What makes you happy?

[RevCheesehead]

What brings a smile to your face, or brightens your day?
Do you need another person, or can you do it for yourself?
And when is the last time you were happy?

[SeattleGirl]

1. Let's see.....

My daughter, SeattleTurtle, makes me very happy. She's the light of my life.
My mom and my siblings.
My friends.
My DU family/friends.
A beautiful, sunny day in Seattle (yes, we do get them).
A good book.
A beautiful song.
The antics of my animals.
Lot of things, some related to people, some not.

Good question, Rev!

[RevCheesehead]

3. Do the Seahawks make you happy, too?

They made me very happy today! :woohoo:

[SeattleGirl]

20. I'll bet they did, Rev!

By the way, happy birthday to you, my friend!

[RevCheesehead]

23. Thanks, SG!

It's been a fun day!

BTW, I'm pulling for Seattle. I'd love to see Mike Holmgren back at the Superbowl. :D

[merh]

2. pass

pass
pass

next question? :shrug:





























:hide:

But seriously, all sorts of things bring smiles to my face. Talks with good friends, funny and thoughtful and sincere posts here, emails, letters, etc from family and/or friends. A good movie, a good book, a beautiful sunset.

I have been very happy with who I am and my life for sometime, I don't need others to make me happy, I like being happy with others and sharing good times with friends.

Despite a lot, I am basically a happy person.

What about you Rev?

:hug:

AND HAPPY BIRTHDAY :loveya:

[RevCheesehead]

5. You most certainly are.... surprisingly happy!

Hmm... I would have to say "connectedness". I guess what makes me really happy is when I can bring some kind of happiness to other people, knowing that somehow I've helped to make a difference in their lives.

Also, my family, my kitties, my friends here, Keith Olbermann, the Packers, Duke Basketball, a nice glass of wine shared with a friend....
And, of course, Jesus. O8)

[merh]

9. You know what they say Rev, it is always good to like the boss

You have helped so much, you know good chats with friends and all that. Thanks

I forgot to mention, my dogs, Winston (who is at my side) & Tollie & Sassie (who live away, but I have visitation rights)

[CaliforniaPeggy]

4. What makes me happy?

When I can talk to the people I love...

Like today, I talked to KitchenWitch!

When my posts get answered.....

When I can figure out some technical thing w/out bothering my husband!

When I succeed in driving away my demons by myself, through my own efforts.....

I do need other people, most of the time, but not always...

For instance, I don't need other people when I'm taking pictures...but I do need my DU friends to admire them!


I am happy right now.....My heart lives in the Lounge....


:hi:

[RevCheesehead]

6. Hooray!

People make all the difference, don't they? :hug:

[CaliforniaPeggy]

14. Oh yes they do.......

They do.....especially certain people. :hug:

[khashka]

7. Small things mostly

You know what made me happy today? I was driving home this morning. It wasn't cold but there was a slight chill in the air. There was fog everywhere. The birds weren't singing but there was this feeling of anticipation that at any moment they would start. That made me happy. It was both calm and exciting.


Khash.

[RevCheesehead]

11. Once upon a time, it was the little things that got to me.

In a negative way, that is. But now, I'm learning to overlook a lot of the negative, and simply be happy with what is good.

I love that "feeling of anticipation." I've been feeling that in the last couple of months, wondering what that's all about. (But not too much, because, well, when it's here, I'll know, right?)

[tjdee]

8. The kid and Shah Rukh Khan.

My kid is still at an age where most of the things she does are sweet and adorable.

I don't think I ever smiled during entire movies until I started watching SRK films. Not sure why he affects me in quite that way, it's silly. But nice.

[RevCheesehead]

13. How wonderful that she brings you joy!

I'm not familiar with SRK, but I do love Harrison Ford! :)

[hfojvt]

10. an hour ago!!!

and BTW happy birthday.
I have returned from limbo
without even a back injury, even if I did sleep on the floor.
An hour ago, I just made arrangements for a date
My first one in this millenium. :bounce: :woohoo: :D

Not only that many other things seem to be going my way, although they are all pretty superficial.
The Dallas Cowboys did not make the play-offs
Neither did the Chiefs.
Dick Vermeil has retired again.

The year seems to be starting out right. I hope it is not all downhill from here.

[RevCheesehead]

15. That's terrific!

Keep focusing on the positive energy, and don't let other stuff get you down. I really believe that much of our happiness is of our own choosing. I may be down, but I can still choose to be happy, and thankful for the things in my life that bring me joy.

Thanks for the b'day wishes, and Happy New Year to you!!! :hug:

[hfojvt]

38. well that's kinda silly

many of the things that make me happy - a decent job, broadband internet, getting a date, seeing the Cowboys lose, are clearly things that are not of my own choosing. I refuse to be happy when I am plagued by boils and pestilence. I am going to scream, pout, and shake my fist until I get some ice cream. The sad thing is when people are surrounded by dishes of ice cream that they do not notice or appreciate.

However, I did a little experiment in my college days, albeit an unscientific one. I kept a daily journal, and since I had a four color pen, I decided to do my journal in blue ink if it was a good day, and black ink if it was a bad day. Within a month, I had started a streak of 15 or so consecutive blue ink days, before I decided to abandon the system. I do not know if I was doing things different to make the days good or if I just had a new perspective that made me appreciate my days.

I did not do very much with that wisdom apparently. It is not like my life has been full of joy since then, particularly when I have been plagued with unemployment, boils, pestilence, the spurns that patient merit of the unworthy takes, or even worse things, but I have not forgotten that experiment, and I have done okay. I still have 61% of my sanity and 48.3% of my sense of humour.

[RevCheesehead]

40. Stick around here,

and we'll get your humor percentages up in the 70's! :bounce:

[hfojvt]

45. will that be enough

to compensate for the loss of percentage points in sanity? :silly:

[RevCheesehead]

48. Sanity is over-rated.

Take a look at the happiness quotient. Many crazy people are happy, while many so-called "normal" people are miserable.

You doubt me? Look at Crazy Guggenheim! :silly:

[Ptah]

12. A working oven. A sink that drains quickly.

A yard that grows green stuff.
And other stuff.
:shrug:

And will the Circle Be Unbroken?

[RevCheesehead]

18. Which circle would that be?

And, what color stuff does your yard grow now? :silly:

[Ptah]

24. I was standing by my window,

On one cold and cloudy day
When I saw that hearse come rolling
For to carry my mother away

Will the circle be unbroken
By and by, lord, by and by
There’s a better home a-waiting
In the sky, lord, in the sky

[RevCheesehead]

26. Oh - THAT Circle!!

I love that! :hug:

[Ptah]

28. That verse takes me back to Ann Arbor, 1976.

That circle will not be broken.

:hug:

[liberaltrucker]

16. Grandkids, the Broncos.....

a cold Bud, DU, and when all else fails, Effexor XR-150 mg/day:rofl:

[RevCheesehead]

19. gotta love the meds!

But I'll bet you love the grandkids best of all! :hug:

[liberaltrucker]

22. You betcha

wore my old butt out Christmas....loved every minute of it:hug:

[progmom]

17. love

and all the many ways it is expressed. it makes me tremendously happy. and i feel so lucky to have had so much love in my life.

music too, though i could almost argue that the best music is an expression of love as well.


p.s. happy birthday!

[RevCheesehead]

21. Thank you!

I remember a quote, from long ago (anonymous, I think) that said "music expresses that which cannot be put into words, and that which cannot remain silent." I truly believe that music is it's own language, and we've only begun to understand it!

[Heidi]

25. More people, incidents and qualities than I could list here.

I'm content right now, with my cup of coffee and Ginger snuggled up on the desk by the mousepad. :)

[RevCheesehead]

31. Cats are notorious keepers of happiness.

They're so wonderfully discerning, and let the happiness out when we need it, or when we least expect it.

Give Ginger a scratch under the chin from her Aunt Cheese. :hug:

[Heidi]

47. Ginger says to tell Aunt Cheese,

"I'm a boy cat and thank you for the chin scratch! Care to do my belly?"

Combination :hug: and :loveya: to you, gf!

[RevCheesehead]

49. Ooops, "sorry, buddy!"

Belly rub, coming right up!! :7

[Heidi]

52. Here

is Ginger's favorite image:

[RevCheesehead]

54. Hey - I recognize that position!

If I'm not mistaken, that car is about to be scratched with his hind paws!

[GoddessOfGuinness]

27. My young son's laughter

birds
my dog when he bounces with joy
frog song
my cats when they purr
trees in any season
my furnace when it works

I'm happy now. :D

Happy birthday! :toast:

[RevCheesehead]

33. I'm so glad you're happy now!

And thanks for the b'day greeting. :hug:

[LeftyMom]

29. I'm pretty self-contained

but there are a few people in this world who bring me joy simply by being who they are. My son is amazing (he just came over and gave me a kiss, too :loveya: ) and he gives me purpose and hope every day when I look in his grey-blue eyes. There's somebody else who brings me a great deal of joy, but he knows who he is and (I hope) how I feel about him.

[RevCheesehead]

36. Sweetie, I think EVERYBODY knows who it is!!

Your son sounds adorable. Keep scarfing up all those kisses, before he's too cool to share them with you! :hug:

[LeftyMom]

39. I didn't mean it in an "I've got a secret" way

More of an I don't want to cheapen a great thing by telling everybody how wonderful it is until the words lose all meaning thing, if that makes any sense. (Probably makes no sense, I'm dead tired and about to turn in.) :hug:

Also, had a hard time typing with LeftyKid on my lap (I'm unencumbered now, he fell asleep with his head on my shoulder and I put him in bed.)

[RevCheesehead]

43. it makes perfect sense to me.

And I am most sincerely very, very happy for you!! :hug:

[LeftyMom]

44. Thank you Cheesy.

:hug:

[Fox Mulder]

30. Watching Mike Tice get fired from the coach of the Vikes.

:)

Other than that, nature in general makes me happy. I love being outdoors. It's the only time I'm truly happy.

[RevCheesehead]

37. I will confess, Mulder,

that that incident had me smiling, too! :evilgrin:

[Fox Mulder]

41. Wouldn't it be hilarious...

if he was to coach the Packers next year if they get rid of Sherman? :rofl:

It won't happen, but it'd be funny if it did.

[RevCheesehead]

42. Not a snowball's chance in hell.

We'll see Mooch before that freeper piece of shit comes to GB. :grr:

[liberaltrucker]

46. Mooch will probably go to the Raiders

When Al Davis shitcans Norve Turner. Just MHO.

[datasuspect]

32. seeing winners cry

and losers try

[Rabrrrrrr]

105. And I find happiness in watching losers cry. Little babies.

Especially those big tough football "manly men" paragon of manliness Super Bowl losers whiner cry babies.

Jesus Christ, you lost a GAME. It's not like you lost a wife or a child or your house. It's a GAME. Buck up and accept it.

[Ptah]

34. And something else - This lamp that my father made:

[RevCheesehead]

51. That's gorgeous!

And even more important is the sentimental value. :)

[Ptah]

56. I could give you more than one hundred

things that make me smile.

But, how about you, Rev.,

What gives you smiles?

[RevCheesehead]

58. I already posted a small list here:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=105&topic_id=4521969&mesg_id=4522039

But in all honesty, I would have to say that just about anything makes me smile. I like to see humor in everyday life, even in the bad times. My humor has kept me going, especially while being dragged down by stuff.

[Omphaloskepsis]

35. Well, this could get long..

Short and sweet:

I think I'm the funniest person I have ever met. I know what I like. I always find myself laughing my ass off at the things I think while I walk down the street. I'm happy right now.

[Ellen Forradalom]

50. Roasting a chicken

and feeding the Lounge.

Or any one of a number of things.

[EstimatedProphet]

53. Cooking, writing, destroying trolls

[RevCheesehead]

60. In that order?

I, for one, would like to thank you for helping to rid us of the troll infestations. You make us feel safe and protected.

:patriot:

[EstimatedProphet]

65. Thank you

And it isn't necessarily in that order. Depends on my mood I guess...

[Maine Mary]

55. Nothing

.

[RevCheesehead]

61. Is that experience talking?

Or have you simply not been trying? :hug:

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

89. I've known Maine Mary a long time as have most DU'ers who were

here in the early days. She was a state legislator in Maine for two terms. She's done a lot of good and has come across hard times. She is actually a great soul going through a rough time. Sometimes happiness isn't the ultimate goal. Sometimes moving THROUGH the pain is. So, I think she gave you the most sincere answer she could just now.

As regards "trying to be happy"...sometimes that effort is an exercise in futility. Sometimes it is better to just be sad if that's what is really so.

[southlandshari]

57. My wonderful friends here.

Very special people, every last one of you.

:)

[Heidi]

59. !

You mean _us_ , all of the people in your entourage? :evilgrin:

A 21-hug salute to you, gf.

:hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug:
:hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug:
:hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug:

[southlandshari]

67. ....

You and I both know I have no entourage. (insert weak smile here).

But I do feel very blessed for the friends I've made here.

:hug:

[Heidi]

73. Well, maybe you don't have an actual entourage,

but I'm 100 percent behind the idea of a Pie Brigade. :evilgrin:

Love ya, gf. :hug:

[southlandshari]

77. Thanks, Heidi.

Your friendship means so much to me!

:)

[RevCheesehead]

62. And Moon Pies!

Every last one of them!! :evilgrin:

How many days left, darlin'? :hug:

[southlandshari]

69. Of course - how could I forget the Moon Pies!

:D


Hope you are having a wonderful new year so far!

:hug:

[RevCheesehead]

70. I hope you get a Brazillion of them!!

I'm having a terrific new year! It's my birthday! :party:

A toast to you, my friend: to a better 2006! :toast::hug:

[southlandshari]

78. Nooooo! Not THAT number!!!

:scared:



LOL - here, just for you....

:popcorn:

[merh]

63. Oh, Oh, oh

I forgot one -- long soaks in a real bath tub, complete with sweet smelling soap and lots of warm water.

[RevCheesehead]

64. I'm so glad you said that!!

My parents have a real, genuine, older bathtub in the guest room. It's very deep, and actually lets me soak in it, without splashing water all over the floor.

Excuse me now, I think it's time for a nice hot bath.... Ahhhhh! O8)

[merh]

66. My bath tub in the femansion is

very tiny

A friend invited me over this afternoon to use her washer & dryer, to eat black eyed peas and to take a bath in the real person tub! It was wonderful.

And I was given some soap by a dear friend from your state and I took a very long, very hot bath, soaking forever.

Small pleasures...

[BigMcLargehuge]

68. writing (and playing with my kids)

I just made my first sale of 06 today :)

[RevCheesehead]

72. Congratulations!

And keep on playin' with those kids, while they let you. :)

[HEyHEY]

71. Hunting bears with elastic bands

It's not easy, but when you take one down you feel you've really accomplished something.

[Missy Vixen]

74. I could never list them all

but I will list the latest. There is a little 17 month old boy that visits my store with his mama. To say that I adore him would be an understatement. He's sweet, cute and funny, and I love playing with him. He's having a little stranger anxiety right now. If I take off my glasses, he remembers it's me. Then he wants to play. :loveya:

He came to visit recently. I was having a rotten day. To my amazement, he ran across the room, arms outstretched, and threw his arms around me. It made my week.

I gave him a copy of "The Velveteen Rabbit" for Christmas, which also made me happy. I'm happy right now just thinking about this.

Julie

[RevCheesehead]

75. Unconditional love from little kids = the best!!

But aren't you forgetting one BIG thing/person from your list? :evilgrin:

[Missy Vixen]

116. Okay, I'm busted!

>But aren't you forgetting one BIG thing/person from your list?<



:loveya:
Julie

[RevCheesehead]

117. Nope...

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=105&topic_id=4521969&mesg_id=4522039

But if you're talking personal stuff, it's probably best to just keep it to myself for now. ;)

[ForrestGump]

76. Lots of stuff makes me happy. I can do it for myself, too, but there's

this chica.... :D

The last time I was happy was a millisecond ago, and I am happier now than then. It wasn't always so.

Sometimes it all makes sense and happiness happens. It's made sense for a month now. And what perhaps still defies explanation does not matter...no explanation necessary.

Happiness begins and ends inside yourself. But sometimes someone or something beyond the borders of your self can help stoke the fire; in them, or in the situation (whatever it might be) you see your own happiness relfected and magnified. If it starts small, it may not stay that way. If it comes on like a Mack truck, it may never retreat.

Happiness is good. I've tried the others, and happiness is definitely the one to aim for. Some may get there, anyway, despite their best efforts to the contrary. I hope so.

[RevCheesehead]

80. Wow, Gumpley, you sound like you're in love!

or the beginning stages of it! :woohoo:

I like that line "in them or the situation, you see your own happiness reflected and magnified." As long as people maintain perspective - that they are responsible for their own happiness (not the magnifier), then happiness can develop into something even deeper: joy.

And, ultimately, joy wins. Joy wins because it remains, while happiness comes and goes.

[ForrestGump]

84. Sssssshhhhhhhh

:D

Be vewwy vewwy quiewt...

I'm in cognito.


:P


Joy...I'll take joy....I like your reasoning. Yep, joy sounds like just the ticket. I shall make a joyful noise...quietly.

Ssssssssssssssshhhhhhhhhhh..... :-)

[RevCheesehead]

87. Consider it shusshhed.

[NMMNG]

79. Knowing I've done something good/helpful for another person or an animal

Spending time with friends

Reading

DUing

Engaging in any hobby or chosen activity, when time permits




I'm happy right now.

[southlandshari]

81. That is a beautiful answer

And I totally believe it's true about you!!

:hug:

[NMMNG]

83. Thank you

And how have you been my friend? :grouphug:

[southlandshari]

88. Hey you! Now wait a minute......

Are you really asking me to list the ways i've been your friend?

I can only hope I've been half the friend to you and others here than you have all been for me!!



:hide:

[NMMNG]

92. To tell you the truth

I don't know how I ended up posting that. And I can't fathom what was supposed to have been in its place. I'm having a total. brain. fart. It comes with the territory of working the graveyard shift sometimes. :dunce: I apologize.

You have been a wonderful friend to me, and I am sure you have been to countless others here as well. :pals: You also have been a super moderator.

[RevCheesehead]

98. I just read it as a sentence without a comma.

as in "and how have you been, my friend?"

[RevCheesehead]

82. And you're colorful, too!

I'm glad you're happy. :hug:

[NMMNG]

85. That's how we are you know ;-)

I can't say the happiness will last, but I'm enjoying it while it does. I anticipate things will be better with my upcoming move.

[barb162]

86. animals

[RevCheesehead]

106. I love the critters.

They often make more sense than people do.

[barb162]

118. a big Yep! to that

[KT2000]

90. finishing a project

and watching my favorite actor in movies and on tv.

[Hello_Kitty]

91. Getting things accomplished

Doesn't happen often enough. I'm notoriously unproductive.

[lizziegrace]

93. Knowing I'm not alone in life

Music will always be a close second. Can't help but smile when "More Thank Yesterday" plays.

Check your PMs this afternoon Rev. I've got to get my daughter up and get her back to the dorm for the winter quarter. Will write later.

[lizziegrace]

94. How could I forget the kids?

The human one and the 2 four-footed felines. The cats are chasing each other around the house right now. And at night, Gracie has to be sleeping right next to me. She's a magnet at night.

Sigh...

[RevCheesehead]

102. It's a good life, isn't it?

May your day be full of happiness! :hug:

[LaraMN]

95. Happy memories, goofy kids, close friendships, laughing,

election years, feeling passionate about something, being creative, running as fast I can, a good meal, a beautiful garden, boots :), water trickling throught the streets in spring, dancing, hugging, running away for the day with a friend, surprises, finding strength in myself that is unexpected, learning new things, writing, cranking up the music and singing along in the car, being with old friends, being alone. That's a few, anyway.

[RevCheesehead]

103. Somehow, I just knew you would say boots.

:evilgrin: You realize, don't you, that your boots apparently have the power to make many of the menfolk here happy, as well?

[raptor_rider]

96. The sleepy

"I love you" being said from my husband first thing in the morning, my daughter's smile in the morning, her laughter, the sound of the fast heartbeat of the baby becoming inside of me, the fact that I am loved by my entire family. Just being alive makes me happy. It is a wonderful life!!

[RevCheesehead]

104. That's beautiful.

I can especially empathize with the "sleepy" part. He sounds wonderful!

[raptor_rider]

113. Thank you

He is a wonderful man.

[Rabrrrrrr]

97. Being alive; I am happy by myself; I am always happy

Yeah, I know, I rant and all that - but truthfully, I am very rarely not in a good, happy, smiley mood.

The universe is too intoxicating not to be happy all the time.

And thank God, I don't require other people to "make" me happy.

[RevCheesehead]

107. I knew it!

Beneath that gruffness beats the heart of a teddy bear!!! :7

[Rabrrrrrr]

109. Yes, it is true - the rants and the bitching really comes from my anger

at people for not opening their eyes to the magnificence of the universe in which they live, and not respecting the divinity in all people. We are given so much, and so few people seem to fucking care and throw it all away for base entertainments and lives lived poorly.

[RevCheesehead]

112. Rabrrrrrr....

I love ya, man. :hug: (that's in a purely platonic, life is good and meant to be appreciated by loving others kind of way. :))

[two gun sid]

99. Fast horses.

[supernova]

100. Nature, the arts, my spirituality

The sound of children laughing and playing, reading and writing, exercise.

For me, it's all about being able to appreciate the moment. Sometimes just sitting still and being able to appreciate the sheer mystery of being alive. :-)

[RevCheesehead]

108. "being able to appreciate the moment."

That's an exceptional answer! :hug:

[GOPisEvil]

101. Hearing from and/or spending time with friends.

Listening to good music.
Finishing a task (which can be REALLY hard for me).

[RevCheesehead]

110. And I appreciate your sharing photos from those moments.

You obviously have good taste when it comes to friends!

[bicentennial_baby]

111. sniffa and mrs. sniffa

the loves of my life, who make me feel more loved and more special than i ever have before in my life. i am blessed, truly. :)

[Deja Q]

114. Booze. Booze and items that require batteries.

:rofl:

Forgive me, I'm drunk on bottled wine right now. :woohoo:

[Guava Jelly]

115. not much lately

loosing pounds.
if my lady loved me would be nice