Whirling Dervish

I know it's been a very long time since I updated. Things here are busy mostly because of ESK. She has really taken her busy-body-ness up a notch in the past few weeks and it takes a lot out of poor ol' mom over the course of a day.

It's amazing to see her exploring, testing and pushing her boundaries these days. The entire world seems to be opening up to her. This is of course very exciting, but I feel as if I'm not able to provide her the stimulation she needs. So, I've been trying to fill up her schedule daily with some kind of activity outside the house. Storytime at the library has lately been a new favorite.

Besides ESK, we've really been digging in here in PDX and networking with new families, churchlife and neighborhood. And of course, we've just generally been trying to enjoy the fall weather before the winter rains here begin. Pumpkin patches, apple-picking, hikes, etc. Fun!

Economy
Scary isn't it? In my former life as a business reporter, I used to follow the markets on a daily basis and was always dazzled by the highs of the market. As a New Yorker, I used to walk past investment houses and admittedly envy the freshly-pressed bankers who used to stream out the doors. Now it seems unbelievable that our economy is in such a vulnerable position and that the era of mega-investment banks are no longer.

As an outsider, it's easy to say good riddance to such gluttony and wanton greed. But I will admit (and I believe most people should admit) that most people have benefitted (even if unknowingly or indirectly) from Wall Street's success. I remember in the heyday of the Internet boom, I knew many people who dabbled in daytrading and made off like bandits. Or what about the latest real estate boom? Sold homes for double what they bought it for.

The economy stresses me out, but the public backlash against the bailout stresses me out even more because a lot of people just don't seem to understand where our economy might end up without a bailout. I understand the anger and resentment. And mind you, I have no sympathy for the current lame duck administration. But I also know the stock market has no remorse and is a swift, efficient machine that will not wait for human error or Congressional hemming & hawing. If no action is taken, it isn't the CEOs who will suffer most, but rather regular Americans who are already tightening their belts. Republican, Democrat, Independent, whatever. God help us all if this bailout, in whatever form it takes, doesn't remedy the problem....