NOT PANICKING

Okay... things seemed bad when it seemed Bear Stearns was going to collapse and everyone helicoptered in to "rescue" the firm from financial ruin, but a run still happened and, of course, their stock took a beating.

Then a bank run on IndyMac created a huge panic for customers, investors, and the fed. (Apparently, the FDIC won't insure amounts above $100,000. Not necessarily an issue or concern for us at present, but definitely good to know.) So now we may be "re-entering" a recession. Funny... I didn't realize we had left it.

Today I heard the unemployment numbers for June are the lowest they've been since 1993... yes, 1993. And the May to June jump was the highest it's been since 1986. Yes... '86.

Andy informs me there hasn't been a run on any banks in America since the 1930s. So. All that rose-colored smoke that's been blown up everyone's butts for the past year or so... thankfully, it's been de-hued a bit. I really don't like being told everything is okay when it clearly is not, and I do feel we've heard the "everything is alright" message quite a bit.

But, rather than be angry or bitter or panicky or conspiracy-theory-ish, I will attempt instead to be proactive. Productive and hopeful, even.

So... let's see. Ten things I can do in the next two months in an attempt to work positively and constructively for myself and others amidst a difficult and troubling climate:

1. Start a garden. Even better... try to collaborate with our local Boys & Girls Club down the street to see see if there's a way to establish a community garden that the kids can plan and maintain.
2. Compost. This not only helps in terms of cutting down on the amount of trash we, as a family, generate, but will also come in quite handy if the garden does indeed become a reality.
   
3. Stop eating out. It's the biggest money-suck Andy and I are guilty of. We get up at 5:30am most mornings and hit the ground running. By the end of the day, we're both eager to let someone else do the cooking. But I think saving money right now is a good idea. (Every little bit helps.)
4. Use less air conditioning; think about alternative heating ideas for the winter. The thermostat is currently set to 76. I just moved it to 78. (Again, they say every little bit helps.)
5. Check into insulation options for the house. It's old and leaks heat and cooling like a sieve with a very large hole in it. Even constructing some internal storm windows for winter will be a big help.
6. Follow the budget. This is related to #2, but goes more toward changing our mindsets from spendy to thrifty... just in case that extra cash is need later on (like when gas is $5.25 and I'm driving to Murphysboro everyday!).
7. See what we can donate to local shelters and community resources. We have lots of stuff we don't need that might be of use to others. If someone else is able to use what we have without buying something new, we've helped them save some money too - without creating more waste.
   
8. Drive less. We live close to a lot of things (including a grocery store) that are within easy walking distance, and we could also bike to our farmers' market each week. Not only does it help the pocketbooks, it also helps the enviro too. Win-win.
9. See if I can create or consult with someone to offer a program during my internship next semester... something aimed at high school students or even their parents. Teaching kids about mortgages, credit cards, investment options, and tips for saving money and energy at home might be helpful info or at least come in handy one day.
   
10. Pray. Meditate. Stay positive. Envision a successful resolution to the current crisis and try to be actively involved in moving it from thought, to word, to action. (May sound silly to some of you, but I really do believe in the power of intention.)