there’s nothing like an economic downturn to make you aware just how much more you need to do and/or accomplish before calling it a day. this is not to imply that things have been running on a giddy note before all this happened, of course, but it does give you a “slight nudge” — a reminder, if you will, that there are things to watch out/prepare for.

i don’t know why i’m getting more gloomy than usual these days. maybe it’s the highlighted deluge of natural calamities (earthquakes, tornadoes, mine collapse, etc.) that have been hogging the headlines lately. many experts say that the number of calamities that have struck in various locations worldwide is just about the same (statistically speaking, that is) as in the past few years. the only difference is that these disasters have been occurring in densely populated areas, hence the huge number of property damage and loss of lives.

times like these make you appreciate whatever savings you’ve managed to make as well as plans you’ve set in motion as a cushion against unanticipated events. you gotta take off your hats to those folks who build storm shelters, stock up on emergency rations and medicine, or purchase insurance for their livelihood, business, etc., people who actually pore through business insurance quotes and make their choice. i guess this makes practical sense especially if you live in California (earthquakes, hey), which should explain why California business insurance is basically a must, as the California Department of Insurance would most likely assure you.

i just hope we don’t get visited by a big one soon *knocks on wood*