• "Pain plus Time" (Karyn Buxman's theory on the evolvement of humor from pain.)
  
  
• "People are funnier than anybody!" (Jack Wilson).
  
  
• "If it's nowhere, it's got to be somewhere!" (Mom's classic answer to everything I temporarily misplaced…it is still my mantra. So true)
  
  
• "It's better to ask for forgiveness than to ask for permission." (Unknown.)
  
  
• "This, too, will pass." (Mom's approach to coping.)
  
  
• "You wanted the bike, now pedal!" (Vincenzo Stellino on perseverance.)
  
  
• "Don't ask for what you might get." (One of Murphy's laws, perhaps. For example: I prayed that I wouldn't get a cold before our family vacation to Disney World. My prayers were answered. I didn't. I got diarrhea instead…)
  
  
• I've worked at this job for ___________years (you fill in the blank) and during that time, I have given my heart and soul to this job. I am a professional; I am an adult and I didn't think I needed permission!" Lisa Oakley's $64 response to empowerment. Deliver in a very even tone, then leave the room, STAT, so you can feel as if you've gotten in the last word. And it very well could be your last word at this place of employment. Refer to "forgiveness/permission quote above.)
  
  
• "You're worth it, they can afford it and they would've paid more!" (Lisa's answer to asking for a raise.)
  
  
• "If it's not bleeding or broken, get in the pool!" On wimpiness, by Dan Dittmer, my swim coach. Sissiness was unacceptable!
  
  
• "If you're not living on the razor's edge, you're taking up too much space." (Karyn Buxman on taking risks.)
  
  
• "Don't trade your bag of sh_t for somebody elses!" (A classic from Uncle Bunny Blumenthal's twist on the "Grass is Greener syndrome")

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