Bobby McFerrin

"Oh I'm happy! I'm very happy! La la la la la la la. See?"

These words spoken very forced by a ghost-Moe on "The Shinning" portion of the Simpsons' Treehouse of Horror V on season six. Trying to convince Homer that the family would be happier as ghosts like himself, Moe sings this little ditty as evidence. My personal favorite Treehouse of Horror is this one, not just because of the Shining reference, but also Groundskeeper Willie is killed three times in the same episode. It's great.

So, this begs the question: Why the heck did you put Bobby McFerrin as the title of this post? The answer lies in his one song everyone knows: Don't worry, be happy. (Sorry Bobby. No one knows any others.) It also begs this question: Andrew, are you really happy or not? Ok, well, it may not actually come across your thought process, but if you're reading this, chances are you give more than half a fig about my life. A good friend once asked me recently, "Are you happy?" To which I wasn't sure how to reply. He then wisely counseled, "Find out whatever in your life is keeping you from being unhappy, and fix it. Now." I wish to extend this counsel to all of you reading this.

The reason I say this is because I realize that I am actually happy. I know, usually I'm supposed to be sarcastic or something. I assure you that I will try my best. But now, I would just like to say that I have recently reviewed my life, and I am happy. And here are my reasons:

1. I have an amazing family that loves me even though I'm an idiot for most of the time. Yeah guys, sorry about that...consider this a public apology. I'm new at this. I am so grateful that I have this stability and love in my life. They are the best thing for me.

2. I recently returned from a two-year mission to Mongolia, a place custom-fit to me and a place I would love to return to. I spent that time preaching the word I love to people I came to love. It was the most rewarding and best investment on my life I have done so far.

3. I am enrolled at Brigham Young University. This is indeed a wonderful thing for me. About four years ago, my family decided to move to Utah two days before my senior year of high school began. At first, I was very resentful of this, but now I realize how many wonderful things it has brought into my life. If I had not moved, I would not have met many wonderful people who continue to influence me even to this day. I would not have gone to Brigham Young University where I am receiving a wonderful education and leads me to number four.

4. I am in a relationship with a wonderful girl that I met at BYU. We met freshman year at the Y and I left on a mission at the end of two semesters. Even though she and I both thought it impossible to be together, here we are after two years, both of us "tripping out" at the fact we are in fact dating. Again, without the move, I wouldn't have met her. And due to some recent events, I have realized how lucky and blessed I am to have her in my life.

5. I have a great job. And great friends. And great possibilities before me. The list could continue, but I will cut it short for your benefit.

So, am I happy? Yes, la la la la la la la. See? Actually, I am. Maybe it's because I'm listening to Jason Mraz and Relient K as I write this that has left me less sarcastic. Naw, I really am happy.