Lighten Up, Francis

OK, enough Obama and all the sundry shit that goes with him. We know things are a mess. We know the press is out to lunch and has their own agenda. And to be perfectly honest, I've really had enough about health care. Aside from the socio-economic and political implications of nationalizing health care, since when have we become so bloody sick that we think we need a million fucking pills for this and pills for that?

Yeah, I know that there are a lot of people who do require regular medication to maintain or regulate vital bodily functions, but let's take some time to laugh, shall we? Take a few moments to not be sooooo bloody serious; otherwise you may find yourself more in need of healthcare than you would otherwise. You know, high blood-pressure and all that.

I can't remember how I found this site, Stuff White People Like, but it is a tongue-in-cheek look at some of our follies and foibles. And, yes, it is written by a white guy. For example, here is #125 on the list of "Stuff White People Like": Bob Marley.

Here's a taste:

During the course of a white person’s education they will go through many phases including but not limited to: “awkward,” “classic rock,” and “being really into a foreign country.” Of these phases, there is only one that all white people are required to go through before they can obtain their bachelor’s degree. It is known as “Bob Marley.”
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It is also worth noting that white people tend get into smoking marijuana during this phase. This is why all white people view the combination of the two as one of the most pleasurable experiences on earth. But when white people really want to take it to the next level they will combine Bob Marley, Marijuana, a long weekend and some sort of notable outdoor location (beach, cottage, or patio). There are few activities on earth that are more appealing to white people.

The only acceptable reasons for declining participation are a prior engagement at a music festival or a commitment to go camping.
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Note: if you are talking to a white person who is really into Bob Marley, has dreadlocks, and professes to be a Rastafarian, you should end the conversation immediately. These people are of no value unless you need directions to a WTO protest or have questions about how bad a human can smell.

The point here is simple. Don't forget to laugh. In fact, make it a point of urgent necessity to laugh at least once a day (think of it like a vitamin). Listen to some of your favorite music. Read a book. Go for a walk. Whatever - do SOMETHING each day that makes you happy. Smell the roses, as they say. I'm as guilty as anybody else, so I have to remind myself from time to time to take a break. If you just wallow in all the shit going on in the world, it ain't healthy.

Don't be afraid to laugh at yourself - because surely somebody else is.

And never take yourself too seriously - nobody else does.