It's all relative.
 

I went to a political-type fundraiser tonight, not of my own accord. I was sucked into it. Anyway, it was hosted by a local plastic surgeon and it was at his house. You know where this is going don't you? His house was amazing. It is a sprawling Spanish style house with a huge backyard with a big pool and rock waterfall, tons of deckspace, and a tennis court. The interior was not my cup of tea but needless to say, it was very well appointed and professionally decorated. The driveway was occupied by a Ferrari F355 Spyder, a brand new Lambo Gallardo, a brand new Range Rover Sport, and a pimped out Hummer H2. All of those cars are the docs. I assume they live in the 4 car garage but there might also have been more candy hidden in there. He's a young guy known as a huge playboy. Of course his guests were pulling up and Masarati's, Porsche Turbos, SL's, etc, etc. X5: Check! I talked to him about cars and commented on his rides. He asked me to get him when I left so he could take me out to see the cars. What did that mean? Keys? Start it up, drive away? I'll never know because I felt like a dumb kid so I didn't bug him and slipped out.

I left there feeling very inadequate. :( I know I have nothing to complain about. I'm pretty lucky having the things I do. There are always people who have more money than the next rich guy. I have to remember the total crapholes some people have to live in because they can't afford any better. It's all relative.

Lots of folks have grown up in those total crapholes. But those places are filled with happy well adjusted people. Some folks with an awful lot are also full of an auful lot. J Paul getty said a few things worth remembering

#1 I hate to be a failure. I hate and regret the failure of my marriages. I would gladly give all my millions for just one lasting marital success.

#2 I enjoy comfort and luxury. But I do not need to overspend or be wildly extravagant in order to bolster my ego or prove anything to the world.

#3 I have never been given to envy-save for the envy I feel toward those people who have the ability to make a marriage work and endure happily.

He said a lot of other things also but in the end he felt his money didn't matter and did not bring lasting happiness. In fact it brought a great deal of un-happiness. Remember, you never know what goes on behind the closed doors of the so called rich.

Unhappiness can sometimes be tracked by a paper trail.

As brilliant a business man and philantropist Getty was, his savy and accumen about life was not passed on to his grandchildren. A few of them led very difficult lives despite their connection to the Getty fortune.

Material things are fun to have and great for entertainment value, but the quality and richness of life comes from a lifetime of experiences, big and small, and both good and bad. The experience of living is enough to keep me looking forward to each day.

It can all go poof in a blink of an eye so always be thankful for what you have.

I thought this whole life thing was to make sure the balance was $0 the day you died as you can't take it with you! Just make sure that you have fun and help take care of others who can't take care of themselves along the way, it brings happiness all around.

Money may not buy happiness, but it sure as hell helps...

It IS all relative, Kevin. You're a very fortunate, happy guy. I'd venture to say that owning that Ferrari, though, may bring a BIG smile to your face, and make you a little happier -- even if just for the day? :)

Juan

He may have had the keys to the house and cars, but unlikely he had the title to any of them. And the arm candy would leave him the minute it all came crashing down. In debt up to his ears most likely.

All a wealthy man needs is a clear conscience.

Kevin,

There is always someone more wealthier than someone. However, the way I see it (& I am sure you agree with me), if you are happy with where you are, then all is fine. We all should be considered lucky here to have a roof over your head, having a steady job/schooling, etc., and able to afford a luxury car (the X5). Besides, that plastic surgeon doesn't have Freaky Friday! :)

Agree. You guys have a great perspective on life. It really is the quality of the experiences and relationships with the people in our lives that make us rich or poor.

theres always going to be one person richer than the other.. just let it pass on

You guys are all absolutely right. When you're in the moment and all that bling is in your face, it's hard not to wish you lived that guy's life but as I was driving home, the perspective came back to normal and I reminded myself that it is all relative and that I am lucky to have the things I do. I was actually on the phone with a friend and we were talking about winning the lottery. We joked that if we did we could have all those toys but we agreed that it wouldn't be real. What we have now, what and who we love now, and what and who loves us now, is what's real.

And about those crapholes I mentioned, I have been in many, many such places and always under bad circumstances so I can appreciate the people and the fact that they are just like anyone else trying to make a life for themselves. Just about on a daily basis I go into those kinds of homes. In many ways, I respect those who transcend those circumstances more than those born into more fortunate circumstances.

I know I'm lucky and I know I should be happy with what I have, and I am. Life is good. Sometimes it takes seeing how the other half lives, rich or poor, to get back to center and remember where you are.