Winning Mega Millions
Whenever the Mega Millions Lottery gets really high, over 100 million, I buy a ticket and fixate on winning. I go to bed believing that my little orange ticket with the random numbers is going to change my life forever. Hey, you never know.
The Mega Millions Lottery is a mulit-state game shared with 11 other states in the country. Ten people from California have won Mega Million jackpots since it began pulling numbers in May, 2002. I strongly believe if 10 lucky people have hit it big in my state, why can’t I?
A couple of weeks ago, when it got up over 200 million, I was in a complete frenzy. I had to buy tickets immediately. I was going to spend big bucks, a big $5 to up my chances. Anthony, my husband, had already plopped down $5 and I was going to double our chances.
Since I haven’t won in the past 15 years of having the lottery machine pick numbers for me, this time, I was going to do a little research to up my chances. I am totally embarrassed to admit that in all of those 15 years, I have never won more than $2 and yet, I stay committed.
This time, I was going for the win. I was going to outsmart everyone! Mega-Cashola, here I come.
I sat down at my computer and typed in California Lottery and then searched the Mega Millions section. Then I located the holy-grail, the “number frequency” section and jotted down all the winning-est numbers. I was going to combine those numbers and take it all home, baby! It was brilliant!
Then it was mayhem. I raced against the clock to get to the store on time, 7:45pm, for the Friday night drawing. “You want Mega or California?” the clerk asked. “Mega! Lump sum please!” I shouted as my eyes rolled back into my head and my mouth began to froth. I could feel the win within my grasp. Images of swimming in cash on my bed filled my mind.
Then I did the champion run back into my house and caught my breath. Tonight, I will make history, I thought, as I quietly complimented myself about my genius plan.
Then my Mom stopped by. She had just played a few bucks and she too believed that she was going to win on this very night. She’s pretty loyal to the lottery, despite never winning a penny. Maybe it runs in the family?
We poured some wine and she, Anthony and I discussed what we were each going to do once we won. Some things were a given, like paying off the house and the cars. We’d buy a second place in New York City to be closer to Anthony’s parents. We’d give money to all of our family members and pay for a Disney cruise with all of our friends. We’d take care of personal things and after being responsible, we all said we’d take the year traveling around, visiting family across the country and we’d go back to Sicily. We all had great ideas and sat lost in our daydreams awhile.
Then Anthony and my mom both said they’d give a lot of money to their Alma Maters, their private colleges back East. “Really?” I thought. But I should have known. Anthony’s college experience changed his life. Mom’s college experience formed hers. Of course they would give money to those institutions. What a difference they made in their futures.
“You have to give some away to charity.” My mom said. And we agreed wholeheartedly.
It would be so incredible to be in a position to give money to a charity or a non-profit! I would be thrilled to give some of my millions to The Breast Cancer Solutions Fund. It provides temporary financial assistance for women going through breast cancer treatment who are unable to meet their living expenses due to the impact of their disease. They helped so many! What I wouldn’t give to support them.
Or to be able to give some of my make-believe millions to NPR. I listen to the radio every day in my kitchen and their broad spectrum of programs keep me informed and entertained. They inspire me. Oh, I would love to give money to “Car Talk,” “Editor’s Table” “All Things Considered” and “A Prairie Home Companion.” I could be their secret donor.
Yeah, that would be cool.
I could do so much.
Oh, it would be so awesome.
But I didn’t win. My genius plan didn’t work. Someone else took home the Mega Millions jackpot… again. Good for them. Whoopee. Yea. Ho hum.
I guess it wasn’t meant to be this time. But I will forge ahead and plunk down my $1 next week like the faithful lottery player I am. My daydreams will just have to wait a few days until the next spin…