unfunny times call for desperate measures

so I went to the wake on Sunday, and it was so, so sad. but thankfully, there were some exceedingly funny people behind me whose oddball humor that ordinarily might have had a mixed audience, found a fan in me.

the line was so long, which I think is expected when someone too young and so loved dies. but, after waiting for over two hours, the woman behind me piped up:
“so when do we get on space mountain?”

it felt good to laugh. and I know that laughing at wakes and funerals is generally frowned up, but, I think somehow he would have appreciated such a comment.

it got me thinking of inappropriate times to laugh – much like the infamous chuckles the clown episode of mary tyler moore. so here’s my list of times when you probably shouldn’t crack a joke, in theory, but in practice, it brings welcome relief:

1. during your employee review with your boss
2. when you’re being told of downsizing
3. while exchanging vows (a sample of this, from my own experience: “I will..i mean, yes.. I mean, I do.”)
4. during an IRS audit
5. when you’re best friend gets a pekeapoo and it projectile vomits all down the front of her – oh, no wait – that’s funny no matter how you look at it.