With the frenzy of activity necessary to keep one's job, I realized that I have let a lot of things slip this year. It's hard to get in the holiday spirit when you see the axe fall all around you. This year has seen a series of lay-offs and terminations of friends across the country.
Yesterday I realized that I had not bought a gift for a co-worker who consistently makes my life easier and is one of the hardest workers I know. He's low on the corporate totem but I know we would miss him dearly should something happen to him. I want to let him know how much I appreciate his kindness, friendship and spirit. I need to run out today to find something worthy.
This year the term fiscal frugality has been tossed around quite a bit. With the unplanned expenses of a week in hotels (and dining out 3x/day) plus that shiny new generator (an unplanned purchase), etc., etc., and there goes any financial cushion I might have had. I feel like I'm on a fixed income and it just isn't enough. In debt, with no job security is a very uncomfortable feeling. I find it very easy to ignore the sale exhortations of the emails and retail commercials.
No matter what comes in the next year, quarter or month, I know that I have a solid set of skills and an excellent network of colleagues, associates and friends. The year ahead will be challenging, not only for me, but for many others as well. I know how cliche it is to make New Year's resolutions but the recent ice storm (and 7-day power outage) pointed out how unprepared we were for that event. What else am I unprepared for? What steps can I take avoid the same complications in my financial life? I intend to find out.
I've been procrastinating, I know. It's a bad habit. I don't have much energy left at the end of the day. I'll be reviving my efforts to do my own thing.
I hope we all make it through this season and the poor economy. Time to pull ourselves up by our bootstraps.
A low, slow wave,
Joe Rocket
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