How would a lump sum payment of $934.8 million change my life? Let me count the ways. I’ve heard that I’d be able to afford a small island. And that I’d be able to build a mansion on it. I could fly there in my private jet and bring along my newly hired staff to cook and clean for me. Oh yeah, and I could provide each member of my family with a villa of their own so it would be a true vacation. Sadly, there would still be things outside my budget. Like the Chicago Blackhawks Franchise. What a bummer because that would’ve made a killer Chanukah gift for my kids. But let’s return to earth and get real.
We don’t buy Powerball tickets unless the winnings are off the charts, which seems to be happening more and more often these days. And I understand all the rules of statistics; like, that I’m more likely to be hit by a meteorite or struck by lightning multiple times than winning one of these ginormous lotteries. But someone has to win, so why couldn’t that someone be me? I was pretty sure this time was going to be it.
You’d know it immediately if I were the winner. I’d break the cardinal rule of not telling anyone till I lawyer up. I wouldn’t even have to actually say the words for you to know that I’ve won. I’m simply incapable of keeping a secret. My cheeks flush and I can’t hide my smile when I pick up a winning mahjongg tile, so if you think I could arrange my features into a poker face on this one, you don’t know me very well. As soon as anyone would bring up the subject of the Powerball, or money, or even lunch, I’d start giggling and avert my eyes. People would become suspicious very quickly.
Would it change my life? Omigosh, I’m getting dizzy just thinking about the things I could buy! I’d for sure splurge on the new Apple Watch Series 8. Most likely a designer bag or two. I’d like to move. My house is 65 years old, and I’d like something newer and grander. With granite countertops. I’d buy each of my kids a car for Chanukah. That would help ease the burn of not being able to own the Blackhawks. I would travel more frequently and fly first-class. I’d stay in 5-star hotels. I wouldn’t have to distract my husband whenever a delivery truck stops in front of our house. (Or perhaps I still would….) Maybe I’d get manicures instead of polishing my own nails. I’d buy Starbucks more often. I’d be able to donate $100 million to the charity of my choice, St. Jude’s, and feel like I’ve made a difference in a meaningful way. And I’d still have heaps and gobs of money left over.
But would it change my life? I’d hope not. My life is pretty good. The things that are important to me now would remain so. I’d still worry about my kids and pray for their good health and safety. I’d still want to spend time with my parents and at my pool. I’d still be obsessed with British Royalty and read in my spare time. I’d probably still bicker with my husband, and probably still about money, although in a different way. I’m sure my husband would still pick up our food orders rather than pay for delivery. I’d still leave the house in joggers and no makeup. I’d probably even keep writing these Jaunts because it brings me joy. Could I buy the gift of long-lasting health? Longevity? Happiness? Some things would remain outside my budget, even if that budget seems monumental.
So, would winning the hugest Powerball in history have changed my life? Not in the important ways for sure, maybe just in ways I wouldn’t want it to change. I wouldn’t want the pressure to please everyone all the time to eclipse the quiet anonymity that is my life now. So, I guess it’s a good thing I didn’t win after all.
I’m fairly certain that the next time the winnings exceed $1 billion, we’ll be buying tickets again. Just don’t ask me if I’ve won.
Love this! And Dave and I are the same...only play when it gets big....and I say the same thing....well "someone" has to win!
Difference is I wouldn't tell a soul, probably not even our kids!! Would be fun to see if I really could keep that secret. Who knows, maybe next large powerball?!?