title: Breakaway Laughter: How to Lighten Up Despite it All
author:  Nan L. Crockett 
description: A sense of humor can truly save the day! -- <i>Current Book Picks by Jim Agnew, August 2005</i><br /><br />Crockett illustrates silver-lining principles that guide her and her clients through life's dark clouds [and] inspires us to laugh. -- <i>Chicago Tribune, June 2005</i><br /><br />Delightful, witty . . . Nan is Everywoman and, as with Erma Bombeck, we all can groan, smile, and relate. -- <i>Belleruth Naparstek, psychotherapist, author, and creator of the Health Journeys audio series</i><br /><br />Stress management expert Crockett will have you laughing even as you're commiserating. [Learn to] laugh at yourself [and] redefine "normal." -- <i>Your Life magazine, August 2005</i><br /><br />This book delivers on its promise! -- <i>Christiane Northrup, M.D. and best-selling author</i><br /><br />Thoroughly "reader friendly," insightful, practical, and especially recommended reading for anyone at any age coping with life and family stresses. -- <i>Midwest Book Review, June 2005</i><br /><br />Thought provoking and personal at the same time. Easy application to the workplace as well as to family life. -- <i>Kevin J. Pokorny, Pokorny Consulting</i><br /><br />[Crockett is] a talented wit and raconteur [who] leaves her readers smitten with mirth and free of stress... -- <i>John Goodspeed, The Star Democrat</i><br /><br />[Crockett shows] that the answer to your misery might just be a giggle, guffaw, chortle, chuckle or snicker away. -- <i>Des Moines Register, July 25, 2005</i>
zlib_text: 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  #
  
  
  Happy Hot Dash
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Crap, I told a big lie.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  It was too late to regret, the words that were uttered were like water that
  had been poured, with no way to take them back. Ed Delong could only blankly
  watch the scene that had been caused by his words -- the girl's shock, as her
  excitement and expectations shattered in an instant -- but not long after,
  however you looked at it, only despair was left.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  "Is this for real, Ed-san?"
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  In her childlike, expectant eyes appeared a bit of moisture. Now she looked
  like she was going to cry, with her cheeks reddening and her breathing
  becoming labored.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Ed had no way of enduring the current mood.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  (I guess I'll apologize)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  The calm portion of his mind reached this conclusion, urging himself. To avoid
  the crisis before him, only this way was left.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  "I'm sorry, I lied."
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  "Eh... what did you say?"
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Thinking about it, maybe this way it was possible to reconcile. But it s