The "RE" Word.

There is no recession. There is no recession. There is no recession.

That's what we've been hearing for the past year from the establishment hacks.

Then, all of a sudden, it's: "GIVE US $700 BILLION OR THERE WILL BE A DEPRESSION!"

Funny, huh? No one would even admit to the "RE" word (recession), but now we need to prevent a depression.

At the beginning of 2008, a friend sent me an astrological forecast for the year that mentioned some other "RE" words, ones that I took to heart and decided to embrace in 2008 and beyond.

Since I knew then that, contrary to public opinion, we were already in a recession, I made a list of "RE" words that were important to me and that I would use to guide my actions:

• reuse
• recycle
• repurpose
• redo
• rethink
• replay
• reconnect
• reinvent
• restore
• revamp
• rescript

Maybe recessions aren't such a bad thing. Maybe tough economic times bring out the best in us. Maybe we learn what is really important.

I hope so. I encourage everyone to try living by some "RE" words. In bad economic times (or good), it certainly can't hurt.

Have a good Friday, Paycheckers.

My Stress Reliever

In the Paycheck Economy, we are subject to numerous forces beyond our control. We plan for emergencies, we put away money for a rainy day, we borrow if need be, but all the plans can go astray if those who are controlling our economy decide to make unanticipated (by us) changes to the way certain portions of the economy are functioning, usually at the behest of some of their cronies.

Happenings beyond my control have, in the past, caused me great stress, but I have learned and continue to learn how to cope with stress. One way, which I present to you at left, is by making collages out of bits of materials that I recycle from junk mail, newspapers, magazines, etc. These are a labor of love, and I will display more of them as time goes on. Have a happy and safe Labor Day.