I can't believe nearly a full week has passed without my acknowledgment to my friend Dawn for showing me a great time on Tuesday night, even though she says it didn't amount to much.
Well, in our pocketbooks, it certainly didn't show: a pool of family & friends spent $90 to try to share some of that record-setting $370 million Mega Millions lottery jackpot. Us Michiganders didn't even come close, but there was something more rewarding: quality time with a friend who I regret not spending more time with.
I'm close to the whole family next door; we're actually like extended family. There's nothing I wouldn't do for them. Dawn was the first one I met, and though she can have far-fetched ideas at times, she's always been there for me and I would hope I could be for her.
The Tuesday fun was simple: driving around, getting lost at least three times, and meeting other members of her family as we were collecting the proceeds for our stab at millionaires. Her Uncle Bob in particular was a joy to talk to: although I had to stand on my creaky back for nearly two hours with no available seat in the living room, he graced us both with stories about his life.
That night was simple, and simply wonderful. It got me out of the house and away from the routine with a girl I've always been fond of. Dawn, it means more to me than I let on that night. Money's nothing; company's everything.
Little things like that make me glad I'm in the neighborhood.
