Day 211 or Anthony's (and My) Song

Do you ever dream of being rich? I know I have. But recently, I have really begun to focus on what it is that I want in life. And from life.

And life certainly requires money. Anyone who has gone without can tell you that. I have gone without health insurance. And while I have blessedly never been hungry, I have certainly curtailed my food purchases based on the money in the bank. (Thank goodness for Ramen noodles! When I was in grad school, I could get 12 for less than a dollar with coupon. Without Ramen, I may have gone without lunches. I learned how to pack a lunch for less than $1.50) I have lived in famously bad neighborhoods. I have put $2.00 gas in my car with change. In other words, I know that money makes life easier.

And easier can be really nice. So I, like most, have dreamed of the lottery. But today I reflected on what I would want with major money. I was listening to Billy Joel's "(Anthony's Song) Moving Out" and I really started thinking about what I need and what I want. I realized that I wouldn't live dramatically differently than I do now. And that was a real revelation.

Yes, I would love, Love, LOVE to not have to worry that I could pay every bill. And it would be nice to never fear a trip to the mechanic. But there were only a few things that I would really change. And when I looked at them honestly, I realized that with effort and focus, they were doable with or without a MegaMillions ticket.

I want to be out of credit card debt. I want to live by the ocean -- in the SF Bay area would be a bonus, but there is a lot of coastline in this great country. I want to travel. I want to have time to watch my children grow up. I want to work in my field and feel that I am purposeful and fulfilled. Yep. That's about it.

I didn't dream of enormous mansions, or owning the "it" bag. And while I love clothes and shoes, I rather enjoy seeking a bargain out like a missile. To me, that's part of the fun! Basically, I realized that not only did I have everything I need, I have most of what I want.

Even as I type this, I have to take that in! I have most of what I want. WOW! I cannot let that pass without saying a mighty thank you. So I don't have to start from scratch. I can build on what I have. But how to do that? This afternoon as I sang along to my favorite piano man, I had a vision of my life and I want to capture that vision so that I can look at it everyday. I have heard of vision boards but I have never done one. I think, however, that I may try. Try to take what I saw in my mind and give it some kind of physicality. Weight.

Have you ever created a vision board? If not, how do you crystallize your dreams? Do you have a vision for you and your family? Will you know when you get there?

And just in case, its not in your head yet, here's what good old Billy had to say on the subject...

Anthony works in the grocery store
Savin' his pennies for someday
Mama Leone left a note on the door,
She said,
"Sonny, move out to the country"
Oh, but workin' too hard can give you
A heart attack-ak-ak-ak-ak-ak
You oughta know by now
Who needs a house out in Hackensack?
Is that all you get for your money?

CHORUS
And it seems such a waste of time
If that's what it's all about
Mama if that's movin' up then I'm movin' out.

Sergeant O'Leary is walkin' the beat
At night he becomes a bartender
He works at Mister Cacciatore's down
On Sullivan Street
'Cross from the medical center
And-and he's tradin' in his Chevy for a Cadillac-ac-ac-ac-ac-ac
You oughta know by now
And if he can't drive
With a broken back
At least he can polish the fenders

CHORUS

You should never argue with a crazy mi-mi-mi-mi-mi-mind
You oughta know by now
You can pay Uncle Sam with overtime
Is that all you get for your money?