Mixed Nuts: or What I've Learned Practicing Psychotherapy

by Rick Cormier

really nutty tasks for homework: 1)When you do your dishes (or laundry, or dusting, etc.), do it as a ballet. 2)Drive to work wearing a silly hat and a fake mustache. Be sure the mustache looks fake. 3)Call and order a pizza but, when asked for your name, give them a ridiculously silly name like, “Twitwiggle.” Then go and pick up your pizza and proudly announce your name as “Twitwiggle.” 4)Sing out loud in public when people least expect it. Give yourself extra points if the song is ridiculous. 5)Make a list of the funniest things that ever happened to you. 6)Smile and say hello to at least four strangers in one day. 7)Call random phone numbers and politely ask whoever answers what time it is. (This only worked pre-Caller ID.) 8)Post-Caller ID version: Approach four strangers and ask what time it is. 9)Over the next week, do four things you have never done before. 10)The next time you get a call from a telemarketer, no matter what he or she says, order a pepperoni pizza with extra cheese. 11)At any random grocery store bring a box of Cheerios to any store employee and ask (very seriously) “Excuse me. Are these donut seeds?”