Dec 7, 2011 |
A few days ago, I wrote 12 Wishes of Christmas, detailing my desires for the world. A friend challenged me to come with 12 wishes for myself, and to be quite honest, it’s a little hard to be that selfish.
But I’m gonna give it a try. So, my Fairy Godmother, are you reading? Here goes…
1. I wish I was completely healthy all the time: physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually.
2. I wish I was completely debt free, and would always remain so.
3. I wish I had a house in upstate New York with caretakers.
4. I wish I had a house in Italy with caretakers.
5. I wish I was happily married to George Clooney.
6. I wish I wrote a masterpiece, award-winning story that became a movie that George starred in.
7. I wish I had a horse farm and knew how to ride them.
8. I wish I was more successful at cooking so I could have my own cooking show.
9. I wish I had magical powers like reading minds and flying, but only when I want to use them.
10. I wish I was braver.
11. I wish I didn’t have to sleep, so I could spend more time writing and cooking and cleaning and having fun.
12. I wish I would Win the Lottery so I could follow through with that list and still be completely indulgent without feeling guilty.
And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote!
Dec 2, 2011 |
On the heels of yesterday’s post about Wishes, I’ve decided to plot out what to do when I win the Lottery. After all, a girl’s gotta have a plan, right?
First of all, positive thinking: notice I didn’t say if, I said when.
So. When I win the Lottery, here’s how I intend to spend it:
1. Give 10% to my church. It’s a most amazing church where I’ve made many friends, learned much, and been given much love and support. It’s a wonderful foundation for spreading the Word of God and acknowledging we all have a personal need for Jesus Christ. I wouldn’t be where I am without my Church. 10% is the least I can do to give back.
2. Put 25% into a savings, market or stock account for the future. My friend Tony is always trying to get me to invest, but I’d rather buy a gallon of milk. When I win the lottery, I’ll be able to do both, and that excites me!
3. Pay off my and mom’s mortgages so we never have to worry about the economy. Also because it’s really fun that our homes have the same floor plan and I don’t ever want a stranger living in either one.
4. Buy new cars for me, my daughter, my mom, my two brothers and my sister in law. With all I’ve been through with my car breaking down lately, I may also hire my own personal mechanic.
5. Pay off all family debt. ‘Nuff said.
6. Put my daughter through college so she doesn’t have to incur any debt or loans that she’ll have basically no chance of really paying off in this economy.
7. Buy my daughter a house, or put money aside for her to buy a house when she’s ready. What kind of mother would I be if I didn’t make sure she was financially taken care of in the best ways possible?
8. Give more than generously to charities I believe in: American Red Cross for all their work across the globe, whether emergency aid or ongoing. World Wildlife Fund for all their efforts to protect animals and stop illegal killings. Local food banks and homeless shelters, because everyone deserves to not be hungry or cold.
9. Build a Writer’s Retreat, whether that means an addition to my house, or a completely separate location. A place where I can go where there are no distractions, no stressors. Just a peaceful environment that lends to imagination and the writing process.
10. Take my mom and daughter on regular vacations. Disneyland. Frankenmuth, MI. Italy. NYC. Missouri. Washington. Canada. Big Bear. Vegas. San Luis Obispo. Travel Route 66. And everywhere in between.
11. Invest in people. Start scholarships for the local schools. Hire interns. Support small businesses.
When I win the Lottery. I’ll do all this and more.
And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote!
Nov 9, 2011 |
I’ve got a bunch of great emails lately.
First was when I won this:
My Scharffen Berger Prize Package
Then I got this great piece of news:
Best. Email. Evvver.
Last week, my reader, Beth, sent me this:
Accessories
I’m currently waiting for the delivery of this:
Le Creuset Orange Tools and Crock Prize
And today, I learned that one of my blog posts is going to be featured on BlogHer.Com on November 18th. They even sent me this awesome Blog Badge to promote it:
My head is kinda spinning.
I’m told I should buy lottery tickets. Often.
I guess I’m just lucky that way.
I’m not writing this to brag.
I’m writing this to keep it real. Because I still can’t believe it.
Playing June Cleaver
In the last six months, I’ve lost my job, been late on the mortgage and car payments (not, like, detrimental-to-my-credit late, but late nonetheless). And even though I don’t know from one day to the next if I can buy milk for the family, I’m doing what I know I need to do: Write. Cook. And sometimes, combine the two.
And my little prizes and recognitions are amazing. The only thing better would be the Backstreet Boys personally singing “As Long As You Love Me” as I drank a bottomless Starbuck’s Pumpkin Spice Latte that magically had no calories.
I think it’s God’s way of saying, “Keep at it.”
Because let’s face it: When life throws you lemons, dontcha need those little bits of encouragement? Dontcha really just want to throw those lemons back?! I could really care less about making lemonade, and I love being in the kitchen!
So. Here’s the plan: Keep blogging. Get recognition. Keep writing. Keep cooking. Finish my cookbook. Sell my cookbook. Get more recognition. Earn money. Buy a lottery ticket. Win mucho money.
And hire someone else to make the lemonade. I’ll be too busy enjoying life.
Stinkin’ Big Lemon
