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That’s what I’m thinking this morning after I woke up. I’m a pretty lucky guy.

First, I actually woke up. That’s always a good sign.

I have two super kids and a grandchild that brings me joy. All of whom I expect won’t set me adrift on an ice flow for the polar bears when I get too old to remember my own name. At least, they tell me they won’t, but they might be counting on me not remembering that.

I get along with my siblings, as much as siblings can get along. None of them are suing me, so that’s a positive.

I get along with my neighbors. I never had to bang on their windows and doors, though they will do that to me when I leave my car lights on. I never threatened to arrest them, so I think they don’t mind me being in the neighborhood.

I don’t have the IRS chasing after me to repay government loans. There’s no $1100 municipal lien on me for unpaid school taxes. It’s my undeclared fortune I keep in my rattlesnake pit they are after.

I don’t spend my days seeking approval from like minded individuals to validate me, or give myself a “Like” on Facebook. (Giving yourself a “Like” on Facebook is the same as high-fiving yourself in public.) I have real friends and we have been friends since high school. We all have dirt on each other, so it’s kind of a standoff.

I’m not facing criminal charges of any kind, or have a history of convictions for harassment, disturbing the peace, and defamation. I did get a ticket for an expired parking meter in Easton once, but hasn’t everyone?

I’m keeping busy trying to improve my community and not working to undermine it. I’ve been elected twice to office in a town I actually like living in. I’d like to thank that one person who voted 100 times for me.

I don’t have a Hit List of people I’m Hell bent on destroying (OK, maybe Tommy Dunbar. I know it was him who stole my gloves and wool cap in 2nd Grade, so I’d freeze my ass off on the walk home from school. DUNBARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!).

I’ll be retiring soon with my full PSEA retirement package and Social Security added to it. I won’t live like a king, but I’ll be able to pay my bills and splurge on a bologna sandwich once in awhile.

I don’t have to get free health care from the government. I don’t take a concoction of medication since I don’t require any and don’t have any prescriptions. My doctor won’t give me one until I actually have glaucoma. Bastard!

Other than being fat and bald, I’m in pretty good health for an old fart. My doctor said I could live for at least another day, possibly a week, if I don’t run to catch a train.

Sure, there are challenges that we all face, but there is always someone else that you’ll see, to make you realize your own life is pretty damn good. Whether they are already pushing a shopping cart, or you can see them sponging off relatives in the future to avoid ending up sleeping in a cardboard box, you realize that it could be worse.

I could have all the troubles and drama they created for themselves.

About the worst thing I can say is that this annoying pest buzzes by every once in awhile. It tries to sting, but is too insignificant. I expect it will end up in the house of a judge one day where it will get squashed, like a bug should.

Be happy for what you have and enjoy your life. I am.