Latter Day Sinner

The principal thing that consistently helps me to remain happy is my family. I love my wife and children. Helping them lead fulfilling lives helps me to lead a fulfilling life as well. Naturally when they suffer and struggle and I can’t help them, I am less happy. But overall my family is number one.

Number two on my list is our two cats. They deserve a separate entry from family because my love for them while real is significantly different. I have not had good experience with pets in the past, but I am older and softer and in a better frame of mind to take care of animals. When Magic jumps into my lap and falls asleep I let her. That is something I never imagined would happen even as recently as a few years ago. The cats help me stay happy.

Number three is my creative expression. I get a sense of joy writing for you and making my digital art. There’s a Mr. Rogers video where he draws a house and says, “It’s not very good but that doesn’t matter.” I get that. There’s a Harry Chapin song about a singer with the line, “He did not know how well he sang. It just made him whole.” Again I totally identify with that. I write and I draw for me to make me happy. If it makes you happy too, all the better.

I can’t do a happiness list without a plug for my current video games. On my computer I’m playing Colonization Classic. The game is 30 years old and sometimes I’d rather play it than do anything else. On my phone I’ve got Idle Apocalypse, Idle Mastermind, and Cats & Soup. I like them and they help me kill time when I’m not engaged with my top three.

The final thing that is kind of a guilty pleasure for me is arguing online. I crave attention sometimes. Attention from the family and the cats is often satisfying, but provoking strangers on the internet makes me feel good. I try to stay respectful when I tell people that they are wrong. Explaining to people why they are wrong will always chase away the blues.

That’s my five. Feel free to tell me why I’m wrong because you know I’ll do the same with you.