Ten Things that Make me Happy

samantha — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 16:03:00 -0500

So, those of you who read this blog know that I love technology and programming. I thought I'd take some time to express some of the things in life, both technology and non-technology related that I also love. Here are ten things that make me happy (in no particular order).

Good conversation - Yes, good conversation. There's few things that I enjoy more than good conversation. Discussing the deeper things in life, such as philosophy, spirituality, and sociological issues over a good cup of coffee is something that will usually put a big ol' smile on my face. Small talk usually drains me and to be able to connect with someone on a deeper level, even if we have differing views, is something that energizes me. I love it!
Good coffee - I have to admit it - one of my biggest vices is a good cup of coffee. I started out a Starbucks fiend, and while I still enjoy a good iced vanilla latte (1/2 the flavor, thanks) from Starbucks, I really enjoy branching out. A friend of mine actually roasts his own beans and whenever I get the chance, I love to experience the joy that is fresh roasted coffee beans. Mmm. I typically enjoy cold coffee over hot coffee. Although, in the morning, I definitely need my steaming hot coffee. Not too strong, not too weak, with a touch of sugar and a few touches of cream. Oh java bean, how I love you so.
Checking out beta software - I'm sure that somewhere on this blog there are accounts of KDE 4 installs gone wrong. I love things that are new and exciting, and since I'm a big ol' dork, I find new software to be new and exciting. This is why I ran Gentoo Linux for quite some time - because of the wide availability of bleeding edge software. Sure, you can download subversion or git repos of beta software, but the power of emerge made my fingertips dance with joy.
Good pens - Some of my fondest childhood school memories include those of back-to-school sales. The look and smell of an untainted Pink Pearl eraser. The feel of a freshly sharpened #2 pencil gliding across college ruled paper. Fresh ink on a blank piece of paper. While my adoration for Pink Pearl erasers and #2 pencils has faded, my love for pens has not. I typically use the Parker gel ink pens, although my curiousity is starting to grow for fountain pens. I used to favor .5mm, although now I tend to stick with .7mm. There's nothing quite like watching your thoughts and words come into existence, like when you put them down on paper. With a good pen, of course.
Good paper - What use is a good pen without a good piece of paper? When it comes to ruled paper, I have always loved narrow ruled. More narrow than college ruled, I always loved it when I'd find a store that carried narrow ruled paper. I never liked wide rule. Perhaps it was too reminiscent of the old school paper that was used in kindergarten. Whatever the case, narrow ruled has always been my paper platform of choice. My latest vice? You guessed it - the Moleskine. I have one with squared paper, and a reporter's notebook with - you guessed it again - narrow ruled lines. Give me my Parker gel ink pen and a Moleskine and I'm really damn happy.
Good music - Music speaks to me in a way that nothing else can. I play several instruments, including the violin, guitar, and the drums. I haven't touched the drums in many years, but I've had many a night to remember hanging out at a bonfire playing my djembe or my conga. My partner gifted me with a very old violin for my birthday a few years ago and I'm not quite as good as I was when I used to play in Junior and Senior High school. Not only do I enjoy playing music, I also love listening. My music collection is diverse and I love most any type of music except for Polka. I can spend hours just listening to music - finding myself absorbed in the instruments, vocals, and lyrics.
Good food - I make some killer hot wings. Let me tell you this now. Once upon a time, I could cook macaroni and cheese, oven-fried chicken, and scrambled eggs. In the past several years I've expanded my menu to make many things, including some blow-your-mind gravy, steaks, chicken dishes, beef dishes, and even an oh-my-G-d-this-is-good baked cheesecake. I love to cook for my partner and whenever we have friends over. I also love to eat good food. I lucked out in that my partner is an incredible cook who makes manicotti I don't ever want to share, and crepes that are so good your eyes will roll back into your head. Seriously.
Family and friends - I love spending time with my family and my friends. Whether it's playing games, watching movies, hanging out having a beer, or just spending time together without ever saying a word, there's something about being with loved ones that provides a sense of home. I've always believed that friends are the family one makes for themselves. I read that quote in some book in my high school library and I've adopted it as a heart-held belief. I am blessed to have friends across the country and family across the globe. Each one of them holds a place in my heart that is so very special and I love them all so dearly.
Our doggies and kitties - A mini Noah's ark, our household has two dogs and two cats. Emma, our black labrador retriever, Hogan, our mutt, Obsidian, our long haired cat who is shown shaved on this blog, and Mazzy, the grey little bundle of feline fury who is named after Mazzy Star. These babies bring such love and laughter into our lives. I can't imagine life without them. Even though having pets is a huge responsibility, it's one that I wouldn't trade.
My partner - I am blessed to have the Best. Partner. Ever. We've been together over five years and she is someone that enhances my life in so many ways and makes me want to be a better person. She has taught me so many things in the past five years and has stood by my side through many trials and tribulations. And, beyond that, she 'gets' me. It's very rare for people to 'get' each other. I'm lucky in that I 'get' her (she's told me!) and she 'gets' me. I am grateful for every day that I get to spend with her and look forward to growing old together.

So, there you have it. A little more to babygeek than meets the eye. There are plenty more things that make me happy in life, but these are just some of the things - both big and small - that make my life a happy one.

What makes you happy?

mindful iterations: Ten Things that Make me Happy

Ten Things that Make me Happy