You may remember in June that I was concerned about the clouds hovering over the economy. I believed that the economy was on the wrong track, but not getting derailed and heading towards a cliff. I am not an economist or an economic forecaster, but who could have predicted what had transpired in the past few months.
While some so-called financial experts say we are not at the bottom yet, I have faith that we will get out of this financial situation better and stronger from it. Not only is our current situation not as dismal as previous hardships, but the American economy and people are more poised, determined and resilient than portrayed by these financial pundits.
Regardless of who I actually voted for in November, as I watched the inauguration online in my office, I was proud to see the peaceful transfer of power from one political party to another party and to listen to President Obama’s speech. To see over a million of my fellow Americans gathered on the Mall in freezing, wintry weather just to witness this historic moment was awesome.
There will be tough times ahead and sacrifices to be made, but if we work together, we can overcome our current problems and make improvements to the greatest nation in the world. Yes, We Can!
Now let us shift from the economy and politics and focus on the month of February. First, for husbands, wives, boyfriends or girlfriends, please remember to get your loved one a Valentine’s gift. There’s nothing better to warm the heart of your special someone with a card and chocolate or jewelry. I usually give my wife chocolate that I buy online from a company based in Europe and jewelry from a shop in Manhattan, but this year, I’m shopping local at Uncle Sam’s Chocolate Factory in Schenectady and Joyelles Jewelers in Delmar.
Second, for those skiers or vacationers who have gone west to Colorado or Utah in the past, save the airfare and the time spent waiting on line at the airport and try the great places nearby, like Whiteface or High Falls Gorge during this wintry month before the meteorologists predict the next great snow melt.
Cheers!!
Doug Hahn