It's a Very Special Day...

Yes folks, we have an anniversary to celebrate. It seems like only yesterday, but it has been a year since Bear Stearns filed for bankruptcy spawning a spiraling credit crisis...and we are still reeling from the effects! Now I know you are expecting me to talk about the fact unemployment has reached a four-year high, or to mention GM's 3rd worse quarterly loss ever, or even how US manufacturing was flat for July, but that would be down-right depressing. Instead, I am going to take this opportunity to talk about all the things going right in the world. Yes, Polly is back and she is spreading her positive vibes all over the land!

Okay, sure we may not have as much money to throw around and spend spoiling ourselves & our loved ones. Hey, maybe we don't even have enough to cover our bills, but we have gained countless treasures over the past year. Let's review:

1. I have noticed more kids playing made-up yard games outside since their parents shut off their Internet/cable connection.
2. More family dinners. Going out to eat is expensive and often the first thing to be cut out of the budget. There is something to be said for sitting down with your family and talking about your respective days. I know my fondest memories of childhood are from around the kitchen table.
3. Realizing when push comes to shove, money isn't what can hold you and tell you everything will be alright...that job is reserved for your friends and family.
4. Acknowledging you don't have to be on the go all the time, it's actually fun to hang around town and enjoy the simple aspects of where you live.
5. Its great to plant a garden and cultivate the earth, that way you don't have to complain as much when food prices sore and you have the satisfaction that comes from a good harvest.
6. Knowing it is okay to ride your bike down the street instead of driving. Not only does it save money and give you a little exercise, but it also gives you the pleasure of fresh air and being able to stop and say hello to your neighbor.
7. Learning not to take everything for granted. Newton told us long ago, whatever goes up must come down...it truly applies to everything.
8. Living within your means, instead of always trying to have more. It's times like these when more, more, more becomes your burden.
9. Taking responsibility for your actions. Just because the bank says yes, doesn't mean you should.
10. Finally, realizing its okay to take advantage of the downtime. Whether it be to pick up a hobby, read some new books, or simply sit, enjoy it...it won't stay this simple forever.

See, while we watch our savings & stocks deplete at rapid rates we still have a lot to celebrate! This year has been rough, but we can make it and we will come back stronger and better people as a result! So go hug your friends & loved ones, pop open a beer, eat some dinner and play a good ol' game of Scrabble. Sure, it's not going out to a fancy dinner and a show, but I bet you will have more fun and laughs staying around your kitchen table. Have a great weekend.