One of my favorite things to do on a long drive is to imagine what I would do if I suddenly became rich. I've been playing the game with myself for as long as I can remember. And let me tell you, my idea of "rich" has certainly changed! As a kid on the BORING drive from Nebraska to Utah (think Wyoming, wind and sagebrush), I would contemplate what I would do with $100 since that seemed to me to be a huge sum of money. I'm pretty sure most of that imaginary money was spent on Barbie accessories and new roller skates. Oh and of course pom poms to put on the skates! Obviously as I grew older I started thinking about buying cars, clothes, and crazy amounts of music, but the amount of imaginary money was still not that big.
Now, as an adult, I realize that I am just crazy-greedy in my mind! I start out with whatever Powerball amount I decide sounds good and begin ticking off what I would do. Initially I give my brother and his family like a million bucks, ditto for David's brother and his family. I buy my parents a couple new cars (really, what else do they need in life?) and splurge on high speed internet for my dad (oy vey, that's a whole other post). I also buy David's parents new cars. Then of course I put money away for education, donate to some of my favorite charities, and pay off the bills. Then the fun begins...but wait, do I really need to give my brother a million dollars? Ditto for David's brother. I mean I won the money right? They should be happy with whatever I give them! (See? I'm already getting greedy in my mind!) My sworn sisters, Carol, Peggy, and Angela - well, they'll each get money (in an amount to be determined at a later date) and my friends Daniel and Shonny who I have known the longest will also get some cash.
So now I've divided up the money and I get what's left. But wait, how will I know if I gave too much away? That I might not have enough for all the life-changing things I want to do for me? See? Now I start all over and redistribute money in smaller amounts - leaving more for me! Me and Italy. Me and Australia. Me and my dream house. Me and that BMW 325i.
I'm not sure why I do this to myself. I mean really, it's all pretend and I won't ever win the lottery mainly because I don't actually PLAY the lottery. The game never changes though. I start out being all generous then slowly but surely I start taking back money for me! Perhaps I need to talk with someone about this...know any therapists?
7 comments:
Hmmm... I hope Shonny gets lots of cash as she sounds like a nice person. Also, I think you should take her to Augusta National.
We actually play the lotto every week, and I have these same conversations with myself - haha!
Lori, I have that same obsession...how would I spend my cash! We don't purchase tickets unless it gets over $100 million because, really, who just wants $10 million?!?! ha ha ha
Having all that money and having to determine who best to use or donate it would drive me MAD.
See how blissfully peaceful being BROKE is?
:)
PS...by the way...YES YES YES I have read EAT, PRAY, LOVE! And you just became even more near and dear to me that this book moved you so much, too. I gave it to the woman who I'm renting the house in the Catskills from, before she embarked on her life-changing trip abroad, too. She is STILL thanking me for bringing her to that book! And I thank you very much for thinking I am somone who needs that kind of book and would love it. You are so very correct!
I think it's funny how quickly we can become greedy over imaginary money. I like to play this game too.
OK - Let's say I win $1 million - no wait, $5 million, no wait, if I had $20 million ...
There are studies that show that lottery winners are not always happaier after their wins. But it's a problem I'd be willing to deal with.
I really think it would be best NOT to win the super big money - just enough to make you comfortable for life and still have fun giving gifts (even if it's not $1 million to all the family members).
I once saw a story on TV about two sisters who won the lottery - I think it was relatively "small" only $2 million - but they built houses next to each other and a big shared swimming pool for their kids. They still shopped at Wal-Mart and had a wonderful time.
Hey, look outside. I think hell may have frozen over (here in Kansas anyway - we've had the WORST winter) but also I've been SHOPPING for living room furniture. It's FUN, FUN! I've gotten two big area rugs, and I think we're buying a new chair tomorrow. I've got tile and hard wood floor contractors coming in, and I'm meeting Marsha in two weeks at Ethan Allen to pick out my new couch! I wish you were here.
My mom does this once in while if we watch a game show together. She tells me what she would do for all of her kids and some how we end up in some crazy discussion about how she is favoring someone..... UGh.
BTW I think anonymous is SHonny!
Good words.
Post a Comment