Well, in 1967 maybe...my husband and I love watching Andy Griffith reruns...just gives me a "feel good" experience, you know, the simple pleasures of life, the warmth of Aunt Bee's kitchen, Andy's easy-going style, Barney's wacky attempts to keep crime off the peaceful streets of Mayberry, and Opie's innocence.

An episode we watched last evening featured Andy's amazement and distress that four years of college for Opie was going to cost $16,000. He wanted to make sure Opie had every opportunity to attend college, then when Opie told him he wanted to be a dentist that would require an additional 4 years of college, Andy was even more distraught.

What were things like in 1967? Well, gas was 33 cents a gallon, a new house was about $14,000, yearly income averaged $7,300, rent per month was $125, a brand-spanking new car ran you $2,750, and a movie ticket was $1.25...my my, wouldn't Andy be shocked to know that YEARLY college tuition averages $26,000!

Fast forward to today..costs seem to be spiraling out of control, consumers are weary and worried, and the situation seems overwhelming. I do long for that imaginery land of endearing, down-home, and beloved characters of the Andy Griffith show in the lazy town tucked away in North Carolina where Barney, Goober, and Gomer were inept, but precious, and it seemed that problems and worries of any significance were far and few between...OK, snap out of it Wanda! Seriously, try to embrace the blessings in your life, even during stress, and focus on things that make a lasting impact like friendship, integrity, volunteerism, and a pat on the back...these things don't cost much but are priceless and can apply in the personal and work-setting.