I hope that if I became rich I wouldn’t become an asshole.

People want to be rich for a variety of reasons.  In the end, however, I think the underlying reason for most of us is that we want to be free of the nine-to-five workaday life.  Though there are those among us lucky enough to have found a way to make a living doing what we love, most of us work to live, not the other way around.  We work to support the things we love.  That is certainly the case with me.

With the recent Mega Millions lotto that was over $600 million it got me thinking about what I’d do with that kind of money.

In terms of the “things” I’d get, below are a few of them, in no particular order.

I’m not a grease monkey, but I’ve always loved to drive, and I like classic cars. I’d probably have a small collection of classic cars, like this 1963 Porsche 911- 357

I love tropical locations and I love tree houses. I’d buy a place in Costa Rica or elsewhere in Central America and build a treehouse in a tree like this ficus. I’d probably spend all but the rainy season here.

I’ve always wanted to learn how to fly, and I especially enjoy flying in helicopters. I’d get my heli license if I had unlimited funds.

I’d get season tickets to see the Seattle Seahawks. Ok, this this one is pretty attainable even without the lotto…but if I won the lotto I’d probably get a box. That way I could bring a bunch of friends to every game.

I’d be able to afford the best lenses available that would allow me to shoot in all kinds of conditions. I might finally have enough zoom to catch the bald eagle picture I’ve always wanted.

Of course, the things are only a small part of what I’d do with the money.  I’d invest some of it, and I’d find ways to give back.  At home I’d sponsor educational opportunities through scholarships and efforts to provide low-income children a chance to get an education.  There’s nothing worse than having the ability to do well in school, but to be denied the opportunity because your family can’t afford it.

Globally, there are so many causes that deserve support, it would just be a matter of choosing one (or several) and sponsoring those.  I’m especially enamored with charities that help people to help themselves by providing them a means to break the cycle of poverty.  Buying livestock or land for people who live a subsistence lifestyle is one example, but there are others to be sure.

I’d be a patron of the arts.  I believe that one of the things that defines us as human beings is our ability to create and appreciate art.  I appreciate all forms of art and would support as many different types of artists in their endeavors as possible.

I have no desire to have fancy clothes or to go to expensive hotels and exclusive clubs.  I’m a blue collar guy at heart.  I’d do some things for myself and my family, sure…but just think of the meaningful impact that much money could have on so many others.

What would you do if you won the lotto?  Would you want to rub elbows with the Kardashians, or roll up your sleeves and do something for others?  Leave a comment below, I’m interested to hear peoples’ thoughts.