Hi all!  My name is Brandon Ledford.  I am a 26 year old graduate student and research assistant at the George Mason University School of Public Policy.  I am getting my graduate degree in Public Policy, with an emphasis in Health Policy and Science and Technology Policy.  Basically, I want to be a part of the cancer curing process.  Since I was not cut out to be a scientist, I knew that I could make a difference in the cancer policy arena.  I am also proud to say that I am a cancer survivor and a recent recipient of the incredible Carolyn’s Compassionate Children’s Scholarship!

I look forward to adding a guy’s perspective to the “Ten Things That Make Me Happy” series.  Just a quick note:  my family, friends, and work make me very happy.  They just are not as fun or appropriate for this list!  I hope you enjoy the list, and let’s start this off right …

Whole Foods Steak

A good steak definitely makes me happy.  You can get them at any grocery store, but I highly recommend Whole Foods steaks.  There are not any antibiotics or hormones in the meat, and it is as close to a butcher shop as you can get at a grocery store.

Moleskine Large Ruled Notebook

I use these Moleskine notebooks all the time.  It is very sturdy, and they look great.  I use them for classes, scheduling, and note-taking.  They have many different sizes and types.

Kangol Wool Hat

I’m a big hat guy.  I like all kinds of hats, from a baseball cap to a fedora.  This Kangol wool hat has been my favorite for a few years now.  It’s warm, fashionable, and a little different.

Sperry Boat Shoes

Boat shoes are great, and Sperry makes the best.  I wear them all the time.  They are comfortable and very easy.

Dogs

I have been an animal lover all my life.  Dogs are the best.  I have had a Golden Retriever, a Dalmatian, a Blue Merle Great Dane, and a few mutts.  The Humane Society is a great place to find a dog.

Kiehl’s Facial Fuel

First of all, everything from Kiehl’s is great.  They have a store in Georgetown, where I used to work, and I have only went there since my first visit.  My favorite product is the Facial Fuel.  It’s basically an aftershave and a moisturizer.  I also use the “Close-Shavers” Shaving Formula and the Ultimate Brushless Shaving Cream.

Safety Razor

I figured I would stay with the previous theme.  Shaving is pretty important, and the Art of Shaving has all types of razors.  I prefer the safety razor.  It has one blade, and the rest of the razor is stainless steel.  This gives a close, nice shave without the irritation caused by regular razors.  I really felt like I was part of an ad campaign writing this one!

Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C. makes me very happy!  I interned here in college (at the Supreme Court) and have lived here ever since.  D.C. is a beautiful, fun city.  It’s never boring and a great place to live, work, or visit.

Lakers

I was born in San Diego, CA and grew up as a huge Lakers fan.  I watch every game I can and see them whenever they play in D.C.  They also just won the championship.  I could not leave them off the list.

Books

I was a Comparative Literature major in college, so I love books.  I am currently reading The Book of Basketball by Bill Simmons.  My two other favorites are One Hundred Years of Solitude and Alice in Wonderland.  Plus, I can’t leave out Perseverance!

10 Things That Make Me Happy: Leana May

10 Things That Make Me Happy: Erin Robinson

Related posts:

1. 10 Things That Make Me Happy: Ross Kinney
2. 10 Things That Make Me Happy: Hillary Chybinski
3. 10 Things That Make Me Happy: Melissa Allam