Article Contributed on: 6/28/2009 6:18:17 PM
The good things in life are easy to define. Even if we don't always stop to "smell the roses." It's all right there . . . just before our eyes. Sometimes, we just have to slow down and take in what we have.
With that in mind, here's my take on "The Good Things In Life."
Yours might be different and that's cool. For me, the following qualify for
"The Good Things In Life"
I don't work again until July ninth. It's a nice break from a job I love. Meantime, my son, Thomas is flying in from Maryland. We'll watch the big UFC fight together. Thomas is training in MMA. I want nothing to do with that, but I love watching it. It will be that much better watching the fight with the son I haven't seen in a year. We'll probably hit a Rockies game, eat at Oscar Blues in Lyons and have some steamed crabs, too.
Right now, I'm sitting on my patio, watching the Rockies game, smoking a cigar, about to light the grill, while my daughter, Malia, entertains my grandson, Liam. What's not to like?
Liam's pissy. Not in the literal sense of the word. He's mad. Liam's tired of the toys we've given him and he wants some "me" time.
Taken care of. My lovely wife has taken Liam inside and she's feeding him. All's well.
Marty is playing in the yard with his friend from around the corner. I think they're playing "house." I hope. She just said, "I have the money, honey. Just buy it."
Delaney is relaxing on Mommy and Daddy's bed, watching "Dora" and playing with Legos.
Rocks are up 3-0 in the sixth. Orioles lost, but life is still good.
The mud swallows have moved from the nest under the patio roof to a new nest on top of the porch light. The original nest had been damaged by an exuberant seven-year-old boy, who didn't realize what he was doing. Good to see the little family is doing well. There's an undeniable comfort in seeing God's creatures slap adversity aside. Helps me to realize that there are no problems that can't be overcome.
The weeds have overtaken the yard and they won't be denied. Oh well. We'll get it taken-care-of. Actually, the guy we hired will get it taken-care-of. I'd rather spend the money, so I can spend my time with family. The yard will be here in 100 years. Or, at least the ground it sits on will be here in 100 years. I will be long gone as will my immediate family. Better we spend time together today. The weeds will have no memory of today. My kids will.
The wood burning in the grill smells great! The Rockies are three outs away from another sweep. A shutout at that! Of course, there are two on, none out in the bottom of the ninth. That's why we watch, eh? Come on Rocks!
Oops. 3-1. Runners at the corners. None out. Street on the mound. "Nomah," at the plate. Do they call him "No-Mah," in Oakland? We need a pop-out. Maybe a K. It's one and two on No-Mah. Whatcha gonna do, Houston? Curve, away. Two balls, two strikes.
GOT IM! Struck-out Nomar! Now a ground ball can end it.
The Good Things In Life.
Watching a nail-biter, smelling the fire, watching the kids and grandkids.
The baby mud-swallows are squawking. Mama's feeding them. Life is good.
Another K! Rockies, one out away!
Street, versus Adam Kennedy.
That's it! F7! Cook with the win (number 8). Street, save number 19! HowboutdemRockies! Another sweep for the hottest team in baseball!
The Good Things In Life.
I just tripped on a child's toy on my way to the bathroom. It hurt a little. I was about to curse when I remembered something my Dad once said. "Someday, you'll cuss out loud because you're not tripping over kids' toys anymore."
Thanks, Dad.
Think I'll call him. Just to say hi. Right after I kiss my wife and thank her for this wonderful life we have.
The Good Things In Life.
Enjoy today. It might turn out to be the best day of your life.