There are ample examples in recent weeks that we've gone completely wonky, economic slowdown and all.

Cases in point:

In the economic wonky world, Ontario's elementary school teachers walk away from a contract offer from the province calling for a 12 per cent pay raise over four years.

In the real world, most of us will be lucky to retain our jobs, let alone get a one or two per cent pay raise next year.

In the economic wonky world, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman apparently isn't aware, or chooses to continue to ignore that up to a half-dozen teams in his league are bleeding cash when he tells league governors that, essentially, all is well in the NHL.

In the real world, most of us know pro hockey will never work in places like Phoenix or Nashville. And more likely than ever to fail in this recession.

In the economic wonky world, the United Auto Workers balk at wage concessions to help save their jobs and their employers, the Big Three automakers. The workers' earn about $70 per hour in wages, and current and future benefits.

In the real world, most of us would gladly accept a cut to say, $30 per hour if it meant the difference between a job or no job and a bankrupt employer.

In the economic wonky world, the Toronto Blue Jays cut 25 front office positions, yet plan to spend more than $70 million on players this coming baseball season.

In the real world, if we can even afford to attend a Blue Jays game, we most certainly won't consider taking out a mortgage to have one or two beers at $9 a pop.

In the economic wonky world, Norfolk council is fighting environmental spending at every turn when it comes to the Long Point Region Conservation Authority, forcing the passing of a negative budget.

In the real world, environmental spending is increasing, and everyone else but Norfolk council, is telling the world that Norfolk County is an ecological gem that demands preservation, protection and good stewardship.

In the economic wonky world, a country is thrown into political turmoil because a prime minister either forgot, or didn't care, that his party's federal budget included no plan to help his country weather an economic recession.

In the real world, apparently, you make a critical mistake and then call everyone else but yourself a goof.

In the economic wonky world, the National Football League cuts 150 jobs from its head office, blaming a downturn in the economy.

In the real world, the NFL is still enjoying the benefits of a billion-dollar television deal, and spending that pushes the limits of a $116 million per team salary cap.

In the economic wonky world, hospitals, including here in Norfolk, are preparing to cut jobs.

In the real world, we're aging, we're growing nervous about our jobs, stress levels are rising, and that means our health will be impacted.

In the economic wonky world, Norfolk council can't agree on a cost-saving proposal that would freeze hiring at the county level in 2009

In the real world, staffing freezes have already happened and workforce reductions are underway.

As was mentioned at the top, very little is making sense or cents these days.

It's no wonder many of us scratching our heads trying to figure it all out.