NEW CASTLE —
This is my last blog for The News.
You may ask why. Please allow me to explain.
No, it was not some internal conflict, time restraints, or lack of desire. It is simply that I bought a Powerball ticket and fully intend on winning.
The jackpot is up to an astronomical $587.5 million. Yes, that is over half a billion dollars and it will soon be mine.
The simple piece of white paper emblazoned with the Powerball logo sits beside me on my desk. This unsuspecting, yet tiny, piece of paper will instantly change my life. It's drawing my attention every few seconds. I stumble through repeated moments of brief anxiety as I lose sight of the ticket before I realize it is just under the sheet of paper I also set on the desk.
I'm dreaming about what tomorrow will be like. Waking up knowing I will have millions upon millions of dollars at my disposal. No need to set the alarm, because I have already informed my boss of my intentions. I will not be coming in at 8 or 9 or even 10. Matter of fact, you can keep my last check, 'cause I'm not coming back.
After I win I will, of course, spread my good fortune to all my friends and family. I will give them each a decent chunk of money. Enough to change their lives significantly. Let's say $100,000 for everybody should be a nice start. Then I'll pay off our house. My car, if anybody wants my car it's yours! I'll leave it in the driveway with the keys and the title. First come, first served.
Whoa, wait. Where is that ticket. ... There it is. OK, I moved the ticket closer. I almost lost it again!
With nervous anticipation, I am watching the clock. Soon the drawing will take place and make this aspiration a reality. The news is playing teasers about the drawing at 11 p.m., which are serving to increase my excitement. I can't wait to see my precious numbers pop up!
I need an envelope, or maybe a Ziploc bag, to protect this precious piece of my future. I can't let anything happen to it. What if I spill something on it or it gets ripped? I have to put this somewhere safe.
I think I'll give the church a big chunk, too. We are in a building program and could use a couple million. That would really help us and further our vision, not to mention be a great tax benefit to me.
Taxes, oh taxes. I hadn't contemplated that. But with $587.5 million, I guess I can afford to give the government its cut. I can still live comfortably and help those who need it. I'm not going to be greedy. I will share my wealth and for that, I deserve to win. I have karma on my side. I have shared my previous windfalls. Although they were substantially smaller than the now life-changing jackpot, I did wisely distribute what I had been given.
Here it comes, the balls are bouncing around in the machine. One then another and another. All five balls have been drawn and the Powerball too!
Nevermind ...
I didn’t win. Not even a consolation prize. The piece of paper I was so careful to protect is now destined for the trash can. I guess it's back to the grind. My hopes have been dashed. I have to set the alarm and somehow convince The News that I still want to continue with my blogs.
I hope they will understand my premature excitement and untimely resignation.
Josh Drespling
Related Photos
-
About Josh Drespling: Josh is a former graphic designer at The News. His blog appears each Saturday.
Discussion
Josh Drespling: Powerball fever has me feeling a little sick
- Josh Drespling
-
-
Josh Drespling: Breakfast for dinner? Yep, as long as I’m makin’ bacon!
A while back I was rummaging through the kitchen tying to figure out what to make for dinner. My daughter was in the the other room complaining that she was hungry and my wife was echoing with the usual, “What are you doing for dinner?”
-
Josh Drespling: Students get a summer vacation — what about parents?
About nine months ago, we parents were all prepared to attack the new school year with vigor and determination. We had a new stash of supplies, including the perfect pencils and pens, a crisp new backpack, and all the other wares our children could ever need or want.
-
Josh Drespling: Lawn mowing cuts deep into my wallet
I finally did it. I succumbed to the desire and plopped my cold, hard cash down on the counter. I was thrifty and cautious in my shopping. I have spent the last few summers kicking tires and comparing prices. I checked every local retailer, online site, and even kept a keen eye on Craig's List.
-
Josh Drespling: My daughter’s invitation was irresistible — and so was her performance
What agony is this?What evil villain has prepared this dastardly event and entrapped me in its bitter grasp? The scene: An elementary school gym on perhaps one of the hottest and most humid days of the year.
-
Josh Drespling: Sick and tired of being sick and tired
I'm sick of being sick! It has been over a week now fighting this ungodly pestilence that has settled in my body. Despite my best efforts, this plague has taken a firm hold of every avenue of my being. It has become the most constant and present force in my life.
-
Josh Drespling: Thank you, Mom. I’ve never said this before but ...
I'm a terrible son. I’ll can freely admit my shortcomings. Well, maybe not as awful as some. I've never been in prison or killed anyone (though I may have thought about it). I’ve never been a drug addict or a drunk. I remember most of the holidays, birthdays and celebrations and I'm capable of supporting myself and my family.
-
Josh Drespling: Leaving a paper trail blows my ‘cool’
As you probably already know, I am the coolest guy in the room no matter the company or the occasion. I am dapper, handsome, and, of course, the hippest. I am the most “in” guy and, by default, the most trendy person this side of the muddy Mississippi. My non-mainstream fashion sense and musical independence exemplify my elite status.
-
Josh Drespling: Please bear with me as I remember my brother’s special friend
As you may have picked up on in my past blogs, I grew up in a home that had only little money to spare. We made the best of all things and found our way by being resourceful and frugal.
-
Josh Drespling: Appointment! What appointment?
Dear Mr. Optometrist: Thank you for the polite reminder about my upcoming appointment. The postcard you sent in the mail was quite helpful.
-
Josh Drespling: Spring is (finally) in the air — enjoy!
We have missed you, my friend. We have all longed for your warmth, vibrance, and energy. The cold gray of winter has had us locked in its icy grasp for far too long. We greet your arrival with great anticipation and long for the newness you will bring.
- More Josh Drespling Headlines
-
