So, how about that economy? It's been in the news a lot lately. Bank closures. Government Bailouts. Layoffs. The quote of the night, from the NBC nightly news, is that for every person who loses their job, there are 10 more who are worried about losing theirs.

That sounds about right -- and is why I think this holiday season isn't going to be a very jolly one for businesses, and why things could get even more interesting in the January/February timeframe.

So while for the time being, I am still among the employed, I can't say that I'm super looking forward to 2009. I've been unemployed before in a down economy, and it sucks, big time. It's an experience that I have been hoping to not have to repeat.

But, there is still room to be hopeful. Contrary to last time, I have several years of experience under my belt, no debt, and some money in the bank (eating PB&J for lunch has its benefits). So at this point, it's basically all about holding on for the ride. There's reason to hope that with an Obama win and a not-too-bad holiday season, that the economy will come in for more of a soft landing in 2009.

-Andy.