JONTILLMAN.COM | Part of the problem since 1976

I have been accused recently of being too negative, of only focusing on what is wrong with the world, or society, or whatever. Perhaps so. Perhaps in all of my furor to get people to slow down and enjoy, I have forgotten to slow down myself. Here are thirteen reasons why I am happy right now; thirteen things that make me smile, that make it all worth it:

1. Jenn finishes work tomorrow: The school year will finally be over, and we will have the whole Summer to do with as we please.
2. The Carolina Hurricanes are winning 2-0: Perhaps if they win the Stanley Cup they will get some respect from the hockey press, who continue to talk about them as if it were a fluke that they have been to the Stanley Cup finals two times on three seasons.
3. We have an RV for Bonnaroo: The forecast is for rain, rain, and more rain - and I hate sleeping in mud.
4. We received an invitation that said “Wear your falling down clothes”: That should be a good party, no?
5. We have paid off our car loan: Now our only debts are a small student loan and a mortgage.
6. I have become comfortable at home: After almost a year I am getting over my macho “writing isn’t real work” and “only chicks do laundry” attitude and starting to enjoy where I am.
7. I am slowly approaching my ideal body weight: In less than a year I have gone from 230lb to 195lb (I am 6′1″).
8. Living near the ocean: Watching the waves roll in always reminds me that no matter what humans do, “this too shall pass”.
9. Doberman Pinschers: Our dog Ursa is proof that all the bad things you hear about Dobermans are a case of “there are no bad dogs, only bad owners”.
10. The Library: What’s better than a building full of books that I don’t have to take care of? Pooling resources with everybody in town through taxes to make it bigger.
11. eBay: Ruthless re-evaluation of my possessions plus the world’s largest garage sale equals making more money this year than I ever did employed. That should tell you just how much dumb stuff we owned…
12. Fresh Bread: There is absolutely no substitute for a loaf of homemade bread fresh out of the oven, none.
13. Modern Politics: Just imagine all of the trouble these morons could cause if they didn’t sit around all day taking bribes and arguing with each other.

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!