August Happiness Challenge 2010 -- Day 1

So today begins this year's August Happiness Challenge. And today's entry is deeply heartfelt.

My Aunt Jo posted pictures of her father, my grandpa, on Facebook. I loved him so and seeing his face fill my laptop screen made me so happy. Looking at that familiar face, I could feel his arms around me, smell the scent of his cigars, hear his voice. No one loved as generously or as unconditionally as my grandpa.

She also posted a photo of him as a very young man, in his 20s. It's a side of him I never saw before. What a treat!

Forget Your Troubles! C'mon, Get Happy!

Here's a brief explanation of the Challenge: "Each day in August you are to post about something that makes *you* happy. Pretty simple. And, it doesn't even have to be every day if you don't want it to be. It's a great way to remind ourselves that there are positive things going on in our lives, our communities, and the world."

If you play along, let me know.

Never can say goodbye

I love my Cubs. It's a love that transcends inconsequential matters like winning and losing. So when I have to say goodbye to special favorites, it's hard. Like my baseball boyfriend, Ryan Theriot, and my favorite leftie, Ted Lilly . Both gone to the Dodgers.

They're gone ... Lou isn't even with the team due to a family tragedy ... yesterday and today I intentionally skipped the games because I can't bear it.

My baseball boycott will end tomorrow when the Cubs take on Milwaukee. But for now, I'm just too sad.