Are the simple things in life the best?

Tell me... How can a person plan a life of happiness, when it's often the simple and unexpected parts of life that prove the most satisfying?

Today was lovely. I went to the travel agent and booked flights from Los Angeles to New York. Aside from the thought of an excruciating 5 hour stopover at LAX, it's getting me somewhat excited and motivated to investigate a few hotels.

The comedy festival is on once again and of course Paul and I have been waiting patiently all year to go and see Andrew McClelland's new show. (I just had to put a picture of the blackboard. Maybe it is the teacher in me, but damn, isn't that the most beautiful board you've ever seen?!)

Although I have loyally watched each of Andrew's shows over the last 4 years, I also crave anything that is new. Regrettably, we didn't get around to seeing any new comedy acts tonight but we did have a few minutes to waste before the show began. How better to burn some time than by having a drink at a bar that I had been wanting to explore for ages. Unfortunately, the most exciting part of the bar turned out to be a leadlight glass box that was attached to the roof. Who would have thought that chicken wire could turn out to be a design feature?


So we headed off to see the Somewhat Accurate History of the Fall of Roman Empire. True to form, Andrew combined his storytelling skills and interesting facts into a skit, which had us either listening intently or laughing hysterically. When I look back over the last few years I think Andrew has definitely found his niche. Last's year's show was about time travel, the one before about the history of the 'gentleman' and the year before about cults. And surprise, surprise he turns out to be a history teacher. If he was my teacher maybe I would have been able to pay attention long enough that the lessons would have actually stayed in my memory!

But what surprised me the most is that the best part of my day didn't include any of that. When we exited the theatre it was uncharacteristically pouring with rain. My happiest moment was just snuggling under the umbrella with Paul, chatting and walking the streets to get back to our car. Haven't I heard it said before that the simple things in life are often the best? Or was it the best things in life are free? Or was it some other advertising line, song lyric or anonymous quote? Either way, I'm sure there's something profound I can learn from this...