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Kids have the unique ability to dream without the restrictions of reality; money, time, physics, etc. all mean nothing . . . then we grow up. But sometimes it's still fun to dream anyway.

Last month, when the Powerball jackpot was at an all-time high, everyone was talking about it and fantasizing about what they'd do with all of that money if they won. I didn't really have an answer to that quandary and I was one of the few people who didn't even bother to buy a ticket. Last night, however, an old fantasy came back to me and I would definitely need to win the lottery to realize that dream.

Julie and I attended a wedding reception which was held in the multipurpose room of an old school building. Though much older, there were many similarities between that room and that of the one at the school where I was enrolled from first through sixth grade, General Mitchell School, in Cudahy. The same stage, the same lunch window and the same tables that fold into the wall. Just like last year, when I re-connected with my friend, Guy, it brought back memories of that time and place. Specifically, I recalled a fantasy I had about buying the school building and making it my home. I thought it would be really neat to have so many rooms and I could run in the halls without any teachers to yell at me.

I told Julie about my pipe dream as we explored the old school, trying to come up with a use for each room and spending even more imaginary money on extensive restoration and remodeling. Of course we'd have to have a staff to take care of the building and grounds, too. The possibilities are endless, and for one night, I let my imagination run wild.

It was brought to my attention on the way back home by our friend, Stepheno, that with the proceeds of that jackpot ($68 million, after taxes) I could build a mansion to order. I'd rather -- if I had that choice -- buy an old school building, though. I suppose it's the nostalgia and the personality of an old building, especially one that bears such resemblance to my old school.

And now, since I don't know what else to add, and I've got to get up for school in the morning, I'll sign off for another week. Remember: you can't win if you don't play . . . keep dreaming.