2:36 a.m. I was going to write about money and the stock market ... but I realize as I write and delete, rewrite and delete again, that I have no opinion -- no opinion whatsoever -- about what may or may not happen to the fortunes of strangers in just a few hours.

It's easy to laugh as an overly ripe yup falls from the money tree. Perhaps there are a few undeserving swine who will finally get what's coming to them: margin calls and past-due notices on the extreme camping gear.

I suppose the party to which I've not been invited is winding down. I suppose I should be happy that I haven't lost a dime since Friday afternoon. But ... except for the news value of any dynamic real event, I'm not actually gloating. I have a feeling that there's going to be a ripple effect to all this turmoil that's going to jostle even the little boats.

Or maybe change just makes me nervous.

Of course, I've checked the Drudge Report for that calm, clear voice of reason, and I was not disappointed.

That last item was just thrown in for balance.

It's always been said that these times of financial upset are the times when opportunity is greatest, but you have to have a nice wheelbarrow full of handy cash to take advantage of the panic. Ah, well.

I don't understand money. I don't love money. I don't even want any money. What I want, instead, are a few extra working days this week, inserted seamlessly so that I can catch up, unawares, and stop feeling as if I am in trouble, trouble, trouble.

Because I am. I am. I am.

Since nobody is probably going to get what he or she wants this week, and since this week will be over before you have a chance to take stock, now would be a good time for a nice animation.

Is it coming or going?