Sunday Stealing: if I won a billion dollars

The Sunday Stealing from WTIT starts with What if I won a billion dollars? A million does not go as far as it used to.

1. Things I would do first if I won a billion-dollar lottery

I have thought about this far more than the topic warrants. In some states in the US, winners can remain anonymous. But the winners have to reveal themselves in others, such as New York. UNLESS they set up a Limited Liability Corporation and the LLC turns in the ticket. Well, I would do that. I’d pay off some family mortgages and donate a fistful to an organization paying down people’s medical debts. Then I’d donate money to various charities involved with libraries, arts, music, immigration, justice, and literacy, but also to some individuals.

Listen to If I Had A Million Dollars – Barenaked Ladies

2. Something I probably spend too much money on

With the caveat that there’s never too much: books and music.

3. How I feel about the dentist

My primary dentist, who I liked, retired. I’ve had a series of dentists at the practice and have no feel for their personae.

Picky eater

4. Foods I am most picky about

I don’t like cucumbers or most canned vegetables. What did George H W Bush say about broccoli? “I do not like broccoli. And I haven’t liked it since I was a little kid. And my mother made me eat it. Now I’m president of the United States. And I’m not gonna eat any more broccoli!” I’m not President, but I still don’t eat cukes; I usually give them to my wife when they are in my salad.

5. Internet friends/penpals I want to visit in person

I’d probably go to the farthest points first. That’d be Arthur in New Zealand, Leslie in British Columbia, Canada, and Mrs. Nesbitt in England.

6. My healthiest habits

I’m on Noom, so I weigh myself daily and track my food consumption.

7. Easiest, low-effort foods and snacks for busy days

I like hard-boiled eggs, grapes, and Mac apples.

8. Where do I go in summer to unwind

I’m not sure that’s a thing for me, a particular place. I don’t go to the mountains and definitely NOT to the beach. I like to go to the movies in the summer because it’s air-conditioned. Ultimately, the things that relax involve going to an event (Old Songs festival, county fair) in which time is not an issue.

9. My comfort books, tv shows, and movies

I tend not to revisit books or movies. And there are so many TV shows I’ve never seen that watching old ones doesn’t often make it into my schedule.

These are a few of my favorite things.

10. A list of good things

Old friends, music, a massage, free time.

11. Favorite places to take photos

I don’t tend to take many pictures anymore, except when I went to France in May 2023. I used to take LOTS of pictures last century. Also, I took them when my daughter was younger.

12. The routines and habits I stick to most

If I am home, I eat oatmeal with fresh fruit for breakfast. I play Wordle early in the day, sometimes just after midnight. First thing in the morning, I post my blog on Facebook.

13. Topics I’d love to learn more about

Too many things and too little time. That said my Irish and Nigerian heritage.

14. This time last year …

My wife and I were seeing plays at Mac-Hadyn Theatre in Chatham, NY, and getting our daughter ready to go to her first year of college, which would be interrupted by her, and eventually, her parents, coming down with COVID.

15. Favorite memories of someone I’ve lost

I suppose it’s an odd recollection, but it recently came to mind. In the early 1980s, I was in Washington Park with Gladys. We sat on a park bench when a squirrel ran over her foot. She was wearing boots, but she HATED that bushy-tailed critter; she had a very low tolerance for the order Rodentia. Not incidentally, her funeral is Saturday, August 19, at 10:30 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Albany, NY.

Author: Roger

I'm a librarian. I hear music, even when it's not being played. I used to work at a comic book store, and it still informs my life. I won once on JEOPARDY! - ditto. View all posts by Roger

8 thoughts on “Sunday Stealing: if I won a billion dollars”

That is a great quote from Bush about broccoli!

Oatmeal with fresh fruit sounds like a very healthy way to start the day!
I hope Gladys’ service is lovely and comforting.

I remember the brouhaha that Bush’s broccoli caused.

You said it, a million doesn’t go far anymore, but I would still like to try having it and see how the other half lives.

I play Wordle early in the day, too. Usually just after midnight. (I go to bed at 10 and my body wakes up around midnight to one a.m. and I play Wordle before going back to sleep.)