All the money in the world

My daughter is currently into fantastical "what if's."

"What if you could have any house in the world?"

"What if you had three magical wishes?"

And, most recently, "What if you could always have millions of dollars?"

It's been awhile since I've had those daydreamy win-the-lottery fantasies. We pondered this together over lunch yesterday. Here's what I decided.

If I had millions of dollars and knew that I would always have millions of dollars, I would not move out of my house an into a mansion (much to my daughter's dismay). I wouldn't leave the house and home we've created, nor would I move away from neighbors that seem like a second family.

I wouldn't look to buy all sorts of things, either. Helen suggested lots of flowers, but I really don't want to burden us with more stuff.

In fact, if I had unlimited funds, I would get rid of more stuff. That's right - I'd use the advantage of my wealth as a safety net to weed out all the stuff we're holding onto "just in case."

All those clothes I hope to fit into (size 8?) or fear I might fit into again (size 16)? Out the door. I'll now be able to buy it if it's needed. Someone else can reap the use of them in the meantime.

That extra egg beater in the cupboard? Send it to a charity reseller. I'll get another one if my current one breaks.

Certainly, I'd increase my support of charities and share the wealth prudently. But, as for personal gain, I'd gain simplicity. Perhaps during my spring cleaning I should pretend I'm an heiress to a royal empire.