Optimistic Realist Gifts

"These cuts just can't be made without a lot of pain..."

"The salad days are over. Time for the big fork."

Dear Sadie, I'm just an aging Baby-Boomer who still believes in America, and sees all the good around me, but I don't understand why we've become so mean. How can I feel good about us again? Signed, Marlemarion. Great question. There's an easy answer as to how you can feel better about the world. Change your name to something normal! I just don't agree with the @#$% premise that we've gotten mean.

I was on a roll and then the backspin kicked in.

The Dungeon

'We peck at gravel, we peck at sticks, we peck at the ground...life is full of disappointments.'

'I stared with nowt and I've still got it!'

"I reckon I must have walked UNDER that ladder to the top!"

'I tried for a new lease on life, but I got a lousy credit report.'

"The bad news is that we've had to cut most of the services. . . The good news is that we can now tell people in 23 languages what we don't do anymore!"

Inbox and Outbox

"Well, here we are. And I have to say, I'm not all that impressed so far."

"Existential dread is the new positive outlook."

"This new job of mine is like paradise."

"It breaks my heart to see you stressed out here at work, so you're fired."

'For your information, I am engaging the energy of change and complexity to create the future I desire.'

'Chocolate milk, carrot cake,candied yams...see, there's a solution to everything!'

"This could be the year someone actually goes up there."

Boptimism

"Of course this'll be a great year. The data, sales projections, customer surveys, and my mom all think so."

Road Forks in the Road: No Way and Yes Way.

"I feel like that I've been given a unique oppurtunity to speak out on issues."

"You can all unroll yourselves now. We're heading back up."

'Oh for heaven's sake, you're a cow. Just eat grass and be happy.'

"Even if forced to slave all day, in my mind I'll always play!"

Optimist

One man's obstacle is another man's stepping stone.

"You're new here ... it's customary on dismal Monday mornings to be miserable."

"Pollyanna, your teeth are shot. Stop sugar coating everything!"

Happy Days Are Here Again

Six Thinking Hats

Plan 'A', Plan 'B' - "I say we should go with plan 'A', sir."

Protest

"This year I resolve to embrace change."

'I tried being pessimistic. I was terrible at it.'