Bad Day, But . . .

Today, I woke up to the sound of money pouring down the drain. In a house, there is often a distinct sound within the walls when water is running in the bathroom-- say when someone is running bath water, taking a shower, or filling up the washer in order to run a load of cloths.

I woke up to that familiar "water running in the pipes of your walls" sound-- but no one was running anything.

While there is no sign of water damage anywhere, I can tell that somewhere a pipe has burst behind my wall or under our house which has a concert slab foundation. Also, low water pressure impaired my toilets.

My wife and I decided to turn off the water to our home at the meter in our yard.

I called a few plumbers. None of them seemed available.

My son clogged up the toilet. With limited water, I found a way to finally unclog it.

I bought gallons of water. My wife and I contemplated the expensiveness of this repair and how plumbers may have to tear up some of our home to repair the leak.

It's one thing to not have hot water (happened to me last month with my water heater), but it's another issue to have NO running water.

I do turn it on periodically to fill the toilets for a flush. But for the most part, we're keeping it off until a plumber can help us.

Bad day! But . . .

Someone will never have running water at all. Someone is starving. Someone didn't make it home as expected. While my heart goes out to people who are suffering, I also look at my own condition too.

Yes-- bad day, but . . . I'm still grateful.

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If you haven't already done so, I invite you to read my main title post in order to better understand the purpose behind this blog. In that post, you'll find links to three TED Talks that could really impact your life in a positive way.

Happy Hormones

My Daily Gratitudes for March 4, 2014

I'm grateful that exercise can sometimes change your mood for the better.

I'm grateful for my mom. As always, she supports us in such an amazing way.

I'm grateful that my favorite music is at my fingertips.

I'm grateful that today, I'm not morning the recent loss of a loved one.

Positive Events from the Past 24 Hours

Exercising today really changed my mood today! I came home a bit frustrated and angry for various reasons. I got on our elliptical and pumped away my frustrations. I found myself in the zone during my session and I finished feeling victorious.

And boy, I defiantly  did NOT want to exercise before I got home. But, I'm glad I did!

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If you haven't already done so, I invite you to read my main title post in order to better understand the purpose behind this blog. In that post, you'll find links to three TED Talks that could really impact your life in a positive way.

Communication

Gratitudes for Sunday, December 15th, 2013

I'm grateful that my wife is open and honest with me-- even when that may lead to a tough, undesirable conversation. Better to have the communication lines open, than to have deceit or hidden, negative feelings.

I'm grateful that my wife finally received her diploma Saturday.

I'm grateful that my wife enjoyed several moments of great happiness today.

Positive Event from the Past 24 Hours

My wife and I had dinner with family and friends after her commencement ceremony. She took the time to express her thanks to me for standing by her and supporting her through school. I felt proud of her and I was honored to have had the change to play a significant role in her success.

I also think back to last weekend. I was remiss in posting that my wife and I went out dancing last week. That was a positive event that I've kept thinking about across the week.

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If you haven't already done so, I invite you to read my main title post in order to better understand the purpose behind this blog. In that post, you'll find links to three TED Talks that could really impact your life in a positive way.

Cold Outside, but Warm Indoors

Ooops!

I scheduled a post to publish on the December 6th (last Friday); however, the blog entry didn't post as intended. I don't know what I did wrong. Regardless, I finally got my entry to post retroactively. So, check it out if you're interested:

Book Share Times Two: The Adventures of Johnny Bunko & Strengths Finders 2.0


My Gratitudes for Wednesday, Dec. 11th, 2013

I'm grateful for central heating.

Yet, at the same time, I'm grateful that it's cooler lately. I get tired of the mugginess that come near the Gulf during summer months. I welcome this colder air very much.

I'm grateful for the management style of our IT Director. When we run into problems that are urgent, he supports us rather than rail against us. I'm really grateful for that.

Positive Event from the Past 24 Hours

My son won a chess game against an opponent who is usually difficult for him to beat. He started studying a few weeks ago. Looks like his studying is paying off. I'm happy to see him focus on something worthwhile for once.

My daughter showed me some items she made out of clay. At first, I thought she was just showing me toys she got from school. Then, it dawned on me that she made them. Wow! I need to put her in sculpture / art classes or something.
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If you haven't already done so, I invite you to read my main title post in order to better understand the purpose behind this blog. In that post, you'll find links to three TED Talks that could really impact your life in a positive way.

Free Drinks, Automobiles, and Commencement Exercises-- Woo-hoo!

My Gratitudes for Dec 5, 2013

I'm grateful for the free drink that the restaurant cashier gave me today. That was very kind of her.

I'm grateful for my (so far) reliable vehicle. By New Year's day I will have had this vehicle for a year; This vehicle has replaced my last one of 12 years. Would be better if I could enjoy it without the monthly note. Oh well . . . I suppose I should also be grateful that I can afford the note, too.

My wife's class meets only once more-- then she graduates! Woo-hoo!

Positive Event From the Last 24 Hours

I got to experience a sense of flow today at work. I felt productive and I felt like a team player today. Experiencing flow is always a positive thing.

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If you haven't already done so, I invite you to read my main title post in order to better understand the purpose behind this blog. In that post, you'll find links to three TED Talks that could really impact your life in a positive way.

On Saftey, Super Volcanos, Technology, and Interesting Friends

My Gratitudes for Today, Dec. 4th, 2013

I'm grateful for my safety today. I saw a lot of calamity today: firetrucks in my neighborhood on my way to work-- firetrucks and paramedics racing down the interstate on my way home from work. My heart goes out to whoever suffered loss today-- where ever they may be-- while at the same time, I value the safety I have enjoyed today. One never knows how long we get to keep it.

I'm grateful for the fact that a super volcano hasn't blown it's top, changed our weather, and caused famine across a huge portion of the world. Not that it won't happen in my life time-- nonetheless, I'm grateful to not have experienced that so far within my lifetime.

I'm grateful for the level of technology we get to enjoy, regardless of the problems and ethical dilemmas technology sometimes brings with it.

I'm grateful for friends who stir and challenge my curiosity with interesting musings.


Positive Event from the Last 24 Hours

I got a chance to post again-- and on top of that, schedule a post for this coming up Friday. I feel like I'm getting more of my time back again now that my wife is about to graduate. Awesome! I'm also happy for her, too.

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If you haven't already done so, I invite you to read my main title post in order to better understand the purpose behind this blog. In that post, you'll find links to three TED Talks that could really impact your life in a positive way.

Happy (Belated) Thanksgiving

I Was Remiss

Obviously, I've had trouble making time for anything personal lately; however, I'm hoping to turn that around now. I was remiss in not expressing my gratitude here on this blog during the Thanksgiving holiday. Then again, I was out of town with no Internet access. Still, though. I really wanted to stop and post something. I should have arranged something.

Good thing it's still not too late to be thankful!


So . . . What Were You Thankful For This Thanksgiving?

I hope you took time to reflect on those things that you're grateful for this past Thanksgiving day. And in reality, expressing gratitude each day can be important to generating happiness. Consider keeping your own journal or maybe even share your sense of gratitude in the comments section.

I'm grateful for friendships and family ties which overcome time and distance. I'm grateful for my wife and her display of courage recently when she confronted a serious problem head on and made her voice heard. I'm grateful that I can look back across this year and more or less be satisfied with the overall state of my family. I'm grateful that my travels over the holiday were safe and trouble free.


New BookShare Post Coming Up

I've been sitting on a post for a while now-- but I've finally scheduled it to be published by the end of this week. I'm sharing more ideas and tips on how to add more happiness to your life. I hope you enjoy!

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If you haven't already done so, I invite you to read my main title post in order to better understand the purpose behind this blog. In that post, you'll find links to three TED Talks that could really impact your life in a positive way.

VideoShare: The Science of Happiness

I just happened to run across this video tonight. This coincides with much of what I've been learning about and sharing concerning happiness. This is well worth your time.

Enjoy.



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If you haven't already done so, I invite you to read my main title post in order to better understand the purpose behind this blog. In that post, you'll find links to three TED Talks that could really impact your life in a positive way.

I'm Still Working Towards Happiness

Yeah, about those "Daily Gratitudes" . . .

Been a tough few weeks; I haven't had the time to blog. While I haven't documented my daily gratitudes lately, I have keep them in mind. I find that just making a mental note of what I'm grateful for that day combats frustration, angry feelings, and ill humor. And it also helps to think about positive things that have recently happened-- in the last 24 to 48 hours. Even further back than that if the event had a big enough positive impact on your mood.

For example . . .

Old Friends & Happiness

I have a really good friend that I keep up with on the other side of the world from where I live. Naturally, we mainly keep up via the Internet. My friend seemed to have fallen silent in an abrupt way. I began to worry that something rather serious happened. Turned out to be a technical issue. What a relief!

I also bumped into a really old friend in the grocery store by happenstance. I felt really great after our talk. We have made plans to catch up and not be so distant now that we realize we live close by.

I cannot deny now that-- for me at least-- keeping up with friends plays a role in my happiness. These events happened over the course of a few weeks. But even today, reflecting on them makes me feel happier.

New Friends & Happiness

Meeting new people can bring about it's risks. I shy away from making new friends because, well honestly, I can "do bad" by myself pretty well. Don't really need any help with that. But when you make a new, good friend, you are about as well off as running into an old, good friend.

Again, by happenstance, I ventured to hang around after work and ask a co-worker about one of his hobbies. The question sparked a conversation that had to be finished over hot wings and beer. We shared so much in common without ever realizing it. Now, we both feel less isolated and more connected because we shared things that we don't often get to openly express to others around us. I think that's called "venting".

Again, I cannot deny how keeping social has a positive impact on happiness. I think about our conversation still and I'm very glad that I have connected with someone new that seems to have a lot in common with me.

Challenges

While I never expect to be a master at the ultimate game, I have been practicing Go / Wei Chi / Baduk problems. I get a thrill from getting the correct answers, and I try to learn from my mistakes and strengthen my mental acumen. I have enjoyed doing this. And I confess . . . practicing Go may have kept me from blogging now and then these past few weeks.

Still working at it

I may go quite again for a while, but I'm still working at happiness. I'm still exercising, too, which is helping a lot. I'll try to get back on track with my journal after this weekend. But, if you don't hear from me-- don't assume I've given up. I'm probably off somewhere having a good time.

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If you haven't already done so, I invite you to read my main title post in order to better understand the purpose behind this blog. In that post, you'll find links to three TED Talks that could really impact your life in a positive way.

Looking Back, I like What I See

My Daily Gratitudes: 09/07/2013

A co-worker shared a few articles about writing with me. I feel like these articles have taught me a lot even if the lessons don't show up in my writing any time soon. Regardless of that, I'm grateful for the lessons and my co-worker's thoughtfulness.

After enduring a very rough Labor Day weekend, followed by a rough rest of the week, I'm very, very grateful for today being slow and easy going.

I can look back and see that more or less, I've stuck to my exercise routine and I'm seeing steady gains. My motivation is largely inspired from reading Change Anything. I'm very grateful for having a history of consistency for the past few months concerning my exercise. And again, I am grateful for having read that book.

* * *

Positive Event from the Past 24 Hours:

I enjoyed working on a future "Bookshare" post today. Writing these blog posts-- in and of themselves-- are often a positive event. The positive nature of posting here becomes quite apparent when my schedule doesn't allow me time to write a post.
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If you haven't already done so, I invite you to read my main title post in order to better understand the purpose behind this blog. In that post, you'll find links to three TED Talks that could really impact your life in a positive way.

What's Up?

My Daily Gratitudes: 09/03/2013

I got really busy over the weekend with some projects from work. While I had plenty to be thankful for, I just didn't have time to stop and blog about it.

With that said . . .

I'm grateful that the weekend is finally over. I wouldn't normally say that as a regular Mon-Fri 8 to 5'er, but this weekend was way more labor than it was holiday.

I'm grateful for the opportunity to have recently experienced a conversation with a long time friend from the other side of the world using Whatsapp. This was the first time I actually got excited about the idea of texting.

I'm grateful for the opportunity to have set up a dhcp service for someone. While it's not hard to do, it is hard to do for the person who needs your help. I'm grateful that they had the confidence in me to ask, and that I have developed the competence to provide the service.

I'm also grateful for our exercise machine. While exercise is tough sometimes, having a machine of my own makes everything much better. I really do think I would have quit or either skipped a lot of my  schedule if I couldn't just hop onto the machine and get it done.

* * *

Positive Event from the Past 24 Hours:

I finally got to sit down and blog!

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If you haven't already done so, I invite you to read my main title post in order to better understand the purpose behind this blog. In that post, you'll find links to three TED Talks that could really impact your life in a positive way.

Freedom and Stability

My Daily Gratitudes: 08/27/2013

I'm grateful for the stability that we currently enjoy in the US.

I'm grateful for the extent to which African-Americans have gained civil rights-- especially as compared to 50 years ago.

I'm grateful for being able to go out and enjoy an evening out as a family. OK . . . so everybody wasn't happy, but most of us had a good time.

* * *

Positive Events from the Past 24 Hours:

Despite oversleeping, our kids still made it to the bus stop on time!
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If you haven't already done so, I invite you to read my main title post in order to better understand the purpose behind this blog. In that post, you'll find links to three TED Talks that could really impact your life in a positive way.

Good Training Goes a Long Way

My Daily Gratitudes: 08/26/2013

I'm grateful that I made some significant progress at work today on a specific project that's due at the end of this week.

I'm grateful that my wife's mood seems better today. She was down; I think she's bouncing back a bit.

I'm grateful for how the school year is going with my daughter so far. I really hope she keeps it up.

* * *

Positive Event from the Past 24 Hours:

Just before leaving work, I put in the time to use a small virtual lab that I had for other reasons. I used it to test for our project that's due this weekend. I didn't feel like doing it, but I tried it and it took a lot less time than I expected. That's what good training can do-- something I've been without until recently. I'm glad for the training that my employer provided for me. I can even see myself become more competent . . . and that makes me feel better about myself as a system administrator.
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If you haven't already done so, I invite you to read my main title post in order to better understand the purpose behind this blog. In that post, you'll find links to three TED Talks that could really impact your life in a positive way.

The Internet: A Wonder of the World

My Daily Gratitudes: 08/25/2013

I'm grateful that I have employment and a place to live that is comfortable. No, I don't have riches or a big home, but what I have is enough and is comfortable. Upon watching a new story about "ant colonies" forming among college students in parts of China, I realized that what I have is something to be very thankful for in this day and time.

I'm grateful that my wife doesn't give up or give in to the stresses of life.

I'm grateful for the Internet: I'm still amazed at the way it can bring us entertainment, news, useful information-- all while at the same time keeping us in touch with close friends who live far way.

* * *

Positive Event from the Past 24 Hours:

I enjoyed a moment of nostalgia with my kids as we watching cartoon intros from the '80s.
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If you haven't already done so, I invite you to read my main title post in order to better understand the purpose behind this blog. In that post, you'll find links to three TED Talks that could really impact your life in a positive way.

Trust

My Daily Gratitudes: 08/24/2013

I'm grateful for the level of trust between me and my wife.

I'm grateful for my son helping me with the lawn today.

I'm grateful that I got up earlier than usual today.

* * *

Positive Event from the Past 24 Hours:

My kids played together heartily today.
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If you haven't already done so, I invite you to read my main title post in order to better understand the purpose behind this blog. In that post, you'll find links to three TED Talks that could really impact your life in a positive way.

Food, Beer, Friends

My Daily Gratitudes: 08/23/2013

I'm grateful for both the sense of humor and in depth level of conversation my co-workers express around me.

I'm grateful for friends with whom I can speak candidly.

I'm grateful to confirm that a friend of mine that I was worried about is OK.

I'm grateful my daughter remember she left her glasses at the restaurant before we got too far down the road.

* * *

Positive Events from the Past 24 Hours:

I just enjoyed food and beer today. Since today is my free day from my diet, I indulged; and it was good.
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If you haven't already done so, I invite you to read my main title post in order to better understand the purpose behind this blog. In that post, you'll find links to three TED Talks that could really impact your life in a positive way.

Fun With Friends

My Daily Gratitudes: 08/22/13

I'm grateful for having the time today to catch up with a friend and practice playing a little Go / Baduk / WeiQi. I had fun and it was nice to actually talk face to face with somebody outside of family and co-workers.

I'm grateful for the show Family Tree. I dunno . . . that lady with the talking puppet gets me rolling every time!

I'm grateful that melatonin has helped me get better sleep so that I was able to get up early every day this week so far. I even had time to exercise before work! Wow!

* * *

Positive Event from the Past 24 Hours:

I exercised before work, played Go with a friend, watched a few really funny scenes, had a lot of laughter at work today-- just had an all around good day today.
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If you haven't already done so, I invite you to read my main title post in order to better understand the purpose behind this blog. In that post, you'll find links to three TED Talks that could really impact your life in a positive way.

Daily Gratitudes Promote Happiness

My Daily Gratitudes: 08/21/2013

I'm grateful that we completed a project that was given to us yesterday, due Monday by the time our boss gets back into town-- but we completed it and showed it to him today before he even left town. Nice.

I'm grateful that my back seems to be at 100% despite the fact that I've kept exercising all along the way to my recovery. I think the newer stretches that I learned about have helped tremendously.

I'm grateful for the news my daughter had today: She's earned an A average in math so far-- last year, we thought math was going to keep her held back! I'm proud of her.

I'm grateful that when I'm in a less than happy mood, writing out my list of gratitudes for the day actually starts to make me feel better.

* * *

Positive Event from the Past 24 Hours:

Today on NPR, I heard a blurb about how too many studies are being done to compare diets against each other. The interview asked why that was the opinion of the guest on the show. I already knew the answer:

Any diet can work.

So, why the obesity issues across the whole nation, then?

I already knew that answer, too:

No diet works if you don't stick to it.

And I already knew the guest's next point-- now we need to study human behavior and find out how to get people to stick with the program.

And I think I've already found the answer to that: Change Anything.

That blurb on the radio really confirmed a lot for me. I'm glad I read that book!
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If you haven't already done so, I invite you to read my main title post in order to better understand the purpose behind this blog. In that post, you'll find links to three TED Talks that could really impact your life in a positive way.

Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness

My Daily Gratitudes: 08/20/2013

I'm grateful for the dinner my wife cooked tonight. It was fabulous.

I'm grateful that I was able to make it through my workout. I endured.

I'm grateful that my daughter is really getting better in math. Wow! She really amazed me with how well she did her homework tonight!

* * *

Positive Event from the Past 24 Hours:

I got to hear an interview from John Lewis on National Public Radio today. He reminded us that the March on Washington 50 years ago wasn't only about civil rights of African-Americans. Be reminded that if any group in the US can have their civil liberties squelched, then yours could very well be next. It was inspiring to hear that the fight for liberty for African-Americans is really only the beginning of a larger fight for true liberty in a so-called free country.

I was truly inspired by that sentiment.
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If you haven't already done so, I invite you to read my main title post in order to better understand the purpose behind this blog. In that post, you'll find links to three TED Talks that could really impact your life in a positive way.

Wipe Out

My Daily Gratitudes: 08/19/2013

I'm grateful that my sister-in-law's wedding is finally done and was a happy occasion overall. Her wedding is also the reason why I haven't posted for a few days. Rehearsal, wedding, photos, cleanup-- all had me wiped out!

I'm grateful for the opportunity to witness my son and daughter do something well and make me feel proud.

I'm grateful for (and to) my wife for shuttling the kids around and getting them up early in the mornings for school. I suck at that-- she takes up my slack with so much grace.

* * *

Positive Event from the Past 24 Hours:

This is actually from the past 48 hours or so . . . but it was a really nice thing to see my mom dressed so beautifully at the wedding. I also reflect on how my wife stepped up and helped take charge when no one asked-- she just saw that it needed to be done and played a major role in the wedding turning out to be really nice. And I also enjoyed watching my daughter and son play their role. During rehearsal, things weren't looking so good. But, at the wedding, they both played their roles beautifully and really made me feel proud.

And lastly-- we finally got some much needed rest yesterday.

Time to sign-off and get to my workout, and get ready for tomorrow.
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If you haven't already done so, I invite you to read my main title post in order to better understand the purpose behind this blog. In that post, you'll find links to three TED Talks that could really impact your life in a positive way.