Both the leading and coincident indexes have been on a downward trend for at least a year now, and the pace of their declines have accelerated in recent months. The composite indexes are now decreasing at rates last seen in 2001, with widespread weakness among their components. Meanwhile, real GDP contracted at a 0.3 percent annual rate in the third quarter. Taken together, the persistent and extensive deterioration of the composite indexes continues to suggest that the economy is unlikely to improve soon, and economic activity may contract further in the near term.but meanwhile, the Word Of The Day in my little sphere of existence is productivity.
If you know me at all, you know that I usually hit what I aim for, as long as I am focused. I've been able to maintain the focus for over a month now, and while I am certainly enjoying the results of meeting deadlines and having my paperwork in order, I'm starting to feel the drain of being an overachiever. I'm looking forward to the upcoming Thanksgiving Break, and have talked with David, who agrees that the Time Has Come for us to kick back and do little-if-anything and pamper ourselves.
While other folks might have visions of sugarplums, my head is filled with images of cucumber slices on my eyes, a soothing salt and sugar scrub, a clay mask, and oil treatments. Hot rock massages, hot tea, and books. And lots and lots of quiet.
