Hello my friends,

Summer is waning, kids are in school, and cooler temperatures are ushering in what looks to be a wonderful fall season!

In August, I had the privilege of speaking at the New Mexico Military Institute in Roswell, New Mexico. No, I didn’t see any UFO’s, but a few people commented the lights on my wheelchair made me look like a flying saucer. I had a wonderful visit with Dr Sonia Cowen and the impressive cadets of NMMI. The future of our military is in good hands with these capable young people.

I spent a day in southern Utah at Enterprise High School, participating in the opening festivities of the new school year. One the way home I spent a good deal of time at milemarker 233- stuck in a traffic jam. I had been traveling all month, was in a hurry to be home and was looking forward to a nice break from work, and spending some quality time with Tami and the kids. As I sat in my car, waiting…waiting…waiting…I could feel myself starting to get annoyed, resentful, and frustrated with my current circumstances. And I started to whine! You know how we do when someone else’s misfortune blocks OUR lane of traffic! “Why me, why now, this is now what I need,” blah blah blah. Then, just as I was starting to serve up some cheese with my whine, a thought occurred to me. Hmmmm. Who would I rather be - the man lying on the stretcher in the middle of the road in 110 degree heat watching his entire year’s work go up in flames? Or me - the guy sitting in an air conditioned car, munching on a granola bar and listening to talk radio? I knew then it was time for a heavy dose of attitude therapy. I started thinking of someone other than myself. I started looking around at all the dozens of cars that were in the same situation I was in. The man in the white shirt and tie with his bluetooth, briefcase and blackberry (don’t wanna be him). The young mother with three car seats, five children, a crying baby and flying froot loops (definitely don’t wanna be her!). This is a really good tool to use for attitude adjustments - think of someone else rather yourself! Try it - you may be surprised at the outcome. However, I must warn you. This will make you a less selfish, more caring individual, and your life will be much happier. So, if this isn’t what you want, then don’t try it! Anyway, as I started to think of all the other people that were involved in this little drama, my attitude started shifting. I decided it wasn’t that bad being me and being stuck at milemarker 233. The seats in my van were comfortble, the granola bar was tasty, the conversation on the radio was entertaining, the scenery was nice and I had nothing else to do but sit back, relax and take it all in. Life is good, I decided. And why was life good? Because I chose to make it that way.

Until later,

Happy Schlappi