I always tell myself that the only way I'll ever win the big Powerball jackpot is if I, well, play- but never manage to buy a darn ticket. The truth is, I hate asking for help and the Powerball set-up at the gas station intimidates me. The little creepy booth with papers and mystery writing utensils and papers strewn about. Meanwhile, I know that it's probably super simple to fill out the little card, yet I don't want to ask anyone- so I never get my shot at millions. (there is indeed a lesson to be learned somewhere in there)

Meanwhile, someone (hope it's brother Steve- how exciting would that be?) has the winning ticket. And here I sit in my Old Navy shirt and holey black pants eating Kellogg's Frosted Flakes for breakfast.

Even though I never play, I already have big plans for my winnings. We probably all do, really. If I won the Powerball, I would launch an art business. First step would be to hire an advertising and PR agency and get really neat print materials and promotional items made. Next, I would buy an acreage. I would host a big creative party-slash-art sale in a big refurbished barn (my art studio) several times a year. Throughout the year I would host art classes and retreats for people wanting to learn more about themselves through the creative process. I would buy a cat and two more Great Pyrenees dogs. I'd buy and RV and travel to art fairs throughout the summertime and take pictures and write books about my adventures.

So one of my favorite types of books to read are goal-setting books, and I have learned that often the thing we say we would do with our lives "if I won a million dollars" is often very telling. A lot of us in our late twenties are still wondering what we are meant to do with our lives. If we look at our big 'lottery dreams,' often they are not impossible things that can only be realized with a million dollars. They're things we can work for little by little, day by day, necklace by necklace.

Girl Scout Cookies are here! Oh, how I love thee, tagalongs. Our sweet little neighborhood Girl Scout was quite the saleswoman, with her short yet eloquent pitch. She even had patience for sweet Koda as he was wanting to leap out the door at her. He loves any human under 3 feet 6 inches tall. I wish he was around kids more, because he gets terribly excited at the sight of youngsters. Not pee on Becki's feet excited, mind you- but excited nonetheless. She pet Koda and something about the way she asked his name in this "I have my own excitable furry slobbering mess of a pet" made me feel okay with the fact that he was trying to tear out of my grasp and topple her over into the nearby snowbank. She made sure to wish me a good day after she dropped off the cookie goodness, and gave Koda one more little pat on the nose with her purple mittens before heading on her way.

Happy Valentine's Day to all my lovely friends and family members out there. And to those of you who took the personality quiz thing a few posts ago, thank you! The only thing I wish it had was negative traits, because face it- we all have our imperfections and being aware of all the good and the bad is a good thing. I was once a Psychology major, you know. I actually changed my major a minimum of 4 times in college. I was also Elementary Education, Mass Communication, and can't think of the fourth right now. I can rule out History and Science- never was a big fan.

I'm going to watch my beloved American Idol tonight.

I had been anticipating the release of the movie RENT for months. Due to a big jewelry show coming up, I didn't get to see it on opening night- which coincidentally was just a few days before I was supposed to hop on a plane for South Dakota for the show and to spend Thanksgiving with my family.

I got home on Thanksgiving Day, had Thanksgiving with 482 relatives, only a fraction of whom I enjoy spending time with (if you're reading this, of COURSE I like spending time with you and you and you, well, "get it")then my sister Kelli walks through the American Legion Hall doors (large family + midwest = holidays at the local VFW) We start talking, and she says, "Do you want to see RENT?" I was so excited! I had only been prepping Brandon for seeing it with me opening night for the past 3 months. We sped back to Sioux Falls, and caught the late show. It was so much fun seeing the movie with someone who appreciates it. I saw the musical once, while Kelli saw it several times on Broadway- so she can probably out-RENT me. It comes out on DVD around February 20th, and I'm so going to camp out at Best Buy starting at midnight on February 19th XBOX 360 style. Guess I've got... 9? days to prep Brandon. Shit.

Awesome video from Saturday Night Live