When you have a bad day at work

When you have had one of those take-this-job-and-shove-it-days, try this. On your way home after work, stop at your pharmacy and go to the section where they have thermometers. You will need to purchase a rectal thermometer made by the Q-tip Company. Be sure that you get this brand. When you get home, lock your doors, draw the drapes, and disconnect the phone so you will not be disturbed during your therapy. Change to very comfortable clothing, such as a sweat suit and lie down on your bed. Open the package containing the thermometer, remove it, and carefully place it on the bedside table so that it will not become chipped or broken. Take the written material that accompanies the thermometer. As you read, notice in small print the statement: “Every rectal thermometer made by Q-tip is personally tested.”

Close your eyes. Say out loud five times, “Thank you, oh thank you, that I do not work in quality control at the Q-tip Company.” (quoted by Mark Buchanan in The Rest of God)