Happiness

I was thinking, as I'm wont to do, and the lyrics from this song kept playing in my head as I contemplated my life this week.

Happiness
Peanuts Gang

Happiness is finding a pencil
Pizza with sausage
Telling the time

Happiness is learning to whistle
Tying your shoe for the very first time

Happiness is playing the drum in your own school band
And happiness is walking hand in hand

Happiness is two kinds of ice cream
Knowing a secret
Climbing a tree

Happiness is five different crayons
Catching a firefly
Setting him free

Happiness is being alone every now and then
And happiness is coming home again

Happiness is morning and evening
Daytime and nighttime, too
For happiness is anyone and anything at all that's loved by you

Happiness is having a sister
Sharing a sandwich
Getting along

Happiness is singing together
when the day is through
And happiness is those who sing with you

Happiness is morning and evening
Daytime and nighttime, too
For happiness is anyone and anything at all that's loved by you

I love Tennessee. I love life.

Life is good and ice is nice.

It's a fitting song because my joy doesn't come from the huge, grandiose gestures. Usually my happiness, if you will, comes from the little things.

I'd much rather have, a kind word, a well-turned phrase, a compliment when I am least expecting it, even a Butterfinger when I thought I wanted a Twix.

There is something about a Thursday night all by myself with a little carpet picnic of bread and grapes and cheese and unlimited hours of a Law & Order marathon.

There is something about having a draining day at work on Saturday and thinking I was going to be getting to the Corner so late and then walking in and having my friends greet me with "Kimmy!" and hugs and kisses as I walked through the door and having the weight of the day fall away.

There is something about having a friend IM me and remind me again why we are friends.

There is something about the silly comments and messages on myspace from friends far away, that I'm missed and loved.

There is something about pancakes.

There is something about Juan cooking Peruvian food because I asked him to cook again. (I know that that it was not just for me, but I'm going to pretend it's just because Juan loves me...)

There is something about being respected at work, Tuesday night dinner, how rain smells in Tennessee, and happiness and how it's contagious.

Remember to count your blessings and know that someone in Tennessee thinks you are the cat's pajamas!