This is an interesting concept. I never play the lottery. Maybe I should try it at least once after answering this question.
The current mega millions jackpot in New York is $71,000,000. Honestly, I'm not sure I could imagine having even 1/71 of that. Let's just work with that instead.
If I had $1,000,000...
Well, let's see, it would play out like this.
$100,000 to pay off school loans and continue putting Eaic through school and pay for some continuing education
$500,000 to buy a home
$25,000 to buy a couple new cars
$10,000 for a dream wedding
$200,000 for my kids' education
the remaining $165,000 would go to my parents and my family. Lord knows they put up with a whole lot from me growing up.
Aside from school loans, I'm not in any scary debt situation. It'd be nice to be debt-free and living well... so yes, I think I might just play the lottery once.
Sunday, January 26, 2014
Monday, January 20, 2014
What's at The Top of My Bucket List?
I may not have a "bucket list" per se, but I have two lists that are similar.
One is a list of things that I'd like to do or see prior to leaving NYC. It a list of so many things - from parks to museums, from ice cream shops to unique sculptures. It's fun to check them off - one... by... one.
My other list is of 101 things to do in 1001 days. I started in 850 days ago, so I only have 151 days left. So, what's on this list? Well, you can check it out here and here. In case you're not likely to follow links, I'll give you a little taste.
Some things I'd like to do:
*Learn to Play Guitar Well Enough to Lead Worship
*Save $500 Using Coupons
*Find Out My Blood Type
*Bungee Jump
*Read The Entire Bible
*Drive-In Theatre
*Have a No-Internet Weekend
*Visit Silvia in Italy
*Write 150 Blogs in This Blog
Some things I've done in 850 days:
*Go To a Cocktail Party
*Eat a Deep-Fried Candy Bar
*Get a Postcard Posted on PostSecret
*Eat Somewhere I Actually Have to Dress Up For
*Go To a Youth Ministry or Women's Convention
*Get A Pedicure
*Quit Smoking
*Fall In Love
*Dance in The Rain Downtown
It's been a fun journey, but I'm a little disappointed. In the last 850 days, I've accomplished major things, it's true. However, I've only crossed off about 1/4 of the 101 things. I wonder what I can accomplish in the next 5ish months...
One is a list of things that I'd like to do or see prior to leaving NYC. It a list of so many things - from parks to museums, from ice cream shops to unique sculptures. It's fun to check them off - one... by... one.
My other list is of 101 things to do in 1001 days. I started in 850 days ago, so I only have 151 days left. So, what's on this list? Well, you can check it out here and here. In case you're not likely to follow links, I'll give you a little taste.
Some things I'd like to do:
*Learn to Play Guitar Well Enough to Lead Worship
*Save $500 Using Coupons
*Find Out My Blood Type
*Bungee Jump
*Read The Entire Bible
*Drive-In Theatre
*Have a No-Internet Weekend
*Visit Silvia in Italy
*Write 150 Blogs in This Blog
Some things I've done in 850 days:
*Go To a Cocktail Party
*Eat a Deep-Fried Candy Bar
*Get a Postcard Posted on PostSecret
*Eat Somewhere I Actually Have to Dress Up For
*Go To a Youth Ministry or Women's Convention
*Get A Pedicure
*Quit Smoking
*Fall In Love
*Dance in The Rain Downtown
It's been a fun journey, but I'm a little disappointed. In the last 850 days, I've accomplished major things, it's true. However, I've only crossed off about 1/4 of the 101 things. I wonder what I can accomplish in the next 5ish months...
Saturday, January 18, 2014
What's In My Purse?
I accepting a blogging challenge, so I will be writing a couple of rather random-sounding blogs. The first of these blogs is even more random than the rest.
First, a story about my current purse. I was headed back to Grand Rapids, MI for the Fourth of July (which you can read about here) and it appeared as though I had no good way to transport my laptop. I used to use a backpack when I was in school, but I'm not exactly a student anymore and backpacks aren't exactly stylish when that's not the case. I needed something else. So, I headed to the local TJMaxx and checked out the selection. I wound up with a cute silver bag with a bow. My full-size laptop fits perfectly inside. Plus, it looks cute!
Now - what is in my purse? Well, I just took out my wallet to buy a Groupon deal. My wallet is pink, short and chunky. I recently added a bunch of business cards to my purse. You'll find some cash because here in NY, there tend to be more "cash only" stores and restaurants than I've ever known in Grand Rapids. In case of dry hands, I have a small bottle of Bath and Body Works lotion. In case of dry lips, I have Body Shop lip butter. I have my work keys. I have an appointment card for my next dental appointment on February 5th. That's about it.
I used to carry a book, but took that out to read before bed.
And that, my friends, is what's in my purse. What's in your purse?
First, a story about my current purse. I was headed back to Grand Rapids, MI for the Fourth of July (which you can read about here) and it appeared as though I had no good way to transport my laptop. I used to use a backpack when I was in school, but I'm not exactly a student anymore and backpacks aren't exactly stylish when that's not the case. I needed something else. So, I headed to the local TJMaxx and checked out the selection. I wound up with a cute silver bag with a bow. My full-size laptop fits perfectly inside. Plus, it looks cute!
Now - what is in my purse? Well, I just took out my wallet to buy a Groupon deal. My wallet is pink, short and chunky. I recently added a bunch of business cards to my purse. You'll find some cash because here in NY, there tend to be more "cash only" stores and restaurants than I've ever known in Grand Rapids. In case of dry hands, I have a small bottle of Bath and Body Works lotion. In case of dry lips, I have Body Shop lip butter. I have my work keys. I have an appointment card for my next dental appointment on February 5th. That's about it.
I used to carry a book, but took that out to read before bed.
And that, my friends, is what's in my purse. What's in your purse?
Monday, January 13, 2014
9/11 In New York City
This post is a little late coming.
About four months late, to be exact.
Well, at that time, I was still working in our administrative offices. September 11, 2013 was a Wednesday. I had already planned to miss church that evening and go to the September 11th memorial along the north shore of Staten Island, directly across from Manhattan. What I didn't know were the stories that awaited me in the office.
I've come to grow quite fond of the three men with whom I shared an office. One is Demmis. He's an international intern from Guatemala, working as PH's Volunteer Coordinator. He wasn't here when 9/11 occurred, nor was he in the office that day. Not that he's a bad guy or unimportant, because he is exactly the opposite... but let's ignore him for today.
Another one is FR (or as I refer to him when talking to my mom, "the funny father"). As I sat with him on 9/11, he shared with me some pictures. At the time, he was a practicing priest (as others refer to him, he is non-practicing - but I am of the school that one does not just leave their 'practice' as a spiritual guide, but that's another story for another day). Anyway, he was overseeing a Jesuit retreat center on Staten Island at the time. Because of the shut-down of transportation to and from the city, people were stranded on Staten Island. That retreat center opened the doors for them. FR was also called upon to be on hand as the rubble was delivered to the landfill. In the case that remains were discovered, he would be there to pray over them. It's safe to say that he was on the front lines in the aftermath.
My other office companion was S. S used to work in Manhattan, for a telephone company. On 9/11, he was at work. He told me his story and says that day, he almost lost his life. He worked in the same area as the two towers and when the first plane hit, his building evacuated. He left and started walking northward. As the second plane hit the towers, an enormous fireball was created... and headed straight toward him. It came down the same street that he was walking up and had he not found a quick place to get out of its path, it would have killed him. He ended up wandering around Manhattan that day after finding his daughter, and reflecting on his life.
I'm thankful for these stories. I'm thankful for those who gave their lives trying to save others that day.
About four months late, to be exact.
Well, at that time, I was still working in our administrative offices. September 11, 2013 was a Wednesday. I had already planned to miss church that evening and go to the September 11th memorial along the north shore of Staten Island, directly across from Manhattan. What I didn't know were the stories that awaited me in the office.
I've come to grow quite fond of the three men with whom I shared an office. One is Demmis. He's an international intern from Guatemala, working as PH's Volunteer Coordinator. He wasn't here when 9/11 occurred, nor was he in the office that day. Not that he's a bad guy or unimportant, because he is exactly the opposite... but let's ignore him for today.
Another one is FR (or as I refer to him when talking to my mom, "the funny father"). As I sat with him on 9/11, he shared with me some pictures. At the time, he was a practicing priest (as others refer to him, he is non-practicing - but I am of the school that one does not just leave their 'practice' as a spiritual guide, but that's another story for another day). Anyway, he was overseeing a Jesuit retreat center on Staten Island at the time. Because of the shut-down of transportation to and from the city, people were stranded on Staten Island. That retreat center opened the doors for them. FR was also called upon to be on hand as the rubble was delivered to the landfill. In the case that remains were discovered, he would be there to pray over them. It's safe to say that he was on the front lines in the aftermath.
My other office companion was S. S used to work in Manhattan, for a telephone company. On 9/11, he was at work. He told me his story and says that day, he almost lost his life. He worked in the same area as the two towers and when the first plane hit, his building evacuated. He left and started walking northward. As the second plane hit the towers, an enormous fireball was created... and headed straight toward him. It came down the same street that he was walking up and had he not found a quick place to get out of its path, it would have killed him. He ended up wandering around Manhattan that day after finding his daughter, and reflecting on his life.
I'm thankful for these stories. I'm thankful for those who gave their lives trying to save others that day.
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