Back in 1991, the California Lottery ran a radio commercial that engaged listeners by including the amount of the current prize winnings for that week’s lottery.  “Tonight’s California Lottery is up to 63 million dollars.  Why don’t you take a moment to think about what you would do with 63 million dollars…” the announcer said before trailing off to some nice, somewhat quiet, instrumental melody.  The tune continued as slightly hushed background music for what seemed like a minute or two, but was probably only 30 seconds.  Regardless of length, it was long enough for my mind to start creating the various scenarios that would beseech my full attention should I actually win the lottery.  The thoughts that ran through my head were bounteous.  One idea after another, each one outdoing the last, passed through my stream of consciousness.  I could buy a brand new Saab convertible, or a top of the line Range Rover, or both!  I could fly all my friends to Italy for a luxury vacation.  I could hire Def Leppard to play at my birthday party.  My parents could relocate to Los Angeles.   I could build a neighborhood overlooking the ocean and have all my friends and family move onto the same street.  I could invent a machine that video tapes dreams so you could watch them the next day; or, find a scientist and pay him to create a time machine.  Yes, there is certainly a lot you can try to do with 63 million dollars.

It was a genius ad campaign, as far as I’m concerned; and, I can’t help think of it from time to time when the Powerball or Mega Millions hits a new high point.  However, the moments envisioned spending my millions, have certainly changed.  Once you pass a certain point in life, hopefully you start thinking of what you would do for others, rather than fill every notion with a self-serving purchase.  Sure, you can add a few perks in for yourself, but it is also extremely nice to imagine the happiness you might be able to bring to others.  And, this is something I am proud to say, I think of often.

One thing I would totally do, if I won the lottery (and I think of this every year during the doldrums of January).  I would like to reward people that leave up their Christmas lights.  Every year I know the few houses that leave them on a little longer than they probably should.  However, I smile every time I drive past and think, “thanks for keeping those up!”  The hope and joy of the season lingers a bit longer and that makes me happy, so I’d like to make them happy too (even though they are complete strangers).  I would like to put a note thanking them for extending the holiday spirit and a $100 bill in their mailbox to help pay their electric bill.  A win – win, really.

If I would actually come into a little bit of money (and I don’t mean hitting the big jackpot, but maybe just enough to do both something good for people and something little for myself), here are a few things I thought of this year, that I would like to do over one quick weekend.  It’s nothing too extreme and nothing too costly or time consuming, but just something maybe no one ever thought of yet that I could pull off rather speedily.  I’m sure I’ll think of even more in the next six months; but, I thought these were pretty good for now.

First of all, I would host a free auto clinic.  If you can provide me with a pay stub, showing me that you have a job, I would like you to bring your car to my auto clinic and I will pay for a slew of mechanics to fix all those less important, but quite expensive repairs.  I thought of this one cold winter day while I was driving to work.  A young man pulled up in the lane next to me.  Based on his attire and demeanor, I truly believe he was driving to work.  His back passenger window had been broken out or wasn’t working, because he had taped up some light plastic to block the wind.  I could tell the inside of the car must have been freezing.  Perhaps the heat wasn’t working either.  The driver had on a hat and gloves; and, probably was just making do, to make it to work.  I wished I had some extra money to fix his car, so driving to work every day would be little less taxing.  It started me thinking about all the people that maybe don’t make enough money to fix the “non-important” things, and just have to make it work.

Next, I would hire a group of veterinarians to provide their services for the weekend.  All spays and neuters would be free of charge, as well as any particularly needed check-ups, medications, nail clipping, etc.  I hate to hear about people that can’t afford to take their dogs to the vet.  I understand it can be expensive, but it isn’t the pet’s fault that they ended up with an owner that maybe fell on hard times or doesn’t have the quick expendable income at the moment.  And, for all those homeless persons that rely on their dog for comfort, companionship and affection, certainly they would want to be sure their furry best friend was healthy enough to provide them with many more years of love.  And, on that same note – free pet food to anyone that needed it.  As long as you could show me that you are taking the best care of your animal, I would happily provide you with plenty of pet food, if you couldn’t afford it.  But, you’ve gotta be taking good care of your pets.  Otherwise, you go from my “help” list to my “enemy” list, very quickly.  And, now that I have a little money, I will hire someone to take those pets away from you.  If anyone knows any ninja animal rescuers, please keep their info handy for me.

Lastly, I would also like to go to the dollar store or any discount retailer and buy every single toy in the store.  Coloring books, dolls, sports equipment, board games, stuffed animals – you name it, pack ‘em up!  The pile of toys would be delivered to the Marines for Toys for Tots, dropped at the children’s hospital or donated to a local shelter/family center.  Wouldn’t it be fun to literally have a truck full of toys?  You would probably feel like Santa Claus; and, that sounds like a pretty awesome person to feel like, even if just for the afternoon.

Then, on Sunday night, after my weekend of autos, pets and toys, I could rest easy on my brand new, top of the line, most ultimate in comfort, from pillows to goose down topper to cozy comforter, new bed.  Don’t get me wrong, my bed at the moment is wonderful, but a bed can always be more heavenly – and I want to feel like I am literally surrounded by clouds.  After all, they say we should be getting 8 hours of sleep a night.  That totals up to a 1/3 of our day, and a monstrous 121.6 days out of the year (8 hours x 365 days ÷ 24 hours in a day) – something totally worth splurging on!  Then, as I climb into my billowy lair of relaxation, I can fall asleep and dream about all the things I could have done if I’d actually won that big 63 million dollar lottery back in 1991.  Sounds like a good deal to me.  #50WeeksTo50

And now, if you haven’t seen the Saturday Night Live sketch where Steve Martin gives his Holiday Wish, I invite you to enjoy the following…because while writing this post, I totally was reminded of this gem.  (Enjoy Betsy!)

http://www.nbc.com/saturday-night-live/video/steven-martins-holiday-wish/n9507?snl=1