Daydream Believer

Today I was reading an old issue of Creating Keepsakes Magazine and saw that Becky Higgins made a little scrapbook about herself. I've done this before. It was before I got pregnant with Thor. I had a wonderful time altering a children's board book, taking pictures that defined who I was and what interests I had at that moment in time, recording my testimony of the gospel...
In Becky's book, she included her top ten. Her list included: What I'm NOT crazy about, modern conveniences I wouldn't want to live without, things - people - places I want to see before I die, average prices today, things I would totally splurge on if funds were unlimited, and the best feelings.

I didn't read her lists because sometimes it affects my own answers. But it got me thinking. And I think about this more frequently that I care to admit. With funds being as tight as they are (and always will be - face it, I married a cop) I tend to daydream about her top ten list #5 a LOT. Not always in the way she worded it (funds being unlimited), but giving myself a set amount to spend guilt-free. I admit, those Powerball jackpots are pretty tempting. In fact, one night about 5 years ago, the Powerball was up to 92 million dollars. yeah, you read that right. That's $92,000,000.00!!! A whole lot of zeroes if you ask me. I stayed up a majority of the night making lists as to how I would spend $45 million (face it - the government would take half of it). Seriously, I was up until the wee hours of the morning (like 2 or 3 A.M.) deciding what charities would I donate to. How much each family member would get. How much I'd set aside for the kids, retirement, playing, etc... It was INSANE!!! I drove myself insane.
But yet, I still do it. I don't know why I torture myself.

So after I read this little article, it made me think, "has my list changed?" If I had unlimited funds (basically $92 mill) would I split it up the same way or what has changed in my life that I'd alter?

So, here is my top 10, off the top of my head, in no particular order, of ways I would guilt-free spend unlimited funds. Today. (And maybe I'll do this a year from now - or five, to see if priorities changed again.)
1. I would seriously look into implanting Mr. Fantastic on his left side and pay for everything he's needing here and now. This is a $60,000 surgery and a lifetime of costs for upgrades, headpieces, batteries, mics and the ever-so-needed color cap accessories. Not to mention the lifetime check-ups at the audiologist that is out of network for our insurance company...
2. I would finally buy MYSELF some clothes that make me feel beautiful, sexy and young. I got the new catalog for Down East Basics today in the mail. I love most of their clothes - but I've never purchased from them, just because I can't justify the purchase. I'd pour through the catalog and buy those items that just scream, "I would look FABULOUS on you! I would make you FEEL so wonderful!"
3. I would give money to my parents. And Popeye's parents. They've given us so much that it's the least I could do to pay them back and help them out.
4. I would buy furniture. I'm tired of hand-me-down furniture and disorganization. Done. Yeah, done.
5. I'd get rid of all the creditors breathing down my neck by paying them off - in full. I created the debt, I understand this. I am responsible for paying the debt back. I wouldn't cut corners in trying to negotiate a lesser "deal".
6. Not only would the bathroom be finished, but it would be expanded to be bigger and an addition to the house would be added on as well.
7. I would buy my kids everything they want. Just kidding. Just seeing if you're still reading. But I WOULD buy my kids something - I don't know what, though. But they've worked hard lately for their allowance and I'm a firm believer that hard work SHOULD be rewarded.
8. I would give Christmas to a less fortunate family (or two. or three). And have the kids be a major part in it. Anonymously, of course.
9. I would take the family and travel. We'd go to Disney World, definitely! Princess M.E. would NEED to see those Princesses! And I'd want to show them the ocean - a place that will always be in my heart forever. So we'd travel. Maybe take a cruise or two... who knows. I would want to show my kids and experience for myself new cultures.
(Oooh, I'm at 10 - I better make this good.)
10. I would buy Popeye a harley. He deserves it. He used to have one when we first got married. But he had to sell it in order to move away from Colorado and I know he misses it so much. As do I. So, yeah, I'd buy him a harley.

So that's my top 10 things I'd do if funds were unlimited. Some of them people may think are a bit shallow. Some of them aren't. Some of them aren't important in the eternal perspective of things. Some of them are. But these are my needs and wants on this day in my life.
Sometimes it's fun to daydream. Because now I can look at this list, see what's attainable and maybe - just maybe - believe that I can achieve some of these dreams. Maybe someday they WILL happen.