It's tough, but it's not all dark!

For all my optimistic talk when this recession began...I've got to admit, this is a different animal.

Like most of you, I have friends who have lost their positions, and our area has been rocked by a General Motors' plant closing among all the other stories we hear daily.

But there are bright spots...businesses doing well, exploding adult education (an improved workforce is always a plus), and new opportunities making themselves known.

I too have clients who have cut back, but I continue to work everyday, and my attitude has improved as I continue to interview entrepreneurs on my online talk show ( "Just the Other Side of Seven" Wednesday evenings at 7:10pm EDT www.talkshoe.com/tc/43512 ).

There have been some significant gains in selected stocks as well (I follow that stuff and subscribe to a number of newsletters).

Plus, I continue to run...that's free, walk...also free, work in the yard...ditto, watching the birds at the feeders...almost free, and I'm enjoying life lived less complicated.

Bill