Tag Archives: friends

Connecting with everyone I can.

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Daily writing prompt
What are 5 everyday things that bring you happiness?
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Well, waking up each morning is certainly dandy.

I will continue to appreciate that gift for as long as I am able and given it. No matter the current state of mind, body or soul, just getting to do that is a great start. Then, you get to make the most of it after that. And if things work out, you will get another.

Once I get things situated so my best friend has all she needs to teach and lead for the day, I get to head to church for communion service or mass. An opportunity to just sit and take in all I have been gifted, with an attitude of gratitude. Gather in a sense of belonging to something much bigger than myself with all those around me. Talk about happiness.

Through my vocation, I get to engage happiness in many forms It might be I n the form of job development for individuals with diverse abilities. Coaching basketball and power lifting for Special Olympics provides a limitless supply of happiness. Throw in some football coaching in the fall, and then it comes at me from all directions.

Once her day is over, teaching is done, and mediation determines the menu, we get to make dinner together. We try all sorts of different dishes, whatever just so happens to be the flavor of the day. These recipes are always two plus servings worthy, and great eaten cold, right out the fridge the next day or so. But the best part is that we can do it together. Mingle in some dancing and that takes happiness to the next level, joy.

Lastly, the interaction which guarantees pure joy, is being able to connect with my kids and grand kids. We might get a group text for a movie or game that lasts through the night. the latest video of Cal taking steps, Molly laughing or Amelia running with the football. Might just be catching up some afternoon at home, over dinner, on a walk or simply talking on the phone. Any way we do it and go brings this one joy.

So if you take a step back and take a second glance, you will find that ach of these examples are contingent on one main ingredient. The source of all happiness and the pure joy which follows.

Connection.

Sure, there might be an aspect of these examples that can bring me happiness just because I get to do them. But if they do not involve another in some shape way or form, then where does that get you?

Does taking a walk alone or working out at PF lack connection? Not in my estimation. In the former, you are experiencing a neighborhood, house by house, yard by yard. At PF, there is eye contact, “are you using this?” or absorbing the energy of another in how they work out.

Even now, as I peer out the kitchen window and rap this out, what sense of happiness or joy would it provide if I merely added the last period, closed the Chromebook, turned off the mouse and put ’em in the drawer?

So that being said, what are the five everyday things that bring you happiness?

Connecting with everyone I can.

Mission accomplished.

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Daily writing prompt
What is your all time favorite automobile?
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I think my response will be guided by the times I remember being in and around each auto.

Growing up, I recall a Nash Rambler in the garage. I do not recall any of the specifics of that, perhaps it was primarily used on grocery runs and whatnot around town.

Sometime thereafter, I seem to recall my dad getting a ’65 Mustang. I think the receipt is somewhere in a bin, downstairs. New off the lot, for about $2500. Sheesh. My mom had one of those Ford stationwagons with the paneled sides, and a seat for us urchins facing backwards. That took us to practices, on many trips to Gramps and Gram, West and South, as well as the vacations to go fishing in the UP. I think when I first started to drive, I used her car to tool around, listening to the “Loop” and XRT on the FM converter.

Once highschool hit, we tended to travel via the “Moe-Mobile”, a Plymouth Fury, I think, the size of a yacht. All of us scoundrels fit perfectly within it. We defined death and destruction in that car, perfecting a ride we named “Weeeee!”, where we sped down a hilly road, turned off the lights and hit our noggins on the roof each descent.

One summer, four of us drove straight through to Hilton Head, in a hatch-back Vega, leaking oil, overcome by B.O. and Frito feet. Yikes.

The following year, somehow, we were granted permission to use the Moe Mobile 2.0. Larger capacity for the four of us, FM stereo, and air conditioning. B.O. is still the same aroma, hot or cold.

But the coolest one ever was the summer my linemate had access to a ’76 Eldorado convertible through his dad’s work. White with red interior. Front wheel drive, three across the front seat and at least four in the back. The top never went up and we never used the doors. It was jump in, start ‘er up and go, with Ted Nugent or Blue Oyster Cult blaring at 11.

Today, I just need wheels.

Then, it was just about making some great memories.

Mission accomplished.