January 29, 2011- Leftovers...

     Since we are leaving in a few days, I have been attempting not to go to the store to buy more food that will just go bad while we’re away.  It’s amazing to see how much I really have in the pantry, refrigerator, and freezer when I do this.  As long as I stop myself from going to the store to pick up something really quick for dinner, I find when I get home that there’s more than enough there to feed the kids and me.  This makes me realize how very spoiled I am. There was left over chicken to heat up and simply add gravy for extra flavor, broccoli and carrots to steam, and even some box couscous to go with it all. If I just take a minute to scrounge about the kitchen and think about it, I can see many ways to save a few dollars to put back into savings for the day life is not so free of financial strains.
     I didn’t grow up in a poor family, and I’ve never lived in poverty, and I’m very thankful for that.   In fact, I’ve had my emotional traumas, like we all do, but other than those, I’ve been extremely lucky to have no physical or financial limitations thanks to a mom and dad who worked very hard all their lives (In fact, my dad still works 12 hour shifts as a general practitioner, and he’s almost 70 years old!) to provide for themselves and their three children.  I never went without unless I was just being a brat about what I wanted, which having kids myself now, I find not allowing them whatever they ask for perfectly acceptable, especially when the thing they want is simply not needed, only wanted.  I also did not have the typical financial worries of a young marriage when I moved away from my parents and no longer required their support because my marriage began and ended on this atoll where even those who are paid minimum wage and no more are “rich” by most standards.  Finally, I was blessed to have a college fund set up by my parents to provide me with a good education which has led to the stable teaching and training positions I’ve held the last few years on the island as a single mom.  So, tonight, I may be eating leftovers, but I am far from the bottom of the food chain of life.  I am very, very blessed and thankful for my fortunate circumstances and life thus far.