I remember growing up in the south side of Chi-town, baby. Mom and Dad made sure we were all well fed and had what we needed. But I didn't learn until a few years after leaving the homestead of how they made it happen ... they sacrificed. Coupons were clipped, leftovers were eaten and lights were turned out when you left the room.

My dad used to catch a ride each morning with a buddy from work to save gas money. Funny how things stay the same, because that's what tons of joes and jills are doing today. With gas prices going up as high and often as a 6-year-old girl playing jump rope, train travel (well, mass transit travel, if you're counting) hit its highest numbers since Ike was president. Sure, it may be a little inconvenient, but it's a dough saver if there ever was one.

Sit down tonight and ask yourself what you could be doing better for your family, jack. Cut a little here, stem a little there and watch your wallet. It makes a big-time difference. If hitching a ride to work saves enough cash to buy more vegetables for your kids, then you'll get an even bigger and brighter smile when you tuck 'em in at night.

There ... catching the 7:30 doesn't look so bad anymore, does it?