Powerball

       So the powerball has grown to 600 million dollars right now and by the time the drawing is pulled on Saturday night we may have a new record. Now everyone knows the odds are 1 in 175 million or something but who cares.I play every week in a work pool. But when the prize gets this high I open it up to everybody. It is amazing to see the mood of people change when they dream about "what could be." Of course we discuss how much is needed to retire, what is your first purchase, where do you move, what vacations, and all kinds of exotic plans. Then there are the entrepreneurs who talk about what business they will start. We also discus our planed humanitarian acts and everything we will be doing for family members.
      It's a good study in what a little bit of good thinking can do for you. The day goes fast, things that might get tedious and annoying don't seem so bothersome, and you are more likely to greet other people with a smile. . . .Why?  Because you feel better.
   
First I must be responsible
Pay off mortgage
Pay off student loans
Pay off Meg's student loans
Pay off Mom's mortgage

Now I get to play
69 mustang convertible red
69 mustang convertible midnight blue for mom
Kruggerand for Meg

Of course there are also college funds for children I know, and donations to my alma maters, and other various friends who I would just give money to because I have it and they are my friends.

      What it comes down to is that powerball, for me, is a cheap 72 hour vacation. I get to vacation in my mind with all the many possibilities of what I can do with the money. Not a bad trip for a two dollar investment. And when the drawing is pulled and I didn't win, cause really I have a better chance of being attacked by a shark in Arizona, I am not let down because the whole time I am dreaming I know I won't win. I know the odds are seriously stacked against me. But then that optimism slips in and I realize that everyone who has won in the past knew they weren't going to win too.

Derby Day

One of the things I look forward to doing when I move to Tennessee is to go to the Kentucky Derby. And I mean the whole nine yards. I want the big beautiful hat, fancy outfit, and a mint julep in one hand. I think it would be a wonderful way to spend an afternoon. I've never been to a horse race before and only occasionally place bets, usually when there is a triple crown potential. I was betting today for Mylute because Rose Napravnik is trying to become the first woman jockey to win the derby (her ninth place finish in 2011 is the best by a woman jockey).

Since I was placing one bet I decided to also pick a favorite and a long shot.Now I know nothing about horse racing so google was my best friend. My favorite was Revolutionary. At the time he was an 8-1 but I think his odds are improving. Anyway I recognized Calvin Borel (jockey) so I thought this would be a good horse to try. Also it said that since he is in the 3 spot he is near the rail which is the spot Borel likes. I am assuming since the 1 spot will be empty that makes it even easier for Borel to find his spot.

Then of course I picked Mylute which will be ridden by Rose. Hey who doesn't love  a good human interest story? Her while life has been around horses and if you took to heart everything her sister and father said about her she sounds like a modern day Horse Whisperer. I wish her the best and hope she has a long successful career I see more bets on her in my future. Who knows maybe next Derby I will be watching her race live.

My long shot is Will Take Charge. When I placed the bet he was a 20-1 (same as Mylute) now he has fallen to a 31-1. It makes it less likely he will win but if he does my 2$ become 62$ which is fine with me. Apparently he was impressive in his last win and showed good strength at the end of a few races. The article I read said if he stays within four to five horse lengths he has a chance. However it is also possible he will fall to 15 lengths behind and then he is done. So I guess I will know early if he has a chance.

Then I placed my trifecta. I figured since I was betting on three horses I might as well go all the way. I picked Revolutionary to win, Will Take Charge to place and Mylute to show. 

Let's see how I do.