Justin Guarini's life has changed drastically since he was the runner-up against Kelly Clarkson on the first season of American Idol back in 2002.

On his blog on Wednesday, Guarini recollected the short-lived fame he experienced after his appearance on the competition show and where his life stands now.

"There was a time when I would have had a car service drive me from my home to work," he wrote. "There was a time when I couldn't walk the street w/o being stopped a hundred times for a photo or a press of flesh."

The From Justin To Kelly star's life isn't half as glamourous as it used to be, he said. Instead, Guarini budgets his money, drives a car that he said has exceeded its mileage and rents a home. He's also had to make certain sacrifices to ensure that his family is well taken care of.

"I have spent days skipping meals in order to make sure I have enough. To make sure my children, and my wife have enough," he wrote. "I am struggling to make each day meet the next without breaking down and curling up."

The 34-year-old still values the blessings in his life, including his wife Reina Capodici and their two sons, William and Asher.

"I have a wife whom I love and who loves me (me!) and who lifts me up. Children who give me cherubic-lippped kisses before I leave for work and who are the most delicious morsels of joy and peace and prosperity," he wrote.

Clarkson, his former competitor on Idol, on the other hand has won several Grammy awards and sold more than 20 million records globally.

Guarini's luck may change when he hits Broadway in September to play the role of Paris in William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. He will star alongside Pirates of the Caribbean's Orlando Bloom and Smash's Condola Rashad.

Tags: American Idol