Friday, November 18, 2016

Finding Happiness in the Midst of the Sadness



The world has changed quite a bit since the last time I blogged here. I’m not going to go into the particulars of the election but needless to say I was a bit crushed by the end result. I gave myself a day to just be filled with sadness. Not at the election of racist, sexist and xenophopic marshmallow peep of a man, but more so at myself for believing that it wouldn’t happen. I allowed myself to feel like this country cared about people like me. Well message received.  Needless to say this kind of feeling does not leave one with the warm and fuzzies on the inside so I have begun to focus more on the things and people that bring joy to my world, because I’ll be damned if a walking cheeto is going to deprive the world of this glorious damn smile.

5. Basketball.
I was going to say Chicago Bulls basketball, then UNC basketball but as I write this currently I am watching a replay of Idaho vs Northern Illinois and have to come to grips with the fact that if basketball is on, there is a 89.75% chance that I am going to stop what I am doing to watch it.
Where the obsession began.
I can remember playing on a Fisher Price hoop at a quite young age against my older sister who had a ridiculous crush on Isaiah Thomas and just watching the game brings me back to that moment when I realized that no matter what basketball was going to be a love of mine for all time. 

4. Professional Wrestling
I’ve written numerous times about the love I have for professional wrestling. Believe it or not the Puma was not a very confident child, pretending to be Ric Flair, Sting and Ron Simmons made walking around the playground during recess a lot less intimidating. Not to mention some of my earliest memories is watching wrestling with my grandparents particularly with my grandmother as her favorite Dusty Rhodes battled with Ric Flair and the Four Horsemen. And with any mention of Dusty Rhodes you know I am going to show the greatest promo of all times…HARD TIMES.

3. Podcasts
I am a voracious listener of podcasts. Whether I’m cutting my lawn or cooking a meal for the Lady Puma I can no do these simple tasks in silence.  Listening to shows like TheBlack Guy Who Tips, Three Guys On, Jenkins and Jonez and of course the BodegaBoys has brought me an immense amount of joy. They are able to use humor while also striking a serious tone when need be. If you are looking for a welcome escape I definitely suggest giving any of these a listen. 

2. The Joy of Black People
I know a lot of people will say that things like the #UNameItChallenge or the Mannequin challenge or watching a tv show are a distraction from real world issues. I for one do not subscribe to said line of thinking. The world is  full of enough depressing things, I think it's healthy to sometimes just say screw it and have some fun. I promise you all those depressing things will still be there. when you're done having fun.


And I'm sure you're all wondering what is the number one thing that has kept me sane...

1. My wife and my upgrade.
Yes surprise, surprise. My truly better half has been the consistent bright spot in these troubling times. And the fact that she is carrying the Chocolate Cub has also filled a brother's heart with joy. No matter how much of a dumpster fire the world can be I think about that kid coming in the spring and I smile. Just a little bit of a spoiler alert people, if you think I am amazing (which you undoubtedly do), prepare to have your world rocked because my upgrade is going to blow your mind all over your face. So go ahead and get your affairs in order because this kid is about to DOMINATE.

Well folks that's all I got. I'll leave you with this, please don't forget to laugh in these times. Until next time be more like me because...