Change

The Greek symbol Δ is often used to represent change in mathematical equations. It points the way to something different from where you previously were. I like experiencing things in different ways; in different places. The weather changes; fashion changes; social attitudes change. Variety is an essential part of keeping one’s sanity on the path of life.

But I don’t like when people change. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for the bully realizing what a douche he is and changing his ways or any other attribute that may have a negative effect on others. Sometimes the reluctance to change in one person has a changing effect in others; if for no other reason, then just to make life ‘easier’ or less confrontational. But after years of changing for others you wake up one day not knowing who you are and how/why you got to this place.

Recently saw the movie All About Steve. It’s a new movie around the same theme; we shouldn’t change who we are for anyone. We may change some of the things we do, but not who we are. One of my favorite lyrics by the late Michael Hutchence is ‘Don’t change for you, Don’t change a thing…for me.’

A Different Feeling

There’s that feeling in the air today. You know. Early in the morning, the previous day’s heat trapped in the air by a thin cloud blanket at night. The crispness is absent; in its place a strange tepid feeling that a change is on the horizon. Bugs sit quietly, birds are silent. Weird stillness adds an element of ‘Poe’. Memories of late-spring mornings when the warm winds blow from the south clearing out the last signs of winter; flying kites atop a hill while your hair is tossed back and forth. The exhilaration of life that fills the air circulates throughout my body. Spring brings life, rebirth, and new beginnings. There’s that feeling in the air today.

Where She'll End, Nobody Knows

Man, the U.S. economy is in the proverbial toilet! It seems like everyday you hear about a new data release, and it’s almost never positive; unemployment claims are up, retail spending is declining, foreclosures are on the rise at unprecedented levels, and consumer confidence is at its lowest level on record. On the upside, the dollar is strengthening against other foreign currencies. Better put is that the dollar is not weakening as quickly as other currencies, thus creating the appearance of appreciating. Oh, and did we mention that the increase in the value of the dollar will have an adverse effect on commodity prices and the level of exports? Well it will. Every cloud has a silver lining, right? Or perhaps every silver cloud is followed by a bolt of lightning. And what do we do when the clouds come, go golfing.

The economic environment is truly amazing. Really! I was a student of economics back in another time, and the classroom discussions were always philosophical. Times were good; individual net worth was up, unemployment was optimal, and everyone was spending. I sometimes envy the economic and business students of today. I am sure that their discussions on various economic theories and principals are highly attended. It is an exciting time to be alive and a part of society. The next several years will shape our country’s future for some time. It is in hard economic times that people either make real changes or simply temporary accommodations to their situation. I am hoping for the former. We have a new incoming president with fresh ideas and a same party Congress. People are ready for something not the same. Be aware, be a part, and lets move toward real change that will last.