Dear D-Money
D$ is one of my truest #friends in this world, that’s not only the name I’ll assign him for this open letter on #steemit, that’s actually his nickname in real life—D-$. His trademarked symbol is on the bottom of this letter, under “sponsored by.” He likes to tell the #story about the first time we met and how we were introduced through a mutual friend of ours, @christylemo. The three of us got together at my place in Highland, California, it was about two months prior to a party I was throwing—it would’ve been the beginning of 1998.
Christyle brought D to my place because I needed some more financial support for the party I was throwing—D has always been that guy. D’s version goes something like this: “Christyle said: look, he’s really cool, he just needs a little more money but he’ll trip out if all you want to do is talk about money, talk about music, chicks, anything. Just something other than money.” I love it when D tells the story and he gets to that part, it reminds me of something a humble person might say.
That was 20 years ago—D is still an instrumental key in my life. He’s made several reassuring statements to me that I never anticipated hearing, statements that give me strength. He admires me and looks up to me. He believes in me the same way I believe in him, thanks D, I love you homeboy! Thank God we met.
It’s safe to say since our first meeting back in 1998, D has continued to stack millions of dollars and gone on to build a great fortune, I still don’t know if he even has a debit card—I don’t care. The few times we get together each year, something will come up about “what would you do with a million dollars” or “if you had a month to travel.... ?” Questions like that. I’m the guy in the conversation with two ears. And then the other day, out of the blue, D sent me a text message with a picture of a California lottery ticket—I pasted his text message to the picture:
I wasn’t expecting that message. Well, I was and I wasn’t because D has been trying to get a response from me to this particular type of question for a long time. I don’t know, D, I never really thought about it. 🤔 This was my response:
That question led to this text conversation:
D doesn’t have a #steemit account, nor does his wife, AND she’s an incredible #vegan chef!
Because that’s the way excitement works, right? We get excited about possibilities and ‘what if’s’ whereas normal, everyday occurrences become routine and, over time, something routine and normal evolves into neglect and a lack of appreciation ensues. Here’s the conclusion to our text conversation and then I’ll attempt to reenact the mythological disbursement of 370 million pieces of 100% cotton paper that only us humans have been programmed to believe, over the past 150 years, maintains value.
That was a long introduction, D! It took a long time to get to the part about what I would do with 370 million fabrics of that 150 year old invention identified by the finest inkjet printers on the planet. Does that mean my first one is a no-go? The one that went “I’d like to buy happiness to every decision I make... they sell that somewhere, does $300 mil cover it?”
Well then, first things first, I’d pour myself a cup of coffee and pack a fresh green one because I’m awake, it’s a day, and I’m awake.
$370 million. I don’t know much about real estate but that’s A Lot! The first thing I’d do, D, is figure out an adequate extortion rate because that lottery ticket was purchased in the United States and that’s what keeps the Feds in business.
Because the value exceeds a 1/2 million dollars, before we collect our winnings, we’ll have to mark-up the value by 150k because... well, I can’t answer that! I’m not sure why the Feds add and subtract dollar amounts to anyone at any time without justifiable cause.
The taxable winnings are $369.5 million. 37% of $369.5 is about $137 million. Add that to the additional 150k for exceeding a 1/2 million dollars in winnings and the Feds get $137.15 million. That ticket was purchased in California with a state sales tax of 10n1/4%—the state gets their cut too. 10.25% of $370 million is $38 million. Add that to the Feds’ cut for a total of $175 million in tax liability and the netted winnings equal $195 million—dang! “That’s a lot.”
After I split my winnings with you, my pocket has about 98 million pieces of 100% cotton paper backed by a monetary system created with the intention of getting people like me and you excited about things such as ‘Lottery.’ ‘I’ll take a lifetime supply of happiness backed decisions, please!’ Because I can’t think of a logical purchase—I’ll blow half of it I guess!
$50 million—blow it! And I’m not talking about buying fancy cars or jewelry or any worldly items, I’m talking about blowing it. As in, no...
No record of purchased items and I have to somehow get rid of $50 million—now that is a #challenge! This hypothetical just got interesting, I didn’t expect that. So, I say up the stakes! I’d up the stakes on me and give myself a time limit—48 hours.
Now I have to blow a million bucks an hour for the next two days and I can’t have anything to show for it, #fun—no time to sleep! I’d have you pull up a list of every single low income apartment rental in Los Angeles, California. I know there isn’t anywhere near 50 million but however many there is, I’d divide that number into 50 and cut checks to the landlords. Pay all of their rent for however many years $50 mil will cover. What’s left, 48?
Did I ever tell you I got expelled from high school? Not suspended, expelled, I couldn’t attend any of the public schools in my jurisdiction. That happened at the beginning of 12th grade. Eh, good thing though, really! I never took a required elective called Social Studies, I don’t know why I never attended it 🤔 I guess I just didn’t feel like it—interesting. Since I was expelled, I was able to cram a bunch of courses in at a continuation school, Social Studies was one of them. Otherwise I probably wouldn’t have graduated and we all know how priceless they train us to believe high school diplomas are. I don’t even know where mine is anymore—last time I saw it, it was in a red folder. So, about that high school that expelled me, I’d even out my pocket to $40 million and cut HHS a check for eight million bucks. The memo would say:
40 million dollars, that’s a lot of money, it seems like I can’t give it away fast enough. I might as well cut a few more checks to the schools I attended. Kindergarten was one school, then first grade was another. First grade, that’s when I learned I better run fast and know all of the back alleys to get home. D, I’m not kidding, everyday in first grade, the ‘big kids’ would chase me as I walked home from school. Every day I had to be a little bit faster, eventually I found a short cut through the alley and I was able to hop the fence in the back yard at the house I lived at. Second grade was another school, I lived with my grandparents that year, ok, that’s a total of three schools so far. I can’t remember attending a third grade? 🤔 Fourth grade was a different school and then I did fifth and sixth grade at the same school. Junior high was seventh and eighth grade, a total of five schools. Five seems like a good number, cut each of them a check for five million, there goes another $25 mil, down to 15 million, we’re almost there!
I’ll split that in half again, call it 7.5 million in my pocket and the other 7.5 million I’m going to ask you to match me and let’s purchase an arena. A fully functional arena that can host all kinds of different events; concerts, sports, super cross, that type of arena. I think fifteen million is more than enough to purchase an already functioning concert hall and have plenty left for overhead. I think your real question was, “what would you do with seven and a half million dollars?” Good question, that’s a lot.
I’d live it up somewhere, D! I’d roll that seven and a half over to a brokerage outfit in terms of an immediate annuity. I’d negotiate my own terms and allow them to do as they wish with my capital, in return, they cut me a monthly check in the amount of $7,500 just to keep everything in that seven and half spirit. Yeah, I think I can survive on that! If nothing else, it should at least cover the employees running our concert venue the opening weekend. We need to make the first event memorable, something that’ll really cause commotion and stir up the headlines—mix up the talent. I say two headliners, Yelawolf and Justin Bieber. Whoever says they don’t like this song can’t be trusted. 😉
Now we need a couple of DJ’s from the UK, you know what kind of music I’m talking about, right? Drum n Bass. @nickyhavey, grab your record bag, I’ll book three first class tickets, you’ll be flying with LTJ Bukem and Mampi Swift. Now we need some jazzy, funky, soul-feelin music.
Load up @lionmom and the kids, Ed, bring some strings with you. I can’t wait to hear this performed with state of the #art sound. You’ll be flying in with Dave Matthews, I hope you don’t mind.
What do you think, D? How’d I do? Do you still think dreaming big can lead to problems? Did this letter teach you something #new about me like you were looking forward to? If so, what was it? Why don’t you do me a favor and register an account here at #steemit and tell me about it. You know where I’m at, I’m easy to find, I’ll keep an eye out for your response. Say hello to the Mrs. for me and give both of the J’s some knuckles. I love you homes, let’s chat soon!
Original content sponsored by:
Inspiring words Artie!!! I was pissed when I saw you invited Bieber and Yelawolf but not me...
Of course we're coming :) with Dave Matthews? No problemo
What would I do ?
I would probably invest most of it investment funds, create a wealth management company, I will find a way to declare the money through the company , art and charities to benefit from tax exemption, I would buy a bit of gold on the side, because it's never a bad idea, probably few properties in different in South Africa, France, the US, and Hawaii.
Of course i would probably buy 1000 BTC, 100000 ETH and maybe why not some STeem for shit and giggles and upvote that post of yours with a 100% of 10 millions SP,
I love that song "Love Yourself", I'll try to record a video next week. I know your dear @puravidaville requested another song too, but priority on what allows me to stay lazy :)
Good morning, Ed, this is a great comment. You’re an intelligent dude supporting a family, a wealth management firm and tax exemption is brilliant, anyone who comes into a lump sum should try to think like you.
Shooooot. The day I have a venue—you’re going to be a regular. I’ve been telling you for about a year and a half now I want to write just one song with you. I think if I had you booked up for a few years in advance, I might get my opportunity! 👍🏿
@puravidille—I’m the luckiest guy I know.
Yes! You’ll cover “Love Yourself?!” That’ll be frikkin dope! Whoever says they don’t like that song probably says stuff like their kids don’t cry.. or tattoos don’t hurt.. they can’t be trusted, Ed! Ha.
It’s been awhile, thanks a lot for stopping by @edprivat. Costa Rica post is next... maybe another week or so, we’re still running around with our heads cut off at the moment.
edit I just noticed the Resteem, thank you. You’re the best!
My pleasure ARtie, I will be waiting right here for your post...
It's the new me, I am learning how to raise money nowayday, instead of just spending it :)
Remember to enjoy every minute of your trip, take it all in.
Bro I will play for free at your venue :) we can smoke a blunt before, and then record a song on a laptop after!
If I had to spend all the money 💰 in 24h - that would be Bitcoin without a blink. 🤑
Oh man could you imagine that trade?! I’d be a nervous, sweaty mess in anticipation of that “confirm” button. Talk about feeling alive!
Fun fact: Pura Vida and I found a vehicle yesterday, a
pathfinder with a turbo diesel and 4 wheel drive, I even asked if they accept Bitcoin, man do I wish they did, scorer! I’m at the mercy of the banks and their “Swift” technology. We aren’t looking to clear the wire transfer until next Thursday, at the earliest!! PITA. F’ing sucks! I’ve been documenting most of our movements, though, Costa Rica posts are coming.
I like your style. 👍🏿 Thanks a lot for stopping by @scorer. Happy Friday.
Great read...pause for thought, I too have purchased lottery tix, usually the really big ones, and I too have a hard time thinking about what I would do with the money...……..always comes down to, sharing with my family and friends
Thank you farm-mom! I hope D registers a #steemit account, that’s be cool. It sure is nice to see both of you online again.
I’ve purchased two lottery tickets in my life, the weirdest part is they were both purchased at the same Chevron gas station at “Four Corners” where US Hwy. 395 crosses California Route 58 (Those are actual images). I don’t know how the heck they talked me into buying a ticket... twice!
Thanks for stopping by @farm-mom! Welcome back. I’m not surprised at all that sweed’s wife instinctually wants to give her winnings away to family and friends. 😉
Coffee and a bowl, can't think of a better way to start the day. Sure sounds like your formative years were spent in total bliss, if your a Gypsy.
I know I’m repeating myself now but, oh well! It’s nice to see you back on #steemit, sir! Welcome back.
I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be @thebigsweed. I believe everything that has happened and will happen is a design.
Thanks for stopping by @thebigsweed. Great to read from you again.
Good to be back. There is a line from Desiderata. "And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should." Those of us who feel as you do, understand that there is a bigger picture in store for us. We are tested daily, and to be able to grow from these experiences only makes us stronger.
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I'm in big man ;) Don't have to ask me twice to play alongside those DnB phenoms!
If I could just be a fly on the wall during that plane flight! Talk about some inquisitive minds. I’m glad you didn’t miss this one, Nicky!
Thanks for stopping by @nickyhavey.
Haha great story too man, sounds like you have the lottery win all mapped out 😀 when that flight happens, we will share the conversation with you 😉
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Howdy sir dandays! what the?? This was five days ago, I thought you were so busy running around you didn't have time to post anything??? Are you still in Costa Rica? lol. So you're too busy to post anything but you have time to put together this smokin long, highly interesting, informative and entertaining post! well if that don't beat all!
Hola, buenos dias senior! Five days huh? It took you that long?? Ha! Kidding. I’m just glad you found it janton, I’m really glad you liked it. It ended up being rather lengthy, I’m glad it didn’t drain you—Thank you!
Truth be told, I had this one sealed away and zipped up on my notepad prior to leaving, just waiting for a release point. I just checked my notepad and I actually have three other completed articles, one will most likely never be released, and the other two are just a matter of time.
Since you’re just now getting to this one, I’m assuming you haven’t caught either of the articles I released that pertain to Costa Rica? Well.. considering your schedule and all and the five day delay, they need to wait a few more days before you find them! 👍🏿
Thanks for stopping by @janton. Let’s see what Butch gets himself out this time.
howdy sir dandays! who says it didn't drain me? Following all that math was exhausting! lol. I don't get along with math, Mrs. J takes care of figuring important percentages and such, I'm more of a big picture guy and she works on the details.
Ok, that makes sense. Yes I did see the other ones and plan to go back sometime today, I was disappointed that I didn't have time last night.
What is your status though? You are looking for a house yet or just exploring and getting familiar with the country?
Have you realized how popular you are yet, janton? You’re booked so far in advance it’s taking you 4-5 days to see a post for the first time. Man, that’s impressive! Like 33,393 posts (and counting) impressive—did you see all of those 3’s?! <—I knew today was great!
Thank you for asking! Currently we are in Heredia. We leave here tomorrow and will be back in Atenas, we found a spot we’re staying at for a month. We ‘should’ have our vehicle tomorrow, say a prayer if you think about it! This rental car is an added expense I didn’t anticipate and, well, you’ve seen how critical I am with figures. It’s not that we aren’t prepared, I just didn’t anticipate it and rental cars over here are not cheap! Eh, but this house Pura Vida has us in right now, my goodness! It’s 2,780 square feet and only has one bedroom.. imagine that! It’s massive! I’m pretty sure it’s the biggest house I’ve ever stayed in. It actually sucks having to walk to the kitchen, this joint is way too big. I’m glad she did it though cuz she’s always eyeballing the bigger, fancier houses and all I want is a view!
(Since you asked) We have an appointment to begin our residency on the 8th. So we are blessed to be in the next one for a month, it isn’t too far from San Jose, it has a view, and we’ll be local until the residency process gets wrapped up. In the meantime, we’ll have that address so we can get a bank account. I already mentioned the car so pieces are falling together. Janton, I think as soon as the 9th, depending on the residency situation, we should be able to shop for a place to call home. You’d be shocked to see what a dump in Los Angeles equates to out here, here’s a few examples—enjoy!
https://www.point2homes.com/CR/Home-For-Sale/Puntarenas/Ojochal/Fabulous-4-bedroom-home-in-gated-community-Wheelchair-friendly/51997065.html
https://www.point2homes.com/CR/Home-For-Sale/Puntarenas/Ojochal/House-For-Sale-Conveniently-In-Ojochal/55623007.html
Thanks for stopping by @janton. It’s always a pleasure hearing from you.
Howdy sir dandays! haha, the house you're staying in is too big! Now that's a problem you don't hear about everyday!
That big of a house with only one bedroom, that's flat out crazy.
Those listed homes you sent, those would be scraping the bottom of the barrel in Los Angeles? What about the price difference? I mean is 240 grand supposed to be cheap? no acreage either.
You sound like me, all I wanted was a view too. I didn't get it but I guess we have some view. I probably didn't send photos of our views did I? I'll do that one in one of these comments. It sounds like things are going very well there!
Progress is steady.
Hey sir dandays, I think you got it all wrong about me being popular. In fact, it's the opposite to some extent. I mean, just because I'm trying to follow too many people so it takes a few days to get to them doesn't mean I'm popular. I have relatively few who comment to me.
Just because I try to follow and support alot of people doesn't mean alot are doing that back. In fact I'm always chasing and trying to keep up with others, but they don't contact me unless I talk to them first. If I don't keep talking they go away. so that's not being popular, that's more like forcing conversation on people! lol.
Ok, I'll be praying for you guys!
You’re too cool janton, and don’t go tellin me you’re not, just leave it alone. 😉
Oh man, you don’t want to know California prices. In the city of LA, a 1 bedroom condo with a view, upwards of a million bucks. It could go quite a bit higher if you’d like to be in Encino, Los Feliz, don’t even consider Malibu or ocean front in redondo or Manhattan, you’re probably looking at 2-3 million. Insane, right? Yeah, that’s why I like to rent! Haha!
Those were just a few I found while I was messaging you. Not a nice enough view for me. I’m hoping for one so nice I’ll never want to look at another one. That isn’t asking too much I don’t think.
sir dandays! NO, that's not asking too much and I would look until I found it or had to build it. So you are saying those houses in CR for 240grand are cheap? They're at the top of the market there or are there very exclusive neighborhoods like Malibu?
What I don't understand is, in California, who can afford to buy those houses and who IS buying them? Wealthy people are coming from all over the world or the country to live in L.A.? who would want to put up with the high taxes and traffic?
Been offline for a couple of hours tonight so I missed this comment of yours but I appreciate you getting back to me.
(I'm tellin ya I'm not very popular. I've seen popular here) lol.
hey sir dandays, does Hola mean howdy in Spanish?
It does now!
hahaha, ok I'll take it!