The Happy 101 Award
Man, been a long time since a meme’s come across these parts, but big thanks to Dan the Man for sending the love my way. So after covering movies, music, desert islands and video games, here we’ve got a new little spin on things: ten things that bring me joy.
Not sure what the “101” is all about, but this here’s a thing of beauty all the same. Well, get out the Kleenex. This one’s gonna be emotional.
10. Folks, there is nothing like drinking an ice cold beer in a hot shower. One of the great simple pleasures in life that too few people have had the pleasure to indulge in. Right up there with taking a bath in the dark and lying on the beach with absolutely nothing on your agenda outside of lotioning up, so don’t knock it ’til you’ve tried it.
9. Blogging. For all the days I just want to veg out and hurl my computer through the window before someone slips me the red pill and I find myself jacking into The Matrix, can’t really think of a whole lot of other accomplishments that have made me feel so productive and proud as Cut The Crap Movie Reviews has. Would place it higher on the list if it didn’t completely dominate any and all free time I have any more, but thanks to an all-star community of movie buffs and the lingering dream of some day moving in to Peter Travers’ office, the payoff is so worth the effort.
8. Music. Just went to see Arcade Fire at Madison Square Garden the other night, it was one of the Top Three best shows I’ve ever been to, and I’ve been to some good ones in my day. Been a music junkie for as long as I can remember and it’s mindblowing moments like these that remind me how effing awesome music always has been and will continue to be. Just wish we didn’t live in an age where Justin Bieber is taken seriously let alone worshipped like the golden-calf-with-a-bowl-cut that he is.
7. Movies. I think you get the idea.
6. Good food. Ladies, the way to a man’s heart is truly through his stomach. Don’t let those fascists at Cosmo sell you into eating their “600 NEW WAYS TO PROBE YOUR MAN!” horse shit. Put some shepherd’s pie in front of me and you have yourself one truly happy Aiden.
5. Meeting new people and experiencing new things. Life is too short and there’s a lot going on, gang, so step outside that comfort zone and broaden those horizons, you’ll be amazed by who and what you find. So deep, I know.
4. Reminiscing about college. Don’t long for it anymore like I did when I first entered into the dreaded “Real World”, but talk about an upgrade from High School. Best four years of my life (so far).
3. The friends. Living proof that good people attract good people. And, damn, do we know how to party.
2. The fam. Continually astounds me how many parents, aunts, uncles and cousins of mine actually read these foul-mouthed ramblings of mine, but even if they didn’t and chased me into the mountains for publishing this sick filth, I’d still be crazy about ’em. Awesome parents, awesome step-parents, an awesome brother who’s 15 years my junior and is just getting into Star Wars in a big ol’ way, and an awesome extended family who couldn’t be closer if they tried. I consider myself very, very lucky.
1. My girlfriend, Audrey. Best friend, best roommate, best cook, best lookin’, best master ninja, best everything. No one else I’d rather pay to drag along to obscure foreign films and watch Father of the Bride marathons with. What a peach.
Boy, a good meme if I do say so myself.
And now for the next ten wonderful souls I’m forcing this thing upon. Forgive me for any repeats, but you are just loved that much more.
– Dan @ Top 10 Films (I love you)
– The Hatter @ The Dark of the Matinee (let’s get married)
– Darren @ the mOvie blog (I feel like I’ve known you all my life)
– Castor @ Anomalous Material (God, you’re awesome)
– Red @ Anomalous Material (you’re double awesome, just don’t tell Castor)
– Fletch @ Blog Cabins (why won’t you answer my calls?)
– Anna @ Breathing Movies (::high five::)
– Peter @ The Magic Lantern (I’m pregnant)
– Ross McG @ Ross v. Ross (::high thirty w/ McD::)
– Ross McD @ Ross v. Ross (::high thirty w/ McG::)
A “high thirty” is where three people stand in a triangle and all simultaneously give each other “high tens”. Just made that up. So epic.
Cut The Crap Movie Reviews 
So true about the food. I’m not even going to give a second thought to a woman who can’t cook (which narrows down the playing field a lot these days).
hahaha, it’s a dealbreaker alright.
Awwww… I’ma ignore the sweet stuff cuz it was so sweet. I’ll just say I’m with ya on the beer in the shower. Simple pleasures! YOUDAMANAIDEN!!!
Hell yeah for simple pleasures. Could’ve listed a lot more of those, but beer in the shower is a tried and true winner. No, Kai, you are in fact the man.
This award is bringing out BIG love between bloggers it seems! 🙂 Aiden, let’s hook up!!!
Now this cooking thing. I also agree that good food is a way to the heart but sadly when it comes to me and my girlfriend…I do all the cooking. Okay, she makes a really great chicken and bacon salad but her bolognese sauce doesn’t hold a candle to mine! I hope she never reads this! Haha!
Great pics Aiden!
Haha, thanks, man. You, sir, are a damn good boyfriend. Wish I knew how to cook without breaking out in nervous sweats over how badly I’d screw it up.
If we don’t do AT LEAST a high 30 when I come to visit next week, the entire vacation will be a disappointment.
Great post. Except for 9 and 10 ( but just because I’ve never blogged or drank so I have no reference, but I’ll take your word for it), a very solid list.
haha, thanks, man. the high 30 will definitely be going down, maybe even a high 40 if Tank is on board.
Aiden didn’t make the faux-pas of not mentioning Fred at numero uno. That would have been a sight 😉 Great Happy 101, thanks for tagging us!
How general. And awesome. Duh.
Extremely jealous of you for seeing Arcade Fire at MSG.
Posts like this are underrated. It’s kinda cool seeing the person behind the blogger.
It was one hell of a show, man. See ’em if you can.
And I’m with ya’, very cool meme.
feelin’ the 101… looks like a good class to have taken!
So that’s what 101 means. Touche’, good sir.
Man, I hate meeting new people and experiencing new things.
couldn’t agree more. what a weirdo that aiden is!
I feel shame.
whaaaaa? no high 30 for me?! 😉
alright. i see what i can do 😉
hahaha, unless we both grow third arms, I don’t see it happening any time soon. but stranger things have happened.
It doesn’t compare with seeing Arcade Fire at MSG, but I saw Flogging Molly live and it’s easily one of the most fun moments I’ve ever had.
i’ve heard they put on one hell of a live show. don’t listen to ’em much myself, but i can see myself getting right drunk and having a time with them. some day…
Dude, I just went to see Arcade Fire on Friday at Merriweather Post Pavilion.. What an amazing experience, I’m glad you got to witness it as well.
Oh, and beer in the shower… what a great feeling.
atta boy, glad you’re on board. would expect nothing less from a Friar of your caliber.
right on, dude! unreal, right? one of those rare shows that just had me smiling thinking about it for days after. what a kickass band.
My entry for the Happy 101 happy thoughts contest! http://www.top10films.co.uk/archives/2732
Awesome, man. Will def check it out.
Hey, how much “happy” spirit in the air! Love it…
Love #7 & #8… add good food, after a nice swimm in the mediterranean coast, and happines is complete.
Sweet 101!
Man, I could totally go for a Mediterranean dip right about now. Swimming really is one of the great pleasure in life. Nice and simple, but so so awesome.
Why is it that all Friars look so damn good in cut-off jean shorts?
hahaha, I am not the person to ask. how you been, man? haven’t seen you in ages.
Obviously, you’re calling the wrong number, Aiden! I’ll pick up anytime. Thanks for the tagging, I think I got one other from my partner-in-crime Kai, so I got to get on this.
Solid list, and hard to argue with any of them. I love your girlfriend, too. 😉 But seriously, cold beer in a hot shower, eh? Speaking of showers and college, though, there was that one time when me and a bunch of other drunk freshman tried to squeeze as many (clothed) people into a dorm room shower. Don’t remember how many we got in there – I wanna say 12…
That’s so weird, Fletch… I love you too!
❤ Fred
Wow, crazy times over at Fletch’s dorm! I’m tellin’ ya, man, put that beer in the freezer for half an hour, boot up a hot-ass shower, and get ready for pure bliss. Don’t knock it ’til you’ve tried it.