate and pop at arms reach, especially the chocolate.
How often did you check the Leader Board, and did that have an effect on your strategy? And what WAS your strategy?
I checked the Leader Board about every 20 minutes. It did effect my strategy, it was a great tool. It allowed me to know if I needed to step up my efforts, when someone was knocking on my back door and it also showed me when people were dropping back, allowing me to take a 5 minute break. However, the best thing about the Leader Board was that it was my inspiration- it was what kept me driving forward to catch Peter.
My strategy was to get so far out in front, at an early point that others would think the attempt to chase would be futile. My strategy didn't work. I was constantly being hounded by some terrific game players. They kept me on the edge of my seat for 48 hours, save for the time I had to leave and drive to Illinois for a family Birthday party and my only nap which lasted a
whopping 2 hours. Next year I think I'll mail the present and give Peter another chance at losing to me. LOL If he tries hard I'm sure this time he could do it.
Did you, at any time, feel like you were going to catch the leader, Peter L.?
I came pretty close a couple of times to catching Peter but as soon as I did, I relaxed just a little too much, and he shot way out in front again. I kept going until the time ran out just in case Peter accidentally fell asleep or I was granted my wish of a spontaneous tropical storm breaking out over Peters Internet Provider knocking it off line, which sadly didn't happen.
Do you feel that your location in Indiana helped or hurt you against Peter in Hawaii?
I feel my location in Indiana may have hurt me only slightly. I had to wake up at 1:30 am on Saturday Morning to play and stay up to the AM hours on Monday morning. Those early A.M. hours were the worst part of it. Plus, the cold weather vs. Hawaiian tropic weather I'm sure put me at a disadvantage, if only mentally. LOL
What do you plan to buy with your $50.00 Gift Certificate?
As for the $50 gift certificate, I saw many, many wonderful items while search through those thousands of pages and the choices will not be easy. I, however have recently been drawn towards embellishments, so I will probably be picking up eye-lets, fibers or other fun stuff to add to my layouts. However, I reserve the right to change my mind I see more and more fun toys at dMarie.
Do you plan to be back for dMarie Bowl VII?
I will definitely be back next year. Just try and keep me away. Now that I have one dMarie Bowl under my belt I have a better idea as what to expect next year and will definitely plan for it.
See you next year!
Mary Cercone
Rensselaer, Indiana