the recession post, take two
I started writing a post about the recession this morning - and let's face it: it's here - and it became this rambling rant, one part fear and despair and two parts pep talk and false optimism.
I don't know if I can do better, the second time around, but let me try.
I feel like I am forever flinching when I turn on the news or read a paper. I am waiting for the other foot to drop.
And this waiting, even though we are just fine today - and I am thankful - motivates me to do something, to prepare for harder times to come, but I'm not exactly sure what I should be doing.
I am applying for part-time jobs, to return to work to provide some cushion in our bank accounts. (My husband is in sales, after all.)
I am volunteering more than ever at the school because our volunteering pool is feeling the pinch as many stay at home parents are returning to work and our resources are tapped out.
I am budgeting, using a calculator at the grocery store like my Mom used to do in lean times, leaving us enough to buy extra for the canned food drive, because the need is greater this year.
And though I am nervous, I try to remember we made it through some tough times before. Greg worked for two companies after 9/11 that went belly up in a 10 month period; I resorted to cleaning puppy delivery rooms for my Grandma's kennel, to get us through.
It was miserable, make no mistake, but we got through it.
What about you, dear reader? I've heard the pundits; I want to hear from my people. Is this recession hype or are you hunkering down with me, plotting your escape to the woods, Thoreau style?
I don't know if I can do better, the second time around, but let me try.
I feel like I am forever flinching when I turn on the news or read a paper. I am waiting for the other foot to drop.
And this waiting, even though we are just fine today - and I am thankful - motivates me to do something, to prepare for harder times to come, but I'm not exactly sure what I should be doing.
I am applying for part-time jobs, to return to work to provide some cushion in our bank accounts. (My husband is in sales, after all.)
I am volunteering more than ever at the school because our volunteering pool is feeling the pinch as many stay at home parents are returning to work and our resources are tapped out.
I am budgeting, using a calculator at the grocery store like my Mom used to do in lean times, leaving us enough to buy extra for the canned food drive, because the need is greater this year.
And though I am nervous, I try to remember we made it through some tough times before. Greg worked for two companies after 9/11 that went belly up in a 10 month period; I resorted to cleaning puppy delivery rooms for my Grandma's kennel, to get us through.
It was miserable, make no mistake, but we got through it.
What about you, dear reader? I've heard the pundits; I want to hear from my people. Is this recession hype or are you hunkering down with me, plotting your escape to the woods, Thoreau style?
Comments
We are not feeling the pinch too much here yet, people are still buying cars, but we are really trying to scale down our spending just in case. This means I've got to rely on my stash instead of running to the fabric stores for projects. Probably a good thing.
The layoffs here at work always make me nervous. Eventually I will get the tap on the shoulder but hope to be here till I can find another spot.
I do worry about those living on the margins to begin with through this change: the elderly, sick, the single parents.
I give you an A too.
I'm still coming down to the US to do some shopping in December so your economy can bank on a little upswing that weekend! I have a few things to pick up.
My hubby took a job in London earlier this year. We sold the house and the car and tons of our belongings to move overseas only for the economic crap-storm to hit.
I am so tired to having to explain why we're coming home sooner than we expected. I even hate saying the word "economy" these days...
Best of luck to you and lots of hugs! I know how much anxiety and stress this brings.
Having our head in the sand is not the answer. You are definitely part of the connection of community helping each other get through changing times. Our focus on opulance in this country and what we perceived as important can never replace love, light and support for all of mankind.
I worry too - what with me at home and Marc in a new job, but at the same time I think it's an opportunity to teach our kids about less being more, and that money isn't everything. Fingers crossed it doesn't get too bad.
Good for you with your calculator, I need to try that!
Honestly, my favorite things in the world are easy times with my family & friends (YOU, et al :D), tea (cheap at home), books (library!), and travel (vicarious for now).