Simple Pleasures... Wednesday September 9, 2009

So about a month ago while I was working, I remembered an old technique that was taught in my psychology class back in high school. The technique consisted of making a list of little things in life that make you feel good, things that most people look at as mundane or trivial. The point of the list was to carry it with you and every time something happens in your life that is on the list, you take a second and really breathe the moment in, thus not taking the simple pleasures in life for granted, ultimately leading to a happier lifestyle.

I started writing this list at work with Lori as my partner in crime, a glorified "muse," if you will. Sadly, I forgot the list on the counter when I left that afternoon and, of course, it was thrown away. I've been meaning to start a new one pretty much everyday for the last month, but never got around to doing it... the story of my fuckin' life. So here it is. My list of "simple pleasures." I recommend that everyone try this out sometime. If nothing else, you might have a good laugh or two while writing it.

Keep in mind that this is MY personal list. If you don't agree with something on it, well, I was never making a list of things I thought other people would like, so go fuck yourself...


1. Waking up before the alarm and realizing I still have 2 or more hours to sleep.

2. The perfect outside breeze. The one that allows me to open up my windows at night and have what could quite possibly be the greatest sleep ever.

3. My first cup of fresh brewed coffee in the morning.

4. Walking into work expecting to work with someone I downright loathe, only to find out I am working with someone who's company I particularly enjoy.

5. Hearing the first few notes of what sounds like Vanilla Ice's "Ice Ice Baby," but then realizing it's actually "Under Pressure" by David Bowie and Queen. Fuck Vanilla Ice.

6. The Perfect Buzz. Some should know what I mean...

7. Getting into my car and having a full tank of gas.

8. The feeling right before you fall asleep, where your eyes get insanely heavy and you know there's no turning back.

9. The first sip of a GOOD beer after spending months drinking nothing but domestic shit.

10. Partying late and stopping to think about how I don't have to work the next day.

11. Bruce Willis's screen presence... even when it's a movie that sucks...

12. Listening to an album that is phenomenal from start to finish. The ones where you DO NOT skip a single track.

13. When I'm finished paying my bills and realize that I have enough money left over to treat myself to something.

14. Doing laundry and finding money in a pair of pants that I wore weeks prior.

15. Falling asleep with the T.V. on, like I always do, and waking up to one of my favorite movies/shows.

16. Eating so much that my only option after is to sleep.

17. Coming home to an empty house after a long and tedious day at work.

18. Laughing until my side hurts. Unpleasant after-effect, but it's worth it.

19. The overall feeling of accomplishment... particularly after sticking it to the "man."

20. Thunderstorms... especially in the morning when I first wake up.

21. Going to bed knowing that the next day is going to kick ass, for whatever reason.

22. Waking up in the morning with the thought of, "wow... last night was one for the books..."

23. Waking up in time to catch McDonald's breakfast.

24. Nursing a hangover with all of the people who helped create it.

25. Watching a movie/show, even if it's awful, and walking away after feeling insanely entertained.


That's all for now. I hope this list of random bullshit inspires someone to take advantage of the random bullshit in their life that makes them exceptionally giddy. And if you can't think of anything, then you're either not thinking hard enough or you are truly the quintessential miserable bastard. Have a good day.