Tuesday, November 18, 2008

On a downward spiral...

I'm speaking about General Motors. As I sit here watching TV in regards to the consequences of a collapse, my stomach churns. This is obviously a subject that hits close to home for us. Just over 8 years ago, Tim began working for GM. During that time, the future of his job seemed certain. Now, the future makes us uneasy, to say the least. Since we are a one income family, the uncertainity of GM's future has placed a heavy strain on my shoulders.

The economy, in general, is certainly something that weighs heavily on most minds, mine included. The gas prices have finally fallen in our area to approximately $2.00/gal. With that; however, the cost for food and other every day necessities has risen. For example, have you priced the cost of a box of clemintines? $7.99 Granted, it's not something we must have but just last year, I remember purchasing them for nearly half that.

The way the economy continues to go may force other people to make lifestyle changes they never anticipated. Having to turn off the extra things in order to pay for the necessities are becoming more common now. Eliminating or reducing fast food from ones budget, less money spent on entertainment and even having to seek out alternative housing arrangements are becoming more common too. Surely these changes are causing stress for many.

So far, we have been fortunate to have wood to burn for our heat. We haven't had to turn our furnace on yet. We're hoping to have enough wood in order to stretch through the winter. I can't imagine trying to budget for a tank of propane right now. It frightens me to even think of what the bill for that would be.

Tim said they will be having a meeting tomorrow at work. He thinks they will be discussing a rumor that is going around about moving the layoff dates up. I'm not sure how I feel about that.

Just came across the TV:

According to a high source, GM plans to strip production at five plants across the country. Grand River & Delta are believed to be included in those. Stripping production is where they decrease the number of vehicles made. For example, the Delta plant was suppose to produce 3600 vehicles but would end up making only 400. That's a HUGE decrease!

I think I need a bath now! I hope you're all doing well. I'll check in tomorrow.
G'night

3 comments:

Dora said...

It can certainly be very scary.
I am aware of the energy of fear that is permiating many homes and hearts.

Here's my take - and please take it in the spirit inteded because I care for you and your family and secondarily for those who might be feeling that fear.

You always have options. One option is to give into the fear and panic or shutdown.
Another option is to explore possibilities to meet your family's needs (financially, physically, spiritually, physically, etc).

All of it is scary - but I believe that we have power over what is happening and we certainly have power over how we act and react. When we focus on what we "can make happen" instead of what is happening to us or how desperate or fearful we feel - then that is what we get.

I know you'll take the right steps.
And I'll certainly keep you/Tim/family in my thoughts and prayers.

Anonymous said...

Feeling the same way, Bec. Even my job is under cuts! Our district is closing one of our elementary buildlings due to low student count and budget cuts. I went to a contract meeting, because we have yet to have one for this year, and my job could get bumped to a higher senior person getting cut from that elementary building. I HAD thought that if GM went belly up - that we could get on my health insurance if nothing else. But, now I can't even count on that.

Something has got to change - for the better!

Anonymous said...

Bec,
No matter what happens Damon and I are here for Tim, you and the kids who know's it could be cozy having family crammed into 960sq feet of living space! Thinks will work out there is always a light at the end of every tunel and some just have a few bumps and turns on the way this is just one of those turns we will find the light! love ya and see ya soon

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