222. Why Enter

If you've never read anything by Jennifer Weiner, you're missing out. In fact, I'm a little embarrassed that with all the posts I've written about the magnificence of romance novels, I haven't mentioned her until now. Her 2002 novel, Good in Bed, was one of the first rom-coms I read that convinced me I'd found my genre. I also highly recommend her more recent books, particularly Mrs. Everything and the Summer series.

With 64,400 subscribers, she's one of the more popular authors I follow on Instagram. I like her content because it's about her books, showing her genuine excitement over cover reveals and new works, but it also shows her long-distance biking; time with her daughters, husband, and dog; travels; great dinners and desserts she eats; etc. In other words, it shows her as a real person, not just an author or publicist.

Plus, she's Jewish and did a social media #EightCrazyNightsGiveaway! ⁠. I don't usually enter Instagram contests. In fact, my own daughters and I have had debates about the likelihood that influencers are actually giving away some of the things they claim to offer, with my offering the curmudgeon's lines of "nothing's free" and "be careful."

And then, this author whose books I admire and whose account makes me happy posted a photo of caramel. If you know my dislike of chocolate and affinity to sweet, gooey, rich, creamy caramel, you know that Fat Toad Farm's topping is less Achilles' heel and more obsession/addiction. If eating it by the bowl is wrong, I don't want to be right. So I followed the directions in the post and entered my name in the comments.

And I won, which despite what I've been telling my girls for years, I couldn't have done if I hadn't entered. (To see exactly what I won and, if you want, order some deliciousness for yourself, you can look at and/or click the photo below.) Of course, that if-then is true about a lot of things. We can't get jobs and scholarships we don't apply for or get into schools we don't submit applications to. In fact, very few things will come our way if we don't go out of our way and push ourselves beyond what's comfortable to make them happen. Many of us wait until we're ready to put ourselves in the way of opportunities, but that habit allows others to take those spots, even if they too have to learn on the job. Why shouldn't it be you figuring things out as you go? I'm a big fan of pushing forward and muddling through. Plus, thanks to Jennifer Weiner (and her helpful assistant), I have been coating my popcorn in caramel bliss!

What are some of the best things you've won? Better, what are some of the best opportunities you've put yourself in the way of? Or worked really hard to achieve? Please share your thoughts in the comments.