When I go out for dinner on the weekend it is a hour wait, some time's longer. Go to the grocery store on Sunday you can't get threw for all the people. I stop in to get a hair cut there is a wait. When I am out running around I see now hiring in the windows of store's, gas stations. This is just a few things I was thinking about this weekend.

I got some gas today (@ $1.76) and the line for the car wash was about 6 cars deep. I bought a car wash but wasn't about to wait in that line. I'll go back later tonight.

 

FWIW, the car wash was only $3. I was surprised it was that cheap.

Where I work one division is going down to a 32 hour work week starting tomorrow. The whole plant does starting in March. I've worked worked for 17 years at this place and have never seen anything like this. The plant manager hopes that it will only last until around June.

On the weekends, you can't get a seat at any blackjack table and it usually 15-25 dollar minimum.

I think things are as bad as they have been in my lifetime. I personally know more people out of jobs than I have ever seen.

 

However, I think the constant gloom and doom reported by the press has made things worse.

 

I have a friend who owns a bar. Business has been great for her too!

I forgot to add that the first division I was talking about is the one that makes parts for the automotive industry. The other one is for the medical industry this is the one that makes me wonder.

I think things are as bad as they have been in my lifetime. I personally know more people out of jobs than I have ever seen.

However, I think the constant gloom and doom reported by the press has made things worse.

 

I have a friend who owns a bar. Business has been great for her too!

 

This is what does it for me. I know of a husband and wife who both lost their jobs recently - one because their job was outsourced to India and the other because of budget cuts. Tough times in their family.

When I go out for dinner on the weekend it is a hour wait, some time's longer. Go to the grocery store on Sunday you can't get threw for all the people. I stop in to get a hair cut there is a wait. When I am out running around I see now hiring in the windows of store's, gas stations. This is just a few things I was thinking about this weekend.

 

Dining was down 1% in 08 and is projected higher than that in 09. Grocery is also down. Next thing to watch for are closures. I have already been told Ruby Tuesdays in Cold Spring is closing. WalMart is not opening any new stores, and downsizing some existing ones. You may be seeing some crowds where you go, as do I in certain places. No really reflective of what is actually going on.

Maybe it depends on what area you live in. In Louisville, several very good independent restaurants have closed, and it's a real shame.

 

As far as the grocery shopping, people have to eat, despite the higher costs of food. And, as more and more people reduce their dining out budget, there would necessarily be more food bought at groceries.

Kroger's in NKY is doing well. People have to eat and most grocery stores have seen an increase in their profits. I haven't seen the economy this bad for a very, very long time. I feel so bad for people who no longer are employed. I haven't seen the job situation this bad since the late 70's.

I do know that my kids' college funds have taken a huge hit. Our retirement is also going down the tubes. We had hoped to retire early, but not gonna happen unless things turn around soon. We are just thankful that we still have jobs.

It's almost like the majority of society is ignoring what is coming - much like the banks/mortgage loan people did. If you go to Fayette Mall on any weekend it's still packed. We as a society are spoiled. Many live totally on credit and are in MAJOR debt but continue to spend. Almost as if they expect a personal bail out to come.

My spouse and I are so thankful to still be employed.

The economy for the nation is struggling, it's bad for our state, and not so good here in Louisville, but in our own little bubble people have changed their habits....instead of eating out 2-3 times a week, those folks are down to one time a week, often choosing to spend a bit more on that meal, but on Friday and Saturday...our local restaurants are similar to the 80's, in that Sunday - Thursday, they're quite slow, but Friday and Saturday are gang busters....crazy

Working in a field where I hear alot about peoples financial situations I can certainly tell a big difference now as compared to about 2-3 years ago. At the same time though I think it still could be much worse.

 

While people say dining out is down a great deal, and shopping at clothing stores etc is as well, I also feel that the past decade the US had reached unprecedented levels of spending. So while we may be seeing some of the biggest drop offs ever, I feel as though it's almost a reality check. Bringing us back down off of our high horse a bit so to speak. Certainly this has made me realize the importance in saving more and planning better for my future.