Who has two thumbs and just won a trip to New York?

*this mama!*

I. Won. I Woniwoniwoniwon. I have said that about 182,345 times since finding out Friday morning, and I’m still not sure it has sunk in.

Friday was overwhelming, in such a great way. There have been few times in my life that I have been so awe-struck by the support of my friends, family, blog readers, and even complete strangers. By the end of the day, I was running out of ways to say “Thank you!” and grossly overusing exclamation points. How do you say thank you genuinely enough, when the congratulations mean so much?!

After some of the excitement settled, I began writing back and forth to Gazalle at Lovable Labels. I sent her my information, we worked out different logistics, and she even told me that they booked an extra night for me at the Hilton where the conference is located. Seriously, how sweet is that?!

I immediately began to realize that although the big-ticket aspects of the trip were covered, there were other aspects that I would still have to pay for, such as baggage fees (I really hate that they charge for baggage!), transportation fare to/from the airport (boo to no free shuttles!), and other random times when I need food, etc. (and by etc. I mean coffee. Sweet, glorious coffee.)

Frankly, that turned my insides out. We’re really tightly budgeted right now, especially since both babies are still on formula (ohmygoodness, it’s a fortune). I hemmed and hawed over an idea… I worried that people would think I was being greedy… but I went for it anyway.

I created a chip-in page for my New York Incidentals. (You can see it here, if you want.) I put the link on Facebook and my writers’ forum and asked if anyone felt like they wanted to throw a couple bucks my way, I’d certainly appreciate it. Then, I bit my nails.

I knew what some people would think.

“You just won a free trip to NYC, and now you’re asking for more?!”

I know! I get that.

(I actually did have a friend call me up and ask this same question, more out of complete awe that people would actually help me out than anything.)

Simply… I figured it couldn’t hurt to ask. If no one sent anything, I absolutely wouldn’t be offended, but if someone felt like they wanted to help me out, I was opening up that opportunity.

The awe I felt after receiving all of the congratulations and way to gos on Friday was about to increase tenfold.

Immediately, friends (several of whom I’ve never met before) and family started donating to my account. They each said, “Enjoy a little something on me” or “Live NYC up to the fullest,” and one friend even said, “Talent like yours needs to be rewarded! Have fun!”

Right now, I have enough to cover transportation, baggage, and a couple of cups of coffee. My friend and I are arriving in NYC two days before the conference, and we’ve lined up some inexpensive or free things to do, and still see the city.

I feel blessed.

Some people might still think I’m greedy or a little too bold for asking for money. Maybe bold. Not greedy. I hope that anyone who sent some cash my way knows how much I deeply appreciate it, not as much for the money (though, of course, that’s huge), but just for what it says to me. Just like the congratulatory comments and pats on the back, it tells me that they’re rooting for me and are excited for me.

So, if you have ever supported me… be it financially, through encouragement, a much needed girls’ night out, fed me dinner, birthed me (hi mom!), commented on my blog to show me that I’m not simply talking to myself…

Thank you. Really, truly, thank you.

And if you are ever tempted to reach out to your friends and ask for some help… Do it. Ask, and you shall receive. People love being involved and knowing they’ve helped someone.

Give them the opportunity, don’t abuse it, of course, but when the need arises, ask.

You never know where it’ll lead and what you, and they, will get from it.