What Recession?

Austin, I couldn't agree with you more. I ::knock on wood:: too have not felt the effects of this so-called recession that I keep hearing about. However, unlike you, I have seen its rough effects on my unfortunate friends.

I have seen people lose their jobs and struggle to find new ones. Many of my actor friends are having impossible times landing roles in regional theaters that they once would have no problem getting into because people with Broadway credits are auditioning for said roles, because there are no parts on Broadway to be had.

It sucks really. It's kinda like when you get the spins after a few too many madrases (the favorite drink of you, I and Plus One Alum Chris Ryan!) You lie there in bed, opening your eyes and staring at the ceiling hoping they'll go away, but never quite sure when they'll pass.

Same with this right here.

Then again, there are good things that come as a result of this recession, too. Good things for people like me who save their money frantically and stow it in a bank account, refusing to touch it. To us go cheaper and better apartment opportunities, knock out sales at everything from restaurants and sex parties to clothing stores and massage parlors.

But still, it's certainly here. What's weird is that in NYC you don't really see it. Restaurants seem just as packed when you pass by. However, there's that bitter -oh shit- moment when that busy restaurant you always pass suddenly, and without warning, shutters for good. That's happened a number of times on my precious (and your former) neighborhood, the Upper East Side.

It may look crowded still, but those people are eating less. Those packed crowds only come during the peak times that we pass, and then are gone. You see more friends packing up and heading back to Canada (this has happened) because they can't find work, or to Astoria or Brooklyn, which, really, is worse than having to go to Canada, I feel.

And so I've been living slightly recessionistically - I'm saving even more money in case I should, for some reason, lose my job. I'm finding ways to get free booze instead of paying for it. I went into nightlife so I could enjoy my evenings and meet new people without forking the cash out for it. Granted my salary hasn't dropped, but I'm living like it has.

Let's consider ourselves lucky that we haven't been hit, and be extremely observant and protective so that, if we do get hit, we're ready for it.

xoJR