That's part of the reason we're seeing all of this new development, and why businesses like Trader Joe's are now opening in the area.The 1 Million MSA population's effect on Grand Rapids shouldn't be underestimated.  

I've been really good about improving my Japanese, staying fit and healthy, doing cool / fun / interesting stuff, etc.

Starbucks and Trader Joes could mean .....?

The 2007 mostly global crash, and the early 1990s Japanese crash.  

Investing requires that you use your money and hold, mortgage investing is not like stocks with day traders.

@Gene Hacker The Dollar Milkshake theory is from Brent Johnson, a macro trader.

Jesse Livermore: World's Greatest Stock Trader It's not a how-to book, but fascinating and filled with lessons.I'll also second any book written by William O'neil

This year she will begin attending a German University (She is fluent in German and also Spanish) where she will be studying International Business and also Asian Studies where she will either learn Chinese or Japanese.

As you probably know from that world, those who try to guess the market in stocks go broke...day traders, etc. 

It is just a  matter if it is good for sellers, buyers traders or holders.