Dear Universe: I Have a Very Reasonable Plan for $177 Million

Dear Universe,

I would like to submit a modest request concerning Monday’s Powerball drawing.

With a jackpot of $467 million and an estimated after-tax cash payout of $177,460,000, I believe we have an opportunity to resolve several outstanding logistical issues in my life.

I understand there are other applicants.

However, I have prepared a plan, and I think you will appreciate the combination of fiscal responsibility, geek infrastructure, and continued bargain hunting.

If I Win, There Will Be Signs

I will not be posting a public announcement.

There will be no blog titled “Guess Who Can Afford Dental Work and a Congressional Travel Schedule?”

I may simply go quiet while I locate an accountant, an attorney, and real estate.

If anyone asks, I am handling some administrative matters.

Approximately 177 million administrative matters.

The signs will be subtle. Fewer complaints about travel expenses. More trips to Washington, D.C., and Austin. A suspicious improvement in my ability to attend meetings that could have been emails.

I will still check the clearance rack.

Wealth would expand my options. It would not make paying full price emotionally acceptable. I have Scotch-Irish heritage after all

Mobile Advocacy Headquarters

I might take a cue from Elon Musk’s mobile-living approach and acquire an Airstream with Starlink.

A comfortable place to sleep, reliable internet, and the ability to bring my office along? That sounds like a promising arrangement.

I could use campgrounds and, wherever eligible under the applicable rules, take advantage of national park access and military recreation accommodations available to me as a military surviving spouse.

Naturally, I would check those rules first.

Even imaginary millionaire me reads the fine print.

There is something appealing about researching legislation from a campground, then stepping outside to look at trees instead of another inbox.

The Wi-Fi would be modern. My irritation with poorly written bills would remain fully traditional.

The Principal Would Have a Job, Too

I would invest a huge chunk of the money, with professional guidance, and plan to live off the interest and investment returns.

The goal would be lasting financial independence, with a sensible budget for travel, advocacy, and maintaining Casa de la Seals.

I have spent enough time working without a paycheck. Some of these dollars would be expected to report for duty.

Preferably with benefits and a strong retirement plan.

The clearance rack would remain in the budget. Having money working for me does not mean I suddenly need to pay $89 for a t-shirt.

Casa de la Seals

Universe, this is the part that matters most.

I would buy land in Texas and build Casa de la Seals, the home Jay and I wanted.

I would make it as geeky and self-sustaining as practical. Main house in Texas Hacienda style with dragon accents. Will need to be able to be split when I pass so each kid gets enough land each to thrive and keep agricultural status for taxes. It needs a work shop, greenhouse, office w/meeting rooms, guest lodging and lots of storage.

Solar power. Battery backup. Thoughtful water systems. Efficient construction. Excellent connectivity. Enough automation (with kill switches) to make an IT person smile, with manual controls for when the allegedly smart house develops an attitude.

There would be a proper office and a full audiovisual studio for advocacy work.

Research, interviews, podcasts, videos, and room to organize the paperwork.

Possibly even a filing system that prevents me from losing documents after putting them somewhere safe.

Let us remain ambitious.

Building that home would let me carry a shared dream forward, with room for the life and work still ahead.

August Might Find Me Internationally

During Congress’s annual August recess, I might travel to India, Scotland, Ireland, Japan,,, etc, or maybe Hawaii or just on a Caribbean cruse with a Rum Runner in hand on the balcony.

I would appreciate time to explore, learn, and experience a different rhythm for a while.

Congress can survive a few weeks without my immediate commentary. They have demonstrated considerable confidence in proceeding without it already.

I would return refreshed, probably with more questions and a suitcase requiring strategic negotiation.

The Advocacy Would Evolve

I would continue advocating for the military community.

Financial breathing room would make travel easier, give me better tools, and let me spend more time doing the work without wondering how to fund the next trip.

I could build something lasting and choose where my effort would do the most good.

I would still read the bills.

I would still ask uncomfortable questions.

Money might improve the microphone. It would do very little to improve my tolerance for nonsense.

A Final Word, Universe

I am ready to approach this opportunity responsibly.

Professional advice first. Privacy. Careful decisions. A home built around a meaningful dream.

And an Airstream, because apparently my version of winning the lottery includes shopping for campground hookups.

Please consider my application favorably.

I have already created a spreadsheet for budgeting, a document of which charities I will donate to and a To do list for all the foundational plans (most of which are not listed in the blog).

I have been persistent. I have done the research. I have identified several excellent uses for the funds.

I even bought a ticket.

All I need now is for the numbered balls to demonstrate a little cooperation.

With gratitude and highly specific hopes,

Tori

P.S. I will still bargain hunt. If Casa de la Seals contains a fabulous dragon fountain purchased at an estate sale (or made by myself), please understand that this was always part of the vision.