An Introduction

Okay, first of all this is Graciela and I am the "last born" if you think birth order is important.  Life has been interesting.  Now I am a Grandma and have some things to say but not sure to whom...so I am blogging and maybe this will be just good therapy, much like those vanity publishers publish just for themselves.

When I was growing up there was the group that the old timers looked down on, the nouveau riche. They hadn't been 'of means' long enough to learn proper decorum.  Sad to say I am now part of the nouveau poor. My husband and I decided to make huge career changes when we were empty nesters.  It seemed practical.  We could give back to the community.  We had an opportunity to go to work for a non-profit cancer center.  We took a 40% cut in pay.  We sold our family home before the house boom but that was okay.  We moved onto the non-profit's property.  It was a lovely experience.  Who knew that the economy would bottom out? Who knew that recovery would take soooo long? The non-profit went belly up.  We found ourselves laid off.  Laid off and almost retirement age.  We were surprised! But that hasn't been the only surprise we have faced in the last few years.  As the old gravely voiced singer stated..."the times they are a-changing..."  Yes, they are and here are some of my thoughts about all of this!