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Last night there were no less than five football games on my cable package, including a multitude of college games that counted. The gloriousness of having the greatest sport on the planet, back in its full glory....well, I have to admit I was a bit giddy. OK, sure it was dampened by the fact that the Redskins haven't crossed the goal line the past two games and the Titans first-team offense hasn't been in the end zone all this pre-season, but you know, it was football being played with a vast selection of games. It's all just a warm-up for the BIG game Monday night as the Vols travel to the West Coast to take on UCLA. GO BIG ORANGE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Labels: August happiness challenge
posted by Michael Hickerson at 8/29/2008 12:51:00 PM |
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Most Friday mornings after I'm done with my job responsibilities, I'm able to make it to the Y in time for a spin class. As some of you know, I enjoy spinning and swimming as my two main forms of exercise in my never-ending quest to train for desert.
Most Fridays, there is an older couple of comes to the Y at the same time. He comes to class and she's in a wheelchair, that he places so she can see him and vice versa, as well as look out on the rest of the Y. After the spin class is over, he will go out and you'll see the two of them slowly walking around the track, talking to each other and getting their exercise.
This scene plays out on a weekly basis and every time I see it, it seems to me to be a great example of a romantic relationship. I don't know their story so I may be assuming a lot of details here, but I love seeing the two of them have this time together. In a short span of time, I see a couple that is content to be together, but also has their own separate interest and pursuits that each is willing to allow the other to pursue. But, in the end, they always come back together and are a team. I've seen them walking the track and getting into and out of the car and it always just hits me, thinking how sweet it is.
Now, I don't know anything really about them. For all I know, they could go home and fight like cats and dogs. But seeing them together, I somehow doubt it.
It's this kind of example that reminds me of what it is I'm seeking in this life in terms of a romantic relationship and a partner. And then, I'll get to thinking of how blessed I am to have so many examples of good, solid relationships in my life--from this couple to family to close friends. It also reminds me that things are never perfect, but when you have the right connection with the right person, it's close enough to perfection that all the other stuff really doesn't matter in the long run.
And that just makes me happy....Labels: August happiness challenge
posted by Michael Hickerson at 8/26/2008 04:39:00 PM |
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This just made me laugh out loud on the way into work this morning....
Seems the Vanderbilt athletics department made up a catalog full of Vandy stuff for their fans to buy and wear with pride. Sent this out to all the season ticket holders, only for the season ticket holders to discover that the guys holding up football helmets in one of the cover picture are...wait for it...Georgia Tech players.
Of course, I immediately thought of a plethora of snarky anti-Vanderbilt comments such as "Wow, even their players are ashamed to wear this stuff" but I thought I'd keep them to myself...Labels: August happiness challenge
posted by Michael Hickerson at 8/20/2008 02:29:00 PM |
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Tish's post about meeting a service dog a couple of days ago, reminded me of an amsuing story from my days in college.
I can't recall the name of the class I was taking, but it was taught by two professors. One of the two was legally blind and had a service dog who helped him around. On the first day of class, he got up and told us this and then went over the commonly asked questions about the dog.
First of all, we weren't allowed to pet the dog or give her any treats. She'd had a lot of training to convince her that she enjoyed working and helping him out, but he knew it wouldn't take much to convince her that there was a whole other lifestyle out there other than leading him around. He also went on to tell us that we could call her "Fang" which wasn't her real name. He wouldn't reveal her real name to us because, as he put it, "what if I'm out crossing Cumberland Avenue (the world-famous Strip for those of you not familiar with UT) and you call out 'Hey Fang!' as you drive by me. And Fang stops to look up and around for you and there I am stuck in traffic in the middle of the Cumberland Avenue and my whole life flashing before my eyes. And since I'm blind, there wouldn't really be much to see!"
Anyway, Tish's entry reminded me of that and it brought a good memory to mind and a smile to my face...Labels: August happiness challenge
posted by Michael Hickerson at 8/19/2008 03:56:00 PM |
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Things that have made me happy during the last couple of weeks... - Visiting my old church in Knoxville and seeing old friends. Sharing lunch with my best friends and catching up on each other's lives.
- Handbell practice has started again. I don't have confidence in my singing, so having this way to make a joyful noise and offer praise and worship that way is always wonderful. I enjoyed the few months off to rest and recharge, but I'm excited to be starting back again.
- Books coming in on reserve at the library. I know, it's kind of silly, but I love to read and there's just something cool about that book you've been anticipating coming in and going over to pick it up. Yes, I'm a book geek. I know it.
- The chance to see a part of history at Michael Phelps chalks up all kinds of Olympic records. It was exciting enough to pull me away from the Titans' pre-season game Friday evening. And if you couldn't get excited about how that race ended Friday night, you don't have a pulse...
- A few weeks ago, I ran into some old friends from Knoxville at the church I attend now. Justin and I were part of the Tuesday morning men's prayer group and he, his wife and I participated in First Place (a Christian diet resource) group together. I'd lost track of them and standing in the fellowship hall one morning, I saw a guy who looked just like Justin. Thankfully, he had on his nametag and it was him. It was a delight to see him and Leigh Ann again and even more a delight to hear about how their family had grown. At the time, they were expecting their second child. Yesterday, walking in, I saw Justin, beaming with fatherly pride at the opportunity for me to meet his new daughter. Getting to meet the new family addition and to see the proud and happy parents was just one of those moments you can't and wouldn't trade for anything...
Labels: August happiness challenge
posted by Michael Hickerson at 8/18/2008 02:24:00 PM |
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Many of you were probably wondering how long it would take for me to post about how happy being Uncle Michael to these two wonderful kids is. And since I am blessed with a niece and a nephew, I figured I'd let being Uncle Michael count as two days instead of just one....Labels: August happiness challenge
posted by Michael Hickerson at 8/15/2008 10:21:00 AM |
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 At my recent family reunion, we had a group (well, those who were there) photo made. Looking at the picture now you can't tell we were hot, hungry and getting restless, imploring the photographer to "please take the picture so we can get out of the heat, already!"
My great-aunt and great-uncle who celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary are in the center.
I'm just so proud and happy to be part of this great family.
Labels: August happiness challenge
posted by Michael Hickerson at 8/13/2008 01:11:00 PM |
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Sometimes it's the little things in life that make me happy. Such as fresh, homemade chocolate chip cookies.
I got to have some tonight and man they were good.
Right after I had a BLT with fresh tomatoes.
That is my idea of great summer cuisine....Labels: August happiness challenge
posted by Michael Hickerson at 8/12/2008 08:28:00 PM |
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Before we had the Internet, how did we ever go, "I wonder what happened to _____" and then find out?
I've lost track of a several friends over the years, often wondering at times what they were up to, where life had taken them and how they were doing now. Thanks to the Internet and a couple of the social networking sites, I've been able to get back in contact with some old friends the past few weeks and months and find out. And it's been a real treat to get to do so.
Of course, the other good thing about them is that it helps you keep up with new friends and family as well.
Sure, it shouldn't ever take the place of having real world social interaction, but it's still nice to be able to quickly and easily keep up with old friends, new friends and family via the Internet these days.Labels: August happiness challenge
posted by Michael Hickerson at 8/11/2008 11:38:00 AM |
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The Titans' return to the field for a pre-season game and looked really good on both offense and defense.
It's just too bad they couldn't have played the Rams like this a decade ago in the Super Bowl.
Maybe we'll get a chance to win a Super Bowl this year. Maybe it will be my dream Super Bowl of Redskins vs. Titans.
And the Redskins also won their pre-season game this evening....Labels: August happiness challenge
posted by Michael Hickerson at 8/09/2008 10:21:00 PM |
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It's been a little over a year since The Rick and Bubba Show came back to the airwaves in Nashville. And the show still continues to make me smile on a daily basis. And to think and sometimes it'll even make you cry.
I look forward to listening each morning.
It's one of life's simple pleasures. And one that makes me happy.Labels: August happiness challenge
posted by Michael Hickerson at 8/08/2008 10:21:00 AM |
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Back in the day when the Redskins were the best team in the NFC (the 80's and early 90's) one of the fixtures of the team was wide-receiver Art Monk.
Monk wasn't the flashiest player and he was, generally, the third wide-receiver of a trio. But when you needed a clutch first down and team leadership, Art Monk was there. Monk went about his job with quiet professionalism and a grace that you don't see in today's receivers, many of whom aren't worthy to carry Monk's smelly sweat socks. (I'm looking at you Randy Moss)
The fact that it took so long after he retired for Monk to get in the Hall of Fame is a joke and a travesty.
But to see him get into the Hall of Fame this past weekend was a big thrill for me. One of my favorite players getting the accolades he so richly deserved. It made me smile.
And it didn't hurt that another Redskin great of that era, Darryl Green, also got in as well. He got in on the first ballot...as Art Monk should have.Labels: August happiness challenge
posted by Michael Hickerson at 8/06/2008 01:00:00 PM |
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I visited my old Knoxville church home last Sunday morning. It's always wonderful to walk in, see familiar faces and catch up with old friends for a few minutes.
But another part of my visit that makes me happy is that every time I go, I see new, fresh faces there as well.
It's nice to see that while many things stay familiar, there is also change and growth going on at the church. It's wonderful to see a church family that was very important to me during the time of my walk with them, continuing to have an impact for the kingdom on the community of Knoxville and the world.Labels: August happiness challenge
posted by Michael Hickerson at 8/05/2008 04:27:00 PM |
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This weekend was my annual family reunion, which is always a highlight of the year for me. It's just nice to get to spend time catching up with family, enjoying each other's company and eating lots and lots of really good food.
This year's celebration was made even more special in the kick-off Friday evening. My great aunt and uncle are celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary this year. And Friday evening we got to have a time of celebration with them.
I'm proud and honored to have been a part of it. And also to see their example to our family of a strong, solid Christian marriage. And to look around at the many members of my family there who are married as well. We also celebrated their grandson's marriage and looking around at the rest of my family, I see many examples of long, solid marriages built on friendship, love and putting the right things first. It's humbling, it's inspiring and it's something that makes me very happy and blessed to be a part of it.Labels: August happiness challenge
posted by Michael Hickerson at 8/04/2008 01:54:00 PM |
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Pre-season football begins this evening with a battle between the Redskins and the Colts.
I realize that the starters may only play one play, but who cares...it's pre-season football between two of my favorite teams.Labels: August happiness challenge
posted by Michael Hickerson at 8/03/2008 09:15:00 AM |
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UT begins fall football practice this morning.
The greatest sport ever invented is getting closer. Can you feel the excitement?
Another thing that makes me happy--the fact that the Vols will have a good shot to knock off the number one team in the country, should things remain the way they are. Georgia is number one in one poll and given the fact that they couldn't beat Tennessee the last two years and they're 4-6 against the SEC East in the past two seasons, I think the Vols have a great chance to, once again, deny them a shot at a national title.
Of course, right now everyone is undefeated and in the race for the national title...well, except maybe Vanderbilt.Labels: August happiness challenge
posted by Michael Hickerson at 8/02/2008 08:12:00 AM |
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Last night was the final concert in the Bluegrass Nights at the Ryman series and while I'm sad they're over, I thoroughly enjoyed this year's series.
I'm a recent convert to the bluegrass world and what I like about the series is that you get a mix of new and old styles, so you can hear where the music began and get a glimpse of where it is today and where it's going. Last night's show was a perfect example. The show began with a set by the Grascals, a more recent addition to the world of bluegrass and then concluded with Ralph Stanley, one of the pioneers in the genre. The highlight of Ralph's show was a duet with Allison Krause, who I've wanted to hear in concert for a while now. (And by herself, not with Robert Plant...I must be the only person on the planet that didn't think that CD was all that and a bag of chips)
Enjoying the great shows with my parents was nice and I look forward to them again next year.Labels: August happiness challenge
posted by Michael Hickerson at 8/01/2008 11:07:00 AM |
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The final day of the Happiness Challenge has arrived. And while I may not be posting something every day that makes me happy until next August, I'm happy in knowing that the days, weeks and months ahead will be filled with a lot of great things. And I'm looking forward to all of them.
And I'm happy that this year's challenge went so well...I've enjoyed reading about the things that make old friends happy and discovering some new friends and reads along the way. All in all, a successful challenge....Labels: August happiness challenge
posted by Michael Hickerson at 8/31/2007 10:23:00 PM |
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By the time I go to bed tonight, college football season will have officially kicked off...and with an SEC game on ESPN!
Forget that puny baseball thing. Just declare the season over and let's focus on the REAL sport!Labels: August happiness challenge
posted by Michael Hickerson at 8/30/2007 08:45:00 AM |
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I love the fact that a work-out releases the same endorphins that an anti-depressant does. I may not always be eager to get to the Y and workout, but I always feel better afterward--not just physically, but mentally.Labels: August happiness challenge
posted by Michael Hickerson at 8/29/2007 08:18:00 PM |
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