The Wheels Of Happiness

We had a good weekend.

There is a feeling of positivity that comes from writing those words on a Monday morning. The weekend was planned in as much as we made plans, but like so many things that work out well, it was more about the people involved than any element of logistical genius on my part.

Let's start with Friday.

I had no work planned so went into London to wander around and to spend a little time by myself. Wife came up later to join me and we took a look around the Southbank food market, always a big favourite with my foodie spouse. After a late lunch (Indian vegetarian street food) we walked over the river and spent some time in one of my favourite little bars. There is normally a great soundtrack in this place however, almost as soon as we arrived, they changed it to something far more mainstream. A slight disappointment for me, but they just happened to chose my wife's favourite singer, so another tick in the box for the collective level of happiness. After that, we walked around the crowded West End streets, popping into shops and dodging the thousands of people out for a good evening, had a laugh, got some miles into our legs and found our way home before the rain started.

She was happy.

Saturday was a little more predictable but also great fun.

It was the day of the rugby. Son number 1 and son-in-law to be were out working together in the morning and both wanted to get a frame or two of snooker in before the rugby started. We duly succeeded. Found our seats and friends in the local club just as the match started and were joined by wife and daughter. Lots to drink, plenty of laughs and the two kids that were with us (plus son-in-law to be) were on good form. We lost the rugby but it didn't seem to matter. We joined a few more friends for a few more drinks after the match and then hit the local restaurant for a really good take-away to end another enjoyable day.

Another Indian take-away.

And then we had Sunday.

Daughter and son-in-law to be both came over again for breakfast in the local cafe. We were joined by son number 1 and two of daughters friends. Not seen them for ages and had a lot of fun. Wife really enjoyed their company and daughters friend was very kind and made her feel special. Lazy afternoon in front of the TV and then a trashy movie before son number 1 made a quick trip to the supermarket for something very nice but no doubt extremely unhealthy for dinner.

There is a theme here that is beginning to be established. At the risk of repetition from earlier posts, family, friends and plenty of laughter seem to be a winner more often than not. No mention of sadness, illness, medical treatment or pretty much anything with a negative feel to it was no doubt also very handy. And, in the spirit (pun intended) of openness, the wheels of happiness were nicely lubricated by a glass or two of wine and beer on both Friday and Saturday. Not something that I am always comfortable with, but a subject that I will cover on another, less positive, day.

So whilst the England rugby team sadly lost, the weekend itself was a big, positive win in almost every other way. And big wins and positivity frequently lead to happiness.