What Makes You Happy? [Y-not]

The news cycle has been unrelenting this year. I know it's taken its toll on me and those around me. I need a break, so this thread will be politics- and news-free.

Several months ago, I attended a funeral for someone I had never met. She was a long-time and much-beloved employee at my husband's new workplace. I knew very few people at the funeral (really more of a memorial service) and virtually none of the people or places or events in the stories that they shared about her.

It was one of the most moving services I've ever attended. The siblings and coworkers of the woman being honored were very eloquent, managing to express their love and admiration of this woman through their grief. (This greatly impressed me because when I attended my own mother's funeral, I could not even manage to muddle through a scripture reading without breaking down.)

I don't recall many specifics about what her loved ones said, except for one thing: in this woman's last months of life, after battling cancer for several years, she experienced a period of relative health. During that time she made sure she spoke frequently with her family, especially her sons, as well as with clergy, lawyers, and financial planners (one of her sons is disabled so much planning was needed). And she did one more thing: she threw herself into pursuing an exercise regime that featured pilates.

And it gave her joy.

This was a woman of considerable intellect and emotional depth who invested much of her final time on Earth in something purely physical. And she did it not because she wanted to look better in a bathing suit next summer, but because it made her happy.

What makes you happy?

Below are a few links related to this topic that might help get the discussion going:

The Neurochemicals of Happiness

Better living through chemistry. (If chemjeff is lurking, you should comment here, my friend.)

Why Does Exercise Make Us Feel Good?

I would love to be fit enough for this to be true.

5 foods that may make you feel happier now

Steak. Dark chocolate. Arak.

6 Types of Images That Elicit an Emotional Response

This may explain some of the reactions to CBD's morning art thread pictures.

Who has the happiest Audience on Twitter?

Recommend "happy" accounts to follow on social media (or in more traditional media) here.

Here's one I like:

This is Oliver. He's an English Creamschnitzel. The rarest of schnitzels. 11/10 would pet quite firmly pic.twitter.com/qbO5X6dYuj
— WeRateDogs™ (@dog_rates) July 23, 2016

*Update:

This makes me happy. (h/t @PubliusNV) pic.twitter.com/cd2s296qcw
— MoxieMom (@moxiemom) July 24, 2016

I've put an open thread below this one for politics, news, and misery.

Posted by: Open Blogger at 02:01 PM

Comments

(Jump to bottom of comments)

1 I'm getting them

Posted by: Skip at July 24, 2016 01:59 PM (bksJQ)

2 Naw, it can't be...

Posted by: wisenheimer at July 24, 2016 02:00 PM (qnhj2)

3 It wasn't.

Posted by: wisenheimer at July 24, 2016 02:00 PM (qnhj2)

4 Not much these days really.

Posted by: Skip at July 24, 2016 02:01 PM (bksJQ)

5 Some Baby Metal perhaps?
https://youtu.be/Bw60IAeXADk

Posted by: Anna Puma at July 24, 2016 02:02 PM (fr2Vz)

6 What Earl Butz said.

Posted by: Count de Monet at July 24, 2016 02:04 PM (JO9+V)

7 My dog.
Of course, time with my family, too, but it can get more complicated, such as hubby's ongoing health issues.

Posted by: Lizzy at July 24, 2016 02:06 PM (NOIQH)

8 The news cycle has been unrelenting this year. I know it's taken its toll on me and those around me. I need a break, so this thread will be politics- and news-free.

Well we did have the book thread which we have repeated asked to leave to the books but the Morons can't do that.

Posted by: Vic We Have No Party at July 24, 2016 02:06 PM (mpXpK)

9 What Earl Butz said.

I remember that!

Posted by: Jinx the Cat at July 24, 2016 02:06 PM (weV3+)

10 >>8 My dog.

I have been watching "Too Cute" every morning. If things keep up this bad, I'm going to go scoop up a bushel of kittens at the shelter.

Posted by: Y-not (@moxiemom) at July 24, 2016 02:07 PM (t5zYU)

11 My sons bring me great happiness. Worry and a sense of my own decline, too; but mostly great happiness.

Posted by: Jinx the Cat at July 24, 2016 02:08 PM (weV3+)

12 Exercise produces some of the chemicals in the above article so it has that going for it.

Posted by: Skip at July 24, 2016 02:08 PM (bksJQ)

13 - Watching my daughter live a normal, happy life filled with work and knowing that she has a a safety net all her life (me!) that I never had.

- My cats, and each of their specific personalities, brings me joy on a daily basis.

- Watching the wheels turn for one of "my kids" at work, when I say something that clicks with them. When they learn a life or career lesson that I know they'll carry with them for years to come.

- Sitting under a porch or a shed and taking in a thunderstorm.

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at July 24, 2016 02:08 PM (SEXy3)

14 I like cooking. Most of the time it's a welcome outlet from the drudgery of life.

And birds. I have a thing for birds. I started to realize that I've been "collecting" bird-themed things for decades without intending to do so. Pretty funny as my dad also loves birds (but not in a formal sense like a bird-watcher).

Posted by: Y-not (@moxiemom) at July 24, 2016 02:09 PM (t5zYU)

15 >>I have been watching "Too Cute" every morning. If things keep up this
bad, I'm going to go scoop up a bushel of kittens at the shelter.

We had put off getting a dog for years, but finally got the sweetest lil' chiweenie in April. He is such a ray of sunshine for all of us.

Posted by: Lizzy at July 24, 2016 02:09 PM (NOIQH)

16 In before Mary Poppins!

Posted by: Count de Monet at July 24, 2016 02:09 PM (JO9+V)

17 My grandkids make me happy, sunshine and flowers in my gardens help a tad too

Posted by: FCF at July 24, 2016 02:09 PM (kejii)

18 The lack of stress. No phone calls. No conference calls.

Peace. I don't mind breaking a sweat but those things wear me out.

Posted by: Ricardo Kill at July 24, 2016 02:09 PM (9ym/8)

19 Things that make me happy:
mowing the yard = exercise and sense of accomplishment
time with family
reading

I'm a walking cliche, what can i say?

Posted by: tbodie at July 24, 2016 02:10 PM (4IFkp)

20 My wife.
Playing my basses.
Nature.
Hiking.
Fishing.
My truck.
Small-town life.
Green chili.
Friends.
Semi-retirement.
The current resistance to the status-quo in the political arena.
AOSHQ.

Posted by: Meremortal at July 24, 2016 02:10 PM (3myMJ)

21 13 Exercise produces some of the chemicals in the above article so it has that going for it.
--

So does S-E-X, as I remind my husband frequently!

Posted by: Y-not (@moxiemom) at July 24, 2016 02:10 PM (t5zYU)

22 >>mowing the yard = exercise and sense of accomplishment

I know so many men (are you a moron or a moronette?) who say that. It's so funny and endearing.

Posted by: Y-not (@moxiemom) at July 24, 2016 02:11 PM (t5zYU)

23 Thank you for this, Y-not. Lovely idea.

I notice that fat, naked guys on white ottomans did not make the happy art link.

Posted by: bluebell at July 24, 2016 02:11 PM (805dc)

24 I do advocate hobbies, for me it's relaxing and while I could add other sensory inputs while doing it,right now I dont.

Posted by: Skip at July 24, 2016 02:11 PM (bksJQ)

25 I thought "happiness was a warm gun". Or so John Lennon said.

But what makes me happy? A full stomach, a good book that I have not read 50 gillion times, a good movie, or a shot of good bourbon.

Posted by: Vic We Have No Party at July 24, 2016 02:11 PM (mpXpK)

26 I was walking my dog one day and ran into a lady and her elderly mother, the elderly mother was in a home nearby that is assisted living for people with varying forms and levels of dementia. The elderly woman lit up like a light bulb when she met my dog and sat on her lap (wheel chair) and I took pictures for them with their iphone and talked with the daughter about the neighborhood, up north (I am in Florida) and other nonsense. We went our separate ways.
A few months later, the woman came to my house, she remembered which house it was and invited me to the memorial service, she said that afternoon with my dog was a day that stood out among all the days towards the end of her life as one that was really special. She wanted to let me know that they were dedicating a garden at the facility to her, just needed to get it cleaned up for the landscaping to be installed. I told her I had no plans for the evening so we walked over there and I cleaned it all up that night with a rake broom and about a dozen lawn bags. She was not expecting that, so it was a nice surprise.
I did show up for the memorial, and they all made a big deal about me and buster (dog) and the work I did to get the garden cleaned up. I sat through a complete stranger's funeral, everyone should do it. You get a strange realization that there are so many interesting people around you that you will never meet that have done amazing things and affected tons of people, just not you.
But for happiness, I drink and argue with my wife about politics and drinking too much.

Posted by: chelsea danger at July 24, 2016 02:11 PM (kFRTd)

27 I notice that fat, naked guys on white ottomans did not make the happy art link.
--

LOL!

Posted by: Y-not (@moxiemom) at July 24, 2016 02:12 PM (t5zYU)

28 Scarey rides at the amusement park.
Going too fast on a motorcycle, which is a less-safe version of an amusement park ride.
Judo.

Posted by: dustydog at July 24, 2016 02:12 PM (JgGr4)

29 I know so many men (are you a moron or a moronette?) who say that. It's so funny and endearing.

Moron. Sometimes the good kind.

Posted by: tbodie at July 24, 2016 02:12 PM (4IFkp)

30 Low humidity and high bullets with a high ballistic coefficient.

Posted by: Weasel at July 24, 2016 02:13 PM (Sfs6o)

31 Prayer made me not despair. And sometimes it makes me happy.

Posted by: @votermom at July 24, 2016 02:13 PM (7lVbc)

32 @27
"I sat through a complete stranger's funeral, everyone should do it. You get a strange realization that there are so many interesting people around you that you will never meet that have done amazing things and affected tons of people, just not you."

Nice story.

Random acts of kindness is a really good thing to practice.

Posted by: Y-not (@moxiemom) at July 24, 2016 02:13 PM (t5zYU)

33 Little known fact: Earl Butz had a sister named Ruth E Buffenbarger.

Posted by: Count de Monet at July 24, 2016 02:14 PM (JO9+V)

34 >>Judo.

I already covered that with my comment @22! *wink*

Posted by: Y-not (@moxiemom) at July 24, 2016 02:14 PM (t5zYU)

35 I just got back from the gym. I joined at the beginning of the month and have gone about four days of every five. I cannot say it's really helping with the depression but I'm a fair bit stronger than I was just a few weeks ago and have gotten down to 225 from the 240 norm of recent years. Though much of that is from the appetite suppressing effect of depression. Still, if I could get down close to 200, I could reduce the blood pressure meds I'm on or possibly no longer need them. The monthly bill for the prescriptions is several dollars more than the monthly membership fee for the gym, so that would be a worthwhile trade-off.

Posted by: Epobirs at July 24, 2016 02:14 PM (IdCqF)

36 "So does S-E-X, as I remind my husband frequently!
Posted by: Y-not"

Y, you freak. Let the man have a day off.

Posted by: Ricardo Kill at July 24, 2016 02:14 PM (9ym/8)

37 driving out my enemies and hearing the lamentations of their women

Posted by: jimmytheclaw at July 24, 2016 02:14 PM (afweB)

38 I am actually happy that you put this up and I hope that it, or something like it, becomes something of a regular type thing on this site (that is, if this site persists into the future).

We - all of us - society at large, it seems has gotten so negative. It pervades everything and I think that it is what we are being made to focus on, either through design, or by some unlucky cosmic coincidence.

I think it just might be possible to individually, and then collectively, change our focus and give a giant smiling, positive middle finger to whatever it is that is keeping us so angry and resentful and hateful and negative.

I'm trying. I've taken steps. Baby steps. But I'm committed and I'm going to continue and I have to say, I'm better for what I have done so far.

I feel fairly certain we aren't supposed to be like this, and that goes for us individually and as a society.

So - all that is to say - way to go! And more please.

Posted by: Mr Macca Bean at July 24, 2016 02:15 PM (4ng05)

39 chelsea danger, what a wonderful story. Thanks for sharing.

Posted by: @votermom at July 24, 2016 02:15 PM (7lVbc)

40 PUPPIES!!1!

I'm a sucker

@CuteEmergency
@GorgeousGoldens
@EmergencyKittens

Posted by: phreshone at July 24, 2016 02:15 PM (12kBq)

41 I've rediscovered my love of photography the past couple of years, and though I still love the more traditional shooting sports, find that I can "hunt" with my camera all year long and not feel that tinge of regret I always felt when blasting some little furry critter.

Thank God turkeys have feathers!

Posted by: Subterranian JT at July 24, 2016 02:15 PM (qG0hz)

42 My grandchildren: the oldest has grown into a level-headed young woman and the little ones love playing games with their PopPop

Posted by: Retired Buckeye Cop is now an engineer at July 24, 2016 02:15 PM (rURBr)

43 I had to stop because I could go on for a long time about all the things that make me happy.

Good idea, Y-Not.

Happiness is a choice.

Posted by: Meremortal at July 24, 2016 02:15 PM (3myMJ)

44 >>Posted by: Epobirs at July 24, 2016 02:14 PM

Good luck!

Mr Y-not has been dieting. He finally got some compliments from co-workers the other day. I could see it boosted his spirits. Dieting can be such a drag.

Posted by: Y-not (@moxiemom) at July 24, 2016 02:15 PM (t5zYU)

45 Hearing about Syrian muzzies getting run over by BMWs makes me happy.

Posted by: Soona at July 24, 2016 02:15 PM (Fmupd)

46 mowing the yard = exercise and sense of accomplishment

I know so many men (are you a moron or a moronette?) who say that. It's so funny and endearing.

***

Back when I could do it myself, I enjoyed it immensely. It's physical and can be a bit challenging and the results are immediate. You are rewarded, rapidly, with a sense of accomplishment with something visually appealing, and with an aroma of fresh-mowed grass that trumps almost all other scents.

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at July 24, 2016 02:16 PM (SEXy3)

47 My husband, my daughters, and my cats make me happy. My hobbies make me happy.

Exercise is supposed to help with clinical depression, if you can beat the depression enough to do it. It's too hot to do much exercise outdoors nowadays. I've never formally studied ballet, but I like doing ballet exercises at my daughter's barre. When my eldest daughter moves back out again, we'll have space to get the barre set up so youngest daughter and I can use it.

Posted by: Barb the Evil Genius at July 24, 2016 02:16 PM (FQKBL)

48 Ice cream, ice cream makes me happy.....

giving ice cream is a joy, getting ice cream is an inevitability.

Posted by: sven10077 at July 24, 2016 02:16 PM (SzZnW)

49 Hiking, bird watching, nature in general picking berries, looking at the sky, and drinking beer.

Posted by: normal person at July 24, 2016 02:17 PM (Queum)

50 I notice that fat, naked guys on white ottomans did not make the happy art link.

Pretty sure Frazetta did a few paintings with one of those. But he had the sense to include lots of barechested harem chicks and Conan.

Posted by: boulder terlit hobo at July 24, 2016 02:17 PM (6FqZa)

51 Mowing the yard can be nice when you're not in a rush.

Camping is also natural stress relief. Work involved but, then.........quiet. Make sure you get no cell signal.

Posted by: Ricardo Kill at July 24, 2016 02:19 PM (9ym/8)

52 Not to spoil the mood, but should I be worried that my little 10# dog seems to prefer playing with cat toys?

Posted by: Weasel at July 24, 2016 02:19 PM (Sfs6o)

53 Any beer over 8 % ABV

Christina from Flip or Flop who makes me think dirty dirty things

Tight target groups

Lag screws

Fishing

Interlocking landscape blocks

Yoga pants.

Sunshine

Kids laughing

Tricked out 4x4s with V8s and winches

Posted by: Mortimer at July 24, 2016 02:19 PM (qmuP7)

54 What makes you happy?

Bacon and eggs in the morning with a cup or three of Guatemala Antigua coffee. Wrenching on the Hog and then taking it for a ride into the mountains. Coming home and watching baseball while my dog snores sleeping on my chest. A good scotch and a cigar after dinner with the Grumpy Grandma. And a little dark chocolate right before bed.

Posted by: CrotchetyOldJarhead at July 24, 2016 02:19 PM (qbnYE)

55 Back when I applied to B-school , one place asked the applicant " What excites you ?" I replied " Fast cars , loud music and good sex " ...NOT . Answered some garbage about challenge and competition or some such . 40 years later I think the first the better .

Posted by: jay hoenemeyer at July 24, 2016 02:20 PM (uvj0z)

56 Learning something new always makes me happy. I have a huge collection of nearly useless knowledge and skills.

I especially like when something I learn is mindblowing. As you get old, your world shrinks into a comfortable space. Something forcing it's way in is always interesting.

Posted by: Grump928(C) says Free Soothie! at July 24, 2016 02:21 PM (rwI+c)

57 I should ask, since I actually mentioned it above, does anyone here do pilates?

I've tried yoga and HATED IT. But I really need to increase my flexibility and strengthen my core. I was wondering if pilates would be more my thing.

I am a short, but normally-sized 'ette, but I have lousy balance and poor flexibility. Thinking I need to remedy that before it's too late. Also, I'd like to learn how to golf and I suspect a strong core would be useful for that.

Posted by: Y-not (@moxiemom) at July 24, 2016 02:21 PM (t5zYU)

58 "Not to spoil the mood, but should I be worried that my little 10# dog seems to prefer playing with cat toys?

Maybe he's gay?

Posted by: Ricardo Kill at July 24, 2016 02:21 PM (9ym/8)

59
I like listening to old music, both from my youth and from my dad's era to take me back to places and memories long ago and far away. Maybe that doesn't make me happy but perhaps even more depressed that I can't go back there.

But, I enjoy doing art, bodging with my model railway stuff, cooking and travel, and a combo of those two.

Hobbies and art are my biggest escapes, I suppose.

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at July 24, 2016 02:21 PM (27m1/)

60 Participating in a quilting group at church makes me happy. We make prayer quilts for sick members and other friends/family of the church in a factory line approach - one person designs it (picks design, cuts fabric and assembles the kit), another sews the quilt top, another puts it all together (backing, binding, label), and church parishioners do the ties while saying a prayer for the recipient. Providing the detail because I love that this allows me to design and kit dozens of quilts and see them finished quickly - unlike having an unfinished, in-progress quilt sitting in my office and the stress of needing to get it done. Love to see the letters of thanks we receive from recipients, too. More fun as a project for others than self.

Posted by: Lizzy at July 24, 2016 02:22 PM (NOIQH)

61
Oh yeah. Almost forgot.

Porn.

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at July 24, 2016 02:22 PM (27m1/)

62
54 Not to spoil the mood, but should I be worried that my little 10# dog seems to prefer playing with cat toys?
Posted by: Weasel at July 24, 2016 02:19 PM (Sfs6o)

---------------

Uh oh. You've got problems. Transfelinism encourages nothing but shame and neurosis.

Posted by: Soona at July 24, 2016 02:23 PM (Fmupd)

63 "As a confirmed melancholic, I can testify that the best and maybe only antidote for melancholia is action. However, like most melancholics, I suffer also from sloth."

Edward Abbey

Posted by: Epobirs at July 24, 2016 02:23 PM (IdCqF)

64 Maybe he's gay?
Posted by: Ricardo Kill at July 24, 2016 02:21 PM (9ym/

trans-species
or questioning

Posted by: @votermom at July 24, 2016 02:23 PM (7lVbc)

65 My whole family being together
Trees, mountains, lakes, oceans
Birds - especially listening to their songs
Sitting on the rocking chair on the front porch in the evenings, or during a thunderstorm
Making a dozen types of Christmas cookies
Watching my kids on Christmas morning
Walks with my husband
Seeing my husband and kids happy
Eating dinner on our deck in nice weather
Ironing our pillowcases

I could go on, but you get the idea.

Posted by: bluebell at July 24, 2016 02:24 PM (805dc)

66 Last night I grilled hamburgers on my charcoal grill. I also had chicken drumsticks that I had was putting BBQ Saussure on. They were taking longer than the burgers so we went a head and ate. I kept turning them even after we had finished. They ended cooking for about one hour and change. Delicious. Happiness for me is a well cooked meal, no stress in cooking or time limit or Having to race off somewhere and everyone eats. (I have 2 picky eaters).

Posted by: Picric at July 24, 2016 02:24 PM (oInnZ)

67 Exercise
Dogs
Music
Books
Alcohol
Firearms
Church
Winona
...in no particular order...

Posted by: Banana Splits Guy at July 24, 2016 02:25 PM (rxzt4)

68 >>Back when I applied to B-school , one place asked the applicant " What
excites you ?" I replied " Fast cars , loud music and good sex "

There's a song about that - "(I ain't never had) Too Much Fun"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H6gI7Ts14Qw

Posted by: Lizzy at July 24, 2016 02:25 PM (NOIQH)

69 Friendship gives me joy. It is a gift I cherish always

Posted by: daveintexas at July 24, 2016 02:25 PM (Lz/sK)

70 Firearms
Church
Winona
...in no particular order...
Posted by: Banana Splits Guy

Who is Winona?

Ryder?

Posted by: Mortimer at July 24, 2016 02:26 PM (qmuP7)

71 As you get old, your world shrinks into a comfortable space. Something forcing it's way in is always interesting.
Posted by: Grump928(C) says Free Soothie! at July 24, 2016 02:21 PM (rwI+c)

---------------

Trump! Trump! Trump!

Posted by: Soona at July 24, 2016 02:26 PM (Fmupd)

72 Hey, DaveInTexas is in da HOWSE!

Posted by: Y-not (@moxiemom) at July 24, 2016 02:26 PM (t5zYU)

73 Y-not, look into T-Tapp. There's a website. There is also a book by Teresa Tapp that your library probably has (and Amazon of course).

Posted by: bluebell at July 24, 2016 02:27 PM (805dc)

74 Also yes , lifting heavy weights and exercising

Fixing stuff

Posted by: Mortimer at July 24, 2016 02:27 PM (qmuP7)

75 What makes me happy? I swim in the Atlantic nearly every morning between May and November. Chocolate, in all its lovely forms. Lifting weights. Nature and all her sounds are music to my ears. The sweet sounds of the sixties - my musical summer. Reading literature from the late 19th and early 20th century. My children. Singing, but you would not want to be around while I am doing so.

Posted by: Locke Common at July 24, 2016 02:27 PM (ZA3fR)

76 And a little dark chocolate right before bed.

Posted by: CrotchetyOldJarhead at July 24, 2016 02:19 PM (qbnYE)

They had some Peaberry coffee they were brewing at the local Caribou Coffee for a few days and I was certain that I experience heaven (the slightly more nervous, jittery version after the second cup). I had a '47 Knuck stroker that I built from a basket case, chopped and tried unsuccessfully for years to stop leaking oil - it was an act of love though, so... I gave it up after I had my hips replaced. Now that I got my life back, I have a few wistful longings still for her, but onward to new things: skydiving is next. I guarantee you that'll do the trick.

So, yeah, everything you said.

Posted by: Mr Macca Bean at July 24, 2016 02:28 PM (4ng05)

77 "DaveInTexas is in da HOWSE!"

"The" DaveinTX?

Posted by: Ricardo Kill at July 24, 2016 02:28 PM (9ym/8)

78 I forgot to add - listening to music by Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Andy Williams, etc. Pure joy.

Posted by: bluebell at July 24, 2016 02:29 PM (805dc)

79 "Fixing stuff"

I got a New Holland that's a mess. Game?

Posted by: Ricardo Kill at July 24, 2016 02:29 PM (9ym/8)

80 Pursuing my sport makes me happy. It seems to be the one thing I have control over, too. Maybe there's a correlation.

Posted by: t-bird at July 24, 2016 02:29 PM (J3phO)

81 Thanks, bluebell.

Posted by: Y-not (@moxiemom) at July 24, 2016 02:30 PM (t5zYU)

82 DaveInTexas is in da HOWSE!"

"The" DaveinTX?
Posted by: Ricardo Kill

No way.

Legends like DiT have 'people' for that.

Posted by: Mortimer at July 24, 2016 02:30 PM (qmuP7)

83 I'm not a naturally happy person, by temperament. I have to constantly
guard myself against melancholy. I've learned to build buffer zones
between myself and things, even otherwise pleasant things, that will
bring on depression. I'm learning to walk away from stuff, right in the
middle of things, just to ward off the blues. It's a high-wire dance
on stilts that I've been doing all my life. It's an effort for me to do the happiness thing. I don't know if others feel that way, or if I'm the only wet blanket in the bunch.

Posted by: grammie winger at July 24, 2016 02:30 PM (dFi94)

84 Y-not, my daughter does pilates as part of her dance conditioning class that she takes every week. Ballerinas need a strong core to go en pointe. It really helps, although the fact that she is only 17 also helps. The routine her instructor puts them through is insane.

Posted by: Barb the Evil Genius at July 24, 2016 02:31 PM (FQKBL)

85 Who is Winona?

This has been going on for a while. Pretty sure it's Winona Judd. To each his own.

Posted by: t-bird at July 24, 2016 02:31 PM (J3phO)

86 And also not to suck up, but reading this blog brings a smile to my face. One of you will post a comment that brings a smile to my face, no matter what the news is. Thank you all for that.

Posted by: Picric at July 24, 2016 02:31 PM (oInnZ)

87 I we're talking music, Cocteau Twins are always good for an eargasm
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iD0STDHNM8A

Posted by: boulder terlit hobo at July 24, 2016 02:31 PM (6FqZa)

88 Trump! Trump! Trump!

Yeah, that's why I said interesting rather than pleasant.

Posted by: Grump928(C) says Free Soothie! at July 24, 2016 02:31 PM (rwI+c)

89 I got a New Holland that's a mess. Game?
===========

I'll put it on the list.

How's January looking for you ?

Posted by: Mortimer at July 24, 2016 02:32 PM (qmuP7)

90 I'm not a naturally happy person, by temperament.

Me neither.

There are several things that give me "satisfaction". Jobs done well, mostly. Things like shooting, gardening, playing cards, and the like.

But I really can't think of a damn thing that makes me "happy".

Posted by: ScoggDog at July 24, 2016 02:33 PM (fiGNd)

91 Any day that I don't start my multi-state murder spree makes Mrs928 happy.

Posted by: Grump928(C) says Free Soothie! at July 24, 2016 02:33 PM (rwI+c)

92 >>>73 Who is Winona?

Ryder?

Posted by: Mortimer at July 24, 2016 02:26 PM (qmuP7)

Ryder. I heard she was a trending topic just the other day.
:::whistles nonchalantly:::
You probably have to be in a certain age range, otherwise it's just mystifying. She evokes a certain sense of nostalgia.

Posted by: Banana Splits Guy at July 24, 2016 02:33 PM (lNcD6)

93 Grammie, I'm bipolar, and my entire life has pretty much become a buffer zone. I take meds and see my doctor regularly, but I also need to keep some thoughts, and people, permanently off my radar.

Posted by: Barb the Evil Genius at July 24, 2016 02:33 PM (FQKBL)

94 54 Not to spoil the mood, but should I be worried that my little 10# dog seems to prefer playing with cat toys?
Posted by: Weasel
-----------------
Not at all. When cthulhu sends Tucker gifts, there's usually a stuffed rat, which is tagged as a cat toy. There always his favorites.
(Actually, his fave is a stuffed duck)
And believe me - the only part of him "wanting to be a cat" would fall under "you are what you eat."

Posted by: Chi at July 24, 2016 02:34 PM (8JjjJ)

95 There are several things that give me
"satisfaction". Jobs done well, mostly. Things like shooting,
gardening, playing cards, and the like.

But I really can't think of a damn thing that makes me "happy".

Posted by: ScoggDog at July 24, 2016 02:33 PM (fiGNd)
================================================

Exactly. That's exactly it.

Posted by: grammie winger at July 24, 2016 02:34 PM (dFi94)

96 "I we're talking music, Cocteau Twins are always good for an eargasm "

?

????

Posted by: Ricardo Kill at July 24, 2016 02:34 PM (9ym/8)

97 I am a short, but normally-sized 'ette, but I have lousy balance and poor flexibility. Thinking I need to remedy that before it's too late. Also, I'd like to learn how to golf and I suspect a strong core would be useful for that.
Posted by: Y-not (@moxiemom) at July 24, 2016 02:21 PM (t5zYU)

I haven't tried Pilates and don't expect I will. People are probably tired of me bringing it up, but Crossfit. It makes me all kinds of happy. And for an old guy who thought the athletic season had passed a long time ago, it has become an amazing addition to my life and has totally changed my perspective to predominately positive in many facets of my life.

Posted by: Mr Macca Bean at July 24, 2016 02:35 PM (4ng05)

98

No way.

Legends like DiT have 'people' for that.
Posted by: Mortimer at July 24, 2016 02:30 PM (qmuP7)

-----------------------

Yeah. I'm thinking it's probably DaveonTX or DaveDrivingThroughTX

Posted by: Soona at July 24, 2016 02:35 PM (Fmupd)

99 "I'll put it on the list.

How's January looking for you ?"

That's exactly what the repairman said.

Posted by: Ricardo Kill at July 24, 2016 02:36 PM (9ym/8)

100 Drinking good, loose-leaf tea
Beer
Buying books & actually being able to read them
Dittos with model airplanes & building them
Visiting museums, battlefields & historic places. Old things make me happy.

Posted by: josephistan at July 24, 2016 02:36 PM (7qAYi)

101 Is the color red that I see the same color that other's see? Is what I think of as "happiness" the same feeling that other feel?

Posted by: Grump928(C) ponders at July 24, 2016 02:36 PM (rwI+c)

102 Posted by: Mr Macca Bean at July 24, 2016 02:28 PM (4ng05)

I had some Tanzania teaberry a while back. Yeahhhhh.... Ethiopian Yergecheffe(?) is some good stuff too. The hog is gonna get 16" apes and a +6", springer front end this winter.

Posted by: CrotchetyOldJarhead at July 24, 2016 02:36 PM (qbnYE)

103 Winona .
Depp ruined that one too , I think.

Posted by: Mortimer at July 24, 2016 02:36 PM (qmuP7)

104 Posted by: Barb the Evil Genius at July 24, 2016 02:33 PM (FQKBL)
=================================================

I know how you feel, Barb. Bi-polar with Anxiety disorder, with a side helping of Lupus. I have much in my life to be thankful for, and kids and grandkids that I love to pieces. But I have to constantly self-monitor and it does get tiring, doesn't it? I'll add you to my prayer list.

Which is getting quite long because you people are a bunch of morons.

Posted by: grammie winger at July 24, 2016 02:38 PM (dFi94)

105 Is the color red that I see the same color that other's see? Is what I think of as "happiness" the same feeling that other feel?

Now we're getting down to it. I've had that exact thought. That exact damn one. Right down to the color analogy.

I'll be honest - I've known a few genuinely "happy" people, as I perceive the emotion, in my time. To a man, I've thought them all pretty damned stupid. And mostly willingly stupid, if not fvcking enthusiastic in their pursuit of ignorance.

Posted by: ScoggDog at July 24, 2016 02:39 PM (fiGNd)

106 One of my sons is an Irish dancer. Watching him do his set dance can make me happy cry.

Posted by: VKI at July 24, 2016 02:39 PM (qySNZ)

107 I have had meaningful conversations with friends, regarding the meaning of the word 'happy.'

That is a kind of thing that makes me happy. Good conversation.

Posted by: BurtTC at July 24, 2016 02:39 PM (kJslv)

108 That's exactly what the repairman said.
Posted by: Ricardo Kill

Probably means he is good. If he said " Sure , roll it right in." you should consider running away.

Posted by: Mortimer at July 24, 2016 02:39 PM (qmuP7)

109 My horses make me happy. LOL never would have guessed from my nic huh? When I take advantage of modern conveniences like pre-cooked foods or networking to hire someone to do the field mowing. Exercise too although I usually have to convince myself to go out and jog I almost always feel a lot better when I get back.

Sudoku also. If I'm feeling like I can barely keep it together at work it is soothing to just focus on the numerical jigsaw puzzle for a bit and then I can move on to actual work tasks.

Posted by: PaleRider at July 24, 2016 02:39 PM (wYRTH)

110 lord knows, the news is bad. Any non-daywalker thread that goes beyond 300 posts is entertaining and gives me joy.

That and watching the wheels in my head as I solve problems and do research. I love that more than anything.
I am working on a portfolio of things that may be impossible to build, and a few that are clearly not cost effective.

Posted by: Kindltot at July 24, 2016 02:40 PM (ry34m)

111 I have a raised bed planter in my back yard and some sort of yellow-jacket looking hornet/bees have made a nest between the boards and under the dirt. I've tried spraying with wasp spray and while that kills a few, I'm thinking about getting some big-ass firecrackers next time I go through Pennsylvania and blowing them up. Alternatively, I could make a 'device' out of gunpowder. Thoughts?

Posted by: Weasel at July 24, 2016 02:40 PM (Sfs6o)

112 I should ask, since I actually mentioned it above, does anyone here do pilates?

I've tried yoga and HATED IT. But I really need to increase my flexibility and strengthen my core. I was wondering if pilates would be more my thing.

I am a short, but normally-sized 'ette, but I have lousy balance and poor flexibility. Thinking I need to remedy that before it's too late. Also, I'd like to learn how to golf and I suspect a strong core would be useful for that.

***

Back when I could still do something resembling vigorous exercise, I had a lot of home workout CDs. My fave was the 'The Firm' pilates tape. It was kind of a hybrid form of pilates and was a great workout.

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at July 24, 2016 02:41 PM (SEXy3)

113 "Which is getting quite long because you people are a bunch of morons."

*hits self on head with mallet*

Posted by: Ricardo Kill at July 24, 2016 02:41 PM (9ym/8)

114 Alternatively, I could make a 'device' out of gunpowder. Thoughts?

Equal parts gas, diesel, and motor oil. Spray - don't light.

'sup ?

Posted by: ScoggDog at July 24, 2016 02:42 PM (fiGNd)

115 What makes me happy?

1) Watching my kids grow up. They're (11 1/2 and 10 yrs old) and starting to enjoy more "grown-up" tastes in movies and music. We watched Outlaw Josey Wales the other night and the first half of The Good The Bad and The Ugly.

2) We have a saying in our house: "There are only 2 kinds of music. Here, we listen to the good kind". The radio plays the music dad likes to listen to, and the kids are fine with that. So they have developed a taste for:

'40s channel on Sirius (Basie, Sinatra, Ella, Doris Day, Mills Bros) etc.

Country - the good kind, Haggard, Hank Williams, Bob Wills,

Grateful Dead (admittedly an acquired taste, but they like some songs)

Bluegrass

Classic Rock - AC/DC, Van Halen, Aerosmith, Skynyrd etc.

Van Morrison

daughter likes ABBA, son likes Led Zep

we went to a gathering with some of her dance friends and there was all this current pop stuff (Taylor Swift, Katy Perry? god knows who else) and all the girls were singing along. When we left, my daughter said "I like the music we play at our house daddy"

Posted by: ghost of hallelujah at July 24, 2016 02:43 PM (oAY8z)

116 Two gigs today/this evening.

Rock/funk and then jazz.

Happy!

See you nightwalkers tonight.

Posted by: Meremortal at July 24, 2016 02:43 PM (3myMJ)

117 Thank you, grammie. I'll add you to my prayer list as well.

Posted by: Barb the Evil Genius at July 24, 2016 02:43 PM (FQKBL)

118 Family recipe, Scogg? Not much going on here, Amigo. Taking a break from the loading bench and trying to stay frosty.

Posted by: Weasel at July 24, 2016 02:44 PM (Sfs6o)

119 "Alternatively, I could make a 'device' out of gunpowder. Thoughts? "

I'd say no. Best to have all your limbs and senses. But, just me.

Posted by: Ricardo Kill at July 24, 2016 02:44 PM (9ym/8)

120 Now we're getting down to it. I've had that exact thought. That exact damn one. Right down to the color analogy.

Heh! When my youngest get son was about 5, he used to tell me old people smelled like purple.

Posted by: CrotchetyOldJarhead at July 24, 2016 02:44 PM (qbnYE)

121 109 -

My opinion on this topic is that there is a difference between happiness and being content. I believe I control my happiness, whereas content is very much dependent on things beyond my control.

The people you describe, I see as content within their ignorance, while happy people are those who are living an honest existence in the world as it is, sometimes in spite of the world, as it is.

Posted by: BurtTC at July 24, 2016 02:44 PM (kJslv)

122 115. Weasel
Gas and a match at dusk when they are in their nest. Then nuke it with wasp killer the next day just to be sure.
Of course the few you missed will move somewhere else.
Just a pain in the ass.

Posted by: never enough caffeine at July 24, 2016 02:45 PM (uz/Pv)

123 Happy things?

Kitty falling asleep on my chest while I'm laying on the couch
Dogs greeting me at the door when I get home

working out

yardwork

sitting on the porch at the beach watching the sun go down with a couple of ice cold beers

watching from that porch the women in yoga pants running in a marathon

going to the grocery store after working out and watching the women in their yoga pants

Posted by: Ashley Judd's Puffy Scamper, formerly MrCaniac at July 24, 2016 02:45 PM (1JnAL)

124 When my youngest get son was about 5, he used to tell me old people smelled like purple.
===========================================

I never thought of it that way, but he might just be right.

Posted by: grammie winger at July 24, 2016 02:46 PM (dFi94)

125 115 I have a raised bed planter in my back yard and some sort of yellow-jacket looking hornet/bees have made a nest between the boards and under the dirt. I've tried spraying with wasp spray and while that kills a few, I'm thinking about getting some big-ass firecrackers next time I go through Pennsylvania and blowing them up. Alternatively, I could make a 'device' out of gunpowder. Thoughts?
Posted by: Weasel at July 24, 2016 02:40 PM (Sfs6o)

--------------

Whatever makes you happy.

Posted by: Soona at July 24, 2016 02:46 PM (Fmupd)

126 >>Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at July 24, 2016 02:41 PM

Thanks, I'll look into that.

Also the Crossfit mentioned above, although that sounds kind of vigorous.

I'm kind of looking for an excuse to try a class b/c I'm still trying to meet people... although, truth be told, the fellow students at the yoga class were kind of a turnoff.

Posted by: Y-not (@moxiemom) at July 24, 2016 02:47 PM (t5zYU)

127 Christina from Flip or Flop charges my batteries. I feel guilty because she is married and a mom but that just seems to make her hotter.

She wears yoga pants on Demo Day just to torture me.

I am not sure if raging lust boners are the same as happiness though.

Posted by: Mortimer at July 24, 2016 02:48 PM (qmuP7)

128 I'm pretty sure blowing up bees would make me happy. I'm also pretty sure I could enlist my next door neighbor, a retired Marine Colonel, to assist. Need a name for the operation, though.

Posted by: Weasel at July 24, 2016 02:48 PM (Sfs6o)

129 I don't know if others feel that way, or if I'm the only wet blanket in the bunch.
Posted by: grammie winger at July 24, 2016 02:30 PM (dFi94)

I know exactly what you mean. I had an absolute disaster of a 2015 that I swear that if I told you even a third of what happened to me and my family of the course of the year, you would call me a lying liar of the worst sort. In August of last year, it got too much for me. I told my sister, who was caught up in it nearly as much as I was, that I was done. I was done being resentful; I was done hating; and I was going to change. From August to Jan 1st I struggled. I recommitted on Jan 1st, not out of any resolution mind you, but out of determination to change.

If you knew me in August of last year, you would not know me today.

Someone earlier said that happiness is a choice. I kind of believe that, but more, I believe that we are what we choose to dwell on. Not think about, but dwell on.

We tend, I do at least, focus on negative things more than positive ones because negative things can taint every aspect of our life. Positive things are typically (I think) discrete events. Negative things can be pervasive.

I'll give you an example from my life: My grandson was alienated out of my life after I had raised him for eleven years. I haven't spoken to him since last May. That event killed me. After a while though, I chose to focus on the eleven absolutely magnificent years I had from his birth. I hope things work out, but I'm not focusing on the bit of time in the meantime, while I wait for things to work out.

All the best to you, BTW, winger. Keep your head up.

Posted by: Mr Macca Bean at July 24, 2016 02:49 PM (4ng05)

130 I'm a naturally happy - and gregarious - person who is married to a naturally not happy (not exactly morose but Eeyore-ish) sedate person.

Poor guy.

Posted by: Y-not (@moxiemom) at July 24, 2016 02:49 PM (t5zYU)

131 Family recipe, Scogg?

Yeah ... the gas kills 'em, the motor oil keeps 'em dead, and the diesel makes it all stick. Feel free to play around with the ratios. Add some packing peanuts to "jelly" it.

Also works awesome as a stump burner. Pitch the match in for that one. Trust me.

Probably going to miss the August meeting. Getting on a plane in about 90 minutes to go overseas. This working for a living thing is really getting to be a pain in the ass.

Posted by: ScoggDog at July 24, 2016 02:49 PM (fiGNd)

132 Posted by: grammie winger at July 24, 2016 02:46 PM (dFi94)

When I think of purple, I think of orchids and hummingbirds.

Posted by: CrotchetyOldJarhead at July 24, 2016 02:49 PM (qbnYE)

133 Posted by: chelsea danger at July 24, 2016 02:11 PM (kFRTd)

Being kind does a lot. Never expect a result and do it for its own sake, but it breaks open the hardened parts inside of us.

Oh, and I really enjoy the Fratellis too.

Posted by: Kindltot at July 24, 2016 02:49 PM (ry34m)

134 Visiting family, hearing my cats purr while brushing them, making jewellery, and having a pile of steamed, spiced Maryland Blue Crabs to eat.

Posted by: Jill v2 at July 24, 2016 02:50 PM (IGySs)

135 I collect aphorisms. I can probably come up with one for any situation.

Posted by: Grump928(C) blurts at July 24, 2016 02:50 PM (rwI+c)

136 Need a name for the operation, though.

Operation BuzzKill.

Posted by: Grump928(C) blurts at July 24, 2016 02:50 PM (rwI+c)

137 "Need a name for the operation, though."

Operation "Watch this, hold my beer"

Posted by: Ricardo Kill at July 24, 2016 02:50 PM (9ym/8)

138 going to the grocery store after working out and watching the women in their yoga pants
Posted by: Ashley Judd's Puffy Scamper,

Down With Yoga Pants!

Posted by: Mortimer at July 24, 2016 02:50 PM (qmuP7)

139 135 Thanks for the tip, and safe travels, bro. The range will be there when you get back!

Posted by: Weasel at July 24, 2016 02:51 PM (Sfs6o)

140 NDH,
Hope you found cat. I had one wander into a storage closet 2 apt. bldgs. away behind the maintenance guy, stuck in there 4 days, neighbors reported hearing cat, she got out randomly and wandered home.

Posted by: DaveA at July 24, 2016 02:51 PM (8J/Te)

141 Posted by: Y-not (@moxiemom) at July 24, 2016 02:47 PM (t5zYU)
=================================================

Y-not, do you run? If you are a runner, you could exercise and meet new people by connecting with a running club. My daughter does that through the running club from our church. They do 5k and 10k stuff. I don't know why she likes it but she does. She also runs 3 miles a day with the dog and has gotten to know a lot of neighbors that way.

Posted by: grammie winger at July 24, 2016 02:51 PM (dFi94)

142 Updated with a very cute picture.

Posted by: Y-not (@moxiemom) at July 24, 2016 02:52 PM (t5zYU)

143 A good walk/jog, super early in the morning when dawn is just breaking and all is still and quiet except for the little critters..Total peace and happiness. It's my time for me, where for an hour or so I'm not in my wife, mother, daughter, employee roles..its just me.

Posted by: IC at July 24, 2016 02:52 PM (KTFfX)

144 -

* Crushing my enemies.
* Driving them before me.
* The lamentations of de wimmin is nice too.
_

Posted by: BumperStickerist at July 24, 2016 02:52 PM (GajfA)

145 140/141 both these have merit!

Posted by: Weasel at July 24, 2016 02:53 PM (Sfs6o)

146 Hey ... this reminds me. I need advice.

When traveling to Europe for work, is an NRA Tee-Shirt acceptable ?

Asking for a friend ...

Posted by: ScoggDog at July 24, 2016 02:53 PM (fiGNd)

147 What the Hell are those things?

Posted by: Ricardo Kill at July 24, 2016 02:53 PM (9ym/8)

148 Jail Ministry; seeing II Cor. 10 in action and the power of God displayed with light in a dark place.

Posted by: Billy the Mountain at July 24, 2016 02:53 PM (hmntZ)

149 Y-not, do you run? If you are a runner, you could exercise and meet new people by connecting with a running club.
---

I tried running when I was younger, but kind of found it boring.

I may take up cycling again.

The other thing I've considered is riding lessons and, as I mentioned, golf.

I've been working on aerobic endurance w/ a treadmill at home, but I really need to get my flexibity and strength up.

Posted by: Y-not (@moxiemom) at July 24, 2016 02:53 PM (t5zYU)

150 I'm kind of looking for an excuse to try a class b/c I'm still trying to meet people... although, truth be told, the fellow students at the yoga class were kind of a turnoff.
Posted by: Y-not (@moxiemom) at July 24, 2016 02:47 PM (t5zYU)

I don't know yoga from anything, but Crossfit is intense but it is also customized. I freely admit that it is not for everyone, but it fit me like a glove. For me, and I never thought it possible of me given my age, but it made me feel athletic again and the competition that is inherent in sports in general is of a totally different flavor in Crossfit. I am actually, at 63, doing multiple workouts a day most days. I absolutely thrive in the environment.

Posted by: Mr Macca Bean at July 24, 2016 02:55 PM (4ng05)

151 #62 Lizzy, I wish you were my neighbor. My husband wants me to make him a quilt out of all his old Tommy Bahama and Kahala Hawaiian shirts. I haven't a clue how to make a good design. Do you know if I can combine fabric from his cotton (high quality cotton) shirts and silk shirts in the same quilt?

They've all been washed a million times.

And can you recommend a good source for tips on quilt design?

Posted by: girldog at July 24, 2016 02:55 PM (Ay1bw)

152 Sitting on the beach under shade watching the time go by whilst not thinking about anything.

Posted by: lindafell TEXIT!! at July 24, 2016 02:55 PM (xVgrA)

153 Ice cold beer with a couple garlic-stuffed olives in it.
Perfectly cooked steak.
Warm summer evenings with a good cigar.
The Ace of Spades Headquarters.

Posted by: chiefjaybob, who hates everyone at July 24, 2016 02:56 PM (G2Sc9)

154 going to the grocery store after working out and watching the women in their yoga pants
Posted by: Ashley Judd's Puffy Scamper,

May I suggest the frozen food section at Jerry's Market in Sanibel, Florida?

Posted by: Jinx the Cat at July 24, 2016 02:56 PM (weV3+)

155 Being alive makes me happy. I can't marinate in politics and news every day. It just doesn't seem like a wise choice. Anything outdoors that requires some amount of physical activity makes my brain happy. Looking forward to a charity bike riding event next weekend. Hiking. Running. Things like that.

Posted by: nckate at July 24, 2016 02:57 PM (9Pufo)

156 What the Hell are those things?
Posted by: Ricardo Kill

I think Sigourney Weaver smoked three of them in the second Alien flick.

Posted by: Mortimer at July 24, 2016 02:57 PM (qmuP7)

157 All the best to you, BTW, winger. Keep your head up.

Posted by: Mr Macca Bean at July 24, 2016 02:49 PM (4ng05)
=============================================

Thank you Mr. Macca Bean. I hope reconciliation is in the works as to your grandson. You're right, happiness (or joy, as I usually substitute that word for) IS a choice of focus. My focus is the Lord. I lift my eyes up, my joy comes from Him. Without His outpouring of grace on my life, I don't even know where I'd be. No place good. Thank you for your encouraging words.

Posted by: grammie winger at July 24, 2016 02:57 PM (dFi94)

158 Happiness is ridding my balls of the itchiness with just two to three scratches.

Posted by: Soona at July 24, 2016 02:58 PM (Fmupd)

159 May I suggest the frozen food section at Jerry's Market in Sanibel, Florida?

Holy Shit. I've been there.

Small world.

Posted by: ScoggDog at July 24, 2016 02:58 PM (fiGNd)

160 What makes me happy?
Nitrous Oxide.

Posted by: Chi at July 24, 2016 02:59 PM (8JjjJ)

161 Eating food that I've grown feels good. Exercise, naps, a happy functional family, the dogs. That feeling you get right before sex is over, I like that.

Posted by: BuckIV at July 24, 2016 03:00 PM (CLfqv)

162 Damn ... time to pack.

See ya' Horde. Grammie - chin up. And shit-can that white couch. You'll feel better after that.

Posted by: ScoggDog at July 24, 2016 03:00 PM (fiGNd)

163 Posted by: Billy the Mountain at July 24, 2016 02:53 PM (hmntZ)
===============================================

You do jail ministry? God bless you. I had a good friend who did jail ministry for a number of years.

Posted by: grammie winger at July 24, 2016 03:00 PM (dFi94)

164 52 Not to spoil the mood, but should I be worried that my little 10# dog seems to prefer playing with cat toys?

Posted by: Weasel at July 24, 2016 02:19 PM

-------------

No. His courage should be celebrated and ESPN may want to give him a very special award.

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero) at July 24, 2016 03:01 PM (TPJ04)

165 And shit-can that white couch. You'll feel better after that.

Posted by: ScoggDog at July 24, 2016 03:00 PM (fiGNd)
=========================================

You got that right. What was I thinking?

Posted by: grammie winger at July 24, 2016 03:01 PM (dFi94)

166 Being alive makes me happy. I can't marinate in politics and news every day. It just doesn't seem like a wise choice. Anything outdoors that requires some amount of physical activity makes my brain happy. Looking forward to a charity bike riding event next weekend. Hiking. Running. Things like that.
Posted by: nckate at July 24, 2016 02:57 PM (9Pufo)

I'm close to getting there. I no longer watch or listen to news, but I still seem to assimilate a little too much of it through Twitter and just browsing, so I'm paring back on those. I am committed to trashing my Twitter account shortly like I did my Facebook a month or so ago. I hope to have my transformation back to human complete by years end.

Posted by: Mr Macca Bean at July 24, 2016 03:01 PM (4ng05)

167 Not being taunted makes me happy.

Posted by: Happy Fun Ball at July 24, 2016 03:01 PM (H9MG5)

168 Rape, murder, arson and rape.

Posted by: Applicant at July 24, 2016 03:05 PM (TPJ04)

169 If anyone is looking for something to read on the subject, check out "The Happiness Project" by Gretchen Rubin. It was a bestseller so I'm sure you could find it at your local library. She has a website too. But the book is the place to start.

Posted by: bluebell at July 24, 2016 03:06 PM (805dc)

170 "Rape, murder, arson and rape."

Are you chewing gum?

Did you bring enough for everyone?

Posted by: Ricardo Kill at July 24, 2016 03:06 PM (9ym/8)

171 NDH,
Hope you found cat. I had one wander into a storage closet 2 apt. bldgs. away behind the maintenance guy, stuck in there 4 days, neighbors reported hearing cat, she got out randomly and wandered home.

***

Yes. Late last night and I burst into tears.

I know their routines very well and she had completely vanished. It's happened with other cats and some have returned, others have not. She is one who barely leaves the edge of the yard and I studied my security footage like crazy, but couldn't spot her at anytime since Wednesday.

I was beginning to give up hope.

Wherever she was freaked her out because she wanted to be next to me all night and was hesitant to go outside this morning.

Thanks for asking.

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at July 24, 2016 03:06 PM (SEXy3)

172
Exercise has never, ever made me happy.

Not once.

Neither has shopping.

Funerals have never made me happy, all though I have never been to a funeral of my enemy.

Posted by: Angus Mac Loud at July 24, 2016 03:08 PM (Hf8X/)

173 I'm kind of looking for an excuse to try a class b/c I'm still trying to meet people... although, truth be told, the fellow students at the yoga class were kind of a turnoff.

***

Instead of going to a yoga-specific gym/studio, try a gym that offers a variety of classes, including yoga or pilates. You'll meet a wider variety of people.

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at July 24, 2016 03:08 PM (SEXy3)

174 Running. In a month I will be competing in my 22nd half marathon and I've also run 4 full marathons.

I picked it up when Andrew Brietbart died.

I think it has made a big difference in my health, but it can be tough if you are dedicated to true improvement. I ran 17 miles this morning, and it was brutal with the heat and humidity.

So right now I'm not so sure I "love" it

Posted by: Dave in Fla at July 24, 2016 03:08 PM (wfDW1)

175 Glad you got your cat back, NDH.

Posted by: Ricardo Kill at July 24, 2016 03:09 PM (9ym/8)

176 Dave in Fla - I remember when Breitbart died and you started the running thing. 4 marathons? That's crazy! Good for you.

Posted by: grammie winger at July 24, 2016 03:10 PM (dFi94)

177 These days, nothing makes me happy. Not a goddamn thing.

Posted by: Insomniac at July 24, 2016 03:10 PM (0mRoj)

178 Glad you got your cat back, NDH.

***

thanks. Me too!

I know that I will have to contend with the loss of each fuzzy creature at some point in time, but not today.

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at July 24, 2016 03:11 PM (SEXy3)

179 Sunday Gub Threads make me happy.

Posted by: Grump928(C) blurts at July 24, 2016 03:11 PM (rwI+c)

180 Exercise does not make me happy. However, having exercised does!

Making a nice meal and serving it and nice wine to good friends. Having pleasant conversation around the table makes me very happy.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo...Am Yisrael Hai at July 24, 2016 03:12 PM (AZl0B)

181 Posted by: Insomniac at July 24, 2016 03:10 PM (0mRoj)
========================================

Don't think you're alone 'cause you're not alone. Read upthread. Lots of us missing the happiness gene.

Posted by: grammie winger at July 24, 2016 03:12 PM (dFi94)

182 Of all the things that make me happy my grandkids top the list. Their happiness is contagious and it helps me to forget a lot of the crap in this world.

Posted by: Hank at July 24, 2016 03:13 PM (wv7Zv)

183 "These days, nothing makes me happy. Not a goddamn thing."

Now, now, stop that. Internet porn. Beer. Alcohol. Satellite TV.

Posted by: Ricardo Kill at July 24, 2016 03:13 PM (9ym/8)

184 Oh, I had missed NDH's kitty story.

Very happy she's back!

Posted by: Y-not (@moxiemom) at July 24, 2016 03:15 PM (t5zYU)

185 Eating, drinking and exercising with discipline makes me happier.
Part of that is keeping my commitments to myself.
My granddaughters create a happy place.

Posted by: Northernlurker at July 24, 2016 03:17 PM (lUHUn)

186 Birds singing in the morning right before sunrise, the sound of the lawn sprinklers popping up and the smell of fresh coffee brewing. And knowing you have another 15 minutes before the alarm goes off.

Posted by: CrotchetyOldJarhead at July 24, 2016 03:17 PM (qbnYE)

187 Thanks for a happiness thread, Y-Not. Very much needed IMO and appreciated. :^)

Spending time with my husband even in silly things like going to the Wawa together (For those that don't have then Wawa is the equivalent of 7-11) or taking walk in the morning..

Prayer and quiet time with God and reading some of my favorite devotional books.

I like seeing the flowers of autumn-black eyes Susans and cornflowers in masses by the road. Cornflowers were one of my mother's favorite flowers

Lately, i'm getting a lot of happiness in being a mentor to some Seminary students/student pastors as well as older pastors that just need a supportive person to talk to. I'm not officially a mentor to any of those people, but I enjoy it anyway.

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at July 24, 2016 03:17 PM (bpZlE)

188 "These days, nothing makes me happy. Not a goddamn thing."

May I recommend a Flip or Flop marathon on HGTV accompanied by a high % ABV brewed beverage or 3?

Posted by: Mortimer at July 24, 2016 03:18 PM (qmuP7)

189 I have done Pilates. Mat work is ok, but reformer is a great workout. Yoga sucks IMO, but I know a lot who love it.

And I have a lot of friends who do crossfit who get excellent results, including some women in their 50s.

Posted by: Dave in Fla at July 24, 2016 03:19 PM (wfDW1)

190 Posted by: Mary Clogginstien from Brattleboro, VT at July 24, 2016 03:17 PM (Fbj4h)

Please stop, sock. This was intended to be a politics free thread.

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at July 24, 2016 03:19 PM (bpZlE)

191 183 -

I think that is more likely to happen when you are looking for something to do it for you. By 'thing' I only mean an external stimulus. If instead you seek to believe in something greater, which I know you already do, happy can be separate from being satisfied with those external things we encounter in this world. Even separate from the things we do hold dear.

Posted by: BurtTC at July 24, 2016 03:20 PM (kJslv)

192 These days, nothing makes me happy. Not a goddamn thing.
Posted by: Insomniac at July 24, 2016 03:10 PM (0mRoj)

I'm not being flip about this (I'm not sure if you're being flip either, for that matter) but if you're not, I would encourage you - sincerely - to try to change that.

Posted by: Mr Macca Bean at July 24, 2016 03:20 PM (4ng05)

193 Test

Posted by: Sipping whiskey in the dark at July 24, 2016 03:20 PM (93bH6)

194 Cold beer.....a good cigar....a zeroed rifle....and dinner at the Y make me happy.

Especially dinner at the Y.....

Posted by: Hairyback Guy at July 24, 2016 03:23 PM (ej1L0)

195 These days nothing makes me happy. Not a goddamn thing.

Posted by: Insomniac at July 24, 2016 03:10 PM

---------

On the positive side, your lawn must look awesome.

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero) at July 24, 2016 03:23 PM (TPJ04)

196 Thanks Grammie

My biggest accomplishment so far was completing the Dopey challenge this past January at Disney World. You run a 5K on Thursday, a 10K on Friday, a half marathon on Saturday, and a full marathon on Sunday.

I am not ashamed to admit that I was crying during the final 2 miles at the sheer enormity of what I had accomplished.

Posted by: Dave in Fla at July 24, 2016 03:23 PM (wfDW1)

197 Creamschnitzel? Isn't that the Kraut equivalent of chicken fried steak with country gravy?

Chicken Fried Steak makes me happy.

Posted by: Headless Body of Agnew at July 24, 2016 03:24 PM (FtrY1)

198 I am not ashamed to admit that I was crying during the final 2 miles at the sheer enormity of what I had accomplished.
Posted by: Dave in Fla at July 24, 2016 03:23 PM (wfDW1)

That is amazing.

Posted by: Mr Macca Bean at July 24, 2016 03:24 PM (4ng05)

199 181 Posted by: Insomniac at July 24, 2016 03:10 PM (0mRoj)
========================================

Don't think you're alone 'cause you're not alone. Read upthread. Lots of us missing the happiness gene.
Posted by: grammie winger at July 24, 2016 03:12 PM (dFi94)

I know I'm not unique in that regard, although I haven't read everything upthread. There are things that distract me but nothing that makes me truly happy. Honestly I'm not even sure what that would feel like anymore.

Posted by: Insomniac at July 24, 2016 03:24 PM (0mRoj)

200 Sunday Gub Threads make me happy.

=======

Then we really should have a Sunday Gub Thread. For all the unhappy people. Cobs?

Posted by: Mortimer at July 24, 2016 03:25 PM (qmuP7)

201 Posted by: Hairyback Guy at July 24, 2016 03:23 PM (ej1L0)

*fistbump*

Posted by: CrotchetyOldJarhead at July 24, 2016 03:25 PM (qbnYE)

202 My biggest accomplishment so far was completing the Dopey challenge this past January at Disney World. You run a 5K on Thursday, a 10K on Friday, a half marathon on Saturday, and a full marathon on Sunday.

I am not ashamed to admit that I was crying during the final 2 miles at the sheer enormity of what I had accomplished.

***

Holy cow!

how could you NOT cry?!

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at July 24, 2016 03:25 PM (SEXy3)

203 Dave In FLA....

Wow....just.....wow!

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo...Am Yisrael Hai at July 24, 2016 03:26 PM (AZl0B)

204 Another thing that makes me happy is having the privilege and challenge of preaching in.
I'm an Introvert but I love public speaking.

Posted by: Northernlurker at July 24, 2016 03:28 PM (lUHUn)

205 Mrs. Cicero and I have been dancing West Coast Swing and competing, albeit at a low level, for about five years. I got dragged into it but we've met an entire new social set and pulled ourselves out of the dinner-and-a-movie rut. We dance, practice or take a lesson two or three times a week.

That makes me happy, and it's been great for our relationship.

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero) at July 24, 2016 03:28 PM (TPJ04)

206 Not to get too philosophical about it, but I'm not sure that I know what this word "happy" is.

You posted, I read, and thought about what makes me happy, and darned if everything couldn't be described better with another word.

Maybe that is why our founders called it the "pursuit of happineff." Because it is so elusive.

Posted by: OneEyedJack at July 24, 2016 03:28 PM (kKHcp)

207 I am attempting to find happiness in little things.

So yesterday. my husband and I went to the vespers service at the Orthodox church. It made me happy because I wasn't responsible for anything. I just got to listen to the chanting-particularly of the psalms and let itr wash over my spirit. After the service, I talked to a older man 60's early 70s who is being ordained a Deacon next week. It's taken him 15 years to get o this point. I guess he was going to seminary part time while working full time and had been another denomination before that. He and his wife are such dear people and he's so excited about his ordination, and I get to go because A layperson whom I covered for today is filling in for me next week. I gather the service is quite something!

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at July 24, 2016 03:28 PM (bpZlE)

208 199 -

Again, I am going to strongly encourage you to stop looking outside yourself for this thing, happiness, and instead try to understand it as a state of mind you control.

Posted by: BurtTC at July 24, 2016 03:29 PM (kJslv)

209 I've been getting money owed me from various places I've worked for or states I've lived in.

Very nice.

Posted by: HH at July 24, 2016 03:29 PM (DrCtv)

210 I escape and find happiness in reading.

I accuse my husband, however, of not being happy unless he's not happy. He finds happiness in being a curmudgeon.

Posted by: April at July 24, 2016 03:30 PM (e8PP1)

211 preaching in.

Preaching in? It sounds like you're preaching in your house. ;^) which probably isn't what you meant.

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at July 24, 2016 03:30 PM (bpZlE)

212 Good beer, great wings, and a hockey game. Simple, really

Posted by: LordFunkicus at July 24, 2016 03:32 PM (z7si5)

213 Greetings:

Happy you want, happy you get:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-B5XAxDQ8w

More ???

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yMqL1iWfku4

Posted by: 11B40 at July 24, 2016 03:33 PM (evgyj)

214 Fenelon I'm guessing you're talking to me.
I preachjohn@cia.com occasionally in church.

Posted by: Northernlurker at July 24, 2016 03:33 PM (lUHUn)

215 Posted by: Northernlurker at July 24, 2016 03:33 PM (lUHUn)

Thanks, Yes. I was a little confused by your comment. I'm glad you get to do that and enjoy it.

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at July 24, 2016 03:34 PM (bpZlE)

216 I accuse my husband, however, of not being happy unless he's not happy. He finds happiness in being a curmudgeon.
Posted by: April at July 24, 2016 03:30 PM (e8PP1)

I was going to say that that sounds like my sister. But honestly, it sounds like just about everybody I know. Everyone I know, has seen the change in my life since last year and every single one of them has commented at one time or another on how I've changed. But they seem content to stay where they are, taking their anti-depressants and watching Dancing with the Stars.

I came from a place where I was certain that my life was over last August, so my perspective is perhaps different, but you will never convince me to understand their perspective.

Posted by: Mr Macca Bean at July 24, 2016 03:34 PM (4ng05)

217 Why Does Exercise Make Us Feel Good?

And it doesn't take much.

Posted by: artisanal 'ette at July 24, 2016 03:35 PM (qCMvj)

218 Posted by: Y-not (@moxiemom) at July 24, 2016 02:53 PM (t5zYU)

I really enjoyed Pilates, and given that I *hate* exercise that's saying something.

Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at July 24, 2016 03:35 PM (FN+ue)

219 Thanks everyone. It was a lot of work getting there, but so exciting to finish.

I even stopped and got a frozen margarita in Epcot to carry with me over the finish line.

Anyway, I'm doing it again this coming January, but really training for a full marathon at the end of November. It will be my first attempt to really run it for time, instead of just trying to survive. My coach thinks I'll drop about 40 minutes off by personal record.

Anyway, you want to make a runner happy? Ask them about running

Posted by: Dave in Fla at July 24, 2016 03:35 PM (wfDW1)

220 I'm walkin' on sunshine, and don't it feel good!

Posted by: Katrina and the Waves at July 24, 2016 03:35 PM (weV3+)

221 I'm not being flip about this (I'm not sure if you're being flip either, for that matter) but if you're not, I would encourage you - sincerely - to try to change that.
Posted by: Mr Macca Bean at July 24, 2016 03:20 PM (4ng05)

I'm not being flip, and I know you're not. I really have no idea what I would do about that. I don't have much capacity for happiness. Never really did.

Posted by: Insomniac at July 24, 2016 03:35 PM (0mRoj)

222 Moving just because you can is fun. My cheer-up video of a baby goat and the rock wall his humans built for him to have fun on https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MfUqVa-Y3go

I used to work with older dressage horses with joint issues, etc. You can do "therapeutic riding" to help them. When I had finally stretched, warmed up, flexed whatever needed flexing to the point the horse could move without pain again, he would give a deep, relaxed sigh and just surge forward and it was all the thanks I needed. Horses love to move.

Posted by: Sabrina Chase at July 24, 2016 03:35 PM (GG9V6)

223 Mongol General: What is best in life?

Conan: To crush your enemies, to see them driven before you, and to hear the lamentations of their women.

Posted by: William Eaton at July 24, 2016 03:36 PM (KhJh8)

224 foods that may make you feel happier now

lots of my favorites there

I just poured myself a fresh cup of coffee.

I'm happy.

Posted by: artisanal 'ette at July 24, 2016 03:36 PM (qCMvj)

225

Dogs. Any shape, size, age, temperament. No fail. Dogs make me smile every time. A moment of happiness, a glimpse of grace.

Posted by: gracepc at July 24, 2016 03:36 PM (OU4q6)

226
Ham and cheese sandwiches

Lega over shoulders , headboard -grabbing, loud, hot, passionate sex

Shooting squirrela off bird feeders

Fridays

Posted by: Mortimer at July 24, 2016 03:37 PM (qmuP7)

227 On the positive side, your lawn must look awesome.
Posted by: Cicero (@cicero) at July 24, 2016 03:23 PM (TPJ04)

Heh. Not so much.

Posted by: Insomniac at July 24, 2016 03:37 PM (0mRoj)

228 207 I am attempting to find happiness in little things.

So yesterday. my husband and I went to the vespers service at the Orthodox church. It made me happy because I wasn't responsible for anything.
Posted by: FenelonSpoke
----------------
They have services for Italian mopeds?
Odd, but whatever revs your engine...

Posted by: Chi at July 24, 2016 03:38 PM (8JjjJ)

229 " What excites you ?" I replied " Fast cars , loud music and good sex " Posted by: jay hoenemeyer at July 24, 2016 02:20 PM (uvj0z)

Haha, reminds me of a job interview I had once. I was asked "what are you passionate about?" I was really getting into gardening just then, and I said "dirt!" I couldn't stop myself, and said too much about dirt and its finest qualities. I cannot adequately describe the man's expression, and I did not get a callback.

Posted by: April at July 24, 2016 03:40 PM (e8PP1)

230 GFY

Posted by: An Italian Moped at July 24, 2016 03:40 PM (TPJ04)

231

sleeping
my family
the sun & the beach
chocolate & coffee
scotch
wine (we have a white chilling for dinner tonight)
walks
hikes
music
art & design
...

so many

Posted by: artisanal 'ette at July 24, 2016 03:40 PM (qCMvj)

232 After church, my wife and I sat out on our lawn in our "anti-gravity" chairs on a gorgeous July day and enjoyed the blue sky and the green earth. We were very happy.

Posted by: Caliban at July 24, 2016 03:40 PM (3GFMN)

233

exercise also helps you to sleep better
which makes you happier

sleeping is my favorite hobby

Posted by: artisanal 'ette at July 24, 2016 03:41 PM (qCMvj)

234 I'm happy the new troll isn't on this thread!

Posted by: andycanuck at July 24, 2016 03:42 PM (LdMbv)

235
I'm happy the new troll isn't on this thread!

Posted by: andycanuck at July 24, 2016 03:42 PM (LdMbv)
===========================================

There's a new one? Does he smell like purple?

Posted by: grammie winger at July 24, 2016 03:43 PM (dFi94)

236 I'm having a FB messenger chat with a girl we support through Compassion. That is making me happy right now.
I know lots of you hate Facebook but I enjoy the ability to do this.

Posted by: Northernlurker at July 24, 2016 03:43 PM (lUHUn)

237 I see the Kraut Kops don't think today's machete attack by a Syrian refuthugee was terrorism. That's a load off my mind.

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Racist for Dinosaurs at July 24, 2016 03:43 PM (Nwg0u)

238 Things that make me happy when I dont have to deal with them -

TOO SMALL PHONE KEYBOARDS

stupid post-service/purchase surveys-Like you really care what I.think!

Moving

Posted by: Mortimer at July 24, 2016 03:43 PM (qmuP7)

239 Posted by: Northernlurker at July 24, 2016 03:43 PM (lUHUn)
=============================================

My son supports a child through Compassion. Good organization.

Posted by: grammie winger at July 24, 2016 03:44 PM (dFi94)

240 When I come home even if gone for a short while, our three dog greeting committee, jumping and waging all around.

Going surfing, paddleboarding, hiking in the woods.

Posted by: willy at July 24, 2016 03:44 PM (Ffw22)

241 208 199 -

Again, I am going to strongly encourage you to stop looking outside yourself for this thing, happiness, and instead try to understand it as a state of mind you control.
Posted by: BurtTC at July 24, 2016 03:29 PM (kJslv)

How exactly is that to be achieved?

Posted by: Insomniac at July 24, 2016 03:45 PM (0mRoj)

242 Posted by: Caliban at July 24, 2016 03:40 PM (3GFMN)

"We pray for one last landing

On the ground that gave us birth

Let us rest our eyes on fleecy skies

And the cool, green hills of Earth".

RAH

Posted by: HH at July 24, 2016 03:45 PM (DrCtv)

243 146 Hey ... this reminds me. I need advice.

When traveling to Europe for work, is an NRA Tee-Shirt acceptable ?

Asking for a friend ...
Posted by: ScoggDog at July 24, 2016 02:53 PM (fiGNd)

Yes, very acceptable. Acceptable and encouraged.

Posted by: Texas Zombie at July 24, 2016 03:45 PM (SUtNI)

244 I'm not being flip, and I know you're not. I really have no idea what I would do about that. I don't have much capacity for happiness. Never really did.
Posted by: Insomniac at July 24, 2016 03:35 PM (0mRoj)

You are preaching to the choir. I absolutely identify with where you are, I just managed to hit unhappiness overload - on steroids - and I am extremely happy that I'm a coward because if I wasn't, I'd not likely be here. I'm not suggesting that you try to get as low as I got, but let me tell you, there are ways to find happiness and the resources to do it you absolutely can do on your own, though the SEALS say you need to have a swim buddy - and that is absolutely a good thing to have.

I started with meditation - I looked up Jewish meditation on Youtube and surprisingly found it. That started the ball rolling and from there, it seems like the pieces just keep falling into place and I absolutely could not be more grateful.

If I can give you advice, give it a shot. Do what you have to do.

Posted by: Mr Macca Bean at July 24, 2016 03:45 PM (4ng05)

245 237 I see the Kraut Kops don't think today's machete attack by a Syrian refuthugee was terrorism. That's a load off my mind.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Racist for Dinosaurs at July 24, 2016 03:43 PM (Nwg0u)

--------

Nothing to worry about. His name is Skip.

Posted by: The MSM, America's Proud Watchdog of Democracy at July 24, 2016 03:45 PM (TPJ04)

246 235
I'm happy the new troll isn't on this thread!

Posted by: andycanuck at July 24, 2016 03:42 PM (LdMbv)
===========================================

There's a new one? Does he smell like purple?
Posted by: grammie winger at July 24, 2016 03:43 PM (dFi94)

Smell like purple? Have you gotten into the acid again?

Posted by: Insomniac at July 24, 2016 03:46 PM (0mRoj)

247 Cutting the grass. Just finished in fact...101 degrees, took off my shirt, smeared on some sun block, lit up a stogie and got er done. 'Course, it's a riding mower, so I wasn't exactly busting my ass.

Lifting weights. Heavy weights.

Picked up my Wide Glide yesterday after having new tires and new grips installed, then put my face in the wind for 100 miles. Hard to beat that.

Playing with the dogs. All ten of them.

My two girls, both of whom are successful young women who bring me great joy.

And of course, my loving wahine of almost 36 years who makes it all possible.

Posted by: Sixkiller...TEXIT at July 24, 2016 03:46 PM (yxupc)

248 What makes you happy?

Sunshine on my shoulder. Because then I know the plane is right-side-up.

Posted by: John Denver at July 24, 2016 03:46 PM (9mTYi)

249 Posted by: HH at July 24, 2016 03:45 PM (DrCtv)

'xactly.

Posted by: Caliban at July 24, 2016 03:46 PM (3GFMN)

250 When traveling to Europe for work, is an NRA Tee-Shirt acceptable ?

Things get hairy with a Mohammed Bomb-Turban t-shirt. I wonder if you could actually get arrested and expelled for that.

Posted by: t-bird at July 24, 2016 03:48 PM (9mTYi)

251 What makes you happy?

-----

A gum thread.

Posted by: Toothless Geezer at July 24, 2016 03:48 PM (Kl6+o)

252 Plus, had bacon and eggs for breakfast and two cups of Kona coffee. Always a joy.

Posted by: Sixkiller...TEXIT at July 24, 2016 03:48 PM (yxupc)

253 Does Compassion only operate in Africa?
At my last "real job" we sponsored a lot of of kids.

Posted by: Chi at July 24, 2016 03:48 PM (8JjjJ)

254 Although breakfast was delayed until 12:30 because, you know, IF.

Posted by: Sixkiller...TEXIT at July 24, 2016 03:49 PM (yxupc)

255 Spinning when the fiber flows smoothly and the flyer winds the new yarn into little compact mounds on the bobbin as the wheel creaks softly while I treadle.

Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at July 24, 2016 03:50 PM (FN+ue)

256 Smell like purple? Have you gotten into the acid again?

Posted by: Insomniac at July 24, 2016 03:46 PM (0mRoj)
=============================================

When was I out?

Posted by: grammie winger at July 24, 2016 03:50 PM (dFi94)

257 Small things. Going out to eat with my kids. My lab and two kitties. A great meal. Getting a project completed at work done well. Smiles and laughter. A great cappuccino. Helping someone. Reading this blog and feeling so many connections.

Posted by: Cheri at July 24, 2016 03:51 PM (TmVQX)

258 Posted by: Chi at July 24, 2016 03:48 PM (8JjjJ)

No. South/Central America and Asia as well as Africa.

Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at July 24, 2016 03:51 PM (FN+ue)

259 Posted by: Mr Macca Bean at July 24, 2016 03:45 PM (4ng05)

I live in that dark place, so I get it. I'll look into what you suggested.

Posted by: Insomniac at July 24, 2016 03:51 PM (0mRoj)

260 Our Compassion girl is in Colombia.
One other thing that makes me happy is roasting a perfect batch of coffee. Followed by a equally perfect cup of coffee.

Posted by: Northernlurker at July 24, 2016 03:52 PM (lUHUn)

261 I live in that dark place, so I get it. I'll look into what you suggested.
Posted by: Insomniac at July 24, 2016 03:51 PM (0mRoj)

Awesome. And I'll tell you in all sincerity - I'm pulling for you.

Posted by: Mr Macca Bean at July 24, 2016 03:53 PM (4ng05)

262 Just got home from an Autocross. I was fastest in my class which makes me happy but not fastest overall which makes me unhappy. Overall happiness factor is to the plus though.

Posted by: freaked at July 24, 2016 03:54 PM (BO/km)

263 262
Just got home from an Autocross. I was fastest in my class which makes
me happy but not fastest overall which makes me unhappy. Overall
happiness factor is to the plus though.

Posted by: freaked at July 24, 2016 03:54 PM (BO/km)

Congrats Freaked!!!
What are you driving in competition?

Posted by: Sixkiller...TEXIT at July 24, 2016 03:55 PM (yxupc)

264 A few of the things that make me happy:

My kids and the hilarious things they say.

My kids running to me and shouting "daddy's home" as soon as I walk in the door. They're still of that age and I will miss it when they grow out of it as I assume they will.

Annual meetup with a group of buddies from college days. It's the only time each year I see most of them.

The new Moron Health Club here at the AOSHQ. I had been thinking a lot about the need to get healthy and that first fitness thread Ace posted a couple weeks back was the final kicker to get me going. Glad he's making it a weekly feature.

Fishing - something I don't get to do often during this season in life.

Hunting - something I get to do less than fishing.

Snow days. Don't get them much in this part of Texas but they're fun when they happen. Everything, and I do mean everything, just shuts down. You get a mandatory day of rest. Unless you are an emergency services worker and you have to run around attending to the morons who thought it was a good time to find out if they have the skills to drive on icy roads.

Being back in Texas after some years living abroad in Virginia.

Reading books and having books. When the Zombie Apocalypse shuts the internet down I'll still have plenty of really good reading material.

Making good use of the #2A

Booze. Although I'm not drinking much of it anymore thanks to this new healthy lifestyle.

Music.

My truck.

Cranking music in my truck.

Lots of other stuff but that seems like a long enough list for now. Gotta get back to reading y'alls comments.

Posted by: Texas Zombie at July 24, 2016 03:56 PM (SUtNI)

265 >>And of course, my loving wahine of almost 36 years who makes it all possible.

Wahine is the name of my best friends Bertram.

Which brings me to what makes me happy. Besides pretty much every dog on the planet but especially every single Golden, the ocean. Swimming in it, diving, fishing, sailing, just watching it. I can feel my blood pressure drop when I am away and return to the ocean.

And beer. And rum. And steak. And wahines.

Posted by: JackStraw at July 24, 2016 03:57 PM (/tuJf)

266 Posted by: Insomniac at July 24, 2016 03:51 PM (0mRoj)

One of the monastic writers (sorry don't remember which since I read the quote years ago) said that in her experience with helping monastic sisters suffering from depression (she called it "acidy" or something like that) that for those who struggled the most music appeared to be the only thing that helped. Naturally you would have to choose what to listen to wisely.

Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at July 24, 2016 03:57 PM (FN+ue)

267 Shooting squirrela off bird feeders

***

No need to shot them, just make it more entertaining for you and the squirrel.

https://youtu.be/FgDa_cpgHWs

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at July 24, 2016 03:57 PM (SEXy3)

268 'What are you driving in competition?'

Don't laugh it's a Focus. I actually have two. One for Autocross and one for Rallycross. They are not your ordinary Focuses.

Posted by: freaked at July 24, 2016 03:59 PM (BO/km)

269 Sixkiller,
Funny because 12:30-1 is usually when I eat my first meal too. I also try to stop eating by 6 at the latest.

Happiness is a relaxed meal with great food along with good friends/family having some good conversations, not a phone/iPad in sight.

It makes me happy when I cook a great meal and everyone appreciates it.

Posted by: lindafell TEXIT!! at July 24, 2016 03:59 PM (xVgrA)

270 256 Smell like purple? Have you gotten into the acid again?

Posted by: Insomniac at July 24, 2016 03:46 PM (0mRoj)
=============================================

When was I out?
Posted by: grammie winger at July 24, 2016 03:50 PM (dFi94)

Well now.

Posted by: Insomniac at July 24, 2016 04:00 PM (0mRoj)

271 Focii.

Posted by: The AoSHQ Comment Quality Control Dept. at July 24, 2016 04:00 PM (TPJ04)

272 254 Although breakfast was delayed until 12:30 because, you know, IF.
Posted by: Sixkiller...TEXIT at July 24, 2016 03:49 PM (yxupc)

Preach it!

Posted by: Texas Zombie at July 24, 2016 04:00 PM (SUtNI)

273 "Ham and cheese sandwiches

Lega over shoulders , headboard -grabbing, loud, hot, passionate sex

Shooting squirrela off bird feeders

Fridays "

This dude's outta control. Outta control.

Posted by: Ricardo Kill at July 24, 2016 04:00 PM (9ym/8)

274 I got nothing... wait... I've got lots of wine, so there's that.

Posted by: spypeach at July 24, 2016 04:00 PM (nyYhO)

275

"I'm only happy when it rains" makes me happy.

Posted by: In Vino Veritits at July 24, 2016 04:01 PM (qul7b)

276 'Focii'

Yes I know there is some debate about the plural of Focus. Focii sounds dirty though.

Posted by: freaked at July 24, 2016 04:01 PM (BO/km)

277 One of the monastic writers (sorry don't remember which since I read the quote years ago) said that in her experience with helping monastic sisters suffering from depression (she called it "acidy" or something like that) that for those who struggled the most music appeared to be the only thing that helped. Naturally you would have to choose what to listen to wisely.
Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at July 24, 2016 03:57 PM (FN+ue)

So Nine Inch Nails would not be on the playlist then?

Posted by: Insomniac at July 24, 2016 04:01 PM (0mRoj)

278 Sixkiller and Insom' are here?

Posted by: Ricardo Kill at July 24, 2016 04:02 PM (9ym/8)

279 Insomniac - the last 3 years have been the toughest of my life. I have been depressed and in that dark place. Sometimes it has been a daily struggle to get out of bed and put on my game face. But I do and seek out the small things to be grateful for. That gratitude has carried me through and it can for you. I figure that this is just a test and better days lie ahead.

Posted by: Cheri at July 24, 2016 04:04 PM (TmVQX)

280 272
254 Although breakfast was delayed until 12:30 because, you know, IF.

Posted by: Sixkiller...TEXIT at July 24, 2016 03:49 PM (yxupc)

Preach it!

Posted by: Texas Zombie at July 24, 2016 04:00 PM (SUtNI)

I remember you commenting on the Moron Health Club thread.
I'm waaay too excited about that!
It's like we have this gigantic support group now...which is...I don't know, way cool.

Posted by: Sixkiller...TEXIT at July 24, 2016 04:04 PM (yxupc)

281 I gather the service is quite something!

Anything Orthodox (or, Byzantine) makes a Western service (even full up smoke and bells from the high liturgical traditions) seen plain. Just don't plan on sharing Eucharist with them.

Posted by: Fox2! at July 24, 2016 04:05 PM (brIR5)

282 Hey Ricardo, I'm here in all my melancholic anti-glory.

Posted by: Insomniac at July 24, 2016 04:05 PM (0mRoj)

283 Hola RK!

Hope your Pops is feeling better.

Posted by: Sixkiller...TEXIT at July 24, 2016 04:05 PM (yxupc)

284 I guess the both died.

Posted by: Ricardo Kill at July 24, 2016 04:05 PM (9ym/8)

285 Don't laugh it's a Focus. I actually have two. One for Autocross and one for Rallycross. They are not your ordinary Focuses.

Posted by: freaked at July 24, 2016 03:59 PM (BO/km)

Not laughing at all.
I've seen some guys make those cars wickedly fast!

Posted by: Sixkiller...TEXIT at July 24, 2016 04:06 PM (yxupc)

286 There you are.

Howdy felllers.

Posted by: Ricardo Kill at July 24, 2016 04:06 PM (9ym/8)

287 Speaking of dirty my Rallycross car is so dirty I have a tag that says

F O R D
U F E U
L D S
L T

Posted by: freaked at July 24, 2016 04:06 PM (BO/km)

288 Lega over shoulders , headboard -grabbing, loud, hot, passionate sex

You forgot "back scratching"

Posted by: Fox2! at July 24, 2016 04:06 PM (brIR5)

289 Posted by: Cheri at July 24, 2016 04:04 PM (TmVQX)

Sorry you're feeling badly. Hang in there, kiddo. You'll make it.

Posted by: Sixkiller...TEXIT at July 24, 2016 04:07 PM (yxupc)

290 Well that didn't work.

FORD

Full Of Red Dust

Posted by: freaked at July 24, 2016 04:08 PM (BO/km)

291 Posted by: Insomniac at July 24, 2016 04:01 PM (0mRoj)

Right out. My sister used to listen to Siouxsie and the Banshees when depressed. Would. Not. Recommend.

Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at July 24, 2016 04:08 PM (FN+ue)

292 the only thing between me and happiness is 50 or 60 IQ points...

if i could lose them, and never know i'd had them, i could be like all the happy people around me, content to be entranced about who was going to win the reality tv show de jour, knowing that the economy was going great, and my only worry would be global warming, but knowing i had done my part by putting a bumper-sticker on my hybrid car.

F me running.

Posted by: redc1c4 at July 24, 2016 04:08 PM (zUoxk)

293 Obligatory:

The Happy Happy Joy Joy song:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVM1nUmDHHc

Posted by: The Happy Happy Joy Joy Hat at July 24, 2016 04:09 PM (vBeA5)

294 "Hope your Pops is feeling better."

No, same. He'll never get better but sister and BNL has him on a trip to Idaho to see familyl. At the tanch doing shit.

Posted by: Ricardo Kill at July 24, 2016 04:09 PM (9ym/8)

295 FOOD is NOOD

Posted by: Y-not (@moxiemom) at July 24, 2016 04:09 PM (t5zYU)

296 >>Focii.
Posted by: The AoSHQ Comment Quality Control Dept

Foci.

Posted by: The REAL AoSHQ Comment Quality Control Dept. at July 24, 2016 04:09 PM (gTQoY)

297 'Not laughing at all'

Most of the time I get a response like "My grandma drives one of them".

Posted by: freaked at July 24, 2016 04:09 PM (BO/km)

298 Hope leads despair 296-242 at the turn.

Posted by: Grump928(C) blurts at July 24, 2016 04:10 PM (rwI+c)

299 "F O R D "

Hell, I'd take one right now.

Posted by: Ricardo Kill at July 24, 2016 04:10 PM (9ym/8)

300 Polliwog

Acedia is the word I think that's meant-Spiritual r mental sloth. Here is an article on it.h

http://preview.tinyurl.com/js5lhur

Also, Kathleen Norris a very good writer on Christianspirituality has a book on it-"Acedia and me"

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at July 24, 2016 04:10 PM (bpZlE)

301 Hey they are cheap and make me happy what more could you ask fr?

Posted by: freaked at July 24, 2016 04:11 PM (BO/km)

302 Yes I know there is some debate about the plural of Focus

It's Foci.

Posted by: t-bird at July 24, 2016 04:11 PM (ZxmMG)

303 Maybe we could also start a Sunday "grateful" thread. I also lean toward the melancholic, and an acquaintance once suggested whenever you feel resentful, depressed or deprived to start mentally tallying all the things you have to be grateful for.

When EMPs were in the news awhile back, and we thought an attack was imminent, a good friend would often tell me how grateful she was for everyday things, like toilets that still flushed!

Posted by: RushBabe at July 24, 2016 04:11 PM (OJKE+)

304 "We pray for one last landing

On the ground that gave us birth

Let us rest our eyes on fleecy skies

And the cool, green hills of Earth".

RAH
Posted by: HH at July 24, 2016 03:45 PM (DrCtv)

Rhysling, Blind Poet of the Spaceways
As he did a job that he knew would kill him. And that only he could do.

Posted by: Fox2! at July 24, 2016 04:11 PM (brIR5)

305 No, same. He'll never get better but sister and BNL has him on a trip to Idaho to see familyl. At the tanch doing shit.

Posted by: Ricardo Kill at July 24, 2016 04:09 PM (9ym/

Hopefully he still has some good days ahead. Went through something similar with my Mom 4 years ago. It's difficult.

Posted by: Sixkiller...TEXIT at July 24, 2016 04:11 PM (yxupc)

306 Sixkiller - thank you !

Posted by: Cheri at July 24, 2016 04:12 PM (TmVQX)

307 Posted by: FenelonSpoke at July 24, 2016 04:10 PM (bpZlE)

I knew I had misspelled it but couldn't get any closer than that, it's not exactly a word that AutoCucumber can help with.

Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at July 24, 2016 04:12 PM (FN+ue)

308 286 There you are.

Howdy felllers.
Posted by: Ricardo Kill at July 24, 2016 04:06 PM (9ym/

How do?

Posted by: Insomniac at July 24, 2016 04:12 PM (0mRoj)

309 follow up: not that i'm surrounded by delusional freaks or anything, but i had one guy i know tell me, with a straight face, and in all seriousness, that the entire MFM, CNN, MSLSD, etc, not just Fox, were hopelessly biased in favor of conservatives...

yes, he's in the entertainment industry.

crack heads, one and all.

Posted by: redc1c4 at July 24, 2016 04:13 PM (zUoxk)

310 food up

Posted by: Vic We Have No Party at July 24, 2016 04:13 PM (mpXpK)

311 'It's Foci.'

Sure and I guess two Thunderbirds would be Thunderbirdi.

Posted by: freaked at July 24, 2016 04:14 PM (BO/km)

312 I like competition, in pretty much all forms. From sports, to debates, to trivia contests, competition makes me happy. Plus my friends, family, pets, etc., but mainly because I can usually compete with them at something.

Posted by: Lincolntf at July 24, 2016 04:14 PM (2cS/G)

313 Posted by: Cheri at July 24, 2016 04:04 PM (TmVQX)

I'm sorry for what you're going through. I truly am.

Posted by: Insomniac at July 24, 2016 04:14 PM (0mRoj)

314
What makes me happy?

A really bitchin' cover tune.

Bruce Dickinson and Dream Theater doing Deep Purple's Perfect Strangers

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSLDly-xafE

Posted by: IllTemperedCur at July 24, 2016 04:16 PM (LuZz8)

315 An old HS buddy takes his Nissan GTR to race tracks around the country for timed laps. Last week he was at Watkins Glen in NY, got a lap of 2:06, don't know if that's any good, but he seemed pleased with it, and the dashcam vid was pretty cool.

Posted by: Lincolntf at July 24, 2016 04:17 PM (2cS/G)

316 As the Horde knows, I have had a tough time since last fall when the fiance's cancer came roaring back and he died on December 3rd after a 26 day stay in the hospital. So I planned a trip to Europe, in which low BP made me fall literally on my face in a Paris street requiring visits to 3 separate European hospitals including a very weird 5 days in an Italian village hospital. So long story short, I am actively looking to restore joy to my life...it will not replace the joys of loving and being loved, but, it will make the days better.

So my happiness regime includes:

Counting my blessings.

Painting every day.

Sleeping when I can--the nights are very difficult, so I am becoming a day sleeper.

Paying it forward when I can.

Eating well, in particular, enjoying good GF food when I find it. The GF food in Italy was amazing.

Dancing, I joined a singles group, and since I grew up outside of Chicago dancing to the Motown sound, I don't do the same dances as these folks, so beginning Tuesday night, I am taking group dance lessons to learn East Coast and West Coast Swing and to learn the waltz better.

Knowing that even though I am not in love, I am loved. When I needed help after my fall in Europe, my niece and her husband dropped everything, including blowing off a trip to NYC with their son and friends, to come help me.

Posted by: Sherry McEvil, Stiletto Corsettes Ima having that drink! at July 24, 2016 04:17 PM (kXoT0)

317
I'm pretty sure blowing up bees would make me happy. I'm also pretty
sure I could enlist my next door neighbor, a retired Marine Colonel, to
assist. Need a name for the operation, though.
Posted by: Weasel at July 24, 2016 02:48 PM (Sfs6o)

Castle Bravo.

Posted by: Kindltot at July 24, 2016 04:18 PM (ry34m)

318 And on that note...Do NOT stop this after the first few seconds. I thought it was just going to be libtardia, too, but it's not. Something to think about...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ykvC3QXJb18

Posted by: RushBabe at July 24, 2016 04:19 PM (OJKE+)

319 I figure that this is just a test and better days lie ahead.
Posted by: Cheri at July 24, 2016 04:04 PM (TmVQX)

It's not a test. I don't think so anyway. You can change. You have to be committed, no doubt, but you can absolutely change. I also don't think that happiness is a reward that we have to wait for or that is something that we have to deserve. I do however believe that it may be possible that if we believe it is something we have to wait for or deserve, we may wait a very long time to receive it. My suggestion is to instead, go out and find it. The hunt for it may make you every bit as happy as finding it.

Posted by: Mr Macca Bean at July 24, 2016 04:21 PM (4ng05)

320 Posted by: Sherry McEvil, Stiletto Corsettes Ima having that drink! at July 24, 2016 04:17 PM (kXoT0)

God Bless you Sherry, Life is so hard, good for you for trying to make the best of it, my thoughts and prayers and big hugs are with you.

Posted by: spypeach at July 24, 2016 04:21 PM (nyYhO)

321 'An old HS buddy takes his Nissan GTR to race tracks around the country for timed laps.'

Cars are fun. I hate it that the Government is f'ng them up. Won't be long before they ban steering wheels.

Posted by: freaked at July 24, 2016 04:22 PM (BO/km)

322 Sherry,

I think you have the perfect approach.

I wish you all the best.

Posted by: Sixkiller...TEXIT at July 24, 2016 04:22 PM (yxupc)

323 Thanks, spypeach.

Posted by: Sherry McEvil, Stiletto Corsettes Ima having that drink! at July 24, 2016 04:22 PM (kXoT0)

324 Y-Not, you might try a water safety class. You will get a full workout, learn a useful skill, and the people who do that sort of thing tend to be on the geeky end of the jocks. It is in the Red Cross series of classes to be a water safety instructor so the students tend to be interested, motivated and personable.

Swimming is low impact exercise and the training is more fun than doing laps, which I hate, hate, hate.

Posted by: Kindltot at July 24, 2016 04:24 PM (ry34m)

325 318 And on that note...Do NOT stop this after the first few seconds. I thought it was just going to be libtardia, too, but it's not. Something to think about...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ykvC3QXJb18

Posted by: RushBabe at July 24, 2016 04:19 PM (OJKE+)

As someone who's been clinically depressed for about 30 years, I don't know that I can agree with his perspective.

Posted by: Insomniac at July 24, 2016 04:25 PM (0mRoj)

326 Posted by: Sherry McEvil, Stiletto Corsettes Ima having that drink! at July 24, 2016 04:17 PM (kXoT0)

Wow - that is a lot to recover from. I hope you are able to get back to a place of joy. I know it's a tough road.

Posted by: Texas Zombie at July 24, 2016 04:25 PM (SUtNI)

327 Cars are fun. I hate it that the Government is f'ng them up. Won't be long before they ban steering wheels.

Posted by: freaked at July 24, 2016 04:22 PM (BO/km)

I'm amazed that it's possible to go out there and buy 400, 500, or 600 hp cars!
Back in my hot-rodding days, if you added a dual point distributor, an aluminum intake manifold, some headers, hi-perf coil and maybe tweaked the rear end gears a little, you were fast.
Now I watch a little 'Street Outlaws' from time to time, and I can't believe how much it's all changed.

Posted by: Sixkiller...TEXIT at July 24, 2016 04:26 PM (yxupc)

328 Looky there...comment #327...my favorite small block Chevy motor.

Posted by: Sixkiller...TEXIT at July 24, 2016 04:27 PM (yxupc)

329 Not to spoil the mood, but should I be worried that my little 10# dog seems to prefer playing with cat toys?

Posted by: Weasel at July 24, 2016 02:19 PM

You have a natural born ratter

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PXTiYQzzbB8

Posted by: Kindltot at July 24, 2016 04:28 PM (ry34m)

330 Playing with grandkids, watching them grow, making them think
Putting a move (and getting it accepted) by my main squeeze for the last 35 years
Coaching xc junior high boys and girls
Trail-running with middle daughter this week, time with the other daughters this week
Vegetable gardening (and defending same from the deer.)
Lifting a beer with my son-in-laws
Doing a great job on an inspection for my client
Hitting a good stretch of writing
Red wine

Lots to be grateful for, amidst trials, each day.

Posted by: Long Running Fool at July 24, 2016 04:40 PM (L0bUn)

331 Y-not, just in case you come back by here, thanks for the thread.

Posted by: tbodie at July 24, 2016 04:46 PM (4IFkp)

332 Seeing my adult children doing well
Seeing my wife happy
Contemplating my own demise.

Posted by: DASTARDLY DAN at July 24, 2016 04:56 PM (rYAOe)

333 What makes me happy?

A six hour chess thread!

Yeah, baby!

Posted by: OregonMuse at July 24, 2016 04:59 PM (OY17p)

334 You're welcome, tbodie!

Posted by: Y-not (@moxiemom) at July 24, 2016 04:59 PM (t5zYU)

335 Even though I live in New York City, my apartment is right next to Inwood Hill Park. Uptown Manhattan. It's a huge uncultivated forest next to a marshy pond off the river, filled with waterfowl, rabbits, we even have some coyote now. I jog in there at least 3 or 4 times a week, and I love trying to identify as many trees and birds and plants as I can. It makes me totally forget I live in a big city. When I feel unhappy, I get into the woods and I feel better in a few minutes, and it stays with me for the rest of the day. That makes me happy.

Posted by: Browncoat formerly known as Mike at July 24, 2016 05:39 PM (o38N1)

336 I started sliding into retirement a couple of years ago. Left a C-suite position at a small company. Took on a couple of part time, minimum wage jobs doing something I love to do. That has made me immensely happy. So, lack of the business, regulatory pressure plus doing something meaningful along with good health and time with the family make me very, very happy.

And Golf.

Posted by: Pete Seria at July 24, 2016 05:41 PM (/pOl7)

337 Sex.
Sex makes me happy.

Posted by: dagny at July 24, 2016 05:56 PM (eSQgj)

338 Giving up my job that I loved when all I was doing was fighting, stressing, struggling to hold on to it and battling a$$hats above me who understood nothing about my job. Letting go and moving on made me happy.
And Crossfit - being 49 yo female able to do pull ups and move incredible amounts of weight. Happy. And the Crossfit Games this week have made me happy. Watching 14-65 yo's from all walks of life and persuasions leave it all out there and supporting each other while doing it.

Posted by: Hazchic at July 24, 2016 06:29 PM (SUC/R)

339 Having sex with my wife. It's not only a great deal of fun, but when I do a decent job of things, it gives me a great feeling of accomplishment.

Making a few good cocktails for friends, and drinking them.

Roasting, grinding, pressing, and drinking good coffee.

Bach's The Art of the Fugue.

And honestly: Just getting out of bed in the morning. Just drawing breath. Yep, I'm a goddamned atheist, but I still have a sense of gratitude for the gift of life and awareness. I think I've felt this way always, but maybe more so after reading Hitchen's last book, Mortality, a few years ago.

Posted by: Pastafarian at July 24, 2016 06:42 PM (+EU58)

340 Y-Not, your posts make me happy. Thanks for this.

Posted by: Pastafarian at July 24, 2016 06:45 PM (+EU58)

341 Nice list, Pasta.

It's surprising how few people on this thread have mentioned sex. Maybe the moron hoard isn't getting much action?

Posted by: Texas Zombie at July 24, 2016 06:46 PM (SUtNI)

342 >>Posted by: Pastafarian at July 24, 2016 06:45 PM

Thanks!

Glad to see some lurkers commenting today, too!

Posted by: Y-not (@moxiemom) at July 24, 2016 06:55 PM (t5zYU)

343 Love, laughter, and longevity. That's what makes me happy. Like the giggles of small children & elderly couples that tenderly & happily hug one another.

Posted by: Bebe Dahl at July 24, 2016 07:00 PM (yNyJy)

344 Believe me, my young friend, there is nothing - absolutely nothing - half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats. Simply messing... about in boats - or with boats. In or out of 'em, it doesn't matter. Nothing seems really to matter, that's the charm of it. Whether you get away, or whether you don't; whether you arrive at your destination or whether you reach somewhere else, or whether you never get anywhere at all, you're always busy, and you never do anything in particular; and when you've done it there's always something else to do, and you can do it if you like, but you'd much better not.

Posted by: George LeS at July 24, 2016 07:32 PM (FkGpr)

345 I love The Wind in the Willows too.

Posted by: Pastafarian at July 24, 2016 07:34 PM (+EU58)

346 A good motorcycle ride. Several states in length, riding along great non-interstate back roads.

Waking up every morning beside my wife.

Posted by: Michael Haz at July 24, 2016 07:37 PM (x9jNY)

347 Beethoven, Bach, Taylor Momsen, music in general. Hugging Golden puppies, which I haven't done in decades. Watching the unadulterated joy of children at play. Seeing my son after months of an extended absence, actually a lot more than I imagined.

Posted by: Javems at July 24, 2016 07:38 PM (yOqwj)

348 My Bernese mountain dog Stella. She's the D.O.G. in our house. Director of Goodies, Director of Greetings, Director of Grandma/Grandpa, Director of Gardening, Director of Gamboling, etc. Last Christmas she was the D.O.G.G. Director of Gift-Giving (she surprised us with a new flat-screen TV).

Posted by: JuJuBee at July 24, 2016 07:42 PM (JAvsW)

349 >> My Bernese mountain dog Stella.

Gorgeous puppers.

Posted by: Y-not (@moxiemom) at July 24, 2016 08:20 PM (t5zYU)

350 What makes me happy?

"To crush your enemies, to see them driven before you, and to hear the lamentations of their women."

Posted by: rgallegos at July 24, 2016 08:34 PM (59GQk)

351 To crush my enemies, drive them before me and to hear the lamentations of their women.

Posted by: the other conan at July 24, 2016 09:15 PM (11H2y)

352 swimming.

Posted by: vivi at July 24, 2016 09:16 PM (11H2y)

353 Doing things with family with no time pressure.

Posted by: freedom2014despitebarack at July 24, 2016 09:37 PM (mBYZv)

354 An Ace podcast. More ecstasy than just happiness.

Posted by: freedom2014despitebarack at July 24, 2016 09:58 PM (mBYZv)

355 Fishing or camping with the hubs.
The English countryside.
My precious cats.
A really good sermon when I feel the message was just for me.
The 1st day of vacation.
Gardening, the weekly pet thread and gardening thread.
This list could be so much longer, I fight depression so I am proud that so much makes me happy!

Posted by: dreadpirateroberta at July 24, 2016 10:08 PM (z1kKI)

356 Finding good music from someone I've never heard before. (Above & Beyond, where have you been hiding?)

Making spreadsheets. (Go ahead, judge me.)

Listening to other people talk about things that they enjoy. (Excuse me - I have 355 comments to read.)

Posted by: FireHorse at July 24, 2016 11:06 PM (PoIW6)

357 Sources of happiness? Clouds and my wife. Clouds are absolutely awesome, love looking at them...and my wife.

Posted by: French Jeton at July 24, 2016 11:47 PM (WMvHw)

358 Just had a chance to skim over a few of these this AM. Totally and absolutely awesome.

Will come back when I have more time and read them all carefully.

Makes me wish I knew some of you 'ons and 'ettes personally.

Posted by: RM at July 25, 2016 09:42 AM (U3LtS)

359 Happiness ? The Spirit of the wondrous woman that sparked this thread reaches out to me. At 27 I went out with someone who instructed me that I have a "Problem with Gratitude"; I'd always been grateful about many aspects in life that the other party just took for granted -- simply the gift of "Being" for starters -- music another, where at 12 I taught myself guitar by ear. I started out in high school as a janitor in a church taking pride in my work and during which the humble pastor unintentionally became a wondrous and profound lifelong mentor; worked my way through college, graduate, music, and law schools. Again, the mystery of Happiness... In a publishing project I found a profound quote that I later saw in a wonderful book called "What is God Like?" by James V. Schall: "And if any of us or all of us are truly optimists, and believe as Browning did, that existence has a value wholly inexpressible, we are most truly compelled to that sentiment, not by any argument or triumphant justification of the cosmos, but by a few of these MOMENTARY and IMMORTAL sights and sounds; a gesture, and old song, a portrait, a piano, and old door." -- G.K. Chesteron. To my astonishment, because of that quote in Schall's book about God my name appeared in a footnote. ...maybe I was on the right track... Then still much later in life in an incredible book by Romano Guardini kindly given to me by a fellow Chestertonian, I came across a sentence that stopped me in my tracks; "Ingratitude is the enemy of Grace." Now, at 66, looking back, in life, I followed my heart; I devoted considerable time and energy to three areas that I loved and studied somewhat seriously: Political Philosophy, Law, and Music; I've co-published 5 books and composed over 50 pieces of music in styles from Bach to post-Steely Dan Rock and Contemporary Jazz; I've had my own private teaching studio for 35 years, and have a small but incredible library of old books that most people would just use as door stops or simply throw away. Foremost of which I've been blessed with a wonderful wife and a gorgeous and happy seven year old son. Looking back, from my youngest years I think my happiness derived from simply being grateful for being alive, for being treated lovingly -- and for the countless other important momentary yet eternal "things"-- that Chesterton mentions above -- also for what Eliot called the "Permanent Things". Along with that Gratitude there is miraculous connection to the many Graces of God. I would guess that the women who inspired this thread lived a life filled with that same Gratitude and Joy.

Posted by: Allears at July 25, 2016 10:46 AM (VeRPR)

360 Came back today to see if anything else nice was posted. And there it was! Nice story Allears. Thanks.

Posted by: French Jeton at July 26, 2016 08:18 PM (WMvHw)

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