Lining Up for Powerball

The Lotto Powerball logo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

     The Powerball Lottery has reached $500,000.00.   By the time the drawing occurs, it will be above that amount.   Taxes will take a significant chunk, but it will still be a huge amount of money for the individual who wins.  People are lining up to have a chance at fortune.   As I looked at those waiting to purchase their chance, I realized why so many want an opportunity to become a millionaire.  Most likely it is not the reason promoted by the media.   It is much more basic than simply wanting the good life.

     I went food shopping early Monday morning.   Being that it was after the Thank giving weekend, and I live in a small town, the store was quiet.  I don’t buy lottery tickets on a regular basis, but when the jackpot rises to a large amount, I buy one chance.   I get a quick pick since my odds of winning are not any better if I pick the numbers myself.  The supermarket sold the tickets, so I was able to make my purchase without waiting in a line.  That is not the case in the rural areas I have seen on the news.  People are waiting in lines that stretch for miles to get their Powerball tickets.  Why are so many willing to wait and wait and wait?  They are all hoping for a better life.

     I don’t think most of the people purchasing the tickets want to be among the rich and famous.  Most are just hoping for a chance of being able to live comfortably and worry free.   They want to have their housing, food, and bills paid every month.  They want to be able to send their kids to college without going into major debt.  They want to wake up every day reassured that they will not have to worry about if their job is going to be eliminated, if they will have the means to meet their financial responsibilities, and if they can either pay the mortgage or the rent.

     I have seen many senior citizens waiting in line.   Many are probably living on a fixed budget.  I imagine that they are hoping to make enough to pay for housing, food, and expensive medications.  There are some who have probably had a hard life.  Winning the lottery would give them peace of mind in their last years.  They would like to provide for their children and grandchildren so that future generations would have a better life.

     I bought a ticket because I know there are people I could help.  Sure, I would put aside money for my kids and my old age, but so much good could also be done.   We are living in hard economic times.  Winning Powerball would change some lives forever.  It gives everyone hope that the future can be brighter if just given a chance.  Hopefully the person who has the winning ticket handles their new-found fortune well, and takes the opportunity to enhance the lives of many others.

Is Thanksgiving Becoming Thanksgetting?

                                                                                                                                                                           

      The Friday after Thanksgiving has been deemed the start of the holiday shopping season.  At one time it was a low-key day people spent walking around shops enjoying the long weekend.  In recent years, it has become a maniacal race for bargains.  The opening time of the stores offering sales has crept up by a few hours every year with the inevitable now happening.  Retailers are opening their doors on Thanksgiving day.

      Thanksgiving was created as a day of reflection.  People gathered around for a meal with family, friends, and neighbors in appreciation for all that we have, and for all that we can offer.   The day is being reduced from what we have, to what we can get.  There are lines forming outside of big box stores with people trying to get those 5 big screen televisions that will be offered cheap.  Some are waiting for the latest electronic gizmo that in 6 months will be replaced.  Others want the feeling they are getting something for their money, so they too wait in line.  There are people who believe those few days of shopping will provide the biggest bargains of the season.  Never mind they have weeks to go, this is the day to score big.

     It is a difficult time.  The economy has taken its toll on many.  People have the right to seek out items at low cost if they choose.  What I don’t like is the timing of the deals.  Why should the employees, who don’t make a great deal of money, be the ones who have to report to work?   The executives who make the decision to open are not working that day.  Would it really hurt to wait until Friday?  Can’t we as a nation have one day off that most of us will celebrate?   Aren’t we supposed to give thanks and not think about what we can get?

     My family drives about an hour to celebrate the day with relatives.  It is the most pleasant ride of the year as most of the businesses are closed.  The roads are peaceful and quiet.  On the way back, you can see people in their homes enjoying the day with loved ones.  A day of giving thanks for family, friends, good health, food, and shelter.  The one day of the year when we pause to remember all that we value as it is shared over a simple meal.  These are things that money can’t buy and aren’t for sale.  A day called Thanks”giving”.

Thanks´giv`ing

n. 1. The act of rending thanks, or expressing gratitude for favors or mercies.

Webster’s Dictionary

Donating an Old Car

      I finally did it.   After 15 years, I put my old car out to pasture.  It was a hard decision but the time had come when I determined it would take 2 to 3 thousand dollars to keep it going.  After toying for months (ok years) with idea of a new one, I bit the bullet and paid a visit to the dealer.   The old one had close to 181,000 miles on it, needed 4 new tires, a gas tank I couldn’t fill or it would overflow, and showed the wear and tear of a 15-year-old car.  Therefore, the reality of getting anything for a trade-in didn’t exist.  I decided that I would donate it to a good cause.  In light of what happened this past week, the decision was an easy one.

    Searching online, I found a number of organizations that accept cars in all condition.  Before Hurricane Sandy obliterated the northeast coastline, I wasn’t sure which charity to I was going to choose.  After sitting in the dark and cold for 6 days, and seeing the devastation in Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey, The American Red Cross became the obvious choice.  This is an organization that immediately springs into action when people are in need.  Last October they were set up in our local high school and help many people in the town.  I became acutely aware of the valuable service they provide.  This week was no exception.

     Donating is easy.  You simply fill out an online form with information about yourself and the car.  Within hours I received a phone call.  A date and time was arranged for pickup.  In my case it happened the very next day.  I had the title, and could be home so the plan was set.  They gave me a 4 hour window and called before they arrived.  All occurred without a hitch.   Eventually a form that serves as a tax deduction will be sent.  The process is then complete.

     I had mixed feelings as I saw the car being towed off.  That car saw me through my marriage, took my babies home from the hospital and went on many adventures.  It caused little to no trouble in terms of repair.  On the other hand, I really like my new one.  It drives smoother, quieter, and has more conveniences.   What I do feel good about is that I gave my old car away to an organization that helps people when they are in their hour of need.  Could I have made of few bucks selling it myself?  Maybe, but in giving it away, the payoff is so much greater.