Reflections on 2009

Remember last December? Want to?

* The economy was teetering on the brink of collapse.

* Real estate values splattered.

* The banking industry took a $700 billion bailout.

* General Motors and Chrysler thought they wouldn't make it through the end of 2008.

* Manufacturing was in the tank.

* The workforce was losing 500,000 jobs a month.

Everything isn't coming up roses, by any means. But the panic, at least, is over.

Consumer confidence is returning, Seattle real estate values have been level for six or seven months now, which is a relief. WaMu and Safeco may be memories, but the banks are starting to repay TARP. The auto industry is struggling, as is Boeing, but they can sing, "I'm Still Here."

We're not exactly partyin' like it's 1999. But there's plenty of good reasons to hope that 2010 will be better than 2009. Here's to the New Year!