"Living within your means"

I learned this phrase early on in life. My single mother raised the four of us kids in a dinky apartment. I was taught to spend only what I could afford, which was next to nothing - hence why I'm so frugal to this day. Although we grew up with scarce money, we leaned on each other, our family, for love and support. I feel that family is the most important thing. My life is rich because of them.

I really believe that growing up in the environment that I did has kept me grounded and allowed me to be grateful for what I have. Every now and then I have to check myself and ask "am I living within my means?"

Last year around this time, John graduated law school. So, we decided to move to L.A. for four months so that he could train at a law firm. Instead of renting a short-term apartment, we bought a 30-year-old camper that fit perfectly on his 8-foot-bed truck. Although it was old as dirt, it was comfy and quaint. It was our home away from home. We slept, cooked, ate, watched movies and laughed inside our camper. We were essentially camping out in L.A. and although it wasn't always convenient, it was ours. It doesn't matter what your living situation is, if you have good family and friends by your side, you can make it through anything.

After the four months were up, we intended on selling the camper to an older married couple in Ramona. We learned that they owned a camper almost exactly like ours, but had lost it tragically in the notorious San Diego Wild Fires. John, out of the goodness of his heart, gave the camper to them for free. My heart just melted and I realized once again how fortunate I am to have in my life. Sometimes we don't necessarily benefit from our good deeds, but the happiness instilled in those received are far greater than any monetary gain.

Our beloved camper . . .











Daisy