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.
Sunday, December 8, 2013
Music I'm Listening To... And a Call for New Suggestions
So, a few weeks ago, I opened up my iTunes to "check" all my Christmas music. It occurred to me that for the first time, I'm not really listening to the radio. How am I supposed to get new music? So, this is my call to you. Either email me (trazylyn... gmail) songs, or comment with suggestions for me to download.
Here are my recommendations for you:
"Advent Hymn" by Rick Lee James and Brannon Hancock
"Cups" by Anna Kendrick
"Thinkin Bout You" by Frank Ocean
"Everyday" by Lincoln Brewster
and "Travelin' On" by Norah Jones
Here are my recommendations for you:
"Advent Hymn" by Rick Lee James and Brannon Hancock
"Cups" by Anna Kendrick
"Thinkin Bout You" by Frank Ocean
"Everyday" by Lincoln Brewster
and "Travelin' On" by Norah Jones
Sunday, December 1, 2013
A Couple Favorite Quotes for You
Sometimes, we all need a little boost. Here are the quotes I rely on when I'm struggling or need a boost of encouragement.
"When you were born, you cried and the world rejoiced. Live your life in such a way that when you die, the world cries and you rejoice." - Cherokee Proverb
"When times are good, be happy; when times are bad consider: the Lord has made the one as well as the other..." - Ecclesiastes 7:14a
Happy beginning of Advent, friends. May these quotes, or other inspiration that you have, bring you peace through the busy-ness of this season!
"When you were born, you cried and the world rejoiced. Live your life in such a way that when you die, the world cries and you rejoice." - Cherokee Proverb
"When times are good, be happy; when times are bad consider: the Lord has made the one as well as the other..." - Ecclesiastes 7:14a
Happy beginning of Advent, friends. May these quotes, or other inspiration that you have, bring you peace through the busy-ness of this season!
Friday, November 29, 2013
20 Random Facts
Okay, so the first seven are totally stolen from Facebook.
1) I've lived in more countries than states.
2) I have a minor in music and used to be considered a woodwind specialist - making joyful noise on bassoon, Bb/bass clarinets, alto/tenor saxes, oboe and horn - all to the ability of performing each at the university level (with the exception of oboe) and surpassing those who could only play one. Nowadays, I have a clarinet and a saxophone somewhere in storage collecting dust.
3) I have never read, nor do I ever intend to read Harry Potter. I don't know why anymore, I just have no desire. The same goes for The Hunger Games and Twilight. I have also never watched the movies for any of those.
4) Every New Year's Day, my tradition is to watch the entire Lord Of the Rings Trilogy complete with the seven hobbit meals. Usually I invite a bunch of people and it's potluck style - sorry, Staten Island, it will be just me and my love this year... laying around, vegging out, watching Frodo rescue Middle Earth.
5) I count everything. Seriously.
6) I hate carrying cash. In Michigan, everywhere accepted credit card (even the mom and pop diner). Here in NYC, it's not the case. I was in Long Island City the other day and had to make sure I had cash to stop and get a sandwich from the deli. So frustrating.
7) Speaking of money... at one point, I was so far gone financially, that I was contemplating bankruptcy (and suicide, honestly)... but I am living proof that you CAN pull yourself out of that mess. I'm not a professional financial adviser, but I can help if anyone wants --- it's hard work and it takes dedication and it takes giving up a lifestyle of "spend-spend-spend" but it's SOOO worth it.
8) I rarely ever make my bed. I only really make it if I cleaned and there's not much else to clean. It's not like it takes a long time and it's not hard to do... I just don't do it.
9) I love burning candles in the winter time. In the summer, I love fresh air... but in the winter? Gotta have the vanilla or the cinnamon or the pine scented candles going!
10) There are bottles of ketchup and mustard in the trunk of my car. They were leftover from an event. They never made it to wherever they were supposed to go and now they smell rotten. So now, instead of removing them, I just avoid using my trunk.
11) I've lost my ability to flirt with anyone besides my boyfriend. It's a good thing, I suppose. However, it hurts my ability to barter with prices or anything, really.
12) I was diagnosed with juvenile arthritis at the age of 20. My knees have no cartilage and they crack and grind. I really need to have some work done on them, but I'm waiting to get my oral work done first.
13) I have a small jaw and horrible teeth. Part of that is genetics... part of it is poor oral hygiene. Unfortunately, the latter wasn't corrected soon enough in my adult life and now I'm having massive amounts of work done. I received a small grant to help, and with Care Credit and dental insurance, I'm just doing it. It's rough financially, but it will be worth it... eventually.
14) I self-treat major depressive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. M"ly MDD diagnosis came after I wanted to end my life... after a long series of unfortunate events, culminating in a break-up (which was, looking back, the least unfortunate event, but sometimes life is so dark in the moment...). My PTSD diagnosis came much earlier and the trauma from which that stems was the first event in said series. Both are being managed without medication (not something that's for everyone, so please don't think that I'm advocating no meds - chemical imbalances are no joke), sometimes well and sometimes with struggles. I still have nightmares. I still need to be an introvert and not face the world at times. I'm still afraid of the dark. I still struggle with my own self-worth and abilities... but I am. I keep on keepin' on.
15) I used to smoke. I used to do drugs. I used to drink a lot more than I do now. I call it part of my growing up process. It got me into a lot of trouble at times for which I'm not proud. My recovery from those periods has made me who I am today - not the use, the recovery.
16) I have a Christmas card problem. Seriously. I have boxes and boxes of Christmas cards in storage. Every year, I have MORE than enough for the year... and yet... I buy more. It's obnoxious, really... but they're all just so darn cute! I can't help it!
17) I have something wrong with some of my toenails. They are thick and yellow. It's gross, so I cover them up with nail polish.
18) I have a list of things to do. It's called a 101 list and the goal is to complete everything on my list within 1001 days. Everything from "learn to play guitar" to "join a yoga class" to "watch a tornado tear it up" is on the list. So far, I've completed 26 of the 101 things. The things I've done include "buy a new computer" and "get make-up lessons" and "participate in a 5k." My favorite thing to cross off, though, has been "fall in love." It was one of the things that I couldn't control, but that I still dreamed of and prayed would happen within that time frame. It did. So great!
19) I don't drink water like I should. I drink soda, coffee, tea, juice, beer, wine... basically anything and everything BUT water. #fail
20) I always store one extra of everything. Everything, that is, except toilet paper. I have an extra shampoo, body wash, dish soap, etc on hand in case I run out all of a sudden... because apparently that happens :P
1) I've lived in more countries than states.
2) I have a minor in music and used to be considered a woodwind specialist - making joyful noise on bassoon, Bb/bass clarinets, alto/tenor saxes, oboe and horn - all to the ability of performing each at the university level (with the exception of oboe) and surpassing those who could only play one. Nowadays, I have a clarinet and a saxophone somewhere in storage collecting dust.
3) I have never read, nor do I ever intend to read Harry Potter. I don't know why anymore, I just have no desire. The same goes for The Hunger Games and Twilight. I have also never watched the movies for any of those.
4) Every New Year's Day, my tradition is to watch the entire Lord Of the Rings Trilogy complete with the seven hobbit meals. Usually I invite a bunch of people and it's potluck style - sorry, Staten Island, it will be just me and my love this year... laying around, vegging out, watching Frodo rescue Middle Earth.
5) I count everything. Seriously.
6) I hate carrying cash. In Michigan, everywhere accepted credit card (even the mom and pop diner). Here in NYC, it's not the case. I was in Long Island City the other day and had to make sure I had cash to stop and get a sandwich from the deli. So frustrating.
7) Speaking of money... at one point, I was so far gone financially, that I was contemplating bankruptcy (and suicide, honestly)... but I am living proof that you CAN pull yourself out of that mess. I'm not a professional financial adviser, but I can help if anyone wants --- it's hard work and it takes dedication and it takes giving up a lifestyle of "spend-spend-spend" but it's SOOO worth it.
8) I rarely ever make my bed. I only really make it if I cleaned and there's not much else to clean. It's not like it takes a long time and it's not hard to do... I just don't do it.
9) I love burning candles in the winter time. In the summer, I love fresh air... but in the winter? Gotta have the vanilla or the cinnamon or the pine scented candles going!
10) There are bottles of ketchup and mustard in the trunk of my car. They were leftover from an event. They never made it to wherever they were supposed to go and now they smell rotten. So now, instead of removing them, I just avoid using my trunk.
11) I've lost my ability to flirt with anyone besides my boyfriend. It's a good thing, I suppose. However, it hurts my ability to barter with prices or anything, really.
12) I was diagnosed with juvenile arthritis at the age of 20. My knees have no cartilage and they crack and grind. I really need to have some work done on them, but I'm waiting to get my oral work done first.
13) I have a small jaw and horrible teeth. Part of that is genetics... part of it is poor oral hygiene. Unfortunately, the latter wasn't corrected soon enough in my adult life and now I'm having massive amounts of work done. I received a small grant to help, and with Care Credit and dental insurance, I'm just doing it. It's rough financially, but it will be worth it... eventually.
14) I self-treat major depressive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. M"ly MDD diagnosis came after I wanted to end my life... after a long series of unfortunate events, culminating in a break-up (which was, looking back, the least unfortunate event, but sometimes life is so dark in the moment...). My PTSD diagnosis came much earlier and the trauma from which that stems was the first event in said series. Both are being managed without medication (not something that's for everyone, so please don't think that I'm advocating no meds - chemical imbalances are no joke), sometimes well and sometimes with struggles. I still have nightmares. I still need to be an introvert and not face the world at times. I'm still afraid of the dark. I still struggle with my own self-worth and abilities... but I am. I keep on keepin' on.
15) I used to smoke. I used to do drugs. I used to drink a lot more than I do now. I call it part of my growing up process. It got me into a lot of trouble at times for which I'm not proud. My recovery from those periods has made me who I am today - not the use, the recovery.
16) I have a Christmas card problem. Seriously. I have boxes and boxes of Christmas cards in storage. Every year, I have MORE than enough for the year... and yet... I buy more. It's obnoxious, really... but they're all just so darn cute! I can't help it!
17) I have something wrong with some of my toenails. They are thick and yellow. It's gross, so I cover them up with nail polish.
18) I have a list of things to do. It's called a 101 list and the goal is to complete everything on my list within 1001 days. Everything from "learn to play guitar" to "join a yoga class" to "watch a tornado tear it up" is on the list. So far, I've completed 26 of the 101 things. The things I've done include "buy a new computer" and "get make-up lessons" and "participate in a 5k." My favorite thing to cross off, though, has been "fall in love." It was one of the things that I couldn't control, but that I still dreamed of and prayed would happen within that time frame. It did. So great!
19) I don't drink water like I should. I drink soda, coffee, tea, juice, beer, wine... basically anything and everything BUT water. #fail
20) I always store one extra of everything. Everything, that is, except toilet paper. I have an extra shampoo, body wash, dish soap, etc on hand in case I run out all of a sudden... because apparently that happens :P
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