Foster happiness: What pleases you?

When involved in things that please, one gains self confidence, reinforced sense of self/belonging, personal perspective and, with those, a desire to help others. I believe these combined equal happiness - or at the very least, contentment.

I love wish lists. ;)

Nope.
There are no women in Alaska.

:)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sCb2BlvThYU

:)

I grew up way to fast, I think. I cannot think of one thing that I was told that didnt incite a curiosity large enough to discover the truth.

There was no Tooth Fairy, Santa, submattress-dwellers, closet lurkers (at least until my sisters were teenagers), Easter Bunny, festering cuts due to licking, 30 seconds of germ-free time, omnipotent/omnipresent people (including parents), magical means to get out of chores, possibility of unnatural hair growth, stuck faces, crossed eyes or sudden blindness, windfalls due to wishes, Faeries, Dragons, or Knights in Shining Armor.

As the second oldest of nine, I had a ton of responsibilities while I was home. That, although not the death of my imagination, may have been the reason for my literal view of the world.

I hope.
But so far, hope has not encouraged reality. :)

Using the word "promise" implies that you believe a person should/would follow through with their word. You must realize this value is next to impossible to find in anyone today.
We're all guilty. "Be there in ten ...", "I'm sure doing this wont matter to anyone", "Once we pay ________ (fill in the blank), then you can get ______", "Just one more task and I'll be finished", "We'll do it tomorrow". "You do it this time, next is my turn", etc etc etc.

Sure, life gets in the way, but do we really consider the impact making these small assurances, and the possibility of not being able to complete them, has on those we're speaking to? Is it true that this type of dishonesty has become every-day, mundane, and expected in our lives?

I say, it pays to be more careful.
That is, if you wish the person you're making promises to to continue to have trust, respect, and confidence in you.

<shrug>
It's a symptom of the Human Condition. Modern man has lost the meaning of integrity.

<steps down off soap box>
*sigh*

When you love, 'you' is lost. There is no one but the object of your love. Where people went wrong was being willing (and expecting) to give up themselves for the sake of love.
That's not possible.

When you are secure in who you are (regardless of the desire to continue to improve yourself as you mature - a constant process), you can more effectively convince another that you are sincere in loving. Society today does not trust the word because the English language is too restrictive - using the same word for multiple definitions.

Read Erich Fromm: The Art of Loving
It will help.

... the blessing of life

She's a *****, and she hates me, but I refuse to let her have the upper hand!!

Bad luck is my constant companion, but I"m getting used to his constant kvetching.

c'mere
Ah'll larn ya' a thang'er two!

I knows you're the Devil's Advocate, sweets. :)

Never forget:
Hot fires burn fast.

Savor rather than devour - despite her willingness to provide you things you're ravenous for.
Appreciate the small things - details you may have never before noticed in anyone else.
Learn to give without expectation - this one thing can be very hard to accomplish in our hedonistic world.

Best of luck Nyk!

I agree.
Many times, friends who can be intimate with you make the best lovers.

Right there, is the complication.

Wait...
Isnt that the way it's supposed to be, anyway??

Help Me Remember - Rascal Flatts

Grand Marnier cake from the Cafe Europa.

Delectable!

When, in the midst of trying to remember the 'good times', I get caught up and forget that TODAY is good.

Living in the past ... ?
How can you build on today if the foundation you're trying to use isnt there anymore?

Start with TODAY.
Because -
1. It's the only time you have any control of, and
2. It really is the first day of the rest of your life

Make it something to remember.

Anything that doesnt precede her - or stifle a room.

An open, honest countenance.
A sympathetic, forgiving soul.
A playful, adventurous spirit.

All wrapped, undeniably, with unquenchable love.

Honor, integrity, and a sense of responsibility toward our country and it's future, are qualities nigh lost in society today ...

Can the United States of America recover?

Only if those who truly have these qualities can break through the corruption and A$$kissing - pave the way for action, compassion, sincerity, and strength of character - in our government. Verily, in our homes.

Our hedonistic society is running headlong into disaster ...

Symbelmyne -
You had the courage to take the chance.

Dont give up!!

Thank you for your story, Sandy. Hearing about online success from time to time helps retain your faith in the whole she-bang.

Congratulations - a million times over!!