FRIDAY STIR FRY - Happy?

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What does it take to make you happy?

                                                       I think it's different for everyone. 

For me?

1. Time off. Being away from my day job makes me happy.

2. Writing and editing. Being creative and using parts of my brain that get neglected during the week. 

3.  Spending time with my writer groups. They really get my inspiration going. 

4. Spending time with my son. He lives far away now, so it doesn't occur very often. When I get to hug him, it's the best. 

5. The Cardinals in first place in September.

6. Fried chicken, mashed potatoes with cream gravy and green beans. 

That's my short list. Let me know one or two of your happy places. 

To Nap or Not To Nap

That is the question. I took a nap today. I don't know why. It's not like I've had a hectic or tiring weekend. I haven't done much of anything. But, for some reason, my body and mind decided I might need a nap.
I don't like taking naps. They are for babies and old people. And I'm neither. Quit snickering. I'm not that old. And, I don't often feel better after a nap. I often feel a little bit worse. Groggy and listless. I  find myself wanting that time back. But, alas, it is gone.
I think men are much better nap takers than women. I used to know a guy that believed naps were just about the best thing going. I don't think many women feel that way. Especially when their man is lying on the couch, snoring. Be honest, you look at him and scream in your mind. "Get up you lazy fool. There's a million things to be done around here."
I'm going to justify this nap with the fact that the Cardinals play tonight and maybe by taking that nap I can stay up late enough to see the end. Us old people go to bed pretty early, you know.
I've inserted a poll on the side of this post. If you don't mind, take a few seconds and answer it. I'm curious if I'm alone in my disdain for naps. Thanks!

SQUIRREL!!!

Okay, I can hear the groans from here. Another post about sports. I apologize to my non sports peeps, but the Busch Stadium Squirrel has captured my imagination. For those of you who don't know what I'm talking about, here is a short synopsis. There is a squirrel running around Busch Stadium. And I do mean running around. During last Tuesday night's game, he ran around the outfield and under the wall pads before disappearing. During Wednesday night's game, he ran right across home plate as the Phillie's pitcher was delivering the ball. And he wanted interference called. Hehe.
So what's the big deal? It's just a squirrel right? Missouri has lots of those pesky critters, even a few white ones near Marionville. They're just something to eat for some folks in these neck of the woods. Before you groan and roll your eyes at me, I have to tell you, I've had some pretty good squirrel and dumplin's. But I digress, this isn't a culinary post.
This squirrel has become a mascot of sorts. He even has his own twitter account @BuschSquirrel. He's become the rally cry for an unbelievable season.
And he is different. You know how most squirrels seem as though they can't decide which way to go? They stop in the middle of the road, turn around, go a few feet, then turn around again. Before we squish them with our cars. Wednesday night, this one ran a straight line. And fast, too. (Sign him up Tony. The Cards could use a fast runner) It was like he was on a mission. He knew what he wanted and the quickest way to get it was a straight line right into the stands where he scared the pants off some people.

And here comes my metaphor for the day. We need to pursue what we want just like that squirrel. Don't hesitate, don't turn around. Head straight to it as quickly as we can. Because there's a chance, before we know it, we could be caught by the exterminator (self doubt and criticism) and forced back into our cage.