Kidding! 

I have had the wonderful combination of 
incredibly good luck and very generous and/or 
understanding collectors. 

The only things I would advise are:
- don't go begging for every single cel you miss 
out on. Word travels. 
- don't have a "desperation hissy" and 
beg/demand/whine for the cel. Nine times out of 
ten someone won this cel because they really 
wanted it. A nice note or standing offer to 
trade for/buy the cel if they are ever in the 
market should suffice (and stick to your word!!!)
- accept denial gracefully and don't pester. 
- and finally...keep looking. Ten bucks says 
there is another great cel around the corner. 

Good luck ^_^