<p><a href="http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/lotto.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-3191" title="lotto" src="http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/lotto-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a>I never bought a lottery ticket in my life.</p>

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<p>Until 2 years ago when Dina <em>dah</em>ling talked me into one.  I think I may have purchased another one about a year later with her again.  Dina <em>dah</em>ling is not a gambler, I assure you.  Just an American with a dream. </p>

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<p>And then on Day 100 Melody started yapping about the $330 million Mega Million-something-or-rather.  I had no earthly idea what she was talking about.  She looked a bit shocked at my cluelessness, and then went on  to explain that this was one of the biggest jackpots in U.S. <span style="text-decoration: line-through;">Gambling </span>Lottery history. </p>

<p><br class="spacer_" />Melody insisted that I go directly to Circle K the next day and place my bet on the American Dream. </p>

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<p>I remained quiet and undoubtedly looked doubtful.</p>

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<p>Melody threw in a "Do it for the blog!" for good measure. </p>

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<p>And I always do what my readers tell me to do.  Especially the ones that comment a lot.  :-) </p>

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<p>So...</p>

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<p>I hauled my cookies to the Circle K after work and <span style="text-decoration: line-through;">wasted </span> plopped down $5 for The Dream.   In my fair state, that money siphons into education, right?  (Hardy har har.)</p>

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<p>This was 3 nights ago.  (I'm a bit behind in blog posts ever since the holiday mayhem.)  I still haven't checked my numbers.  I could be a mega millionaire right now and not even know it!!!</p>

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<p>I am going to check right now!  Live on this blog post!  Although I guess by the time you read this, it will no longer be live, but I am tired and giddy so please humor me. </p>

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<p>Excuse me for a moment while I step away from my computer to hunt down my lotto tickets...</p>

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<p>...I'm back. </p>

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<p>Off to the Mega Millions website...</p>

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<p>Crap. </p>

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<p>Back to reality.  The Dream was fun while it lasted. </p>