Let me start out by saying that I once heard someone say (repeatedly) that people who purchase lottery tickets are simply paying a Stupidity Tax, and I am not entirely disinclined to agree. But, I would just shrug it off and walk to the cornerstore and get my ticket while picking up a pack of rolling papers for him. (Yeah, I think he was paying a Stupidity Tax as well, but he had all kinds of arguements to back that up.) I digress.
So, of course I picked up a lotto ticket for tonight's 5 million dollar jackpot. The chances are slim. But, I am a hopeful kind of girl. I got to thinking about what I would do with the money, and I realize that what I would have done with it 6 years ago is a hell of a lot different than what I would do with it now. At one point, I would have hauled ass out of this town, travelled, slutted-around, and had fun. Now? I guess my priorities have changed.
I would (if I win) still have fun, but would also spend a lot of time and money helping a lot of people out. For instance, I know a lot of people who are in debt because of school... paint them relieved when I pay off their OSAP for them all. I would help out a lot of family and friends who could use the cash, but also help out a lot of businesses and organizations that are struggling in this town. It's a nice community that I live in... I would feel ashamed if I didn't do something to keep it nice. I would give a lot more than I would have when I was younger. I heard a statistic somewhere that said that Canadians tend to give the majority of their lotto winnings away in comparison to Americans who generally hoard it all for themselves. I don't know whether to believe that one or not, but I do know that I probably won't be rich for long, at least money-wise. But I'd be all the richer for all the good I could do with the cash.
I think some of the things on my personal list would include a brand spanking new computer, with the works. And a new car. But, I don't know how much other stuff I would need. I think, I've pretty much got it all, right now.
(I hope I haven't put the whammy on myself by writing this, though.)