Tuesday, June 30, 2009

HappyUP!!! Day 885

HappyUP!!! - guests
Why it happened - we invited them
Why it makes me happy - our Toastmasters Club has been in need of new members. We had so many guests today that I am going to need to go get the guest book for an accurate count! There had to be at least 8.....4 of which have already joined! HappyUP!!!

HappyUP!!! - a textbook meeting
Why it happened - we are good
Why it makes me happy - our Toastmasters Club pretty much runs a perfect template for what a club should do....we get told that by visiting dignitaries all the time. We also get told it is not the norm. Still, we get comfortable. Today, we ran a great one....and the people wanted to join.

HappyUP!!! - wedge shot
Why it happened - I know how to hit certain shots
Why it makes me happy - I was playing TERRIBLY. On the next to last hole, I was 50 yards away, under an oak tree, and my ball was on the hard pan. I picked it off and knocked it about 5 feet...made the putt....and saved myself some cash!

JollyJottings

Finding key and ear piece
Guests
New Members
Great meeting
Wedge shot off the hardpan

Monday, June 29, 2009

HappyUP!!! Day 884




HappyUP!!! - root to plate in an hour
Why it happened - I decided to harvest some potatoes
Why it makes me happy - Last November, I decided to plant a few winter items. Never having grown during the winter, I didn't know what would happen. I was doing a little weeding in the garden. I decided it was time to pull out some potato plants and see what happened. Low and behold, there were some full blown BIG taters under the ground. I grated a few up, threw in some onions and garlic (from the same winter planting) and the season's first bell pepper. That was some good eating

HappyUP!!! - delivering some veggies
Why it happened - I have some friends that use what I grow
Why it makes me happy - my best friend's folks are old school. They don't throw food away and appreciate fresh produce. I took them my first delivery of the year. They also love figs and I have some beauties. Later, Mrs E called me and we got a chance to chat for a moment.

HappyUP!!! - the waitress
Why it happened - grabbed dinner out tonight
Why it makes me happy - hadn't eaten at the Cheesecake Factory. They have a huge menu. The waitress appeared to be a little young and I didn't expect her to be a huge help with the menu.......I was wrong. She got us pointed in a great direction and we had some excellent entrees. She even showed my buddy some tips on using the Iphone. GREAT Waitress!!!

JollyJottings

Watering/weeding
Potatoes for breakfast
Meeting a buddy 4 dinner
Great waitress
Getting errands done
Update from my buddy
Getting home without a contact

Sunday, June 28, 2009

HappyUP!!! Day 883

HappyUP!!! - invite from a buddy
Why it happened - I have good friends
Why it makes me happy - I'll be catching a show down at B St Theater....I love it when friends have an extra ticket!

HappyUP!!! - making the putt on 8
Why it happened - it was a great putt
Why it makes me happy - if I hadn't made that one, I would have played 9 holes without making a par.....it's bad enough to only have one. What can I say....it was a rough morning.

HappyUP!!! - USA Soccer Team
Why it happened - it was time for the Confederate Cup
Why it makes me happy - they had Brazil down 2-0 at half. When those goals went in, it was like the USA Miracle on Ice when they beat the Russians in hockey. In the end, it turned out not to be but, for a half, they looked good.....and give us all a bit of hope for World Cup next year.

HappyUP!!! - call from a buddy
Why it happened - I put in a call
Why it makes me happy - my buddy is going to be in Roseville tomorrow evening so we'll get a chance to grab a bite.

Saturday, June 27, 2009

HappyUP!!! Day 882



Hey, you want a sure fire way to get a man to wash his hands? -


<------ install this system. It should work


HappyUP!!! - 50th birthday party
Why it happened - my neighbors invited me
Why it makes me happy - it was nice running into a bunch of my old schoolmates and chatting

HappyUP!!! - finishing the renumbering project
Why it happened - I ground it out
Why it makes me happy - while I haven't gone back for a re-audit, the numbers on the days of HappyUP!!!s of this blog were all screwed up. All it takes is one typo some night......and then, the next night, you go off of that one. Pretty soon, it's jacked. I believe it is all current which is important because EVERYONE will want this spot on when it hits Day 1000

HappyUP!!! - golfing....surviving
Why it happened - I had to play in 105 degree weather in a tournament
Why it makes me happy - we finished! Plus, I hit the driver pretty well.....I only missed a couple of fairways and even those weren't by much. The rest of the game was pretty dodgy but, if I can get back to hitting the driver long and in play, the other pieces will fall in place.

HappyUP!!! - bunker shot
Why it happened - I hit a crappy iron shot INTO the bunker
Why it makes me happy - this looked hopeless. I was in a deep bunker, hitting up to a flat spot where the ball needed to land, and then trickle down the hill and break sharply to the pin. I hit it perfectly....and the ball did just what it was supposed to do. It finished 6 inches from the cup after it almost went in. Par saved!

JollyJottings

On the range with the guys
Surviving 105 degree heat...thriving
Finishing the renumbering project
Getting club officer list turned in
50th birthday party
My playing partner
Cleaning up the house

Friday, June 26, 2009

HappyUP!!! Day 881

HappyUP!!! - a quick lesson
Why it happened - I went to the range and made it happen
Why it makes me happy - JE saw me struggling a bit after another bad round. He had a couple of fixes for me.....nothing new....same old bad habits had crept in. It only took me a few balls to start striping it again. I have a tournament tomorrow so it's a HappyUP!!!

HappyUP!!! - party invite
Why it happened - my neighbor went to school with me
Why it makes me happy - most of my class is having a significant birthday this year. Tomorrow night, we'll honor a few that have crossed the threshold lately. It will be great to see some buddies.

HappyUP!!! - scraping out a good 9
Why it happened - I have a short game
Why it makes me happy - I was 3 over....with two penalty strokes.....and only hit 3 greens. That is a recipe for about a 44. It's good to know I have some scrambling abilities for those days when things get a bit squirrley.

Thursday, June 25, 2009

HappyUP!!! Day 880 - MJ and Farrah

Wow...what a day - Farrah Faucett and Michael Jackson both gone on the same day. There is a lot of sorrow in the world today with those passings.

We don't ignore - the sadness in the world....

....but we always look for the HappyUP!!!s - of the day

HappyUP!!! - thinking about the great music of Michael Jackson
Why it happened - sadly, because he died
Why it makes me happy - he had some great, groundbreaking music....you hear the tunes and you want to move.

HappyUP!!! - hitting balls
Why it happened - I played poorly yesterday
Why it makes me happy - I think I caught on to some flaws that had crept in. Toward the end of the session, I was striping it out on the range. We'll see what happens in the morning

HappyUP!!! - trip to the optometrist
Why it happened - some new contacts came in
Why it makes me happy - I like my optometrist's office. The receptionist is a bit quirky and fun to joke with. I also got the correct lenses as my previous ones were a bit underpowered.

JollyJottings

Hitting balls
Trip to the optometrist
E-mails from friends

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

HappyUP!!! Day 879


HappyUP!!! - my new lenses
Why it happened - my distance vision had faltered
Why it makes me happy - I could actually see the golf ball land today! This also means everything else...the entire world...was coming in sharper. Imagine a dirty windshield....think of how much better it looks right after you clean it....now take it to another level because you had a clean windshield recently (not too long before it got dirty). This was an entirely new revelation

<-----I got this picture from a friend today. It sure looks like this lady is glad to see me! (Ladies...make sure you do a couple of twirls in front of the mirror before you head out) HappyUP!!! - free dinner
Why it happened - we have new ownership at our golf club
Why it makes me happy - we got some communication regarding direction of where the club will be headed. It sounds positive.....and the meal was great.

HappyUP!!! - getting it up and down
Why it happened - I hit some great shots/putts
Why it makes me happy - I played terribly today....I scored terribly. It could have been worse if I didn't get the short game working on 1......7.....11.....15.

HappyUP!!! - getting my pairing for Saturday
Why it happened - I am playing in the team matches
Why it makes me happy - I'll be getting a chance to play for the first time with our new Head Pro. When I got the news, I thought, "that's pretty cool,"....a HappyUP!!! Of course, after the way I played today, I wanted to pull out of Saturday's matches! Hey, every day is different.


JollyJottings


Up and down on one
Receptionist
Free dinner



Tuesday, June 23, 2009

HappyUP!!! Day 878

HappyUP!!! - winning the Bubba Cup
Why it happened - our team had a great day
Why it makes me happy - we were in last place after day one. After day two, we moved to third with a POSSIBLE second place finished. I had to leave right after my round....my partner and I contributed pretty big. The groups behind us must have come in strong. Woohoo...we are the champions....we are the champions...

HappyUP!!! - some SMOKED shots
Why it happened - who knows
Why it makes me happy - I hit two 5 irons as good as any I have ever hit. I nailed a couple of 3 woods the same way. I also hit my hybrid higher and longer on one hole than I thought possible. Maybe it was thin air up in Reno.

HappyUP!!! - a safe return home
Why it happened - I was away
Why it makes me happy - home again

HappyUP!!! - my match today
Why it happened - we had a tournament
Why it makes me happy - I had a great time with the guy I was playing against. It was a lot of fun....we stepped on the last tee all square. I hit it into the bushes...took a penalty stroke....and SMOKED my next shot. I ended up winning but, better than that, we had a great, fun match.

HappyUP!!! - making a little dough
Why it happened - who knows
Why it makes me happy - the market was off a touch today...my investments actually were up a little. After yesterday's bloodbath, this was a HappyUP!!!

Monday, June 22, 2009

HappyUP!!! Day 877


HappyUP!!! - nice round of golf
Why it happened - I just played better
Why it makes me happy - I won my match, my playing partner won his match, and we won our team match. After yesterday's putting debacle, this is a HappyUP!!!

HappyUP!!! - new finery
Why it happened - I'm in Reno
Why it makes me happy - I got a new hat that is really cool for playing in the tourney. I bought a new red shirt (our team color for tomorrow) due to last night's blackjack good fortune. This was good because the red shirt that I brought is rather gooberish!

HappyUP!!! - PASSING on another night at the tables
Why it happened - I'm perfectly happy now
Why it makes me happy - hey, I am up here with a ton of guys....it wasn't easy passing on the gaming. Will power! The cost of the trip is covered.

HappyUP!!! - back to back fireworks
Why it happened - I was playing some golf
Why it makes me happy - I dumped a 30 footer with 6 feet of break....it broke so much that it came STRAIGHT IN the side of the cup. I followed that up with an impossible up and down by hitting a flop wedge to gimmie distance.

HappyUP!!! - talking with a recruit
Why it happened - I keep making calls
Why it makes me happy - I love moving people around in the mortgage business and helping them get to better places.

JollyJottings

Poker chip marker
New red shirt
Dinner
Firing up my partner

Sunday, June 21, 2009

HappyUP!!! Day 876

HappyUP!!! - holing a pitch shot
Why it happened - I hit a great one
Why it makes me happy - I'm playing in a fun tournament....yet a competitive one. I played like a dog today BUT I holed this shot out for birdie which was a lift.....and gives me a chance for a skin.

HappyUP!!! - blackjack
Why it happened - I'm staying at a casino in Reno
Why it makes me happy - one of the players at my table was cashing in a lot of dough for chips....for the third time. The problem was that, every time he did that, it took forever. In the break, I looked at my chips, saw I was up enough to cover my expenses for the trip, and said to myself, "Nutster....sure.....you could stay here and win a bunch of dough.....or you could leave ahead and basically have a free trip. Would you have any regrets about that?" Nope!
(Of course, I am still staying in that casino for one more night!)

HappyUP!!! - hotel room
Why it happened - the tournament organizers picked this one
Why it makes me happy - I have a REALLY nice and spacious room at the Atlantis up in Reno. While not a suite, it is about as close as you can come. I also overlook the pool. It seems that I end up looking at a lot of hotel HVAC systems when I book rooms. This is NIIIIICE!

Saturday, June 20, 2009

HappyUP!!! Day 875

HappyUP!!! - good fellas to play with
Why it happened - they joined us
Why it makes me happy - Wah and the Merch joined the Rickster and myself today. It was great. We had a round robin, switch partners match that was extremely competitive....and a lot of fun. Yucks galore!

HappyUP!!! - spinny wedge
Why it happened - I tried hard
Why it makes me happy - usually, I have to let my wedge shots run a bit. I was in a situation today where I needed to spin one. I don't practice this shot much....I usually use height to stop the ball. I hit this one.....right at the pin in the air....right at the pin on the first bounce...and....BOOM...it stopped...right on the front lip of the hole.

HappyUP!!! - medical advice
Why it happened - Wah golfed with me
Why it makes me happy - I have a bit of golfer's elbow.....this is pain on the inside of the elbow (if it was the outside, it would be tennis elbow). The good doc told me that it is not a big deal....and it will often just go away.

Friday, June 19, 2009

HappyUP!!! Day 874

HappyUP!!! - a walk turned to hike
Why it happened - I made a road trip
Why it makes me happy - I hadn't gone hiking for some time. A friend of mine suggested we take a walk up to the high lake.....no one goes up there and we could go swimming. Sounded good to me. We set off and somehow veered off to the vertical trail. It was a darn good workout. By the time we got back, I was wiped out....in a good way.

HappyUP!!! - arriving home
Why it happened - road trip today
Why it makes me happy - my trip out took a bit over 2 hours...I was breezin. I caught some traffic on the way back and it made it a return of nearly 3 hours. Not much of a HappyUP!!! there....EXCEPT that feeling when you pull in the driveway...."back home...ahhhhh!"

HappyUP!!! - a dip in the high lake
Why it happened - it was there
Why it makes me happy - ever gone on a hike with some elevation and had a pond or lake on the other side? I've done it a couple of times. Today, I jumped into that deserted lake....and that water was perfect. Warm on top....slightly cooler below....and no, "crap, this is cold!" upon entry.
Ahhhhhhh.......

HappyUP!!! - a great lunch
Why it happened - my friend put it together
Why it makes me happy - I didn't grab any breakfast.....then took off on the aforementioned hike. When you get into that kind of situation, any food is going to taste better.....but a great sandwich gets elevated to hall of fame status! Plus, there was enough bread to toss out to the wild geese that came visiting.....wondering just how wild they were, though. They seemed to be pretty knowledgeable about placing themselves in our proximity at lunchtime.

JollyJottings

Great sandwich
Getting back home

Thursday, June 18, 2009

HappyUP!!! Day 873

HappyUP!!! - putting the club champion on the ropes
Why it happened - today was our match in this year's club championship
Why it makes me happy - I was the last seed in the championship flight. This was not even supposed to be a contest. I was 1 up through 13 holes.....even with him through 15....due to him sneaking in a 27 foot bomb of a putt to tie me on that hole. He then put on the pressure by hitting the shot on the next hole to about 15 feet. I stepped up and hit it closer than that.....BOOM! Unfortunately, he made his putt and I didn't. I caught a bad break on 17 and that was the match. Yeah...I wanted to win but nobody thought the match would go the distance.

HappyUP!!! - exceptional short game shots
Why it happened - I have been playing this game for awhile
Why it makes me happy - when you can knock the ball out of bunkers, off of hardpan, over a hill...down a hill...up a hill......and then make the putt to save par, it's a HappyUP!!! every time.
Fabulous shots.....crafty shots.

HappyUP!!! - comedy club
Why it happened - a buddy invited me
Why it makes me happy - I hadn't seen standup in some time. There is a new club in town....a half hour from my place. Funny stuff!

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

HappyUP!!! Day 872

HappyUP!!! - dinner with a buddy
Why it happened - we set it up
Why it makes me happy - we had some great food out at the club. We even did a little meal swap so we each got to expand our selection. Good food and conversation always makes the list.

HappyUP!!! - new contacts came in
Why it happened - my eye doctor got on it
Why it makes me happy - I am doing a test and wearing one contact rather than going back for Lasik again. I hadn't worn a contact in forever. When I picked them up the other day, the contact was a little underpowered......my new one is ready for me tomorrow.

HappyUP!!! - chutting in
Why it happened - who knows
Why it makes me happy - I played 36 holes today....and, quite frankly, I had a bit of a setback. Just didn't have it today.....hit some really hack shots. On the 35th hole, I had a slippery downhill shot from the first cut of rough, through the fringe, to a green going away from me. Most guys chip....which would have required a pretty deft touch. Some guys would try to putt...a bit too much luck. I take a hybrid and bump the ball...there is more control. I called my shot to a buddy I was playing with..........and it went in. My only birdie of the day and a bright spot for a big match tomorrow.

HappyUP!!! - bunker play
Why it happened - I was in a bunch of them
Why it makes me happy - our course has refilled it's sand traps. This makes the texture different.....and requires a little different touch out of the traps. While I couldn't seem to make the putts afterward, I was able to get some control that I haven't had in a couple of weeks.


JollyJottings

Chutting in
Bunker shots
Dinner
Walking in the evening
Winning on some bets
Coffee
Great pictures

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

HappyUP!!! Day 871

HappyUP!!! - swing is improving
Why it happened - I am working on some old stuff
Why it makes me happy - I am getting closer to not having to have "swing thoughts." It doesn't happend that often when you can just get in the groove and "feel it." When it does, the drives go longer....the irons are straighter...and the scores get lower. It couldn't come at a better time.... big skins game tomorrow...first round of club championship match Thursday....away tournament Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday. It would be a great time to catch some fire

HappyUP!!! - near ace
Why it happened - I hit a great 5 iron into the wind
Why it makes me happy - I KNOW I am getting a hole in one soon.....it has to be coming. I have hit the ball too close on par 3's lately. Today's may have actually lipped out of the hole.

HappyUP!!! - e-mail from a buddy
Why it happened - a significant event happened
Why it makes me happy - my buddy has had a lot of "stuff" happen. Today, a "sign" was spotted.....a Kingfisher. I am told that Kingfisher spottings are very rare in the part of the world that we live in and are a good omen (per Native American tribes). I got the e-mail that a HappyUP!!! was experienced. Other good info was exchanged as well.

HappyUP!!! - toastmasters
Why it happened - it was an "on" week
Why it makes me happy - I like hanging with my club members. We got some planning done to increase membership....it's all good.

JollyJottings

Getting swing back

Drive on one....chip on one...hybrid on two....three wood on three....bunker shot on 4...chip on 5...chip on 6.....5 iron on 7.....3 wood on 8....chip on 11.....4 iron on 12....5 iron on 16....drive on 17...wedge on 17....drive on 18....9 iron on 18

Games setup for tomorrow
Call from stroke play club champ to play match on Thursday
E-mails with a buddy who had a great day
Not getting SKUNKED
Getting a few things done around the house
Toastmasters

Monday, June 15, 2009

HappyUP!!! Day 870

HappyUP!!! - getting a call back from a recruit
Why it happened - I keep my network up in the mortgage business
Why it makes me happy - I still have more than a bit of influence in the mortgage business
here in the region. Whenever I talk with recruits, it reminds me of that.

HappyUP!!! - dentist appointment
Why it happened - they had a cancellation
Why it makes me happy - I got a call....on a Monday....when I was not playing golf....to come in... today. PERFECT! I had gotten behind in my trips to the dentist. This just worked out great. I also had a great time joking with the hygienist, "No....no.....I'm not giving you the information....I didn't give it at Gitmo and I am not doing it here."

HappyUP!!! - getting things done
Why it happened - I got on a roll
Why it makes me happy - three cars washed.....a dental appointment....an eye appointment....a trip to home depot....and a lot of watering. That's a pretty good day for me. Could I have done more? Oh yeah...way more....but it is more than I usually accomplish and I am calling that a HappyUP!!!

JollyJottings

Dentist had a cancellation
Fun with the staff at ophthalmologist's office
Skirt steak
Getting things done
Chatting with a friend on the phone
Another recruit
Getting a call from a recruit

QuoteUP!!! 12 - The Way

"This is my way. What is your way. THE way doesn't exist."

While the source of the above escapes me - it is one of the quotes that has stuck with me the longest over the years.

It also reminds me of another quote - that I have known longer, is more succinct, and is another all time favorite. It seems appropriate during these times

"Who died and made you God?"

Sunday, June 14, 2009

HappyUP!!! Day 869

HappyUP!!! - two optical illusions
Why it happened - I hit two great shots
Why it makes me happy - not having had a hole in one, anytime that you hit a shot and it is right at the hole with what appears to be the right distance, there are some moments of happiness. You know you have hit a good shot....always a HappyUP!!!....but you have a happy anticipation of possibly seeing it fall in the cup.

HappyUP!!! - talking with a buddy
Why it happened - my buddy shot me a text
Why it makes me happy - haven't talked to this friend in a bit and we'll surely get together soon.

HappyUP!!! - last minute tasks
Why it happened - I got off the fanny
Why it makes me happy - it had to be pushing 8 pm when I cut the lawn, watered all of the vegetables, and went to the grocery store. These were all on tomorrow's calendar. I have a head start on knocking the "to do" list off tomorrow.

Saturday, June 13, 2009

HappyUP!!! Day 868

HappyUP!!! - brekko
Why it happened - late tee time
Why it makes me happy - I got to break bread with my adopted family. I'm usually golfing when they eat so this worked out great...getting caught up....and an invitation for a burger tomorrow

HappyUP!!! - my team partner today
Why it happened - we had a team match
Why it makes me happy - I played like a dog.....but my partner didn't. I lost my individual match but he won his and we won the team point

HappyUP!!! - helping my partner
Why it happened - it had to at some point?
Why it makes me happy - I had not helped my partner for the first 12 holes....that is a long time to carry a load. We were one up.....on his ball alone. I asked him if he was looking for some help. He said, "yeah." I promptly hit a great wedge shot within 2-3 feet of the pin and made a birdie.


JollyJottings

Brekko
Driving the ball
My team partner today
Wedge shot on 13
7 iron into 14
7 iron into 16
E-mailing with a buddy

Friday, June 12, 2009

HappyUP!!! Day 867

HappyUP!!! - my golf partner...."the gangsta"
Why it happened - he said he was the rapper
Why it makes me happy - I made a couple of comments regarding his "gangsta" status. I don't know if I have ever seen someone laugh so hard. Laughter is a HappyUP!!! when you do it or when the people around you do.

HappyUP!!! - a couple of outstanding birdies
Why it happened - a little bit of skill
Why it makes me happy - grip down a 4 iron from about 180 into the wind, over water and hit it 10 feet...then make the putt. HappyUP!!! When you cut a hybrid into the wind to a back pin position at nearly two bills and then make the putt, it makes you feel pretty good too.

HappyUP!!! - a solid round
Why it happened - I picked up some swing keys
Why it makes me happy - I had endured 15 straight rounds in the 80's. I snuck in a 79 yesterday, a 77 this morning, and then, from the Gold tees, a 73 this afternoon. Good golf will give you a lift.

HappyUP!!! - a bet with my golf buddy, Rickster
Why it happened - we had 6 holes to go and I decided to spice things up
Why it makes my happy - we usually just play for fun. With 6 to go and Rickster playing better than me, I thought we needed to play skins for a buck...no carryovers....no major damage. All of a sudden.....BOOM....I closed things out playing the last 6 in 2 under par. HappyUP!!!

JollyJottings

45 holes
Gangsta partner
Birdie from the sand
2 under for last 6 holes of morning round
3 birdies in afternoon round
4 iron on scorecard 16....twice....and a birdie
Team golf
Partner shooting 68
Cut hybrid into scorecard 17
7 iron into final hole
Dice game
A great hot dog
Muscle Milk

Thursday, June 11, 2009

HappyUP!!! Day 866

HappyUP!!! - birdies
Why it happened - skills
Why it makes me happy - I played a perfect hole this morning....driver/hybrid/wedge to 4 feet and tapped in the putt. In the afternoon, I knocked a strong hybrid into the wind on one of our tougher holes...got it to 15 feet...made the putt....took me to one under (at the time) ...being under par...HappyUP!!!

HappyUP!!! - Lint remover
Why it happened - I grabbed dinner with a buddy
Why it makes me happy - I was give a one of a kind lint remover....a bellybutton lint remover! It cracked me up.

HappyUP!!! - Devon Energy...again
Why it happened - I bought it mid day in a down market yesterday
Why it makes me happy - in addition to the nice gain it made for me yesterday, it was up 4% today! BAM! Wow! It's always nice to be up a little cash.

JollyJottings

Lint remover
Dinner
A buck from the Boz
Accomplishing a couple of tasks between rounds while at golf course
Birdies on 2nd hole in afternoon and 10th in the morning
Sniffin at 2 under after three

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

HappyUP!!! Day 865

HappyUP!!! - golf shots
Why it happened - I played 18 this morning
Why it makes me happy - I may not be scoring but I'll get there. In the meantime, getting up and down out of that buried lie in the trap was sweet.

HappyUP!!! - relieving the Boz of a couple of bucks
Why it happened - we played a cheap friendly game
Why it makes me happy - Boz suggested the game. I think it's good. It's not enough dough for either of us to get upset about but keeps us both in the game during summer golf.

HappyUP!!! - Devon Energy DVN
Why it happened - I picked up on this stock
Why it makes me happy - I bought it while the market was going down today for 63.09. It closed at 63.75. While it's not a profit until you book it, I wasn't expecting to be up on it right away. It gives me a little room to watch it and not lose any dough.

JollyJottings


63.09 to 63.75 Devon Energy DVN
Two days in a row Dow was down but I was up
UP and Down from buried lie in bunker
7 iron on 14
Birdie on 15
Putts on 3, 4, 5
Up and down on 9

Tuesday, June 09, 2009

HappyUP!!! Day 864

HappyUP!!! - helping a joint venture get formed
Why it happened - a real estate company needed it
Why it makes me happy - it's nice to have had a hand in the process in several places and use my area of expertise

HappyUP!!! - getting paid five bucks to watch the Lakers get beat
Why it happened - I made a bet
Why it makes me happy - I won't say I hate the Lakers......I just really don't care much about them at all. Actually, I just like winning the five bucks. OK...I do like to see them lose.

HappyUP!!! - running into a friend
Why it happened - why do run ins happen
Why it makes me happy - my friend wandered into a new job.....HappyUP!!!

HappyUP!!! - firming up plans
Why it happened - me and a buddy have been trying to get together
Why it makes me happy - we are on the calender to grab a bite

HappyUP!!! - golf shots
Why it happened - every once in awhile....
Why it makes me happy - I had a hybrid from 200 yards off a severe fad lie....that I knocked within 10 feet of the pin. I could drop a bag of balls and not hit one better. I also hit a 6 iron on a par three that came up about 3 feet short of an ace....I WILL get that hole in one yet!

JollyJottings

Joint Venture formed
Firming up plans
Lakers losing...and making a fiver for it
Hybrid on 14 in afternoon
6 iron on 13 in morning
Running into a friend

Monday, June 08, 2009

HappyUP!!! Day 863

HappyUP!!! - early tee time tomorrow
Why it happened - my golf partners needed to play early
Why it makes me happy - it's a good thing they did. The course was all tied up and it was the only time we could have played. Such luck!

HappyUP!!! - helping a Facebook newbie
Why it happened - my buddy needed help
Why it makes me happy - whenever I know how to do something and someone else doesn't, I always like making life a little easier for them.

HappyUP!!! - blog posts
Why it happened - I had some time today
Why it makes me happy - I had uncovered a few gems recently. Glad I got around to sharing them today

HappyUP!!! - information
Why it happened - I pay attention
Why it makes me happy - I got some useful information and tips today....that I will use.

JollyJottings

Tee time tomorrow
Helping a Facebook neophyte
Breakfast
Getting things done
Getting some info

Two Wolves



One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people. He said, "My son, the battle is between two wolves inside us all. One is Evil. It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority and ego."

The other is Good. It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, huility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith."


The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather, "Which wolf wins?"


The old Cherokee simply replied, "The one you feed."


I lifted the anonymous story above - from the book, Positivity by Barbara Frederickson. Barb is at the forefront of the Positive Psychology Movement.

This very blog - is a part of that movement.

Nothing speaks as clearly or as simply - to what positive psychology is all about as the story above.

Remember - if you want, you can change. Any change is made in an instant. There may be a sequence of events leading up to the change BUT there is always a moment when the change is made.
A possible change? - take the food dish totally away from the one wolf....and give it to the other one. Mentally picture a dark ravenous wolf and a kind, white one. Rip the dish away from the dark one....hear him snarl, feel him nip at your hand....

....take that bowl away? - and don't put it back next time you hear him snarl....and he will come begging to be fed. If you give in and supply him with food, you didn't complete the change.

You only have one food dish - which wolf is it sitting in front of right now?

A Whack to the Side of the Head

I like to make people think - and sometimes it means giving people a little shock.

I had to change dentists a few years back - my initial visit included filling out a new patient questionnaire. One of the questions was...

"What is the most important factor in choosing a new dentist?" - and I answered, "Hot Chicks."

It really wasn't a joke - c'mon, I'm a guy. While I can't speak for all guys, I am going to stick my neck out and say that the prospect of having an attractive woman jamming her fingers down her throat is a more desirable thing to happen than some guy with hairy fingers.

When the dentist saw the survey - he cracked up. C'mon...do you think people really use you opinions to change things very often? My mission was accomplished...I brightened someone's day. I also planted a seed in my dentist's head that his hiring practices were noticed and appreciated.

The hygienist/assistant was not nearly as amused - and she let me know it.

I asked - "what kind of answer should I have put down?"

She replied - "how about that the office is clean and the staff is professional?"

I then laid it down - "uh.....excuse me....does it look like I live in a third world country? Those things are givens.....the ticket into the stadium. If you want to land me as a customer, you need to do more than get me into the ballpark, you have to find me a good seat."

I think she learned something that day - but the flossing I received seemed to have been a bit deeper than what I was accustomed.

Moral of the story - make your feelings known. Don't leave it to others and assuming they will figure it out. Have little concern for what people will think. If you let others know what you want, you will have a much better chance of receiving it.

Sunday, June 07, 2009

HappyUP!!! Day 862

HappyUP!!! - club championship
Why it happened - it's an annual event
Why it makes me happy - it really is super getting to know all of the members at the club and developing new friendships....even if it was a tough weekend for me personally

HappyUP!!! - playing with a new guy
Why it happened - see above
Why it makes me happy - this guy actually played fullback in the Super Bowl. How many days do you play golf with a starting Super Bowl fullback?

HappyUP!!! - keen wedge play
Why it happened - I have a little bit of game with that club
Why it makes me happy - it's all about turning 3 shots into 2. When I got up and down with a nifty little pitch on 9, HappyUP!!! When I threw a bunker shot about 25 yards and have it bite there and spin toward the pin, nearly going in, big HappyUP!!!

HappyUP!!! - weight
Why it happened - I weigh on Sundays
Why it makes me happy - my eating has not been the greatest the last two weeks. Yet, my weight has held pretty constant. HappyUP!!

JollyJottings

6 iron on two
Hybrid on three
Wedge on three....four....six...ten...13...18
Drive on 3....5...6...8...9...11...14....16......18
8 iron on 11
Bunker shot on 12
Pitch on 9
Great break on 10
Bunker shot on 5
Weight

Saturday, June 06, 2009

HappyUP!!! Day 861

HappyUP!!! - incredible pitch shots
Why it happened - I'm "gettin it"
Why it makes me happy - I can't remember the famous golfer who said, "the true joy of golf is turning three shots into two," but he knew what he was talking about. I hit a few amazing ones today.

HappyUP!!! - club championship
Why it happened - it's an annual thing
Why it makes me happy - I played poorly but it's great when you get to see all the guys at one time as well as play with some guys you normally don't play with. Relationships are furthered. It's what a club is all about.

HappyUP!!! - homemade cookies
Why it happened - my buddy whipped them up
Why it makes me happy - c'mon....who doesn't love homemade, delicious chocolate chip cookies. Do I really need to explain it?

JollyJottings

Homemade cookies
Club championship
Two birdies
Some incredible pitch shots
E-mail from a friend
Meeting the new owners of the golf course
Call from my bro....golf balls are in

Friday, June 05, 2009

HappyUP!!! Day 860

HappyUP!!! - blind hybrid into the wind
Why it happened - I hit a great shot
Why it makes me happy - we were on the second hole....into the wind...shot was kind of blind....I really didn't know what club to hit so I said, "I'll take one more...if it's long, it's long." I gave it a spank and the Boz said, "that's probably going to work." I got up to the green and didn't see it on the back of the green. I even said it must have been long....until we could get a view of the front of the green...where the pin was....and where the ball was. HappyUP!!!

HappyUP!!! - lunch with my buddy
Why it happened - my buddy called me
Why it makes me happy - we had great conversation....and my buddy bought!

HappyUP!!! - birdie on the last hole
Why it happened - I got lucky...and hit a couple of good shots
Why it makes me happy - that hole has cost me a lot of money lately......it didn't win me any today because we were playing for fun. Still, it was the first time I had birdied it in forever so I got a little satisfaction.

JollyJottings

Lunch
Hitting balls early
Figuring out a grip flaw
Birdie on the last hole
Talking with a buddy from way back

Thursday, June 04, 2009

HappyUP!!! Day 859

HappyUP!!! - holing out a bunker shot
Why it happened - hey....I have a few skills...it was a nice shot
Why it makes me happy - I made a birdie on RF right after he dumped two birdies on me. I rf'd RF. I needed to stop the bleeding.

HappyUP!!! - turning on the nitrous
Why it happened - my back was too the wall
Why it makes me happy - I have been playing some inconsistent golf the last couple of weeks. Today was dodgy as well. With four holes to go, I had to kick in the nitrous oxide....and I did. Just because I want to doesn't mean that it is going to happen. I hit some quality shots coming down the stretch. I'm still happy about that....gives hope for tomorrow (even if I did spoil it all by three jacking the last green).

HappyUP!!! - text and e-mails from friends
Why it happened - I keep in touch
Why it makes me happy - I got some good messages with lots of good news.

HappyUP!!! - visit from a friend
Why it happened - my friend is being challenged
Why it makes me happy - it's good to be able to be there for someone

JollyJottings

Text from a friend
RFer bought me lunch
Holing out a bunker shot
Turning on the Nitrus
Visit from my friend
E-mail from another friend

Wednesday, June 03, 2009

HappyUP!!! Day 858

HappyUP!!! - chutt in on next to last hole of afternoon round
Why it happened - I hit the perfect shot
Why it makes me happy - it was a very unlikely shot that went in for birdie. It took the putter out of the Laff's hands when he was trying to make par. At that point, he was getting creamed and I was happy (a happiness that was short lived after 18....but it was a HappyUP!!! then)

HappyUP!!! - lightning
Why it happened - who knows...it was weird
Why it makes me happy - we got the biggest lightning storm that I have ever seen tonight. Think that was exaggeration? My brother called to ask if I was watching. He said he had never seen anything like it. Nope...I didn't prompt him. It was fireworks!

HappyUP!!! - bunker shots
Why it happened - I am ok out of bunkers
Why it makes me happy - I hit a few bad to mediocre ones...not big confidence boosters...in the morning round. I hit two long ones on the back 9 in the afternoon that would have been good by pro standards.

JollyJottings

Chutting in for birdie
Hitting the final green with the big dough on the line
Up and down for par on 16 and 17
Sand saves on 16 in round one and 15 in round 2
Deciding on the club championship

Tuesday, June 02, 2009

HappyUP!!! Day 857

HappyUP!!! - speech
Why it happened - my turn at Toastmasters
Why it makes me happy - it was icebreaker time again. I had to make it fresh...again...for the umpteenth time....and I did.

HappyUP!!! - massage
Why it happened - I have had a tight shoulder
Why it makes me happy - because it made me ask the question that needs to be asked, "WHY don't I get this on the regular schedule?" It was nice...really nice.

HappyUP!!! - practice session
Why it happened - it's time to grind
Why it makes me happy - my swing is in pretty good shape with the Club Championship coming up this weekend. My confidence isn't quite there but, hey, that is what tomorrow is for.

HappyUP!!! -barbacoa
Why it happened - I have a Hispanic friend
Why it makes me happy - I love pot roast....really do. This is Mexican Pot Roast...and it was tremendous. I got a nice delivery on the doorstep this morning.....and delivered to my stomach tonight.

Speech
Toastmasters
Massage
Range session
Putting
New chipping stance
Practicing with Laff
Good game lined up for tomorrow

Monday, June 01, 2009

HappyUP!!! Day 856

HappyUP!!! - great sleep
Why it happened - who knows
Why it makes me happy - I am a pretty good sleeper. There are some nights it is just better than others. Today was it!

HappyUP!!! - a quarter short
Why it happened - I grabbed the wrong change
Why it makes me happy - when I go get my morning coffee, I grab the right change from my change jar for it. Today, I blew it. The first person at my coffee place said, "bring it in tomorrow." The other person said, "don't worry about it at all." I'll get them that quarter tomorrow....but it was just a nice offer. It made me feel good. HappyUP!!!

HappyUP!!! - stock market
Why it happened - who knows
Why it makes me happy - I moved some of the portfolio around on Friday....and added in some funds.....just in time to catch a 200 point rally. HappyUP!!! No...no great prognosticator or stock picker am I....there may be losses in the future. You just have to notice the days where you make some good moves.

JollyJottings

Great sleep
Vegetables
Breakfast
Speaking tomorrow
Stock Market
Messages from friends

Married with Kids?...You Have Been There

The only way to pull off a Sunday afternoon quickie with their 8 year old in the apartment was to send him out on the balcony with a Popsicle and tell him to report on all the neighborhood activities.


He began his commentary as his parents put their plan into operation: "There's a car being towed from the parking lot", he shouted.

A few moments passed... "An ambulance just drove by!”

A few moments later, "Looks like the
Anderson's have company!" he shouted.

"Matt's riding a new bike..."


A few moments later, 'Looks like the Sanders are moving!"

A few more moments, "The Coopers are having sex!!"


Startled, his Mother and Dad shot up in bed! Dad cautiously called out,

"How do you know they are having sex?"

"…‘cause Jimmy Cooper is standing on his balcony with a Popsicle, too!”