So many shades of gray

So someone, who admittedly doesn't know me all that well, yesterday tells me that I don't laugh enough. Me, Mr. glass half empty?

Well, as previously noted, my kids call me "Mr. Fun." But most the rest of the time, not so much. There's a good chance that this person who doesn't see me smile enough has a point. And maybe I need a concerted effort to inject more comedy and smiles into my daily routine.

How?

• Watch Marx Brothers movies nonstop during any free time?
• Maybe Odd Couple reruns? Or the Abbott and Costello show?
• Read more Dale Carnegie books?
• Meditate more on memories of good times?
• Go on a strict Teenage Fanclub diet?
• "Love and Death"? "Bananas?" "Take the Money and Run"?
• Put "And Your Bird Can Sing" on repeat?
• Listen to NC State fans obsess about UNC?

And then it came to me, and it seems so simple. All of the above are fine. Just fine, all great. Spectacular, even. Each is guaranteed to have a positive effect on my disposition.

But individually, or combined, it won't be enough. You see, right now I'm living on colorblind island (apologies to Oliver Sacks). The gray mentioned in my previous post is pervasive. Everywhere I look, shades of gray: In my current residence, in my car, when I look in the mirror. Even most people.

But when Jack and Ruby are around, there is an overwhelming array of dazzle all around. Color, life, deep vivid hues. Even someone as physically color blind as myself can see it.

Huh, who would have thought? Getting off the island onto the mainland and see my kids more often?

I must get on that…