I heard this question asked the other day. I have forgotten what the context was, but the question stuck with me. I thought of the things I have, both things and relationships, and for the most part, I find that I am.

I wouldn't say I'm experiencing a life of hardship, but I would like a few things I haven't got. Mainly a garage and some improvements to my vehicle fleet.

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Whoever said there's nothing more expensive than a cheap Mercedes never had a cheap Jaguar.

83 300D Turbo with manual conversion, early W126 vented front rotors and H4 headlights 400,xxx miles
08 Suzuki GSX-R600 M4 Slip-on 22,xxx miles
88 Jaguar XJS V12 94,xxx miles. Work in progress.

I want what you have and I don't want to work for it.

Work is the curse of the drinking classes.

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Whoever said there's nothing more expensive than a cheap Mercedes never had a cheap Jaguar.

83 300D Turbo with manual conversion, early W126 vented front rotors and H4 headlights 400,xxx miles
08 Suzuki GSX-R600 M4 Slip-on 22,xxx miles
88 Jaguar XJS V12 94,xxx miles. Work in progress.

I was thinking about this the other day....


I could use some female companionship. :/

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-Justin

91 560 SEC AMG - other dogs dd
01 Honda S2000 - dogs dd
07 MB ML320 CDI - dd
16 Lexus IS250 - wifes dd

it's automatic.

No Im a Leftist Nutjob, I want a bailout.
In the form of a rad 69 Blazer k5 top off, approaching the choice spot at the lake shore--- The back is full of young ladies in Cheeta print t backs --three brunetts, two redheads, and a blond. of course i need a few chests if refreshment, to go with the dancing babes-and some shades too, please.

Sounds like the Kid Rock song - All Summer Long....

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-Justin

91 560 SEC AMG - other dogs dd
01 Honda S2000 - dogs dd
07 MB ML320 CDI - dd
16 Lexus IS250 - wifes dd

it's automatic.

I say that I am "content" in the sense I realize that adding "things" to my life will not produce greater happiness. In that sense, I an content, and comfortable, and even thankful for what I have, and where I am in life.
OTOH, of course there are things that would be beneficial to have---I'd still love to build that 24X32 garage--won't make me "happier", but would provide a more efficient and all-weather work space. In addition, to the ( probably-never-to-be-built) garage, I have about $12,000 in projects/purchases that are on hold until funding becomes available. These projects have been on hold for over a year. Hopefully partial funding will become available soon, but either way, I am content.

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1982 300SD " Wotan" ..On the road as of Jan 8, 2007 with Historic Tags

I'm pretty happy. Living quite a modest life at the moment, I could use a new job with more money (preferably less debt too) but I'm getting by and I'm very thankful for that! All good in the family friends and lady friend areas too, I feel very lucky to have such great friends and family.

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TC
Current stable:
- 2004 Mazda RALLYWANKEL
- 2007 Saturn sky redline
- 2004 Explorer...under surgery.

Past: 135i, GTI, 300E, 300SD, 300SD, Stealth

When all is said and done, it is the people in your life who matter; not the things.

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1982 300SD " Wotan" ..On the road as of Jan 8, 2007 with Historic Tags

^x2

I went from making close to six figures a year to being lucky to make 20k this year. I'm actually alot happier now. Thankfully, I don't have any debt.

The thing I am most thankful for is my wife Sue. She is the best thing that ever happened to me.

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Jim

In most ways, yes. I live in the same house my wife and bought in uninhabitable condition 22 yrs ago and rehabbed ourselves. I'm happy driving old Mercedes and shopping at thrift stores. My work is satisfying and my family is great. We have no debt and can buy what we want at the grocery store. On the other hand, I love boats. I like paddling and sailing. I'm always looking forward to the next adventure.

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1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13

^^^
or a call from Peter Egan asking you to join him on a roadtrip!!

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1982 300SD " Wotan" ..On the road as of Jan 8, 2007 with Historic Tags

Precisely.

I have known people who literally had little more than natural vegetation and native stones and animal parts as their total possessions, which they shared freely with their super-family/clan group. They were (literally) happy campers.

I know people whose dwellings are crammed full of stuff and who live lives of misery. In my opinion, due in a large part to the false-association of happiness with things; rather than relationships with people whom they should love.

IMO, unhappiness of Americans has its origin in greed. We live like a country of princes in a world unimaginable a century ago. Yet most of us are envious of our wealthier neighbor and contemptuous of those who have less. It is psychotic.

Agree with this and ms fowler's statement. And actually your last point is neoliberalism in a nutshell.

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TC
Current stable:
- 2004 Mazda RALLYWANKEL
- 2007 Saturn sky redline
- 2004 Explorer...under surgery.

Past: 135i, GTI, 300E, 300SD, 300SD, Stealth