Let's try this again

I am now a somewhat educated lottery player. Gresham made me aware that I need to check the print out next to the register at the establishment I buy my tickets at to make sure I don't buy tickets that have already paid out their grand prize.  And wouldn't you know it - the first batch of tickets were kinda crap.  Most of them only had one grand prize left or none at all.  Live and learn. 

And now....attempt #2. As I held my crisp $20 bill straight from the ATM, I became THAT person who's buying lottery tickets.  No worries - I'm not the weird lady scratching her life away at the lottery counter in the gas station, but I was the "informed consumer" studying the print out by the register while the attendant slowly kills me with her eyes.  And...I wasn't quick about it.  Turns out, this particular station doesn't carry every ticket, so it was an event trying to pick tickets with good odds that were actually carried in the store.  But, I finally made my decision and I believe I aged that attendant at least a few years.  Clearly, she is not my biggest fan. 

Anyway, I diversified my investments this go round. Here's the rundown:

$10 - $200,000 Cash
$5 - Money Machine
5, $1 - Money Stacks!

I had my hopes up for the $10 tickets and wouldn't you know it, I was totally let down.  As that being the first ticket I scratched, I didn't have a good feeling about this play cycle.  So, onto the $5 ticket....no go there either.  Eeeesh.  So my hope was in the 5, $1 tickets. The overall odds for the $1 tickets in winning something is 1 in 4.24, so statiscally, I had to win.  As I held my breath, I scratched the first 4 $1 tickets....NOTHING.  WTH?  All hope rested in the last ticket, and lo and behold, I won $10.  Phew. 

Update...
-$15 (last cycle standings)
-$20 (this cycle's investment)
$10 (this week's winnings)
-$25

With the luck on the $1 tickets this time, I'm thinking about getting 20 $1 tickets next cycle.  Or should I try mixing it up again? Buying a ticket for $10 is painful, so I'm not leaning towards that option again.  We'll see in 2 weeks.

Here's what my dog thinks about my project....

"She done gone off the deep end."