HappyUP!!! Day 24....Tuesday

I know...I know - "where were my HappyUP!!!s yesterday? You know I can't live without them." Trust me, I feel your pain.

Rest assured - they were recorded in my handy Moleskinie.

I was travelling on business! - and I have an agreement with my employer not to use their laptop and their network for my personal stuff. Hey, as long as I work their, I am their guest so I happily comply.

HU1 - cute cats
Why it happened - I let them in last night
Why it made me happy - one was on my chest and the other was under my arm as I was attempting to go to sleep. Now, a steady diet of this could lead to sleep deprivation. In this case, I was in the presence of total contentment. This is always a HappyUP!!! to me.

HU2 - driving to Lake Tahoe
Why it happened - I needed to be at a meeting
Why it made me happy - I was running ahead of time. I actually got to pull over...take in the mountains....snap a couple of pictures. I was able to feel God's creation in a different way than my normal routine takes me.

HU3 - a video clip
Why it happened - it was played at the movie
Why it made me happy - it demonstrated what art can do...how art can transcend words. The point of the video? "You can be so much more than you are. You are limited by what and how you see." OK...if I tell you that, what do you think? "Yadda...Yadda....I know...it's true," but it just lays there in a puddle of shallow words. Yet, when acted out in real drama, those words come alive...even though they were never spoken.

JollyJottings
-Toastmaster meeting
-Client meeting
-Learning the term "snail shower"
-Caught a great break on a difficult merge in traffic
-woke up late....but was still on time
-Extra work done by one of our Toastmasters
-Meeting my HR person
-Reacquainting with a corp person I hadn't seen in years
-Fraud training
-The message I got about the guy in the pancake suit "my HappyUP!!! is that I don't have that job"
-The proper fraud manager doing an Elmer Fudd impersonation

HappyUP!!! Day 23

HappyUP!!! 1 - I got the wireless modem back up and running
Why did it happen - I took the time to make a call to the Help Desk
Why it made me happy - I will be needing this tomorrow. The guy at the help desk was....well...helpful. We got the problem fixed in record time. I should be good to go with no worries tomorrow.

HappyUP!!! 2 - coming home to the house
Why did it happen - because the house feels like a home now
Why it made me happy - this is the first day that I have come home from work since the flooring was done. For well over two years, it has seemed like I have come home to my project. While I am not done, the house has an entirely different feel to it.....and I LOVE IT!!!

HappyUP!!! 3 - completed an annual training for work
Why did it happen - I seized upon an hour. I had already signed up for the on-line class so it was easy to pull the class up for taking
Why it made me happy - my company has several on line classes a year that are mandatory. I had already taken the one for the first deadline. I don't even know when the deadline for the class that I took was. It was just good to knock one out. There is one less deadline that I will have to meet.....those deadlines always come up when you don't want them too.

HappyUP!!! Day 22

What a great day off - b asically had the entire day to waste and I was an overachiever! Still picking at putting the house together, post new flooring.

...and I am still digging the new flooring - so, what's the HappyUP!!!s today? Read on...

HappyUP!!! 1 - a new book
Why it happened - I went looking for a book that wasn't there...so I got a different one
Why it makes me happy - it is by one of my favorite authors. I didn't know she had a new one out. As I went through the table of contents, I saw a bunch of things that were addressing exactly some things that I am going to be confronting in the near future.

HappyUP!!! 2 - it has come upon me for a new, more intense direction for HappyUP!!!
Why it happened - I caught an inspirational moment. It was one of those moments when the words write themselves
Why it made me happy - we are talking life's purpose thoughts. Mission based. Experiences, training, and everything I have done seem to be leading up to this. I'm not ready to fully discuss but the seed has been planted. It is time to nurture.

HappyUP!!! 3 - moving furniture and tidying up
Why it happened - it is those new floors. They are almost like Popeye's spinach
Why it made me happy - I am getting the house set up exactly like I want....not by convention...not by how it would "be nice." It is more so that it functions just like I do (hey, I heard you...stop that. It wasn't a typo. I didn't mean to write "it dysfunctions just like me. Knock it off!!!)

CRUSH

(A special post for SundayScribblings )


Crush - only means one thing in Northern California

The Napa Valley - and the late summer/early fall experience of bringing the grapes in, throwing them in the various machines that separate the stems and vines from the fruit...

...and then crushing - the various sweet varietals and extracting the juice that is turned into the accoutrement to topics of conversations all over the world....a fine glass of wine.

The juice of the grape - is legendary. One of Jesus' most famous miracles was the creation of the wine. No crushing required on that one. Jesus drank the byproduct of the grape fermentation process. It makes me wonder how some of the gazillions of variations of Christianity came to outlaw it.

Jesus was obviously fine - with having a little bit of the magical elixir. He allowed one the personal freedom to make their choice around the responsible consumption of the liquid. It was man that created prohibition.

Of course - wine has much more symbolism as well but this is not a theological post.

This is about - the joy of the crush. While the crush is going on in Napa, the air of the entire valley is permeated by the sweet aroma of grapes being ground up for future imbibement.

Restaraunts - would go out of business if not for the high margins and sales of it. Look at the picture regarding a brand new upscale restaurant that has opened in my town, Crush 29 . It is devoted to the worship of the grape. Jesus would have been fine with people spending time appreciating God's creation....He just may have a bit of an issue with the DEGREE to which some do.

The Crush - it represents the end of the harvest and the beginning of the creation of something more wonderful to come and to be enjoyed...the wine.

HappyUP!!!...an Honorary Degree Conferred

You HappyUPPERS!!! haven't realized - that, following the HappyUP!!! program is like going to class or vocational education, have you?

Of course not - if I had told you that in the beginning, you would have been skipping out at lunch and playing hooky the rest of the day.

Welcome to Nutster U - and the School of HappyUP!!!

Today's lesson is a case study - go over here and read one of my professional colleague's stories. Let me tell you, there are few things that can take up more of your mental capacity than misplacing or having your wallet stolen. It is going to cost time and money. Look at how Alex deals with it.

If you follow through to the comments - you will see where he gets something very special from Nutster U .........the first honorary degree at has ever been bestowed!!!

Now, I have no problem that the first honorary degree - went to someone from Copenhagen. We just need more American conferee's. No, it is not so the accreditation of Nutster U can be maintained (the last I checked, I paid my VISA bill on time which should keep the prestigious school's credit up to snuff).

We need - more happy people closer to me...Me....ME....MEEEEEEEEE!

....and you, too, of course.

HappyUP!!! Day 21

Someone came up to me and said - "hey dude, take the weekend off from the HappyUP!!!" All I could say to that was...."why?"

HappyUP!!! 1 - an absolutely gorgeous day
Why it happened - because He makes absolutely gorgeous days
Why it made me happy - it just felt good. Somebody said that 72 degrees was a perfect temperature once when I was young. It always stuck with me. When I looked at the temp in the middle of the day, that is exactly what it was. It struck me...touched me...made me happy.

HappyUP!!! 2 - my convertible
Why it happened - because I have never gotten rid of it
Why it made me happy - there just isn't anything better...well...maybe one thing

HappyUP!!! 3 - pulling over to drop the top...on a gorgeous day
Why it happened - I literally pulled over after I was on my way
Why it made me happy - no, it didn't take much effort but I almost said, "geez, I am in traffic. I should just take it on home...lid up." But I didn't. The drive home from the city was spectacular. The wind, the temperature, not a care in the world.


Jolly Jottings

-new floors
-Toastmasters training
-attending a grand opening
-being with a couple I like
-seeing a client I hadn't seen
-the gorgeous day
-my convertible
-remembering to pull over, drop the top, and enjoy convertible and lovely day
-getting a new personal opportunity
-have my life's passion hit me like a ton of bricks....something clicked today. That one thing

So Happy!!! HappyUP!!! Day 21

Sorry to bore you - with my HappyUP!!!'s about what seem like silly little things like flooring.

There is so much more involved - it is about a long project coming to completion.

It is about finally having - my house together so it is in a warm and friendly place to invite to love all of the people that it has taken me so long to learn to love.

It is about - a lot of indecision about color, durability, maintenance, expense, etc behind me

It is about - emotional and relationship cost (high) that were involved in the process.

It is about having somethings done - and moving on with excitement to see what lies ahead.

The flooring is basically - done. Time to throw out some things, do some decorating, getting someone in and out to remodel the bathroom (already made the call)..............and having fun with my friends.

I am not sure if there is a better - HappyUP!!!.....than that.

Life really is good in many more ways than you think - no matter what your situation is. The entire key is what you give most of your attention too.




Well...how did I do? I went with an exotic high grade vinyl tile (NO, not the cheap, thin peel and stick stuff in the kitchen). Then, transitioned to a bit of an industrial looking yet warm Marmoleum. Marmoleum is an ecolologically produced, natural linoleum on high density fibreboard with a cork layer. The entire downstairs is a dark charcoal black which should lend endless opportunity for area rugs. It looks particularly sharp as it butts up against SCREAMING white baseboards.

HappyUP!!! Day 20....it's Friday

HappyUP!!! 1 - I found the gift cards
Why it happened - I put on the jacket I hadn't worn in a long time
Why it made me happy - I had searched everywhere for these darn things. I had even checked the pocket of my leather jacket....but I hadn't put it on. When I put it on and reached in, voila! I found about $550 worth of potential merchandise. I had turned the house upside down for the last 30 days....well, the remodel already had it upside down. Perhaps I turned it right side up. Anyway, the real HappyUP!!! is that some department store isn't getting a free $550 that was spent and not had the cards redeemed. More HappyUP!!!'s to come because it is like I am spending the house's money....I had written these babies off!!!

HappyUP!!! 2 - got tough assignment off of my desk/chest
Why it happened - I got an opportunity to handle the issue
Why it made me happy - the reason for the task did not make me happy. While I didn't dread it, it was something that needed to be done....and had needed it for a couple of days. Those kinds of things eat at you. It is just good to get them done and over with.

HappyUP!!! 3 - had a wonderful interaction with one of my young employees
Why it happened - I took advantage of an opportunity. I was bold and seized the moment
Why it made me happy - the young employee needed to see "how it was done." I grabbed him and took him on a sales call with me. It was tremendous and totally spontaneous. It was awesome and out of sight. I know it will help him in his career. He is going to get business out of it....without a doubt. It is soooooo cool!!!

JollyJottings

-got a tough assignment off of my desk/chest
-met an employee for coffee
-made a phone call I had been putting off
-interviewed a great candidate
-had a wonderful interaction with a young employee
-found the gift cards
-was told that I was someone's HappyUP!!! today
-had a client do a real cool thing for my young employee
-the floors are done...the floors are done

HappyUP!!! Day 19

HappyUP!!! 1 - got in a 30 minute workout
Why it happened - I was talking to a friend tonight who had to go to the gym
Why it made me happy - hey, if they can do it, I can do it! I got in a workout that I wasn't expecting to. I got off the early morning routine.....and haven't picked up quite as consistent of an evening routine. It is a HappyUP!!! to stay in contact with the gym

HappyUP!!! 2 - the flooring is 2/3 done
Why it happened - I don't know....my floor guy is jammin?
Why it made me happy - he thought it would take 4 days...2 this week and 2 next week as he has trouble flooring 4 days in a row. It looks like he will knock it out tomorrow...giving me the weekend to start putting life back together......and to start shopping for furniture!!!

HappyUP!!! 3 - my new boss came to my meeting
Why it happened - he wanted to come....I wanted him there to meet my team
Why it made me happy - he is a regular guy. He has been in the company (unlike my last two bosses). He is down to earth. He understands our issues. My people felt good about him. Things are synching up at work.

JollyJottings
-pancakes and sausage for breakfast
-flooring is now 2/3 complete...finishing tomorrow
-found the guy that can do my new fireplace and mantle
-my new boss came to my meeting today....and he was great
-my meeting went great
-made an important appointment for tomorrow
-made a recruiting appointment for tomorrow
-connected with my admin in a big way tonight
-starting to see clarity amongst the industry fog...epiphanies
-came up with compelling vision and strategy
-got in a 30 minute workout
-made some e-mail contacts
-had a great e-mail exchange
-going to bed tonight really looking forward to tomorrow....and the weekend

HappyUP!!! It's Day 18.....Valentines Day!!!

...and what could be happier - than bustin out one of the coolest (or nerdiest) jacket/tie combos in the world.

-for obvious reasons - this is not the everyday look. But, it leads us right into....

HappyUP!!! 1 - throwing on the red coat and really cool tie.
Why it happened - it's Valentine's Day for one. For another, I just happened to pick up this special occasion jacket along the way
Why it makes me happy - I like to be bold...take some risks...be a little out there. Oh...wait...."be a little out there"? I live there. Anyway, it is always fun to do something that you really aren't supposed to.....and still be stylish

(YES......this was stylish. Had the black pants going on downstairs....nice)

HappyUP!!! 2 - the flooring is in...the flooring is in!
Why it happened - I finally just picked some!!!
Why it made me happy - well, I didn't really "just pick some." I did it surprisingly quickly while maintaining some standards for how I wanted the house to look. Still, you never know. About 1/3 of it went down today and, from what I can tell, it is going to look outstanding!!!

(Hey, with the remodel taking as long as it has, it really does need to come out special. This is a bit of a trick.... I'm not a designer or one that is extremely detail oriented in these matters)

Another bunch of floor - goes down tomorrow. It's OK to use the same HappyUP!!! on successive days. You just can't "phone it in." It has to make you happy. My floor guy loved it....he had never laid Marmoleum (the material on the left) before. The exotic vinyl tiles on the right went in awhile back...credit to the outside helper on that pick!)

HappyUP!!! 3 - just pushing through work stuff
Why it happened - you just gotta keep on keeping on. Why it made me happy - These are interesting times in my industry. Other people would have other descriptions......I have been those other people. Yet, in the challenges, I see some distinct opportunities for the people that get their heads down and work through the issues.

HappyUP!!! Day 17

Another day that is testimony - HappyingUP!!! doesn't make your troubles going away. Whew!!! It just changes what you drop your anchor to.

There are people that deal with much more difficult issues - than I was confronting today. But, our own challenges, however small in comparison, are our challenges. This automatically will elevate them in the overall way we look at them. But, let's pay attention to the important stuff....the HappyUP!!!s

HappyUP!!! 1 - great Toastmaster meeting
Why it happened - it happens every Tuesday morning. It's a wired item in my calender
Why it made me happy - people pulled together despite members being absent. Our guest saw another great meeting. He's joining the club!!! We love the new people.

HappyUP!!! 2 - heading to bed early
Why it happened (or is about to happen) - big day tomorrow....I need a full night's sleep and an early rise.
Why it makes me happy - challenging, task full day tomorrow. I know that I am starting today to give it my best. I am taking care of myself to feel optimally in adversity.

HappyUP!!! 3 - good interview with a potential hire
Why it happened - one of my managers took my suggestion, followed up with a call, and produced what could be an ideal hire
Why it made me happy - it's always great when we have an opportunity to bring someone in that really wants to work. The candidate seems to be in the perfect part of her career to make for a good fit with us. We left with the candidate taking on an assignment to do some more research.

JollyJottings
-great Toastmaster meeting
-good, though brief sleep
-mocha
-handled tough situation
-found something out
-met with a Toastmaster guest
-had a good interview with a client
-got house moved around...flooring tomorrow
-delicious dinner
-another day done with nagging situation
-got a great e-mail from a new friend
-going to bed early
-put solid plan together for busy day tomorrow

HappyUP!!! Day 16

HappyUP!!! 1 - took "the colonel" to the VA Hospital
Why it happened - my dad doesn't drive anymore and I agreed to take him to his appointment
Why it made me happy - some people say they wouldn't take their dog to a VA hospital/clinic. You know, it is easy to complain....and when you are done you get to feel like crud. The trip today was as efficient as any trip I have made to a private doctor. Sure, I had to stand in a line.....but no longer than I have sat in waiting rooms. They were moving a lot of vets through, too. It also made me see some tax dollars going to some people that deserve it..our veterans

HappyUP!!! 2 - Arena Softball and I pitched!
Why it happened - it was our night to play. The team playing after us was short handed. I said that I would play. They said they needed a pitcher. I said, "I can pitch!"
Why it made me happy - I've never pitched before! Every play started with me. I only walked one guy and the underdog team that I played on won the game!!! I'm undefeated for my career.

HappyUP!!! 3 - a meeting with a builder that I went to
Why it happened - it's in the schedule....hard wired for Monday morning
Why it made me happy - the builder is a pretty serious guy...so, when he makes a funny remark, it's hysterical. The meeting ran on time. I got to jam out and be on time to be with my dad at the VA.

JollyJottings

-good conference call with my regional mgr
-good personal one on one call with my regional mgr
-good call with my branch managers
-my computer is working well
-my cars worded flawlessly today...they usually do...but it's never a for sure
-we won both arena ballgames
-I looked nice today
-I worked closely with a peer on a project
-time with my dad

HappyUP!!! Day 15

Happy UP!!! 1 - a walk in the neighborhood
Why it happened - I just took advantage of a spare 45 minutes
Why it made me happy - I took the camera along this time...and created a post from it . It gave me a new idea about packing my camera along. I actually had this posting in mind before I took off. It came to me during a walk last weekend.

HappyUP!!! 2 - dinner
Why it happened - I was hungry
Why it made me happy - it was pretty simple. Just a hamburger patty with a little mozarella fried up on the stove. I did a little stir fry with some vegetable. I really enjoy the cooktop that I put in. Gas was the way to go....

HappyUP!!! 3 - a chat with my buddy
Why it happened - I picked up the phone and called him
Why it made me happy - we had been missing each other for awhile. We're both remodeling so it was interesting to share each other's progress ....or lack thereof.

Jolly Jottings
-coffee
-coffee ice cream
-a guy I know is redecorating...and selling some pretty sweet stuff at a discount
-a trip to Best Buy....getting closer on the TV decision
-a fun blog post
-another trip to the gym
-weight was still in check on my weekly weigh in
-reading through an old New York Times book...that I had given my parents 30 yrs ago
-the sunshine after a stormy day yesterday

The Divorce Diet

This is going to be a fun post - for year's, I have been hearing about this phenomenon. I even did a google on it today.

The Divorce Diet - now, in my research, I did find one occurrence that I hadn't thought of. It is the unhealthy situation when the person is in such a mental situation where they can't eat. Not good....
but I can understand it.

The other, more prevalent situation - is when the party now starts taking better care of themselves once the marriage is over. This doesn't make a lot of sense to me.

From asking other people (guys) and personal experience - I know that a woman's weight is off limits in discussion. If it wasn't, we wouldn't have all the fun with the what-do-you-say-when-my-wife-says "do these jeans make my butt look big" question.

Guys - even though you know it and notice it, the gal's weight is off limits. Even if it is bugging you! That's the way that it is. If you are over 30 and you are learning this for the first time, heaven help you.....you have minerals in your head. Bringing up her weight will TAKE you to divorce!!!

Dudes....you even have to watch - out if your lady is on an excercise program. There is a fine line between encouraging her and nagging her. If it sounds like you are getting too behind her, she is going to think you are telling her that the progress isn't coming fast enough for YOU. At that point, you might as well tell her, "I can't wait until you can get your big butt back in those jeans that you are always asking me about."

For most of us guys - it's best to just take the Fifth Amendment around this entire topic.

So, the person (could be guy or gal) - goes out and gets themselves in great shape...or, at least, better shape. The motivation seems to be one or two of these: revenge or "gotta get the product in shape for the market."

But, if the person can pull it off - and get themselves in better shape then, why wouldn't they do it before the marriage ended?

Clearly, the losing (as in weight) party - isn't doing it for themselves at that point. If they were, they would have done it while they were still married. While being in better shape probably wouldn't have saved the marriage, it probably couldn't have hurt it.

...and, remember, the other person (particularly the guy) - couldn't say anything because it comes across as "he wants me to lose weight for him and not for me. He should love me the way that I am." Well, if that is the case, why would the person change after the marriage....shouldn't she/he have the same expectation for the next person? ..to be accepted as their round self?

No...it appears that the person - is now doing it for some stranger they have yet to meet but wouldn't do it for him/herself OR for the person that they love or once did.

If they are doing it for revenge - well......in my book, you don't do things for revenge. You give control over yourself to someone that you don't care about. Bad juju.

The Divorce Diet - yet another highly illogical human behavior that I just don't understand.

Fences.....the Czar will now rule

OK campers - today we will talk about a subject near and dear to my heart.

Chain link fencing - for residential use. I could save myself some writing....

...by summing it up in one word - NO!

but that would cut down the posting - now, to your left is my neighbors contribution to the beautification of the neighborhood.


This person around the corner - made the right call when it was time to contain their pet/child/ whatever it is that requires people to fence off their front yards.

I'm not a big fan of front yard fencing - for your average, run of the mill house





The best description of this situation? - salesmanship

Fence salesman: it has all the economics of chain link...but, when we run these plastic green slats through it, it almost looks like ivy. You are gonna love it.

Husband and wife: we love the idea! We are so smart

Post installation comment - by husband and wife (hopefully) "what the hell have we done?"

This is classic chain link - after a few years. Note the top bar dipping down and rising up. This leaves the top of the fencing going over the top rail...

....always a classic look - and an excellent way to puncture your hand or put your eye out should you stumble up against it.






Chain link to it's highest and best use - here, the homeowner had an old concrete retaining wall.

He put chain link on top of it - and then planted that ivy as fast as possible.

Yes - maintenance is required to trim the ivy. Every fence requires maintenance...

...oh...wait - one type doesn't....CHAIN LINK.

Chain Link - .....Hmmm..cheap and no maintenance. It's a bad combination in a date.....and a really bad one in your choice for fencing.



This guy is on the right track - my only suggestion to him?

MiracleGrow - start hitting that hedge with it now!!!









Why isn't chain link the choice here - because the guy wants to sell the house!!!!

CHAIN LINK will lower the value of your home - don't install. If you have installed, go around your neighborhood...

.."hi, I was thinking about taking down my chain link fence but I could use some help...."

That's all you have to say - they'll get out of bed from the sex they were having and run to your place to assist you. They'll even call their contractor buddy.



Another example of chain link - being used the only way that it can be used for resedential..........to plant something to cover it's ugly self up!






What in the world - is this guy thinking? OK, he sinned and put up the chain link. Now, he has McGyvered the fix.....

He zip tied - bamboo window blinds to his entire fence! As you can see, the bamboo is not supported above the fence line

I hope - I really....really hope...that this guy is planning a luaa really, really soon. If he thinks this is permanent, I am going to have to move. Even though he is a block over and a block up, I can't afford to dwell this closely to anyone that stupid for fear it may rub off!



The classic overbuilt home - in my old neighborhood. This funky old huge house must have been a mansion at some time.

If you are worried about having me over - and want to make sure that you picked out the correct fencing material...

....you will never go wrong with a well done rock wall

HappyUP!!! Day 15..Surge...Recover...Surge

Time for leveling with you - aside from the HappyUP!!!s, the past two weeks have seen some rough times for the Nutster. I have long believed that life goes in cycles....at times the tide is in, and other's it's out. One day the wind is at your back, the next day you are having to tack against it.

It's why I have always said - "when the wind is at your back, go like hell and make as much ground as you can," which is a little cruder spin on the old "make hay while the sun shines" yarn.

While not a tornado - I would say consistent gusts of around 50 mph have been happening.

Even my Arena Softball team - has dropped two games in a row.....and that isn't even on the wind against list. Wouldn't life be great if that was the only thing that had misfired over the last fortnight?

Yet...as I have HappyUP!!!'d for sometime now- in addition to the latest consistent daily jottings here, I am noticing something. I seem to be approaching the "bad" stuff in a much more clinical fashion. I am not throwing a bunch of emotion on top of the "bad" stuff.

Subconciously, it appears that I have begun to change my program - and I am lopping the emotion on top of the "good" things. Now, keep in mind, I was never a "high drama" person to begin with. I would give a little more bandwidth to issues than they probably deserved......and, trust me, over the last two weeks from work to personal, I have had the opportunity.

"It's a shame this is this way, let me deal with it as fast as I can, and move on to the next thing that I want to do" - this has really applied at work. I have dealt with a couple of serious employee issues....a couple of extreme customer service issues...two key account issues...bending the mind of a direct report who has a mind of steel....completing all of the job reviews (which I thought were farther along than they were)...etc.....with little to no lamenting.

Am I just getting older...wiser...better...naturally? - or has the HappyUP!!! that I have worked on over the last year starting to kick in? I am betting on the HappyUP!!! concept

My old friend, Dr Mitchell Perry - used to teach the concept of Surge-Recover-Surge. It is a piece of his Perry Principles. The point was that we are all going to have our downtimes....this is the Recovery piece. His point was that people that are high performing shorten the recovery time. They spend less time in it. Now, the issue that I have/had with the concept was....."OK, Doc, it makes sense but it isn't much more helpful than someone saying, 'you need to fix your attitude.' "

If you recognize that your attitude - isn't optimal (I didn't say suicidal or depressed or even at level...perhaps you are doing well but want to move to well-done), what can you do? Now, to be fair to the good doctor, he probably had a prescription that I didn't get or listen to. Yes, I know, it shocks you to know that sometimes I don't listen because my mind is racing ahead...it happens.

So, what do you do to cut down the Recover time - HappyUP!!! I am going through some personal challenges that I could spend a lot of time mired in. In one instance, I looked at the situation....realized that there was nothing I could do to fix it....accepted it...am living with it.....but dwelling on Happier things.

In the past - I may have been dwelling on the fix....trying to accept....or on the loss. While the situation is/was painful, I am looking toward the horizon ahead and the possibilities...

.......this is not a natural thing for me - and I still catch myself in a moment of lament, jot down what it is to get it out of the cranium so it doesn't stay there.....and fogettaboutit!

SURGE..........RECOVER...........SURGE - my old friend, Dr Mitch was right. HappyUP!!! to help yourself surge once again!!!

HappyUP!!! Day 14

HappyUP!!! 1 - rain
Why it happened - because He makes it happen
Why it makes me happy - we got a pretty good dousing last night and today. We have needed it. I also have a friend who was going skiing today. I don't know if it was a good day today to be skiing. At least there was fresh snow!!!

HappyUP!!! 2 - went to a crab feed
Why it happened - old friends invited me
Why it made me happy - I dig crab! The salad was over the top. I met some new people who were very nice. I found out about a cool place in Fiji to vacation to. It was a nice night of socializing

HappyUP!!! 3 - back to the gym
Why it happened - I got off my lazy backside
Why it made me happy - I was on a strict program for all of 2006 and the latter part of 2005. In December and January, I backed off. I like the gym because I have learned to like it. I just can't leave it to my daily routine to be physical enough.

JollyJottings
-went to crab feed
-met new people
-got most of downstairs picked up
-rain
-mocha
-boxter on wet pavement
-cake
-no TV
-back to gym
-golf cancelled
-sent package to Denmark

Yummy!!!

(A special post for SundayScribblings . This week, on the topic of "Yummy.")

While not always the way to go - "first flash" is often your best instinct. When I first heard "yummy," my brain flashed on, "Yummy yummy yummy, I've got love in my tummy." This is about as classic a piece of bubblegum rock as there ever was.

I can't even guess when the last time I heard that tune was - not even a clue. A loooooooong time ago. I thought the song was by The Archies. Gooogled it to be sure....

....and it was a good thing - it was Ohio Express

So, after the first flash - I thought, "I am not going to write 'yummy yummy yummy I've got love in my tummy' anywhere near my blog."

Of course...you know me by now - and when I hear that "I'm not going to in a million years voice....", it's really me saying, "Yeah....I probably am."

What can I say - it's the lovable semi-dork in me.

Let's face it - that has to be one of the weakest licks in all of music. Yet, in 1968, right smack dab in the summer of love, it was on the charts until it peeked to number 5 on Billboard. Unbelievable....

I don't listen to a lot of the new music on the charts today - somewhere along the way, I got stuck between "yummy yummy" and "don't you wish your girlfriend was a freak like me" or something about "hittin a big girls butt." (I think there is a song about that.....as said, purposely out of touch)

You would think that - after starting at Yummy Yummy, the music couldn't get less intelligent.

I will give "yummy" one high mark - what a great HappyUP!!! word. The word "yummy" is...uh...well...just yummy!!!

HappyUP!!! Day 13

HappyUP!!! Teaching/learning for the day - it doesn't matter how good or how bad life is going for you, you have more good things going on than you consciously realize. As humans, we have a tendency to see the things that go wrong and pay more attention to them than the things that go right.

We take good things for granted - but not when we HappyUP!!!

HappyUP!!! 1 - got all of my annual reviews done..done..done
Why it happened - deadline
Why it made me happy - hey, this was a happy up yesterday. It tells you how big the project was. Anytime you finish something like that, it's time for a HappyUP!!!

HappyUP!!! 2 - woodstove fireplace and tile were taken out
Why it happened - I didn't wait to do it on a weekend....I had it done
Why it made me happy - it was progress on the house....and delegating a job I could have done to someone that actually enjoys doing it!!!

HappyUP!!! 3 - reminded and thanked for a favor done long ago
Why it happened - met friends for appetizers after work
Why it made me happy - I don't do things for compliments but I did a nice turn for someone a few years back. It was something that was not my favorite thing to do but I gladly helped out. Years later, to still feel appreciated for it, it felt good.


JollyJottings
-made a new friend
-reakfast with a direct report
-got all of my annual reviews done
-got to 100% complete on an initiative
-cleared some air with a person that needed clearing
- appetizers with friends
-got my woodstove and tiles in front of it removed
-spent time with a comedian/acquaintenance/friend at appetizers
-helped a co-worker at a different site

HappyUP!!! Day 12

HappyUP!!! 1 - met a guy who is going to get a piece of work done on my remodel
Why it happened - I took another person's referral and made a call
Why it made me happy - it was something I was going to do myself but I didn't really want to. This other guy can stop by and get it done in an hour. No pain for me.....and it's done right away. Also, I have a small bathroom remodel and this guy could do that for me too.

HappyUP!!! 2 - found out materials for flooring are coming in and the flooring starts going down next Wed
Why it happened - my flooring buddy called me
Why it made me happy - once the flooring is in, I can really start putting things in their place. I can start decorating (ooooh...not sure that is really a HappyUP!!!). Anyway, it's getting closer to having things appear settled.

HappyUP!!! 3- got a lot of work done today.....and some quality work with another of my managers
Why it happened - deadline looms! Funny how that is.
Why it made me happy - on the deadline item, a nagging thing that I had put off is going to get done. Relief. A load off my shoulders. On the quality, I have a manager that reports to me and who is older and set in his ways. He's a friend too. We had a good session today and made some headway on an issue we were butting heads over a bit.

JollyJottings
-Breakfast was great...waitress was awesome
-got a lot of work done today
-got a personal item checked off the remodel list
-made a lot of headway on the annual reviews I must do
-did a good job with one of my managers
-was invited back for another speaking gig
-

HappyUP!!! Day 11

HappyUP!!! 1 - the HappyUP excercise
What caused the HappyUP - I have made a commitment to carry on in the process
Why it makes me happy - dedication to a goal that I am passionate about. Seeing the process help me TREMENDOUSLY get through what should be a difficult time. Actually seeing looking for the good start to become more of an automatic nature. I always saw the good....just not as much of it. I like what I am seeing. I still see the problems...but I am seeing them through different lenses. I had forgot to make my entry here, went to bed, realized that I hadn't entered them here today, got up with joy, and came to make the entry...HappyUP!!! is that important.

HappyUP!!!2 - solved a VERY high level problem at work
What caused it - I made a phone call at exactly the right time....instead of an e-mail. I was prompted to make the call by one of my managers
Why it made me happy - I learned some things I didn't know. We are going to be able to do a piece of business internally that I thought that we would have to farm out. It will make life easier for my employees. This is going to cause even more belief in our company by the employees.

HappyUP!!! 3 - Finding solid footing
What caused it - a potentially painful situation I am going through
Why it made me happy - I'm deep down good with me and what I did. If you did what you could and things didn't work out like you hoped, what can you do? You only look back if you screwed up. I came to terms that, in this situation, I am OK. HappyUP!!! doesn't make the situation go away....just easier to deal with it.

Jolly Jottings
-Home church was great - I missed my little adopted family when I travelled last week
-Deal went bad at work - the company missed out but, at least, I found out about it and can now use it as a learning experience
-Woke up before the alarm - just barely which is perfect
-breakfast
-great talk with one of my managers - I think I did some quality mentoring
-talk with my boss went well

HappyUP!!! Day 10

HappyUP!!! 1 - a fresh g uest at Toastmasters
Why it happened - the guest read about Toastmaster's in Keith Ferrazzi's book "Never Eat Alone"
Why it made me happy - another potential person that we can assist to her life's goals. It's also always nice to meet new people

HappyUP!!!2 - seeing my admin
Why it happened - our schedules coincided
Why it made me happy - my admin is a happy soul. Due to my travelling, our working in different locations, and a sick child, I hadn't seen her in a week. Having her back to work also told me that her little girl had gotten over a bad case of food poisoning

HappyUP!!!3 - we caught a competitor in a lie
Why it happened - I did some due diligence
Why it made me happy - in our business, it is tough these days. It can cause people to question themselves, the company, lots of things. When times are good...people party. When tough, they ponder. By catching this item that had potential to make us look bad, it actually made our company shine....the integrity we stand for shone through.

Jolly Jottings

-Talked to a peer from a different part of the enterprise. He gave me some insights
-We had another fresh face as a guest at Toasmasters
-A nice lady gave me some valuable information
-I had a funny exchange with an e-mail buddy
-My 6:30 standing appointment called me to tell me that he can't meet tomorrow.....I needed the extra time tomorrow
-Solved the problem and won more relationship points with another employee who has been struggling
-Got a vote of confidence from my boss

JollyJottings - Day 9

Remember - you can join in and HappyUp!!! along with me anytime. But, before you can pick your three HappyUP!!!s at day end, you have to have choices. You have seen my HappyUP!!!s. Here were the other examples today:

-A client that we thought we had lost sent us some business
-We put loan documents in title on a tough deal. The manager that I got that I helped was relieved!
-I realized that I have some talent on my staff that I hadn't seen before
-We got our first piece of business from an initiative I have been working on. It's always good to see some fruit
from the labor.
-I listened to a great Audio CD on my drive to SF
-I got a coffee at an AM/PM....it was free cookie day!
-We had an OUTSTANDING lunch brought in at our meeting. There was some awful looking stuff on top of the
salad. It looked like ...uh...well...regurgitation. No one else would even try it. I heaped it on....delicious...
and went back for more
-Truffles - the manager of the location we were at brought in a box of truffles. Truffles are always a HappyUP!!!
contender
-I got some great e-mails......unexpected
-Remembered to mail off payment for a Crab Feed I am going to this Saturday night. Crab Feeds.....always
something to look forward too. Who wants to go?
-Kings game on the tube - after the Arena Softball game. Always entertaining.
-Woke up before the alarm went off - I always consider that a HappyUP!!! even though it happens almost
everyday
-Got to my meeting on time with absolutely no stress

......there are a lot of great things going on in YOUR life - do you notice them? ...all of them?

HappyUP!!! Day 9

HappyUP!!! 1 - Arena Softball

Why it happened - I changed my lifestyle a ways back to add this to it

Why it made me happy - it was a close game 45-44.5 was the final score. I know...it doesn't sound like a baseball score. That's what makes arena softball exciting!!!

HappyUP 2 - Meeting in San Francisco

Why it Happened - work calls

Why it made me happy - NO TRAFFIC and the meeting ended about an hour EARLY. Those are two unheard of things when you go to the City by the Bay. I snatched that opportunity when the meeting ended. Not only was that great but I found a parking lot easily (not always the case down there). It was awesome. The meeting was held at a Branch Manager's office that isn't in our region so I got to visit with him...he's a friend..and a great host. I am glad I know him.

HappyUP 3 - the flooring is ordered!!!! ...and a new fireplace is in the cards

Why it happened - just keeping the remodel moving. Making decisions and sticking with them.

Why it made me happy - the old house had this funky woodstove insert. As I was going over the flooring measurements with my flooring guy, we saw that the insert would have to be taken out and put back in. Then, I asked him if he knew anyone that did mantle remodels. I have some old brick that has been painted. Not good. He shot me a website that had some ideas.......not meaning to show me the GAS fireplaces that were on the site. I am going to plumb for gas....put a fireplace in rather than the crappy old woodstove.....instant ambiance. The house is moving along. If you knew the indecision that had gone into this, you would realize what a HappyUP!!! this is. This is going to be one cozy pad!!!

Just Arrived....a NEW HappyUP!!!

RAIN! RAIN! RAIN! - no, it's not here but it is the first time I have seen it in the forecast for awhile.

"Nutster, how can you get excited about something that is wrong so often?" - hey!!! No fair raining on someone else's HappyUP!!! Are you saying that one should never get excited for fear of being disappointed???

If the rain doesn't come through - I think I can handle the letdown.

Besides - it comes in midweek. The forecast then says it is going to rain everyday for the 7 days after that.

The HappyUP!!! - rain in the forecast

Why it happened - I decided to check the forecast and got a nice surprise

Why it makes me happy - it's been a fairly dry winter. We could all benefit here from some rain. Plus, it is the rainy season and there is something nice about a degree of consistency in weather patterns.

HappyUP!!! Day 8

HappyUP!!! 1 - a nice walk on a sunny day

Why did it happen - I got off my fanny and decided that was the best use of an hour or so this afternoon

Why it made me happy - it was well over 60 degrees, the sun was out, the air was fresh and crisp. It was a perfect walking day. I said some hearty, happy "hellos" to some strangers with warm greetings back. I took my journal along and made a few JollyJottings along the way

HappyUP!!! 2 - a new speech idea

Why did it happen - I read a quote in a book that I was reading. I took the walk and an idea sprung from the quote

Why it made me happy - I am a member of Toastmasters. Every Spring, the World Championship of Public Speaking begins. I have made it up a few levels many, many times over the last 20 yrs. It's always interesting to see what I come up with.....this time. I came home, mind mapped the concept, and the speech is almost written long before the first level of competition. It should be a solid speech and I have plenty of time to refine it.

HappyUP!!! 3 - a Super Bowl party

Why did it happen - my brother and sister-in-law MADE it happen

Why if made me happy - it wasn't a huge group of people. Just the right number. Watch a little game and do a lot of chit chatting and overall BS-ing. No screaming and yelling at the plays. It was perfect....even though the game was the usual yawner!

Compensations

"It is one of the most beautiful compensations in life....we can never help another without helping ourselves"

Random HappyUP!!! - I love Ralph Waldo Emerson

"Courage is fear holding on a minute longer"

-George Patton
American Soldier and General 1885-1945

"Many of life's failures are men who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up"

-Thomas Edison
American Inventor
1847-1931

"To get what we've never had, we must do what we have never done"

-Anonymous
(NOTE: sometimes, this anonymous guy pops up with some really good stuff. He is not always that cowardly
guy that hides. I think I would like to meet this fellow.)

"The drops of rain make a hole in the stone not by violence, but by oft falling"

Lucretius
Roman Philosopher
c. 50 BC

NOTE: ...this is a great one for relationships too. You won't always get what you want with your first request of your partner. You also won't get it with violence (nagging is violence). Persistent, NICE reminders allow the other party to absorb your paradigm into theirs....much like the gentle rain wearing down the stone.

"The line between failure and success is so fine that we....are often on the line and do not know it. How many a man has thrown up his hands at a time when a little more effort, little more patience, would have achieved success. A little more effort, and what seemed hopeless failure may turn to glorious success."

Elbert Hubbard
American Writer and Business Person
1856-1915

"In the confrontation between the stream and the rock, the stream always wins...not through strength but by perserverence"

H. Jackson Browne

Note: to which I would add: "...but by perseverence and be willing to change." You know, that stream wanted to go through that rock at first...it's why it went to it. Then, the stream said, "hey, this is a rock. It ain't moving...I got places to go. It's time for me to keep on keepin on to where I need to be."

Perspective

I have a lot of you - bloggy friends out there. I treasure everyone of you even though we have never met. There is a kindredness of spirit there.

Many of you - have a little security code thing on your blog if one wants to comment.

I know why it is there - it is so you don't have Viagra/Porn/InternetBrowser/etc garbage or filth infilitrate your blog.

I get it - I really do. I understand your perspective

Now - let me give you another that you hadn't thought of.

If I see one of "those comments" posted in your comments section - no matter how objectionable it is, I know that you didn't do it. I know you don't approve of it. I am on the internet...I get SPAM despite my filters. I deal with them every day here...I stop....I sweep the front porch and get rid of them.

So, if those pop up in your comments - I just assume that you haven't come back and picked up your trash yet. It is not a reflection of your taste that these misguided souls have parked one of these "gems" on your site.

Here is what you are saying when you make me go through and type in that code - "Nutster, I would rather inconvenience YOU than inconvenience MYSELF. I know you understand...you are a blogger."

Yes...I understand - you are saying that YOU are more important than ME. Now, that may or may not be true to the big referee in the sky. I can only tell you that I am pretty darn important to me. If I am not the best that I can be, I can not be everything that I can be FOR YOU.

Anyway - that little security code thing may be convenient.....but you are also closing your front porch a little bit.

Just a little different perspective - you may be turning people away that you don't want to. There may be some super important person out there that could really help you but says, "I'm not typing that code in....I can barely read it." Look at some of the SuperBloggers (Seth, Alex, etc).....they don't have that barrier. Hmmmm......

Finishing up - hey, if you have one of those code things, I am not ragging on you so don't take it personally. I just wanted to feed you a different side of the story that you may not have thought of so you can make a more informed decision about how you run things. Code thing or not....I still love you and, if I REALLY like your blog entry, I'll punch in that code and comment. Now, if I try and I screw the code thing up the first time, ....it may be a different story!!!

HappyUP!!! The Jolly Jottings

We've been tripping down the HappyUP!!! path - for quite some time. Longer than the last 7 days. I can link you to some archives and probably will at the end of the page. For now, it is time to comment on The JollyJottings.

References have been made to keeping track - of as many possible HappyUP!!!s during the day as possible.

No...I don't want you to obsess over capturing every single one - ....oh...wait...yes, I do. You are talking about making a change. Talking doesn't get much done. DO...DO...DOing gets things done.

Whenever you are going to make a valuable change - you want to consider OVERdoing for a bit. It will be OK. You are on this side of the continuuim right now and want to move it up a bit. You need to go a little too far. See, if you don't go too far, you never really know how far you can go and what the right place for you to land at is.

You already know that you are parked to far on this side - so you need to travel to THAT side. You can double back if it's so terrible over there. Really!!! It's OK. No spankings for going too far in this program.

The JollyJottings are really quite simple - and I like simple.

First - I hope you already have some method to capture your observations wherever you are. A journal of some sort that you keep with you is optimal. I know. You are scared, "what if I lose it and someone else gets it or my family finds it...what will people think of me?"

Problem one - YOU are spending TOO MUCH of your life WORRYING about what probably won't even happen. Even if it does, YOU are PUTTING TOO MUCH emphasis that people really have that much time to care about what YOU are up to. By and large, they are much more focused on themselves.

By caving to the WORRY - you deny yourself the option of moving forward. You are creating your own boundary/excuse/rationalization not to change and experience the wonderful benefits of growth.

What if a plant said - "hey, I better stop right here. If I get any farther out of the ground, some insect is going to find me and eat me all up." You and I would STARVE!!! The plant would not have fulfilled it's purpose of developing fruit that it can give to others for sustenance. You are no different...

The world needs your fruit!!! - so go get yourself a journal, notepad, 3x5 cards, and a pen and commit to having something on you at all times.

Even if you are scared - I am not talking about a diary here. I am talking a way to capture information. If you keep the tool at the ready, you WILL use it.

Here is what mine looks like so far today:

HU - woke up early on my own...no alarm
HU-got the kitchen counter cleared of clutter
HU-fixed internet browser
HU-went to Kinkos and was able to do some computer work before I fixed the browser
HU-clean sheets...I had clean sheets last night
HU-I am feeling really perky this morning
HU-I boxed up some stuff
HU-I got into an excellent groove and meditation with my guitar

Now, you will notice - that I put an "HU" in front of these. This is so I can pick out the HappyUP!!!s easily at the end of the day amidst my other jottings...notes.....to do's....ideas....sketches...phone numbers....etc.

SIDENOTE: you will notice that, while frustrating at the time, the issue around the computer was ended with gratitude and a sense of accomplishment on being able to fix it as I am not a technonerd. This is another benefit of the program. I now fully enjoy the process rather than lament, "oh...I hate my computer."

Go back to the jottings - now, how scary would it be if those notes fell into "the hands of the enemy." Not too bad.

(SIDENOTE: who are those enemies for you anyway?....hmmm....you may have some work to do if you believe the enemy is always nearby. If you embrace just about any faith, they are grounded in love. Enemy conjures up hate in my mind. Take Jesus, for example. He decided the 10 Commandments weren't all equally important so he broke it down to two. Commandment 1 - love God. Commandment 2 - love your neighbor like yourself...with neighbor meaning friendly/bad/awful/rude/kind neighbor. In other words, if they are on the planet they are your neighbor. Jesus even loved the people that killed him. If He loved them, do you think he would have cared what they found in His journal. Quite the contrary....He WANTED HIS journal to be found. Wow.....I am going all theological on you. Time to get back on topic)

I'll just close with - the JollyJottings are part and parcel to the HappyUP!!! process. Sure, you can get by with just thinking back about three things at the end of the day. If you don't do that now already, you are better than you were.

Go for optimal - use the JollyJottings to capture as many things that go right....rather than dwelling on things that go wrong like you do. You still have to deal with the poop.....but don't plant your nose in it!!!! How do you avoid doing this?

JollyJot.....and HappyUP!!!!

HappyUP!!!! Day 7 Jan 2007

Another great day to HappyUP!!! - well.....EVERYday is a great day for it!!! Some days are better than others.

HappyUP 1 - I played golf

Why did it happen - a business acquaintenance TOOK THE INITIATIVE and followed up on our longstanding "we'll have to play golf someday promise. I could have but he DID

Why did it make me happy - well, my golf game was rusty....really rusty. I played awfully. Lost some dough out on the links. BUT...it was a great day. The weather was glorious. I was wearing shorts here in February. I might as well enjoy it before everyone starts crying about drought as it really should be raining now. We have had a very dry winter. It wasn't about the golf....it was about getting out.

HappyUP 2 - the company on the golf course

Why did it happen - I played golf with my business associate...and he brought one of his friends.

Why did it make me happy - JT, the friend, was an added pleasure. He was an older, retired guy....with the attitude and demeanor I love in older gentlemen. We were friends from the beginning...I am sure we will be golfing again.

HappyUP 3 - the top down

Why did it happen - I thought ahead and said, "once it warms up, it is going to be a nice day. I am taking the convertible today"

Why did it make me happy - it was the first official convertible day of the year. A 25 mile clear freeway drive with the top down and the heater on....it's an awesome feeling!

You're done!!! - congratulations!!! You made it through 7 days......but wait! You know, I have done 7 days before. Perhaps I can see how many days in a row I can formally HappyUP!!! on-line and keep it as a regular feature.

If 7 days changes you - which is the claim, what would 14 do? Eureka!!! That's it!!!! 7 more days of HappyUP!!!s to come.

Goodbye

(A special post for SundayScribblings)

"Goodbye" - when will we see each other again? Will it be next week? or will it be in heaven? It matters not as time is illusory. The question is unanswerable. The certainty is that I carry a piece of you in me that will always long for the rest of it's whole.

The HappyUP!!! Experience

I am going to shamelessly use - comment material for subject material for this post.

First - because I am lazy

Second - because the WaspGoddess (the WG) gets it and her comment is perfect as an example of what we are trying to accomplish here. Whether she knows it or not, she expressed the entire benefit of HappyUP!!! better than I could have

"Despite some not so good news on Friday" - is the lead in to her comment. As said previously, HappyUP!!! does not make the not so good stuff go away. HappyUP!!! is about dealing with the bad stuff but detaching from it. Rather than attaching to the bad stuff and giving the bad stuff too much power, you now have something else to attach to.....your HappyUPs!!!

"Eating a delicious mango" - was one of her HappyUP!!!s . Now, the WG may be the kind of person that always appreciates an outstanding mango....I don't really know. What I have a strong inclination to believe, however, is that because she has been focusing on HappyUP!!!s and actively looking for them, that mango may have been a little more delicious than she would have noticed otherwise.

The mango - was the same mango. It could have been a good day, bad day, boring day, exhiliarating day. The last time I talked to a mango, the mango told me, "Nutster, mangoes don't really care what kind of day it is...it's always a mango day."

The only thing different was the outlook toward the mango - aha!!!

Hey, when was the last time you had a delicious mango - or banana....apple....etc. ? Can't remember? Perhaps you need to go back to HappyUP!!! Day 1 and give me....wait......give YOURSELF seven days of HappyUP!!!s

If you haven't figured it out - HappyUP!!! has a base in the age old wisdom of counting your blessings.

What do you say when someone says - "Count your blessings"? Yes, that's right, you probably say, "yes, I probably should. Compared to many in the world, I have it pretty good." ......

....and it ends right there - you actually feel a tinge of guilt! Guilt and HappyUP!!! do not get along very well. Actually, the HappyUP!!! is fine.....Mr Guilt hates the HappyUP!!!

Count your blessings every single day - but how? You have heard it so many times. You know you don't really do it. You don't really know how......

...oh....wait.....I think you do know HOW - HappyUP!!!!

HappyUP!!! Day 7 - coming up....later today

HappyUP!!! Day 6 January 07

Wow...the week has flown by - which just goes to emphasize the point of taking up the ol HQ. HQ, the Happy Quoteint, is unlike the IQ...it has been scientifically proved that it can be raised...significantly.

"Nutster...knock it off...I'm happy already" - kudos for you. Can you be happier? For you? For me? For your world around you? For the world around you? You may be at a 5.....take it to a 7. What? You are at a 10? Hey, who set the limit....11 anyone???

I made the mistake tonight - by turning on a little too much cable news. I know better but, hey, sometimes you get drawn in. It's time for a good HappyUP!!! shower and clean myself up.

HappyUP!!! 1 - a brisk morning walk.

Why it happened - I had dropped my truck off for some servicing before the trip to Bakersfield. I was ready to drive to the gym when I said, "dork, the truck is at the dealership right across from the gym. Why not take a hard, fast walk for a couple of miles instead of warming up the globe by driving the other car to the place where they keep the human hamster wheels?"

Why it made me happy - well, just because you are on a HappyUP!!!, it doesn't mean that you don't have "stuff" going on in your life. Morning walks are good for dealing with some of those things. Outside....cold....breaking a sweat against the elements....it's just good.

HappyUP!!! 2 - lining up basketball guests

Why it happened - my company had some tickets for a Kings game. I needed to "play host" and invite some people for tomorrow night

Why it made me happy - I really like the people that I invited. They were really excited to get some free tickets for a Saturday night game....you know, that genuine appreciation that you don't always see. It does you good anytime you are around it.

HappyUP!!! 3 - an invitation to a SuperBowl party

Why it happened - my dear brother called me up and, as we customarily do, he said calmly, "Hello, brother...were having some people over for the Super Bowl. Do you two want to come?"

Why it made me happy - I don't know when it happened but my brother and I fell into a habit that, when we call each other, we always say, "Hello, Brother." I know, it seems kind of stupid to most....but it is unique to us and in how we say it. We are kind of joking but it's our way of telling each other that we love each other....without being mushy. Plus, it's always good to get together with people at someone's home for the SuperBowl. Even if it is a crummy game, the company is going to be good. Something to look forward to is always a HappyUP!!!

Golf tomorrow morning with a guy - that I am building a new friendship with, pro basketball in person with some neat people tomorrow night, a little "do stuff around the house Sunday morning followed up with some Super Bowl revelrie..........it's a HappyUP!!! weekend.

Bonus HappyUP!!! Time

OK......I already posted - but I can't contain my glee. The work that we are doing here is getting some press.

I say "we" because you are a part of it - if you weren't out there reading, I wouldn't be in here writing

...and one thing is certain - the HappyUP!!! world and happiness is spreading!!!

No, I am not delusional - it's not quite like the cover of Time Magazine (though the topic has been covered there) but there is a dissemination of the idea that happiness CAN be increased. All we need is more people on the train.

Here is a link to Alex - whose Happiness at Work Blog has some big readership. I love his idea of Happy Links

We also have WaspGoddess - who took the HappyUP!!! idea to the next level. Rather than leave it to comments here, she has been putting hers out to the whole world to see on her blog.

OUTSTANDING....and a HappyUP!! way to end the day

HappyUP!!! Day 5 Jan 2007

You should be hitting the groove now - you have 4 days down. More than half way there. You also came back again so you probably have day 5's assignment ready. You can start to see the finish line now.

If you thought this has been good so far - just wait. The benefits that you will receive a month from now...knowing that you can go back at any time far outweigh the lift that you are getting now.

Hopefully - you are starting to pick through about 10 possibilities everyday. If not, make that a goal for tomorrow. If you only have three and you are using those just for the assignment, you are being lazy.

Remember - you only get out what you put in. If you have 30 choices, WHOA.......I need to know who you are!!!

HappyUP!!! 1 - pulling back into town after the 4.5 hour drive from Bakersfield

Why did it happen - I had to go to a meeting.....and I had to get back home. Work was the driver here

Why does it make me happy - I haven't driven that long one way in a long time. Between some phone calls and some audio CD's, it really wasn't bad. This leg of the trip home was after sitting in a 7 hr meeting too!!! I can't begin to tell you the absolute euphoria that I was feeling as I got off the freeway for the turnoff to my home. Part of that euphoria was that I knew that moment was going to get captured in this HappyUP!!! I don't know if I would have savored the moment as much. The HappyUP!!! excercise became a self fulfilling prophecy..... hmmmm......that's the point of the excercise. To change how you look at things....for the better. Remember, either way, it was a 4.5 hr drive. I walked away with a feeling of accomplishment.

HappyUP!!! 2 - the meeting I went to and finding out about my new teammates

Why did it happen - our work did a reorganization

Why did it make me happy - new people bring new ideas into our lives. I have been with our company through mergers and acquisitions for almost 20 yrs. I know a lot. As I was listening to some of the "newbies", I found out they were doing some tremendous things........that hadn't crossed my radar! ....and probably wouldn't had I been stuck with my old crowd. Once again, without the HappyUP!!! excercise, I don't think that I would have APPRECIATED this new found braintrust for what it potentially can be.

HappyUP!!! 3 - the dreamboard excercise

Why did it happen - my new boss took a risk.

Why did it make me happy - first, the dreamboard is an old motivational tool. It is one that I don't necessarily agree with when used for material purposes....but that's just me. Basically, you sit down with a bunch of fancy magazines and you cut out pictures of things that you would like to have. Personally, I keep it simple so the excercise was going to be tough. BUT....I found myself gravitating to SKILLS that I would like to acquire. The picture of the guitar wasn't because I wanted to have THAT guitar...I wanted to play better. There were several things like that. Along the way, I realized in being around my friends that perhaps I had swayed the anti-materialism pendulum a bit too far. Perhaps that second home wouldn't be that much of a strain on the budget that it would upset my strong desire for financial security. We'll see....I am still rather fond of the idea that I don't need a second home....I just need more friends with second homes!!! LOL There were so many other great things about the excercise that I will probably save this for a post to come.