IT'S been an up and down week, all things considered.

On the down side we learned yesterday that the country was officially in a recession.

It's fair to say that most people's reaction to the news will probably be along the lines of “No kidding” because, let's face it, it doesn't take a genius to tell us that things haven't been rosy financially for a while now.

But apparently for the economy to technically be in a recession there has to have been two consecutive quarters of negative growth, which now there have been. And it's the worst state we've been in for 28 years.

For many in their 20s and 30s it's the first time the word recession has had any real meaning. And it's a steep learning curve getting used to having to watch every penny and pray your job is safe.

But hey, it's not all doom and gloom.

On the up side, at least the world isn't being run by an egotistical maniac anymore.

George W Bush — a man so well known for his gaffes that the term “Bushism” was born to describe saying something stupid — has at last left the White House. And not a moment too soon.

There are whole websites dedicated to classic Bushisms. On the environment he said: “I know the human beings and fish can co-exist peacefully."

On education: “Reading is the basics for all learning.”

On foreign affairs: “Our enemies are innovative and resourceful, and so are we. They never stop thinking about new ways to harm our country and our people, and neither do we.”

And on economics: “It is clear our nation is reliant upon big foreign oil. More and more of our imports come from overseas.”

How on earth did this man get voted into office? I don't claim to know much about politics, so I'm not going to pretend to. But it's obvious by just looking at him that Barack Obama has something special about him.

He's captured the imagination and optimism of the world and hopefully he's going to steer America towards change.

He's promised “bold and swift” action to tackle the economic crisis and that the US will seek a new way forward with the Muslim world based on mutual respect.

And I for one believe him. I'm quite envious actually — I wish he was our Prime Minister.

A personal downer for me has been the fact that January seems to have rendered me incapable of getting out of bed in the mornings. It's just too dark and cold to leave a toasty bed at 6.30am.

And it's been a definite downer for TV presenter Kelly Brook who was unceremoniously dumped by Simon Cowell just six days into her new role as judge on Britain's Got Talent.

Cowell said he realised they didn't need another fourth judge. Or, in other words, Kelly was a bit rubbish.

Still, at least she got £100,000 for less than a week's work.

But a on a positive note, if you live in Dorset and are after some wood, you're in luck this week.

So, like I said, there have been ups and downs this week. Roll on spring.