I live in California and I am a California State employee, during these times, that's two strikes to begin with.

In the last month I decided to part with my prized Mickey Mantle Autographed photo that I personally watched him sign after shaking his hand. I have had the signature since 1991, when I was 16 years old, and always envisioned putting the signature in some sort of Den or Game Room. With the skyrocketing boom in Housing prices I was never able to afford a home, so at least I don't have to worry about any mortgage crisis directly. But I still regret selling the autograph. I sold it on eBay for a mere $250.00. Seems like pennnies to me, I don't think any amount could have satisfied me. At the end I was hoping no one would buy it, and when someone did, I was hoping for some reason they would change there mind and decide not to pay me. They did, and I miss that piece of my life. With baseball in such turmoil these days, that autograph always reminded me of my younger days, when baseball seemed a whole lot more pure and accessible. 

Why did I sell it? Well I am recently separated from my wife and Gov. Arnold decided to give us a 10% paycut with a threat of layoffs.  I am worried about things getting worse in California, but now I realize no matter how bad things may get, I still should have kept it. The $250.00 I received in return won't really help much in the big picture.

Eric in Whittier, CA .