Topic: What makes you Happy?

[8ullfrog]

Counter for the hate thread.

A while back I had to do some maintenance on my computer, and I saw the entire faceplate bus is just a burnt out spot on the mainboard. I cleaned it up with my plastic tweezers and a q-tip (A sin, I know, but it worked).

Today I went to test a clip on microphone, and found out there is no mic input on the rear panel, just the one on the front panel. It had previously not operated, but I figured, hey, worth a shot.

Not only did the mic jack work, the headphone one does too now! And it's good clean sound, no clipping or errors!

That makes me very happy.

[Beatrix]

My daughter and my son

[8ullfrog]

Been feeling lousy for a while now, like most of September. Today it just... stopped hurting. I didn't know things like that could happen. Very Happy.

[6pairsofshoes]

Of Mere Being

The palm at the end of the mind,
Beyond the last thought, rises
In the bronze decor,

A gold-feathered bird
Sings in the palm, without human meaning,
Without human feeling, a foreign song.

You know then that it is not the reason
That makes us happy or unhappy.
The bird sings. Its feathers shine.

The palm stands on the edge of space.
The wind moves slowly in the branches.
The bird's fire-fangled feathers dangle down.

Wallace Stevens, c. 1967.

[8ullfrog]

I don't have to ride thebu today, my appointment got canceled!
I live in California, so I never got a snow day, but I imagine this is a similar joy!

[goldshirt*9]

What makes me happy

The simple cry of birds in flight having simple cares.
Waking up with my wife in my arms
The smile on my daughters face.
Conversations with my son all through movies.
Constantly being mugged by both dogs
Running till it hurts, just being because i can.
That 4 am cycle ride seeing things that make the whole world worth while.
Acts of kindness that surprise everyone.

to name a few

[8ullfrog]

My psychologist was not amused when I told him I felt like the reschedule felt like a snow day, but he did seem somewhat happier when I told him it was free bus day. (Oct. 2nd)

In reality, I don't find much value in talk therapy, or crazy pills. But apparently they are important parts of my complete health.

Honestly, if I could cut two bus trips out, I would.

The Tamales today were a nice bump in an otherwise not fantastic day.

I do dig your list there though, those are some solid foundations for life.

[6pairsofshoes]

My shiny new iMac.  Damn.  I plugged in the external HD with Time Machine, went to bed and woke up to have everything exactly as it was when the old machine went down.  I've never had such a seamless transition to a new computer.  And even the packaging is beautiful and intelligently designed.

At one point, I told my husband that it was almost worth buying a new computer just to enjoy the packaging.  So much thought goes into every aspect of it, I marvel at the care.  Oh well.  I've never unpacked a Dell, so maybe I don't have a reasonable point of comparison, but wowie zowie.

[smokester]

Alcohol. Sad but true.

I also like empty beaches and cooperative horses, especially when combined.

[dweez]

At one point, I told my husband that it was almost worth buying a new computer just to enjoy the packaging.  So much thought goes into every aspect of it, I marvel at the care.  Oh well.  I've never unpacked a Dell, so maybe I don't have a reasonable point of comparison, but wowie zowie.

No, Apple definitely does a marvelous job with the packaging. No other company even comes close.

[smokester]

My shiny new iMac.

Congratulations!

I've never unpacked a Dell, so maybe I don't have a reasonable point of comparison, but wowie zowie.

I have. It just doesn't compare.

Alcohol. Sad but true.

I grew out of this when I realised that the equation was a net loss after I factored in the unhappiness that I got from the hangover

I also like ... cooperative horses.

The only horses that I like are those under the bonnet of my Jag(s).

As for that last point, is it just horses or don't you get along with the sheep down there?

[8ullfrog]

I was talking to mom about the whole Shep Smith thing, and that came around to Tucker Carlson, and I got to show her Jon Stewart cancelling Crossfire on Crossfire.

It's a 14 minute video, and it's utterly fantastic, and I got to share it with my mom.

My favorite line from the video - Tucker: You're much funnier on your show. Jon: And you're just a big a richard in person as you are on your show. It's somewhat muffled, but it's gold.

I promise I'm not a youtube video hostage taker, it was that or some crappy 90's movie, Miami Blues?

<I've made a huge mistake> <Mom is now experimenting with Chromecast>

[smokester]

No sheep under my bonnet, thank-you - I am not Welsh!

I thought everywhere west of Guildford was Wales.

[smokester]

True for everything north of Fareham. South of that we are excused. (... until one gets to Southampton, of course)

I had to drive a shedload of booze down to Cowdray Park a couple of weeks ago (a client of mine rented it to get married so I helped out as a gesture of goodwill) and I was going to buzz you as Gosport wasn't much of a jump further. It was only when the crazy rain started I thought better of it.

[smokester]

Gosport is always open for visitors!

^ That makes me happy and so does being able to stay on-topic.

[dweez]

Of course, the shedload of booze is also required.

[6pairsofshoes]

I expect they are extending invitations to imbibe libations together.

The wine and the weather are better in these parts should you ever venture this far west.  We also like to entertain.

[Beatrix]

My daughter and my son

Everyday
Also working, apparently.  I feel pretty good and just constantly working, so, I'd say work makes me happy too. 
Sorry it's been an eon again.  As I said before I only have wifi capability at the moment, cant really afford phone minutes with all the bills I pay.  I find it to be unnecessary, as far as being able to handle life without it, but definitely still a luxury item I'm looking forward to having back soon. 
Just now got the right waitress job to make a good buck.
This winter I've been working a ski resort.  I'm actually really good at helping beginners, and still have never skied, I work too much

[6pairsofshoes]

Hi Bea.  It's nice to see you back, as always.  I'm glad you have obtained enjoyable employment.  I hope you get a chance to go skiing before it's too warm.  I expect the kids are growing like weeds.  They're both in school, right?

[8ullfrog]

Time for a revival!

Like Smokes said in the before times, Alcohol! But not the drinking kind. I managed to buy some 70% alcohol at the store. This is the first time I've been able to find it in a long time, and that made me happy.

My Ballot was accepted! I voted by mail and dropped it off at the library Drop-Off location. I've been a bit worried, as the status has been showing as "Your ballot has been mailed to you!" but today it switched over to "BALLOT ACCEPTED"!

The computer is operating well, and seems a bit zippier after it's latest cleaning. Not having computer problems makes me very happy!

[smokester]

Fish and chips. That always puts a smile on my face.

Especially with thickly buttered bread and a cup of tea.

[8ullfrog]

We had a rice packet dinner that was decent, if basic. Hit it with a sack of frozen veggies and it was a bit nicer. Hit THAT with a mix of sour cream and soy sauce, and there were no leftovers.

Should probably have posted this in the what are you eating thread, but today was uncomfortable, and this made me happy.

So it goes here.

[6pairsofshoes]

Swimming.

[Beatrix]

Hiking

[6pairsofshoes]

Feeling like I got a lot accomplished at the end of a day.

[goldshirt*9]

anything outdoors legal that is.

[Beatrix]

A nice hot meal. 

[smokester]

A nice hot meal.

I agree with that only I'm talking about chillis!

[8ullfrog]

I got the necromancers warning.

Certainly I can understand there was very little in 2020 to be happy about.

I finally replaced my ailing Vilgot chair! It's like an entirely different experience. It sits lower than the Vilgot, but after a few minutes, I prefer sitting lower!

I also couldn't roll side to side, as the vilgot had deformed one of the plastic wheels. There were generics on amazon, but I was kind of sick of the chair at that point.

Most importantly, NO SQUEAKS!  I had completely disassembled the vilgot and essentially bathed the metal in machine oil in hopes it would STFU. No such luck, that thing squealed like a pig if you sat too far forward, or too far backward. I thought it might be me getting too fat, so I got my mom who is both short and lean to sit in it. Squeaked on her too.

Also managed to pick up a new (to me) Captain America shirt and a copy of the movie BASIC. It's one of the McTiernan films, so I already know I'll enjoy it.

Funny enough, I really disliked the MCU Cap, but at least he got those shirts out. I used to have to either order one online or go to comicon, and they want like, $25 for it there.

About the only thing that could make me happier is a new burger to try.

[smokester]

It's Father's Day and I gots more booze. Can't help but be happy with that.

[6pairsofshoes]

Happy father's day to all the fathers here.  I wish I'd had more time with my Dad, and these annual reminders are sad ones for me.

8ully, congrats on the new chair.  I'm sure you'll be happy to avoid the squeaks.

I finally gave a desk chair the heave ho as I kept getting headphones wire wrapped around the arm and it would cause them to fly onto the floor, damaging them.  The new one is better, more comfortable.  I got it at a yard sale for $0.50.  It is a Steelcase swivel armchair and extremely comfortable as well as better looking than the ergonomic thing I discarded.

[8ullfrog]

Dang, you smoked me. I see ads for refurbished steelseries and they're still in the $250-$300 range.

I think I'm just going to run 2.5mm cables over the top of my desk to prevent wheelage.

[6pairsofshoes]

The wire avoidance scheme sounds well advised.  I hit up a bunch of yard sales where I found vintage office furniture for next to nothing.  So I have some chairs.  The Steelcase one is the most comfortable.  People would put stuff out on the curb, or schools would toss stuff into dumpsters.  Perfectly good furniture.  I'd remove it and give it a new home.  Herman Miller polyester resin shell chairs, Knoll office chairs.  I didn't keep all of them and I keep promising my husband I'll get rid of some of them, but I have chairs.  I love a good chair.  Most of them are pretty uncomfortable if you spend any time in them.

I picked up a chair from the local disposal site -- a teak deck chair that someone had painted hideous yellow.  Why they didn't leave the natural wood alone is a mystery, but it's got layers of white and yellow paint.  I sanded it as best I could, and for the folding bits, I've had to remove the paint with a chisel since it's interfering with the smooth operation of the folding function.  I have a little more work to do on it, and then it will be usable.  It's going to be blue.  I hate that I had to paint it.  I have to find some cushions for it.

Furniture here is crazy expensive and it's poorly made and designed.  My husband calls it "modern wank."  Like it belongs in Harry Enfield's "I saw you coming" boutique.  When IKEA is a step up in quality, you know you're in trouble. 

[8ullfrog]

Traded up chairs again, this time it's an office depot one with lumbar support.

The gods of closed goodwill smiled on me today.

Adjusting it is super easy, but it is a heavy sucker.

[goldshirt*9]

Amazing how different the "HAPPY" things are to different people.
I love to abuse myself running up hills on holiday whilst the wife sits and reads/crochets/knits.
The thought of being made redundant does make me happy atm (just had enough at work) but not as happy as having a hernia operation one week before Xmas. Weird people are

[6pairsofshoes]

I get a thrill subduing unruly nature.  I spent an hour this afternoon yanking vines out of a plum tree.  Worked up a sweat and felt pleased to rescue a nice fruit bearing tree from choking plant growth.

[goldshirt*9]

Woohoo - multi-tasking!

 

I get a thrill subduing unruly nature.  I spent an hour this afternoon yanking vines out of a plum tree.  Worked up a sweat and felt pleased to rescue a nice fruit bearing tree from choking plant growth.

I can associate with that Happiness 

[smokester]

It may sound corny but I'm only truly happy when those close to me are. Over the last 18 months that's been a difficult ask.

Oh, and beer.

[smokester]

There is a new Thai restuarant not too far from me and I'm hooked. It's called Nuki's on Trinity road, Balham. Some of the things on their menu are their own invention so it's pretty unique.

I feel guilty about partially abandonning the Tumnan Thai, though.

[smokester]

"pretty unique". Is that like "light black"?

I haven't been ro every Thai restuarant so I can't be sure they're truly unique items. They are, however, unique to all that I have been to.

[goldshirt*9]

love Thai food, much tastier than Chinese IMHO

[smokester]

TNG is home for Christmas.

I would say that makes me happy but he might be listening.

[smokester]

Aha - the old double bluff!

Without him I live with 3 females (including the cat). Nothing wrong with that, but beer, pizza and West Ham talk is very thin on the ground.

[6pairsofshoes]

It must be a real pleasure to have adult children that you like.  Kudos to you for having such a good son.

[smokester]

It must be a real pleasure to have adult children that you like.  Kudos to you for having such a good son.

In my son's case it's like having a live-in mate that I can drink, chat and play games with. He also thinks we have quite a unique relationship as it isn't mimicked by any of his friends.

hasn't always been that way, but it's matured into something that's a lot of fun.

My daughter has a ways to go, but she's getting there.

[Beatrix]

Still my children. 
I’ve also found happiness in friendships where we listen to each other. 
I’ve noticed a sense of duality between myself and another person makes me happy. 

[6pairsofshoes]

Good sentiments, Bea.  At the end of the day, once we are warm, well housed and fed, friendships and family really are all we need.

[smokester]

Still my children. 
....

Trust me, that can change in a breath.

I'll stop short of saying "and probably will" though.

[Beatrix]

Hahaha.. teenagers 

[8ullfrog]

You know they say it's the little things that make you happy. They also drive you insane.

I finally found the screw I needed to put the armrests back on my chair. What made me happy is that it wasn't where I thought it was.

I thought my digging had just begun, and it rolled out of my laundry bin. (I thought it was in the closet next to the laundry bin)

Also found some shorts that fit now, so incremental weight loss is continuing to bless me.

Also found a hard drive caddy, but that's for a future project, not immediate gratification.

[Beatrix]

I’m far beyond driven. 
Routine makes me happy.  Cooking, cleaning, working, and sleeping at the same times every day. Lovely.

[6pairsofshoes]

A good night's sleep would do it for me.

It's nice to see you back, Bea!

[goldshirt*9]

A good night's sleep would do it for me.

It's nice to see you back, Bea!

A good days sleep isnt too bad

[Beatrix]

A nice bath when I get home, my cat, the quiet I find in my living room, the smell when I walk in the door… haha, I’ve been at work since 9 am and I’m closing at 10 pm.. home, home from work makes me happy.

[8ullfrog]

Temperature increased 10 degrees and the muscles that have been locked up in my bicep all released the tension they've been holding since November.

Scared the hell out of me because it felt like a bunch of twigs breaking in my arm.

It's like having a stuffed up ear or nose, you come to resent and hate it, and then it clears and you feel amazing.

[6pairsofshoes]

Congrats, 8ully.  I'm having physical therapy for a strain/tear in my rotator cuff of my right shoulder and the bicep apparently steps in to prevent any further injury to the shoulder.  Gak.  The stiffness of that muscle was extraordinary so now I'm doing strengthening and stretching.  It's really helping, but getting back the full use of my arm has been a real slog.  I wish I'd gone sooner for help right after the initial injury as I struggled for months thinking it would get better on its own.  It didn't.  But it's given me real respect for the work that physical therapists do. 

[smokester]

I really like this particular half-term as half the borough buggers off - with their kids - and it's just getting to be nice weather. This means you can get to the counter in cafés in the parks, and you can take your pick of parking spaces wherever you go!

[6pairsofshoes]

I can appreciate the lack of crowds.

Just spent two hours washing my car.  It was a pleasure having it be clean.  The street trees throw all kinds of stuff on it:  sap, seeds, leaves, etc.  It was a job prying them out of nooks and crannies under the hood, etc.  But it's shiny now for the time being so I'm enjoying the moment.

[smokester]

Lazy days off. Like today.

Ok, I should tidy up I know as my missus is at her mother's for another 9 days.

[smokester]

My kids would always leave it until the last hour of the last day.

... and then they would always have an excuse about something that happened right as the last hour was about to start that rendered them incapable of tidying.

I can honesty say that I have no recollection of ever seeing my kids tidy anything - barring their hair ... occasionally.

[smokester]

Snap. But they were always "planning to, if <insert reason> hadn't happened".

Reasons would be real progress.

[goldshirt*9]

Various things make me happy.
Ale of course and planning my next trip out

[smokester]

On Saturday the kids and I had brunch at Smiths of Smithfield to celebrate a friend's birthday.  Food was distinctly so-so, but the bottomless prosecco was a treat.

Had lunch at Inamo on Wardour St on Sunday. Food was marvellous and the bottomless prosecco was a step too far - considering Saturday.

[goldshirt*9]

On Saturday the kids and I had brunch at Smiths of Smithfield to celebrate a friend's birthday.  Food was distinctly so-so, but the bottomless prosecco was a treat.

Had lunch at Inamo on Wardour St on Sunday. Food was marvellous and the bottomless prosecco was a step too far - considering Saturday.

Whilst on Holl's, the wife and her friend were drinking this by the bottles, at 2.5Euro a bottle  it got messy at times

[smokester]

at 2.5Euro a bottle...

Oh my!