Let's get a grip, okay? Sure, the global financial markets are reeling after a string of dubious decisions by borrowers, lenders and the entire political power structure. But let's remember that plucky, thrifty New Hampshire spirit within us all and make the best of it.

After all, there's a bright side to everything! Here are some pluses to the ongoing economic catastrophe.

1.) Fewer chores. Who honestly enjoys all that time doing yard work, whacking weeds and mulching flowerbeds? In this new world, you won't have to bother, because you won't be living in your subprime-loan financed home anymore. Wherever you do live is likely to have a much smaller yard.

2.) Time with family. Now that all amusements are out of your price range, you might as well get to know those little people who keep calling you "mom" or "dad."

3.) Learn economics. Ever wonder what a credit-default swap was? Curious about the credit market, subprime loans or mortgage-backed debt? Well, now you know. And you probably wish you didn't.

4.) Reason to visit California. Did you enjoy reading The Grapes of Wrath in high school? Well, now you can emulate those plucky Joads yourself! Pack up the family's mule cart and hit the road to find some field work.

5.) Garden goodness. That community garden you tended this summer will provide your family with nutritious food this winter. You did remember to save it and can it, didn't you? Too bad you planted all those beautiful but poisonous flowers, though.

6.) Real-life challenges. Remember all that time your kids spent playing beat-em-up video games? Now they can put that experience to use by fending off the violent hobos trying to break into your preserves cellar.

7.) Foreign-language skills. For too long, we've assumed that the default language of the business world will remain English (or at least the form of English spoken by businesspeople). Given recent developments, you might want to brush up on your Mandarin.

8.) Hiking excursions. Once famine and disease hit the country's urban centers, you can use that outdoor expertise you've gained through roughing it in the White Mountains. For extra reading on this topic, see Cormac McCarthy's The Road.

9.) Let it go. What are possessions, anyway? What is status? The Buddhists say that life is suffering and we only reach enlightenment when we abandon worldly ties. Time to put that to the test.

I had a 10th point, but it had to be trimmed to cut costs.