I was having a bit of trouble waking up yesterday morning, so I sat in bed and turned on the Today Show while Judy was getting herself ready for work. Katie Couric put on her Smart Glasses and talked to an editor from Time magazine about their latest issue, the topic of which was “what makes you happy”. Since I was in a bit of a stupor (lack of sleep), I didn’t give it much thought.
Fast-forward to about thirty minutes ago, and I’m on the road back from Brookfield. I’ve got my iPod humming along, and “Separate Ways” by Journey is queued up. What a great song. Instantly puts me in a good mood. So that got me thinking, what makes me happy?
* Journey. Classic, classic stuff. Steve Perry sings like an angel. If there were angels.
* Cilantro. In my opinion, the happiest of the fresh herbs - although fresh Basil from a Bas-il garden is close. Mint is good too.
* Making Judy laugh. She’s easily amused, so it isn’t all that hard. It’s still fun, though.
* Buying my friends a drink. Or, having my friends buy me a drink.
* I was going to say “Winning”, but the more I think about it, I really enjoy the other person losing more than I enjoy the winning.
* The Jack Bauer Power Hour, also known as “24“. What a great show. “Lost” is quickly gaining ground, though.
* A good cup of coffee. French Press, if you’ve got it, is the way to go.
* That one perfect shot in a round of golf. Even if I shoot 130 for the round, I’ll remember the one shot that was just right.
* The Duck Salad at The Social.
* A medium-rare Ribeye steak, cooked over a charcoal grill.
* Working on a project, and learning something new. That moment of clarity where it all comes together, and you go “Oh, yeah, that’s how to do it”
I could think of 100 more, but that’s off the top of my head.
Comments
5 Comments
A fantastic assortment of happy thoughts, Bryan.
Speaking of “24″, who’s the mole?
Posted January 11, 2005 at 2:51 pm by Les .
Even though I don’t watch 24 (and I won’t until everyone else agrees with me about Boston Legal), one of the things that makes me happy does involve Jack Bauer and his sleeplessness:
“Who are you working for?!?!?!”
That was season 1, right? Anyway, I love that stuff.
Journey would make my list, too. In fact, Journey is even better when i reveal my enjoyment of the band to other people who despise Journey. Their hatred of Steve Perry, Neil Schon and the other guys cannot fracture Journey.
Posted January 12, 2005 at 1:44 pm by Jim .
One more thing, I love remembering that one perfect shot in golf. Quick story. This is more for me than it is for you.
The Sunday this NFL season when the Packers lost to the Giants, I played in a two-man team guess-the-final-score type of thing out at Rainbow Springs. There was a par 4 on the back 9 where I sliced my drive into the fairway of another hole. I hit it solid, but it went far right.
I had about 200 to the green, slight breeze into my face. My teammate shouted encouragement at me and the tequila shot I had just downed helped. I grabbed my 3-iron and stuck the fucker in the middle of the clubface and dropped it about 15 feet to the right of the hole. I left a ball mark on the green like you’d expect to see after lofting a 9-iron. It was great. I don’t remember any other shot from that day, but it was the greatest 3-iron I ever hit in my life.
Posted January 12, 2005 at 1:51 pm by Jim .
I half-expected you to relate the story of your hole-in-one in the face of bitter ridicule.
Posted January 12, 2005 at 2:22 pm by Bryan Buchs .
The hole-in-one was priceless and will always remain something I lord over you and Chuck for the rest of our natural lives.
In all honesty, though, that day was a good shot that got lucky. The 3-iron was absolutely majestic, brother. You should have seen it. It might have been the greatest shot of my life.
Posted January 12, 2005 at 2:37 pm by Jim .