If I won the lottery...
Dec 4th, 2006, 07:04 PM
#81
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I just read what I wrote, and feel the need to clarify one thing.
What I meant with my comment about losing my grandmother in February was that she would not have been able to handle it between losing my uncle and my dad in the same week. She was 101 when she passed, and led a long and happy life, however, she would not have been able to deal with the two losses at once, which is why I'm thankful that she passed first.
What I meant with my comment about losing my grandmother in February was that she would not have been able to handle it between losing my uncle and my dad in the same week. She was 101 when she passed, and led a long and happy life, however, she would not have been able to deal with the two losses at once, which is why I'm thankful that she passed first.
Dec 5th, 2006, 06:45 AM
#82
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pantelia - I know exactly what you meant. My father died before his mother. His funeral was absolutely awful for her. She just kept saying, "this isn't the way it's supposed to be". It was heartbreaking.
I did not catch the name of that documentary, unfortunately...
I did not catch the name of that documentary, unfortunately...
Dec 5th, 2006, 07:39 AM
#83
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2006 year was bad, bad for me too. I am sure hoping 2007 is going to be better. Things beyond my command or control!
I would have that prescious commodity time if I won the lottery, because it would free about 51 hours of my life every week. That would be priceless. No worry about health insurance either, or what I am going to do with my Dad.
I saw the $100,000 experiment, travelgirl. That was really, really well done. I find that happen with my work and at the Crisis Center too. New clothes, job, and 1/2 way house all blown for various reasons, again & again. I DID have one young man who won a small lottery prize of about $125,000 and blew it all within a year-mostly on a truck too. I pleaded with him to do a CD or a Mutual Fund, but he wouldn't. He also ended up owing taxes he no longer had money to pay, and fighting with relatives.
I could handle it, and well.
Of course I would go to Europe for a couple of months, and also see Hawaii for the first time. I would have plans for trusts for my grandkids that they would not get until they were 40 years old. I would also see New Zealand, and spend a month or two in Australia. Would go to Japan for sure.
And I would buy season's tickets for the White Sox. And most probably end up buying a lot of properties with management services I could use to facilitate them. And I would also let it "trickle down".
I don't think I would change my dress/looks or buying habits within fashion, but I know I would change my travel, especially would rent apartments and move more often. I would keep my MI housesite, knock down the house and build what the the site deserves.
I would have that prescious commodity time if I won the lottery, because it would free about 51 hours of my life every week. That would be priceless. No worry about health insurance either, or what I am going to do with my Dad.
I saw the $100,000 experiment, travelgirl. That was really, really well done. I find that happen with my work and at the Crisis Center too. New clothes, job, and 1/2 way house all blown for various reasons, again & again. I DID have one young man who won a small lottery prize of about $125,000 and blew it all within a year-mostly on a truck too. I pleaded with him to do a CD or a Mutual Fund, but he wouldn't. He also ended up owing taxes he no longer had money to pay, and fighting with relatives.
I could handle it, and well.
Of course I would go to Europe for a couple of months, and also see Hawaii for the first time. I would have plans for trusts for my grandkids that they would not get until they were 40 years old. I would also see New Zealand, and spend a month or two in Australia. Would go to Japan for sure.
And I would buy season's tickets for the White Sox. And most probably end up buying a lot of properties with management services I could use to facilitate them. And I would also let it "trickle down".
I don't think I would change my dress/looks or buying habits within fashion, but I know I would change my travel, especially would rent apartments and move more often. I would keep my MI housesite, knock down the house and build what the the site deserves.
Dec 5th, 2006, 08:33 AM
#84
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Actually the homeless guy was an alcoholic, which the director of "Reversal of Fortune" acknowledged. He was not a heroin, meth, or crack user, making him a tiny bit more "unpredictable" since it's a no-brainer that a heroin, meth or crack head would not "make it".
I was really disappointed by the choices that the director made. He said he interviewed homeless people looking for someone where the outcome was truly unpredicatable. The notion that an estranged alcoholic (who had been homeless for TWENTY years) had a fair chance of making a successful transition after being handed a suitcase with $100,000 in cash is really dubious.
I wish he had chosen a homeless person with the BEST POSSIBLE chance of making a life change -- say, a non-addict mother living out of a car with her kids, who lost their apt after a divorce, etc. What a complete waste of money -- the explicit message of that show became "don't throw money at a problem," making it easier for the public to feel there's no point in wanting to help others less fortunate.
I suppose they thought it would be "boring" or "less dramatic" to focus on a functioning parent, down on their luck, putting their life back together by doing mundane things like renting an apt and getting their kids new clothes and school supplies. I mean come on, that homeless guy hadn't had a stable job for TWENTY YEARS. I almost feel like it was unethical to set that guy up -- how will this add to his "demons" of being a failure, a loser, etc?
I was really disappointed by the choices that the director made. He said he interviewed homeless people looking for someone where the outcome was truly unpredicatable. The notion that an estranged alcoholic (who had been homeless for TWENTY years) had a fair chance of making a successful transition after being handed a suitcase with $100,000 in cash is really dubious.
I wish he had chosen a homeless person with the BEST POSSIBLE chance of making a life change -- say, a non-addict mother living out of a car with her kids, who lost their apt after a divorce, etc. What a complete waste of money -- the explicit message of that show became "don't throw money at a problem," making it easier for the public to feel there's no point in wanting to help others less fortunate.
I suppose they thought it would be "boring" or "less dramatic" to focus on a functioning parent, down on their luck, putting their life back together by doing mundane things like renting an apt and getting their kids new clothes and school supplies. I mean come on, that homeless guy hadn't had a stable job for TWENTY YEARS. I almost feel like it was unethical to set that guy up -- how will this add to his "demons" of being a failure, a loser, etc?
Dec 5th, 2006, 08:51 AM
#85
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JJ5 - Sending you good vibes for an improved year ahead!
About the documentary, I felt that the guy was just somehow 'meant' to be homeless. He didn't seem to be able to function with the restrictions of a job, etc., in society. I sometimes see things people do and wonder why, why, why they do not choose to make a better life for themselves. Sometimes people seem to make the worst choices, over and over. Maybe they just don't know how to do it differently or were never given a sense of optimism or hope when they were young?
About the documentary, I felt that the guy was just somehow 'meant' to be homeless. He didn't seem to be able to function with the restrictions of a job, etc., in society. I sometimes see things people do and wonder why, why, why they do not choose to make a better life for themselves. Sometimes people seem to make the worst choices, over and over. Maybe they just don't know how to do it differently or were never given a sense of optimism or hope when they were young?
Dec 5th, 2006, 08:55 AM
#87
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Sell the duplex and buy a nice modest 3 bedroom home that we would keep till the end.
Pay for the rest of DS's college and help 2 DS's with college loans to pay them off.
Put most of it away. Live off the interest, never touch the balance of the principal. I'd love to be able to pass that on to my kids.
But the interest would be enough that we'd be able to help my mom out, and travel. I'd gift money to members of my family, and some of DH's family in such a was as they would not have to pay taxes on it.
I'd retire and we'd travel every year. So many places to see, so little time.
Pay for the rest of DS's college and help 2 DS's with college loans to pay them off.
Put most of it away. Live off the interest, never touch the balance of the principal. I'd love to be able to pass that on to my kids.
But the interest would be enough that we'd be able to help my mom out, and travel. I'd gift money to members of my family, and some of DH's family in such a was as they would not have to pay taxes on it.
I'd retire and we'd travel every year. So many places to see, so little time.
Dec 5th, 2006, 08:56 AM
#88
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The first thing I would NOT do is alert the media and stand in front of cameras with that big cardboard check.
I would begin investing in low risk areas, so we could live off the interest.
We would sell this house.
I would set up a monthly allowance for us.
I know, I am too practical.
Only THEN we would run away to Italy to live in the countryside.
I would begin investing in low risk areas, so we could live off the interest.
We would sell this house.
I would set up a monthly allowance for us.
I know, I am too practical.
Only THEN we would run away to Italy to live in the countryside.
Dec 5th, 2006, 09:04 AM
#89
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I do think that that $100,000 experiment MIGHT have gone differently with a woman who had children. Then I think there may have been some eventual betterment in choices.
But from where I sat, and with no alcohol or drugs involved, there WERE people that did not fit into the working world and did have much the same overviews as this man did.
I have sat with people and told them about what this will buy and what that will buy and they simply have no concept about "end" of funds when they have "some" funds.
But from where I sat, and with no alcohol or drugs involved, there WERE people that did not fit into the working world and did have much the same overviews as this man did.
I have sat with people and told them about what this will buy and what that will buy and they simply have no concept about "end" of funds when they have "some" funds.
Jan 23rd, 2007, 07:20 PM
#91
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I like the idea of renting the Irish castle--I'd do that and ask U2 if they'd perform a private concert for us if I donate a large sum to their charity/cause. I'd give a lot back to church and for low income kids to have nice clothes and school supplies--anonymously. I'd also go all over Europe with my family hitting evey country, then take them back home for school. Then I'd go back to Barcelona and stay there for a few weeks soaking up the climate and find a good tapas cook to come back home with me to open a restaurant. Sigh...
Jan 23rd, 2007, 09:14 PM
#92
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I can really not afford to fly first or business class and buy an apartment in Paris - even if I sell everything I own!
Therefore, when (not if) I win the lottery....
1. I will pay all my debt
2. Share money with my family and people I know who are suffering
3. Then - and this is the nicest part....I will be on the first plane - business class of course to buy my dream house in Provence! I will run a wonderful guest house (and have 1 room available for Fodorites for free!)Of course I will have somebody reliable to stand in while I am visiting all the places I always wanted to see ... Japan, Vietnam. Tibet, Peru, Guatamala, Marocco, Russia, Scandinavia...
Vagabondlady, I will definitely make use of your offer!
It is sooo good to dream...
Therefore, when (not if) I win the lottery....
1. I will pay all my debt
2. Share money with my family and people I know who are suffering
3. Then - and this is the nicest part....I will be on the first plane - business class of course to buy my dream house in Provence! I will run a wonderful guest house (and have 1 room available for Fodorites for free!)Of course I will have somebody reliable to stand in while I am visiting all the places I always wanted to see ... Japan, Vietnam. Tibet, Peru, Guatamala, Marocco, Russia, Scandinavia...
Vagabondlady, I will definitely make use of your offer!
It is sooo good to dream...
Jan 23rd, 2007, 10:08 PM
#93
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Well, it seems I'm not the only one who dreams of winning it big. What would I do?
I'd sell my condo and put my belongings in storage.
Help out some needy family members and friends.
Book that first class ticket to Europe. Question: if I chartered a private plane would I have to go through security and remove my shoes? If the answer is no, then I'm chartering that flight.
No desire to purchase a villa in Spain or Tuscany, etc. Just want to stay in charismatic small hotels, staying as long as I want, wherever I want. Of course, I'd invite some friends to join me. Greece, yes, definitely some time in Greece.
My chauffeur would be at my beck and call. Private guides would be hired.
I would still dine at little trattorias and bistros. There are just some things where money isn't the answer.
I'd still wander the flea markets of Paris rather than shop on the Champs Elysees. It's just in my nature.
I'd take hot air balloon rides over Tuscany and the Loire Valley.
Once home (Southern California), I would buy a large house with lots of bedrooms. I really do dream about creating themed bedrooms in which my guests can stay. An Asian room, a Provence room, a Tuscany room, maybe a Santa Fe room. What fun that shopping extravaganza would be.
Mostly I'd kiss my "day" job goodbye and concentrate on photographing all the wonderful places I'll be visiting.
I'd sell my condo and put my belongings in storage.
Help out some needy family members and friends.
Book that first class ticket to Europe. Question: if I chartered a private plane would I have to go through security and remove my shoes? If the answer is no, then I'm chartering that flight.
No desire to purchase a villa in Spain or Tuscany, etc. Just want to stay in charismatic small hotels, staying as long as I want, wherever I want. Of course, I'd invite some friends to join me. Greece, yes, definitely some time in Greece.
My chauffeur would be at my beck and call. Private guides would be hired.
I would still dine at little trattorias and bistros. There are just some things where money isn't the answer.
I'd still wander the flea markets of Paris rather than shop on the Champs Elysees. It's just in my nature.
I'd take hot air balloon rides over Tuscany and the Loire Valley.
Once home (Southern California), I would buy a large house with lots of bedrooms. I really do dream about creating themed bedrooms in which my guests can stay. An Asian room, a Provence room, a Tuscany room, maybe a Santa Fe room. What fun that shopping extravaganza would be.
Mostly I'd kiss my "day" job goodbye and concentrate on photographing all the wonderful places I'll be visiting.
Jan 24th, 2007, 06:19 AM
#95
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"If I were a rich man,
Ya ha deedle deedle, bubba bubba deedle deedle dum.
All day long I'd biddy biddy bum.
If I were a wealthy man.
I wouldn't have to work hard.
Ya ha deedle deedle, bubba bubba deedle deedle dum.
If I were a biddy biddy rich,
Yidle-diddle-didle-didle man.
I'd build a big tall house with rooms by the dozen,
Right in the middle of the town.
A fine tin roof with real wooden floors below.
There would be one long staircase just going up,
And one even longer coming down,
And one more leading nowhere, just for show.........."
http://www.stlyrics.com/lyrics/fiddl...rearichman.htm
Ya ha deedle deedle, bubba bubba deedle deedle dum.
All day long I'd biddy biddy bum.
If I were a wealthy man.
I wouldn't have to work hard.
Ya ha deedle deedle, bubba bubba deedle deedle dum.
If I were a biddy biddy rich,
Yidle-diddle-didle-didle man.
I'd build a big tall house with rooms by the dozen,
Right in the middle of the town.
A fine tin roof with real wooden floors below.
There would be one long staircase just going up,
And one even longer coming down,
And one more leading nowhere, just for show.........."
http://www.stlyrics.com/lyrics/fiddl...rearichman.htm
Jan 24th, 2007, 08:14 AM
#97
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I would keep my house in NY. I'd sell my condo in Florida and buy a big house somewhere in FL or Hawaii where I'd live January through April.
I would definitely plan a trip. I'd like to go to Hawaii & Tahiti, then Asia. I'd like to see France, Germany, Ireland and London. I would definitely buy a villa or farmhouse in Tuscany for my summers.
I'd buy commercial real estate with my winnings and try to invest well to live off the revenues long term WHEN I QUIT MY JOB! Woohoo!
This was fun!
Natalie
I would definitely plan a trip. I'd like to go to Hawaii & Tahiti, then Asia. I'd like to see France, Germany, Ireland and London. I would definitely buy a villa or farmhouse in Tuscany for my summers.
I'd buy commercial real estate with my winnings and try to invest well to live off the revenues long term WHEN I QUIT MY JOB! Woohoo!
This was fun!
Natalie
