Monday, December 31, 2007

HappyUP!!! Day 338....May Ol Acquaintenances Be Forgot...

HappyUP!!! - the end of the year
Why it happened - it's the end of the year....calenders do that
Why it makes me happy - it just puts you into a different frame of mind. It's a day off tomorrow.

HappyUP!!! - cancelled conference call
Why it happened - my boss figured everyone was on light schedule
Why it makes me happy - I really only wanted to put in the half day that I already did.

HappyUP!!! - coffee with a friend
Why it happened - he pressed me
Why it makes me happy - I got to sit around and talk with another guy for a couple of hours that I have never spent that much time with. We were swapping business ideas as well as life issues. Good time in conversation.

Sunday, December 30, 2007

HappyUP!!! Day 337


HappyUP!!! - Nutton and Oranges delivery
Why it happened - I slipped out in the early morning
Why it makes me happy - I know the couple who got their NUTTON!!!wear are going to enjoy them....plus my oranges are pretty darn good.

HappyUP!!! - Qi Gong
Why it happened - I was watching public television
Why it makes me happy - this guy was doing some weird moves on TV. I decided to follow along. At the end of just 7 non-strenuous minutes, I couldn't believe how I felt. Stretching is in my plans for 2008. Qi Gong is similar to Tai Chi. Unlike Yoga, you don't have to do the moves "right." Lee Holden is the guy if you want to do a google on him.

HappyUP!!! - happy dreams
Why it happened - who knows
Why it makes me happy - doesn't it make you happy when you have some excellent dreams. Last night's were just that!

Saturday, December 29, 2007

HappyUP!!! Day 336



HappyUP!!! - more Christmas
Why it happened - my sis-in-law has a big family
Why it makes me happy - while all the hubbub wouldn't be my daily cup of tea, it's cool to be around the large gathering once a year. The gift exchange is always a hoot.

HappyUP!!! - gift exchange trick
Why it happened - someone was on the ball
Why it makes me happy - one guy brings lottery scratchers for the gift exchange. Follow along here as you have to get the setup. The worst thing that could happen to that guy who brought those would be a huge winner in the pile of tickets. While the recipient was sc
scratching away, someone had a fake winning
lottery scratcher for 10, ooo bucks (don't ask me how they got it....someone said you can get them at the dollar store). They slipped that to the person doing the scratching. The person scratching acted like a big winner. You should have seen the commotion!

HappyUP!!! - good pictures....not taken by me
Why it happened - it's a family gathering
Why it makes me happy - they'll be a good one of my brother and two nephews all laid out on the couch doing what we do best....nothing!

In the meantime, here's pictures of people taking pictures.


Friday, December 28, 2007

HappyUP!!! Day 335

HappyUP!!! - physical...part one
Why it happened - I made it happen and made an appointment yesterday
Why it makes me happy - no issues on the vitals....now, on to the bloodwork.

HappyUP!!! - breakfast
Why it happened - it happens every couple of weeks
Why it makes me happy - I always like to spend time with this guy. He is a direct report...and a friend.

HappyUP!!! - various e-mail dialogues
Why it happened - all my e-mail friends must have had some time off
Why it makes me happy - some of the people live close by....we'll be planning to do some things
together in 2008. I think 2008 is going to be the Year of the Full Calender for me.

Thursday, December 27, 2007

HappyUP!!! Day 334

HappyUP!!! - a helpful "Help Desk" person
Why it happened - I had an issue with my corporate sanctioned blackberry
Why it made me happy - I could whine about the three different places I had to call and the number of times I was transferred to get this issue fixed. The important thing was that when I got to the person, I got to THEE person. She wasn't superfast. She had to look things up BUT she understood and appeared to actually care about my problem beyond the "customer service scripting" schpiel. My Blackberry is UP!

HappyUP!!! - a helpful banker
Why it happened - I needed to do a transfer that I should have been able to do on-line but couldn't
Why it made me happy - when we first sat down, it seemed like I may have messed up and could have accomplished what I needed to do on line. I was ready to go home and give it another try. She wouldn't let me. She said, "let me get out of my internal screen and do it as you would at home." It was at that time that we found out I hadn't made a mistake. I really couldn't do this on line. She picked up the phone and got it done with the people right away. Big timesaver.

HappyUP!!! - talking with a friend
Why it happened - my friend called me up
Why it made me happy - I hadn't heard from this person in several months. I figured our friendship wasn't that big of a deal to the other person. Now, we are probably going to go skiing with ME getting free ski lessons. Gotta love that.

Wednesday, December 26, 2007

HappyUP!!! Day 333

HappyUP!!! - unexpected golf
Why it happened - my brother called
Why it makes me happy - I had the day off. Nothing planned. It was a bit chilly but it was still a good time.....even though my game stunk!

HappyUP!!! - steak
Why it happened - it needed to be eaten
Why it makes me happy - a BBQ'd steak on a cold night.....tenderized all day with garlic and worchester. That is some good eating.

HappyUP!!! - 2 sandies
Why it happened - I hit it in the sand trap
Why it makes me happy - despite the struggle today, I still showed a bit of skill on a couple of occasions.

Tuesday, December 25, 2007

HappyUP!!! Day 332

HappyUP!!! - the hidden money is a hit again
Why it happened - I do it somehow every Xmas
Why it makes me happy - my niece and nephews aren't kids anymore. They know what is coming from me...cash.
They just don't know how it's coming. This year, the do-re-me was somewhat carefully stitched into an extra hem that was at the bottom of their NUTTONS!!! T-shirts. Only one of the three rocket scientists figured it out. The other two had some coaching. I think all were in disbelief that I went to the trouble of hiding the cash in such fashion.....hence, the fun and tradition has continued another year.

HappyUP!!! - losing money
Why it happened - we played poker
Why it makes me happy - we must have played poker for 8 hours......between a lot of eating....oh my, a LOT of eating. I am going to have some working out to do between now and Sunday. Anyway, it cost me a lot of dough but it went to a good cause....the rest of the family.....plus we had a TON of laughs.

HappyUP!!! - GPS
Why it happened - I got a present
Why it makes me happy - none of my vehicles has GPS. Now, with my portable Garmin, they all can! Sweeeet!

Monday, December 24, 2007

HappyUP!!! Day 331

NOTE: just 41 days until the HappyUP!!! project roles through it's first year.

HappyUP!!!
- a spec play
Why it happened - I decided to try to take advantage of a little trick Wall Streeters play
Why it makes me happy - I am learning. The best way for me to learn is by doing. I like learning. It also doesn't hurt the learning process when it might make you a little dough. In this case, I chose one stock over the other 4 that were in the running for a year end play. All 5 of the stocks were up today. The one I was chose went up the most....a little over 4% in one day! I'll be out of this position by Thursday....and then see if "the streeters" do what I think they will do.

HappyUP!!! - another Christmas idea
Why it happened - I saw an ad
Why it makes me happy - my bro and sis in law or going to like this one.....I think.

HappyUP!!! - cleaning out some files
Why it happened - slow couple of hours at work
Why it makes me happy - I thought I had already performed this function at one time not too long ago. There was so much more for me to toss. It is very liberating to get rid of papers that were "oh, so important," yet never looked at.

You Aren't in Style.......are you?


Isn't this about the happiest stack - you have ever seen?

Check out those colors - and the message. It's better than Seinfeld. Heck, that show was about nothin.

These shirts are all about - Nuttons

It's absolutely impossible - for you to even think about hitting the major fashion cities of the world this year without this little accessory.

Long and short sleeved - you can be wearing Nutton
year round. I know I'll be!

Sunday, December 23, 2007

HappyUP!!! Day 330 - Christmas Shopping



Hey.....what is going on here? - a future HappyUP!!! ?

Never mind - on with the HappyUP!!!s

HappyUP!!! - the Sunday morning before Xmas
Why it happened - this is when it happens
Why it makes me happy - if you get to the stores on the Sunday morning, they open early and you are on your own. 1) People don't like getting up early on Sunday 2) The people that do HAVE to go to church on this one Sunday every year.

HappyUP!!! - finding some cool gifts
Why it happened - I just kept thinking...thinking.... thinking
Why it makes me happy - I know the people that get what I give are going to really appreciate them. No giving just to give this Christmas

HappyUP!!! - playful texts and e-mails with friends
Why it happened - it's a lazy Sunday?
Why it makes me happy - I just crack myself up.....I really do.

Saturday, December 22, 2007

HappyUP!!! Day 329

HappyUP!!! - call with someone I hadn't talked to in a few months
Why it happened - I picked up the phone
Why it made me happy - hadn't talked to the person since Second Saturday back in October. It was good to reconnect and chat about the holidays. Maybe we'll play some cribbage.

HappyUP!!! - breakfast
Why it happened - it happens every Saturday
Why it made me happy - today, the laughs were at a VERY HIGH level....gut busting. Laughs...laughs...laughs

HappyUP - wrapping idea
Why it happened - the "panic wave" swept over me and washed in some creativity
Why it makes me happy - I have a tradition of "packaging" my gifts for my niece and nephews. You can see last year's creation here. I was out of creative gas until it hit me today. It took about an hour and a half of time but I got it done and Christmas is basically done! Well, I still have some shopping to do...hey, I'm a guy, after all.

Coming up with wrapping idea
New book on investing
Cookies
Talk with Sis
Nephew
Power Steering Fluid

Yeah.......who said?



I lifted this off my friend, Wes', blog - shhhhhhh don't tell him that I am using it








....on second thought - you can tell him. I don't think he would mind.


You know there are many ways to give - that don't involve a trip to the mall. Some jackass once said, "money is such a cold gift." Don't think that some people would appreciate you "shopping" at the bank this holiday season.




Friday, December 21, 2007

HappyUP!!! Day 328

HappyUP!!! - Nutton shirts
Why it happened - my guy came through
Why it makes me happy - just in time for Christmas!

HappyUP!!! - my ceramic bowl
Why it happened - it's Christmas
Why it makes me happy - one of my assistants does ceramics. I love it when she gives me things she has made

HappyUP!!! - my ornament
Why it happened - it's Christmas
Why it makes me happy - it was a custom ornament.....just perfect for me!

Thursday, December 20, 2007

HappyUP!!! Day 327

HappyUP!!! - an Initial Public Offering (IPO)
Why it happened - I was watching Squawk Box this morning
Why it makes me money - little guys like me aren't supposed to get in on these. I got in and out before I left for work. I couldn't stay home and watch it so I had to get out on this day of volatility. Yes, I sold way too soon but I made some dough before I left for work.

HappyUP!!! - the help desk came to me

HappyUP!!! - tamales

HappyUP!!! - a big present
Why it happened - it's XMAS
Why it made me happy - I came in and a nicely wrapped big box was on my chair. I didn't open it but my admin did a great wrap job

HappyUP!!! - chat with my friend
Why it happened - I called him
Why it made me happy - he's feeling better. He was sick on Sunday. I always feel better after talking with my best friend

HappyUP!!! - breakfast

Wednesday, December 19, 2007

HappyUP!!! Day 326

HappyUP!!! - SOLD
Why it happened - I stepped away from the table
Why it makes me happy - I had a good chunk of change riding on one stock. I had held it all year....then...BOOM.
It went up. I sold 25% to lock in a little profit. It went up more. I sold 50% of my stake. It went up more. Today, I sold the last 25%. At the end of the day, it provided a 37% return this year. Is it the money that makes me happy? Nope. It was winning at a game that I am beginning to understand a bit more. This move should bring my self managed portfolio in at a 20% return for the year....in a tough year in the market.

HappyUP!!! - joking with staff
Why it happened - not a lot going on as we head to the holiday
Why it makes me happy - I did a lot of cleaning up and tending to loose ends.....and made my staff laugh a lot. It was a happy environment in a tough industry (mortgage) today.

HappyUP!!! - nephew comes home
Why it happened - two weeks in the hospital was enough
Why it makes me happy - I got his text message, "I'm out!" and I had a tremendous feeling awash over me of joy. I love this guy. Now, it's time to help him around his house.

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

HappyUP!!! Day 325

HappyUP!!! - Toastmaster's Breakfast
Why it happened - it's XMAS
Why it makes me happy - fellowship with my club friends

HappyUP!!! - tamales
Why it happened - it's XMAS
Why it makes me happy - homemade tamales...c'mon....it's food and it was a present.

HappyUP!!! - talking with a client
Why it happened - we hadn't talked for awhile
Why it makes me happy - I really like this guy. He may or may not be a personal client in the future.
That doesn't matter. I just like the guy so I rang him up. We're going to lunch!

Monday, December 17, 2007

HappyUP!!! Day 324

HappyUP!!! - getting my nephew dinner
Why it happened - he asked me
Why it makes me happy - I didn't call him before I went to the hospital. I asked him if I could go get him something. He said he really wanted an Ultimate Cheeseburger from food heaven, Jack In The Box. Yeah, I had to go back to the parking garage, drive down the street, wait in a long car line, drive back, repark, and hike back to his room.....and I enjoyed every minute of it.

HappyUP!!! - xmas present
Why it happened - I had a thoughtful manager
Why it makes me happy - I got a book on WW2. Now, I am no historian....I don't even read about this. This person knew, however, about my dad and that is why he bought it. I'll read this little tome.

HappyUP!!! - a bunch of stuff done
Why it happened - I worked it into my day
Why it makes me happy - I stopped by the post office and the dry cleaner before work. I got by the tailor on my way back from a meeting. I made a breakfast reservation. I got some superfood ordered. PLUS...I had a productive day at work. Productivity is a HappyUP!!!

Sunday, December 16, 2007

HappyUP!!! Day 323


HappyUP!!! - a long walk
Why it happened - I decided to hit the bricks
Why it makes me happy - I must have covered 5 miles. Other than a little blister, no issues. The trip required three upper layers, a beanie, and some gloves. The cool air was awesome.

HappyUP!!! - good eating
Why it happened - time to be careful
Why it makes me happy - I am only a couple of pounds from bringing the weight in at the end of the year where I started. It wasn't what I started out wanting but it is what it is. I'm gaining (or, should I say, losing) on it.

HappyUP!!! - hearing from several friends
Why it happened - I picked up the phone and the e-mail
Why it makes me happy - I hadn't expected the contact. It's always great to connect with some pals.

Saturday, December 15, 2007

HappyUP!!! Day 322

HappyUP!!! - wine sniffing
Why it happened - I got an invitation
Why it makes me happy - I'm not a drinker but my friend called me up to go wine tasting. I love the smell and the romance around wine. We had a great time talking while one of us sniffed....and the other drank.

HappyUP!!! - talking with my best friend
Why it happened - he called me
Why it makes me happy - I hadn't heard from him in awhile. When he and I do some catching up, there is usually belly laughs to be had.....even on the phone. No exception today

HappyUP!!! - tidying up the house
Why it happened - I laid down the law
Why it makes me happy - I am very susceptible to clutter. I leave stuff laying around. Then, I have challenges trying to decide what to do with it. Now, if I was married, there would be someone in the house who would be deciding where the stuff goes.......and then I wouldn't be able to find my stuff......and then, I would end up being unmarried again! Anyway, I got some things in order so that was pretty cool. A couple of more pushes like that and I will be decorating.

Friday, December 14, 2007

HappyUP!!! Day 321

A lot to HappyUP!!! about today....I'll try to limit it to three narratives. Some days it's hard to figure out the top three.

HappyUP!!! - a note and a visit to my nephew
Why it happened - he hadn't woken up yet this morning when I tried to visit
Why it made me happy - I noticed it and, without waking him and adding hours to his day, I slipped out and left him a newspaper and a nice note. Then, I went back later tonight......and found out he may be getting out of the hospital on Tuesday! Yes, it's still a long time from now but at least it is in the forecast.

HappyUP!!! - a conversation with a recruit
Why it happened - I made the call
Why it made me happy - this recruit is becoming a friend as well as a recruit. If she comes to work, great. If not, that is cool too.

HappyUP!!! - an interview with a recruit


HappyUP!!! - a branch lunch

HappyUP!!! - a meeting with my boss and a recruit
Why it happened - my boss was in town for the lunch above....so I squeezed in a meeting between him and a potential high level recruit.
Why it made me happy - I got some insight into what I need to do.

Thursday, December 13, 2007

HappyUP!!! Day 320

HappyUP!!! - a stock up $3 a share
Why it happened - it's the flippin stock market...who knows
Why it makes me happy - this is part of my personal portfolio that I handle. I hold 5-8 stocks at any one time. This particular stock was one of the two that I was heavily loaded in. I've got a sell order in for a piece of the holding tomorrow. This is called "taking a lil schnitzel" off the table. Sure, I have sold some entire positions before...but I have never had a big pick come in like this.

HappyUP!!! - a HappyUP!!! cake
Why it happened - three of my branches honored me
Why it makes me happy - the branches met after hours for their holiday event at a local restaurant. While it has been 3 months since my 20th anniversary at the company, they brought out a special cake for me.....that said, "HappyUP!!! 20 years."

HappyUP!!! - a great meeting
Why it happened - I have my branch managers in every month
Why it makes me happy - today's meeting went very well....my manager's time was valued.

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

HappyUP!!! Day 319

HappyUP!!! - a Christmas present
Why it happened - my old home church people were thoughtful
Why it makes me happy - I received a matted and framed picture of my late father's obituary story
and picture that appeared in the paper. It was well done and will find a place in my home. It's a fascinating story.

HappyUP!!! - a shipment
Why it happened - I needed to reorder
Why it makes me happy - I order clothes by mail. Sometimes I get the wrong size. Last week, I quickly did a reorder to get the right size....and then forgot about it. It was nice seeing that package....and getting some new, correct fitting threads.

HappyUP!!! - a visit to my tailor
Why it happened - I had some pants that needed hemming
Why it makes me happy - my tailor is a mother/daughter shop. They have the most pleasant European accent. They have been doing this for years. They aren't the cheapest.....but they are very good. Most importantly, they always seem to have mirth in their hearts. Tailoring may seem menial....but they joyfully bend down and make those measurements and make suggestions.

HappyUP!!! - two visits with my nephew
Why it happened - I stopped by before work and late tonight
Why it makes me happy - I know he enjoys my visits. It hurts me deeply that he has to be laid up in the hospital. I just feel good when I can help him pass a few minutes of his long days. I know I cheer him up when I am there.

Tuesday, December 11, 2007

HappyUP!!! Day 318

HappyUP!!! - toastmasters
Why it happened - it's Tuesdays
Why it makes me happy - a lot of laughs...and a lot of fun....and good information shared

HappyUP!!! - helping a client and a good conversation
Why it happened - I got some help from a peer and made a call
Why it makes me happy - just building a business relationship

HappyUp!!! - dessert crepe
Why it happened - we chose a restaurant to have a meeting
Why it makes me happy - a carmelized peach dessert crepe....with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Say no more...put a fork in me because I am done!

Monday, December 10, 2007

HappyUP!!! Day 317

HappyUP!!! - working on some reports
Why it happened - someone finally sent me the raw materials
Why it made me happy - no, working on reports is not always my idea of a party. However, I have wanted some critical data for some time. I got it on Friday while I was out. I was digging in!

HappyUP!!! - market share
Why it happened - our industry is in turmoil
Why it made me happy - the mortgage industry (my business) has been less than a cupcake as of late. There is so much negativity that it is almost impossible to keep clear of it. It would probably be a little irresponsible to not stay up on the latest. With all the day to day skirmishes and casualties I see, it was at least good to see that our company is gaining some ground. We just keep plugging on. This was a boost.

HappyUP!!! - a lunch invitation
Why it happened - my friend sent me a text
Why it made me happy - I haven't seen this friend in months. I got a text around 11:05, "Lunch today?" I text back, "it has to be before noon." It was returned, "how about Dos at 11:30?" It was now 11:20. I text back that I was heading out the door. I had a lovely lunch with some great conversation.

Sunday, December 09, 2007

HappyUP!!! Day 316

HappyUP!!! - a good night's sleep
Why it happened - it usually does
Why it makes me happy - I had a little insomnia the night before. For some reason, it is becoming a Friday night ritual

HappyUP!!! - time with my nephew
Why it happened - he's in the hospital
Why it makes me happy - I go make him laugh....and pass some very boring time.

HappyUP!!! - raking
Why it happened - I got off my fanny
Why it makes me happy - it was the biggest pile of leaves of the year! Plus, the smell of fallen leaves is still exciting to me.

Saturday, December 08, 2007

HappyUP!!! Day 315

HappyUP!!! - errands with a friend
Why it happened - I got a call
Why it makes me happy - it just so happened that my friend had to run a similar errand that I had been putting off. Much better to do things you put off with someone else

HappyUP!!! - visiting the nephew
Why it happened - he's my bud and he is down in the hospital
Why it makes me happy - trying to cheer the guy up. Plus, I ran into a couple of other friends while I was there. Going to the hospital is not a HappyUP!!! but trying to keep someone living in confinement from going nuts is.

HappyUP!!! - breakfast
Why it happened - it's Saturday
Why it makes me happy - just enjoying time with my adopted family.


Disrespect

Friday, December 07, 2007

HappyUP!!! Day 314


HappyUP!!! - a lemon tart
Why it happened - shared a birthday dessert with a friend
Why it makes me happy - c'mon.......take a look at this. Even through a crappy phone camera and bad lighting, how good does this look? It looked so good, I almost didn't think of eating it........OK...that's a lie. Eating it is all I could think of! Deeelicious

HappyUP!!! - golf
Why it happened - it stopped raining
Why it makes me happy - it was good to be outdoors. This was the first time I had golfed in pants in some time. They got nice and muddy too!

HappyUP!!! - the insurance guy
Why it happened - handling dad's affairs
Why it makes me happy - this is the insurance guy that my late father turned much of his practice over to. My brother and I got to share and be shared with a little more about our father.

Bonus HappyUP!!! - Enchanted
Why it happened - decided to catch a movie
Why it makes me happy - Disney caught a winner with this one. This is just pure feel good. It was so charming that it even brought a tear to this middle aged guy's eye.

Thursday, December 06, 2007

HappyUP!!! Day 313

HappyUP!!! - giving a gift
Why it happened - I was listening
Why it makes me happy - my 24 yr old nephew is in the hospital. He's going to be there for a few days. The TV choices are dreadful. I asked him if he had a handheld computer game system. He said, "No....those Nintendo DS things are cool, though." He went into surgery.....I was off to the electronics store. When he came out, it was there. I know it will help him through the boring days ahead.

HappyUP!!! - setting up another gift
Why it happened - I was listening
Why it makes me happy - the person is going to really appreciate what I will do. It will go to good use.

HappyUP!!! - rain
Why it happened - it's overdue
Why it makes me happy - WE NEED WATER! We have our first storm of somewhat significance passing through. Plus, it should get the last of the leaves down.....only one more raking to do!

Wednesday, December 05, 2007

HappyUP!!! Day 312

HappyUP!!! - problem solved
Why it happened - we do business...we have problems
Why it made me happy - this one was looking like somewhere between NO solution and a painful one. We caught a break and dodged a bullet.

HappyUP!!! - I found the key
Why it happened - I was looking for something else
Why it made me happy - long story so I'll just say I was missing a single car key that I needed. I was looking for something else......and I found it! There is more to the story and I don't want to bore you. It was a relief

HappyUP!!! - surgery went OK
Why it happened - it happens to my sweet nephew
Why it made me happy - surgery is a never ending fact of my nephew's life. It's hard for this one to be a HappyUP!!! because it means he is suffering again. This time, the surgery ended up being a little more major. While I didn't get to see him at the hospital, there will be time in the days ahead......unfortunately because it means he will still be in the hospital. Fortunately, because this one could have gotten a lot worse.

Tuesday, December 04, 2007

HappyUP!!! Day 311


HappyUP!!! -Territory Ahead order came in
Why it happened - I ordered on cyber Monday
Why it makes me happy - I desperately needed some new sweatshirts. It's getting cold out there!

HappyUP!!! - Toastmasters Table Topic
Why it happened - I got called on for an Xmas story
Why it makes me happy - I told my special story about Xmas giving.....and I cracked everyone up BIG TIME!

HappyUP!!! - passing on the pumpkin cheesecake
Why it happened - a lot of will power
Why it makes me happy - I had severe peer pressure to eat some of this free dessert....I mean severe! "Dude, it's worth the calories." I was a good boy, however, and got away from the luncheon unscathed. I am proud of myself.

Monday, December 03, 2007

HappyUP!!! Day 310

HappyUP!!! - sticky problem resolved
Why it happened - a botched reorganization at work
Why it makes me happy - this got really ugly when all of the combatants got in the room. I had to "get into someone's grill" when they came at me. It's not my bag but I have plenty of that in me when I need to. Glad I don't need to that often. At the end, a peaceful resolution was arrived at.

HappyUP!!! - smell of cut grass
Why it happened - I decided to be "in the present"
Why it makes me happy - I was heading into a meeting. I had all kinds of thoughts in my head. Then I said, "what is happening this instant in your life." All of a sudden, I could smell the clean aroma of the landscapers work. It made me feel better than how I had been feeling just before that.

HappyUP!!! - condolence present
Why it happened - one of my managers is a sweetheart
Why it makes me happy - how can you not be happy about a Starbucks Kit for hot chocolate (including marshmallows) and a scrapbook to put memories of my father into? It was very touching


Sunday, December 02, 2007

HappyUP!!! Day 309

HappyUP!!! - cleaning up my brother's/sis-in-law's house
Why it happened - I made the decision
Why it made me happy - we had the celebration of my father's life at their house yesterday. Many people that were close stayed late. My brother and his wife had been invited to play golf today so I knew they wouldn't be home. I went to their home to do as much picking up and dishwashing and such as possible. I knew they would appreciate it and, after all they did in getting ready for this get together, it was the least that I could do.

NOTE: the above was very selfish....and selfish sometimes gets a bad rap. Yes, I did the above for them....but I knew that it would make ME feel good. Nothing wrong with that.

HappyUP!!! - my sis-in-law called me
Why it happened - because I cleaned up their house (see above)
Why it made me happy - this is entirely different than the above. She didn't have to call me and I still would have been happy because I KNEW she would appreciate what I did. I left the house happy that I helped. I got another HappyUP!!! when she called to thank me. Ahhhh......a twofer!

HappyUP!!! - more time with my nephew
Why it happened - he stopped by his dad's house when I was there
Why it made me happy - we put away the tables together. We got to talk and just hang out. This kid is my own little hero which I can explain at another time.

Saturday, December 01, 2007

HappyUP!!! Day 308

HappyUP!!! - found a picture
Why it happened - I kept looking
Why it makes me happy - it was a picture that we needed for the Celebration of Life event for my father today. It was a dear photo of my late mother as a beautiful young woman.

HappyUP!!!- people at the Celebration
Why it happened - they saw the obituary
Why it makes me happy - these guys didn't have to come to this event. They all showed up...friends, people that work for me....it was much appreciated.

HappyUP!!! - helping a friend with his wife
Why it happened - she had been a touch "over served"
Why it makes me happy - it wasn't me that is going to wake up not feeling so well in the morning!