Another mudslide down?

I didn't realize that it's been about 2 months since my last post. My extreme apologies to anticipating readers, if I have any. I would love to hear your comments or suggestions if anyone's out there. :)

So, the markets are just painful to look at. Up and down, but down all around. I'm thinking that this next phase can be likened to a mudslide. The mud comes slow and engulfs and destroys, but it does it slowly. No more of the crazy volatility +-10%, at least for now while the news has been quiet. Just some ups and downs, with a downward trend for who knows how low? 

Things just can't get better right now. People don't just change their behaviors in a split second. Holiday sales were weak, with stronger post-Christmas shopping. Nevertheless, we won't make this economy go up unless everyone starts doing their part and buying more. Of course, manage your debt while consuming, but we need to eat, don't we?