We used to be the typical Americans. The nice, big house with a pool and 18 palm trees. The car payments, and the massive credit card debts. Life was good, so we thought.

But then Roberta became 100% disabled and could not work. And in 2008, the worst recession in the history of the car business devastated the automobile auction business.

In late 2010, The sh*t hit the fan as I was laid off after a stellar 24 year career with my company. They brought in a 'lay off' organization and called it 'KPI' numbers. Hundreds from the top to the bottom were let go at my location alone.

My job had become so stressful due to the reasons above and what the business had become that my life finally reached the breaking point. But there was some silver linings...We had a feeling this was coming...

So we paid cash for the modular home we live in now. So the expensive mortgage is gone. The car was paid off after an insurance settlement with a guy that broadsided me in a car accident. Most of the credit cards are now gone.

The utilities here are 65% cheaper than the old house. We have adopted a mostly cash lifestyle. And I am so grateful to have Unemployment Insurance while I continue to seek employment.

But age discrimination is alive and well, try yourself to land a decent position when you are over 50. And my industry is a very 'niche' business, all of the out of work auto executives are all applying for the same jobs.

So enjoy these Pics of our outside finished decorations and home improvements. Most came from Thrift shops or the 'Big Lots' stores.

If you happen to know of a job or career position here in the So Cal area, please let me know. The clock is ticking, and I am running out of honey do's to do lol...

Love, Al & Roberta