How to think like a civilized person when you are angry?

What are some good ways to keep it together when you are starting to get pissed off?

Two days ago I came down with a very bad tooth ache, it turns out it’s not just a tooth ache. I went to the doctor and he says I have an infection, the full diagnosis was “Septic mouth with impacted wisdom tooth”.

I took a copy of the paper to my employer, and told them I would be in to work as soon as the anti biotics start to take affect. The next day I called in and said I still could not work, and that I would let him know if things get better.

Today my boss calls me up and leaves a message on my answer machine, telling me that if I don’t come in tomorrow, that he will fire me and not pay me my wages. This is ridiculous as I’m legally protected to be off work while I’m sick, I even have doctors orders in writing to not work for the next 8 days. (even though I intendeded to go in tonight)

I know for a fact that my boss can’t fire me for being sick, yet I still find my self slowly putting my shoes and socks on as I type this, so I can march over there in a minute and cave his head in for him.

I try to calm my self down, I tell my self to be rational about it, but then a louder voice just says “no, fuck that asshole, the job is not even worth it. Go over there, get your paycheck for this month, and just punch him in the head and walk out.”

How can I make the stupid loud voice listen to reason?

Normally I would not even try and calm my self down, but I promissed my self that I would work harder to keep my temper under control. So… here we are.

Suggestions?