Happy Happy, Joy Joy

Do you remember what bliss feels like?

Maybe its a common occurrence in your life- you’re one of those irritatingly optimistic people who finds joy in the littlest things. Or maybe you don’t experience that rush of happiness on a regular basis, but you bask in the glow when it comes around.

Or maybe you’re like me and wouldn’t know bliss if it sat on your lap and demanded $20.

I think I need to look for my bliss.  It shouldn’t be too hard- I have a rather charmed life by most people’s estimation. So lets think about what I DO have, rather than what is lacking…

1. My kids. They are healthy, of above average intelligence, athletic, self-aware, driven, independent, musically inclined, and HILARIOUS. I don’t worry about drugs or sex or any of those other pesky…Hang on, Dr. Pimple Popper is on the Today show. Okay, I’m back. As I was saying, I’m not worried about the major life-ruiners that most teens have to deal with. I was concerned about my son for a while- he seemed to fall into the peer-pressure trap. But those days are long gone. My kids stand strong and I know that when they head off to college, they’ll be well prepared for whats going to come their way.
2. My house. I LOVE LOVE LOVE my house. It’s not ginormous (actually, it’s bit small, given all the crap we’ve accumulated). And despite the fact that there’s a crack/leak in my dinette right now, it’s one helluva house. I am especially enamored with my master bathroom. I have a jacuzzi tub that overlooks my backyard and a HUGE shower, tiled in slate (which I designed). My kitchen is pretty kickass too…We bought all new appliances when we bought the place 12 years ago, and since then we’ve had granite countertops put in and a pantry cabinet added. The layout is perfect and I love to hunker down and cook big (small) meals.
3. My financial situation. Without going in to too much detail, all I will say is that Hubby is a smart man with excellent priorities. He has ensured that we will be taken care of in the instance that he passes unexpectedly. The houses and cars are paid for, the kids have substantial college funds set up, and his life insurance will cover me for a long time, if needed. How many people can claim total financial stability? Not enough, if you ask me. And yeah, we’ve made sacrifices to achieve our financial goals, but it’s well worth it to know that if hubby and I croak, our kids will have one less thing to worry about. And that brings us to…
4. My husband. He’s a good man by anyone’s standards. What can I say about a guy who provides his family with pretty much anything they want? He’s crazy about the kids- he and my son are like best friends. He’s instilled strength and confidence in my daughter and unlike me, she’ll never be plagued with those dreaded ‘Daddy Issues’. She KNOWS that her dad has her back and is proud of her. Sure, he’s not physically demonstrative with the kids, but his words assure them of his commitment to them. And aside from our sexual issues, he and I get along swimmingly. I mean- this guy has spent tens of thousands of dollars to send me to classes with no predicted no ‘end game’. I might open a business, I might not. Either way, he’s happy to provide me the classes and freedom I need to pursue something I love.
5. My sister. She’s incredible. She overcame addiction problems to move on and complete a law degree. When there were no jobs available in her field, she went and got a degree in programming (at least I think that’s what it’s called). She’s dealt with more loss and struggles than anyone deserves to in a lifetime, and she’s conquered them all. Why do I consider myself lucky to have her? She’s my saving grace. My voice of reason. My conscience and my comfort. She treats Hubby like her little brother (which is expected, given our family dynamic), and she is absolutely NUTS about my kids. She would do ANYTHING for them. In fact, should anything happen to both Hubby and I, she’s the one who will take custody. And I feel good about that.
6. My sense of humor. THAT GUY says I’m ‘droll’ and ‘somewhat funny’, but I know he thinks I’m a laugh riot. My ability to make people laugh (especially myself) is my saving grace. It’s gotten me out of some serious situations, and many an awkward conversation. If you don’t believe me, check out my twitter account (@anitahelmet).
7. YOU GUYS. Yeah. You’re pretty cool. You put up with my ranting and comment when you can. You definitely make me feel less alone and I’m pretty sure you don’t judge me (although how would I know if you did)?  I never respond to comments and I haven’t posted a naked photo in YEARS, so I’m not really sure why y’all stick around. I’m not looking a gift horse in the mouth, though. I’ll just say ‘thank you’ and go on my merry way.

So I guess that’s all I can think of for now, but it’s not a bad start, amirite? I’m sure other things will come to mind the more optimistic I try to be. See? I’m even optimistic about being optimistic!

Yeah, ok. I’ll shut up now.