I have to keep telling myself, “Playing the lottery is NOT a good investment strategy.”

I’ve got a monkey on my back, y’all and his name is Mega Millions.

You know how every 17-about-to-be-18 year old says, “Oh, as soon as I turn 18, I’m going to go buy some cigarettes, visit a strip club, (register to vote, hopefully), and buy some lottery tickets.” Well, that was me five years ago.

I didn’t do any of that except register to vote. (What can I say? It’s my civic duty.)

Mega Millions

Mega Millions

I bought my first Mega Millions ticket earlier this year when I was pregnant with my second kid and living with my husband and daughter in the place the size of a dorm room. No, really. We did live in a college dorm.

We had to get out of there fast, and being pregnant didn’t help. Sooo, when I saw the neon lights advertising that “Mega Millions jackpot: $150 million” I was drawn in and glided toward the counter.

I didn’t even know how to buy tickets, so I just held out a dollar and said, “I want to play.”

The cashier looked at me and said,”Play what?”

“Mega Millions.”

“How much?”

“Um…a dollar?” Didn’t she see I was holding a dollar? Just give me my ticket!

We did the exchange and I went home giddy as hell. Ooh, I’m ’bout to be rich, I told myself.

When I didn’t get a match on any numbers, I was so deflated. I’m still poor. Damn.

But then the next Tuesday I found myself at the same counter, with the same exchange.

And then that Friday.

I took a break from playing while I was on maternity leave (well, my husband bought the tickets). But now that I’m out and about again, it just keeps calling me, man. IT.JUST.KEEPS.CALLING.ME!!!

I have to tell myself, “Self, the Mega Millions is not a sound investment strategy.”

Then the devil on my right shoulder says, “Have you SEEN the stock market lately? Is THAT sound?”

Angel:  ”But it will rebound – eventually. It always does.”

Devil: “But her babies need food and stuff now. If she wins this, she won’t ever have to work again. That means more time with the babies.”

Angel: “Hmmm, he has a point, Tara. Put $5 on it this time!”

What’s a girl to do?
3 Responses to I have to keep telling myself, “Playing the lottery is NOT a good investment strategy.”
  1. Gwen Jimmere
    December 19, 2008 | 8:23 am

    LOL! I relate 100% minus the husband and kids part. that cool $150 million is insanely attractive. *sigh* back to work! lol

  2. Christie-A Work In Progress
    December 19, 2008 | 9:58 am

    Hi! Thanks for stopping by my blog! I see some of your bloggy buddies are mine too! Your blog is too cute…and this post was funny! Hope to see you again around the blogosphere!

  3. Courtney
    December 19, 2008 | 7:12 pm

    I am the same way!!! I put $15-20 bucks in there the past 2 weeks when it was getting insanely large. Then one day I noticed it was back down to like 16 million ::sigh:: Lucky bastard(s)

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