Foo - The Positive Thread

Ok, this is going to sound a bit hokey maybe, but I've learned over the years that when I'm upset or depressed it helps to surround myself with as much positive influence as possible. For instance, try going to a good comedy club and see how you feel when you come out. Or try watching Lance's TDF stage where he gave "the look" and not be inspired.

So, I thought I'd start a thread where every one posts something "good". Something that makes you laugh, motivates you, or moves you. You Foo'sters have posted some things that have really touched me (including Jsharr - but I had to get a restraining order for that one dangit... ;) ). So to start things off I'm going to submit the Youtube link to Paul Potts singing Nessun Dorma that someone had a thread about recently. This guy is amazing. He comes out so humble but has the judges and audience literally moved to tears within 60 seconds of singing (and c'mon, watching Simon with his head in his hand and mouth agog is priceless...)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1k08yxu57NA

Great idea for a thread....I can't think of anything positive at the moment, but GREAT IDEA!

Cracked my commuting record. 10 1/2ish miles in 35.11, and I finally got park services to start fixing a dangerous part of the MUP

I have no idea why, but these videos crack me up every time I see them... I watch them whenever I'm feeling poopy.

Running (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ne5AJMlbi8c&NR=1)

Scuba (http://youtube.com/watch?v=mPKmEAMtLEM)

Panda Sneeze (http://www.break.com/index/little_panda_sneeze.html)

I spent some of my bonus money on tools yesterday, and I successfully adjusted my loose headset. :)

:roflmao: Let's not forget when it was 93 degrees and Jon cools off in sewage water. As X commented, even the tree didn't want to put its roots in it.



http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o286/Flycrow/Joninwater.jpg

Well I don't have a photo to add or youtube stuff, but I went thru a rough time just a short time ago.

Broke up with someone that I thought loved me, but come to find out he loves his parents more. Can't cut that string EVER.

My positive advice is GET OUT THERE AND DO IT. I've managed to move in two days to mine own place, got all new furniture, raced a mountain bike race, train for my (EVENT OF THE YEAR COMING ON SATURDAY, TRIPLE BY-PASS RIDE), meet an great guy by chance and have the BEST FRIENDS in the whole world supporting me thur it all. :)

I can honesty say that if you have hope in yourself ANYTHING and I mean ANYTHING is possible. Just an year ago I couldn't imagine doing an 20+ mile ride on my mountain bike, now its like CAKE. :)

I am a different person and I LOVE who I am and I now know that I AM a great person.

So RAVENMORE there you go :)

CHEERS :beer:

Snowy

Snowy, you are awesome. :o (hugs))

Well I don't have a photo to add or youtube stuff, but I went thru a rough time just a short time ago.

Broke up with someone that I thought loved me, but come to find out he loves his parents more. Can't cut that string EVER.

My positive advice is GET OUT THERE AND DO IT. I've managed to move in two days to mine own place, got all new furniture, raced a mountain bike race, train for my (EVENT OF THE YEAR COMING ON SATURDAY, TRIPLE BY-PASS RIDE), meet an great guy by chance and have the BEST FRIENDS in the whole world supporting me thur it all. :)

I can honesty say that if you have hope in yourself ANYTHING and I mean ANYTHING is possible. Just an year ago I couldn't imagine doing an 20+ mile ride on my mountain bike, now its like CAKE. :)

I am a different person and I LOVE who I am and I now know that I AM a great person.

So RAVENMORE there you go :)

CHEERS :beer:

Snowy

Wow! If this isn't enough positive vibe, I don't know what is. Great attitude Snowy.

I spent some of my bonus money on tools yesterday, and I successfully adjusted my loose headset. :)
Awesome....wanna come help me swap out my handlebars, stem, brakes and shifters next month? I'm gonna try to do it myself, but have never done any of it.

To be totally mushy, this photo (about 9 years ago):

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/26/96618459_f3a8d15f2a_m.jpg (http://flickr.com/photos/mirage1210/96618459/in/set-72157600203189517/)


And just a quick pick from the many random things that make me happy--this guy's photos (http://flickr.com/photos/wiseacre/sets/72157594515380418/).

Well I don't have a photo to add or youtube stuff, but I went thru a rough time just a short time ago.

Broke up with someone that I thought loved me, but come to find out he loves his parents more. Can't cut that string EVER.

My positive advice is GET OUT THERE AND DO IT. I've managed to move in two days to mine own place, got all new furniture, raced a mountain bike race, train for my (EVENT OF THE YEAR COMING ON SATURDAY, TRIPLE BY-PASS RIDE), meet an great guy by chance and have the BEST FRIENDS in the whole world supporting me thur it all. :)

I can honesty say that if you have hope in yourself ANYTHING and I mean ANYTHING is possible. Just an year ago I couldn't imagine doing an 20+ mile ride on my mountain bike, now its like CAKE. :)

I am a different person and I LOVE who I am and I now know that I AM a great person.

So RAVENMORE there you go :)

CHEERS :beer:

Snowy

That's EXACTLY what I'm talking about! Way to go Snowy! :) Let us know how your ride goes.

That's EXACTLY what I'm talking about! Way to go Snowy! :) Let us know how your ride goes.

I will Ravenmore. :) I've been training since February, well got real serious in May.

I'm looking forward to getting it over with so I can do some playing :)

Here's something positive for me: my morning glories have started blooming for the summer. They're a variety known as "Grandpa Ott's" - they're a deep, velvety purple with a pink throat. I built a pergola over my porch earlier this spring, and they're climbing the trellis at the sides. Eventually, going out there in the morning will be like walking into a room that is covered wall to ceiling with flowers.

Pictures (http://forums2.gardenweb.com/forums/load/annuals/msg0810553416750.html). (not mine)

:beer: to Snowy! You are quite the inspirational poster, there.

(suddenly wants to be dating someone so I can break up and have that bit AH! of refreshing change!)


Here's something positive for me: my morning glories have started blooming for the summer. They're a variety known as "Grandpa Ott's" - they're a deep, velvety purple with a pink throat. I built a pergola over my porch earlier this spring, and they're climbing the trellis at the sides. Eventually, going out there in the morning will be like walking into a room that is covered wall to ceiling with flowers.

Pictures (http://forums2.gardenweb.com/forums/load/annuals/msg0810553416750.html). (not mine)Those are beeyootiful flowers--it must be incredible! I think we need pictures of your pergola.

:beer: to Snowy! You are quite the inspirational poster, there.

(suddenly wants to be dating someone so I can break up and have that bit AH! of refreshing change!)

Those are beeyootiful flowers--it must be incredible! I think we need pictures of your pergola.

Thanks Mirage. I just learned that people can be MEAN but it doesn't have to change the way we feel about ourselves. Normally those people that say mean and hurtful things have more going on inside of them, that they try so hard to cover it up that its easy to take it out of someone else.

I just remind myself that I got myself here and I'm just gonna keep truckin along!!! :) :D

This seems pretty positive: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VuOyBFEAylU

Good for you Snowy. Good luck on the TBP. That’s at the top of my list for rides next year.

Got the clippers out weekend before last and gave my boys summer haircuts. Used a #3 shield and spent some time trying to do a quality job. Although my wife was sad to see the two year old with a buzz cut (she loves his curly hair) she was pleased. The best part was yesterday, when she told me that Wade, our 6 year old, told her that daddy is a hair cutting expert!!!!!!

It is great to know that your kids think you are the best.

:roflmao: Let's not forget when it was 93 degrees and Jon cools off in sewage water.
You captured the moment right before I got a slice of sewage pie. :lol:

At least someone got some enjoyment out of that. :D

*remembers raw sewage taste*

It is great to know that your kids think you are the best. [/SIZE]
Yeah, gotta love that feeling. A year or so ago, I was talking with my son (then 15) about God knows what, and he equated me with his friends. I said: "I'm not your friend, I'm your father; there's a difference." To which he responded: "I dunno, Dad, I think you're one of my best friends."

I had to find an excuse to leave the room, or else I would have handed him the keys to the car and a credit card. But it was a very cool moment.

You captured the moment right before I got a slice of sewage pie. :lol:

At least someone got some enjoyment out of that. :D

*remembers raw sewage taste*
Yeah, good ol' Jon. The human floor show. :D

Yeah, gotta love that feeling. A year or so ago, I was talking with my son (then 15) about God knows what, and he equated me with his friends. I said: "I'm not your friend, I'm your father; there's a difference." To which he responded: "I dunno, Dad, I think you're one of my best friends."

I had to find an excuse to leave the room, or else I would have handed him the keys to the car and a credit card. But it was a very cool moment.


Awwww... that's really sweet :)

Yeah, gotta love that feeling. A year or so ago, I was talking with my son (then 15) about God knows what, and he equated me with his friends. I said: "I'm not your friend, I'm your father; there's a difference." To which he responded: "I dunno, Dad, I think you're one of my best friends."

I had to find an excuse to leave the room, or else I would have handed him the keys to the car and a credit card. But it was a very cool moment.
:lol:

That made me laugh but also gave me a huge smile. You're a great guy Rich. I can't blame your kid. :)

Got the clippers out weekend before last and gave my boys summer haircuts. Used a #3 shield and spent some time trying to do a quality job. Although my wife was sad to see the two year old with a buzz cut (she loves his curly hair) she was pleased. The best part was yesterday, when she told me that Wade, our 6 year old, told her that daddy is a hair cutting expert!!!!!!

It is great to know that your kids think you are the best.

:)

Not very inspiring, but I am still feeling good about my five days off spent fishing, swimming, and helping out my uncle in law with his new house. A bad day fishing is a better than a good day at work.

Yeah, gotta love that feeling. A year or so ago, I was talking with my son (then 15) about God knows what, and he equated me with his friends. I said: "I'm not your friend, I'm your father; there's a difference." To which he responded: "I dunno, Dad, I think you're one of my best friends."

I had to find an excuse to leave the room, or else I would have handed him the keys to the car and a credit card. But it was a very cool moment.


You need to be a bit tougher if he equates you with one of his 15 year old buddies. I never confused my parents for friends. Not for one second. But at least as a teenager he said something nice to you. The teenage years can be tough as they assert their independence.

You need to be a bit tougher if he equates you with one of his 15 year old buddies.
Oh, trust me, he knows the difference, and he knows that "no" means "no." But I have to say that, as teeneagers go, he is extremely light duty. Sometimes I wish he would exercise a little bit more of an independent streek. But to be honest, the vast majority of the time I'm glad he doesn't - it cuts down on late night trips to the ER or the police station.

It is also cool that he still enjoys doing things with his Mom and/or Dad. Not everything or even most things, and certainly not all the time (he's about to turn 17, and I'd be worried if his parents were his only, or even his primary, social outlet), but there are some things he actively wants to do with one or the other of us. Does the old heart good, too.

It helps that I not only love him, but I also like him a lot. I have enjoyed him all through his life, and I am looking forward to having real man-to-man conversations with him in future years. In the meantime, these teenage years have been a hoot, watching him mature intellectually and emotionally, seeing more hints of what the man will be like. And he is growing up to be a fine man. Yup, his Mom has done a great job with him. ;)

Aprilm - I've gone back and watched the "panda sneeze" several times now. Makes me "lol" literally everytime. :D

Portis - I love that story. Something about fathers selflessly giving for their sons makes me tear up like I'm watching ol' yeller or sumpthin'... :) Actually I was trying to find that vid with the father that does triathalons with his handicapped son. Anyone have a link to that?

Yeah, gotta love that feeling. A year or so ago, I was talking with my son (then 15) about God knows what, and he equated me with his friends. I said: "I'm not your friend, I'm your father; there's a difference." To which he responded: "I dunno, Dad, I think you're one of my best friends."

I had to find an excuse to leave the room, or else I would have handed him the keys to the car and a credit card. But it was a very cool moment.
Yeah, it is amazing how simple words from you kids can bring you so close to tears, or illicit immediate side splitting laughter. I hope that in 10 years Wade and Ryan consider me one of their best friends. You are a lucky man bikingshearer! Thanks for sharing.

And thanks for starting this thread Ravenmore.

BTW, i hope you POSITIVELY wear Cuda out on them Austin hills. He drops me on every climb when we ride together. Not hard to do since I am built like Chris Farley.

two years ago i took up cycling, dropped 45 pounds, quit smoking and am able to ride a century on a moment's notice. i guess that's kinda positive. i still like beer a lot though, which is positive too.

GO POSITIVITY!!!

good luck on your positive quest OP! hope this helps, cause if i can do it....

Here's something positive!:D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=maDm0Gi5-io

Here's something positive!:D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=maDm0Gi5-io

Rock on Tom! Absolutely definitely positive! (and set to Malagenia too - first serious song I learned on the guitar. :) )

Oh, trust me, he knows the difference, and he knows that "no" means "no." But I have to say that, as teeneagers go, he is extremely light duty. Sometimes I wish he would exercise a little bit more of an independent streek. But to be honest, the vast majority of the time I'm glad he doesn't - it cuts down on late night trips to the ER or the police station.

It is also cool that he still enjoys doing things with his Mom and/or Dad. Not everything or even most things, and certainly not all the time (he's about to turn 17, and I'd be worried if his parents were his only, or even his primary, social outlet), but there are some things he actively wants to do with one or the other of us. Does the old heart good, too.

It helps that I not only love him, but I also like him a lot. I have enjoyed him all through his life, and I am looking forward to having real man-to-man conversations with him in future years. In the meantime, these teenage years have been a hoot, watching him mature intellectually and emotionally, seeing more hints of what the man will be like. And he is growing up to be a fine man. Yup, his Mom has done a great job with him. ;)
It's always nice to hear things like this...My daughter is just such a great person, she's some who I enjoy very much, besides just loving her like crazy. I know the teenage years are going to be a whole new experience, but I'm looking forward to knowing her as she grows and changes!

eh...this always makes me jump outta my chair and throw my fist into the air. (truthfully) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWnmCu3U09w) :rolleyes:

Re-tore my left rotator cuff today. This sucks.

Re-tore my left rotator cuff today. This sucks.


That isn't very positive.

Re-tore my left rotator cuff today. This sucks.


That positively sucks.

Oh, trust me, he knows the difference, and he knows that "no" means "no." But I have to say that, as teeneagers go, he is extremely light duty. Sometimes I wish he would exercise a little bit more of an independent streek. But to be honest, the vast majority of the time I'm glad he doesn't - it cuts down on late night trips to the ER or the police station.

It is also cool that he still enjoys doing things with his Mom and/or Dad. Not everything or even most things, and certainly not all the time (he's about to turn 17, and I'd be worried if his parents were his only, or even his primary, social outlet), but there are some things he actively wants to do with one or the other of us. Does the old heart good, too.

It helps that I not only love him, but I also like him a lot. I have enjoyed him all through his life, and I am looking forward to having real man-to-man conversations with him in future years. In the meantime, these teenage years have been a hoot, watching him mature intellectually and emotionally, seeing more hints of what the man will be like. And he is growing up to be a fine man. Yup, his Mom has done a great job with him. ;)
I thought what he said to you was nice too,being called a best freind means that you also did something right, he trust you and enjoy your companie, he sees you as more then discipline or a father figure, in these days where kids can often grow apart and have nothing in common with thier parents, I think it was VERY touching that he said this to you. :)

Bikingshearer and Jsharr, this just shows you what kind of parents you are. No better reward than that.

You guys are awesome! :)

Re-tore my left rotator cuff today. This sucks.


That isn't very positive.

Sure it is. He didn't tear off his arm! :eek:

I hope you are okay Mr. Smashy. In the meanwhile, I'll watch your fixie since you can't ride it.

I'm going for a two-fer!

Saddish/uplifting for all us sensitive types...
<American Beauty ending, be warned>
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sYrgHju3d-E

And then just for fun...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UATjzVBWoxQ

bump. I could use this now.

Whenever I need an uplift, I like to listen to Steppenwolf. They have some nice happiness inspiring songs. It also helps me to think of how much worse off I could be. I'm kinda going through some rough times myself, looks like I'm gonna be stuck doing asbestos work for a while now. But thinking of the very fact I'm alive and doing okay when I could have been killed by a car like RevMonkey, or even worse paralyzed from the neck down, it makes me realize how lucky I am. That sort of mindset goes a long way in keeping me going.