What would you do with $380 million?

The news of Jim and Carolyn McCullar's winning the $380 million Mega Millions jackpot made me smile.

As soon as I heard about the Ephrata couple's good luck, I imagined I was the winner and privately enjoyed some "what-ifs."

What if I never had to worry about money again?

What a nice thought.

Yes, that was the best part of all my fantasy. I hadn't even made it to the spending part until recently.

No bills, less stress and fewer worries about making ends meet.

Best of all, a trip to a warmer climate, a new car and college tuition for my kids would be no problem.

The hustle in getting ready for work every morning would disappear.

I could focus on my kids and decide between working less or volunteering because money wouldn't be an issue.

I'm sure more time would become available by having extra resources.

Right now, I don't want to do anything wild and crazy, like skydiving.

With my husband and children, having more hours in the day to explore new hobbies and start a family history project would be great fun.

My daughter, Maria, 5, said she would buy a bowling alley and movies if we had more money. Maybe she meant a movie theater, because she has plenty of movies. I'll have to ask her later.

I would also buy a larger home with enough room for my parents and my husband's parents. Lately, I have been concerned about the future and don't want my relatives in a nursing home.

While it would be easy to stay family-focused, I would also branch out and donate toward community efforts.

Some things that come to mind include helping kids by giving to the Boys & Girls Club's new clubhouse, increasing my church tithe, and providing larger libraries, swimming pools and movie theaters for towns in Grant County's outlying areas. 

I would start a college scholarship fund for students who don't quality for financial aid, but still need help to avoid huge student loan debt.

As fun as that daydreaming was, I feel fortunate to have my life, family and career, even without the money.

Many words have been written about being rich, wealthy and happy.

Here are some of my favorite quotes, courtesy of www.joyofquotes.com.

"Ability is a poor man's wealth," John Wooden.

"The possession of material riches, without inner peace, is like dying of thirst while bathing in a lake," Paramahansa Yoganadna.

"Who, being loved, is poor?" Oscar Wilde.

"Money is power, freedom, a cushion, the root of all evil, the sum of blessings," Carl Sandburg.

"Whoever renders service to many puts himself in line for greatness - great wealth, great return, great satisfaction, great reputation, and great joy." Jim Rohn.

"Time is more valuable than money. You can get more money, but you can't get more time." Jim Rohn.

How would you spend your winnings? Share your thoughts at www.columbiabasinherald.com.

Lynne Lynch is the Columbia Basin Herald business and agriculture reporter. Did you notice she didn't mention sharing her riches with her coworkers? They may need to be nicer to her, perhaps volunteer to baby-sit.