I haven’t really been writing much here the past few months. Part of that is due to the new job at 318, but mainly I just haven’t felt like writing.

The 2009-2010 Minnesota winter hit me harder than usual – I’ve definitely felt the “winter blues” this year. The warm weather this week has helped (especially by melting most of the snow), but the forecast calls for more below-freezing temps and I’m sure we have at least one more snow storm before summer.

It’s also easy to get down when thinking about all the issues in the world – the economy, the collapse of housing values, rising health care costs, unemployment, earthquakes, etc.

As a sort of coping mechanism, I’ve been compiling a list of things that make me happy. For the three or four of you who read this site on a regular basis, most of these won’t be too shocking:

• Social bonds – family and friends
• Fitness – running, golf, skiing, mountain biking, racquetball
• Eating out
• Travel (and Motoring)
• Nice weather
• Trees, mountains and water
• Pop culture – TV, movies and concerts
• Cities and their associated cultural amenities
• Attending hockey games
• Casino gaming
• Learning new things and staying informed

As I look over this list, I realize how lucky I’ve been in this life and really shouldn’t get too down. Geez, I’m starting to sound like a Ben Folds song…