It's all about the Benjamins Part 1

I'm broke right now.
Even saying that makes me feel guilty because my broke is so much better than most people's "broke". I will eat, have clothes to wear, gas in my car, heat in the house, food for my dog and even the occasional cocktail, movie, or night out.
That's not broke.... but it feels broke.
I can't take a vacation or buy elaborate gifts for my loved ones. I can't buy the brown boots that I desperately need. The new down comforter will have to wait, as will the Cuisinart food processor that I've been coveting.
When did this become my life? I used to survive on much much less. Hand-me-down furniture and kitchen essentials were the norm, as were thrift store clothing and *gasp* 200-thread-count sheets. I drank rail liquor and drank freeze-dried auto-drip coffee.
Now I'm an all-around snob. Good Vodka, Coffee and Food. I have a damned handbag collection and jewelry. (not actual jewels or designer bags, but still). I have extravagantly expensive grocery bills because I buy organic olive oil, pre-washed and stemmed spinach, and even organic "healthy" frozen dinners and mac-n-cheese.
This is a lavish standard of living by global and historical standards, yet I'm not one of our society's wealthy or elite. I would have a hard time supporting a child or buying a home without making some significant changes to my lifestyle. If I'm snobbish and have an unreasonably high standard of living, what does that mean for our truly wealthy citizens? Stay tuned for Part 2.