I just had a revelation as I was leaving work yesterday evening. I was watching the Biden/Palin debate, and I kept hearing Senator Biden saying how Senator Obama is going to give better tax break to the middle class. Now it makes sense the way I heard it, because the middle class makes the money, and they spend more, thus boosting the economy. And then it dawned on me that I was middle class, but only because of what my annual salary is. Now I've been raising children since I was twenty years old, so I've never had any money. I put everything I've earned into rearing productive citizens. This was and still is my first and foremost responsibility. But when the light bulb came on that I was part of the middle class, I could only laugh. You see because of my choices in life to have a large family I've always had to pinch my pennies, make sure I could keep gas in my car to get my kids to and fro, my paycheck has never been enough! So while a lot of people are feeling this recession, for me things have always been tight. So my struggle is just part of my everyday routine! To be totally honest, since most of my children are adults now, I have more money to spend on myself and my own personal endeavors than I had been able to in a lot of years! I still haven't been able to take a vacation where I actually go somewhere, and come back with pictures. When I need to shop for clothes for myself I still have to catch the sales, or even consignment shops, etc. I still buy my shoes at Payless, and I've been buying at Payless for so long I can actually tell you that their line of shoes has improved over the years. But it's still my favorite shoestore for myself and my daughters love it too! In fact if you look at from my perspective I have an advantage over some, because I've never had the luxury of being extravagant, wasteful, or a shopaholic! So even though I've been moved from poor to middle class, I still live within my means. What a life saving state of mind this has been for me. Is it just me, or are there others out there feeling some of the same?
No you are not alone. I've known my share of struggles. Living within your means is smart. Wastful spending has never led anyone to more choices, or a more comfortable life overall. My children are rough. I have all boys. I buy their sneakers at Payless. For my own purposes, I prefer a better quality shoe. I'll go to Nine West, Anzolini's or some fairly priced, good quality shoe store. Most shoes are "man made" and you can see the messy stitching. Quality is everything. It seems from your post that you've done a fine job by your family, using the resources you had. I admire that, and can relate as a woman. When u get a chance, plan a vacation for yourself, you've earned it & deserve it.
Be Blessed, Marlene
Saturday, October 4th 2008 at 10:42AM
Marlene R
Actually those that use to shop at expensive stores, well,no longer ! The days of big spending is over ! It has all come to a halt. You, my darling was blessed through God's blessings of your chidren, and was taught an invaluable lesson that those use-to be- big spenders are learning as we speak, but learning it the hard way. All that high price spread that they bought, they can't do nothing but look at that junk.It'll gather dust and someone will own it someday or it will be declared as garbage. Nobody wants to talk about the poor, when actually, we are the poor. One thing for sure, we know how to survive, with Gods help we'll live a lot longer too.
Saturday, October 4th 2008 at 7:51PM
Min.Dr.LaDonna Blaylock D.D.
