The Economy: A Big Nasty Financial Smoothie!

2011. Yep. 2011.  So far, I have to say I don't have a lot of great news about 2011.  I know it's only been three weeks, but in those three weeks, here is some of the information that has come my way:

• Another decline in housing prices. Which pushes us past the Great Depression. Ugh.
• Stiff unemployment likely to remain through the year.
• American companies are hiring more outside the country (see above).
• My own industry is screaming at me: Get out of lending!! No work ahead!!
• On the other hand, they are also telling me appraisers are going to become hourly-paid stat-jockeys. So, I'd better run out and get that new certification if I want to catch this wave! (For only $699.99!)
• They might be right, I've had only a trickle of work this month.....err. I really don't want them to be right. 
• Turns out I may just be in denial though, because they were right the last time this happened.

This makes me feel sort of like.....

Yeah, you get the picture!!  SO, right now what I am looking for is GOOD NEWS.  Has anyone actually recently bought a home? Tell me about it!  Are you thinking about it?  Tell me!  Have you moved recently to a place you really love (rent or own)?  Yes, tell me! Are you thinking of moving?  What is it you really want in your home? Your neighborhood?  Have you recently found a new job?  What are you looking for in your work environment? In your life?

American values are changing, quickly.  After so much loss over the past few years, I think we are reassessing what we really cherish in life. As I venture forward in this great chaotic economic blender I hope to gain a sense of what the good things are. I dare to put these messages into a bottle and send it out into that sea.

Yeah, I want some good news!