Saturday, August 20, 2022

August Happiness Challenge -- Day 20

Today's happiness -- People

I had no plans for today. I was OK with that. But then, my friend Mindy called and wanted to know if I could meet her and her hubs for a quick bite. They were in my neck of the woods, and who knows when all three of us will have a free sunny Saturday?

When I got home, I received a call from my friend Patrick who lives in Maine. We chatted for about an hour. At the end of the call, he said, "Love you," and I believe he does.

I don't reach out to people much anymore. With covid, I got out of the habit. Yeah, I could call [insert name here] for drinks or dinner, but then I'll have to put on a bra and spend money and oh, hell, isn't it easier to just stay home?

Yet this is not a healthy way to live life. I am always happy when my friends initiate contact and remember to include me in their plans and I'm grateful.

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.

Saturday 9

 Jack and Diane (1982)

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) The video for this song features lots of snapshots. Do you have many physical photo albums? Or do you store your pictures digitally? Yes, I have both. There's a cabinet filled with photo albums, and folder upon folder on my desktop of pictures.
 
2) This song tells the story of "two American kids growing up in the heartland." Young Jack dreams of being a football star. When you were in high school, did you fantasize about stardom? If yes, what were you going to be famous for? I was going to be a crusading journalist, famous for exposing corruption. Can you tell I grew up during the lionization of Woodward and Bernstein?

3) Diane wears Bobbie Brooks slacks (at least briefly). Bobbie Brooks is a popular brand at Walmart. If you had a $50 gift card for Walmart, would you be more likely to use it toward groceries, clothes, household items, or electronics? My dentist recommends I use an electric toothbrush. Walmart is as good a place as any to pick one up.

4) They go to the Tasty Freeze. If you were to run out for fast food right now, where would you go? Mr. Rib and Beef. I would order the shrimp basket, or maybe their pizza-by-the-slice. (I'd also recommend they change their name to Mr. Rib and Beef and Shrimp and Pizza.)

5) When John Mellencamp made this record, he was known professionally as "John Cougar," a stage name suggested by his manager. He has said that adopting a stage name is something he regrets. Looking over your life, if you could take a "do over," what one thing would you like to do differently? I spent too long in a bad relationship and missed other opportunities for happiness.
 
6) Even though he suffered a heart attack, John Mellencamp continues to smoke, admitting that nicotine is something he simply can't kick. Do you have a habit you wish you could break? Sloth. I'd love to be more disciplined with my time.
 
7) John's daughter Teddi was one of the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. She went on to join the cast of Big Brother. Do you watch any reality shows? I binge watched Honey Boo-Boo one afternoon. She's a teenager now and seems like a very nice kid, surrounded by an astonishing collection of subpar adults.

8) In 1982, when this song was popular, William Windsor was born. He's better known by his job title. Without looking it up, do you know who he is? He's the little one on the right.
 

9) Random question: What do you do when you can't sleep? Watch TV, catch up with my Farmville 2 farm. Or, as with this particular pre-dawn Saturday morning, answer these questions.

 


 

 

August Happiness Challenge -- Day 19

 Today's happiness -- Good hair.
We knock off early on Fridays during the summer. I used this summer Friday to get my hair cut and colored. It looks nice, and doing it Friday means my Saturday can be a little lazier.

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.