Happiness
Finding happiness in difficult times can be a challenge. I suspect that to be happy when the world is going to hell around you, you either have to be the type of person who is generally happy anyway, or insane. I hope I fall in the former category, and not the latter.
Because yes, I am generally happy. Things are bad right now, with my mom not recovering as well as I wish she would, and all that that may imply; with Ted losing his job and the uncertainty of where that will leave us. With a winter and spring that pretty much kicked our asses. Despite it all, and the stress that is impossible to ignore or completely rid myself of, I’m still fairly happy.
Nance wrote a post the other day, on things that are making her happy right now. I’ll play, and come up with a few of my own. (And look, I tagged this as a Thursday Thirteen, and it’s Saturday. It made me happy to break the rules.)
- The last day of school was yesterday. Now we have a couple of months to slow down in the mornings, which I’ll admit, I always enjoy.
- I have a good kid. She told me the other day that she is going to miss (almost) all of her teachers very much. She really likes them, and has enjoyed this school year. I wonder if any of them will miss her?
- Ted’s youngest cousin graduated from High School last night. It’s always pretty cool to see that moment in a kid’s life, as they try to figure out a bit more about what adulthood will mean for them.
- I married well. My husband is loving, and makes me laugh. And when things don’t go well, he’s on my side. Which is where he belongs, as my husband, but not everyone is so lucky.
- I like it when we take Genevieve for a walk, and she gets so excited that she spins. She’s kooky like that.
- We’re going to Hawaii in just a few weeks now! I’m really looking forward to that.
- When I told my yoga teacher that Maya probably wouldn’t be coming back for the summer session because of finances, she said, “Bring her anyway, no charge”. I’m thrilled that Maya wants to come with me and take up yoga, and I’m touched by this teacher’s generosity.
- It was cool to get to go to the honor society award presentations last week at Maya’s school. You have to have had a 3.67 for at least one quarter to be included. Color me proud.
- My SIL from Alaska is coming to California, today actually, and she’s going to come visit us next weekend. My brother won’t be here, because of the money and time he has taken with mom stuff, but seeing her will be great.
- I’m having dinner with my girlfriend Neva later this month. I love those dinners.
- I’m going to see my mom today. Though this may be difficult and stressful, maybe it won’t, and I’m happy that I live in the same state with her, so that such visits are at least possible.
- Much as I don’t like the stress of Ted being out of work, I do enjoy having him around. He makes me happy.
- After the graduation ceremony last night, we were joking about quotable quotes that might be used by the person giving the commencement address. Maya won the prize for best quote. “As Captain Kirk once said, ‘Double Dumb Ass On You!'” Well done, young padawan, well done.
9 Comments
Chrissy
Oh, J! What a wonderful post! Totally had me smiling here 🙂 You certainly do have a lot to be happy for 🙂 A lot of time, we often forget to take note of the wonderful things in life…even when we’re going through trials and are facing some pretty tough obstacles in life.
What a great way to start off my morning (by reading this). Have a lovely weekend!
Shelliza
That is quite a list you have there. I’d be happy too if I were you.
Ted
This is a very lovely and happy list…
I should add one thing to Maya’s quote: It comes from one of the graduation speeches last night (which had a long Harry Potter theme. Lots of quotes from the books, analogies to high school, etc..). As we were leaving, I mentioned that it was strange to hear so many Harry Potter references in a speech, and it would have been like quoting Star Trek episodes and movies in a speech when I was in high school. That’s when Maya said: “And as Captain Kirk said…”Double dumb-ass on you!” Congratulations class of 2008, you… are… dumb-asses.” (With slight Capt. Kirk inflections). I didn’t bother with the “Check yo mouth” lecture since it was so funny. That kid cracks me up sometimes.
Mom101
I’ve also been in crazy stress land. Thank you for reminding me to look at the other side of things. And for getting that stupid Ren and Stimpy song stuck in my head, although it might replace the one for “Log” which has been there lately.
Also, that yoga teacher is amazing. Talk about living your values.
joan
We do need to remind ourselves of all the good. Some times it can be difficult to see. Also, things can happen for a reason like you ending up staying in your current home. Continue to reflect on what’s right.
Cherry
I’ve always admired your outlook and groovy cheer even when things aren’t going quite so well in some areas of your life. It’s a really good reminder to us all to take that moment to reflect on the positives.
Nance
Hey, J., thanks for the mention. And I L-O-V-E the fact that Maya says she will miss her teachers. What a wonderful thing to hear. I hope she was able to tell them that; believe me, that is such a heartfilling thing to hear any student say.
BTW–when I had to come up with my pasta primavera “recipe” over at the Dept. for you, I neglected to tell you to add a clove of crushed garlic in there, as well as a good sprinkle of your favorite chopped, fresh herb to finish. Sigh. See, I told you that I don’t cook with recipes!
Starshine
Dear J,
I’m sorry for all the stress you’ve been going through. It’s rough.
I’m so happy that you married well. I did, too. 🙂 I honestly don’t know how I’d be getting through this season of life without him.
xo,
Starshine
Autumn's Mom
This made me smile through my tears. You are such a lovely person and I’m truly happy that you have such wonderful people and things in your life to get you through. Love you friend.