Notebook
December 27th, 2013 by Gary Osberg

Good morning from Collegeville,

I consider myself in recovery. I quit drinking in 1976. I am a “recovering entrepreneur”. I couldn’t work for the man, I had to be the man. Lastly, I am a “recovering jerk”.

It is the last one that is the hardest to deal with. I have been known to grow very impatient with lines. There are too many coffee selections. What happened to just regular or decaf? Lottery ticket sales drive me nuts. I love the self serve gas pumps with swipe card capability. To help me deal with these defects, I have adopted a morning reading ritual. This one I stole from Ann Landers. It is usually published in the local newspaper every New Years Day.

JUST FOR TODAY: I will live through this day only. I will not brood about yesterday or obsess about tomorrow. I will not set far-reaching goals or try to overcome all of my problems at once. I know that I can do something for 24 hours that would overwhelm me if I had to keep it up for a lifetime.
JUST FOR TODAY: I will be happy. I will not dwell on thoughts that depress me. If my mind fills with clouds, I will chase them away and fill it with sunshine.
JUST FOR TODAY: I will accept what is. I will face reality. I will correct those things I can correct, and accept those I cannot.
JUST FOR TODAY: I will improve my mind. I will read something that requires effort, thought and concentration. I will not be a mental loafer.
JUST FOR TODAY: I will make a conscious effort to be agreeable. I will be kind and courteous to those who cross my path, and I’ll not speak ill of others. I will improve my appearance, speak softly, and not interrupt when someone else is talking. Just for today, I will refrain from improving anybody but myself.
JUST FOR TODAY: I will do something positive to improve my health. If I’m a smoker, I’ll quit. If I am over-weight, I will eat healthfully, if only just for today. And not only that, I will get off the couch and take a brisk walk, even if it’s only around the block.
JUST FOR TODAY: I will gather the courage to do what is right and take responsibility for my own actions.

The APHC show this weekend is a re-broadcast from last December at The Town Hall in New York City. Special guests include Diana Krall singing “Glad Rag Doll”, Rob Fisher and the DiGiallonardo Sisters have the “Heebie Jeebies” and there will be a word from Lutheran Air, the airline that insults you with a smile. In the News From Lake Wobegon, the Chatterbox Café’s potato sausage gives the town a festive aroma. Enjoy the show

“Dost thou love Life? Then do not squander Time; for that’s the stuff that Life is made of.” Benjamin Franklin

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