Ahhh... the possibilities that lie in that little slip of paper.

"A long vacation, a new home, cars, boats, the usual," lists Gary Tarbell of Lansing.

To think--- we can escape into economic ecstasy with a single dollar purchase of a Mega Millions ticket.

It's what millions in Michigan are doing Tuesday because the stakes are so high.

"Tonight's jackpot is worth $212 million," says Tom Weber of the Michigan Lottery Commission. "Over 26 years, that's $8.1 million a year, $679,000 a month, $156,000 a week, $22,000 a day. So there's something to think about."

People aren't just mulling it over-- they're acting on it. Prime example was Tony's Party Store in Lansing Tuesday.

"It's been pretty busy since this morning, people coming in, people wanting to be the next millionaire," says employee Siven Kesto. He's among the hopeful.

"I played $20 myself," he says. "Hopefully I'll win."

Heck-- even I bought one over at Oades Big Ten.

"I think maybe I'll be lucky today. I don't know why. The sun is shining, it's nice out there," says Joan Stapleton.

But the one group that will be lucky no matter what-- is Michigan schools.

The School Aid Fund gets more than 30 percent of Michigan's Mega Millions profits-- and in a game this big-- it means big bucks.

"Last week's sales of Mega Millions were $9 million, over $3 million went into the School Aid Fund," Weber says.

"It's a chance you gotta take," says Steve Roper. "Hopefully these are the lucky numbers."

And luck could be a lady for you-- and the schools-- Tuesday night.

The drawing will happen Tuesday at 11 p.m. and you can buy tickets until 10:45 p.m.

There is a one in a 175-million chance of winning.