Finding a bit of joy in your life
 

Report a bit of joy you've found in your life lately. Anything that made a moment of your day brighter.

When I was getting dressed in my closet this morning Grace came up behind me, put her arms around me and gave me a little squeeze, kissed me lightly on the neck and said, "I love you."

I looked at some amazing pictures my girlfriend sent me.

Sissy called from Florida to say she's fine, and she's having a wonderful time, and she hasn't been drinking.

What brought a little joy into your life today?

Gilda

My daughter Jessica never fails to brighten my day. Today, before I left for Philadelphia on a work trip, she came up and gave me a HUGE hug and kiss and said, "I'll miss you, Daddy!"

I miss her, too...but I can get by until Thursday knowing how much I'm loved back home.

Waking up and realizing I've broken my previous record of how many consecutive days I've stayed alive.

And walking out of my last class for the day.

The fact that I get to spend 6 nights in a row with ktspktsp, beginning tomorrow, brings a great deal of joy into my life. :icare:

Otherwise, I got news that my mother went to Reno for her birthday with a new friend to celebrate, and my dad is buying into a small company that will reduce the number of hours he breaks his back as a manual laborer. I am glad that they are each taking these small steps to take care of themselves (separately), instead of taking steps to somehow shorten their own lives. The latter usually brings me a great deal of stress, so this news lightens me considerably. :)

I'll second the "beautiful baby daughter" post. Nothing in the world is as wonderful as a genuin bear hug from your daughter when you get home from a job you don't particularly care for. I hope it takes her a good 30 yeas to get to adolescence.

My 9 yr old daughter helped me cook dinner today. Then she helped with her 3 yr old brother while their father was working downstairs and I was not feeling well. I love her!

My son started walking unassisted this week, so he's multiplied his cuteness factor by at least 7.

I received a pair of rare bootleg DVD's of my favourite childhood TV show in the mail today: Read All About It

My supervisor used today's office time to work on a grad course project of his, so I was able to take it easy. Furthermore, most of the sales staff is away this week at conferences, so the office atmosphere is quieter and more relaxed.

For lunch I had a hot, corned beef sandwich on fresh rye with mustard, and it was extra tasty!

The weather today was beautiful and bodes well for a warm and sunny spring.

The cancellation of the Rochester meetup in July is saddening, but the momentum for the Toronto meetup in May is building. I'm thankful I'll get to take part.

Our good friend and former boarder, who lives way up in Whitehorse, dropped in for a suprise visit and we had a lovely brunch with her.

Sweetpea's 'Why Journal?' thread has touched a nerve within the TFP, and brought out one of the broadest discussions here to date.

Everything's coming up Fres! :D

My snake shot was working like a charm on Sunday against a couple of my friends. :D

Most of you probably won't know what that means. :)

Hey, some of us love foosball!!!

Hallow'een socks from my friend, Janet. We were long distance fools for 10/31 spooky phone calls to each other. Love to you, Jan.

I decided to be joyful. :) (it doesn't always work, so it's still exciting when it happens)

Dave took the day off work today to finish packing up our bedroom and deep cleaning the bathroom so that I didnt have to do it after I got home from work and I could just go over to the new house and unpack some stuff

Last night I got a call from a concerned friend. The fact that she cared made me happy... even if the reason she was calling wasn't a joy to discuss.

It can happen. It's taken me 37 years, and I'm just now leaving juvenilea.

Hopefully that bon mott brought a little :) into a life.

My wife took her state licensing exam.

Friends, seeing, being, knowing, just having them..

I got to spend a long weekend traveling with my best friend, I haven't gotten to spend much time with her lately. And she's a *terrific* traveling companion. I got to pour my heart out about some stuff going on in my life, and she was happy...*happy* to listen and give me advice, without being in the least bit judgemental.

On the aforementioned trip, we drove up the Pacific Coast Highway in her convertable with the top down. I'd never done that before. The spicy scent of the trees and the fresh scent of the ocean (except during low tide, lol!) was an *incredible* scensory experience.

I thought I knew joy.

Then I had a child.

Now I know joy.

/drools

I *love* driving the PCH... damn, in a convertible? That would most certainly bring joy into my life. I need to get back out there soon... :crazy:

I was reading this thread - and thinking - I got nuttin' - life is pretty much the suckage right now... then I realized I didn't have my head phones on.... Corrected that - and turned up the volume... George Thorogood... Pure Joy...

Lately I've been realizing how much my loved ones love me, and that's made me pretty happy and contented. I'm not sure if everyone is suddenly aware I'm awesome, or if they just decided to share now, but I like it. :)

Also just want to point out that this was an excellent idea of a thread... I thought about creating this thread today at work. Alas, I was beaten to the punch. :)

I'm going to walk a bit with Quadro and enjoy the early spring weather.

Granny Elph is completely under the spell of a one-year-old. :D

Went to a bed and breakfast with my wife for our anniversary. It was great to leave the world behind for 24 hours and just be a couple in love.

There was a beautiful fog outside the whole day. The world looked so soft and friendly, and walking through the almost-rain was a very sensual experience.

I got very positive feedback on my poetry essay yesterday, and I get ridiculosly pleased with myself whenever I reread it - which I've done thrice so far.

I ordered a bunch of DVDs that (partially) arrived today, and I also bought a big shiny dictionary. (The Oxford one! I feel like a REAL English student now!)

The income tax papers arrived today and I'll be getting money back. Which can be seen as bad since the government has "borrowed" money from me and won't be paying me interest, but ah, whatever. Most people see tax returns as a nice surprise, so I'll do that too.

nothing. what's the point of everything? we are infinitessimal specks in an infinite universe, we will all die, the sun will blow up and swallow the earth, and we will never be able to travel faster than light. we are all doomed.

So embrace life while you can.

I'm listening to "The Mercy of the Fallen" right now. The song itself is quite good, but the purity of Willaims' voice in the first verse is something to behold, the way she projects the joy of discovering new things. I'm amazed by it every time I hear it.

Gilda

My husband called me out of the blue today. Just to say "Hi". I have been smiling ever since.

My neighbors have two young children, and the youngest is between two and three years old. He has the brightest blue eyes you will ever see, he is just adorable. He likes to play basketball when I shoot around with the neighborhood kids. However, today I was throwing around the baseball with my next-door neighbor and he came walking up.

Him: "Are you guys playing baaasebaaall?"
Me: "Yeah, what are you doing, are you playing basketball?"
Him: "mmmmm hmmm"
Me: "Do you want us to come down and play basketball with you"
Him: "Yeeeaaah"

The way he talks and his mannerisms are so precious.

I just finished my work out. That always feels good. I like being able to do the things I do.

I have the day off. Most of it has been spent cleaning my apartment. I have an apartment, a space to call my own. I also spent some time on the phone with my landlord today, which means it looks like despite recent financial troubles I'm going to be able to keep my apartment.

I'm out for a walk in a few moments. Then I'll be back home to cook dinner and after that it's off to class. Class isn't entirely fun, but I've got a date with a nice young woman after class. I'm very much looking forward to that.

Sometimes it's hard to find the good. I know that just as well as anyone. But I've come through it all so far; I've had some pretty rough times in my day and one of the things I've learned is that everything is always in passing. There's always a way through.

When I get my six-pack I will find joy.

But I also find joy drinking fattening drinks and eating junk food.

Uh oh.

Today for dinner, I'm going to crack open the BBQ and grill some burgers for the first time this year. I bought the patties and buns earlier in the week and have been counting down the days. They're going to taste sooo good. :)

Being able to buy the .net and .org domain names a month after I bought the .com name. No one else snatched the buggers up. :)

P.S. Did I mention I'm a geek.

It took an effort, as I'm having a bad day.

I had an hour with Grace today. She got up about two (worked a double shift last night, and has an extra half-shift tonight) and I fixed her some brunch, and we ate it together out on the back deck.

It was a good hour.

Gilda

After a very trying week with massive impending changes to our program at work, we were approached to have a meeting with HR. I am the youngest clinical person on my team. They actually stopped, listened and respected what I had to say and it facilitated even more discussion and problem-solving.

My highly intelligent geek then told me at home as I recounted some of the above meeting with my statements verbatim, "wow, that's a really insightful way to approach _______ problem."

My coworker lauded the finer points of my chili in front of everyone.

It was sunny and 80 for most of today.

When I got home, my headache that I've had for the past few years flared up horribly and I laid down for a moment. My SO walked in and laid down on top of me. This is my favorite thing that he does, I love when he relaxes his whole weight. Night before last when it was bad, he stayed in the other room to give me quiet and darkness, then came in and held me on his chest until I had to roll over. Then he gently slid up behind me and spooned with his hand resting across my temple and forehead until we both fell asleep. My favorite and so rare since he prefers being the Spoonee not the Spooner. The memory of that unsolicted sweetness has brought me joy ever since.

Plus, we got a $50 bonus for high census, barbeque (woo.) for no deficiencies on the federal and state surveys, and we get to wear jeans on Friday.

Today was a rough day. This thread made me think of something besides that.

Today was sunny and I finally cleaned up the two front gardens. I even bought this short white fence to go around both of them. I like the front of my house now.

I came home tonight to find my wife and two kids waiting at the door. They had my slippers, some very nice cheese and crackers and a glass of wine ready for me.

I was told to relax while they finished diner.

Then we sat down at the dining room table and had a great meal. When dinner was over I was told to go and watch Lost. They would take care of the dishes and bring me some dessert.

Pretty cool family.

That is fucking awesome. :) I'm jealous. I mean... I find joy in your post. :P

I saw mandy last night after what seemed like an eternity (even though it was only 3 days). It was her Dad's 48th birthday and they had a bunch of family over at their house.

And even though we're going through a bit of a rough patch at the moment, when I walked in the door I was greeted with her beatiful smile and a hug that just melted all my frustrations away. The kinda hug where you can just feel the love.

I love mandy.

Been there, done that, got the ring. :icare:

And I am going to kidnap Charlatan's family, provied they remain in such good spirits while in captivity.

I start my new job today, and my old employer very much wants me to do freelance work at $300 a pop! :cool:

Joy would be being adopted by charlatan's family... wonder if they make housecalls

Jolly Rancher Green Apple (that don't taste anything like green apples) and Watermelon Jelly beans are about as joyful as I can get right now... maybe it's the sugar...

It's 70 degrees and sunny for the first time all year - how can I not be happy. And why am I not outside? :)

Jumping in the pool and feeling the shock from the cold water always makes me happy.

There's just something about being in the water....

Smelling the fresh cut grass while sitting in class this morning, and it bringing a smile to my face :)

A co-worker just noticed that I have been losing weight. :D

I get to spend time tomorrow with people I would do just about anything for ... and I know the feeling is returned. And this may include building sandcastles! :D

I caught my adopted husky sneaking into my reading chair ... and she just looked at me ... so I made her scoot over and we just sat in my chair for a little while, until she licked my nose and I got up.

My acting teacher told me I did not screw up my improvisation at all while I did not like what I did at all today. I believe he was being honest.

I got a hug from a classmate in my acting class. Another classmate said she wouldn't mind taking me home for good food but there are gonna be people over so it can't happen yet. But it was good to know she sincerely doesn't mind. (My family's like... thousands of miles away and I live on university residence. Guess a lot of you remember how canteen food taste like ;) )

Then after a few hours of class and a few days of stress I went back to my room, and got a surprising fast email reply from my ex-girlfriend (who's somewhere far, far away at the moment) telling me how happy she is to read my mails after a stressful day of school. That was just the best part of the day.

It wasn't too bad today.

I have a cast on my left wrist, a black eye from said cast... i just got yelled at for eating all the raspberry jelly beans out of the bowl of jelly beans on my desk(They were the best flavor) but... the joy!!!

The pond that my window in my office looks out on - just turned the fountain on this morning... Yay for fountains!!

I've lost 5lbs. Okay, maybe I just "misplaced" it, but it feels good all the same; like I'm not ready to burst anymore.

My coworker sent me home from work early.

:D

I am sore all over, esepcially my shoulders, thighs, and ankles, and have little welts all up and down my back.

It was a really good morning :D.

Gilda

I gave a bunch of food to a homeless man I see almost everyday when I get off the Skytrain (it's a rapid transit system in Vancouver).

When I was cleaning out my kitchen earlier this week, I was trying to think of what to do with all the extra pasta and sauce I had (I'm moving home in a week, food won't keep in the car during a 4 day roadtrip). I decided to cook it all up and put it in little Ziploc containers and give it to the homeless guy. I put it all in a box, jumped on the train in the morning and gave it to him. I said "Have a nice day" and walked off to class. Haven't thought much about it since, until I saw this thread.

I don't know where the idea came from, it just kind of popped into my head. I wasn't sure if it would be a good idea or not, but I couldn't stop thinking about it so I just decided to do it. Hopefully he appreciated it more than the few coins he gets from passers-by during the day.

Sorry, that ended up being kind of long. :)

-Tamerlain

A girl asked me out on a random date tonight for sushi. It went ok, but it really made my day to be asked out. Especially considering that the last few days I have been beating myself up about my success (or none whatsoever) with women.

While I was eating breakfast in the college caf on Thursday morning, a female classmate asked to sit with me and we talked a for a bit and got to know each other a bit.

One of my good friends have a class together and we wrote notes (sitting next to each other) about what we were discussing (urban sprawl, land development, college life in general) and was very insightful.

Thanks for everyone for sharing: we forget too often about these moments..

catcha back on the flipside,
keyshawn

I walked 2 miles this morning while my family slept. Grass seed I planted is coming up nicely. Totally peacefull. I should get my lazy butt out of bed and do this every morning. Incredible spring this year.

Last night I went out with a group of my very good friends and reconciled with a friend I hadn't really spoken to in a while due to some coolness. We made plans to go to a literary conference later in the month together.

It was a great night.

A few things today. My husband joined us outside and took the christmas lights down AND played with the kids, while I did some gardening. and it is raining now, which is good for the plants I just moved.

Watching my granddaughter take more interest in the paper that wrapped her birthday gifts, and the cake orgy that followed. Pure joy. :)

Sissy is home. She is positively glowing. I feel happy and envious at the same time. But mostly happy.

Gilda

Going to bed in sheets that were still warm from the dryer.

Walking around a local street festival on a perfect early spring day, seeing people who usually pass me by grumpily on the way to work actually smile and laugh and have fun out in the open.

Talking to my nearly-four-year-old nephew on the phone, asking him what he wants for his birthday:

Me: Hey baby, it's almost your birthday, what do you want?
Him: Hmmmmm...Wacecar! (insert racecar noises).
Me: Racecar, eh? OK, anything else? Do you want some socks? (knowing full well he doesn't)
Him: Mmmmmm...Helicopter!
Me: OK, we're all about the vehicles today, aren't we? Do you want some new clothes?
Him: Wacecar, pwease.
Me: OK, what color? What color do you want for your racecar?
Him: (silence)
Me: Red? How's red?
Him: YAAAAAAAAAY! WED Wacecar!

Just too cute.

Watching the sunrise at the beach after having just run several miles and feeling that kind of contented tiredness.

And watching several dolphins playing in the ocean too.. Seeing that always makes me happy.

Waking up with a rather terrible but satisfying sore in my arms...

... I spent 2 and a half hours teaching myself how to juggle and sort of managed it last night, at least I can do the basic 2 balls with one hand and 3 balls with 2 hands for a couple of minutes (with socks since I didn't have proper balls... to juggle with).

Sick today, it's no fun. But, sitting in the doctor's office and knowing I had someone waiting on me (putting up with screaming kids and sick people in the waiting room) was a really nice feeling. It's hard to feel better when you're sick, but that helped a lot. :)

Locked myself out of my apartment (oops) for the whole day on Saturday. Spent the whole day walking places on the most beautiful day in recent memory. I was so very tired by the end of the day and just passed out cold. Wonderful

kaaaa-BUMP!

This thread definitely needed a bump. I wrote this list awhile back when I was having a tough time and needed to be reminded of the things that make me smile and bring me joy. I found it today and it made me smile again. Everyone needs one of these lists. Add to it, post up. Remind yourself about :love:

--Sidewalk chalk murals.
--Smiling at old people who are sitting/walking alone.
--Greeting cashiers and service people with a smile and a "How are you?"
--Splashing in puddles in the summertime, barefoot.
--Sarasota sunsets.
--Ludacris, Lil John, Gorillaz, Trick Daddy when I'm stressed.
--Cursing alone when I'm pissed or annoyed.
--Rainy days in bed.
--My black-and-white photo of a gorgeous, blonde-haired, blue-eyed munchkin with a huge grin on her face... and a Hayabusa helmet as big as she is on her head. She sits on my nightstand and greets me in the morning.
--Oil pastel crayons.
--Foot massages any time, but in the right context, it's orgasmic.
--A fresh sheet of textured drawing paper and a black, high-quality ink pen.
--The taste and smell of a man's skin on his neck just below his ear. Oh man... and where it meets his shoulder, right above the hollow of his collarbone. Divine.
--Chest hair... not mine.
--My bamboo sheets... especially fresh from the dryer when it's cool in the room.
--Bjork's "Come to Me", "Violently Happy", and "Oh So Quiet".
--Down comforters.
--The rumble of a Hayabusa going 140 over the Dames Point Bridge with a sexy man betwixt my knees.
--Giving my cat a bath. Sadistic, I know, but soooo funny.
--Black Velvets, Snakebites, and a great Guinness pour.
--Bartenders that know your name, what you do and what you drink. And when you really need that drink, it's on the bar before you reach it.
--Reading a book in the sunshine sitting on a blanket in the park.
--Driving, bare foot out the window, sunroof open, music on loud, for no reason at all.
--Writing letters on real-live pieces of paper.
--Having my hair brushed.
--Driving out to Siesta Key (or Atlantic Beach as the city may be) to watch the lightning storms roll in.
--Barry White, Otis Redding, Marvin Gaye, Louis Armstrong and the soundtrack to Last of the Mohicans when I'm feeling sultry.
--Camera toss photos.
--My other black-and-white of the same munchkin fastening his chin strap on that Haybusa helmet... "You have to put it on right, all the way, Daddy!"
--Hot baths with Lavender Soy Milk Bath or Aveeno Oatmeal Bath, a book, and candles.
--A really good pillow.
--The endorphin rush and subsequent sweet feeling of exhaustion after a tough session at the gym.
--Walking the deep sand on the beach at twilight in my sneaks, iPod on, all alone.
--Sitting in my car in the dark and silence, waiting for the rain to slow enough to run in.
--Keller Williams, Jack Johnson, Self, and a little Mudvayne for good measure.
--Wave jumping.
--Full body, strong-armed, extended-length hugs. From guys even just a bit taller than me. Where my head can fit just aside or below his chin. Platonic or not.
--My Adidas trail runners and cross-trainers.
--Flashing truck drivers. Shush, I think it's hilarious... Sometimes.
--The slippery feeling of skin in the ocean.
--Organic cranberry-peach juice from Whole Foods Market.
--Nipples. Oh, c'mon they're funny... And fun to play with.
--Swings at the park.
--Sleeping in.
--Roasting marshmallows... but not really eating them. I like to watch them melt. And catch on fire. Hell, I just like to watch things on fire.
--Camping in a tent or cabin without "modern conveniences".
--Having a kid be happy to see me.
--Viansa wine.
--Green eyes with little flecks of other colors that draw you in.
--Plum wine.
--Getting good stuff in the mail.
--Grape-apple-banana and apricot-honey hookah.
--Having someone want to and try to make me smile.
--Brownies. Yes, all kinds, Fly. :D
--Laughing until I can't breathe.
--Frozen grapes.
--Back rubs... deep massage. Giving and getting. And I'm damn good at it.
--Hemp products from The Body Shop.
--Tall, nonfat, no whip, one Splenda Cinnamon Dolce Latte.
--A really good cry.
--My "om" necklace and compassion prayer bracelet. And the lecture I get from the dude at the BP station on the corner of Atlantic Blvd and Sailfish Drive, every freaking time I go in there about the meaning of "Om". It was the first sound ever uttered by the first human being on earth, apparently.
--My celtic knot tattoo. Not the Swedish flag much anymore. Loooong story. Hooray for Jens! And Swedish moonshine!
--Finding old friends again.
--Stella-Artois.
--Sushi!!!
--Fishing on a boat, sans outboard, in the middle of a lake when it's quiet and warm.
--That gorgeous autumn shade of golden-yellow orange.
--The Fly's Tie... and Culhane's. Fiddler's Green in Orlando.
--My trip to San Francisco... and Sweden. Tuksan oksa!
--Getting just the right seasoning on that fantastic steak or salmon fillet on the charcoal grill in the backyard.
--The Iron Heel, Hollow Chocolate Bunnies of the Apocalypse. All things that challenge American Politics.
--Oreos dipped in ice cold milk. But I can only eat about 4 at a time.
--Super soft bras.
--My "Bush/Cheney: 1984" bumpersticker.
--Snow. Hot tubs in the snow. With good friends.
--Vanilla yogurt layered with granola and fresh raspberries or almonds/bananas/strawberries.
--Super bouncy balls.
--Road trips. Alone or with friends, as long as there's music involved.
--Silly putty.
--Throwing clay pots... on a wheel, not into the wall.
--Painting myself... I love the sensuality of the paint on skin. No one else will let me paint on 'em.
--Making someone I love smile.
--Books on CD to distract me from the road rage.
--Skin on skin contact.
--Great conversation.
--Grande Vanilla Latte, nonfat, no whip, two Splenda and cinnamon powder on top.
--Debating and arguing.
--Text messages just saying someone's thinking about me.
--Irish pub music...
--My "cheeky monkey" (complete with ears!), "411 Length Required", and "403 Forbidden" undies.
--Accordians and washboards played on stage.
--Dropping my BMI from 35.5 to 20.7.
--My giant afro wig.
--Fresh strawberries... a quart lasts about a day in my fridge.
--Long, deep kissing sessions with soft lips.
--My tall, ugly ass shoes.
--Having fingers run gently over my skin... Goosebumps
--Shepard's pie.
--People who can laugh with me at my weirdness (even uncomfortably) but still love me the way I am.
--Really comfortable pyjamas.
--HP SAUCE!!!!
--Love. Platonic, family, friends, child-like, romantic, all-encompassing, passionate, unconditional love.

Wow, that's an awesome list Fred. I'd have to say I share quite a few of those joys with you... and I'm also a bit too tired and lazy to add on much, right now.

But, I'll name a few:

--running uphill into the golden summer sunset
--having a very good session with my counselor
--knowing my stats class is almost over
--having such a strong, supportive social network
--hearing baby birds under an awning today and getting to see them
--seeing two (human!) babies today that were very cute
--seeing so many people unite to watch the World Cup, on campus
--contacts! So convenient and cool (just got them), esp for running
--a new Scrabble "folio" (portable) game
--the weekend is almost here :)

Having a glass of wine after a show with a friend I don't get to spend much time with, and who attended the show anyways.

meeting a newcomer and listening to her share for the first time in a meeting...

it reminds me of my own beginning and how far I've come.

Stuff from yesterday:

- laughing with my little (9-year-old) sister about silly 9-year-old stuff
- knowing that my nephew is healthy
- hearing that my niece hit her first home run in her coach-pitch game

Almost every day:
- seeing my dog act so happy to me being home
- my husband holding my hand until we both fall asleep

Getting the word out about "my" kids at work and what their families are going through. The kids are sooooo excited to be on t.v. We're gonna be on PBS nationwide next week! Yay!

It makes me happy, too, to see people stopping to identify what makes them feel good.

Ohh, that's a big one for me, with my boyfriend. I love falling asleep touching in some way... it's very intimate for me. I'm looking forward to that this weekend!

And Cyn, let me just mention that in addition to being happy about how far you've come, I'm very happy about your new avatar!!!!!!!!!!! It really made me smile. :D