Thursday, January 9, 2014

If I Had a Million Dollars . . . .

Some people might read what I am about to confess and call it a “blonde moment.”  I am, after all, a blonde.  I have also admitted before that motherhood has most certainly made me dumber than I used to be.  So, if that is the conclusion you draw, then so be it.

I, however, choose to think of it differently.  I believe it was a stroke of incredible genius coupled with the planets aligning perfectly to create a miraculously timed coincidence of cosmic proportion.

You see, some time ago, the lovely ladies that host Finish the Sentence Friday every week, posted in our Facebook group that they were in need of topic suggestions.  They graciously offered a special co-hosting spot to anyone who offered a suggestion that was added to the schedule.  I gave a couple suggestions and - lo and behold - they chose one of them for this week.  I am delighted to be an honorary co-host.  

Here’s my confession, though:  The topic I suggested, “If I had a million dollars. . . .,” is a topic that popped into my head because it is a topic I have written about in the past.  When I made the suggestion, however, it did not occur to me that I would have to write about it AGAIN.  This, friends, is where you could chuckle at my expense and refer to this as a “blonde moment.”

EXCEPT . . . . . 

On Tuesday of this week, as I was pondering how in the world I was going to put a new, interesting spin on a previously done topic, our internet went out (along with our cable TV and phone).  I will spare you the details of the fiasco that has taken place over the last 72 hours as we have tried to get the problem fixed.  Suffice it to say that, as I type this, I am sitting at Barnes and Noble because we are now on day 3 without any service.  THREE DAYS!  As the FTSF deadline was getting closer, I was beginning to panic.

Then  . . in that stroke of genius I mentioned before, I remembered, “You already wrote this post!!!  You don’t actually have to write anything at all!  And, how lucky that this occurred the week your internet was out and you couldn’t get on your blog for three days anyway!!”  <—- That part is the miraculously timed cosmic coincidence!  


So, if you read this back on May 28, 2013, I apologize for the repetition.  If you didn’t read it back then, just ignore everything you have read up to this point and enjoy the following brilliantly   penned piece of literature!
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Recently, someone won the Mega Millions Lottery for a whopping $595 million dollars.  If they take a one time pay out, they will get over $375 million after taxes.  That's a lot of money!!!  and, the last I heard, nobody had claimed the ticket yet!

Now, I know that money isn't everything and I am blessed beyond measure with more than any amount of money could ever buy.  I have three beautiful kids, a wonderful hubby, a more than adequate roof over my head, and plenty of food on my table.  We have everything we need and then some.

Sometimes, though, it is fun to pretend.  All this lottery news was swirling when I was trying to decide on my topic for this Tuesday Ten, so here it is - Ten Things I would do if I won the lottery and "Had a Million Dollars":

1.  College funds - According to the US Department of Public Education, the average annual tuition at a public institution is $15,000 per year.  At a private institution??  How about $32,9000 per year!  They also say there is more student loan debt in the US than there is credit card debt with many students graduating from college with up to $50,000 in debt before they ever earn a "career" paycheck.  I want to make sure my girls are able to get a good college education and I hope they don't have to accrue so much debt to get it.  So, if I won the lottery, one of the first things I would do is set aside plenty of cash to put all three of them through college.
2.  Renovations - We live in the house where my hubby grew up.  When my in-laws "down-sized" we bought this house from them and it really is a great house.  However, it was built in the 70's and could use some updating.  So, if I won the lottery, I would call these guys:
http://www.hgtv.com/cousins-on-call/show/index.html
I would have them start in the master bathroom, then do the kitchen, and, then, move on to the other rooms in the house.
3.  Give to Charity - I would absolutely give a good chunk of the money to charity.  I'm not sure which charity, but I would talk with my family to find the one(s) that mean the most to us and use some of my new-found wealth to help others.
4. Travel - Two weeks ago, my Tuesday Ten was all about places I want to visit.  If I won the lottery, I would starting crossing stuff off that list with the whole family in tow!
5.  Invest/Save -   O.K.  I know that sounds boring, but any amount of money would run out eventually.  Unless, of course, you invest it wisely.  I know little to nothing about stocks, etc. but I would consult with someone who does and figure out what I needed to do to make sure that lottery winning would sustain me for a very long time.
6.  Wedding Funds -   I have three daughters.  I've watched "Say Yes To The Dress."  My girls even have autographed pictures from Randy Fenoli.  I'm in trouble.  Unless I win the lottery . . . 
7.  Shopping - I love to go shopping, but like most moms, I always look at the price tag and feel guilty - especially when I buy things for myself or things we don't really need.  If I won the lottery, I would go shopping and I wouldn't look at those price tags.  I'd buy myself this:

Coach - $398 (http://bit.ly/11rmm06)

and some expensive shoes and some jeans that cost a fortune, but actually fit!
8.  A Private Plane - Well, it would take more than a million dollars, but if I won the big lottery, I'd buy my hubby a plane with a personal pilot on standby.  He travels for work a lot, and, even if we struck it rich, he would still work.  He loves his job and would go stir crazy with nothing to do.  Having a plane, however, would make his traveling mush easier (obviously!) and he could fly whenever he wants to. 
9.  Hire A Private Chef - I actually like to cook.  However, planning menus, grocery shopping, packing lunches, and cooking meals that nobody likes gets really, really old.  If I could afford it, I would hire someone to do all that stuff.  I would let them have holidays and weekends off, so I would still be able to enjoy cooking when it's convenient, but wouldn't have the stress of the constant "What's for dinner?"
10.  Hire a Personal Fashion Designer for my girls and me - I'm not stylish.  Every time I try, I think I look ridiculous.  I would love to have a personal designer/shopper who could help me put together outfits that actually are stylish AND look good.  Since I would have that person on retainer, I would also instruct him/her to design a line of clothes for my girls that are actually age appropriate.  No neon colors that hurt my eyes.  No super short shorts.  Clothes that my girls would actually like that I could live with, too!

**Bonus:
I asked my girls to name 2 things they would do if we won the lottery.  Here are their answers:
Rachel: Buy a horse and go on an African safari
Megan: Buy a horse farm and rescue all the animals
Emily: Buy a private jet and buy a hot tub

**Double Bonus:  
Click Play if you want to hear how the Barenaked Ladies finished this sentence in their song back in the 1990's! You will laugh - I promise.  (And it will probably be stuck in your head for the rest of the day!

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This post was written as part of Finish The Sentence Friday.  FTSF is hosted by some wonderful blogging ladies.  Please give them a visit and check out all the other blogs that participate as well!

Stephanie at Mommy, for Real
Kristi at Finding Ninee
Janine's Confessions of A Mommyaholic

55 comments:

Janine Huldie said...

I am so glad you did get your internet back, but do love you were able to recycle an older post for this. Seriously, I have been able to do this once in awhile for our sentences and can tell you I am so happy when I can. Oh, your first one is totally on my list with student loan issues, plus I also used Bare Naked Ladies video for my post, too. Great minds think alike and just so happy to have you joining us tonight :)

Dana said...

I love to shop, Lisa - can I help you pick out clothes when you go on your shopping spree? I had a purse on my list too - along with shoes, they are my weakness!

Lisa @ The Golden Spoons said...

Thanks Janine! It has been quite a few days without internet. I don't think we event realized how "plugged in" out whole family was until we had no choice but to not be. And, great minds indeed! :-)

Lisa @ The Golden Spoons said...

Absolutely!! I would love to have you along on my shopping spree! :-)

Kim said...

I love that BareNaked Ladies song - it is on my current playlist!!!
And, you can never go wrong with a Coach purse (or several!!).

Lisa @ The Golden Spoons said...

Never! A Coach purse is always in style! :-)

April @ 100lbcountdown said...

I need that private chef! Even if it were just to make the meal once a week and I toss it in the oven to have a home prepared meal.

Kristi - Finding Ninee said...

OOOH the Coach Bag. I might buy that too!! Sorry to hear about all of your annoying internet problems but am glad that you figured out a way to link up to your own sentence! Ha! Also, I do that stuff all the time (blonde moments). This fall, there were some sentences that I thought "huh. what the ______ will I write about that stupid sentence???
And then realized it was mine. I love that you're a co-host this week and thanks so much again!

Sarah @ LeftBrainBuddha said...

Oh my gosh Lisa our lists are sooooo similar! Items 1-4 are identical! And the song, of course... And oh that sucks about being without internet! Hope it gets restored soon!

Bianca Avelino said...

Must've been a relief that you already wrote this post. You're the THIRD blogger to reference the BNL song. Have i been living under a rock? I've never heard this. You're one smart cookie for saving for a wedding fund. I never thought of that! I do love that so far, everyone has mentioned saving some money too!- Bianca @ Track Pants and a Tot

Deb @ Urban Moo Cow said...

I'm laughing at this because, like me, you would need way more than a million for your wish list! I don't know, maybe I'm just skewed by NYC prices. I need the chef and the shopping spree desperately as well, though!

Deb @ Urban Moo Cow said...

Ps, sorry about your interwebs! So stressful.

Tamara Bowman said...

Aww, Megan! So sweet. But I'm with Emily - private jet and hot tub..PLEASE.
Lots of travel, lots of travel, lots of sleep because I won't be up as much worrying about how we'll pay for preschool, much less college.
And lots of giving. I have it in my heart, but not in my wallet. Yet.

Jen Kehl said...

LOL on all the horseys but more so on Emily and the Private Jet and Hot Tub! What's she been watching?? This is a great list, oh to have a private chef. I'd probably lose 50lbs and still love the food!

Chris HyeThymeCafe said...

I would go out of my mind if I had no phone/cable/internet for more than a few hours! Losing one or two is manageable, but all three??? That's the problem nowadays, so many services have them combined, so if you lose one, you lose them all. I think I heard a few days ago that the other winner finally turned up for that big MegaMillions win. They hadn't checked their number until then! Now come on ... if I knew the winning ticket was purchased in my area, you can bet your @$$ I'd be checking those numbers! ;)

Michelle Nahom said...

You've got some creative ideas here! I could use a fashion stylist too! I usually ask my daughter, because she has way more fashion sense than me. Not sure where she got it because it certainly wasn't from either her father or I!

Karen said...

wow...love this post...allthat money and you certainly have planned it all out...if I ever win that much money, I'm going to have to use some of your ideas...LOL

Jennifer Steck said...

Playing what if is fun…so, like you, I've actually considered what I would do if I received a cash windfall. It has been fun to think about. Your ideas of a chef and fashion designer would help me too. I might add a personal trainer with a whip. I hope your internet and phone get fixed. The withdrawal is painful.

Lisa @ The Golden Spoons said...

I would definitely need way more than a million! :-) But, I figure, if I dreaming, I might as well dream big!

Lisa @ The Golden Spoons said...

Me too! I like to cook, but we are so busy I just don't have the time and I get so tired of trying to please all the picky eaters in my house~

Lisa @ The Golden Spoons said...

Ha! I am happy to be a co-host this week and glad to know I am not the only one who has had those moments!

Lisa @ The Golden Spoons said...

Thankfully, out service was restored yesterday. It's been an interesting few days to say the least! Can't wait to read you list!

Lisa @ The Golden Spoons said...

The wedding fund actually comes from my hubby - that is the first thing he thought of with each daughter we had! I always thought that was kind of weird, but he does have a point!

Lisa @ The Golden Spoons said...

Yes, my Megan has a big heart! :-) I would go to so many places if I had the funds! It would be so nice to not have to worry about money~

Lisa @ The Golden Spoons said...

I'd probably lose weight too! Not sure where my little one got the hot tub idea, but I like it!

Lisa @ The Golden Spoons said...

The last few days have been interesting for sure! Fortunately it was all restored yesterday afternoon. I would be checking my numbers, too! Can't believe it would take someone that long to realize they won!

Lisa @ The Golden Spoons said...

Well, I have three girls to ask, but they all have their own styles that are not at all congruent with mine. :-)

Lisa @ The Golden Spoons said...

:-) Only sad part is, it would take way more than a million dollars to do everything on my list!

Lisa @ The Golden Spoons said...

I hate exercise so I think I would skip the personal trainer and maybe add liposuction! :-)

Lisa @ The Golden Spoons said...

I'm sure my daughters would say the same about me!

Considerer said...

Congrats on the co-hosting gig, and YAY for having this written already :D

Kenya G. Johnson said...

Big chuckle for the beginning of your post. Not that you're without internet and stuff but all the other. That's something I'd do, I have plenty of blonde moments - so you don't have to be a blonde ;-) I had to go to the laundry mat today. And I felt totally stupid reading the directions on the machine. I have been to one in 14 years. So I pressed the emergency stop button instead or start which someone how made me have to put in another quarter. Seems like the big red button would be "start". That'll probably be in a post one day. So I'll stop there.


Your #7 I don't love shopping, but I think I would really have fun if I didn't have any limitations. You know and go shopping like Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman.

Marielle A. Lord said...

I don't need 1 million to get my goals done but heyyyy lol I guess that would mean i can use the rest to splurge!!



1. Pay off my debts!!!!!
2. get my dream home
3. bring my mom to Canada (she lives in Haiti and I have not seen her since I was 6 years old)
4. put some aside for my son and his education
5. Open a trust fund for my little cousins. So everyone of them can go to college if they want!
6. go on a trip to South Korea with my sister

Marielle A. Lord said...

I'd steal your number 9 and hire a chef too lol and someone to fold my laundry! GAWD I hate folding clothes. Also I forgot how awesome the Barenaked Ladies are thanks for the reminder!

Stephanie Sprenger said...

First of all, please forgive my embarrassing omission of listing you as the co-hostess who came up with the idea- gah! It was my own "blonde even though I'm not blonde" moment. I had to laugh at your "blonde moment"- ha! I think your ideas are great- especially the personal fashion consultant, because I totally need one! ;) Thanks for joining us and for giving us a great idea!

Lisa @ The Golden Spoons said...

Yes - just visiting the restaurants would be another, wonderful way to spend the money!

Lisa @ The Golden Spoons said...

Thanks!

Lisa @ The Golden Spoons said...

Oh to walk down Rodeo Drive like Julia Roberts! That would be awesome!

Lisa @ The Golden Spoons said...

Those are fabulous goals! I can't believe you haven't seen your mom since you were 6 - I cannot even imagine that and I'm sure that would be high priority on your list!

Lisa @ The Golden Spoons said...

No worries! :-)Maybe next time I'll come up with an idea that I haven't already written about!

KalleyC @BloggingWhileNursing said...

If I had a million dollars, I'll be set. Saving most of it, and investing the rest!

Beth Teliho said...

Oh I forgot people with daughters have to worry about wedding funds! Great list. You are like Dana with your purse purchase! Love Coach! You have good taste.

Kerri Ames said...

I asked Abby the same question, first phrase out of her mouth: A HORSE OF COURSE! Maybe she belongs to you because I have never, ever, ever wanted a horse

Ilene Evans said...

Wedding funds! Brilliant! I have two girls so that's what???? a good hundred thou out of that million? Maybe more 15 0 20 years from now? So that leaves me with 900K left? I'll have to ask my kids what they would do with the money . I'd love to go on a safari too!

Meg Kra said...

We always have days when we get writer's block and don't know what to write about. I love your answers. It sounds like you have daughters with big dreams. You are going to need that million dollars!

Chris Carter said...

SO sorry you were without the internet!!! I would go absolutely CRAZY!!! LOVE what you would do with the money!! I would TOTALLY go for a personal chef and fashion designer TOO!! Both areas which I really fail. *Dreaming*

Kate Hall said...

Wow, well what a blessing that you already had it done from before. I know some people (Kenya, ahem) have linked up past posts - gives them new life. I would like a private jet too. That would be sa-weet!

Lisa @ The Golden Spoons said...

Great plan!

Lisa @ The Golden Spoons said...

Ha! Well, I have never wanted one, but my two oldest daughters actually take riding lessons, so it makes sense for them to want one. Still - never going to happen! :-)

Lisa @ The Golden Spoons said...

Weddings are ridiculous! Mine was very small and low-key - now it's like you have to spend thousands on a huge party.

Lisa @ The Golden Spoons said...

They certainly do have big dreams and that million would be nice so I could help them all come true!

Lisa @ The Golden Spoons said...

It was a rough few days! And, yes, *dreaming* is fun, but I try to remember how blessed I already am! :-)

Lisa @ The Golden Spoons said...

Thanks for letting me co-host!

Jen @ Real Life Parenting said...

Between college and weddings, I don't know which will cost more--especially with 3 girls who love SYTTD!! lol

Lisa @ The Golden Spoons said...

Crazy how expensive wedding are these days!

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