After a bit of a hiatus from the blog, I am back! This is truly something that makes me happy, so I hope to post much more regularly on here.

It’s Monday! And do I have a Good News story for you.

As I am sure everyone has heard, an 84-year-old woman from Florida named Gloria, has won the largest undivided lottery jackpot, $590 million. She accepted a lump sum and once taxes have been taken out, she is set to receive $278 million.

While people win the lottery every day, except for me, it seems, what makes this story extra special is the fact that a man let her go in front of him at the supermarket to buy that ticket. Many are saying he deserves a cut of that jackpot. However, with the computer randomly generating those numbers, it is unlikely he would have received the same set.

It made me smile to read that her and her late husband met just after World War II and built a beautiful life together in Maine, before retiring to Florida. She currently lives in a small home with a tin-roof.

At her age, I am hoping she will spend some of the money to build herself and her family a beautiful, modest home in Florida to enjoy for years to come. She should be free to spend it however she pleases. She seems like the type of woman that will take care of her family first before spending it on herself, which I fully admire. But after 84 years, I’m hoping she will indulge herself a little bit to create a list of wants!

What would I do with $278 million? ….

+ I would pay off all my student loans and debt. What a relief it would be to start my life debt-free!

+ While I’m at it, I would help pay off any debts or loans my family has.

+ I would buy a fixer-upper with my boyfriend and renovate it to our hearts’ content. While we have been exhaustingly apartment hunting, we have both been able to build a list of our wants and needs from a home. Of course, our first apartment won’t be perfect, I have to keep reminding him of that… Separate post on this later!

+ I would help my parents build an addition over our garage. Whether it is an extra bedroom or another family room, we deserve it! Our house is so cramped right now, I thank God every day that my mother is such a saint.

+ While on the topic of my mother, she deserves a beautiful home down on Cape Cod, within walking distance to a private beach.

+ I would take a leave of absence from work and travel anywhere I have ever wanted to go, including re-visiting some favorites.

+ I would donate to several charities of my choice.

Along with all this, I would continue my shopping habits. Just because I have all that money doesn’t mean I need to be frivolous =) I wouldn’t even get rid of my car, I love my Honda Civic!

Gloria, you rock. I know you will continue to live your life humbly and honestly and I wish you and your family years of happiness!