Official Good News Thread. What Good Has Happened To You Lately?

[DistressedAmerican]

My last post was bitching about all the bad news :( and the lack of good news :P . Well, rather than just bitch I thought I should help.

So, here's a thread for us to all report on some good news. Has anything really good been going on in your life? Do you have some other positive news to share?

I have a beautiful baby girl and she started walking just the other day. Not really locomoting like that. More as a game right now. But she is getting more confident running back and forth between momma and I. That is freaking GREAT! Makes me very happy.

How about you?

[Lost-in-FL]

1. I still have a job

[DistressedAmerican]

2. That's Progressive. Lots Don't. Rock On!

[AlCzervik]

3. someone paid my toll on the Bay bridge yesterday when i was drivng to SF.

i paid for the person behind me, i love that stuff.

[DistressedAmerican]

4. Way To Pay It Forward!

Long live random acts of kindness!

[IChing]

5. I told a good joke

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x2725645

[DistressedAmerican]

7. That Was Damn Funny!

Any joke that begins with this warning is OK in my book:

"This joke involves testicles so if you are offended read no further"

I kept reading! :rofl:

[LibDemAlways]

56. When my husband and I were on our honeymoon

33 years ago, we had "just married" written on the back window of the car, and the guy in front of us paid our toll on that bridge. I've never forgotten that. Glad to hear that random acts of kindness still happen in the Bay Area!

[AlCzervik]

66. that very cool. This is the second thats happened to me at that toll

plaza, the first time i thought i was being punked!

[proud2BlibKansan]

6. I ordered a laptop today

I have the worst summer school job I have ever had and can't wait till it's over. So yesterday, when I got my first paycheck, I rewarded myself and spent way too much money on a beautiful laptop.

[DistressedAmerican]

9. That Is Always Sweet. Nothing Like New Technology!

Good for you! :toast:

[proud2BlibKansan]

12. It's great to see you posting more often these days

That's a good thing.

[DistressedAmerican]

30. Nice of you to say!

I have a small cadre of attackers that seem to disagree with ya. But, fuck them and their nonsense anyway! I'm here for people that appreciate me. The rest can bite donkey nuts!

You rock my friend!

[proud2BlibKansan]

58. And so do you, my friend!

:yourock:

[smokey nj]

8. We had to take Willie, our 20-year-old, diabetic cat to the vet on

Monday. It looked as if old Willie's time had come and the vet gently tried to prepare us for the worst, but urinalysis and blood tests showed that he still has some life in him. Medication seems to have alleviated his problem and his appetite has been great. I have to monitor him closely because, well, he IS a 20-year-old diabetic cat, but I'm glad to still have my Willie. He's a great cat who has the soul of a dog.

Congratulations on your daughter's milestone. I love when babies start walking, they sort of look like they're drunk. A round of :applause: for her!!!

[DistressedAmerican]

11. Go Willie! Tough Little Guy!

I hope you have many more years to enjoy his company.

[AnnieBW]

45. My Diabetic Cat Was Named Willie, too!

Well, one of them. I had two - the other was Jeremy. Will-monster lived to age 16. I had a dream about him last night, that he was trying to wake me up. Maybe that's why I dreamed about him, to offer your Willie some encouragement!

Here's to tough-assed sugar kitties named Willie! :toast:

[smokey nj]

49. Thanks!!!!.......

A toast to great kitties!!!! :toast:

[Lisa0825]

95. YAY! I'm glad Willie is doing well:-)

:pals:

[smokey nj]

101. Thanks.....

He gave us a scare, but he's hanging in there.

[phylny]

112. Glad to hear about Willie!

My good news is that our 11-year-old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Kelly, who we thought we were going to lose in February and again in June due to congestive heart failure, is doing better with medicine and twice-monthly vet visits. Our good news will double in a few weeks when we bring home our new CKCS puppy, Abby.

CanNOT wait :)

[smokey nj]

132. I'm so glad Kelly's feeling better!!!!!!........

And congratulations on your new puppy!!!

[lovuian]

10. Pirates of the Caribean was good

popcorn and soda too

[DistressedAmerican]

13. Wasn't it though! Saw it at a drive-in.

That was the spot for that one. Glad you got your money's worth.

Hell, I feel better already!

[bluethruandthru]

20. I love drive-ins!

They remind me of my youth! Haven't seen one..or been to one in years.

[DistressedAmerican]

27. With The Baby It Is About Our Only Option These Days.

But, I prefer them anyway. Wish I lived somewhere warn where I could go year round.

[Lorien]

55. Thank God for that! Some of the only work I've been getting these days

is designing "Pirates of the Caribbean" products (action figures, etc.), so I hope it continues to do well (my business from Disney is way down, because their business is way, WAY down). I haven't seen it yet, but I will someday soon.

I've found a cool new group of people to hang out with, all announcers and reporters from our local PBS station. Very liberal and lots of fun. Plus, they're all as broke as I am, so we're all good at finding inexpensive ways to have great nights out!

[Just Me]

14. I can hear the river from my window, my kitten is chasing flying objects,.

,...:rofl: hilarious to watch her,...I'm still breathing, I still believe there is a possibility of a sort of Renaissance of civility just waiting to be unleashed.

That's it.

[DistressedAmerican]

19. Pets! Gotta Love Em!

Good for the soul.

[Just Me]

29. First steps are quite wonderful, too. I remember those.

:hug: He's fifteen going on thirty, now. I miss him,...miss when he was little. But, he's stronger than me and will survive better than I. He still hugs me and says those precious words, "I love you",...even as big as he is.

[DistressedAmerican]

31. I'm Sure You Earn It. You Sound Like You Adore The Little Guy!

Is there anything more important?

[Warpy]

15. My eyes have improved from 20/400

to 20/300. As blind as I am, I got my wireless network up and running for when I have to hide in my bedroom during demolition and construction. I've made a small dent in cleaning this place out and will take another huge load to the thrift shop on Monday.

Oh, and I've started to do the paperwork I've put off for 6 months. It is mountainous and I can tolerate reading it with 2 sets of drugstore glasses on, one over the other, for about 10 minutes at a time.

10 minutes at a time will get me there, eventually.

[DistressedAmerican]

21. WOW! You Are On A Roll!

Way to go! Keep it up and you will be there soon! :toast:

[MnFats]

92. i am impressed with your persistence....a good thing....

....having terrible vision, though not blindness, I can relate....declining eyesight is a terrible drag.

[tinfoil tiaras]

16. I ate sushi today! Yum!

And I got air condetioning for the first time in 2 weeks!! =)

But i was really sad to leave camp though...dammit I'm ruining the mood of the thread!!

[DistressedAmerican]

22. Sushi AND AC? Sweet!

There was some other thing in your post. But, I would not interpret its meaning. Just too damn positive right now. Probably a mental block on my part!
:rofl:

[tinfoil tiaras]

26. rofl

=D

I sure do love me some air condetioning....

[Coexist]

17. My youngets turned 7

and my oldest son turns 14 tomorrow.

They both asked for my homemade, plain looking cakes instead of fancy store bought ones.

:)

[DistressedAmerican]

24. You Sound Like You Are Doing A Great Job With Them!

Congrats to you and them. :pals:

[CountAllVotes]

18. Well, I hit a jackpot for $1,100 on Monday!

How is that for GREAT! :D :party:


:dem: :kick:

[DistressedAmerican]

25. That IS Great! Free Money Rocks!

Cha-Ching!:headbang:

[CountAllVotes]

127. believe me it helps a lot!

I was in the casino to use their ATM to get some money so I could buy some gasoline! I was only there for a few minutes and put $20 in a quarter machine that *winked* at me. :) I only played the machine for about 5 minutes and all of sudden I had all of these quarters! It was great! And best of all, it was not enough that the IRS gets a report of it. :)

:kick:

[Nite Owl]

23. Two of my best friends

are about to get engaged to be married. Always a reason to celebrate love.

[DistressedAmerican]

28. Man! All This Great News. So Glad I Asked.

Best of wished to them on their new life together. Wonderful stuff.:pals:

[OwnedByFerrets]

32. My long time

"sig-other" have announced a date to get married in November. I have a super-fantastic relationship with her and look forward to spending the rest of my life together.
My pets are healthy and a real hoot to play with (1 bichon and two ferrets). And to top it all off, I read this thread, which is a fabulous. Good news rubs off. :D

[DistressedAmerican]

33. Good For Both Of You!

Love is where it is at. Without that. I'd have curled up and died long ago. We should all be so lucky!

[UrbScotty]

89. Congratulations!

All the best to the two of you!

[fearthem]

34. Great idea, this place can be depressing at times :)

[DistressedAmerican]

36. Needed For My Mental Health If Nothing Else.

Been an ugly week out there!

But, I feel much better after this thread. Cats are living, people have improving eyesight, people are growing and in love.

That is the kind of thing I need reminding of every so often. :pals:

[saged52]

35. beautiful baby girls -

I spent the day with my daughter and my 14 month old granddaughter - always puts things in perspective - and makes me smile nonstop.

[DistressedAmerican]

39. Planning A Trip TRo Take Mine To See Her Grandparents Soon.

They live other side of the country, so they do not get to see here often. Unfrtunately my grapms just had a cancer operation. Pretty serious. Looks good though! (See another positive)

I can't wait to see them with her. Cuteness should abound.

Glad you are getting the quality time in! It is very important.:hug:

[Rowdyboy]

37. I spent the 4th of July weekend with wonderful, progressive friends.....

in rural Florida. Old hippies and their kids and grandkids, each generation as accepting as the last. We had good food, friendhip, beer, whiskey and all those other things that "old hippies" tend to have to keep their heads straight. It was a blast!

[DistressedAmerican]

40. Old Hippies Are ALWAYS Good News!

Although, kind of rude of you not to invite us to join you for the fun!:toast:

We'd have come.

[Rowdyboy]

44. You'd have been welcome....The host....who has family in the area,

had a reunion one night we were there and all sorts of cousins brought over food and drink! We sat around bashing Bush with all the aunts, uncles and cousins in rural Florida and not ONE person defended shrub. It was much fun!

[NanceGreggs]

38. Okay, my turn!

Best thing that happened to me today: I found this thread!

In a world seemingly gone mad, I am invited to share a baby's first steps, a 'goner' cat who has announced that no way is he about to be gone, the delight of a new I-treated-myself laptop, and a night at the drive-in.

I am immediately reminded that being part of the DU family means that joy can triumph over adversity in the second it takes to click the mouse.

Thank you, DistressedAmerican, and everyone here!

[DistressedAmerican]

41. My Pleasure. So Maudlin and Tense Around Here These Days.

I sometimes forget the good stuff. But it sure is uplifting to read some of it. Love ya!

[smokey nj]

74. Another thank you Distressed American........

It's wonderful to share everyone's joy!!!

[saged52]

62. thanks DistressedAmerican -

I also wish to thank you for a truly upbeat thread! And - I also have 3 new baby kitties, kisses from my granddaughter and I find that we can get an interest-free loan for our new heat pump/cooling/heating unit!

[smokey nj]

76. How old are the babies?.......

Do you have pictures? Kitten pictures would make this thread even more perfect.

[AnnieBW]

42. I Got A Cash Award!

I got a $1000 cash award and 16 hour time-off award at work recently. They're both going towards our upcoming trip to the 40th Anniversary Star Trek convention in Las Vegas next month.

I just got back from a kick-ass con where I met Jamie Bamber (Apollo on BSG), and he made a snotty crack about *. :rofl:

I survived my third graduate school class. Five more to go for my certificate in Information Technology. After this intensive 18-month program, I'll see whether I want to go for the whole MS, but I probably will. The "Special High Intensity Training" is fracking up my social life (and getting in the way of fandom), but it'll be worth it in the end.

I found a bunch of birthday cards that bashed * today at Target, and got one for a friend who's surrounded by Bushbots in Tampa. It has a picture of * on the front and says, "Some good news for your birthday." On the inside, it says, "I can't run again." :rofl:

[DistressedAmerican]

46. Awsome! Especially For A Student.

That is very sweet stuff. People are getting thousands around here!

I always recommend more school for those thinking about it. I am damn ready to finish up my doctorate. A bit more work and I'll be wrapped. Big push coming again soon.

Always good to see people working that * message. When you have a douchebag as president, there is no end of comedy to be had!

Have fun at the Con and if you see Ben Cisco tell him I always thought He had Kirk beat hands down.

[AnnieBW]

63. Ah, a DS9 fan!

Yep, Avery Brooks will be there. And I agree, he had 'em all beat!

If you want to see my DS9 Quark video, it's on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z22DgWSfx9Q

Enjoy!

[DistressedAmerican]

71. Oh That Is Too Funny! Thanks For Sharing

What a good match for Quark! Loved the "glad to do a friend a favor" ear stroking! Good choice!

Also liked moogie (I assume that's how they spell it) conforting poor distraught Quark. Come one and drop that load!

Thinks he's quite a lover (with Quark and his Hogon statues). Killing me!

Rating that one up for sure. Fun!

Never thought odf myself as a trekkie. But, I do seem to have a pretty well developed knowledge base. Am I just in denial of my inner geek?

[lildreamer316]

111. Thanks for the tip!!

Target, here I come!

[progressive_realist]

43. My friend took me out for sushi last night

To thank me for finding her a job. A good job with a good company and a great manager, for far more money than she was expecting. She had been out of the workforce for a couple years recovering from the premature death of her husband and was finding it difficult to get even an interview.

So today I treated a different friend to brunch. He recently returned to school full-time and has little disposable income.

Our world is only as good as we make it. :)

[DistressedAmerican]

48. That's A Second Sushi For The Thread.

I thought I was the only one that loves the stuff that much. I'm salivating right now just thinking about some.

Any day you can help a friend out like that, you are doing good stuff there. Gotta be good for your karma.

Cheers to you and your buddies. Sound like things are looking up!

[RevolutionStartsNow]

47. My 10 year old son just gave me a big hug!

I love him so much!

[DistressedAmerican]

50. FEEL THE LOVE! My Wife Just Gave Me A Big Kiss!

And she tolerates me straying up and playing on DU whaile she heads to bed. What a lady!

Best to you and your little one!

[trackfan]

51. My wife's business seems to be making more money,

That is a big plus. All of a sudden we don't seem to be so broke.

[DistressedAmerican]

52. I Guess You ShouldThanks Bush! Just Kidding!

Blame him for the former downturn!

Great to hear that people are starting to do better.

I hope you are one of VERY many. We all deserve a freaking break!

[niyad]

53. my kitties are doing well--and I got one of those wonderful cast-iron

stove-top grills ($100 at my favourite cookware store) for EIGHT dollars at big lots!! and my russian heirloom tomatoes are coming in!!

[DistressedAmerican]

61. See. Now There's a Good Week.

I have no place for a garden right now. It makes me sad. I love the fresh veggies and getting out there working them. Good for the soul!

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

54. Holy Cow I Got One For Ya!

Firstly, congrats on your daughter's walking. My 11 mo old is taking 3-4 steps and will be walking in a blink I bet!

Having that said, I had something amazing happen last weekend. My wife and I decided it was time to get my 2yr 8mo old his first tricycle. We went to Toys 'R Us and spent like an hour in the tricycle aisle looking at the gazillion choices. My wife wanted one with a push bar on it and a basket. We kept putting him on different ones but they either were cheaply made, the pedals were too far from his feet, or the adult push/steer bar was total crap that bent instead of steering.

So anyway, we finally decided on this small tricycle. It was an open box and the only one left. We brought it home and I went to put it together only to find that half the parts were missing including a back wheel. My son cried when we told him he couldn't use it.

So the next morning I flew back there and went to the counter. I was a bit ticked and told them that the least they could do when someone returns something and they put back on the shelf is to at least make sure the parts are there! They credited my card back and gave me back the receipt with the items circled. Wait, items? Yup, all of a sudden I noticed the day before they threw in an addional $10 charge for assembly. What assembly? They tried to rip me off? So I asked for a manager and told them my son cried, the box had half the parts missing, and the clerk had the nerve to tack on an additional ten bucks without even telling me. So he gave me a ten dollar gift card. I then went to pick up a different tricycle, this time a mini big wheel my wife had wanted. So I brought it home, put it together and told my son he could finally get on.

Well wouldn't ya know it? This cheap piece of crap went nowhere. He'd peddle, but the 'big' wheel would just spin and spin with no traction whatsoever: Piece of friggin junk. I called them right up and told them what happened, and if I could rush it back without having to take it back apart. They agreed.

Soooooo on my third trip back, I asked my wife which one we should get now. She just said "I have no idea, just find one with a basket and pushbar and we'll figure out a way to make it work. So I went in and looked at all the tired old tricycles we saw the day before. I hated them all. But then I noticed this big box on the bottom counter. No display model, no price, just a big box with a picture of an awesome looking trike on it. I peered inside and found all the parts there. I picked it up and went to the price scanner. It said not found. So I said heck with it, I'll buy it anyway. I went up to the counter and the woman went to ring it up. She scanned it and it said 1 penny. Yup. 1 penny. She said "this happens so rarely, I don't get it!". I then noticed a packing slip on the box and a personal address. This thing was shipped to a residential house. I told the clerk "someone bought this online, that's probably why it's not ringing up. They probably returned it here cause it was from amazon and you except their returns here". She said "well, our system says we're selling it for a penny, so just give me a penny." I couldn't believe it. She was serious. I acted cool and calm, handed her the penny, and took that box outside as quick as I could. A penny. I couldn't believe it.

Anyway, I was ecstatic. I brought it home, put it together, and found this is one of the coolest tricylces I've ever seen. Has a real bike frame, is adjustable, has a high back comfy seat, a pushbar that steers like you wouldn't believe, a three point harness to strap him in, real tires filled with air just like car tires. This thing was a dream. My son loves it and has been riding it great all week. My wife and I still don't believe it. A penny. We looked online and it cost between 80 and 100 dollars. We got it for a penny PLUS a ten dollar gift card! It's called Supertrike 4. It got amazing reviews online.

So to make a long story still long, after allllllll that we got the coolest trike I've ever seen. It was well made, had every feature we could want and more, drives incredibly and we got it for a penny!!!!!

Well, there's a long story for ya, but my wife and I have been in awe all week about it. :)

[DistressedAmerican]

59. That Is A Great Story.

I was wondering how it was gonna turn out there of ra minute. But, the penny trike is a damn good deal even with all the hassel. I'm glad the little guy finally got it. Must have been hard watching be disappointed TWICE like that. Your karma wheel turned bog for you on that one. Congrats!

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

77. I've Never Had Something Like That Happen Ever! Actually, I'm Going To

upload a pic of him on it tommorrow or somethin so you can visually see how it turned out, and his smile too!

[DistressedAmerican]

78. Sweet! Post That Sucker. Sounds Cute As Hell!

And I bet he's smarter than Bush already!

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

114. Here Ya Go!!!

Damn big one won't show. If ya want to see the bigger one copy and paste this link without the dash at the end (put so it doesn't give me a hotlink error)

-

[DistressedAmerican]

151. That Rocks!

Had to read your post to my wife. She was cheering for your "getting justice" on the issue!

[OwnedByFerrets]

87. Thanks for that story,

it made me smile big time :-)

[niyad]

97. Wow!!!! that is absolutely WONDERFUL (not to mention, it beats my 2 cent

25-lb thankssgiving turkey--not from this week, obviously, but several years ago, went to the supermarket to pick up the t-day bird. flipping through, looking for biggest bird, see a sign that reads $0.02. pick it up, figuring I had just misread it in a hurry. NO, says $0.02. put it in my cart, along with the other bird I had chosen, and then quickly checked all the other birds to see if any others were similarly priced. that was the only one. when I took it to the check-out, the clerk just gulped, and had to ring it up. I watched a manager go dashing back--could have saved him the trip. everyone got a laugh out of my 2 cent bird)
so CHEEEEEERS and HUZZAHHHHHH to you--you and your young one deserved it, especially after everything you went through beforehand.

[Bjornsdotter]

57. Bought my ticket to Sweden

...so I can attend my cousin's wedding and spend some time with my 18 month old godson. I'm so excited I can barely wait!

Thanks for asking!
Cheers :toast:

[DistressedAmerican]

64. That Should Be A BLAST!

And upthread I found out that the Swedes haven't invaded anyone all week :rofl:. Better than some countries can claim!

Reminds me of the Colbert bit on the Geneva Conventions the other night. "We're supposed to make war according to rules written by committed pacifists (or something along those lines). Funny stuff.

Enjoy the trip!

[Bjornsdotter]

70. Thanks!

...and you enjoy that precious baby of yours! They grow so fast, every moment is special.

Cheers

[cynatnite]

60. We have a beautiful new grandson

Jared Cole was born a few weeks ago and he's perfect! :)

[DistressedAmerican]

67. That's HUGE!

You are blessed with a cute little one and you have officially passed the Darwin test. It is not about reproducing one generation. they have to have kids too for the genes to make it on down the line. Give him a big hug! :pals:

[tabasco]

65. My girlfriend just visited.

My bromeliad is growing a flower.

[DistressedAmerican]

68. I'm So Glad I Asked This Question.

So many little positives out there going unnoticed.

Are bomiliads like Cactuses and do not flower often? Not too familiar.

Sounds nice either way. They are very pretty plants.

[tabasco]

115. Not an expert but I've had a bromeliad for about six years.

It started with one or two plants and since then has grown to become seven plants in the same big container.

It had a beautiful pink weird flower when I got it.

I moved it to a different room not long ago where it is cooler but gets more light.

Now one of the new plants is growing one of those weird flowers. Nice because the flowers will look good for months and months!

I hope the other plants flower too. I think it's a sign of good luck!

Good thread. Too often we get focused on the negative, which there is plenty of these days.

[Humor_In_Cuneiform]

69. So far, my Medicare D prescription thingie is working out well.

My closest friend was here one week ago, and we had a nice time.

Oh! My ex came by and apologized for "everything" he "put me through."

(Bit of a strain looking for the good stuff, as here in the desert as augmented by global warming it is hot hot hot earlier every year)

However, the humidity HAS been low lately, and it DOES make a difference.

[DistressedAmerican]

73. Dry Heat And An Apology From The Ex Sounds Pretty Good To Me!

And a visit from a buddy to boot. Just stay cool and I have a feeling you'll be doing just fine!

[renate]

72. a friend of mine is in the hospital having a baby right now!

:party:

I love this thread--thank you so much for starting it!!!

[DistressedAmerican]

75. If I Were A Praying Man, I'd Put In A Good Word.

Since I'm not, I'll simply offer my best to your friend and the new arrival.

I always laughed when people told me what a life changer that event is. I can't say enough about what a winderful experience it was. I had always thought water birth sounded like a great option (and I when got my wife to check it out. She was into it too). We found us a local hospital that wold do it. My wife did the whole thing sans drugs of any sort (10 pounder at that!). Said the water made it all possible. Besides, If you had your choice would you be born in a hot tub or a bed? I was always one for the water. Amazing thing birth.

And a definite plus for a good news thread!

[BayCityProgressive]

79. I was approved for a loan to buy my first home!

[DistressedAmerican]

81. One of these days! I keep planning.

Congrats on having credit. You are now officially an American!

[Gregorian]

80. Simple stuff.

I have been riding my bike in this forest. And after being in a raging fit of anger from not being able to sleep for over a year due to dips in logging trucks all night long, I have decided to move my bed from the house to the canning room in the building behind my house. I can't believe it, but it's absolutely wonderful out there. Plus when I stand on the back porch, I can hear the creek and just look out and listen to the birds that speak as the night begins.

It sounds like we all have a lot to be happy about. And that's cool. We all have DU.

I think DU should have a marching band! Think about that!

[DistressedAmerican]

82. Nature Seems To Be Keeping A Lot Of Folks Sane These Days.

Beautiful shot. I can almost smell the green.

Getting back to sleep is crucial. Nothing messes you up like lack of sleep. Glad to hear you came up with a solution!

[PA Democrat]

83. My teen-aged kids both gave me an unsolicited "I love you, mom"

this week.

Yesterday, I spent an hour just talking and swinging on the patio swing with my daughter. The sun was shining and my flowers are just beautiful this summer. Given events around the world, I feel incredibly blessed. My family and I have a roof over their heads, food to eat, and we live in relative peace and safety.

[mopinko]

84. my kid graduated from high school, and is going to college

she is bipolar, and 2 years ago i would have bet my house this day would not happen. she has gotten top notch care, and is doing amazingly well. she is ever starting to realize that i am not the root of all evil.

and, my cholesterol is down from 300 to 270 without meds. good cholesterol is in range, triglycerides are nearly normal, ratio much improved. probably due to stress reduction due to above, as well as other family related goodness. other health issues improving greatly, too. a virtuous cycle.

[renate]

105. I'm so happy for you!

Truly, this is wonderful!

So often, when we are in the depths, it would be such a blessing to be able to look a few years into the future and see how everything turned out all right after all. What an incredible comfort it would have been to you on difficult days to be able to know that this would happen someday.

I know I speak for many others when I say that I am absolutely thrilled for your daughter and for you.

Congratulations! You had a hard row to hoe and you both did it well. :party:

[renate]

106. I'm so happy for you!

whoops, dupe

I was just so excited!

[RB TexLa]

85. Our loudass neighbor was arrested yesterday

they let him out, but hopefully they will put both him and her in jail soon.

[Missy Vixen]

86. I have three things

My young friend E's mommy is pregnant. I'm thrilled for them. E is a two-year-old that visits my shop. To say that he has me wound around his little finger is an understatement. I can't wait to meet his brother or sister.

I received a very unexpected inheritance. It's not a lot of money, but it's enough to purchase something we've needed for our house.

My husband's employers have offered him a significant promotion.

I am sending all good thoughts into the universe for everyone we know to also have wonderful news.

Julie

[Lisa0825]

88. It was a very good day at the animal shelter....

I am a volunteer that the shelter listed in my sigline. Today we adopted out 5 cats and alos got an application on 2 of my fosters! This is huge, because we'd been in a total drought on cat adoptions lately. Plus, a woman from a nearby community gave us a $3000 donation! :wow: and invited us to see her S.O.'s band play tonight. They sound like they will be long-term friends of our organization:-)

[smokey nj]

94. Wonderful!!!!!!!

Lots of good kitty news this week!!!!

:yourock:

[UrbScotty]

90. Voting Rights Act renewal passes!

http://www.democrats.org/a/2006/07/victory_for_vot.php

[Dystopian]

91. DistressedAmerican~You made my day!

Thank you for starting this uplifting thread!! So many wonderful happenings to lift everyone's spirits....I'm a resident post recommender...and rarely barely post...Beautiful memories returned when you wrote of your child's first steps.....Thank you for sharing...Thank all of you for sharing....

I made a friend on DU....She's beautiful....we speak on the phone, a free spirit...warm and caring...She's the best person I've never met! We'll meet soon, though, and stand together for peace...The interesting thing is that she stands with her mother, and I stand with my daughter...We're all getting together soon this summer to stand for peace together...

This prompted me to share photos of my daughter and grandson and my youngest son...all I had to do was ask for these pictures!
My first child, my beautiful baby girl...I remember her first steps after all these years...And my youngest...my baby boy is 10 years younger...I'm so proud to have them by my side when I stand for peace~
Thank you to all for making my day!

http://www.enoughfear.org/en/node/381

http://www.enoughfear.org/en/node/382



peace~

[DistressedAmerican]

121. Great to See You Drop Lurker Mode For A Short While!

Those kids are cute as hell! Congratulation on them!

[bleever]

93. A summer of deep-bellied laughing with family, friends, and the

future's brightest faces, which we all encourage with our attention and intent.

[Greybnk48]

96. I just got home from my 40th High School reunion

and we had a great time despite the fact that it was 100 degrees here today. We had a huge turnout, biggest ever, and it was great seeing everyone, many I had not seen since summer of '66.

[Camp_Democracy]

98. great thread

it cheered me up for a minute...but it is because of the children, the kitties, the love...that I am so damn depressed about what is happening in our country and the world right now but it is because of these beautiful things that I will continue to fight.

[renate]

107. life is both hard and beautiful

It can be hard to not let the ugly parts contaminate our joy in the beautiful parts. But it's the beautiful parts that give it the most meaning, so it's worth the effort.

Welcome to DU! :hi:

[DistressedAmerican]

119. Welcome To DU Camp Democracy!

Another member is always good news! :toast:

[Kablooie]

99. I killed that damn mosquito!

[MiniMe]

100. My foster dog got adopted today

He went to his forever home this afternoon, hip dysplasia and all. I foster for a rescue, and its always a happy time when they are adopted, even if I am sad that they are gone.

[smokey nj]

102. Great news, what a lucky puppy!!!!

A toast to pet foster parents!!!:toast:

:yourock:

[niyad]

103. THANK YOU, DA--for starting this energizing and loving and absolutely

wonderful thread--it has been so great reading about all the lovely and sweet and wonderful and happy things that are happening in all our lives. it is good to be reminded of that every once in a while, especially when things are looking so grim right now.

thanks to all of you who shared a bit of your lives tonight, may they continue to be blessed with love and joy.

and most of all, thank you to DU--mods and everyone--, for being our refuge, our point of sanity and hope, in this very uncertain world.

Blessings to all.

[shanti]

104. well, i'm getting a raise

that's always good news! :)

[WePurrsevere]

108. I'm so glad to see that you started this positive thread. It's easy to get

caught up in all the bad that's going on around us and forget about what's truly good and makes life worth enjoying. :)

My daughter and now smiling and laughing 3 1/2 month old grand-daughter will be here in a little while. She's been coming up everyday since Thursday to help us sort through and get ready for the 1st of possibly 3 monthly Yard/Estate Sales we'll be having here. The money will go into insulating our "new to us" old house and getting our bathroom updated with a new no leaking running toilet, a pedestal sink and a nice big soaking tub with one of those BIG "rain" type shower heads. ::ahh::.

While going through some of the boxes of stuff we moved up from the old house's I found a few treasures: my special charm bracelet that I got as a gift when I was one of two students chosen from my very "artsy" HS for the Schenectady Symphony Choir almost 30 yrs ago.. I thought it had been lost in one of my moves years ago; a little paper poem from my late and much loved MIL about being the child of her heart; our long time (almost 13 yrs) missing box of Holiday decorations (stored in one of those rented storage rooms when we moved in to care for my husband's parents); discovered that the "dog" raccoon that lives in the upper story of the barn had not eaten a special stuffed toy of my daughters after all; and so much more.

We have a roof over our heads and AC that works in our bedroom/office ( :k:knock on wood:: ). Although this house needs a bit of work, we love it, we got the house (with a lovely and ever changing view near the SL Seaway), carriage house & HUGE old barn and 7+ acres for $57k (real estate is low here compared to many other places) and were able to pay cash for it after selling DH's late parents old house downstate (near Albany). Although we're very worried about heating our home this winter at least we're lucky enough to be able to chose between wood or oil.

Last time we went to Price Chopper they had their sushi packages on sale so I picked up 3 of them and DH and I enjoyed them. I LOVE sushi but haven't gotten around to crossing the border and going up to Ottawa to see if they have any good Japanese Restaurants yet... that's one of a few things I miss about living downstate in the Capital District... Albany has an AWESOME Japanese Restaurant.. although Burlington's Kyto's, which we went to a few times while living west of Plattsburgh, is a bit better and cheaper I think. :)

Well... they're here... I need to finish getting dressed and get ready to carpe dium... for a few hours today... let the rest of the world go away... I'm going treasure hunting. B-)

[DistressedAmerican]

123. I Do Really Enjoy Albany.

It has a great mix of big city ammenities (cuz it is the capital). But, it is small and quite managable as well. The prefect mix for me. And you are right, great eating in this town.

[zippy890]

109. I talked to my sister yesterday

3 weeks ago she almost died from a drug overdose. The they told us she had massive brain damage and cortically blind and her kidneys failed and its been a nightmare because I love her so much.

Yesterday I talked to her and she sounded good. I didn't think she would ever talk again.

:cry: <--- tears of joy

:loveya: love for the doctors who saved her life

[DistressedAmerican]

120. Wanted to get back to you before running out.

I am so very glad to her that your sis is improving. I mknow that must be really tough on you and the rest of the family.

Wishing her the fastest possible recovery and you some comfort and solice.

[lildreamer316]

110. It's Summer.

I love summer.
Anyway; since yesterday, we 1)discovered that the slow septic leak in the front yard was NOT our fault after all, it's the city's, therefore alleviating a potential $4000 repair bill. YAY!
2)The people that had vandalized our car paid us the $900 in cash to repair it.
3)FOUR of my closest friends called me (in a row, no less) to seek out my advice and consolation. I felt so valued.
4)I own two houses completely, two cars (although wrecked one) have a beautiful 2 year old boy, a loving and wonderful husband, and don't have to go to work. Gee, after reading that, how can I EVER complain about anything???

Love the thread, gonna go make some good food now. In Vino Veritas............

[qanda]

113. I have been sick since February with recurring sore throats

And sinus infections. I went to an ENT doctor on Friday and finally got a definitive diagnosis. I have a deviated septum and the medication he gave me has me feeling better already. I'm a singer and it helps to not have a sore throat when I'm singing. I'm so glad to be feeling better and above all to know that I'm not crazy. Thanks for an opportunity to share some good news.

[DistressedAmerican]

122. Hugely Great News.

Without your healt, the rest is pretty well irrelevant. Especially when it affects your art. Thanks for sharing and I'm very pleased to hear you're feeling better!

[Nay]

116. I'm gonna be a grandma for the first time!

[qanda]

117. Congratulations!

You must be very excited.

[Nay]

130. I am! I've been hitting all the garage sales for kid's stuff. I've been

a maniac. I have enough money to buy everything new, but I refuse. Heck, I got a high chair for $5 yesterday. It's not on the recall list, either.:D

When DH and I were having kids, we were poor enough that the basics were covered, but not a lot more. This grandbaby's gonna be doin' OOOOOKAY, since we're better off now. No thanks to pigboy, however.

[DistressedAmerican]

118. Congrats To All On All This Great News!

I'd try to get back to all of you like I was last night. But,I'k taking the kid to a water park. May even get some rollercoaster time in for myself. If I'm still thinking about these asshats at zero G and upsidedown in a spiral loop, I'll know, I've lost it. I suspect that will not be a problem.

Keep the great news flowing. Seems like I'm not the only one that was ready for some!

Rock on My DU Buds!

[lonestarnot]

124. My tomato plant has three tomatoes on it even in this heat!

[LWolf]

125. I got to spend a few days alone.

Which means I got my house clean, I could breathe, relax, work, do, and be with no one needing me, no one making any demands on my time and attention...I almost feel human again.

[lonestarnot]

126. How nice that must feel.

[kwyjibo]

128. My wedding plans are all coming together

We went to check out our venue at night to see if there was enough lighting and it looked absolutely magical. I'm so excited!

[Jo March]

129. I graduated college with my B.S. degree

Finally!

:woohoo:

[lonestarnot]

131. Woofuckingdamnwho arnheim! Woooooo hooooooooo! Wooo hoooo!

:woohoo: :party: :toast: :beer:

[Jo March]

141. Aww, thanks! We need another march

It's time for me to get bck together with you and the gang!!

:loveya:!!!!

[robinlynne]

133. The DNC called for a hand count of San Diego CA-50. For the first time

ever taking an official position against election fraud!

[ProgressiveEconomist]

153. Kick

[rucky]

134. Just an observation...

It's easy to drive yourself nuts if you look outside yourself - to society and a big world with so much beyond our control - for happiness.

Every one of thses good-news anecdotes are internally driven, and exteremely important.


or something like that... now, I'm going SWIMMING!

[eppur_se_muova]

135. My treatment for BDS (blackberry deficiency syndrome) was successful!

There's a small blackberry bramble on campus where I find the best, luscious, ripe blackberries. Dozens of people pass that way every day, but no one else has noticed it's there (possible exception: one tiny rabbit). Every three days or so, about half of my lunch consists of delicious wild blackberries, and it's enough to spoil a person.

So I'm out of town looking for a new place to live to go with my new job when I spot HUGE blackberries growing in the "unused" median strip next to the KFC drive-through lane. They're so big you have no trouble spotting them from inside the restaurant. Very sweet, a bit milder in flavor than the ones I've been eating all Summer, and HUGE. Oh, yeah, no one else noticed them either.

My only regret is that it wasn't next to an ice-cream shop(pe).

http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/P/1565125223.01._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-dp-500-arrow,TopRight,45,-64_AA240_SH20_SCLZZZZZZZ_V50659573_.jpg

[undeterred]

136. Russ Feingold said yes!

I am working on Bryan Kennedy's campaign against James Sensenbrenner in Wisconsin. I've been collecting signatures, throwing fundraisers, you name it. But so far we had no one actually agree to headline a fundraiser - no one with a big name. I wrote to John Edwards (Kennedy worked on his campaign in graduate school) several times and I wrote to Russ Feingold, (who is of course from Wisconsin and lives in my city). No response.

I wrote him several times more, and even sent a letter to his home address. I asked other DUers to please write him too (Feingold has been doing a lot of fundraisers, but all over the country!) Well at the Dem convention in June he came up and told Bryan he would be happy to do it and that a lot of people had been asking him lately.

He had been asked before I started bugging him but never committed, so I feel like my being a total pest really made the difference!

And now I will get to meet him in person on August 9.

[many a good man]

137. Starting tomorrow I get 2 more hours of life every day

My job actually moved to me. We're moving from the main building downtown out to a new one in the burbs-- and its only six miles from my home. Tomorrow's the first day. It cuts my commuting time from one hour and fifteen minutes (1:15) to just fifteen minutes (.15) each way. That's two more hours every day I can spend at home with my family instead of on the train commuting with strangers.

That's like Congress passing a law saying the day is now 26 hours long instead of 24.

To top it off, it'll save me almost $12 a day in commuting costs!

:bounce:

[Jazz2006]

138. Great idea, DA. I spent the last two days with my best friend,

catching up on things, lounging in her pool, laughing, drinking, singing, and having an all around wonderful time.

We've been best friends since we were 12 years old ~ and that was, er, let's just say more years ago than I care to admit :D

And my daughter just graduated from high school, made the honour roll all four years, won some awards even, is currently in Ireland on a celebratory trip, and is starting university in September.

Everyone I love is currently healthy and happy.

Thanks for the reminder that there are GOOD things happening in the world, too, even if we sometimes tend to focus on the bad.

Cheers to you.

:toast:

[Blue_In_AK]

139. We had a great 8-day camping trip

into Interior Alaska in early June, and I got some good photos. I've sold a couple of pictures so I can write off all the expensive camera gear. Yea! I have a wonderful family, all Democrats, and I'm married to a man who worships the ground I walk on (and vice versa). Can't get much better than that.

[Lindacooks]

140. My hubby got his first teaching job after going back to school

to get his license.

I just got a new book contract.

My sweet cat, who 3 months ago we thought was dying of heart disease, is running and jumping and doing fantastically on his meds.

And all my other cats are healthy!!

[w8liftinglady]

142. I love this commercial..it sends a beautiful message

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhIwQoq89-U

[Generic Other]

143. It's summer and I am free

Life is good.

[NC_Nurse]

144. I spent Friday night in the ER....

and I DON'T have a brain tumor, a stroke, or MS.

Still don't know what's wrong with me...but many big bad things have been ruled out! :-)

I have to follow up with the neurologist this week. Please pray for me.
Thanks.

[w8liftinglady]

145. I will....watch this -it will make you feel good

http://www.youtube.com/watch_fullscreen?video_id=xhIwQoq89-U&l=57&t=OEgsToPDskIzc9t3jzhzZoc6JA3R2_Qe&fs=1&title=Liberty%20Mutual%20-%20Hem%20-%20Half%20Acre

[DistressedAmerican]

148. I Really Hope The Diagnose It Soon.

Great to eliminate the really bad shit for syre. Not a praying man myself. But, I am sending you all the positivity I can muster.

Get well very, very soon!

[w8liftinglady]

146. I had a patient's wife tell me I was "exceptional"

I have taken care of this man who suffered severe brain damage after a cardiac arrest for several weeks now.I just treat him and his family with the respect that I expect for my own family.His wife told me she appreciated my loving care of her husband,my respect of him.That means more than my paycheck.It's hard to explain.I feel renewed.

[DistressedAmerican]

147. Good For You Compassion Is At A Premium These Days!

You seem to have it in spades.

Great work!

[w8liftinglady]

149. thank YOU for this thread-we ARE good people.

[DistressedAmerican]

150. I'm Gald That As Many Have Contributed As They Have!

It really picked up my spirits to hear all the day to day good out there. I'm pleased it did the same for several others as well!

Everyplace has a few jerks. But, by and large there are some great folks around here!

[w8liftinglady]

152. so am I...I hope more post....

[kineneb]

154. been harvesting wonderful lemon cucumbers

the vegetable plants are finally doing their thing...also picked several asian eggplants...got more drip lines in and the plants are much happier

[Stardust]

155. Almost ignored this thread--wanted to stayed mired in my funk.

Glad I didn't. DU is cathartic.