Things that Make Janiece Happy, Volume I

Thursday, July 31, 2008
I'm shamelessly stealing this from Random Michelle, who wisely points out that dwelling on negative things does not make you a happy camper. So today, we'll dwell on the positive.

Professional Happiness:

1. When I complete a large, complex project, and I know I've done a good job, it makes me happy to hit the "send" button on my deliverables.

2. When I design a large, distributed architecture, and I'm allowed to design the system as I see fit, the elegance of my solution makes me happy.

3. Teaching makes me happy. The fact that I only have to do it a few days a month means my happiness isn't diluted with minutiae.

4. I occasionally have the pleasure of working with some really, really skilled engineers. Watching people who are at the top of their field work gives me a feeling of warm pleasure.

5. The fact that I make enough money to meet my financial goals makes me happy. Money doesn't buy happiness, but it gives you the freedom to pursue it.

Personal Happiness

1. When one of my children makes a good decision or accomplishes a goal, I'm filled with pride, and I'm happy that I've had them.

2. Doing for others makes me happy, whether that's knitting cold weather accessories for adopt-a-family, supporting Fisher House, or working on a Super-Secret Project for the UCF.

3. I love my friends and family. Their presence enriches my life, and I'm a better person for having known them.

4. My Boogie-Dog makes me happy, every day. Like many dogs, he's a pure soul.

5. My Smart Man makes me happy. He keeps me laughing, even when things go wrong. He's patient when the Mad Cow strikes. He helps me keep my life balanced. He encourages me to (occasionally) put myself first.

I'm just happy that I'm happy, actually.

12 comments:

The Mechanicky Gal said...

And I am happy that you are happy. Because when you are heppy, you come to visit me and then I am happy! It's the Circle of Life!

Jim Wright said...

I'm not a particularly happy person, but then again that makes me happy :)

Random Michelle K said...

So here's something interesting. How come all the cranky posts got lots of comments, and the happy posts don't get many at all.

What does that say about us I wonder?

And I agree with the money bit. I am pleased to have *enough* money. Even though others might find our income paltry, it allows us to live comfortably.

What more could we need?

Janiece said...

Amy, is that one of those "it's nice to be nice to the nice?" deals?

Jim, you're a curmudgeon. Different rules apply.

Michelle, I noticed that, too. I'm not sure what that means...

Shawn Powers said...

I find most of my joy in giving joy to others. That sounds wholesome and good -- but it can be a downer, because if I'm grumpy, I certainly don't brighten anyone else's day. Which in turn, makes me grumpy. Vicious circle.

Thankfully, there's chocolate. :D

The Mechanicky Gal said...

Yes, it IS nice to be nice to the nice. Along the lines of you catch more flies with honey than vinegar. (Although who wants to CATCH flies?)
If you are happy, it is contagious!

Janiece said...

Curmudgeonly Corollary to Amy's Thesis: It's fun to hit the rude, bitchy and stupid upside the head with a shovel.

Random Michelle K said...

Umm....

I'm not sure about big flies, but fruit flies are drawn to vinegar, and if you put out a dish of vinegar you can kill off the pests.

Kinda like slugs and beer.

Jim Wright said...

Jim, you're a curmudgeon. Different rules apply.

Wooooo! I'm special. Shiny. Is there a bumper sticker? 'cause there should be.

Random Michelle K said...

Yes.

Jeri said...

Janiece, it looks like this one has more comments. Officially. :)

Ilya said...

I could sign under every item on your list, Janiece (except the Smart Man one, of course; my entry would be about a certain Hot Chick, if you forgive my borrowing from your terminology). I'm happy to see a happy person who can clearly articulate why she's happy :)