Happy Birthday to me, Happy Birthday to me, Happy Birthday dear exasperated querulous physically beat up but too young to retire ain't got a pot to piss in after 30 years of busting my ass FireCrow, Happy friggin' Birthday to me.
Or..
Happy Birthday to me, Happy Birthday to me, Happy Birthday dear wealthy beyond my wildest dreams with a wife and three kids who are exemplary human beings and representative of everything I admire and strive for FireCrow, Happy Birthday to me.
The trick is in what one emphasizes. We either make ourselves miserable, or we make ourselves happy. The amount of work is the same." Carlos Castaneda
Here are a few things you ought to know, simple rules if you will. Maybe they can save you some grief.
In no particular order:
- Money and "things" mean nothing. Family, love, empathy and compassion for your fellow human beings are the only things of real value. If your life is focused more on acquisition of shiny objects and less on love, you're fucking it up. Start over.
- You have the power to start over at any time, at any minute. It's a choice.
- People who are mean to animals should be avoided at all costs.
- Never loan out anything that you aren't willing to part with resentment free. This includes money.
- Sometimes you can do everything right and still not succeed. It's just how things are.
- If you have the chance to do something fun with your family, do it. Even if you can't afford it. Having a couple extra dollars in your pocket is a piss poor replacement for shared family memories.
- Take risks. A lot of them. The more the better. Just don't be foolish about it.
- Learn to play at least one musical instrument. Even if it's a kazoo.
- Read. Read everything. Being self educated may not come with a title, but knowledge will enrich your life.
- Genuine earned praise for a job well done reinforces outstanding behavior. Not everyone deserves a trophy so don't hand them out like cheap candy.
- Everyone want's to be "seen". When you "see" the good in others, tell them. If you can't see any, you're not looking.
- Life beats people up enough as it is so make an effort not to pile on.
- Dogs really are mans best friend.
- Cats are wonderful little creatures too, but they remind us of little control we really have in this world.
- Accountability starts at home. Holding oneself accountable for life choices isn't always pleasant but it's necessary for personal growth.
- There are multitudes of people who go through life looking for ways to be offended. They are rarely if ever disappointed in their quest. Don't be one of these people.
- Don't be cheap. Leave good tips.
- If you are faking something, most of us know it.
- It's okay to cry. I highly recommend it.
- Anytime you make a list you will inevitably leave out the most important items.
Learn to relax.
Smile when you're having fun.
Share the good things in life with your friends or they will be sad.
If you're wife is also you're best friend and is totally hot too, you are a lucky mofo.
I'm outa here, gotta go get my eyes tested for a new drivers license which I'm pretty sure I'm going to fail.
Oh well....
What is life?
It is the flash of a firefly in the night.
It is the breath of a buffalo in the wintertime.
It is the little shadow which runs across
the grass and loses itself in the sunset.
Crowfoot, Blackfoot warrior and orator 1830 - 1890