As some of you may know, my favorite movie is Groundhog Day. I am a member of the Bill Murray fan club. I took a trip to visit Punxsutawney, PA (my mecca??) and stayed at a B&B there. My personal philosophy of life is not based on this movie, but is, however, very much in sync with the message I get from this movie. I was raised without religion and think of my childhood belief system as being derived from Little House on the Prairie and I think my adult belief system may be from this movie….

I was surprised to learn a while back that I am not the only person to see more in this movie than a furry rodent and a sweet love story. Check this out for example: http://www.touchstonemag.com/docs/issues/17.3docs/17-03-012.html and this http://www.schindler.org/psacot/20010813_ghd.shtml and then if you are still intrigued, there’s this http://www.transparencynow.com/groundhog.htm. To me, the messages I take from the movie are pretty simple – be less selfish and do the work to make a beautiful life.

I went to see the comedian Jim Gaffigan last night. He’s hilarious and if you get the chance to see him, I totally recommend going. One of his bits is about how mad people get if you have not seen their favorite movie. I don’t think I have ever met someone who has not seen Groundhog Day. If you are one of those rare beasts who has not seen it, however, then Friday might be the perfect opportunity to rent it. (Oh, and wish Katie Toft a happy birthday on that day, too!)