Don't forget to look back and smile

As I got a shove into the real world, utility bills, rent and school loans began piling up. As the amount of money I have dwindles, I have noticed some of my expectations dropped.

Some things I had been concerned about when I was a child have become less important.

Often, I judge the quality of my bread by the amount of mold spots on the side. As long as I can peal them off of the crust, I shouldn't have a problem. I hope.

My dad made me a nightstand when I was in elementary school. Now, that nightstand makes the perfect television stand in my living room.

I like to eat cereal for breakfast, but sometimes the bag of cereal outlasts my milk expiration date and my bank balance. So, a quick sniff gives me the OK to eat my Marshmallow Mateys, as long as there are no chunks coming out of the gallon.

The light bulbs blow out in our house frequently, but we don't always have the money to replace them. We have a lamp that travels from room to room, depending on the lack of light. I'm still not sure how that lamp light manages to keep glowing.

All pens can have a second chance at life with the help of the nearest heat source. The usual heat source is a lighter because the flame is big enough to warm the tip of the pen, but probably won't melt the plastic.

When desperate times call for desperate measures, that roll of paper towel I was saving for spills may need to be used as toilet paper. Be sure to have a trash bag handy because the paper towel in the toilet would cause a whole new series of issues.

Brooms are not only for hard wood surfaces, especially when your vacuum is broken. The broom can be used on the carpet to gather bundles of hair or small pieces of paper with slow, careful movements.

When friends come over, they know to leave their ketchup, taco sauce, etc. in the refrigerator. I can't beat free toppings for when I cook hamburgers or taco salads.

Porcelain plates are considered our "fine China." They are only used in place of plastic plates for special occasions. If mom or grandma stop by, the pink plastic plates stay hidden in the cabinet.

When mom and dad offer, I never turn down a home-cooked meal.

We all have times in life when we are short on cash, and we all cope in our own ways. Maybe my trials at the broke life could help someone else cope.

Once the hard times pass you can look back and laugh, and be thankful your nose helped you avoid a gallon of cottage cheese.