Christine Cashen - The Good Stuff: Quips and Tips on Life, Love, Work and Happiness

Quips and Tips on Life, Love, Work and Happiness

by Americas Top Humorista
Christine Holton Cashen, MAEd, CSP

Copyright 2010 Christine Holton Cashen. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner without express written permission, excepting brief quotations embodied in articles and reviews.

For bulk purchases, call 1.800.706.0152

Published by DC Murphy Publishing, Dallas, Texas

Cover photos by Anne Silverman, www.AnneSilvermanPhotography.com Edited by Debbie Johnson, Spike Communications, www.SpikeCommunications.com Book Design by Formation Studio, www.FormationStudio.com Illustrations by Tami Evans Foster, www.TamiEvansFoster.com

First Edition, Printed in the USA

ISBN: 978-1-61658-980-6

Dedicated to the BEST STUFF in my life

Husband Gregg, calm amidst chaos

Wondrous children, Donovan and Camille

Amazing parents, who always pushed me to go for it (without you I wouldnt be here seriously!)

Cool Reader,

This is the spot where Im supposed to explain exactly when that amazing light bulb moment occurred that inspired this book. Easy answer. It wasnt even my idea!

As a speaker, one of the most enjoyable parts of making presentations is the opportunity to chat with participants following my talks. Without fail people would say, I wish my ______________ (fill in the blank: husband, boss, friend, co-worker) was in attendance to hear your program. Do you have a book that I could take home? So after much prodding and perfect storm connecting, Ive finally put together some of my favorite creative and practical ideas to make life better.

Fast forward. So at long last I could respond, Yes Im writing a book! Then of course the obligatory follow-up question: Whats the title? I was embarrassed to say that I didnt know. All I could say was that is was really good stuff. And so the title was born.

My hope is that a read through (or even a quick browse or skim) will provide you with easy-to-implement ideas that will truly make your personal and professional life better and happier.

Now listen: we are all busy and picking up a huge text on happiness sounds good, but who has time for such a heavy read these days? The Good Stuff is the perfect quick read with a huge impact. Big ideas laid out in an easy-to-digest format. Perfect, right?!

So, please continue on hip reader, and enjoy the good stuff.

Christine

PS And of course, if you have good stuff to share, Id love your feedback at www.ChristineCashen.com

Dont you hate it when people dont know the rules? We all have rules for other people that they dont even know about but they should! Im okay and youre not! Isnt that what most people think? I try to have a good sense of humor, but its hard because people bug me! Its amazing what some people consider rules while others simply have no idea they are breaking them. If the world just knew the rules for appropriate behavior, there would be far less stress, less conflict, and wed all have happier and healthier relationships.

At almost every presentation I give, I do an informal poll asking what bugs people the most. Some of the top offenders include inappropriate cell phone use, road rage issues and non-pooper-scoopers.

(that arent so obvious)

Always use your turn signal

If you arent driving faster than me in the left lane, move over PRONTO!

If something in the fridge is empty, toss it!

Dont be a loud cell phone talker

Put your shopping cart back in the corral

Let people off the elevator before you get on

If I let you in while driving, give me the thank you wave

If youre within a 20 foot radius of my desk, dont e-mail me walk over!

Dont be a grocery store express-lane violator

TP always over the top

There are so many home vexations. Wouldnt home life be more tranquil if everyone put empty containers away, stopped slurping coffee and PUT THE SEAT DOWN! In fact, when I mention that toilet paper goes over the top, many people go wild in agreement. Of course there are always those bewildered few who look around like everyone else is crazy. They really dont care which way the paper goes on the roll. Theyre just happy that someone replaced the cardboard tube. If youre a TP aficionado like myself, you may try to convert the TP minority to your right way of thinking by espousing the virtues of TP over the top. Try comments like, Look how easy it is to grab when its over the top or, Look how easy it is to make a TP triangle for your guests when its over the top. If all else fails, leave a copy of my poem, TP Goes Over the Top on their stash of Charmin.

I remember dating a guy once (ONCE) who blew his nose into a cloth napkin. It was as if the record on the jukebox screeched to a halt (some of you younger readers have no idea what Im talking about). Is there a rule against the cloth napkin nose blow? YES!!! Stunned, I looked at him and asked what he was doing and his big reply was,