“A word of advice, though. This won't be the last time you have to deal with something in life that throws you off your game. In future courses, as well as in the real world--such as it is--professors and employers won't always be accommodating. We all have to--what's my daughter's terminology--suck it up and deal?”

“These problems are real, and you can't turn off real life. So I won't try. Instead, I'll give you a set of tools to help you deal with real life.”

“All the well-meaning advice in the world won't amount to a hill of beans if we're not even addressing the real problem.”

“If life deals you prunes, make pastries! They are surprisingly delicious, but most won't even take the time to learn this.”

“Behind him Kaldar nudged Urow's youngest son. "Bet you he lasts at least thirty seconds.""Um..." Gaston looked at him. "No he won't.""Bet me something.""I don't have anything."Kaldar grimaced. "Pick up that rock."Gaston swiped the rock off the ground. "Now you have a rock. I bet this five bucks against your rock."Gaston grinned. "Deal.”

“Sometimes, all it takes is one gesture, one word, to change the course of someone's life. Even if you know it won't last forever.”