Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Making choices in a tough economy

This week we learned that our unemployment is being cut off. My husband was able to find a very part-time (1-2 days a week), temporary job. But it caused a flag, and it cut off his unemployment. It's doubtful we'll get any more benefits at this point.

This is a scary time for us, and for many of us around the country. Our lives are being shaken to the core. Jobs are lost by the thousands. Homes are abandoned. And our children are watching. I only hope mine are too little to recognize the difference, but they know Mommy and Daddy are different.

So, it's little wonder that some of us bloggers are quieter these days. Maybe there's fewer hours in the day. Maybe there's less enthusiasm to make a world a better place. Maybe we're all about getting by.

I've noticed that I've made changes too, slipping into habits that I'd thought I'd quit. My Diet Coke intake is back up - though not quite the way it used to be - because I don't sleep at night. I don't buy green cleaning products if I can replace them with non-green ones on sale (though I still use my stockpile of baking soda when I can). I've held off on any planting of trees, bushes, or even garlic, because I don't know whether we'll be able to hang on to our home to enjoy the fruits of our labor. Organic food, what little I bought, has gone by the wayside. And I'm making the most of my strange brew that's in my CSA share, which will end in a few weeks.

I have no idea what the future holds for us, for this country. But I have to believe that as a society we have two options: We can panic, and hole up in our houses, waiting for armaggedon. Or we can reach out to our neighors, create a community, and try to weather this crisis.

3 comments:

Corie said...

Oh, man. I hate to hear that things are still so crummy for you guys. It's great that your hubby (didn't know if you're sharing names online) found a job, even if it is just for a few hours a week. Every little bit helps, right? Hang in there. Keep on keepin' on. Things will work out for the better in the end. (What doesn't kill you makes you stronger, right?) Maybe an apartment with lower rent than your mortgage would be a good thing for a while, even if it means cramming four people into two bedrooms. Maybe your hubby's job will lead to something bigger with more hours. Maybe you will get a raise at the beginning of the year. (OK, maybe I'm dreaming for you!) Keep the faith. Hang on to hope. Keep moving forward. It can only get better from here, right? Thinking about you, friend. Prayers coming your way.

Cathy said...

What a scary time--please hang in there! My thoughts go to you!

JessTrev said...

good thoughts from here too...