Wednesday, March 31, 2010

HappyUP!!! Day 1158


HappyUP!!! - security guard at club
Why it happened - I go to the club
Why it makes me happy - I could probably put this one in any day. This guard is so animated...knows me by name... always has a big smile....and waves me right through. It's a small one...but it's always a highlight.

HappyUP!!! - flop shot on 17
Why it happened - I had knocked it over the green
Why it makes me happy - I was desperate to get a tie. My opponent was in close for a birdie. I had striped a 9 iron over the green. It was a very unlikely up and down.....got it done....and brought home a small payment

HappyUP!!! - golfing early...and fast
Why it happened - we went at 7:30
Why it makes me happy - our club has gone public so we get more play. We flew around this morning. It left plenty of time to do other things today.

JollyJottings

Security guard
Winning a dribble of cash
Friend eating it up at Canadian Q-school
Hybrid into 4
Wedge on 6
8 iron on 10
Wedge into 13
Flop shot on 17
Drive on 18

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

HappyUP!!! Day 1157



HappyUP!!! - restroom ad
Why it happened - I was grabbing some coffee
Why it makes me happy - I dunno....there was just something about this that made me laugh. Sure, I know it is possible (likely?) to find dirty bathrooms....it just doesn't seem like something you would prominently advertise....who knows...maybe they are niche marketing to the incontent?

HappyUP!!! - Toastmasters
Why it happened - it was Tuesday
Why it makes me happy - I was glad to get a speech done this morning....delivered a good one....and got smoked by one of the newer members giving a better one!

HappyUP!!! - dues collection
Why it happened - I'm treasurer
Why it makes me happy - got a long way to getting this semi-annual project done at today's meeting. The members were great at remembering to bring their checks

HappyUP!!! - quick visit from a friend
Why it happened - my friend was in the neighborhood
Why it makes me happy - took a day off from "the office" (aka: golf course)....doing a few things around the house...kind of just kicking it....great to get to chat for a bit.

JollyJottings

Toastmasters
Dues Collection
My Speech
Buddy stopping by
After meeting
Stock Market

Monday, March 29, 2010

HappyUP!!! Day 1156


HappyUP!!! - 3 birdies on the "bonus 9"
Why it happened - a solid 6 iron and some tastey wedges
Why it makes me happy - we got done with 18. The back 9 was open. I hadn't played that well but agreed to a bonus 9 holes with my buddy. I started it with a double bogey....he birdied. I was three shots down after ONE hole. This didn't look good....that turned around in a hurry with 3 birdies on the last 8 holes

HappyUP!!! - birdie on 18
Why it happened - I hit a big drive and a great wedge
Why it makes me happy - want to save yourself some cash....make some cash....come play golf with us and birdie the 9th or, particularly, the 18th hole. That should do it. One reason it makes me happy is that, when I was struggling with my driver going right, this dogleg left was eating me up and leaving me in a bad situation against my opponents.

HappyUP!!! - putting my truck to good use
Why it happened - my friend needed a truck
Why it makes me happy - I'm glad to be in a position to help out my friends when they need it.

JollyJottings

3 birdies on bonus 9
Birdie on the final hole
Rain
Putting my truck to good use
E-mails from my TM friends

Sunday, March 28, 2010

HappyUP!!! Day 1155


HappyUP!!! - eagle
Why it happened - I hit a perfect 8 iron
Why it makes me happy - I was two shots behind my competitor. He bogeyed. I knocked my second shot in from 157 yds for an eagle. THAT turned things around in a hurry.

HappyUP!!! - clearing up confusion
Why it happened - communication
Why it makes me happy - I hate open loops with any of my friends. We tied one off today.

HappyUP!!! - new playing partners
Why it happened - we were only a twosome
Why it makes me happy - we got to play with a couple of nice guys that we know...but don't get to play with often.

HappyUP!!! - weather
Why it happened - uh...it's weather
Why it makes me happy - it was just a stunning day

HappyUP!!! - found out I won a skin yesterday
Why it happened - I made a birdie on a tough hole
Why it makes me happy - I love cashing a check!

Saturday, March 27, 2010

HappyUP!!! Day 1154


HappyUP!!! - tax appointment
Why it happened - it's that time
Why it makes me happy - 2009 was my first year of full retirement. Because I didn't really pay in, I had no clue how it was going to go. I was prepared to have to write a check that would have been substantial. As it turns out, I am probably going to get a dribble back!

HappyUP!!! - finding my ball on 18
Why it happened - I took an unlikely peek
Why it makes me happy - the last thing you want to do on the final hole is lose your golf ball in a hazard. My tee shot was errant right over a hill. When I tried to gouge it out of the tall grass, the weeds grabbed my club and turned it violently to the left. I watched the ball bound across the fairway toward the pond but thought, "it should be fine." I didn't think it would roll into the hazard. When we got to where my ball was supposed to be, we couldn't find it. I pulled a couple of balls out of the pond...not mine. As I was about to give up and head back to the cart, I saw a rather suspicious burrowing animal hole. I bent down, looked way back in there......HappyUP!!!!...there it was. If I don't find that ball, I'm paying out versue receiving cash from my playing partner.
HappyUP!!! - shot at a skin
Why it happened - I got a birdie on 2
Why it makes me happy - we play a Net Skin game on the weekend out at our club. With my handicap, they don't dish out a lot of strokes so I have to birdie a tough hole for a shot at some cash. That 6 iron I whistled in there was a thing of beauty

HappyUP!!! - the return of my putter (in a couple of ways)
Why it happened - I got it repaired and altered
Why it makes me happy - when you hit it like I do, you have to be able to putt. My putting had left me for a couple of days. Trust me, in golf and especially putting, it's all about confidence and thinking you can make putts. A couple of days off with the short stick is no big deal...you can have putting slumps for months

HappyUP!!! - sis in law birthday
Why it happened - it was one of those that ends in a zero
Why it makes me happy - we all went out to the Koi Palace. I couldn't believe how good the food was. Over the top and too much of it. It was great to spend time with sis' family as well as my nephews.


JollyJottings

Shot at a skin...birdie on 2
Refurbished putter
Finding ball in a burrowing animal hole
Getting taxes done
Sis in law's birthday dinner

Friday, March 26, 2010

HappyUP!!! Day 1153


HappyUP!!! - till and manure
Why it happened - I took a day off from golf
Why it makes me happy - got the weeds plowed under.....smelled the lovely aroma of fresh spring dirt.....and got the manure down in time for the spring rain coming in next week. Perfect timing....be "all in" including tomatoes before the usual April 15 this year.

HappyUP!!! - playin some blues
Why it happened - I caught a cool on-line lesson
Why it makes me happy - I'll never be a great player...but it is amazing when I go on-line and see a snippet of "how those guitarists do that" and realize, "crap....that's not that tough." I had a nice little tastey wail goin on.

HappyUP!!! - great news from a friend
Why it happened - I have friends...and great things happen in friend's lives
Why it makes me happy - my friend got news today that was over the top. A long time project
coming to fruition...and a lot of happiness

JollyJottings

Great news from a friend
Chatting with a buddy
Tilling it up...manuring it up
Getting out to spank a few balls

Thursday, March 25, 2010

HappyUP!!! Day 1152


HappyUP!!! - hearing from the Dominator
Why it happened - he was thinking of me
Why it makes me happy - Dom is getting big in the ukeulele world and is a long time friend. He had a bit of thumb surgery awhile back. It was good to hear that he is recovering....and wailing on it.

HappyUP!!! - making some plans
Why it happened - events are coming available
Why it makes me happy - good times to look forward to in the near future

HappyUP!!! - playing 18 well...twice
Why it happened - good drives
Why it makes me happy - this hole had been giving me fits due to poor driving and the hole bending the wrong way for me. Now, I am getting the driver where it needs to be....and is making me a bit more competitive when I need to be most.

HappyUP!!! - birdie on 5 second time through
Why it happened - a couple of great shots
Why it makes me happy - we may have had a little tale wind but it's not often I get a pitching wedge into this long par four.....and then nail it to within 1o feet



JollyJottings

Playing 18 well...twice
Birdie on hole 23
Ed the golf club repair guy
Call from the Dominator
Making some plans

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

HappyUP!!! Day 1151


HappyUP!!! - Tom
Why it happened - he lives on my golf course
Why it makes me happy - see Tom? Many days, he is out there....all "plumed" out....standing amongst his harem. Then, you go to another hole....it's another Tom...with another harem. It makes me wonder...are there that many more female turkeys in the world than males? I just dig the way Tom manages his situation every time I see it.

HappyUP!!! - 7 iron into 16
Why it happened - I spanked it
Why it makes me happy - I knocked that thing to within 3 feet from 170 yds today....good enough to win closest to the pin and a little bit of cash. Pure shot...dead on line....beautiful thing to hold a golf club behind.

HappyUP!!! - 6 iron on 2
Why it happened - I'm swinging the club better
Why it makes me happy - even though I won the dough above, this 6 iron was struck absolutely pure. I have said it before here..you can hit good shots that get close to the pin....but, once in awhile, you hit an absolutely pure shot. Awesome feeling.

HappyUP!!! - drive on 18
Why it happened - swinging much better
Why it makes me happy - when I can get a pitching wedge in my hands for a second shot into the final hole...with all the money on the line......rather than a 6 or 7 iron...it's a huge advantage at crunch time.

HappyUP!!! - chatting with the club owner
Why it happened - he was out there today
Why it makes me happy - I got a better understanding of how things are going to work from now on. Our club is going through a transition from private/semi-private to public....it was great to understand better how this is going to work.

JollyJottings

Coffee
Tom
E-mails with friends
Playing a decent back 9
Closest to pin on 16
7 iron on 16
8 iron on 9
Wedge into 18...Drive on 18
"Jamming" buddy
Chatting with club owner
Drive on 11
6 iron on 2
Wedge on 6
Talking with my bro

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

HappyUP!!! Day 1150



HappyUP!!! - my buddy's ball being playable
Why it happened - he got a break
Why it makes me happy - even though his ball SHOULD have gone all the way into the pond....and almost assure me a win....it was worth the risk of losing to watch him de-shoe and hit a marvelous shot out of the muck.

HappyUP!!! - a present
Why it happened - I have people around me that are very thoughtful
Why it makes me happy - my friend knows a bit about me....knows I have had a bit of stress as of late.....and dropped off a perfect little item. It's nice to have people thinking so nicely of you.

HappyUP!!! - up and down on 18 the second time around
Why it happened - I hit an INSANE chutt
Why it makes me happy - our 18th green is like Disneyland. It's go three different levels.....and I was 60 feet having to go through them all. The last part is straight downhill. I would have thought it would have been IMPOSSIBLE to get this shot close. Somehow, I hit it....and it crept up the first hill and wandered over to the left.....then it crested and as it headed down the other side of the mountain....it gently wandered to the right.....before it then made another turn to the left and NEARLY went in. If it had taken me three shots to get that down instead of two...........it would have cost me a pile of dough.

Monday, March 22, 2010

HappyUP!!! Day 1149



HappyUP!!! - birdie on 9
Why it happened - a quality shot...and an outstanding putt
Why it makes me happy - two of my competitors had their ball closer to the pin than I did...I was the first birdie in....only to be joined by the two of them. If I don't make that putt, I get my butt handed to me.

HappyUP!!! - 7 iron into 16
Why it happened - swinging the irons pretty well right now
Why it makes me happy - we were heading to the home stretch...it was a pretty good idea to give myself a good birdie look at this point. This was one of those elusive totally pure iron shots that you can go awhile until you hit.

HappyUP!!! - running into my best friend
Why it happened - I needed to go to Kinkos....so did my friend
Why it makes me happy - we hadn't seen each other in a long time. Heck...we didn't need coffee....or a bar.....Kinko's is a great place to chat over copies.

HappyUP!!! - a weird intersection
Why it happened - just timing
Why it makes me happy - had been trading some e-mail with another friend. Then, while I was on my way to the golf course, I was at a stop sign....who should be at the stop sign to my right at exactly the same time?....my buddy that I had just been e-mailing with. We got to do the "little wave"....pretty funny stuff.

JollyJottings

Birdie on 9
Friends that overlook things
Seeing a friend at the intersection
Running into my best buddy at Kinko's
Playing a decent round of golf

Sunday, March 21, 2010

HappyUP!!! Day 1148



HappyUP!!! - finding my vest
Why it happened - I did a good deed
Why it makes me happy - prior to teeing off, I had to go back to my car to grab a club I had pulled out of my bag. As I went there, I saw a very nice wind shirt lying in the parking lot. There was a piece of me that wanted to leave it there as it was just recently misplaced. The owner would surely notice and retrace his steps. Then, I thought, "and, if he cares, he'll retrace them to lost and found." I took the vest to lost and found.....and, while I was there, I found my nice, fleece zippered vest that is perfect for those in-between times on the links.

HappyUP!!! - dinner
Why it happened - a guy has to eat
Why it makes me happy - a BBQ'd chicken breast in soy sauce, garlic salt, Montreal steak seasoning, and some olive oil. A dipping sauce for both of avocado, mayo, salt, and some taco sauce. A beautiful night to BBQ. The only question that leaves this HappyUP!!! short is, "Where were you tonight?"

HappyUP!!! - my HappyUP!!!s when I take a hit
Why it happened - I do these
Why it makes me happy - hey, peeps don't realize sometimes that I get a shot to the gut too on occasion. I am not immune to "stuff". I got one in the last day. No question...it is a challenge. The daily appreciation of gratitude, however, for what goes right in my life does help counter-balance the things that don't. HappyUP!!!s will never make you a PollyAnna...but they will bring you back to center to see things that are right when other things that happen are crying to get your attention about things that are wrong. The things that go wrong do need attention....but not over-attention.

HappyUP!!! - down a couple of pounds
Why it happened - I have been keeping an eye out
Why it makes me happy - I was a little "top ended" coming into the year. It seems had settled there. Yet, through recent weeks of just "keeping an eye out," I am down 5 pounds. Another 5 would be optimal....not sure I am motivated enough to get there....but I am happy I have a little breathing room at the moment while I decide.

HappyUP!!! - a nice walk
Why it happened - it was a gorgeous evening
Why it makes me happy - walking is probably the best overall exercise one can do. I get in "kicks" on how much I do it. The sunset was incredible. The air was clean. THIS was a walker's night.

JollyJottings

Finding my vest
Going through a loss...which makes me appreciate what I have
Bunker shot on 18
Two putt on 1
Par putt on 2
5 iron on 9
5 iron on 15
6 iron on 16
Wedge on 17
Down a couple of pounds
Getting a great message from a friend
A buddy who cares about me so much

Saturday, March 20, 2010

HappyUP!!! Day 1147



HappyUP!!! - net tournament qualifier at our club
Why it happened - we had to send representatives to the next level
Why it makes me happy - well, I would be HAPPIER to tell you that my partner and I qualified....we didn't. We had it going for awhile, however. We have fairly low handicaps which makes it a bit tougher for us to win in a "net" tournament....but we had our chances today. It would have been a longshot but we had some good hopes going for some time.

HappyUP!!! - back to back birdies
Why it happened - good shots and good putts
Why it makes me happy - see the above.....these birdies, along with one my partner had made, had us in the hunt. I stepped up and really drilled a 7 iron after my partner was in trouble. It's always a HappyUP!!! when you step up for the team.

HappyUP!!! - visit with a buddy
Why it happened - my buddy had some time after work
Why it makes me happy - hadn't gotten a chance to spend time with my friend in a bit.

HappyUP!!! - reconnecting with a friend
Why it happened - my friend shot me an e-mail
Why it makes me happy - I get to hear all about what is going on with a person I don't see nearly as often as I should. It was also good to hear that all is well.

HappyUP!!! - rocking the 18th hole
Why it happened - I put some shots together
Why it makes me happy - 18 can be tough for me. My partner had took an aggressive line, hit a big drive, but found the water. Now, it was on me. I piped it, knocked a wedge tight, and then hit a great putt from 8 feet. No, it didn't go in...it lipped out...but it left me feeling good about the round.

JollyJottings

Off to a good start
An over the top par
Back to back birdies
Played the 18th well

Friday, March 19, 2010

HappyUP!!! Day 1146


HappyUP!!! - wedges
Why it happened - I got myself in position
Why it makes me happy - nearly holed out my wedge on 3.....hit a cute wedge on 6....and nearly holed another one on 14. All led to birdies....on a day on the links that was a bit dodgy otherwise. Hey...at least something was going right.

HappyUP!!! - weather
Why it happened - it's weather
Why it makes me happy - yesterday's North wind would have indicated it would blow for a few more days....today

HappyUP!!! - mowing and edging on a Friday
Why it happened - I got done golfing....and got motivated
Why it makes me happy - I'll be able to drive up....all weekend....to a neatly trimmed lawn. I love getting this done on Friday!

HappyUP!!! - talking with my buddy
Why it happened - my buddy was a bit stressed
Why it makes me happy - always good to lend an ear

HappyUP!!! - collecting some dough
Why it happened - my buddy collapsed
Why it makes me happy - hey, I never want my friend's to play badly.....yet, at the end of the day, we throw a few bucks out there to see who outlasts the other....one way or the other. I'm always happy to take in some geeters.

JollyJottings

3 birdies
Great up and down on 17
Talking with my friend
Mowing and edging

Thursday, March 18, 2010

HappyUP!!! Day 1145


Today is one of those days - where I am going to pick a few HappyUP!!!'s...but there are so many that I could fill the page. Just making note of them in JollyJottings brings me joy.

HappyUP!!! - reuniting with an old buddy
Why it happened - we set a date to play some golf
Why it makes me happy - brekko, playing as partners (and winning...he played great), and visiting and catching up after the round....great times.

HappyUP!!! - chutting one in....for par...on 17
Why it happened - OK...I did hit the shot perfectly...but there was luck involved for it to drop in the cup
Why it makes me happy - me and my partner were out of the hole. Our opponents both had makeable birdie putts. I am not even on the green......70 feet away...up over a rise with about 8 feet of break.....and I knock it in. If you ever want to deflate your opponent's balloon.....there isn't a much better way.

HappyUP!!! - birdie on 9
Why it happened - I hit good shots
Why it makes me happy - I smoked my 3 wood off the tee.....I hit a pure 8 iron right at the hole....unfortunately, being downwind, it released to the back of the green. I now had about 50 feet of a Tilt-a-Whirl putt........which I dropped. What chance did our opponents have of making their birdies from closer range?

HappyUP!!! - speech contest
Why it happened - I am in Toastmasters
Why it makes me happy - the speaker from our club won. The evaluator from our club did not win but she did SUCH an awesome job....I was so proud of her.....it almost made me cry.

JollyJottings

Brekko
Drive on second hole
Par on 4
Flop shots on 7 and 8
3 wood and 8 iron on 9
Putt on 9
8 iron into 10
Drive and 7 iron on 11
Chutt on 14
6 iron on 16
Putt on 16
Chutt on 17
Visiting with buddy after round
Me and my buddy winning team game
Our speaker winning area speech contest
Our evaluator doing a great job at speech contest
Being invited to be involved at Division contest

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

HappyUP!!! Day 1144


HappyUP!!! - dinner
Why it happened - I actually did some meal planning
Why it makes me happy - I havent BBQ'd up some snapper in forever........on a most gorgeous evening.....a little asparagus on the side....that, my friends, is living!

HappyUP!!! - par putt on 14
Why it happened - I stroked a great one
Why it makes me happy - 14 is a tough hole. I knocked my drive into the hazard by about 2 feet. I still managed to drain a tough 20 footer to save par....and dismay my opponents....to their dismay. Their dismay is my HappyUP!!!

HappyUP!!! - mentoring our speech champion
Why it happened - he is nervous
Why it makes me happy - he is looking for me to guidance...because I have been there. It is a sacred honor to be able to mentor another person in any venue. He is going to do great...and I am glad I have a small hand in the process.

HappyUP!!! - talking with my old, long lost friend
Why it happened - we are golfing tomorrow
Why it makes me happy - we set up brekko beforehand....nothing better than to look forward to meeting with a long, lost buddy. Jazzed about this.

JollyJottings

Coffee
Claritin
St Patty's Day
Mentoring our speech champion
Par putt on 14
3 under on last 3 holes of front 9
Great communications with a special friend
Setting up brekko with long lost buddy

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

HappyUP!!! Day 1143


HappyUP!!! - playing with the mini-tour pro
Why it happened - he needed a game
Why it makes me happy - this guy is as good as anybody I have ever played with. How good? How about 5 under after 6 holes good. It's a joy to watch someone strike the ball the way it should be struck.....and he don't putt bad either.

HappyUP!!! - up and down on 4
Why it happened - it was insane
Why it makes me happy - I was as short-sided on this par 3 as you can get....and on a downhill lie when I needed to hit a flop shot. I managed to bump it into the face of the hill......and get it within 15 ft....about as good as you could do....and then drained the putt.

HappyUP!!! - bunker shot on 9
Why it happened - I got a second whack at it
Why it makes me happy - I had 165 to the back pin. I thought I had hit my bunker shot pure....but it hit the lip of the trap and came back to my feet. So, there I was....same place I was just a second ago...with an added stroke. Things looked bleak......and I hit about the best fairway bunker shot of my life.

JollyJottings

Drive on 1
Up and down on 4
Up and down on 5
Wedge into 6
5 iron into 8
Bunker shot on 9
7 iron into 10
6 iron into 12
Hybrid into 14
Weather
Top Down on way home
Playing with the pro

Monday, March 15, 2010

HappyUP!!! Day 1142


HappyUP!!! - skiing
Why it happened - my buddy got on me about it
Why it makes me happy - I'm not "a skiier"....whatever that is. I do have a very good sense of self-preservation. I can get down the slope gracefully....albeit a bit slowly. Of course, when I fixed my "epuipment problem", it was now a little closer to blazing down the slope. Seriously, I think upon observation, there were more people I was avoiding on the slopes than were avoiding me. It qualifies me as "non-menace." I only had one slight brush with the snow against my thigh on a controlled laydown...popped right back up....and had a great day.

HappyUP!!! - weather
Why it happened - weather is weather
Why it makes me happy - if there is something more perfect than being on a ski slope when the thermometer climbs from 41 to 50...or above.....let me know. I may have actually been sweating a bit....which is totally cool as I don't dig on being cold. It was a spectacular weather day.

HappyUP!!! - great conversation with a friend
Why it happened - my friend is going through a challenge in life
Why it makes me happy - I am just glad to be a friend that is in a position of support. People can build many things of grandeur......but the most cherished is to build a friendship.


JollyJottings

Went skiing
Didn't have to drive
Free passes
Fixed an equipment issue
Time with my buddy, Phil
Stunning weather
Frog Dog
Only fell once

Sunday, March 14, 2010

HappyUP!!! Day 1141



HappyUP!!! - a text from my buddy
Why it happened - I think he knew
Why it makes me happy - I have had a sinus/allergy/cold thing going on....not sure what. I think it is a sinus thing. Anyway, last night, I was actually getting first good sleep in awhile. I slept in until 7:10...that's late for me. "No problem...I can lay here for a few, enjoy the cat who just climbed up on em...I'm not teeing off till 9." Then I got the text. My phone showed me that, due to time change, it was 8:20...not 7:20. It all makes me happy because I got my butt out to the golf course in time.

HappyUP!!! - hot dog
Why it happened - time change
Why it makes me happy - no, it's not the breakfast of champions but, when you rush out the door (see above), you take what you can get to fill the hole! Plus....my golf course has GREAT Hot Dogs

HappyUP!!! - firming up the ski trip
Why it happened - my buddy insisted
Why it makes me happy - skiing is out of my comfort zone. My buddy has free passes. I haven't had the chance to hang with my friend in a bit. As long as I don't break something, it's going to be a great day!

HappyUP!!! - the weather
Why it happened - it's weather
Why it makes me happy - I know....I post on this one a lot. Yet...that is the purpose of the HappyUP!!! It is to fully appreciate things we take for granted. I can't tell you how beautiful today was in Nor Cal. Breathtaking

HappyUP!!! - pussywillows
Why it happened - my drive got a little close to the hazard
Why it makes me happy - I had to wait by my ball while my friends hit their shots. This gave me time to pluck a few of theses......and just make a mess like a little kid would. Oh.....what simple fun it was busting those pussywillow. So....so....so simple.....and enjoyable. I hope I never grow too old to enjoy this kind of thing.

JollyJottings

Good night's sleep
A "get your butt out of bed" text
7 iron on 7
Great putt on 9
Bunker shot on 18
Chip on 15
Spectacular weather

"Never Give Up!"


"Never Give Up!" - is drilled into us in Western culture right and left.

I get it - sometimes, when it feel you haven't made the progress you wanted to, it is all too easy to throw in the towel.

I've seen the analogy - of pumping water from an old time well. You pump....and pump...and pump....no water. You don't want to stop because the NEXT pump may be the one that starts the water free flowing.

Closer to home - think of your lawnmower. You pull....you pull....you pull......and it finally starts.

But, you know - sometimes you can pull and pull....but that lawnmower is never going to start because the plugs are fouled or there is an issue with the lawnmower. You can keep pulling....but all you will do is throw out your arm.

So.....there really are two schools of thought - both are valid. One says, "never give up." The other says, "cut your losses before you hurt yourself. Don't throw good money after bad."

In the end - the key skill.......is to "know when to hold em....know when to fold em." Despite the Western wisdom, sometimes throwing in the cards IS the wisest move that one can make.

Saturday, March 13, 2010

HappyUP!!! Day 1140


HappyUP!!! - gorgeous weather
Why it happened - it's weather
Why it makes me happy - we went from rain to full on golf weather in a .....BAM! Drove home with the top down.......love Nor Cal

HappyUP!!! - dropping a couple of putts
Why it happened - I can roll it
Why it makes me happy - the putter has started to betray me a bit.....a couple of times today, it stood up and got the ball in the hole.

HappyUP!!! - 6 iron cut into 16
Why it happened - I hit it like I drew it up
Why it makes me happy - when you hit a shot....with a strong wind blowing...on a hole that has been giving me trouble.....and that shot is exactly how you had it planned....HappyUP!!!

HappyUP!!! - friends
Why it happened - great contacts today
Why it makes me happy - e-mails....texts....visits....a day rich with my friends.

JollyJottings

E-mail from a former co-worker
Putt on 5
Feeling better
Gorgeous afternoon
6 iron on 16

Friday, March 12, 2010

HappyUP!!! Day 1139


HappyUP!!! - Merlin Olsen
Why it happened - he died
Why it makes me happy - NO....someone dying is never a HappyUP!!! in and of itself. Yet, it will happen to all of us. I hadn't heard this name in awhile. When I heard of his passing, it reminded me that this is a guy that seemed to have represented a lot of what is good in the world. From everything I have ever heard about this person, this was an exemplary guy.

HappyUP!!! - Party invite
Why it happened - a big day coming in a couple of weeks
Why it makes me happy - this person is very close. I can't wait to be part of the celebration...it's just around the corner.

HappyUP!!! - setting up some reunion golf
Why it happened - we've talked about it...nailed it down today
Why it makes me happy - haven't played golf with this buddy in.......20-25 years? We grew up playing together. We'll get it done next week with a couple other buddies. The weather is looking FABULOUS for next week....could be a stellar day!

HappyUP!!! -

JollyJottings

Party invite
Setting up a reunion golf game
Rain....BEFORE we decided to tee off
My good friend
Call from my buddy
Merlin Olsen

Thursday, March 11, 2010

happyUP!!! Day 1138


HappyUP!!! - nephew's birthday dinner
Why it happened - my nephew has a birthday every year
Why it makes me happy - my entire family gets together....my bro, sis-in-law, 2 nephews, and 1 niece (yeah, it doesn't take much) and it's just good family time.

HappyUP!!! - ad hoc chipping lesson
Why it happened - I was out practicing
Why it makes me happy - the owner of the course and director of golf were doing some work out by the putting green. I happened to be practicing....I was doing fine....but they saw a flaw in my form, came over, gave me a better idea, and....BAM...my chipping is going to get really good.

HappyUP!!! - lunch with the J's
Why it happened - they called me
Why it makes me happy - these are my girls...my ex-admin staff. I love them to pieces.....and I love them more as their friend now than I did as their boss (even though I loved them as their boss). Great time that passed too quickly.

HappyUP!!! - new swing theory
Why it happened - I was watching something on TV
Why it makes me happy - all of a sudden, I realized that I have been making this golf swing thing way too hard. I went out to the range and, while they didn't all go perfectly, the ball had some new zip to it. It was a simpler swing. It may not be pretty but it's not about pretty. It's about getting to the impact zone down the line and with a clubface square to the target.....and it doesn't matter how you get there. I think I have something to build on here.



JollyJottings

Proposed chipping area
Ad Hoc chipping lesson
Figured out something about the golf swing
Lunch with the J's
Text's with a buddy
Getting Self Concept Blog Post done
Nephew's Birthday Dinner

Self Concept


OK...there seems to be a lot of confusion out there - well, today, I am going to clear this up for you.

Disclaimer - I'm not a psychologist....just a guy tripping along the orb trying to make sense of it all and helping out a few others along the way.

All my life - I have heard people talk about self-esteem...either about themselves or about others. "She has self-esteem issues."

Just to be charming - I like to ask those people, "what is self-esteem anyway?" You can probably guess what crappy answers and/or puzzled looks I have gotten. While I say "charming," I think I have heard other people say, "jackass" when I ask this question. Who knew those two words were synonymous?

So, today - I have repackaged this whole "Self Concept" together in a cogent way that works. Others may disagree with me on this but.....well....uh......they probably have self-esteem issues. Besides, it's my blog and I can say what I want.

I hear terms like - "Self Concept"..."Self Esteem"...."Self Ideal"...."Self Image" and I know there has to be confusion. Hey, that is what I am hear for....to clear all of that up for the world. So, here goes:

Self Ideal - OK....whether you think about it consciously or not, this is the maximum person that you think you could be. This is you at your best. It's a picture in your mind's eye.

Self Image - the same mind's eye is at work here....but here it sees you as you ARE. With very few exceptions, the self ideal is always anywhere from a bit more to a LOT more than the self image.

So.....we now have this gap - between self ideal and self image. We can't just call it a gap and leave it at that, now can we? Heck no. We are busy little beavers. This is where self esteem comes in.

Self Esteem - is how you view the gap between your self ideal and self image.

Let's say we have someone - (we'll give this person a fancy name like Example One) who really thinks they could be everything to the world......and they almost actually are. Yet, they absolutely can't stand that there is a gap there between who they are and who they could be. This person would have a self esteem challenge. We sit there in awe of what they are but they just won't be satisfied. As a matter of fact, these type of people can be the most miserable to be around....despite their apparent high degree of "success."

Now, let's say we have someone else - (who has a pretty cool name as well...Example 2) who knows they could really be someone...and they know that they really aren't. They have a much bigger gap than our example above. Yet, they have no challenge with that gap whatsoever. Because society loves to label people, it may call them "lazy" or "a slacker" but, if the person is good with that gap, there is no self esteem issue.

Now, in example 2 - let's say our person sees the gap and says, "doggone it, I think I'll get to work on that gap. I'm fine with who I am...but I could be better." Once again, no self esteem issue because, even though the person wants to close the gap, they have no problem with the gap existing.

What is the Self Concept? - it's the umbrella under which the three terms (self image....self ideal.....self esteem) live.

Allright....now that you are knowledgeable and stuff - you are asking, "what's the point?" (Wow...you guys are tough!)

Here is the point - if you have a gap.....and you want to close that gap.....stop hating the gap. You are where you are for whatever reason and there is nothing at this moment you can do about it. Now, there may be something you can do in the next moment to close the gap, but hating the gap will hold you back.

It will make you - very unattractive to those that may be able to help you close the gap. Did I say unattractive? Uh......you might actually repulse them. I mean, come on, do you think that people who are in a position to help you (who probably have no self esteem issues) want to get near your trashy self-esteem? Well, they won't tell you they don't. People with healthy self-esteem are usually pretty nice. Still, let's say if they see you coming far enough down the block, the cross-walk may get a little more crowded in a hurry.

So....there you go - my educational piece to the world is done. I'd been meaning to write this one down for awhile....but I hadn't. There was a gap between what I was doing and what I could have been doing as it related to this issue.......and that gap could have stayed there a loooooong time because, quite frankly, I was good with it being there.


Wednesday, March 10, 2010

HappyUP!!! Day 1137


HappyUP!!! - par on 8
Why it happened - I scramble
Why it makes me happy - I hit my drive into a bunker. I have no chance for the green. All I can hope for on this par four is to knock it out, get within 100 yds of green, and try to make a bogey at worse. I hit a splendid shot out of the trap. My opponent had hit a great shot of his own. He was on in 2 with 10 feet for birdie. I was lying 2 just like him....but 80 yds from the stopper. I said, "if I knock this in, I'll give you the birdie for the tie." I KNOW that, as he watched my shot, he was going, "that's going in." My ball came to rest less than a foot from the hole. He missed the putt for a very unlikely tie. HappyUP!!!

HappyUP!!! - unexpected pick up line
Why it happened - I meet my buddy for coffee
Why it makes me happy - so, my friend......a former pastor and cutting edge leader in the in-home church movement, sees a gal across the way at Starbucks that he thinks he knows. She is somewhat attractive. He gives the big wave and, "Hi Lisa!" As soon as he does it, he realizes it isn't someone he knows.....and she realizes it too! Next thing you know, she comes up and starts chatting to us about having done the same thing. I was sitting there going, "hmmmm.....nice line!" (NO...it wasn't a line...it was an honest mistake...my buddy is a happily married man.....but it did give me ideas! LOL)

HappyUP!!! - Sudaphed
Why it happened - I think I have a sinus infection
Why it makes me happy - I got some relief today..............and I have high hopes for more of the same tonight as I try to sleep!

JollyJottings

Top Down weather
Sudaphed
Golfing with a nice couple
GREAT par on 8
Great up and down on 16
Outstanding 5 iron into 4
Great up and down on 5
Great up and down on 9
Hearing there is a new guitar hero in town
Coffee

Tuesday, March 09, 2010

HappyUP!!! Day 1136



HappyUP!!! - Toastmasters
Why it happened - it was Tuesday
Why it makes me happy - Speech Contest day....sitting it out this year but it was awesome to see the new members step up and take their shot at climbing the ladder. We even had a brand new member give his first evaluation ever....in our contest.

HappyUP!!! - a new member
Why it happened - the person liked the product
Why it makes me happy - new members are the key to any organization. This person is a great addition

HappyUP!!! - birdie on 12
Why it happened - a great punch shot
Why it makes me happy - OK....I hit that 4 iron a touch thin into the wind within 8 feet of the pin....and dumped the putt....much to the chagrin of my competitors

HappyUP!!! - lunch invitation
Why it happened - my former staff is thinking about me
Why it makes me happy - I'll probably get a chance to have some lunch very soon with my former admins.....how good is that?

JollyJottings

Toastmasters
New member joined
New member stepped up
Great speeches in our contest
Birdie on 12
Par on 17
Great pitch on 18

Monday, March 08, 2010

HappyUP!!! Day 1135



HappyUP!!! - pouring in a putt on 18
Why it happened - it was a good look....uphill, 15 feet, right to left
Why it makes me happy - THAT was the putt that makes one the cash and causes those words you love to hear, "what the eff".....from your golf buddy who will now be paying you.

HappyUP!!! - going to the dentist
Why it happened - appointment
Why it makes me happy - who doesn't love clean teeth when the hygeinist is done working her magic.


HappyUP!!! - finding my dental insurance cards
Why it happened - I went on line
Why it makes me happy - I had changed coverage. I scoured my house. Then, I went into my confirmation of coverage e-mail.....and realized, "they never sent them to me....I have to download them!" I had been beating myself up a little bit over losing something that I never received. Anyway, I was just happy to have my cards for my trip to cuspid cleaner.

JollyJottings

Adding a new member
Pouring a putt in on 18
Bunker shot on 16
Second shot on 17
Stock market
Finding Dental Cards
Catching a friend...on the train
Going to the dentist
"If you don't want my apples, don't shake my tree"

Sunday, March 07, 2010


HappyUP!!! - putting/chutting
Why it happened - I'm rolling it well right now
Why it makes me happy - while I made NOTHING today, I had about 8 lip outs or near lip outs. No, it doesn't make me happy when they don't go in but, when so many are around the hole, you know you have something good going on. Only a matter of time

HappyUP!!! - birdie on 8
Why it happened - I hit a gorgeous hybrid from 197
Why it makes me happy - that birdie gave me a little mo at the time....my opponents were disgruntled as they were hitting much shorter irons into the green. I love knocking it close from "the three point zone" when the other guys are missing their layups.

HappyUP!!! - breakfast
Why it happened - I went to the club early
Why it makes me happy - my club throws down a pretty darn good breakfast....at a reasonable price. Nothing like some sausage/scrambleds/hash browns/toast...done to perfection.

JollyJottings

Early phone chat
Wedge into 6
Birdie on 8
Birdie on 10
Lots of great putts/chutts.....had about 8 of them that lipped out or could have fallen
GORGEOUS weather
Grabbing some dinner

Saturday, March 06, 2010

HappyUP!!! Day 1134


HappyUP!!! - email from ex-employee
Why it happened - my buddy is thinking about a career change
Why it makes me happy - my buddy looks to me for insight...wisdom......sacred ground.....
I am so honored

HappyUP!!! - kick in birdie on 1
Why it happened - I hit a lovely 9 iron
Why it makes me happy - even though the tight ass bastards I play with didn't give me the putt (as they should have), it's always cool to start the day one under

HappyUP!!! - winning the dough at end of day
Why it happened - one of my competitors threw up on himself on 18
Why it makes me happy - he was kicking my butt late in the game....after I had kicked his earlier.....I deserved to benefit from his 18th hole meltdown. He was outplayed today....and needed to pay!

HappyUP!!! - phone call from a buddy
Why it happened - my bud picked up the phone
Why it makes me happy - who doesn't like an in depth phone chat?

JollyJottings

E-mail from a former employee
Being able to help a buddy out
Seeing a friend
Birdie on one
Nice chip on 6
Great hybrid on 8
Busted 9 iron...and recovery on 9
Nice wedge on 10
Hybrid on 11
Great pitch on 15
Winning the dough at end of day

Friday, March 05, 2010

HappyUP!!! Day 1133


HappyUP!!! - hosting a speech
Why it happened - one of our members needed it to qualify for upcoming speech contest
Why it makes me happy - it was cool to have a couple of guys over for some speaking, coffee, and a bit of fellowship to start the day at 7 a.m.

HappyUP!!! - wedge into 6
Why it happened - I'm OK with the wedge
Why it makes me happy - I couldn't see the pin because of a hill in front of me. I had the distance...knew where the pin was....and just hit that wedge like butter...right in there to 3 feet...birdie. That shot felt soooooo sweet in my hands

HappyUP!!! - talking on phone with my buddy
Why it happened - I made a call
Why it makes me happy - sometimes it is just good to hear a friends voice on the phone. We text/e-mail alot....but nothing beats hearing a voice

HappyUP!!! - text from an old buddy
Why it happy - my bud dialed me up
Why it makes me happy - my bud is playing some guitar. There is no doubt we will get together for some golf and guitars sometime soon

HappyUP!!! - making 5 bucks
Why it happened - my buddy collapsed a bit
Why it makes me happy - after 10 holes, I was up 35. After 15 holes, I was down about 40. I got out of dodge a little above even. HappyUP!!!

JollyJottings

Hosting a speech
Wedge into 6
Dripping the birdie putt into 10
Making clutch putts on 12.....16....17
Winning a bit of dough
Birthday with a group of friends
Texting with a buddy
E-mail/texting/phone with another buddy
Dropping the top....in March

Thursday, March 04, 2010

HappyUP!!! Day 1132


HappyUP!!! - smacking some spuds
Why it happened- my golf game cancelled
Why it makes me happy - IF I am serious about something I want to accomplish this year, it is going to take more practice than playing. I got some good range time in today

HappyUP!!! - meeting people afterwork
Why it happened - I had to drop off a donation
Why it makes me happy - I got to see my buddy.....and another person that will become a friend. That person is going through tough stuff....but is a great person and another one I will add to the tapestry.

HappyUP!!! - the bookshelf
Why it happened - I called my nephew
Why it makes me happy - I actually rearranged some things.....and I am on the way to clearing up some clutter. Yes...at this point....it is a project that takes hours....only to realize that you created more of a mess than when you started....but I made some progress

HappyUP!!! - putting a smile on someone's face
Why it happened - it's all about personal time
Why it makes me happy - I did a buddy a favor a couple of days ago....and.....the moment in which it was done hasn't faded. I love a smile on the face of a friend. I mean....c'mon......is there a better HappyUP!!!

HappyUP!!! - family
Why it happened - who knows
Why it makes me happy - what isn't to like about a phone chat with my brother? What isn't to like to be able to get one's nephew to drop what he was doing to help me out?

JollyJottings

Smacking some spuds
Chatting in the pro shop
Cranking out the new amplifier
Meeting my buddy....and a new buddy
An e-mail from a dear buddy
Lovely weather

Wednesday, March 03, 2010

HappyUP!!! Day 1131


HappyUP!!! - free food
Why it happened - our club had a membership meeting
Why it makes me happy - hey....that was a delicious dinner.....on the house...c'mon...admit it.... who doesn't like a free meal when it's that good.

HappyUP!!! - giving someone a smile
Why it happened - I had a thought
Why it makes me happy - the cost of a can of tennis balls........to generate a smile? C'mon....that cost:benefit analysis doesn't even have to be calculated

HappyUP!!! - scoring a donation
Why it happened - I said, "you do, I'll do"
Why it makes me happy - a buddy of mine is doing a fundraiser for a shelter for battered women. I was happy that my golf club donated a foursome if I did the same....and thankful to be in the position where I could do that.

HappyUP!!! - e-mails with my buddy
Why it happened - we had things to chat about
Why it makes me happy - who doesn't like great communication with a bestest friend?

JollyJottings


Cabbage Soup
New Amp
Making someone's day
Scoring a donation
New tennis balls
IMing with my bro
Reliving last night's concert
Coffee
Running into LM

Just be yourself, everyone else is already taken.


Tuesday, March 02, 2010

HappyUP!!! Day 1130


HappyUP!!! - Toastmasters
Why it happened - it was Tuesday
Why it makes me happy - we had a guest return.....and another guest pay his first visit.....and we had another great meeting

HappyUP!!! - getting it all done
Why it happened - a little rain helped
Why it makes me happy - I had a LOT of stuff to get done yesterday........and pretty much did. I was on a bit of a deadline. Now, with rain and no golf today, I think I will just relax

HappyUP!!! - new song idea
Why it happened - I don't know...they just surface
Why it makes me happy - while there can be a degree of work to finish, I always love the scratch track process of writing a new tune. Got tune from conception to scratch in about an hour today....that's good stuff.
Why it makes me happy -

JollyJottings

Helpful store clerk
Toastmasters

Monday, March 01, 2010

HappyUP!!! Day 1129



HappyUP!!! - back to the old driver
Why it happened - a tip from our golf pro
Why it makes me happy - I played with our pro on Sunday. He said, "you need to get rid of that overlength shaft...it's stopping you from driving through the ball." He was right....while I wasn't "dialed in" today, it was the first time I felt I could "get after" the driver swing in awhile. If you don't "get after" it, you are swinging defensively...no bueno.

HappyUP!!! - birdie on 5
Why it happened - great hybrid...and a great chutt
Why it makes me happy - 5 is one of our tougher holes. I had pulled the drive a bit which left me down near the hazard and a bit farther from the hole than I wanted to be. BOOM! I got all over that hybrid...ran the ball just off the back edge of the green......then hit a perfect chutt with that same hybrid for the 3. HappyUP!!!

HappyUP!!! - unexpected brekko
Why it happened - my buddy called me
Why it makes me happy - nothing like breaking bread with a good friend...all at the spur of the moment. Great pancakes

JollyJottings

Top down on way to course...in March
Bob-O joining us
Going back to old driver
Birdie on 5
3 wood on 6
2 putt on 7
IM'ing with a buddy this morning
Unexpected brekko invitation