We've got some sad news about the international happiness index: Australia has dropped out of the top 10.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
We're now sitting in 11th place on the World Happiness Report's ranking of the planet's happiness levels, behind Austria and ahead of Costa Rica.
The results are based on a survey that asks citizens to rate the consistency of their personal happiness over three years.
But at a local level, we wanted to know more. So The Daily Advertiser hit the streets on Thursday to ask Wagga residents about their happiness levels and how they can be improved.
In the meantime, however, we've compiled a dozen or so little, everyday things that can truly lift hearts and bring joy only to those who call Wagga home.
1. When you tell someone about the five o'clock wave and they fall for it
Because we're all kids at heart and pranks are the true life 100 emoji.
2. When you're waiting at the lights and the car at the front of the line hits the sensor
Sweet, sweet relief.
There's nothing worse than waiting, knowing the end will never come unless someone rolls forward a little and hits that line.
3. Going to Glenfield Maccas and the ice cream and/or frozen drink machine is working
All 36 flavours, is this what heaven looks like?!
And then there's going to Glenfield Maccas and getting what you ordered.
Now you *know* you're dead and this really is the afterlife, and it's amazing.
You will definitely read about it on Wagga Thumbs Up, Thumbs Down.
4. Getting a park on the bottom block of Baylis Street on a Tuesday night
All you want to do is pick up that pizza, dammit.
How many times must you and the five cars in front of you do the Baylis > Edward > Fitzhardinge > Morgan > Baylis loop!?
You know you've hit rock bottom when you turn right at the highway and hit up Best Street just so you can come the other way and bust the cycle.
5. Driving out of the Marketplace or Sturt Mall car park on a Thursday night or Saturday morning
Got everything you need, it's been fun, but get us home.
Breathing and blood pressure will return to normal soon and we've got it on good authority that teeth will actually unclench.
6. Gurwood Street in autumn
It's just breathtaking.
Beauty might not be everything in life but this is a true exception.
7. Dialing 6921 4242 and getting through to the taxi call centre
Yeah yeah, we know about 131 008, but it just *feels* like you're getting a quicker result when you call that direct line.
Placebo effect, maybe, but we'll take it.
8. Actually getting a cab to show up in that danger period on a Friday or Saturday night
Everyone wants a cab in the couple of hours before lockout. And then same again if you hit that window when everyone's leaving the late-night partying.
There's a sweet spot in between and you can only pick it when you're out.
More
9. Seeing Larry in the street
Whether it's so you can catch up with him, cross the street to avoid him because you haven't got time to chat or point out the city's larrikin to your visiting friends.
10. Getting a clear run of green lights along Edward Street
This is better than winning the lottery, and only just a smidge more likely to happen, statistically* speaking.
(*we've not done the maths, some things you just know)
11. Those 47-degree days in summer
You'll never appreciate winter as much as you do on these days.
Plus, Zooper Doopers on tap, cold beverages and bragging rights over the coastal complainers and their top of 35.
12. Below-zero mornings in winter
You'll never appreciate summer as much as you do on the mornings you're scraping ice off the windscreen and peering through fog.
Plus, bonfires, firebuckets and bragging rights.
13. Driving up (or down) Bourke Street and realising it's 4.01pm and the school zones aren't in effect
No more slowing down to 40km/h three times in two kilometres, that's a sweet, sweet 60km/h the whole way for you.
14. Walking into Thaigga on a Friday or Saturday night without a booking and getting a table straight away.
Miracles! That place is too popular to not be prepared.
15. When Lake Albert isn't on red alert for blue-green algae or fecal bacteria.
Doesn't seem to happen much these days, so put the boat in while you can.
16. When junior sport gets washed out in winter.
Who really wants to stand in that freezing, slodgy mess and watch kids swiftly develop hypothermia (while it hits you slowly) anyway.
17. Coming over Kapooka Bridge, crossing the Gobba, passing the Shanty and zipping through the overtaking lane at the San Isidore turn-off.
Both on the way out - a trip away, yeeha! - and on the way back. Jeez, it's good to be home.
More
While you're with us, did you know that you can now receive updates straight to your inbox each day at 6am from the Daily Advertiser? To make sure you're up to date with all the Wagga news, sign up here.