Welcome back to Finish The Sentence Friday Blog Hop (FTSF). We give you a sentence and you finish it (however long or short you’d like). Please feel free to link up and follow any or all of our hostesses, which are below.
Plus, please be so kind to welcome this week’s guest co-host: Lisa Witherspoon from The Golden Spoons. We are truly so excited to have her join us this week as a co-host!
And now for this week’s sentence to finish: “If I had a million dollars, I…“
Next week’s sentence to finish: “I once saw the biggest…”
If I had a million dollars, I…
All I hear is Barenaked Ladies singing this song for some reason.
Seriously they say all it takes is a dollar and a dream. Well, NY State Mega Millions has been reaching a great lengths with how much they have been giving away, that ever so often I have found myself even buying a ticket dreaming of that million dollar (or more) win.
As I write this, I am headed to check my ticket from yesterday that I purchased New Year’s Eve (yes I am writing this in advance, since I am stuck in my house with a blizzard outside) . Hang on while I check. Be right back, promise (unless I win and I faint from sheer shock and awe!).
Ok, I am back and so not a winner. Didn’t even have one number.
Didn’t Even Get One Number!But then again someone told me they once got 5 out of 6 numbers. Do you know what they won?
A measly $56! Seriously, not living the good life or on easy street I suppose after that big win!
But anyway, the prompt asked what I would do if I did win a million dollars.
Since I didn’t win this one, but hey the jackpot is up to $61 million now, let’s pretend! Except now, we are expecting a blizzard and kind of stuck in my house.
Oh well, still let’s make believe here and today for the prompt.
So if I had a million dollars, here are a few things I would do with it:
1. Help both my parents and Kevin’s parents live more then comfortably and never having to work another day in their lives.
2. Make sure to set more then enough of the loot for the girl’s college education so they would never have to worry about paying off college debt someday like dear old mom and dad.
3. Along the college debt lines, I would pay off my one student loan and Kevin’s two loans completely. Nothing would make me happier then to cut a check to get rid of all of those loans that even though both of us are highly educated has not helped much in the way of gaining employment as teachers in this economy.
4. Buy a large, gorgeous house that Kevin, myself and the girls could live happily in.
5. Save the rest for a rainy day!
Seriously these are just a few that come to mind, but honestly never think I will win or make a 1 million so I honestly couldn’t even think what else I could do with it. Just seems so far removed if that makes sense.
But here is to dreaming!
Now that I told you my champagne and cavair dreams today, please play along and tell us what you would do with a million dollars with us today!
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Kristi Campbell says
Ah yes, here's to dreaming. I bought lottery tickets recently as well even though I rarely do. Here's to us all finding the way to stress-free get what we need and not all that we want lives! OH AND OMG I AM FIRST!
Janine Huldie says
I never do either, but lately I guess I am dreaming of so much better and couldn't resist. And guess hat we were both first on each other's posts tonight! Love it <3
spiritedlife says
Definitely in the student loan boat! They're breaking ME!
Janine Huldie says
Same here April and trust me was the first thought that came to mind when I saw the prompt, because of it!
basicallyb says
You're the second person to reference BNL. I've NEVER heard this song at all. I was thinking of that Ford Truck song! Hear hear on paying off loans. That sucks. I admire you saving some for a rainy day!
Janine Huldie says
I think a lot of us tonight thought of this song and just went with it, but for me just couldn't resist. And thanks trust me I wouldn't be able to feel comfortable if I didn't save some for a rainy day.
Sarah says
I was thinking about this prompt and the first thing that came to mind were house improvements… how boring! I remember in my 20s listening to my colleagues talk about bathroom tiles or viking ranges and being so bored with it… funny how our priorities change. Great list!
Janine Huldie says
Thanks Sarah and I know in my twenties I never would have thought about home renovations with a large sum of money, but now all bets are off!! 🙂
gigigirl says
I know what I would do if I won the big one…..and you would have all of the above! Let's keep dreaming…..and buy an occasional ticket. You have to be in it to win it! Lol……..xxxxoooo
Janine Huldie says
I will to ally keep dreaming with you and buy that occasional ticket, too!! 🙂 xoxo!!
marykatbpcsc45 says
One Millions seems so small these days because one dollar does not go as far as it used too. I am like you, Come by and see what I mean. 🙂
Mary-andering Creatively
Mary-andering Among the Pages
Janine Huldie says
Heading over now and definitely agree that one million is not a big as it once seemed!! 🙂
jenkehl says
Those are all great ideas! Isn't it funny how our parents always come first? When my sister and I play this game, we always decide what will make our mom happiest first. And yes to the BNL song!
Thanks for your super sweet comments about Isaiah too 🙂
Janine Huldie says
Jen, they always do in my book too, because seriously they are always there for us and couldn't imagine not helping them out if I could in return. And I too funny about the BNL song and seriously Isaiah is adorable and truly comes from the heart here 🙂
dishofdailylife says
I never play the lottery, so I have an even slimmer chance than the slim to none one those that do play have! I don't know what I'd do. Probably pay off the house and any other bills and then downsize. That probably sounds funny but with one heading off to college within the next 2 years and the other 2 not too far behind them, I don't feel like we need a big house anymore.
Janine Huldie says
Doesn't sound funny, but I do get exactly what you mean Michelle and think your spending of the million sounds perfect to me!! 🙂
Chris @HyeThymeCafe says
You played the wrong week! It was around $600 Million a few weeks back! Sadly, two people in other states won that one. I would have had a heart attack and dropped dead on the spot! That much money is completely unfathomable to me.
Janine Huldie says
Wow, I did totally play the wrong week. Seriously not sure what I ever could do with $600 million, but I think I could try if given the chance!! 🙂
tamaralikecamera says
I'm loving seeing all these posts tonight. Like opening presents on Christmas Eve! Usually I'm passed out on the couch by now.
My parents won five out of six numbers once and won precisely, $3,700! No joke.
They used it to pay for one of their horse's boarding.
I want so much. So much. We have a nice house and so do all of our parents. So that is a nice thought. I'd like a hot tub, a third bathroom, jeans that aren't worn in the knees, warm socks, a future for my kids (we have like..nothing), another vacation that isn't paid for by a deceased relative (Disney), and…hmm…that about covers it.
Janine Huldie says
Tamara, I was totally passed out by the time you commented here and seriously was so tired that I did what I could do and just went off to bed then. But seriously, I know I was having so fun reading everyone's take on this, as well as now this morning, too. And if I did win, I forgot to add to my list that I would so pay for a trip to Disney, but of course, it would have to be when you were there!! 🙂
tinarobmorley says
The college tuition thing was on my post as well. My son finishes high school end of Dec. The kids start the school year in Jan. and end in Dec. They still have a few days left to play before they begin the new school year, but my son has already begun with his school books and a program that he put together. He got his grade 12 books after finishing his end-of-the-year exams. They do that for the grade 12 kids. Some take advantage of the extra days to study, but not everyone. I could write more, but enough said. Enjoy your day and dreaming of that million dollars!
Janine Huldie says
I just read and commented on yours. And still had idea idea about those poor little babies. I know you are on a different school schedule, but does sound like your son has got this year plotted ut, so good for him on that. And I am with you on keeping on dreaming!!! 🙂
Karen says
doh…I should have given to my parents first for all they have done…sighs…. I feel like a terrible daughter now, LOL
not having to pay most of our bills or debt would be a wonderful dream, rigth?
Janine Huldie says
Karen, don't say that about yourself and I know you are the best daughter, mother and wife possible my friend! And I love for you for that and so much more 🙂
massholemommy says
If I had a million dollars, I would pay my mortgage, set up college funds for the boys and more importantly – take the family on a 2 week Disney vacation!
Janine Huldie says
Yes to all of the above and Disney, too!! 🙂
Sandy_Ramsey says
Absolutely nothing wrong with dreaming, dear friend! Good things happen to good people. The winning Powerball ticket in Florida was sold right here in Lake Mary this past week and ten teachers at one of our local elementary schools won a million dollars to share! What better group to win it than teachers (except maybe teachers who are also bloggers?) And all of this just happened yesterday and then there's this FTSF prompt…..a sign? Hmmm…
Janine Huldie says
Wow, I love that coincidence and seriously those teachers totally deserved it. Thanks for sharing that and totally started my day off smiling and on the right foot!! 🙂
Sara says
Buy a big house with lots of closets, put money aside for the boys for college and invest the rest. Now if it was 61 million I could really get creative.
Janine Huldie says
I know $61 million definitely leaves a lot to the imagination, but seriously love what you would do with the million, Sara!! 🙂
Kenya G. Johnson says
Yeah I feel like I owe a million dollars on student loans. That sucks. I would really do the same things you've listed too. I have a scratch off ticket that I bought last month. I can't figure it out. It's not just a scratch and reveal, you have to figure out something. It's worth $50K, it'd be nice to find out I won that. 😀
Janine Huldie says
I know Kenya those scratch offs are so confusing and have gotten then from relatives as birthday presents. My dad is pretty good at figuring them out and if it were me would probably ask him to take a look at it!! 🙂
Kenya G. Johnson says
My dad is good at it too. If I won anything, he's ask me what his cut is. 😉
Janine Huldie says
Lol, sounds like my dad, too!! 🙂
pfchico says
How fun! I had to link up to this one. Thanks for hosting, Janine.
Janine Huldie says
Seriously, like I said on your post, I am so, so happy you did join us and hope you will continue to do so in weeks to come now!! 🙂
jasteck says
I'd take an incredible trip with my family, pay off my house and donate to some amazing organizations. Wouldn't it be fun to take care of the people we love? Your list sounds wonderful!
Janine Huldie says
Totally would be and I love your list, too!! 🙂
The Dose of Reality says
Wait a minute…5 out of 6 numbers only gets you $56 dollars? UGH. That would be soul crushing to get so close and yet be so far!! I love what you'd do with millions of dollars. I think your list is just perfect! I'd do exactly the same things! I'd also love to just give away money or things to people like Oprah. To see someone's face when you've just given them a car or told them they are going on a trip…what a thrill!! I'd love to have that feeling at least once in my life!! –Lisa
Janine Huldie says
I know Lisa, totally depressing and when I heard that I was seriously bummed out. The thrill of giving something away is totally something I would love to be able to do just even once in my own lifetime, too. Seriously does sound like we have so much in common, but then again we always seem to!! 🙂
irkedmommy says
Great minds think alike! All I could here was the Bare Naked Ladies song too! In fact, it is still in my head!
Thanks for hosting!
Janine Huldie says
I totally just saw that and love it! My pleasure and thank you again for joining us, too!! 🙂
Dana says
A girl can dream! Someone wins it – why can't it be me (or you)? When we buy lottery tickets, we always look at the bonus number first – without that one your winnings are piddly – like $56.
Janine Huldie says
Dana, I know why can't it be one of us. And so right about those bonus numbers, because $56 is still more then maybe I had, but still only $56!!
Billybuc says
I've told you my big dream before…..farm…writing school..blah, blah, blah….I need to get busy and make the dream a reality….I don't think I can count on the million bucks showing up.
Happy Friday my dear.
Janine Huldie says
I know you totally did and I hear you on that million not happening here anytime soon either!! Happy Friday again to you!!! 🙂
anothercleanslate says
That song is going to be stuck in my head all day 🙂
I would definitely buy a condo here in the city and then a small cottage down on the beach. I don't think there'd be much left after that! A million dollars doesn't go too far anymore.
Janine Huldie says
So true it doesn't go as far as it once would have, but sounds perfect to me. And sorry about the song!! 🙂
rmemommy says
It's always fun to dream! Paying off all debt would be awesome! And the college funds – that's a big one. By the time my girls are all in college, it is gong to be so expensive I have no idea how we will pay of it!
Janine Huldie says
I know exactly what you mean and already getting nervous thinking about it for two girls here! But to ally fun to dream 🙂
Katia says
$56??? Really? Wow. I love your choices. Mine would be very similar to yours. It’s interesting that at the end of the day if given a choice, our choices are all so similar and speak to the same values.
Janine Huldie says
So true Katia and I know love that we do have similar values. But that $56 really does stick no matter how you slice and dice it!
Kerri says
You are such a mom 🙂 Thinking of education before buying your house! Awesome, well thought out list though. I never play the lottery. My parents do all the time, last time they had like 20 something tickets and didn't get ONE number that was pulled. I said they should have a prize for that.
Janine Huldie says
Seriously was the first thing that came to my mind and I so think it is totally a mom thing. And yes I think you parents totally deserve and are worthy of a prize for playing so often 🙂
Lanaya says
Dream beauty dream .. that's why we do it right?? I hope someday any one of us could win $1 MMMMIIIIIILLLLLLIIIIIOOOOONNNNNN dollars and we could all finally make that amazing trip to see everyone!!
¤´¨)
¸.•*´
(¸¤ Lanaya | xoxo http://raising-reagan.com
Janine Huldie says
I would love that and seriously going to dream that we all can win and meet up someday, because that sounds just about amazing to me!! 🙂
Nellie says
$56 what a terrible let down!! I hear you on the student loans. Every time I think about them I cringe! I would love a huge house ONLY if I could hire someone to clean it!! 🙂
Janine Huldie says
I know that is a terrible letdown and made me question why you would do this unless you actually had a real shot of getting all the numbers. And so with you on someone else cleaning a large him if it were mine, because even the few rooms I foo have are quite the chore! 🙂
lrconsiderer says
Ha! I love how you ended this – champagne and caviar dreams 😀
Janine Huldie says
Thanks Lizzi and I seriously couldn't resist!! 🙂
rynolexson says
I' donate a kidney to pay off those stupid school loans. At this point, I will be paying off my loans until I'm in adult diapers…sigh. I feel your pain 🙂
Janine Huldie says
Now that is totally depressing and truly don't want to think that!! 🙂
Brittnei Washington says
LOL that you and Kate both mentioned that Barenaked Ladies song! Once in a while my husband will buy a ticket as well lol. I never played the lottery before. I don't. It just never occurs to me that I should go in and do it. Weird I know. LOL. So that totally hurts my heart to hear with your education that you haven't been able to do much with degrees. I have a friend that really really holds fast to education it can be nice to have, but it is a business. If you aren't clever about selecting a specific degree with a certain career, you could end up in debt with no job like so many people. The sad thing is, sometimes you don't know which professions will become of this. I know she's a teacher, but I know other people who have their Masters and they can't get a job in their field. It's really terrible. :-/
Janine Huldie says
It is really terrible and will say that when I was going to become a math teacher, no one told me there would be very limited jobs once the economy took this turn for the worse. Had I known I think I would have just stayed with my bachelor's degree and left it at that to be honest. Mine isn't even that high, but I see what my poor husband has with two master's degrees and the monthly bills are just a pain and so annoying. On a lighter not, I love that both of us and many others, too thought of the BNL song for this one 🙂
stephsprenger says
Wouldn't it be such a relief to have zero loans? Car, school, home… what a dream! And it's so funny- as I read your title, the song started playing in my head before I even saw the Bare Naked ladies part- ha! 🙂
Janine Huldie says
Stephanie, seriously nothing would make me happier right now and as soon as I saw the sentence this week that song just hit me and stuck with me, too!! 🙂
stephanie2006 says
Couldn't agree more with your points. Giving back to the parents, caring for the girls' future and then providing for a good, debt-free life for your family. How better to spend one million dollar?
Janine Huldie says
Thanks Stephanie and I know no better way to spend a million!! 🙂
Amy_CMI says
I mean I have no clue what a million bucks would even look like or what it would feel like to even know it belonged to me. I love your choices, as they are pretty logical thoughts on spending that kind of cash. I would do the same; I do not have school debt yet, but as for everything else, yes. Man the best part would be to be taken care of in life and spread the wealth to everyone that put us up for our lives and did their best to provide. It is just a dream, maybe one day. 🙂 Have a great weekend.
Janine Huldie says
It is totally a dream, but one I will gladly keep on believing in with you!! Have a great weekend again, Amy!! 🙂
dianeroark says
Janine,
I enjoyed reading your post. I think we have all dreamed about winning the lottery. I would give it ALL away. I would love to bless everyone I come in contact with from churches all over, lots of non-profits, the mailman, waitresses, friends, some family, blogger friends, and more. When the lottery get really big over 300,000, I play every time until they have a winner. I just dream of how I can bless every single person God puts in my path. We will both keep dreaming. Maybe one day!!!
Thanks for the post!
Diane Roark
Janine Huldie says
Totally, we will definitely keep on dreaming and I will keep my fingers crossed for you, too!! 🙂
another jennifer says
My husband and I did a happy dance once we paid off our student loans. A happy day indeed! I can't believe someone only won $56 for getting 5 out of 6 numbers. They were robbed!
Janine Huldie says
Jennifer, I will totally do that happy dance too here. And I know the $56 for 5 out of 6 numbers was totally highway robbery!! 🙂
heartbeatssoulstains says
Thank you for the sentence….. great way to get thinking about other things! I included links to your blog, I hope I did it correctly (new to all this stuff)
Janine Huldie says
You totally did it correctly and just so happy you did join us. Again hope you will join us again in weeks to come!! 🙂
christyb says
I hope you win the lottery and get that beautiful house that you dream of! xx
Janine Huldie says
Thanks so much Christy and wishing you a wonderful night also now 🙂
Cascia Talbert says
That is an interesting blog hop! If I had a million dollars I'd…pay all my debts and move closer to my parents. Have a great weekend!
Janine Huldie says
Thanks so much and love what you would do with a million dollars 🙂
day-with-kt.com says
I would pack my bags and move to Hawaii!!! (maybe a bit selfish but….it's just a dream, right?!)
Janine Huldie says
Not selfish and would move with you if I could!!
lovingmarshall says
I was singing the BNL song as soon as I saw your post title! Such a fun tune.
Student loan debt. UGH. My dad likes to tell me about how he paid for college out of pocket working in a grocery store. I think about that every time we're making a payment on our student loans and wonder how the price of higher ed got so out of control so quickly. It's crazy!
I love how all your choices are for your family and your family's future. That's so beautiful.
(I have to admit I would probably go buy at least a few pairs of really expensive shoes.)
Janine Huldie says
Lauren, I love shoes and handbags, too. So trust me, I would so have to get at least one good pair here, too! Plus, the BNL was so a must for this and just seriously could not resist!!! 🙂
bethteliho says
bummer you didn't win the big one!
You have great goals for your money IF you did win. And thanks for the ear worm.
Janine Huldie says
Thanks Beth and honestly my pleasure 🙂
yamarella says
Get myself and my hubby and our cat back to the U.S. Settle for awhile in a comfortable house in the Catskills. Invest wisely so we never have to worry about money again and live, live, live.
Janine Huldie says
Wonderful goal for winning a million and seriously love that you would live, live, live! 😉
Amanda Love says
If I had a million dollars I'd be rich! lol I'll make sure set up a trust fund for all the kids for college. Not sure what I'd do with the rest but I'm sure I'll travel Europe. 🙂
Janine Huldie says
Lol, I would love to travel to Europe, too and seriously what we could do with a million!! 🙂
Meg Kra says
I heard that song in my head too each time I read "If I had a million dollars…"
Janine Huldie says
I know I totally just heard it as soon as I saw the prompt, too!! 🙂
canigetanotherbottleofwhine says
Sorry your ticket didn't win. 🙁 I like how you shared the numbers with us. That was fun! Student loans suck.
Janine Huldie says
Thanks Kate and I bought a new ticket yesterday. Still figure got to be in to win it. So why not keep buying the tickets as the pot grows! You never know :0 And student loans seriously will be the death of me!!
Real. Life. Parenting. says
Funny, as I started my post, I was thinking along the same lines as you–pay off debt, save for kids' college, etc. I would love to do something crazy and irrational with a big bunch of money, but other than take a little vacation, I'd be practical. Le sigh.
Janine Huldie says
I hear you about being practical for the most part, but would be nice to spend just a little bit even on a crazy whim!! 🙂
krystal says
Thanks for joining us at the Weekend Block Party! I'm with you – I'd like to pay down my student debt!
Janine Huldie says
Totally my pleasure and thanks as always for co-hosting. I know I am trying so hard now to pay off my student loan and seriously can't wait to say I am done with it now!
Alexa says
I think the first thing I would do is take my kids on an extended trip to France and Europe. OK I would pay off debts, put plenty aside for kids’ college, and then travel to FrNce. 1st class!
Janine Huldie says
Love it Alexa and sounds absolutely perfect to me! 🙂