Enough with the doom and gloom.
Last night, President Obama in his second nationally televised press conference said things are tough; yet, by working together we will make things better. He reminded us that the glass is half full and life will go on and good things will happen including getting ourselves out of debt, both individually and collectively.
With this unity of purpose in mind, and with the April 15 tax deadline looming and budgets stretched to their limits we could all use a boost in morale. Don’t you think? How about this for a suggestion? Throw a “Hard Times” Party!
Yes, change your title to Chief Fun Officer and throw a “Hard Times” party on April 15th. Our dear friends have one annually and although we’ve only attended once many years ago, the memory lingers as one of the most unique and enjoyable parties I’ve taken part in.
The hostess sent out invitations handwritten on scraps of brown paper bags. She instructed everyone to wear their oldest, most worn out clothes, preferable with holes, and gave prizes for the worst – or best, depending on your perspective. And very importantly, she instructed us to bring our income tax return to the party ready to mail.
As we arrived at the door, a mail carrier in uniform greeted us to take our tax return directly to the post office for that important post marked before the bewitching hour. With checks inside for taxes due, we were all feeling even a bit poorer which made the evening about to unfold even more enjoyable.
Old-fashioned homemade lemonade and other drinks were served in mason jars. Bean and ham soup was the main course, accompanied by corn bread and cole slaw. Tablecloths were assorted old quilts and napkins were mismatched worn washcloths. Dishes were from a variety of sets gathered and chipped over many years. A high school violinist played the fiddle. A North Carolina mountain clogging group danced on the back deck. It was simple, easy and lots of fun and gave us all something to laugh about as we commiserated about our financial woes.
Whether it’s a “Hard Times” party on April 15, or just old friends over for tuna casserole, remember it’s not about waiting until you have new living room furniture or until you can create a gourmet feast, or serve the latest martini in crystal Waterford. Be a CFO (Chief Fun Officer) this spring and invite friends to share their life with you. And then, things will be better!