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You are here: Home / Open Threads / Open Thread

Open Thread

by John Cole|  March 9, 20137:48 pm| 109 Comments

This post is in: Open Threads

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happycat

Today was just a beautiful day here- 60 degrees and blue skies, so I took the girls on a lot of walks and then gave them both baths, since it had been a couple months and the dogs were starting to smell a little, well, doggie. So I gave them a bath with my favorite dog shampoo, this Natural Chemistry Natural Flea and Tick Shampoo that just makes the girls smell great.

Spent a half hour letting Zsa Zsa love all over me, and man is she an aggressive lover- there was heavy petting involved. Such a little sweetheart. She comes out a lot more now, and I figure in about 2-3 months she will be no longer spending most of her time in the spare bedroom.

While I was lying there with Zsa Zsa, I started thinking about the website and how I just don’t seem to post as much anymore. Part of it is we have so many people posting, so half the time I want to post on an issue I go to blog about it and someone else has already covered it, but that is just an easy excuse. As many of you know, I used to just refuse any contact with anyone from this blog, but for the last year I’ve been coming out of my shell. Posting pics of my fat self, going to the DNC, meetups in Austin, and as I was lying there petting on Zsa Zsa, I realized what had changed.

I think I may be happy. I’m serious. It’s so much easier to blog a lot when you are angry all the time, but right now I am at a point where I’m pretty happy, and I gotta admit, it freaks me the fuck out as much as it may confuse you. I’m not used to it. I can’t remember the last time I had an anxiety attack, and things just seem to be going well (and I fully understand I am cursing myself).

My family is doing well, I get to see my folks all the time and am talking to my siblings more than ever, work is good, the pets are good, we’re heading into spring and gardening and blue skies and green grass and flowers, I have a lot of friends I love, I have a lot of interests to keep me occupied, and I guess I am just going to have to come to grips with the fact that I am happy. The only thing missing is that Regina King still will not return my calls. Regardless, being happy and contented makes it harder to be cynical and angry about everything, even though there is so much to be angry and cynical about. I’m sure this won’t last, but there you have it.

Also too, the shoots for the daffodils are starting to come out.

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Reader Interactions

109Comments

  1. 1.

    Johnny Coelacanth

    March 9, 2013 at 7:51 pm

    Yeah, it’s hard to be an angry young man when you’re a content, middle-aged man. My writing has suffered terribly from growing up and finding some modicum of peace with myself.

  2. 2.

    aimai

    March 9, 2013 at 7:51 pm

    We love you, John. Seriously. We are happy you are happy. Your life sounds good. You should enjoy it.

  3. 3.

    Yutsano

    March 9, 2013 at 7:52 pm

    @aimai: This.

    PS: Proper authoritahs alerted.

  4. 4.

    La Caterina (Mrs. Johannes)

    March 9, 2013 at 7:53 pm

    Glad to hear it Cole. Thread needs moar Zsa Zsa.

  5. 5.

    jl

    March 9, 2013 at 7:54 pm

    Sounds good, Cole. Glad you are happy. Post some pet pix once in a while and it’s all good.

  6. 6.

    pacem appellant

    March 9, 2013 at 7:55 pm

    You’ve built a good community here. You should be happy. And when you’re not, there’s aprazolam.

  7. 7.

    asiangrrlMN

    March 9, 2013 at 7:57 pm

    TUNCHIEEEEEE! I musta really been a good grrl to have pics of Tunchie two days in a row! I’m glad you’re happy, John, even if it means less rants from you.

    @Yutsano: Thanks for the cat-signal, Yutsy!

  8. 8.

    Little Boots

    March 9, 2013 at 8:00 pm

    i’m glad you’re doing well.

  9. 9.

    gbear

    March 9, 2013 at 8:00 pm

    Don’t worry about the excessive happiness. Many of us out here are making up for you by living perfectly miserable lives.

  10. 10.

    Jim, Foolish Literalist

    March 9, 2013 at 8:01 pm

    Does Tunch (or the dogs) play with the new kitten at all? She is still a kitten, right?

  11. 11.

    Lavocat

    March 9, 2013 at 8:03 pm

    Someone’s been in Tunch’s catnip.

  12. 12.

    Yutsano

    March 9, 2013 at 8:04 pm

    @Lavocat: You make this sound like a bad thing…

  13. 13.

    Johannes

    March 9, 2013 at 8:07 pm

    I’m with the Missus, Cole, and glad for you.

    Just keep up the pet pix, ok?

  14. 14.

    lamh35

    March 9, 2013 at 8:07 pm

    Wait are u talking about the actress Regina King?

  15. 15.

    quannlace

    March 9, 2013 at 8:08 pm

    It’s obvious from this photo that Tunch isn’t fat. He just spreads out, like a puddle.
    **************
    Damn straight it was beautiful today! And what a relief from three grey, stormy days. Please God, let this be the last snow of the season. And could you give the Nor’Easter’s a rest for a bit? (And while you’re at it, could you somehow stop the Weather Channel from giving winter storms those stupid names?)

    Yeah, today you could believe Spring might finally be on the way.

  16. 16.

    Gin & Tonic

    March 9, 2013 at 8:08 pm

    I know that the FTFY sentiment is strong around here, but as Mo Rivera announces this is his last season, I think even the FTFY people can agree not only about his obvious numbers, but also that he was a class act from the old school.

  17. 17.

    Friend of Hermes

    March 9, 2013 at 8:12 pm

    Regina King doesn’t call me either, much as I admire her and long to hear her voice on my phone. But I try to be happy and it sounds as if you’re coping well and good. And who knows, tomorrow you might answer an unlisted call and it will be her!

  18. 18.

    Tara the Antisocial Social Worker

    March 9, 2013 at 8:12 pm

    Nice to see you happy, Cole.

    Maybe some enterprising pet-rescue organization can post before & after shots to show how letting a few mischievous animals into your life can lead to bliss.

  19. 19.

    Little Boots

    March 9, 2013 at 8:12 pm

    tunch is a sister of size, and beautiful.

  20. 20.

    Sandia Blanca

    March 9, 2013 at 8:12 pm

    John Cole, happiness couldn’t have happened to a more deserving guy!

  21. 21.

    Citizen Alan

    March 9, 2013 at 8:14 pm

    Jesus, Cole, NEVER talk about how happy you are and how well things are going! Have you ever seen a movie before?!? You’ll be lucky to make it to Sunday before the Columbian drug cartel you’ve been investigating pumps you full of lead!

  22. 22.

    Comradde PhysioProffe

    March 9, 2013 at 8:15 pm

    HAPPINESS KILLED TEH BLOGGE!!1!!11!!!

  23. 23.

    lamh35

    March 9, 2013 at 8:17 pm

    I think I know what u mean. I’m back home in Louisiana. One dau I realized that I’m doing exactly the same things that I did in DFW, work, Internet, reading, television not much going out. I was homesick, but mainly content.

    Then I moved back & now if I get an hankering for seeing my god kids or my sister or my mom or my granny or just don’t want to miss the next family party or gathering I’m now just a hop skip and a jump away.

    It really hit me when last weekend my god daughter Maddie let me hold her all weekend even when her mom was in the next room, cause thanks to me being over so much she now knows exactly who I am. Last weekend she was sitting in the bed and i was leaving out the house when my nephew said “Maddie kiss your nanny” and she leaned over and gave me a big old kiss. I smiled all the way back home to BR.

  24. 24.

    Shinobi

    March 9, 2013 at 8:18 pm

    I was talking to a friend the other day about how things in the last year hadn’t been going particularly well for him or his family. They’d had medical problems, deaths in the family, lots of things. But despite all that he was happy, because he was happy with the choices that he had made and the people in his life.

    So I don’t think you’re asking for trouble. Shit happens in life, but even when everything is dark and things are hard and people we love are gone we can still find happiness with the people who are here and the things and pets that we love.

    And even when you’re fundamentally happy with your life you can still want to rant about the dumb shit someone said on TV. So I’m sure you’ll have something to say sometime soon.

  25. 25.

    ? Martin

    March 9, 2013 at 8:19 pm

    Calling ABL…

  26. 26.

    srv

    March 9, 2013 at 8:21 pm

    Yeah, yeah, all that contentment and lurvy-durvy. All great stuff.

    So time to be more than just a blogger or blogmaster – time to write that book.

  27. 27.

    TaMara (BHF)

    March 9, 2013 at 8:21 pm

    I want to laugh, but I’m so thrilled. I’d rather you be happy than blog. Honestly. Now I’m going to go back and read all the snark everyone has in store for you.

    And I await the next post where you tells us all we are fuckers and assholes.

    And obligatory beautiful Tuuunccch!

  28. 28.

    Little Boots

    March 9, 2013 at 8:23 pm

    @? Martin:

    not to add to the problem … but every gun nut should be shot in the head.

    (okay, that’s probably adding to the problem.)

  29. 29.

    Mary Brown

    March 9, 2013 at 8:24 pm

    I’m happy that you’re happy. Really. Write anyway.

  30. 30.

    ? Martin

    March 9, 2013 at 8:24 pm

    @Little Boots: That’s adding to the problem. But I can appreciate the sentiment.

  31. 31.

    JGabriel

    March 9, 2013 at 8:28 pm

    John Cole @ Top:

    It’s so much easier to blog a lot when you are angry all the time …

    I’m not sure that’s entirely true. I mean, if it were true, I think I’d be a lot more prolific.

  32. 32.

    Keith G

    March 9, 2013 at 8:29 pm

    Right on. Eventually most sane folk reach an age where they realize that life is just too damn short for anger, outrage or snark to be one’s regular reaction to things. Plus there is always joy to found if you are will to look for that instead of turmoil.

    For example, yesterday I purposely broke with routine and stopped into a cute little sports pub near me that I had never visited. I discovered with great delight that with $4 I could get a Lonestar and a basket of really good onion rings. Next weekend I plan to go back with a few friends and a lot more money.

    Look for the good.

    and edit the bad

  33. 33.

    JWL

    March 9, 2013 at 8:30 pm

    That’s great. Still, after years of reading your hard luck posts, you’ll surely understand why some may still assume there’s a severed digit, or grease fire, or lightening strike about to befall you in your near future.

    In the meantime, of course, enjoy.

    (Just kidding. A lot of people start to relax after a certain age, and welcome to the club).

  34. 34.

    Marcelo

    March 9, 2013 at 8:31 pm

    The important thing about being happy is to remember that you deserve the happiness. That’s hard to realize sometimes. Nonetheless, you’ve done well, and this is the reward. Enjoy!

    Funny enough, I notice this in punk rock albums, specifically my favorite punk band Bad Religion. When GOP is in office and everything is going to shit their albums are amazing. The ones during the Clinton and Obama years? Kinda awful.

  35. 35.

    Yutsano

    March 9, 2013 at 8:33 pm

    @Keith G:

    I discovered with great delight that with $4 I could get a Lonestar and a basket of really good onion wings.

    This is either intriguing or AutoCorrect strikes again. :)

  36. 36.

    JPL

    March 9, 2013 at 8:34 pm

    Sweet!

  37. 37.

    Hill Dweller

    March 9, 2013 at 8:35 pm

    @? Martin: If you have twitter access, check out the wingnut meltdown over Obama being named to SI’s 50 most powerful people in sports list.

  38. 38.

    Little Boots

    March 9, 2013 at 8:35 pm

    and john, I think I’ve said it before, you’re a great guy. You went through a big change, in public, with grace and with courage. If anyone deserves to be happy …

  39. 39.

    Little Boots

    March 9, 2013 at 8:43 pm

    @Keith G:

    snark keeps us young, though. but not anger.

  40. 40.

    Keith G

    March 9, 2013 at 8:46 pm

    @Yutsano: Might have been “yammering on” too fast and out paced voice recognition. I caught it just after you did and changed it.

    Texas A&M down here have been doing great things with hybrid onions, but I don’t think they have added wings…yet

  41. 41.

    different-church-lady

    March 9, 2013 at 8:48 pm

    Well, I suppose Balloon Juice was a good thing while it lasted…

  42. 42.

    Keith G

    March 9, 2013 at 8:48 pm

    @Little Boots: All things, with moderation.

  43. 43.

    Heywood J.

    March 9, 2013 at 8:49 pm

    Being happy is always better, even when the anger keeps us warm and makes us write more forcefully.

    In eight years of blogging, I don’t think I’ve ever shared any cat photos, and I have no idea why, so here goes….

  44. 44.

    The Fat Kate Middleton

    March 9, 2013 at 8:49 pm

    They’d had medical problems, deaths in the family, lots of things. But despite all that he was happy, because he was happy with the choices that he had made and the people in his life.

    This is my life, exactly. And yet … there is this:

    http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151561163401424&set=a.345225476423.191253.681596423&type=1&theater

  45. 45.

    Little Boots

    March 9, 2013 at 8:50 pm

    @different-church-lady:

    if you say so.

    (moderate snark)

  46. 46.

    Ultraviolet Thunder

    March 9, 2013 at 8:51 pm

    Happiness? I’m very glad for you, John. You deserve contentment in your life.
    Consider a couple of possible contributing factors:
    1) A pretty nasty winter is ending and there’s some sunshine now. That helps everyone’s mood, and some of us respond to it a great deal more than others.
    2) The election is over, our guy won and political problems have abated from apocalyptic to merely horrible. That’s a lot of daily stress out of the lives of many Dems.

  47. 47.

    The Fat Kate Middleton

    March 9, 2013 at 8:53 pm

    @Heywood J.: Posted on your blog … they are such sweeties.

  48. 48.

    Short Bus Bully

    March 9, 2013 at 8:53 pm

    Love this post, love this blog. Been coming here for years and this place makes ME happy.

    I know that we all like to shit on TED talks (and they deserve it) but this is one that blew my fucking mind. Made me tear up and re-evaluate my life, all in about 15 minutes.

    http://www.ted.com/talks/amanda_palmer_the_art_of_asking.html

    Oh, and Amanda Fucking Palmer is my new muse. GODDESS.

  49. 49.

    Linda

    March 9, 2013 at 8:57 pm

    I’m lucky that my blog has nada to do with politics, hence has nothing to do with being angry or not. I know some nonpolitical, but issues-oriented bloggers, have given up because the anger chewed them up so much. I don’t think I could do blogging if it was fueled by anger–I’m not Pollyanna, but I prefer to be happy.

  50. 50.

    The Fat Kate Middleton

    March 9, 2013 at 8:57 pm

    @Short Bus Bully: She is wonderful, isn’t she? And I LURV her music.

  51. 51.

    Heliopause

    March 9, 2013 at 8:59 pm

    I think I may be happy. I’m serious. It’s so much easier to blog a lot when you are angry all the time

    Life is meaningless. Everybody you love will grow old and die. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Rape of Nanking. Dick Cheney.

    Ready for some blogging now?

  52. 52.

    Keith G

    March 9, 2013 at 9:00 pm

    Another happy causing thing:

    I just finished a strangely enjoyable audio book. The title is: Iscariot: A Novel of Judas by Tosca Lee. I really like historical fiction and this book about a one of the most familiar stories in human society kept me engrossed.

    I especially appreciated the insight into first century Jewish culture and politics. I highly recommend.

  53. 53.

    Heywood J.

    March 9, 2013 at 9:02 pm

    @The Fat Kate Middleton: Thanks. The 18-year-olds are pretty demanding (as teenagers/oldsters tend to be), but the huge kitten keeps them in line.

  54. 54.

    South of I10

    March 9, 2013 at 9:04 pm

    Good for you, John. I’m glad you are happy. Spring is almost here and I am sipping on a delicious margarita, so here’s to you.

  55. 55.

    Little Boots

    March 9, 2013 at 9:04 pm

    that sounds great, keith.

    I am more and more intrigued by that whole era.

    (which given the nym, makes sense, I guess.)

  56. 56.

    Linda

    March 9, 2013 at 9:06 pm

    And John? Just groove on the happiness. A Michigan politician, L. Brooks Patterson, said once that he missed a lot of time with his family on stuff that he thought was important, and turned out to not be that much. The same, I think, with anger.

  57. 57.

    ? Martin

    March 9, 2013 at 9:06 pm

    @Hill Dweller: Lemme guess – Obama’s bowling is evidence that he lacks any standing.

  58. 58.

    Maude

    March 9, 2013 at 9:10 pm

    John, you are posting more on the blog now than before. You were in a negative phase. Now, your posts are great to read.
    Just as long as you don’t abandon us. I have abandonment fear and I would have to go on and on about it in comments.
    I’d bring up the site re build, but that’s not polite.
    You might be able to see the comet down there.

  59. 59.

    Ted & Hellen

    March 9, 2013 at 9:10 pm

    Clearly an upward swing to the manic side of things.

    I await the depressive backlash post with great anticipation.

  60. 60.

    Cacti

    March 9, 2013 at 9:11 pm

    Has anyone been killed by a killer dronez! at Starbucks this week?

  61. 61.

    BGinCHI

    March 9, 2013 at 9:15 pm

    John Cole, what have you done with John Cole?

    Seriously, glad you’re growing into yourself. And no, not a fat guy joke.

  62. 62.

    Patricia Kayden

    March 9, 2013 at 9:15 pm

    This Regina King? Or is this some inside joke?

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Regina_King

    Anyways, good to know that John is happy. Hope it lasts. Cute Tunch pics, by the way.

  63. 63.

    Keith G

    March 9, 2013 at 9:19 pm

    @Cacti: I just about got run down by a skate boarder. Does that count?

    Anyway read Ten Things You Didn’t Know About Drones for a good primer on the topic of flying robotic thingies.

  64. 64.

    IowaOldLady

    March 9, 2013 at 9:20 pm

    Happiness sneaks up on us sometimes.

  65. 65.

    Little Boots

    March 9, 2013 at 9:26 pm

    @IowaOldLady:

    sometimes.

    the bitch has been slipping past me for 40 years.

  66. 66.

    Mandalay

    March 9, 2013 at 9:29 pm

    @Short Bus Bully:

    I know that we all like to shit on TED talks (and they deserve it) but this is one that blew my fucking mind.

    Mine too. I have never heard of her but she is a fantastic speaker. Thanks for that link.

    And sadly, here is a really nasty hatchet job on her, and her business model.

  67. 67.

    Jim, Foolish Literalist

    March 9, 2013 at 9:31 pm

    @Ultraviolet Thunder: 1) A pretty nasty winter is ending and there’s some sunshine now. That helps everyone’s mood

    There are a few of us who like winter. And this time change in particular puts me off my game. This is perhaps my least favorite day of the year.

  68. 68.

    Wag

    March 9, 2013 at 9:39 pm

    Nice to hear. Keep it up!

  69. 69.

    mclaren

    March 9, 2013 at 9:40 pm

    Guy builds solar powered death ray in his backyard. (Okay, so it’s just a big Fresnel lens, but, still!)

  70. 70.

    Lou From Here

    March 9, 2013 at 9:40 pm

    Wow, John thanks. I had not read your post from a year ago. I am a crisis worker in a hospital emergency room. Too many years seeing people who are suicidal or tried to kill themselves. Then the problems in my own families. And my own when much younger and the after effects that last to today. So, be happy. Try to enjoy and savor your happiness. I did not read you as a conservative and can barely imagine the change and what it is like. You give so much to so many, in ways you cannot even imagine. Some off-handed thing you write could have provided the way out of a pit of despair for someone. Keep on being you I do miss all the posting you did.But that is my loss, not yours. You are a good person; a MENSCH. Enjoy yourself.

  71. 71.

    Little Boots

    March 9, 2013 at 9:51 pm

    i love anyone who uses the term mensch, and means it. and john does seem like a mensch.

    I’ve pissed him off on this site, I know, but I’ve never disliked him.

  72. 72.

    lamh35

    March 9, 2013 at 9:53 pm

    @Patricia Kayden: most instetesting thing I just learned bout Regina King, she’s actually dating Malcolm Jamal Warner. Theo from The Cosby Show and Brenda from 227. I’m in Black sitcom fan heaven…LOL

  73. 73.

    SiubhanDuinne

    March 9, 2013 at 9:53 pm

    @Shinobi:

    You’ve put your finger on the fundamental difference between (most) liberals/Democrats and (most) conservatives/Republicans.

    I think, in general, we (libs/Dems) are much more likely to notice and embrace the good things that happen in life, even if Things seem to be generally shitty. And even if the good stuff is currently happening to someone else. I believe the concept of empathy includes the ability to be truly happy for others when good stuff comes into their lives, as well as feeling their pain when they are wanting or grieving.

    I also think, in general, cons/Reps are much more likely to notice the shit stuff that happens OR COULD HAPPEN in life, even if their own lives are secure and privileged. Fear and resentment keeps them from fully enjoying what they have and they will go to inordinate lengths to keep anyone else either from taking pleasure in their own lives or from having the opportunity to make their lives better.

    (I hope this makes sense. +2)

  74. 74.

    rikyrah

    March 9, 2013 at 9:57 pm

    this post made me smile.

    enjoy it…everyone should have times in their lives like the one you’re describing

  75. 75.

    Little Boots

    March 9, 2013 at 9:58 pm

    honestly, I don’t think we Dem/libs are happier. we’re much more likely to get pissed at the world and its incredible inequalities and general cruelty. I think conservatives and republicans actually are better at accepting that.

    I actually like that about the left. we don’t accept.

  76. 76.

    mai naem

    March 9, 2013 at 9:58 pm

    @Cacti: Those drones are not aimed at latte sipping liberals at Starbucks. They’re aimed at Jimmy John’s Subs because the founder of Jimmy Johns is a supporter of Mittens.

  77. 77.

    mai naem

    March 9, 2013 at 10:07 pm

    @lamh35: I think Regina Taylor and Regina King look like they’re related. Regina Taylor was the one who played the maid in “I’ll Fly Away” one of the best TV series evah.

  78. 78.

    1badbaba3

    March 9, 2013 at 10:13 pm

    What’s not to be happy about? You with the man-size cat. Enjoy your menagerie. And your pets, also too.

  79. 79.

    Short Bus Bully

    March 9, 2013 at 10:15 pm

    @Mandalay:
    Haters gonna hate.

    Fuck ’em.

  80. 80.

    Darkrose

    March 9, 2013 at 10:17 pm

    It’s a nice spiral, because reading about you being happy makes me smile.

    And seriously, how can you not be happy with your pet harem!

    Er…that came out wrong. You know what I meant.

  81. 81.

    sparky

    March 9, 2013 at 10:19 pm

    Cole, happiness is great. Glad you’re feeling it. As to Regina King not calling you . . . be thankful you haven’t heard from Denise Milani.

  82. 82.

    eemom

    March 9, 2013 at 10:22 pm

    All unhappy bloggers are alike; each happy blogger is happy in his own way.

  83. 83.

    schrodinger's cat

    March 9, 2013 at 10:24 pm

    Now for your moment of Zen, Japanese Tunch.

  84. 84.

    Yutsano

    March 9, 2013 at 10:34 pm

    @schrodinger’s cat: NEKO!!

  85. 85.

    The Other Chuck

    March 9, 2013 at 10:43 pm

    When you spin the top, John, does it ever stop spinning?

  86. 86.

    Little Boots

    March 9, 2013 at 10:45 pm

    @mai naem:

    there are supporters of mittens? really?

  87. 87.

    schrodinger's cat

    March 9, 2013 at 10:49 pm

    @Yutsano: I don’t think I have ever seen him with his eyes open. He is the Buddha kitteh.

  88. 88.

    hoosierspud

    March 9, 2013 at 11:22 pm

    It’s a wonderful place to be when you love your life.

    Treasure those moments!

  89. 89.

    Forum Transmitted Disease

    March 9, 2013 at 11:26 pm

    My blog’s been mothballed for almost four years now; I’m starting to think of just letting it go. Like you, John, I’m not pissed anymore. It’s not for lack of injustices, but an acceptance that no matter what I write about, they will resolve themselves in their own time and own way no matter what I say, think, or do.

    I’m glad for that, and I’m glad for you. May good fortune continue to shine on your house.

  90. 90.

    CaseyL

    March 9, 2013 at 11:29 pm

    I learned a long time ago that happiness is a state of mind and you never know when you’ll feel it, because we don’t do a whole lot of “living in the moment.” I’ve been under a lot of stress the last few years, and definitely make a point of noticing and cherishing moments of joy when they happen.

    Funny thing about “happiness.” Its root word is “hap,” an Old Norse word meaning “chance, luck, fortune.” We get the words happy and hapless from that original word. Happiness is a gift of fortune, something you can’t force or predict; something you luck into, chance upon.

    I’m so very glad you chanced upon happiness, John. Long may it last!

  91. 91.

    Little Boots

    March 9, 2013 at 11:31 pm

    I dunno. if john doesn’t want to be angry, great. but I hope nobody is deciding that shit just happens, so no biggie. that would truly suck.

  92. 92.

    Just Some Fuckhead

    March 9, 2013 at 11:34 pm

    See what happens when ya get a little pussy, John?

  93. 93.

    Genine

    March 9, 2013 at 11:56 pm

    I’m so glad you’re happy, John. It’s about time and it couldn’t have happened to a better man. You’ve got a lot of good in your life and it’s great you’re recognizing it.

    Yay!

  94. 94.

    Violet

    March 10, 2013 at 12:05 am

    Happy for you, John. Enjoy yourself. Happy is good.

  95. 95.

    kc

    March 10, 2013 at 12:59 am

    I’m happy that you’re happy,

  96. 96.

    Redshirt

    March 10, 2013 at 1:47 am

    @Just Some Fuckhead: Is that what this is all about?! LOL.

  97. 97.

    Evelyn

    March 10, 2013 at 5:10 am

    This was a nice thread to read. As a youngin, I am so damn angry all the time, and feel like everyone around me is as well. It is exhausting sometimes. Very happy to know you’re happy and glad that Austin helped in some way!

  98. 98.

    Debbie(aussie)

    March 10, 2013 at 5:45 am

    @SiubhanDuinne:
    Beautifully said :) thank you

    So happy for you John, long may it continue.

    Going through a tough patch myself. But I have climbed out before and will again.

  99. 99.

    lojasmo

    March 10, 2013 at 7:52 am

    Fucking awesome, John!

  100. 100.

    Hillary Rettig

    March 10, 2013 at 8:36 am

    another moving post.

    you’ve created something wonderful and made a contribution, John, and deserve to be happy.

  101. 101.

    RedKitten

    March 10, 2013 at 8:38 am

    You’re a good person, John. You deserve to be happy, and it delights me that you are.

    /hugs

  102. 102.

    Hillary Rettig

    March 10, 2013 at 8:41 am

    ps is it too simplistic to characterize your journey as “unhappy conservative finds liberalism, then community*, then happiness?”

    *including animals, of course!

  103. 103.

    bemused

    March 10, 2013 at 9:50 am

    What is it about so many Americans that we are suspicious of being “too” happy? A holdover from Puritanism? We don’t seem to think we deserve it when a wave of joy drops in as if we haven’t “earned” it. It is probably also tied in with why we don’t take enough vacations/time off work to decompress even when it doesn’t affect our finances. We have forgotten how to do vital happiness maintenance.

  104. 104.

    Mitch

    March 10, 2013 at 10:33 am

    That’s great, John, it sounds to me like you’ve learned to be content. A valuable and underrated skill in the most prosperous nation on Earth.

  105. 105.

    Mitch

    March 10, 2013 at 10:33 am

    That’s great, John, it sounds to me like you’ve learned to be content. A valuable and underrated skill in the most prosperous nation on Earth.

  106. 106.

    Jebediah

    March 10, 2013 at 11:19 am

    @eemom:
    Nicely flipped!

  107. 107.

    Cain

    March 10, 2013 at 2:19 pm

    Good for you, all you need now is a sex life and you’re good! Get some grandkids for your parents. :-)

  108. 108.

    gluon1

    March 10, 2013 at 7:08 pm

    Is it too late to add another note saying nothing beyond offering you/Cole my congratulations on your/his well-deserved happiness? I’m going with, No, since @aimai said it in the second comment.

  109. 109.

    Patricia Kayden

    March 10, 2013 at 9:00 pm

    @lamh35: How cute! They make a nice couple.

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