Fell asleep on the couch very early the night before -- didn't turn the television off, didn't get the laundry in, didn't get the column written, didn't get the cell phone charged.

Then the details of the day ahead started popping into mind -- there's an accident report in the fax box, charges might get filed today in a drug bust, need to make a couple of overdue callbacks, need to pay a bill, rear tire needs air, kids need appointments for haircuts, three, four, no -- there's five stories that need to be written.

And this morning, I'll be sitting in court listening in on a hearing that I expect will include the details about how someone took time to devise a story to cover their own rear end while a child was dying a tragic death and needed attention. Thousands of words will be said -- to be boiled down to 600 words or less. And I might have an interview and another story to write after it's over. (By the time this appears in the paper, these stories will also be done.)

And then, when I plugged in the phone, I got the weather alert -- about the 4-7-inches of snow that's expected on Friday.

Who knows what else the day might bring ... yup, a not-so-good attitude was settling in fast.

And then, a replay of an interview that Anderson Cooper did with Joel Olsteen came on the TV screen.

Well, aren't we just a happy guy? Does this guy ever stop smiling? Cooper asked him if he ever got up grouchy.

It worked out nicely for me -- a bit of inspiration to start the day, a reminder that one can't always change the world, but we can change our attitude.

Olsteen said despite the economy and all the bad news, one can be bitter or one can be better.

I opened my notebook/planner, which has a new inspirational quote on each page of the day. Today's quote from someone named Kathleen Casey Theisen (whoever that may be) says, "Acceptance is not submission; it is acknowledgment of the facts of the situation. Then deciding what you're going to do about it."

I have a choice.

A while back, Wilma McBride e-mailed me the lyrics to a song from "Bye Bye Birdie" -- I think my best bet to get through this day is to sing this song in the shower -- it's worked before, surely it will work again today ...

"Gray skies are gonna clear up, put on a happy face; Brush off the clouds and cheer up, put on a happy face.

Take off the gloomy mask of tragedy, it's not your style; You'll look so good that you'll be glad you decided to smile!

Pick out a pleasant outlook, stick out that noble chin; Wipe off that 'full of doubt' look, slap on a happy grin!

And spread sunshine all over the place, just put on a happy face!

And if you're feeling cross and bitterish, don't sit and whine; Think of banana splits and licorice, and you'll feel fine!

I knew a girl so glooming, she'd never laugh or sing; She wouldn't listen to me, now she's a mean old thing.

So spread sunshine all over the place, just put on a happy face."