Ralfast of Neither Here Nor There has tagged me with directions to identify six things that make me happy. Never one to pass up an opportunity to talk about myself, I am happy to comply.
Two caveats, before I start:
1. You’ll note sex isn’t on the list. This is not because sex does not make me happy; to the contrary. But everyone I’ve seen do this meme has listed sex, and it seems a little like a cop-out at this point for me to include it, too. Or I could include breathing on the list as well, and only have to think of four things.
Also, my mother occasionally reads this blog.
2. The list is not in any kind of order. I’m even going to mix it up when I’m done so it isn’t in the order I think of things. Because I detest prioritizing.
THE LIST OF SIX THINGS THAT MAKE ME HAPPY:
G. Running. I like to run. I like running long distances in particular. I like running in lousy weather, I even like running on a treadmill if that’s my only option. I get very, very unhappy when I can’t run.
π. Climbing walls. I’ve only done it a few times, but there’s something indescribably wonderful about climbing a thirty-foot climbing wall, muscles screaming, hands scrabbling for purchase…
57. My family. The Green Eyed Siren and I have been together for more than 20 years, and we can still surprise and delight each other. Our kids are genuinely nice, compassionate people who are interesting to talk to. Is it any wonder that my first instinct when I get invited out for drinks after work is to say no?
AAA. Apocolyptic science fiction. Give me a good end of the world (or end of the world as we know it) story — zombies, the singularity, gray goo, whatever — and I’m engrossed. I suspect it comes from growing up in the shadow of Teh Bomb (and within the probable kill zone from an H-bomb strike on Kennedy Airport).
¥. France. The nation of France makes me happy. I’ve been through most of it, and I love the towns, I love the cities, I love the food. I don’t love the bathrooms at the youth hostel in Cassis, but the little canyons and secluded beaches make up for it.
6. The beach. Every summer, the Unfocused family packs up and heads for the beach for a week or two. It is always the highlight of our year.
Now I’m supposed to tag six of you, but I’m just going to let you tag yourselves (Mike, this means you). If you do, please leave a link in the comments.