What Economic Crisis...

Hello!

I was not actually sure what to title this blog today. I was reading (and have been reading) various news stories on the Internet regarding the economy. Often when I read the poll questions and view the results; I am amazed.

By what you ask? I'm glad to tell you.

The questions I've been reading involve ideas like...have you and your family changed your recreation habits since the economic crisis...or...do you "eat in" more since the economic crisis...or my favorite...will you curtail your vacation plans due to the economic crisis?

I have to tell you, since this economic crisis, my husband and I, and my family are doing quite well. Does this mean we are living high on the hog? No, absolutely not. But we have never lived high on the hog. And that may be why this "economic crisis" is not so much of a crisis for us at this time.

For years, and I mean decades, I have beaten myself up about my choices and living situation. Twenty-three years ago, I made a decision to stay home and raise my newborn son...at least until he went to school. Then I had two more children and the same rule applied. Any physical therapy work I did, during their young years, was done on nights and weekends, when they could be with their dad. When I finally had the opportunity to return to work, which I was really looking forward to, my son was diagnosed with cancer. So, I did the right and appropriate thing; I fought for his life with him. Then I fought for his education for him. Then I fought for him to have a place to live and a job and a "normal" life as a traumatic brain injured adult. I also got divorced and raised my kids very much alone. Life was challenging.

Along the way I worked here and there, never, ever building a savings, a 401 K, an IRA account, or a retirement of any kind. As the kids got older and I could, I tried to find work full time as a PT. I was competing with new grads, twenty years younger than I. I had a difficult time finding a work. But I remained positive and became a private contractor with public health and had work and made awesome friends.

I married again and I decided to go back to school to be a teacher. This decision, I think, is a good one because, in my minds-eye, after I graduate in 7 weeks, my degree will afford me the possibility of a steady job, with benefits and a retirement...if I work till I am 70 years old, which I will. (if I can find a job in this "economic crisis")

What all this ranting means is this: For years, I have fashioned my life to live to the barest bones possible-providing food, shelter and clothing for my family and self. It wasn't always the prettiest or most extravagant by any means, but it was solid and good. For years, there were no big, fancy electronics or family vacations or many extras but there were moments of "lavish down times," which we all loved.

Now the rest of the world is catching up to us. Everyone is learning the difficult lesson of having to "live within their means" and "make choices based on what they actually have in their pocket." And do you know what? My family and I have a little more in our pockets these days. We actually get some restaurant food every weekend. My husband and I saw a movie last weekend and went to Boston for a few days in February. We actually carry cash in our pocket and get a treat a Starbucks or other place on a regular basis.

We also realize that now as I near graduation and hopefully land a job in education, we have to save and prepare for retirement. Even in this though, we take comfort that we did not lose one penny to the stock market in the past months. We never could play it.

We may be fools, we may be jerks. But finally I feel that we are playing on a more level playing field with the world. Other people are making the choices I've made for most of my 48 years. I am hopeful for the future. I really am. Personally for me and my family, I believe things are getting better. For this country and this world, I'd like the same.

Maybe this post was foolishness. I don't know. But I had to say it.

Have hope,
Donna