ENJOYING LIFE; AMERICANS HAPPY, POLL SHOWS.Byline: Sherry sherry [from Jérez], naturally dry fortified wine, pale amber to brown in tint. The term sherry originally referred to wines made from grapes grown in the region of Jérez de la Frontera, Andalusia, Spain; today it may refer to any of the Joe Crosby Daily News Staff Writer Fred and Yvonne Fike have all the ingredients for happiness: a 44-year marriage, a wealth of loving family members and Sundays at the Cornerstone cornerstone Ceremonial building block, dated or otherwise inscribed, usually placed in an outer wall of a building to commemorate its dedication. Often the stone is hollowed out to contain newspapers, photographs, or other documents reflecting current customs, with a view to Christian Church in Northridge. ``We're just content with what we have,'' said Yvonne Fike, who celebrated her 83rd birthday Thursday over lunch with her husband at Topanga Plaza in Canoga Park. ``We have our home, a loving family and our church. Our church family is just as close to us as our blood family.'' The Fikes are not alone. Half of all Americans believe they are happier than Oprah or the pope, and two-thirds of Americans report they are very happy (7.8 on a scale of 1 to 10), according to according to prep. 1. As stated or indicated by; on the authority of: according to historians. 2. In keeping with: according to instructions. 3. a USA Weekend USA WEEKEND Magazine is a national publication distributed through more than 600 newspapers in the United States. It reaches 49 million [1] readers in 23 million households [2] every weekend. poll. Among the happiest Americans are married couples, those over 55, college grads and those earning more than $50,000 a year. Paula Boland, former assemblywoman as·sem·bly·wom·an n. A woman who is a member of a legislative assembly. Noun 1. assemblywoman - a woman assemblyman representative - a person who represents others , said she can't help but be happy with her life. ``As long as you're on your feet and you're healthy, and God in heaven loves you and your family is around you . . . you've got to be happy,'' said Boland, who will celebrate her 21st wedding anniversary in August. Cindy Pollack pollack: see cod. pollack or pollock Either of two commercially important North Atlantic species of food fish in the cod family (Gadidae). , a 43-year-old full-time mother of four from Westlake Village, said her family makes her happy. ``Seeing how they accomplish things and how they go through life, that's what makes me happiest,'' said Pollack who has been married for 22 years. Pollack's friend Andi Sherwin also said she is content with her life. A 48-year-old insurance broker and mother of two, Sherwin said while a good income is essential, it isn't as vital as family. ``Money makes you comfortable, but my family and friends are the most important,'' said Sherwin, who will celebrate her 20th wedding anniversary soon. ``It gives you a feeling of warmth and fulfillment ful·fill also ful·fil tr.v. ful·filled, ful·fill·ing, ful·fills also ful·fils 1. To bring into actuality; effect: fulfilled their promises. 2. to watch your kids accomplish things.'' Robert Sepehr, a 22-year-old Pierce College In 2006 the Library won a national Excellence award. Academics Pierce College offers associate's degrees, mainly in the arts and sciences. There are also certificate programs in early childhood education, social services, dental hygienist, and others. student from Tarzana, on the other hand described himself as a 7.5 on a happiness scale of 1 to 10. ``If I were in a relationship, that would bring me up to a 9,'' said Sepehr, who recently broke up with his girlfriend. But the business and computer major said he takes solace in his everyday accomplishments. ``I've been doing good in school and managing that with a job,'' said Sepehr, who distributes free movie passes to the public. ``It's a lot of hard work, but I'm satisfied with my accomplishments.'' Sisters Anna and Viki Farkas of Canyon Country also described themselves as very happy. The daughters of a wealthy businessman, the two teens said they enjoy a life of privilege that includes frequent trips to Hawaii and enrollment in private schools. ``Our parents have a nice house, nice cars and they're nice,'' said Anna, 13. As for the Fikes, material wealth has little to do with their happiness. The octogenarian oc·to·ge·nar·i·an adj. Being between 80 and 90 years of age. n. A person between 80 and 90 years of age. couple said they derive their satisfaction from the stimulus of a long-term commitment. ``The best thing is she takes care of me,'' said Fred Fike, pointing to his wife. CAPTION(S): Photo PHOTO (Color) no caption (Cover of USA Weekend story, ``Who is Happiest?'') |
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