On the way to pick up my Mom to take her on her weekly shopping trip to Walmart and listening to the radio station talk about the jobless rate, it really got me thinking about how very lucky I am. On March 31st, it will be one year since I have been out of the work force....by my own choice. Actually, it was for my sanity. My job stressed the heck out of me and I could feel myself not liking myself very much for the negative attitude I was starting to acquire. This upset me because I'm usually a very upbeat person with a positive attitude. Grandpa agreed that I just was not happy and told me that he would back me up with any choice that I made. So, I decided to "retire" for a while and work on getting our house ready to put on the market. At the time Grandpa was working steady and we could afford to live on just his paycheck.
Over the winter Grandpa hurt his back on the job. He was off of work for almost two months.....and to top it off, his workers comp claim was denied (that could be another whole blog but we've tried to put that behind us and move on). So, pay was lost. Then when he could get back to work, there wasn't any work (because of the economy) so he collected unemployment. We have been living on just one unemployment check for months and it's been tough but we have been ok.....really!!
That is what brings me to the reason for my blog. This is not a "Woe is me, you should feel sorry for me" blog. On the contrary; in fact, it's the complete opposite. Ok, let me explain since you might be a little confused. I have been 'spoiled' for many years. Good jobs, money, nice vacations, buy whatever we want - whenever we want it. We were living the 'good life' as they like to call it. Then everything changed and my eyes were opened to really see how lucky I have been and that I have no right to complain about anything. Gone were my little quick shopping trips here and there buying stuff I really did not need. I don't think I've been in Kohls for almost a year! Michaels craft store? Are they still in business? Half-Price Books? Do they still exist? (I've been buying books over Ebay for as cheap as $1.99 AND I have read every one of them; they have not ended up on a shelf just to watch my pile of books grow and feel rich) Grocery shopping has taken on a whole new meaning; our freezer is almost empty (something we haven't seen in years)....no extra anything. But, that also means, no food going to waste either! I am getting further on Grandpa's afghan that I am knitting because I promised myself, no more new 'projects' purchased to be completed later, if at all.
Our lives have changed in many different ways but I think it was the best thing that could have happened. It 'brought me down a notch' as far as thinking that I can have anything that I want. Instead, it made me be more thankful for what we already have. Two wonderful daughters who are my best friends, 4 adorable grandchildren, a house in Tennessee waiting for us to live in and most important, our health and each other - for over 40 years. So, like I said....it was a wakeup call, long-time coming and I have embraced it. I really like the person I have become in the last year.
Live, Love and Laugh.....and you can get through anything!!
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