People Talk: What have you learned in the recession?

Angelica Silveira “The main thing is that I am blessed to have health benefits for my family, and a job when a lot of people don’t.”

Bob Austerman, El Dorado Hills: “I think we all took a lot for granted. I learned to see what’s important. Everyone’s had to make adjustments. We simplified.”

Richard Grieco, El Dorado Hills: “I learned to be more aware of the economy. My wife saw this coming but I ignored it. The signs were there. We changed our economic strategy.”

Mori Behvandi, El Dorado Hills: “I’m an engineer and I learned to appreciate all those years I worked for the state when I could have made more in the private sector. Now I’m retired, and I do a little consulting, so I’m doing alright.”

Michele Martin, Placerville: “I learned to appreciate having a job. It also reinforced my belief in a simple lifestyle. We don’t have a fancy house or new cars, and we don’t miss them ... much. A lot of people just keep spending. I don't get it.”