Last Thursday, while I was at my Orthopedic Doctor's appointment, I received a call from my very good friend, Tina. Although I was in the examination room alone, I advisesd Tina that I was at the doctors and requested I call her when I was finished. A moment later, the doctor's assistant readied the shot of cortizone that I was to receive momentarily from the good doctor. He had already assured me that this shot was virtually painless. He lied.
I got the shot, felt the same discomfort I felt when I got a flu shot the week Magda was born. I hobbled to the check out counter, paid my money, made my appointment for one month future and began my trek to Austin. I remembered that I needed to call Tina. When I reached her, she asked if I was in the group from the NOC (network operations center) that had won the $12 milliion lotto. I had already read that the winning number was purchased from a store in Euless. I knew that our numbers had been purchased in Irving. I knew that my lotto group did not hold the winning ticket. I use to be in the other lotto group. Tina told me there were 27 members. She also said that each member would probably receive $170K after taxes. When I hung up with Tina, I started spending that amount mentally. I was a bit depressed that I would not be able to actually spend that money.
Winning that kind of money seems to be a bit of an ordeal, especially when there is a group envolved. All 27 participants have to agree on the means of obtaining the funds. If the lotto commission gets wind that anyone is not happy with the decided upon procedure, the money could be delayed in limbo until things are decided. The commission could hold the money and charge a fee for that service until all parties agree. So as of right now, the money has not been dispersed. There does seem to be a tension among the winners. Those that I have spoken to believe that they should have their money sometime next week. Tom plans on buying his wife a Lexus and then banking the balance. Ken just bought a new car, he will be paying that loan in full, then banking the balance. Jose is going to pay off his mortgage and buy a new car. Bethural is serving in Iraq, I am not sure what his plans are for the money. Jim D had just learned that he has lung cancer that spread to his brain. He is thankful that his family will be a bit more financially secure. Jim S accepted the voluntary severance to retire and will pad his retirement fund. In the long run, I am happy for my friends. The sad story is that I quit that lotto group about a year ago and joined a different smaller group. Maybe lightning will strike twice at the same spot, but not quite.
Posted by Rita at May 30, 2007 10:13 PM