Independently wealthy

I often dream of what life would be like if I were independently wealthy. Currently, I work more than 40 hours a week and take 6 credits of class (which is considered half-time). I do this in an effort to make more money. Seriously. AS I stated before, I am an accountant with a degree in psychology. I make a good amount, but if I can sit for the CPA exam, I can increase my earning potential. However, if I was independently wealthy (a la Paris Hilton or the royal family), oh, the places I would go (shout out to my man Dr. Seuss)! Here are a few of the things I would do with my non-existent millions:

1. Travel. I want to see it ALL - I want to see the coriolis effect on the other side of the equator, I want to stay at the most expensive hotel I can find in Dubai. Deadly species...Australia here I come! 90-day cruise that costs 6 figures? Chump change!

2. Quit my job. Oh, don't give me that look - you know you would too. Long hours at the office working for THE MAN? OVER IT!

3. Take college courses FOR FUN! I want to learn so many languages it is ridiculous. I am currently fluent in English (of course) and Spanish, and can get by using ASL. I want to learn Italian so I can talk to Sara; German so I can talk to Lisa and Lyndy; Mandarin just because I think it would be awesome; and any other language I could squeeze in my brain. SO fun! Plus, I would love to enroll in some culinary arts classes, maybe get a second degree in marine biology. With all the time and money I would have on my hands, no one could stop me!

4. Buy a house. Those of you who live in the Bay Area know how little house you get for your money here. I don't even care how big this house is, as long as it's in a nice neighborhood, and is mine. It's a good goal, right? Of course, if I was independently wealthy, perhaps I could buy something obscenely large and throw fantastic parties. Who cares if my mortgage is $30,000 every month, or if there are starving children in Africa who could use my money? Remember, there's always more where that came from!

5. Help my parents retire. Seriously...you've worked for enough years. Sell your house and go RVing for awhile. When you're done, call me, and we'll get you set up in a house somewhere nice (please not Utah) close to your non-existent grandkids.

Oh yes, the myriad of things I could do if I had tons of dough. I am sure you can think of things you'd like to do too. But, wait....let's recall the horrible reverse culture shock I had when I came home after a year and half in Spain. I looked around and thought, "Americans are the most greedy, ungrateful people on this planet." When analyzing what I have through the American lens, it may not seem like much, but if you look at it through a global perspective, I truly am blessed.

I live in a gorgeous condo with two fabulous roommates. My friends (that's you) are the most incredible people, and I hope they will continue to put up with me. I own a car, I HAVE a job (which 12% of Californians cannot claim at the time of this posting), I have health insurance, and most of all I have my faith. So, despite the fact that, for now, I can't do all the selfish things I want to do, I consider myself a lucky, lucky woman. To all of you: count the blessings you have, and focus on the positive. Be happy that you have the things you need, and don't focus on all the things you want that you can't afford. MONEY AND POSSESSIONS WILL NEVER MAKE YOU HAPPY, AND HAVING AN "I'LL BE HAPPY WHEN..." ATTITUDE WILL LEAVE WITH A BUNCH OF EMPTY YESTERDAYS. So, as Bobby McFerrin said, "Don't worry; be happy."

-K