Conference turris::womannotes-v2

    
    	Okay, I'll give it a shot.  If I were to win, I'd only
    	be seen once a year to pick-up my check. The rest of the
    	time I'd be off somewhere out in the wilderness fishing,
    	hunting, and living the only true good life.
    
    
    	Well, I can dream can't I,
    	G_B

    The first thing after comming to, I would go out and buy a 
    
    lawyer and an accountant

    Pay off the mortagage, put aside money for the kids education, and
    then go see Europe, Africa, South America, Asia....and the US of A.
    
    Bonnie

    You *may* get a postcard from
    Hawaii
    Alaska
    Missouri
    Casablanca
    Nova Scotia
    Madagascar
    Sri Lanka
    Tahiti
    Edmonton
    Aruba
    but don't hold your breath :-)
    
    Dana (who plans to explore facets of 'gone')

    
    
    Forty or fifty MILLION dollars??!?  Makes me wish (desperately) that
    Texas had a lottery...
    
    First, I'd buy houses...the one I'm renting now, and a couple for key
    family members who could use one.   Totally furnished, of course.
    Maybe one or two in other states, or maybe other countries.
    
    Next, a car.  (I only need one)
    
    Then I'd set up my own record company, finance the album I'm working on
    with my partner, and distribute it.  Along with this, the band would
    have all the best equipment available.  (I'm starting to drool now...)
    I'd build a state-of-the-art 24-track digital studio behind the house.
    
    Then an extended trip to see the world...several months, a year,
    whatever felt good at the time.  Skiing in Switzerland, cruising around
    the Greek isles, scuba diving Australia's Great Barrier Reef, Carnival
    in Brazil, bear-watching in Alaska, Oktoberfest in West Germany, the
    running of the bulls in Spain...
    
    Ten percent to charities, it'd be fun picking a bunch.
    
    For my birthday (inspired by Malcolm Forbes) I'd hire a jet, maybe the
    Concorde, and take 20 or so of my friends to the Far East.  We would
    fly West, stopping at one or two key places, celebrating the date as it
    moved across the world -- stretching a birthday party over two days!
    
    
    Save/invest some percentage every year.
    
    What would I do??.....WHATEVER I WANT!!!!!!!!
    
    
    Anita
    
    
     
    

    	Gee... $40-50 mil. Not a whole lot when you think about it.
    
    	I'd set up trust funds for several members of my family, including
    me. That would kill about $10 mil.
    
    	I'd then do some SERIOUS hunting for causes that have dedicated
    people who are struggling with under-funding, and I would set up
    challenges... you know: if you can collect X, I'll give you Y. To make
    the money last, I might do it in increments of $100,000 each.
    
    One of the funny things I've realized about money is that I don't need
    or want a lot, just "enough". Whatever that is. I don't think I'll ever
    be into furs, diamonds, fast cars, European Health Spas, etc. I think
    I'd get a home that I could enjoy, big enough to enjoy decorating and
    enhancing, but small enough not to overwhelm me. (3 bedrooms, kitchen,
    living room, dining room, den and Gohonzon room... and laundry on the
    premises... and tons of storage. An attic should do!) I think I might
    find that I needed a home computer to help manage my "extra-curriculars".
    
    And I'd leave engineering. Not that it doesn't give me a great deal of
    personal satisfaction, but I'm not good enough to be a consulting
    engineer, and that's the only way I see to rise above the politics: to
    be soooooo valuable, that people don't bother you with the bulls***
    I'd go into something, part-time, that gave me IMMENSE job
    satisfaction. (When I get the $50 mil, I'll figure out what it is!!!)
    
    I have to admit, its REAL tempting to get a private plane so that I can
    fly around and see my friends. But reality says that I don't want to
    lose the friendships because of envy. So, I'd learn to swoop down and
    see them from time to time, but I'd do it without a lot of fanfare.
    
    I'd also have to deal with the fact that people with money get a lot of
    attention. I'm not sure how I'd protect myself from letting it go to my
    head. But I would be DETERMINED to find a way to keep my self integrity
    and the sense of compassion for people that I've fought so hard for.
    
    Strangely enough, I think the one thing I would NOT use the money for
    is politics, lobbying. For some reason, I guess I just don't feel that
    $50 million would do enough. I don't want to see the money wasted.
    
    On the other hand, if I saw a way to solve:
    	- drugs in the world
    	- hunger
    	- the arms race
    	- racism (including Apartheid as well as stuff on the home front)
    
    with a mere $50 million, I'd chuck it all to the wind and go with one
    of those. And I don't think I'd EVER live to regret it.

    I'd fill in the rest of my comic book collection and then take up
    skiing as a permanent year-round hobby.
    
    :-)
    
    Carol
    

Quit my job, move me, and all my friends, and all the people I might want 
as friends, and all of *their* friends, to an island in the Carribean.  And
by each one a private plane (well maybe one plane per 5.)  I would put a
internet satellite link on the island, a full decompression chamber,
(diving, of  course, would be required of everyone on the island.. :-) )
and the biggest, most complete library you've ever seen.

Then I would start country hopping, starting with 3 weeks diving the Great
Barrier Reef, and ending with a 2 month long eating/wine tour of Europe!

One problem - all the money in the world won't help me be thin with all the
food I'll suddenly be able to afford.  I could go through a *lot* a
Moet et Chadon, beluga cavier, smoked salmon and Swiss chocolate before
i got bored!

D!

I'd find a way to put computers, women, and Shakespeare together as my job.
	Mez

    I'd by a 20 acre spread, up in Maine, somewhere along the coast.  Build
    a reasonable size house and barn, buy a cow, about 10 horses, some goats 
    & pigs, a couple of dogs, take my 2 cats and move.  I'd also have
    eletronic sensing equipment posted on the borders of my property so I
    would know if and when someone was crossing over my property lines, and
    when someone did cross over I'd take my rifle and go get 'em!  
    
    I'd buy a new snowmobile, snowsuit, skiing equipment, fourwheeler and
    4 wheel drive truck (keep my current car).
    
    Definately quit work and complete my degree asap.
    
    Basically hang out.  I would definately travel at least 3 months out of
    the year around Europe.  I'd backpack it though, I wouldn't want to
    spend my money on fancy hotels and accomodations.  I'd much rather stay
    in little inns and bed-n-breakfasts.   On one trip, maybe to the
    bahama's, I'd stay at a really elegant hotel.
    
    I'd take care of my entire family.  My mother would never have to work
    again.  I'd probably send her back to college.  She's been talking
    about horticultural school.  That way she could watch my gardens and
    animals while I'm away.
    
    I'd probably adopt a few children (5-6) from foriegn countries, and
    maybe (probably) start a self supportive (farming -crafts) shelter for 
    runaway children on or near my own property.
    
    In my free time I'd try to write the next great american novel, and
    plan big parties for all my friends (4 per year - one for each season)
    
    ss
 

    First, I'd stop worrying about how I'm going to finance my son's
    education.  Maybe set up trust funds for my nieces and nephews.
    
    The quality and quantity of my vacations would improve, but I'd
    stay at work. (Vacations aren't fun if you're not taking off from
    something.)  Cruise the length of the Mississippi on the Delta Queen,
    stop worrying about where to ski, spend a coupla weeks in Arizona....
    
    Finally get both housekeeping and groundskeeping help. (Oh, to never
    have to mow the lawn again!)
    
    I wonder if I'd go ahead and open the bookstore or needlework emporium
    that I always search for?
    
    Alison

    
    i _might_ quit my job...
    

    Pay off all my bills, finish college, get my Masters, buy a single
    family home and invest the rest.
    
    Oh yeah, and help out the rest of the family who are in financial
    straits too!
    
    Oh yeah, and I would go visit all my friends in Europe and finally
    visit the Far East.
    
    My needs are *so* simple.
    
    Tammi
    

 I've thought about this often enough to know it isn't going to happen, 
however...

 Pay off all the bills.

 Give the kids a couple grand and a limo so they could shop for a while. :-)

 Buy a case of Dom Perignon.

 Set up trusts for each of the kids for their education.

 Start a collection of incredibly fast cars like Porsche 959, Ferrari F40,
Corvette ZR1 (need an everyday car :-)

 Buy an awesome fishing boat and equip it to chase all kinds of fish.

 Set out in search of catching a Royal Slam (all 9 kinds of IGFA recognized
billfish)- and release them all.

 Take a vacation.

 Come back to work.

 learn how to invest so I could retire at 40 :-)

 the Doctah

    Pay off my debts and go home!
    
    Manisha who_hasn't_been_home_in_three_years

    Pay off the debts, quit DEC, set up residence in a beautiful 
    old Victorian on the coast in Ogunquit Maine, buy another place 
    in Perkins Cove and start my own flower shop, then off to Europe
    next spring and summer.  Of course I'd take care of my family and
    friends and would certainly give money to charitable organizations.
    
    It's so nice to dream!!!!!!!!!!!!

    
    	First I'd give a few million to charity....the earthquake and
    	hurricane funds...and charities for animals.
    
    	Then I'd pay off my parent's mortgage, send my brother to
    	school, I'd go to school, send my fiance to school.
    
    	Buy an old victorian home somewhere and completely redecorate
    	it.  Gotta have lots of land too for oodles of pets!! =)
    
    	Travel to places like Australia, Egypt, Japan, etc....
    
    	And take everyone from NOTES out for a drink or two!! =)
    
    	JJ
    

    $40-50 million -- darn, that's enough to require some responsibility.
    
    First off, before even picking up the check, I'd get an accountant.
    Buy some land, build a nice house, hire a maid service, build my
    library and start a CD collection.  I'd quit this job and laze around
    for a while until I got bored.  Then, I'd probably (I hope) start
    writing.
    
    I'd set aside a fair bit for my family but not to the point of making
    them dependent on me.  We'd be able to visit more often.  My parents
    are about to empty the nest, so they don't need a whole lot moneywise. 
    I'd help with my sister's education, since she'll probably go to a
    private college, and help my brothers out with major expenses.
    
    $40 million dollars is about $2 million a year over 20 years, if that's
    how they do it.  I can't spend that much money myself.  I expect I
    would start looking for a good way to do something useful with it. 
    Currently, the plan is to set up day-care training programs in poor
    areas.  Students would learn about child care and development.  Not
    only would this help them raise healthier children, but it would give
    them a marketable skill.  I'd encourage the development of neighborhood
    day-care centers in urban areas, or at least I'd set up a program to do
    it.  Mostly I'd like to be the idea person and let other people do the
    hard part....  (Well, darn it, what's the point of being rich if I
    can't relax and enjoy it?)

    Well, at this point, the question is moot (it would be anyway,
    since I've never bought a lottery ticket), but...
    
    First, I'd hire an accountant. Have him pay off my debts and make
    some investments for me. Second, I'd set up a trust fund for myself
    for my old age. Third, I'd see to it that my mother was well taken
    care of. Fourth, I'd make some sizable donations to a number of
    charities (mostly social service types). Fifth, I'd buy a few homes
    in places where I'd like to spend large amounts of time. Sixth,
    I'd go travelling.
    
    re:.7
    
    Comics before anime? I'm surprised, Carol.
    
    --- jerry

    What a dream....
    
    first I would take my husband and myself downtown and get some new
    clothes on these old bodies; then I would take him to the best
    restaurant in town and surprise him with his dream car (Alfa Romeo
    Spider Cabriolet) and an Austin Mini for myself.  
    
    Then I'd have to get an accountant so the spending can go on for a
    while...and then?  I don't know.  Anything I'd like, travel, party,
    shop, eat...;  I would however not quit my job!  You need something to 
    keepyour mind busy... any maybe buy a house in France or Spain (when 
    we get old). I certainly don't want to put up with this weather when I'm
    old!   Just enjoy life
    
    Gee, it's too bad I never buy lottery tickets!
    

I'd probally buy as much land as I could so that it could be preserved
for future generations.

I'd try and use the money for other social issues such as peace
issues, environmental issues, preservation of indigenous cultures,
and human rights and equality issues.

I spend more time in retreats and in the natural world.  I'd probally
quit my job and spend more time juggling and performing for kids
and on the street assuming I got good enough (and looking after the
money and land above).

I don't really feel I need to buy much else.  Maybe a small house in
the woods.

john


It's an interesting question - if only to see what one's priorities
are.  An interesting question for me is why I am not doing what I
really want to do (if the above is correct)!  Lack of money can't be
the only reason.

    
    A lovely house, lots of traveling, clothes, caring for my family
    - and then I'd still have about $48 million left... I picture myself
    on a desert island. White beaches, blue water. Isn't it strange
    how we could, with all that money, finally live a "primitive" life.
    
    Ann
    
    ps. I'd buy (empty) bottles for $1 million and send off the last
    $47 as bottle mail...

    I would set up a scholarship fund for my family, and the only
    requirement would be blood relative and acceptance into college. This
    could get quite expensive since I have 65+ first cousins on my mothers
    side alone. I would also pay off any existing college loans. 
    My daughter would be able to go back to school to become a vet. 
    
    I would invest a bit for my retirement.
    
    Then I would do some fun stuff like build my dream house, buy a couple
    of cars, travel, and buy presents for friends and family. 
    

    Pay off all my debt.  All my family's debt.  All my best friends'
    families' debt.
    
    Buy land.  Help design a house to be built - solid and serene and
    full of open spaces and light - a house on a lake or river all calm
    and tranquil with fog dancing on it on chilly mornings.  A house
    with a room just for reading, and a room where I can work out. 
    A room just for the piano.
    
    Give to charities I feel like helping (not ALL of them - it's my
    money and I can choose)....PBS, Various health support and research
    foundations, Red Cross.....maybe some others.
    
    Buy new clothes, maybe even somewhere more expensive than Sears.
    Go on an electro-toy spree (VCR, TV, Mac, CD Player).  

    Then maybe I'd take a few (dozen?) friends to the Blue Strawberry ;)....an
    utterly unbelievable restaurant in Portsmouth NH....
    
    -Jody
    

>    Then maybe I'd take a few (dozen?) friends to the Blue Strawberry ;)....an
>    utterly unbelievable restaurant in Portsmouth NH....
 
Does that still exist?  Haven't been there in > 10 years.  Do you still have
to make reservations 3 months in advance?  

Which reminds me - I would start a restauraunt on my island with all the best
chefs money could buy!!!  :-)  I could take them in two week shifts, they
could get paid for "vacations" in paradise!

D! 

    Yes, the Blue Strawberry still exists..  but you can get reservations
    without waiting three months now...  During certain events in Portsmouth 
    you do need the reservations many months in advance still... but last I
    heard a friend took his parents there, and got his reservations only
    weeks in advance.

    Someday I'm actually going to eat there yet :-)

    Well, I didn't even come close to winning last week or this week...but
    if I'd won I'd pay off all my debts; give some money to family and
    close friends; invest some; give some to charity then head for Maine to
    find my "Ghost and Mrs. Muir" house and buy it!
    
    P.
    

    Yes - the Blue Strawbery still exists. The original chef is now
    at another restaurant, but his partners are there, and the food is as
    good as ever.
    
    RE: $$$$$
    
    I'd pay off my debts  and then make sure people doing AIDS research
    got some support. After that? ASk me when I win.
    
    Does anyone remember the woman in Illinois who won six million? You
    know how usually  the winners say all kinds of selfless, noble things
    when they're interviewed? ("Gonna send my kid to medical school...gonna
    buy my parents a house...etc.) Well, this woman said she was going
    to buy Tom Selleck. Figured 6 mil was just about enuff.  
    
    --DE
    

    The Blue Strawbery is my all-time favorite restaurant.  I've been there
    a number of times over the years.  I would class it as $$$, given that
    the fixed price (around $35 per person, last I recall) covers
    everything except liquor.  It is certainly a treat.  And I've even
    gotten in by calling on the same day - usually a week or so will
    do it.
    
    					Steve

    I ate at the Blue Strawbery once, and the food (that I ate) was great,
    but I did have one problem with it: a high percentage of the dishes at
    that particular meal were cooked with  - or otherwise soaked in -
    alcohol (i.e. wine or liqueur). As a teetotaler, I found this
    difficult. If I know the alcohol's all evaporated, no problem, but with
    some dishes, and desserts in particular, you can't know.

    One really good (non-alcoholic) side dish was the mashed potatoes mixed
    with parsnips. A combination worth remembering.

Where did the orginal chef go, Dawn?

Yeah Paul; check out his cookbooks some time. His main ingredients for most
things are butter, cream, eggs, and liquor :-).
	Mez

    	Well, talking about the Blue Strawberry reminded me of
    	a small place my wife introduced me to a couple of
    	years ago. It's called the Blue Onion and it's in
    	Freeport, Maine. Just a small house on the south
    	end of town, and not expensive, but the food and
    	desserts are very good.
    
    	Whenever we're in the area, we stop in. Never been
    	disappointed.
    
    	Scott

Of course, calories are a scientfic measurement of how good a food tastes.

    RE: cooking with liquor
    
    IT might be worth a phone call to the B.S. and ask if they can
    make any accomodations for folks who don't "do" liquor. They seem
    like a friendly bunch, and might be able to do something.
    
    RE: where'd he go?
    
    Well, Mez, this is no help at all. To me, either, since I promised
    myself I'd go sometime to Haller (?)'s new restaurant. But: I think
    it's in New Hampshire, (or Vermont) (see? this is no help at all)
    and is in a college town. I'll keep my eyes open for the article
    I read. Maybe I kept it.
    
    --DE
    

If the food is cooked, any alcohol will have burned off (or evaporated).
Cold (never-heated) desserts are another matter.

Don't forget that yeasted bread contains alcohol before it's baked.

Martin.

    But Paul!  Their principle dessert is strawberries, sour cream,
    and brown sugar!  Do you really want to build the sort of warped
    character it takes to resist something [non-alcoholic] like that?
    
    						Ann B.

    
    I'd buy a couple of PMAXes, a 5800, and start a software company
    in Palo Alto.
    
    Also, I would throw a killah Soapbox party, and fly in Greg Davis
    to entertain us, and tell us about his philosphy of life.

    Bob would you fly in the rest of those who would like to go
    and couldn't afford it?
    
    Bonnie

    
    but of course...
    
    We could have it at the Tara, and get those nice young men in the
    beefeater suits to pour the pertsovka.
    
    

    Jim Haller, the "master chef" and part-owner of the Blue Strawbery,
    opted out of the day-to-day cooking operations to start his own
    catering business which is run from an office upstairs.  I believe he
    is still involved with the business end of the restaurant.  Yes, you
    can get your special function catered by the Blue Strawbery!  Haller's
    creations are also available for sale at some grocery stores in the
    Portsmouth area.
    
    It is true that they like to use liqueurs, but there is usually at
    least one dish without them.  If this concerns you, do call.  Their
    heavy use of milk products (butter, cream) is important to others.
    
    Once I organized a group outing to the BS for some people from work,
    and when we got there, the staff singled out one of my co-workers,
    saying "Hey, look, it's 'Tom Terrific'!"  He had apparently worked
    there some years ago and had not mentioned it to us.  Jim Haller
    came out and chatted with us, wrote out the recipe for the Sherried
    Mushroom Chowder (delicious, as always), and gave our party a free
    bottle of wine.
    
    Another time I and my companion were the only ones in the restaurant,
    due to late cancellations by others.  What a special feeling!
    
    I've been back a couple of times since Jim Haller left, and the quality
    of food and service remained top-notch.
    
    				Steve

    <--(.38)
    
    Ann, was that pun intended? ;-)
    
    						=maggie