I seem to be starting all of my blog updates these days with…it’s been a long time since my last blog. To be honest with you, I find myself using Facebook more these days than anything else, so if you’re interested in more timely updates, I’d recommend checking me out over there.
I’ve heard the media report in the past months that as Americans, we are living in the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. I’m not an economist and I don’t pretend to be one but until this last week, I wasn’t completely feeling the effects of this recession that we’re living in. Last week, the office that I work for unfortunately laid off 10 employees. That might not seem like a large number until you realize that this is 25% of the entire staff. Fortunately, I wasn’t one of the 10 and I still have my job. Unfortunately, I lost the opportunity to work with, learn from and mentor to some of the greatest architects, interior designers and architectural interns that I knew. It was a big blow to the office and I can only imagine what they are all going through at this moment. Unfortunately for the State of Ohio and our great nation, these 10 only make up a small handful of people that are loosing their jobs everyday. I do not have the answers on how to solve the situation but I can only trust that our elected officials can and do so quickly. Also, if you’re looking for a new building or having your current one renovated…give me a call!
The only reason I am bring this up is I’ve been thinking a lot about the media statement about this being the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. I am fortunate to still have my grandparents who grew up the Depression and I’m lucky to be able to have a great relationship with them. I wonder if my grandparents would have been interested in buying the new iPone or LeBron James new $160 pair of basketball shoes. I don’t have to think a lot about this because I know the answer is no. Priorities for this greatest generation were to simply live, buy food, clothes and try to keep your house. Times are different now then they were then so it's not an easy apples to apples comparison for me to make so I will refrain from doing so.
Please don’t get me wrong, I don’t condemn those who have the expendable income to get these gadgets, for those who may not, please play it more conservative so I don’t have to keep paying for your mistakes. Of all the s@#t I've had to deal with because of my parents, the lesson of being financially conservative seems to be paying off for us right now.
I’ve been asked why I’m not racing this year. Focusing on running is a good excuse but it’s not the only reason. In all honesty, I just can’t justify the economic cost this year. From the $60 USCF race license to the $20 min. race entry fee, that’s money that I’m taking away from my family for things that they could be doing. If I look at the savings for an average year of cycling, I’m already at $300 on these fees alone, not factoring in things like food, travel, equipment, etc. I know it doesn’t seem like much and in the big picture, it’s really only pennies to the dollar but I made the decision early in the year that I’d rather save that time and cost and keep it in the family, perhaps to help pay for our family vacation…which by the way we didn’t go on this year just to play it super conservative. I hope the situation will change so I can get back out there with all of you next year.
Ok, that’s enough for my ramblings right now. As you can tell, the recent changes at the office have had a profound effect on me and I’ve always treated this blog as my therapy session, whether anyone agrees or disagrees with my statements. I promise that the next blog posting will be much happier.
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