I'm an open book, so I'm not shy to share some of my recent experiences:

First of all, I'm still not really feeling the effects of the crashing economy. My boyfriend and I had no problem getting a loan from GMAC last week to buy an SUV. My bank, Washington Mutual (which was saved from a crash by Chase two weeks ago), offered me a credit card when I went to make a deposit. I declined, but it made me think, "What credit freeze?"

Also, I'm actually having a hard time trying to spend my money! I ordered a rug through Home Decorators only to receive a notice that they've discontinued that rug and I'd be getting a refund. I registered for a crib at Babies R Us only to find out they're out of stock — not only in the store, but also at their distribution center. The only bummer is if I still want this particular crib, I have to order it online and pay $110 for shipping. (I'm going to call them and try to negotiate the shipping charges.)

The only thing that I've witnessed, of course, is my shrinking 401(K). Since June 30, my balance has fallen by a little more than a third, from $18,482 to $13,577. (I called today to find out my balance.) But I'm not worried. It'll go back up.

I'm just not feeling that "depression" that people are talking about. Now, ask me again in March when I return to work from maternity leave and I have to start paying for child care ...

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The graffiti-covered wall at Dracena and H streets that I blogged about Monday was painted over Tuesday. But now on my way to work this morning, another tagger has hit the wall again. When will it end? Never. But I'll keep reporting it to the City of Bakersfield's graffiti hotline (32-ERASE) and Web site so at least they can stay on top of it and it hopefully won't explode like it did over the weekend.