I have no doubt that we could have a million or two dumped on us without it changing us one little bit. In fact, I hereby volunteer to be a test case. Anyone want to apply for a federal gran? You could become a PHD over this. PM me for info as to where to send the money...

Now we have a problem...
I received a gift certificate instead of the rifle itself. Which one do I choose another M1A or M4????

The states ought to require winners above a certain amount to submit proof that they have consulted with a financial planner, CPA and attorney, and that they have been thoroughly advised and have financial and legal plans in place, before the money is disbursed.

I also think it is shameful that we resort to state sponsored gambling to fund education. That being said, I do pay the stupid tax regularly, and I win every time. That's because I play entirely for the fun of thinking about winning, usually on my long, boring commutes, and hold zero expectation of actually doing so.

I really don't think my life would change all that much. I'd still work as a firefighter/paramedic, for sure. I would also use my legal skills to do entirely pro bono work for worthy persons and causes. Or I might go do some kind of humanitarian relief work on my own resources. But I don't think I'd move from my current home unless I had to. But more vacations and fancier cars, sure!

Jeff

I saw something interesting in an older study of lottery winners - the ones who keep working tend not to go broke! It seems they just keep living the same life, but don't worry about the bills as much, and typically go on a nicer vacation every year - basically the same ones that they did, but eat in a nicer resturant etc

In short, they don't let the money go to their heads

Perfect example: Young man who was a lineman for the local electrical utility hit it big several years ago. Quit his job and went to buy he and his wife Hummer H1's. She drove her H1 to a plastic surgeons office and shall never drown. He decided to become a custom home builder. He got his job back at the electric company last week, seems he lost his butt, cause he didn't know what he was doing.
I knew this family, and my father and I tried to council him against it. we could see the trouble on the horizon in the business, he just wouldn't listen.

I already have the M1A National Match and the M21. From what I hear about the cost of upcoming med's for potential MRSA, I think I may just set tight for a while and see where this goes.

Here is a picture of me and one of my working dogs, Ferguson, setting up for the off lease obedience portion of a Schutzhund trial:

___________

In the second picture I am "paying" Fergie for doing an exercise correctly during training:

Good looking pup. Almost scary how much he looks like one of my two girls.

Thanks guys. Fergie is a boy. Here is one my girls, Kimba! She is still a puppy in this picture.

Isn't she cute?

Somewhere there is a picture similar to that one with Oklahoma County Sheriff's Department K9 Ben on my arm. At the time my free hand had a grip on the end of the sleeve, and I was spinning in circles. We were locked eye to eye and I swear he was smiling at me.
Two years or so later Ben had to be put down after contracting a blood disease at the site of the Murrah Building bombing. He was a damn good K9 and really good with kids. It was really funny, he would remember the decoy, and after the training come up and "nip" the heels of your boots. It was like he wanted to come back and remind you "HAHA, I won, now pet me or we start again".

Side note: Ben was one of the few "triple threat" dogs in the area. Explosives/accelerants, narcotics and patrol certified.