In another life, I was most definitely an architect. I love analyzing, gawking at, and dreaming of different architectural styles. Recently, I’ve noticed a trend in commercial properties, whether it be a retail location or multi-unit apartment complex; an urban industrial look and feel to the facade. Brick accents, metal-like paneling, and bold, dark contrasting colors seem to be a running theme in new and redesigned units.

Anthropology! And/or archaeology. Of course, this was my major eons ago and the prospects were no better back then either, recession or no recession.

With gas prices teetering on $5.00 a gallon here in California, I’m so glad I’ve gotten into the habit of bicycling. Of course, our temperate weather helps as it encourages me to bike all year long.

“Oh, she’s just had a run of bad luck. That’s why she’s having financial troubles,” I recently heard someone say about someone I know very well.

I kept my mouth shut, but it made me realize there really isn’t such a thing as bad luck, at least not when it comes to repeat-behavior and financial habits. Instead, it’s an excuse for not taking control of the financial situation and making some much needed changes.

I can’t help but believe that if we (I define “we” as the people and the state and federal government here) support small business, new jobs will be created; created in the form of employees, employers, and budding entrepreneurs.