REFLECTION -- NOITCELFER

2009 has been a tumultuous year economically and emotionally. Economic change has hit Bend Oregon hard. Foreclosures have stemmed from a great loss in value as well as job loss throughout Central Oregon. The hardest hit counties are Jefferson and Crook. People are resorting to creative ways to earn survival money. Odd jobs, junking for resale as well as taking any job available is the key for many previously prosperous locals. Craigslist is peppered with items being sold to pay for necessities such as rent, food and utilities.

The unrealistic expectations for profit and social materialism created the false market from which we are now recovering. More consumers returned to a cash/barter system rather than a credit based life. America as a whole took a crash course in personal finance as the market dove downwards. While visiting Portland and San Francisco in 2009 I was amazed how unaffected the cities seemed to be by our economic crisis. There are micro pockets of severe economic issues while the macroeconomic situation is impacted less.

On a positive note, younger buyers took advantage of incentives and entered the market as new homeowners. New business ventures cropped up as previous employees as business owners faced a paradigm shift. Continued economic change forced downsizing of living space expectations for some, which improved levels of happiness as well as quality of life. Shared living space has proved a saving factor for some homeowners and renter.

With all this in mind, I am thankful I have my home and although there were traumatic experiences in 2009, I like many others have survived. My thoughts are with those who did not either by choice or natural cause. The closing of 2009 like all other years comes with New Year resolutions and the hope for economic improvement!