by Dalley Hughes

Created on: May 10, 2009   Last Updated: May 19, 2009

Being in a recession can make all of us edgy at times, but it can also have its advantages. By poking a little fun at our circumstances, or just looking at the lighter side, we can still chuckle amidst the annoyances that come our way. It will make the pain a little easier to bear and might surprise us with the outcome.

Here are a few quirky ideas people can do in a recession that may bring a smile to your day.

Instead of car pool, car puddle

Downsize the vehicle you use to a more gas efficient model or better yet to one that runs on natural fuel. Then, draw straws to see who gets to drive each week.

Host a recession party with friends or co-workers

Invite them to dress in worst hobo outfit and give a mini speech on why they need a bailout.

Challenge your children to have a day without texting!

Suggest they water the neighbor's flowers. They will probably want to spray you, but the neighbor's smiling faces may just create a transformed child.

Find out if your bank has passed the Stress Test

Then, give them one of your own. Call them up and tell them you would like to see how a stack of 100,000 ones looks, since that is how much your 401K value dropped.

Build your own Recession Mobile

Complete it with accessories (as a recession can afford), to drive around the neighborhood. As you will want to attract the attention of all neighbors, local politicians and perhaps the news media, include items like flashing lights, GM and Chrysler parts attached to the side, bailout slogans and maybe a helium filled, simulated hot air balloon, at the rear, symbolizing government responses and promoting the slogan Single Payer Health Insurance or BUST.

Make a Recession Relief dartboard

Write some reasons you think the stock market crisis came about, along with points for each section on the board. Give yourself extra points, if you can be truthful when telling someone how many points you made, after throwing all the darts. Consider your test for potential marketing to trading professionals.

Charm a bothersome Mother-In-Law

Send her packin'. Take advantage of low air fares. Send her somewhere she's always wanted to go. You might even encourage her to go to a place with reason to delay her return, like longer stay, lower rateshmm.

Find peace in the recession

(Perhaps not such a quirky idea), become a birdwatcher for entertainment; learn more about nature; find peace and serenity. Soon you may realize that everything gets pooped on sometime. Also, interestingly enough, you may relax, laugh, and find pleasure in life's simple moments. Perhaps you will conclude that there are good things possible, even in a recession.

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