HappyUP!!! Day 481

HappyUP!!! - getting the lowdown
Why it happened - I made a phone call
Why it makes me happy - I have a good idea of what I am going to do with a key decorating item. Getting the house a little closer

HappyUP!!! - picking up the car
Why it happened - the car was ready
Why it makes me happy - I really like the couple that own the shop that works on my car. I even forgot my wallet. No problem...car is not in hoc. They even remembered to fix my brake light....which I had forgotten to mention to them when I took the car in

HappyUP!!! - chatting with my friend
Why it happened - he called me
Why it makes me happy - he's doing well....which was a little bit questionable. His welfare uplifted me.

HappyUP!!! Day 480

HappyUP!!! - golf with two old friends
Why it happened - I set it up
Why it makes me happy - it was great to spend some time with these guys......and keep my golf partners in check and up to date. The network keeps building.

HappyUP!!! - great golf shots
Why it happened - I still have some skills
Why it makes me happy - my score was no HappyUP!!! but I am hitting some fabulous shots. I hit some punch shots from the trees that were incredible. I pured an 8-iron. I hit another perfect 8-iron. I hit a cut 3-wood from 230 within 10 ft with a strong cross breeze blowing....no one can hit a shot any better than that. This is why I play golf. You can go an entire round and not hit any of these shots. Now....I just have to get that putter squared away.

HappyUP!!! - helping a friend recruit
Why it happened - he asked me
Why it makes me happy - I have all of these contacts....I have people that are ready to make a move....I might as well put my skills to the benefit of someone. Who better than a friend.

HappyUP!!! Day 479

HappyUP!!! - coffee with my friend
Why it happens - it happens every Wed
Why it makes me happy - I have a new job....airport ride! OK...that's not the HappyUP!!! but it's all cool. We just had a nice chat today

HappyUP!!! - chatting with an old friend
Why it happened - I called him
Why it makes me happy - this is a friend and former colleague. Why/how do we let YEARS slip away between us and good friends/people? No matter....this was a great call....and potential business opportunity

HappyUP!!! - a nap
Why it happened - I was tired
Why it makes me happy - had a touch of the insomnia last night. The afternoon afforded a nap opportunity so I took it.

QuoteUP!!! 8 -Nutser

If you find comfort in chaos, you will not find peace to be a fruitful friend

-Nutster

Wow.....now I am off quoting myself - what do you think about that? NO! That was a rhetorical question so zip it and stick to what the above means to you.

I'll start you off - I have run across people that are living a frantic life....too much going on.... they complain about it.......

....yet, without the "unwanted disruption" - they would go out and create some more...it is all that they know.

Do you know anyone like I am talking about? - what is up with that behavior?

HappyUP!!! Day 478...Tuesday, May 20 2008

HappyUP!!! -Lunch with my girls
Why it happened - it will be a regular occurrence
Why it makes me happy - my two admin staff love me and I love them. While working, I was not much of a lunch guy...I don't think we ever went to lunch. We had a lovely time.


HappyUP!!!-Decorating help
Why it happened - I took advantage of someone
Why it makes me happy - one of my friends gave me a ride afterwork. When she dropped me off, I asked her to give me some ideas on how she thought my house should layout. She had some pretty good ideas. It's time to make things happen!

HappyUP!!! -Hearing another's pain and seeing transparency
Why it happened - interesting things bubble up during table topics
Why it makes me happy - Toastmasters can be more than just a place to improve speaking. The club becomes a community of friends. While the member didn't totally breakdown, she almost did. It is at these times when we see a human side of people.......and can offer whatever it is that we can to help. The ultimate HappyUP!!!

JollyJottings

A tremendous feeling of gratitude and appreciation - it was like euphoria. The cloud just moved in and enveloped me and I drank it up
Starting a new song
Starting a new speech
Toastmasters
A call from my friend P
Anticipation of Thursday golf
Freedom to take off and golf tomorrow if I choose
Gorgeous weather
Trip to car mechanic

QuoteUP!!! 6.....Hindus on Pleasure

"Pleasure is only the shadow of happiness"

-Hindu Proverb

I would challenge you to spend some time conjuring upon that - and bring back to me what you find.

HappyUP!!!! Day 477

HappyUP!!! - zapping a toleration
Why it happened - I went with a tip
Why it makes me happy - there is one less unfinished part of my house....and it was easy to fix

HappyUP!!! - call from a friend
Why it happened - people care about me
Why it makes me happy - this person was just checking in on how I was doing since retiring. A lot of people are thinking this is going to be tougher on me than I think it actually is. It is good to be cared about.

HappyUP!!! - studying happiness
Why it happened - I decided to take my interest seriously....well, more seriously
Why it makes me happy - I am not sure what direction this will go in. It is going to need some structure. This is one of those times that I think you must move forward.....even if you aren't exactly sure where the destination is.

HappyUP!!! Day 476....Recuperating Sunday

HappyUP!!! - sleep
Why it happened - oppressive heat and a futon pad
Why it makes me happy - to the faithful here, you know that my sleeping has been encumbered for the last 8 months or so. I can't count on it like I used to. Due to an electrical malfunction and 100 degree heat which has not cooled that much at night, I have thrown the futon pad in front of the screen door to find the coolest situation that I could. Miraculously, both nights I have done this have produced very pleasant slumber (except for the person wandering by singing "Hey Jude"........who the heck chooses "Hey Jude" as their nocturnal wanderings anthem anyway?"

HappyUP!!! - tightening the screws
Why it happened - the electrician was here
Why it makes me happy - it seems to have worked. The issue could have been as simple as my main breaker being a little loose. Plenty of AC on yet another 100 degree day here in the big tomato. It was also cool (no pun intended) to get my electrician out here on a Sunday.

HappyUP!!! - lunch with my best friend
Why it happened - he was hungry?
Why it makes me happy - he had just come from putting his dog down. We didn't talk about it much....but I know that he loved his puppy. He had the dog for over 13 years. Besides the dog, my friend and I never have a conversation that is uninteresting.....meaningless? Oh yeah...plenty of those. Entertaining? Always. I was doubled over in uncontrollable laughing mode at one point....always a HappyUP!!!

JollyJottings

Sleep
"Tightening the screws"
Electricity
Lunch with my best friend
Reading/Napping with my cat
A Good Book

HappyUP!!! Day 475

HappyUP!!! - closest to the pin...again
Why it happened - I will be modest.......I'm GOOD!
Why it makes me happy - my brother and I did not do well in our tournament. The dough brought in for "stuffin it" a couple of times took a little bit of the steam off of the loss. Plus, it feels good to have hit a couple of exceptional golf shots.

HappyUP!!! - finding an electrician who will come out tomorrow
Why it happened - I think a breaker may have fried
Why it makes me happy - tonight, I will create some sort of adventure by not being able to live in my house.....it's 6:30 and probably still 100 degrees outside. For one night, it will be an adventure.........it could have been two nights but my electrician buddy is going to take care of me in the a.m.

HappyUP!!! - life
Why it happened - I live one?
Why it makes me happy - last night my power was out so it was sweltering.....but I McGyvered a solution to get some sleep. My bro and I didn't play well in our tournament...but had a good time. I then came home to another power outage that I thought was fixed this morning. It seems like this would be a bad day.......but, for whatever reason, I feel very lucky to be in a position that none of these things are big deals. These are luxurious problems to have and I am just feeling extremely grateful today.

HappyUP!!! Day 474

HappyUP!!! - an opening birdie
Why it happened - I put a couple of good shots together
Why it makes me happy - today was round two of the Sunsetter Golf Tournament. My brother and I needed to make a move. I got us off on the right foot so we had the momentum going. It was a definite HappyUP!!! (at least while it was happening).

HappyUP!!! - bread
Why it happened - it comes with dinner sometimes
Why it makes me happy - who would have suspected that, at a banquet-type dinner, we would be served one of the best dinner rolls that I have ever had in my life. I'm not kidding. This was PERFECT bread.

HappyUP!!! - dinner company
Why it happened - I have enjoyable friends
Why it makes me happy - we had very enjoyable mealtime banter. One of my friends was tagging along with me. Dinner got over and we decided to take the long road back home and do some top down driving on a warm Spring evening. Did I say Spring? Technically, it is but it's been over 100 degs the last two days. Anyway, it was still a nice night to just go for a drive and continue chatting about life.

HappyUP!!! Day 473....Bad Lies and Brownies

Today was round one - of the Sunsetter Invitational. Last year, I made a posting about one of the worse lies on the golf course I ever caught. You can see it here
(Scroll down past the cute photo's)

<------This is not my ball - which could be a HappyUP!!!

Unfortunately - it was my brother's ball and he is my partner. That's him...he's walking in the direction that he wants to hit the ball....he's right handed....it was a problem.





Meanwhile - here is my ball across the fairway. Not a very good lie either but playable....especially when just TWO SHOTS LATER on the par 5....the ball would be in the hole for....

HappyUP!!!! - an eagle
Why it happened - I played a great shot
Why it makes me happy - today was a struggle on the links. It was hot.....and windy. It was over 100 degrees. This is unseasonably warm in Sacramento. I haven't had an eagle in FOREVER. For you non-golfers - go ask a golfer what an eagle is and let them tell you if that would be a HappyUP!!!



HappyUP!!! -brownies
Why it happened - I have a nice neighbor
Why it makes me happy - the neighbor lady kittykorner across the street saw me outside and whipped over with some brownies. One.....just the gesture that someone is thinking of you to bring you brownies should be a HappyUP!!! Two......they are DANG good....and sans NUTS! I love female brownies! Moist...moist...moist.

HappyUP!!! - a weird occurrence in the stock market
Why it happened - can't pinpoint this one
Why it makes me happy - while no major trader, all of you know that I like to do a little investing. Today, every single one of my stocks was up. In the long run, this daily phenomenon means nothing. In the framework of this blog, I got a little kick out of this. It was kind of like seeing a rainbow or a full moon.

HappyUP!!! Day 472

HappyUP!!! - GOLF!
Why it happened - today was a practice round for the tournament
Why it makes me happy - it was great company...my brother, our friend, and a guy that I used to play a lot of golf with back in my younger days....hadn't played with him for years

HappyUP!!! - SUSHI!
Why it happened - my sis-in-law wanted sushi
Why it makes me happy - it was great to sneak out to dinner. I hadn't had sushi in some time.

HappyUP!!! - seeing a former co-worker
Why it happened - he was playing a different hole on the golf course
Why it makes me happy - I hadn't gotten a chance to talk to him when I left the company. He had heard the story and he pretty much got the straight scoop.....which makes me happy.

HappyUP!!! Day 471...Tuesday

HappyUP!!! - a summer home
Why it happened - I double clutched
Why it makes me happy - I had the twin bed on the truck going to the dump. Then, I said, "hey, for the summer with no AC upstairs and a couple of 100 degree days coming up, why not get the sideroom setup as a basement downstairs?" The room isn't in total shape but the bed is made.

HappyUP!!! - ground made underground
Why it happened - I got on it
Why it makes me happy - it won't take a lot more for me to get that basement in shape. I got my guitar cases moved down there where they belong.

HappyUP!!! - wireless modem
Why it happened - I made a phone call
Why it makes me happy - I didn't realize my home laptop even had the right port for my wireless modem card. I called the peeps at Verizon. They hooked me up. Now, I will have the flexibility to move away from my printer which I rarely use. This is going to give me some nice flexibility.....both at home and on the road.

HappyUP!!! - Talkin with my buddy
Why it happened - we took a couple of minutes after Toastmasters
Why it makes me happy - we talked about life issues......this guy has become quite a friend

Authentic Happiness...The Genius of Dr Seligman

Let me do a Public Service Announcement - and throw a plug in for one of my favorite sites on the internet thing. This site could be very important to you.

Martin Seligman's Authentic Happiness - is a place that I go to about once a year. There are some excellent diagnostic tests that you can take to see where you are at in the grand scale of happiness. Best of all, they are FREE! FREE! FREE! I love it when something is FREE....but has tremendous value.

It's probably not as important - to compare yourself to others. As a matter of fact, I really don't recommend it. Use the tests to give yourself a starting point.

You can find out your Signature Strengths - just make sure you answer the questions how you really feel things are.....don't answer them with what you think are the "correct" answers. The correct ones are the honest ones.

I have put myself out as the human guinea pig - for this HappyUP!!! project. Why stop now? Here are my Signature Strengths and how they have varied a little bit since the last time I tested. Here is where I land today:

1. Judgement, Critical Thinking, and open-mindedness - this was number 2 in Sept of 2006....and I would say it is in line with how I view myself and others view me)

2. Perspective and Wisdom - this was number 7 in Sept 2006

3. Caution, prudence, and discretion - this was the same as before

4. Honesty, authenticity, and genuineness - up from number 6. I like to think that I am fairly transparent so this would be consistent

5. Gratitude - which was number 15. I can see why this one has taken a leap up the scale. I am in a very enviable position in life now......and I fully know it and appreciate it.

So, which strengths took a dive - over the last year and a half?

Forgiveness - was my number 1. It now comes in at number 12. I believe I forgive......but I do not forget. This is something that is important to me. Perhaps I need to be cognizant of this and go out of my way to do a little extra forgiving.

Other than that - my old numbers 4 and number 5 (creativity and fairness/justice) made a slight move to number 6 and 7.

All in all - not a lot of change. It is an unbiased source putting something into words what many of us have trouble articulating....talking about ourselves.

That was Signature Strengths - let's move on to the Authentic Happiness inventory. Being the author of the HappyUP!!! blog, I would love this one to come out on top. Yet, I have taken the test three times now and I have to answer honestly. Here is where I fall on a scale of 1 to 5:

3/26/2006 - 3.25

4/1/2007 - 3.83

5/12/2008 - 3.33

What does one take from that? - between the times of test 1 and 2, I started doing some work on myself in the area of Positive Psychology (this is not Positive Mental Attitude...it is the Science founded by Dr Seligman and based on his groundbreaking work that sent the psychological community on it's ear). Now, in the last 8 months, I was at battle with my employer until I finally had to terminate them from that position.

My retirement has been something I knew would come - but it just came upon me recently. I LOVE the people that I was proud to serve...they were called my employees. This saddens me a bit right now. There is a vacuum that I am preparing to search a filling for. At the moment, I am marinating. There is nothing happening. I am used to things happening. I think it is natural that my Happiness Quotient has taken a little hit.

The significant thing - is that, despite this major life event, I am still happier than when I started the process.

"But Nutster, you are only in the 3's. The highest you have ever been in is the 3's. Shouldn't you be higher to be the HappyUP!!! guru?" - wow....you guys ask great questions. Tough....but fair. The answer is a resounding "No." Even Dr Seligman himself is not a high scorer. It's not about where you are on the scale.....it's all about doing the work to move up the scale.

Some people have a higher and lower - natural disposition to happiness. As the founders of our country knew, happiness is a pursuit.

A pursuit - tells you that it requires effort. My observation is that, short of a "rock bottom" type of experience, people don't change that much. They may think they do.....but we are our own worst critics. It takes work....

....like a daily discipline - hmmmm......can I think of any........wait a minute....it's coming to me......how about something like this? It could be just what the doctor, Dr Seligman, ordered.

"Green" or "White Trash"?....if you must label

Obviously, I don't live under the thumb of a Homeowner's Association - because "they" don't go <------------for this kind of thing. There is one hoity toity HOA - near me that doesn't even allow you to have your garage door open for more than an hour or two. I don't think it would be much of a HappyUP!!! for me or the HOA if I lived there. That probably has something to do with why I don't.

I am rather obstreperous - in that way.

It was a lovely morning - good shade to minimize water spotting.....

...and my lawn got the water - instead of the gutter.


No tire tracks left when done - it felt like the right thing to do.

....somehow, there is probably a Jeff Foxworthy joke in all of this - speaking of which, why do you think he is so popular? People need to make fun/belittle other people. By knocking others down, they feel that it elevates them. The "hoity's" probably love him for that.

It's not my particular style -nor does it seem to be in keeping with the ways of the only Authority I answer to either.

...and why so the rednecks love Foxworthy? - They are what they are and are proud of it. They're making fun of the hoity's every time they laugh.

To each his own - the only thing I care about is that I didn't waste any precious resources.

HappyUP!!! Day 470...Welcome to Monday!

<-------Hey, before we do today's HappyUP!!! installment, take a moment to take in my neighbor's flowers....absolutely brilliant!!!


HappyUP!!! - meeting with a recruit
Why it happened - he called me and wanted to meet today
Why it makes me happy - I was able to give him some true unbiased advice. I have no affiliation at the moment. Sometimes, the best advice is to stay put, look for the flowers in your own garden (not your neighbors), and wait to see what happens





<-----speaking of one's own flowers, mine are looking pretty darn good as well. It's a beautiful thing HappyUP!!! - meeting with my advisor
Why it happened - it was time for an annual review
Why it makes me happy - he gave me some news that was pretty much along what I had planned.....and some valuable other insights that I need.








HappyUP!!! - a clean car
Why it happened - I had a leisurely morning before a couple of appointments
Why it makes me happy - doesn't your car run better when it is clean?

HappyUP!!! Day 469

HappyUP!!! - the Players
Why it happened - this is the weekend for it
Why it makes me happy - I don't watch golf on TV.........except for the big tournaments. While the Players isn't one of the Majors, it is darn close. Today's event lived up to the billing. It was a great piece of drama that unfolded.

HappyUP!!! - good sleep
Why it happened - who knows
Why it makes me happy - my sleeping patterns have changed. When I fall asleep easily and sleep all through the night, it's a HappyUP!!!

HappyUP!!! - a golf tip
Why it happened - I was paying attention during the Players
Why it makes me happy - I have a tournament to play in this week. I picked up something today on TV that I had forgotten about. I went out to the backyard and gave it a try. Voila! One more step toward getting my confidence back.

HappyUP!!! Day 468

HappyUP!!! - learning a new word
Why it happened - a friend sprung it on me
Why it makes me happy - first, I am a bit of a word freak. Second, when a word is found/created that takes something that you had to describe and defines it in one word, it's a quirky little HappyUP!!! for me. Today's word is quatopygia. Latin.....quatio means to shake. Greek....pyge means buttocks. "My, what an interesting quatopygia that woman has." See, it even sounds a lot nicer than what most guys say...or think. I think my mother would be proud of me today.

HappyUP!!! - coffee
Why it happened - I called my buddy for some info
Why it makes me happy - he was at a coffee house about 5 minutes from where I was at. I buzzed over and we kibitzed for an hour on a Saturday afternoon.

HappyUP!!! - the first pepper
Why it happened - it's how God works
Why it makes me happy - my plants seemed to get off to a slow start this year. Who knows.....maybe it wasn't that slow....it just seemed that way. I think worrying is a part of the gardner's makeup.....and optimism too. The worries are being allayed. I saw my first pepper...and my first tomato....both develop this week. Everything will be all right.

JollyJottings (HappyUP!!! contenders)

Breakfast
Coffee
Young ladies at coffee
The first pepper
Apostolos dinner
Poem from a friend

Telephone

(A special post for my friends over at
SundayScribblings )

This was a significant week - it was the first week of my retirement....well, at least my first retirement. I figure if share can reserve the right to enjoy multiple retirement tours, I deserve the same thing.

Plus, I'm not even 50 yet - there's a lot for me to do out there in this world.....and a lot of people that would really appreciate the unique talents that I bring to them. I may not be able to avoid working again...even if I want to. It has only been a week and people are crying for me to come back into the industry working for my competitors.

I had an interesting thing happen this week - involving the telephone. Over the 20+ years of being a hard charging business person, my golf game fell into extreme disrepair. I used to play competitively and had acquired a degree of talent. Over the last few years, it would have been hard to know that unless I told you.

One of the things I am going to work on - in my retirement is to see how quickly I can get my game back to the level it once was. I am a lot older so that is a negative....BUT the technology of today has me hitting the ball a lot farther than I used to.

I played a round during the week this week - and I had an epiphany. Even though I had a lot of Paid Time Off while working, I rarely played during the week. When I did, I would put my cell phone on "stun" mode. I would check during the round to see who was calling and try to ascertain whether they needed a call right back. For the first time in forever, I played the other day and didn't look at my phone at all.

I also didn't finish the round - and rush to see the calls that I had missed and all of the e-mails that I was now behind on because I was "playing hookey."

It was an EXTREMELY liberating feeling

My first cell phone - was a transportable model. If you remember, these were about the size of a phonebook. They had a full size handpiece. I remember taking that to the golf course and throwing it into the cart. I got such a ration of crap that day, "leave the office at the office," or, "tell the commanding officer we need more ammunition out here on the front line, sergeant."

As technology made the portable phone smaller, almost all of the people that I have played golf with in past year's - operate in a similar fashion to how I did. They are constantly checking for messages. Sometimes they take a call and delay the rest of us. Perhaps the cell phone has allowed them to get out on the golf course more
than they would have in the past.....

....but are they really THERE - on the golf course fully enjoying what the setting and the game can provide? Even if they are on the weekend taking personal calls, are they present?

Which takes me a step deeper - where else do we take our cell phones and iPods and Blackberry's? Do they allow us to be more mobile?....or do they dilute the experiences that we can have "in the now" that take a little bit of more than casual attention to notice. Does the technology create a degree of mindlessness?

And, because I am a thinker - I have to go to the next step. Take away the cell phone, the iPOD, the Blackberry. Would it make any difference? Would the void be filled with boredom or wonder for you?

HappyUP!!! Day 467

HappyUP!!! - a lovely drive
Why it happened - I took the long way
Why it makes me happy - I could have taken the route for a 50 minute drive. I took the hour and a half route with the top down......70 degrees.....trees.....foothill mountains....ahhhhhh.

HappyUP!!! - a lovely lunch
Why it happened - I needed to spend time with a former employee
Why it makes me happy - this person was very important to me at the job that I left. Circumstances prevented us from talking off line. We ate outside and it was a great day for that.

HappyUP!!! - picking up my car
Why it happened - it needed some work
Why it makes me happy - I got off relatively cheap. I thought it would cost me 2.5 times what it did. How many times do you take your car in and come out of it for less than you thought? THAT is a definition of a HappyUP!!! You'd notice if it was 1.5 times more....appreciate it when it is less.

JollyJottings

A lovely drive
A lovely lunch
Breakfast
E-mail from a buddy
Got out cheap on a car repair
Nephew driving my car

HappyUP!!! Day 466

HappyUP!!! - the call from my brother
Why it happened - he needed a fourth for golf
Why it made me happy - hey, I am in full on golf mode right now....if you have a tee time, I'm playing!

HappyUP!!! - golfing
Why it happened - see the call above
Why it made me happy - once again, I played MUCH better than my score....and my score was better than my recent history. This is some very good trending. I seem to be regaining some of my form and confidence.

HappyUP!!! - phone call and e-mail
Why it happened - I am in staying in touch with former workers
Why it made me happy - I am able to help them and guide them through some tough times. I also think that part of them reaching out to me is to make sure that I am doing well. Their concern for me is very special.

HappyUP!!! Day 465

HappyUP!!! - lunch with a friend
Why it happened - I didn't get to say goodbye when I left work
Why it makes me happy - I got him settled down and convinced that things will be fine.

HappyUP!!! - lunch on the river
Why it happened - it was the venue I chose
Why it made me happy - there was a point during our lunch on the Sacramento River with a slight breeze blowing as we overlooked the water when I said, "dude, do you realize that you could wander the entire planet right now.....and there is not a more perfect spot to be than we are sitting right now." Absolutely gorgeous.

HappyUP!!! - made some headway
Why it happened - I took a minor moment
Why it made me happy - I have a junk room out back. It's probably not as scary as yours but there is plenty of clutter there. Rather than make it a project, I decided I would take 15 minutes of micro-movements and make some progress. I don't know what it is about clutter and I.....I just can't keep it out! I'll attack again tomorrow.

HappyUP!!! Day 464 - A day of riches

I left my employer of over 20 years on Friday. It was not an easy decision. It was a shock to many. Through this, I have really learned some things about certain people...some regrettable....others incredible. I will remember the incredible and capture them in a separate private journal in the morning. It is impossible to pick THEE HappyUP!!! today

HappyUP!!! - an e-mail
Why it happened - the person needed to reach out
Why it made me happy - I got some scoop as to what is going on at my former employer.

HappyUP!!! - a vc mail from P.O.
Why it happened - he heard I had left the company
Why it made me happy - he thanked me for giving him the opportunity to provide for his family in a way that he didn't think possible. Whoa!

HappyUP!!! - on going correspondence with P.S.
Why it happened - P is walking me through the exit process
Why it made me happy - he gave me some inspiration.....and a thought....that, when I put with the thought I had last week, gives me a project to work on that is going to be FUN!....and right up my alley.

Bonus HappyUP!!! - talk with a former employee
Why it happened - I called him
Why it made me happy - he left our company after transferring. He went into another line of work. He thought so much of me that, even though he is miles away, he said that he would tell someone in his organization to come looking for me if I wanted to enter his field. Wow!!!! I must have done something right when he was under my care.

JollyJottings

P's e-mail he sent to someone about me and to always take "the high road"
A call from Cathy
A call from Scott
A call from P.O.
A message from T
Corresponding with DG
Talking with C
Talking with S.C.
On going e-mail trades with P.S.
Toastmasters
T at Toastmasters

HappyUP!!! Day 463

HappyUP!!! - finding some good scripture
Why it happened - I opened my friend's blog
Why it made me happy - it didn't really teach me anything....it just sent me a sign reinforcing what I already know. It's good to have reinforcement......and it came at the funniest of times.

HappyUP!!! - finding a list
Why it happened - I looked
Why it makes me happy - do you know that feeling you get when you look...and look...and look...but you can't find that thing you are after? (If not, it happens to those of those that store "useful info" for later). Just when I was about to give up, I found it.

HappyUP!!! - words from friends
Why it happened - I got a call...and an e-mail
Why it makes me happy - they were spelling out some things that I didn't see.....having one's vision cleared is always a HappyUP!!!

Who the heck makes these rules?

I am talking to a lady today - and she starts telling me about her white tile kitchen floor...and how hard it is to keep clean.

I tell her - "that's why I went with a grey/silver/black pattern in my kitchen. While I wipe up spills and sweep, I must have gone a year before I got down on the hands and knees and did a scrub......and it will be another year before I do that again! You can't see the dirt."

She replies - "but I wear white socks around the house."



She is obviously referring - to the dirt that shows on the WHITE socks. There seemed to have been a pretty good answer to her...

"Wear Black Socks!" - which now got me to thinking......which is one of my favorite things to do.

Who decided that it was cool to wear white socks - and it was goofy to wear black ones. Obviously, I am not talking about when you have to match things. I am talking about with shorts and such. Everyone makes jokes of the old tourists wearing those black socks.

"What? Like it's not a joke if they are wearing white ones?" - take an objective look at this. Forget about the way things are "supposed to be." Look at this sock situation through a clear filter. Do black socks look any more ridiculous with a pair of shorts than white ones do?

The answer is "No" - the reason that white socks appear cool and acceptable is that tennis shoes USED to be white. Doubt my answer? Go buy a pair of black athletic shoes (they are out there....I own more than one pair). White socks look as ridiculous with those and black socks do with white shoes.

The other reason - is that they didn't used to make black athletic socks....or they weren't as easy to get as they are today.

Now, go back to our lady friend with the white socks - SHE DOESN'T HAVE SHOES ON AROUND THE HOUSE! Yet, she is wearing the white socks.

Practical hint for the day - wear BLACK socks when you are just wearing socks around the house.

Bigger Thought - you see the moniker on the blog where it says, "a guy sojourning the same orb you are...with permission to look at it a little bit differently?" This is what I am talking about. Who made the white sock rule? Why was it made? Who is enforcing it that makes you conform to it? Don't non-conform just to non-conform. Do it because CONVENTION isn't always CONVENTIONAL for your situation.

THINK! - for goodness sakes, do you know how hard it is to keep those white socks white. You'll end up destroying them with the bleach! Then....you have to get new socks sooner than if you had black socks. A little thought just saved you some dough!

Pots and Pans

What's wrong with this picture? - you're right. Absolutely nothing.

Yet, why is it that I never see - people storing their pots and pans on their stove?

Perhaps it does happen - but shouldn't it be a constant if you have a matching set?

This is my first set of matching cookware - and, as I was taking it out of the boxes, I went, "geez, I am going to have to find a place for all of this stuff."


As I was unpacking the lids - I was going, "oh, and the lids." Don't you just love playing the jigsaw puzzle lid game in your pots and pan drawers? "Hmmmm...is it this lid that goes with that pot?"

Doesn't it make all the sense in the world to store these like this? - am I crazy? Go ahead and say it, I'm used to it. I've been called out for it many times. It usually ends up being crazy like a fox.

I'm also not the most fastidious housekeeper in the world - (I know...."news at 11". Hey, I'm a bachelor. What can I say? My mom was meticulous and my dad was a bit sloppy. I meet in the middle. I like it clean but can't see the win in all of that cleaning). That area under the grates by the burners has been known to have a little spillover stay on there after this meal......and probably after the next meal as well....

Voila!!! - nobody can see under the grates where the burners are with the Nutster Pot Storing method!

Also - no more searching for the right pan....it's right there in front of you....right where you need it.

What's up with this storage fetish that we have? - why have those racks hanging from the ceiling? I'm looking for the downside of this system. If you have some insight, let me know.

HappyUP!!! Day 462

HappyUP!!! - golfing
Why it happened - my buddy Glen called me
Why it makes me happy - it was a perfect day. It was a little warm. Then, on the back 9, the weather got weird. Then, it got nice again. I couldn't think of a better way to spend an afternoon.

HappyUP!!! - golf shots
Why it happened - I was golfing
Why it makes me happy - I'm still not scoring but I am getting my golf swing back. I am hitting a lot of pure shots. It is getting to where I am actually having confidence in my swing again. It's not that I am playing well. I re-discovered some fundamentals. I broke 80 and I threw 3 shots away in the last 4 holes. I three putted a couple of times. I bogeyed a couple of holes when all I had was a wedge in my hand. These are little rusty mistakes. Good times could be lying ahead.

HappyUP!!! - an important 5 year milestone
Why it happened - I made a decision one day
Why it makes me happy - there is NO WAY my life would be as good today if I hadn't made this lifestyle adjustment a half a decade ago.

How Do You Mark Your Titleist?

You have seen the ad campaign - if not, choose "kangaroo" when you go here.

In reality - there is only one HappyUP!!! way to mark your titleist.

(OK...there are others. This is the HappyUP!!!iest way to mark your Titleist)

HappyUP!!! Day 461

HappyUP!!! - breakfast
Why it happened - it's Saturday
Why it makes me happy - we had the whole gang there today....fun times....public inappropriate times....silliness

HappyUP!!! - the garden
Why it happened - c'mon....it's a garden...I gardner...I'm not a botanist
Why it makes me happy - I was a little concerned about the progress of some of the plants. They weren't looking so keen. They are looking much better this week. The peppers budded...it was the first time I saw that this year.

HappyUP!!! - Austin Powers
Why it happened - channel surfing
Why it makes me happy - I wish, "yeah, baby," wasn't a cliche'. It's still shaggin amusing when Mike Meyers does that!

HappyUP!!! Day 460

HappyUP!!! - conversations
Why it happened - there were a bunch that needed to be made
Why it makes me happy - I got through them....and I made my goal for the day

HappyUP!!! - a wedding
Why it happened - people get married...and I was invited
Why it makes me happy - it was a very neat little wedding on a Friday night. The setting was rather unique. It was very nice and appropriate


HappyUP!!! - a correspondence
Why it happened - I sent it
Why it makes me happy - it was one of the best pieces that I ever sent.

HappyUP!!! Day 459

HappyUP!!! - time with my family
Why it happened - I stopped by their house
Why it made me happy - the visit with bro and sis-in-law was great....and then my niece showed up as she came home from college for the weekend so it was good to see her.

HappyUP!!! - time with my best friend
Why it happened - I called him
Why it made me happy - it is good to have friends to go to when you are sorting things out

HappyUP!!! - ministering to another human being
Why it happened - he trusted me
Why it made me happy - this person has friends much closer than me. This person had a secret bottled up that could not be told to anyone else. The secret was as far away from a HappyUP!!! as you can get. It was a privilege for me to be that person in this individual's time of need.

HappyUP!!! Day 458

HappyUP!!! - my friend's website
Why it happened - I looked it up
Why it makes me happy - my friend doesn't post that often....so I don't check it very often. I definitely got what he was saying today (well....he said it over a week ago but I just saw it!)

HappyUP!!! - my lunch appointment
Why it happened - it's a business thing that needs to
Why it makes me happy - I didn't like the content of the meeting. This is the way business is. The content was no HappyUP!!!.....but it needed to happen. It happened. Questions were answered. Uncertainty was cleared up. The business relationship is better defined

HappyUP!!! - phone call
Why it happened - the timing was a fluke
Why it makes me happy - one of my employees called and thanked me out of nowhere the help that I had given. The employee didn't need to do that. The timing was eerily precise for when I needed to hear it. The thanks was great.....the timing was off the charts.

HappyUP!!! Day 457

HappyUP!!! - presentation
Why it happened - I was invited
Why it makes me happy - it was a new crowd for me. I wasn't sure how I would be received. I got the company's message across. I got as much buy in as I think I could. Mission accomplished

HappyUP!!! - got a deal done
Why it happened - a lot of ridiculous stumbles
Why it makes me happy - I think it is finally done

HappyUP!!! - set a meeting
Why it happened - I picked up the phone
Why it makes me happy - I am going to find out some information tomorrow

HappyUP!!! Day 456

HappyUP!!! - a "YES!"
Why it happened - my call was returned
Why it makes me happy - we are getting a valuable new member to our team. I got the verbal commitment today. The signed offer will be delivered tomorrow. This is my job

HappyUP!!! - a couple of e-mails
Why it happened - my lost friends decided to "appear"
Why it makes me happy - my opportunities for more cronies and partners in crime expands.

HappyUP!!! - my iPod and Bose Portable
Why it happened - I decided to throw the above combo in the car
Why it makes me happy - it was 7:30 in the morning. I was driving to a nearby town. The top is down. I have my entire CD collection on shuffle. There is just something about that shuffle feature. You never know what is coming up next. This morning, it was just what I needed. As I got to my meeting, it was, "Have a Drink on Me," by AC/DC. There was no way I would have picked that one but it was perfect.

HappyUP!!! Day 455

HappyUP!!! - golf
Why it happened - my buddy called me
Why it makes me happy - I didn't score well but I hit a LOT of PURE shots. There aren't many people shooting 85 that hit so many pure shots. The game is not sharp but the swing is getting there.

HappyUP!!! - 4 iron into 18
Why it happened - it shouldn't have....I should have been hitting wedge
Why it makes me happy - rather than wait for my cartmate to bring me my clubs, I grabbed the 8 iron from the lady in the other cart. It was just a layup. The ball was sitting down and, with the lighter club, I hit it fat. This left me a mile out. My buddy was next to me. He goes, "closest to the hole?" as a challenge. From 190 out, I hit it to 2.5 feet....the last shot of the day. Better than the result, the shot was hit PURE. You only hit a pure shot when you are making a good golf swing.

HappyUP!!! - scrambled eggs
Why it happened - I wokked them
Why it makes me happy - those were the easiest scrambled eggs that I have ever made.....and they were perfect. I love that new wok. I also threw last nights steak stir fry in with the eggs...delicious.

JollyJottings

Good company for golf
Plugging the front lawn
Pea's sprouting
Scrambled eggs in the wok
Golf in general
Drive down 1
Wedge into 1
4 iron into 2
3 wood on 3
5 iron on 8
Drive on 9
6 iron on 9
Sand shot on 10
8 iron into 13
Wedge recovery on 14
Pitch shot on 15
Putt on 16
Drive on 17
6 iron on 17
4 iron on 18

HappyUP!!! Day 454

Here is a HappyUP!!! - if I ever saw one courtesy of my friend Alex's excellent blog I'd go to that dentist in a heartbeat!

HappyUP!!! - cruising in the convertible
Why it happened - it was almost 90 degrees
Why it makes me happy - sleeveless t-shirt...sun hitting the arms....ahhhhh

HappyUP!!! - haircut
Why it happened - it's a maintencance item
Why it makes me happy - I finally told my barber who I was. No, I didn't tell him I was the author of the most famous blog on the internet. I told him whose uncle I was...he's friends with my nephews. From there, things pretty much went into standard barber shop talk.

HappyUP!!! - the new wok
Why it happened - it came in the mail yesterday
Why it makes me happy - I threw some stir fry sirloin in a black pepper sauce in with some onions, bell peppers, and green beans. Just as I got those dumped out, I threw my stir fry shrimp rice into the same wok. It cooked that up WAAAAAY faster than my skilled. That baby was sizzling! Now, I do wonder why I spent all that money on my fancy Dacor appliances. No matter, that Wok is going to get some serious use. Scramble eggs with leftover stir-fry is coming for Brekko tomorrow.

HappyUP!!! Day 453

HappyUP!!! - a surprise hire
Why it happened - we are out there recruiting
Why it makes me happy - we thought this one had gotten away.....but NO. The person is coming to work for us.

HappyUP!!! - watering
Why it happened - the garden needed it
Why it makes me happy - it really is pretty simple. This was a HappyUP!!! the other day but it put a smile on my face as I take on this big project. I'll have it down when summer comes and the watering is more often.

HappyUP!!! - a quick trip to Yuba City
Why it happened - it's all part of the job
Why it makes me happy - I needed to get this done...and I snuck it in first thing this morning.

HappyUP!!! Day 452

HappyUP!!! - numbers up for rally
Why it happened - everyone is working
Why it makes me happy - we want great attendance

HappyUP!!! - a new hire
Why it happened - my group grows
Why it makes me happy - building the team is what we are there to do

HappyUP!!! - convertible driving
Why it happened - it's the weather.....and to think it was just raining yesterday
Why it makes me happy - I love the fall....but we are getting one awesome Spring here in Sacramento. Too often, Winter melds right into Summer. Not this year....and I am digging every moment of it.

HappyUP!!! Day 451

HappyUP!!! - teeing it up this Sunday
Why it happened - a friend invited me
Why it makes me happy - gorgeous day coming....10:20 in the morning....and I will be golfing!

HappyUP!!! - a deal fixed
Why it happened - one of my managers got on it
Why it makes me happy - a major hassle looks like it is going to be avoided

HappyUP!!! - watering
Why it happened - I have a garden
Why it makes me happy - I am getting the system figured out. I am not sure if I will be as stoked on the 100th watering but, for now, it is neat getting it figured out. It also making me think about ideas for next year.

HappyUP!!! Day 450

HappyUP!!! - conversation with an employee
Why it happened - the employee was on the road
Why it made me happy - I was told how much I was appreciated

HappyUP!!! - e-mail from a co-worker
Why it happened - he sent me an ugly one
Why it made me happy - I gave some thought to the one I sent back. A situation that could have gotten ugly ended up with both of us admitting our mistakes......and now we move forward

HappyUP!!! - information
Why it happened - I have conversations
Why it made me happy - it led me to get an upgrade that will better serve the people that I work for....the ones that report to me.

HappyUP!!! Day 449

HappyUP!!! - sleeping in on a Monday
Why it happened - I thought I hit the snooze....but it was the off switch
Why it makes me happy - I was going to get up early and get some things done before work. I fell back to sleep for an extra hour and a half. It may have rushed me a hair this morning but the sleep was worth it.

HappyUP!!! - sitting in on a meeting
Why it happened - one of my direct reports had a meeting
Why it makes me happy - good to see the manager doing what is expected

HappyUP!!! - good conference call
Why it happened - it's Monday
Why it makes me happy - we got some good info out.......and I heard some excellent HappyUP!!!s

HappyUP!!! Day 448

HappyUP!!! - a visitor to my strawberry plant

Why it happened - I have a garden...with strawberries

Why it makes me happy - I really don't know. Perhaps I am getting older. Maybe I really am getting wiser. I must have observed this little ladybug for 2-3 minutes. She was the first one that I have seen this year. I also heard the bees doing their thing up in my orange blossoms.





HappyUP!!! - a RED strawberry

Why it happened - they need to turn red before you can eat em!

Why it makes me happy - I held off and didn't do it today. I will be tasting that first delicious morsel in just a few days. If you think homegrown tomato's are the best (and they are pretty darn good), you should try a strawberry right off the vine. You get red stains on your fingers from the oil! That's right, no washing. You just brush a little grit off.....you want that oil.




HappyUP!!! - it's just about all in.

Why it happened - I have been working on it.

Why it makes me happy - it's just down to watering and watching the backyard spring to life now. Look at those grape vines. When I started tilling, there was not a leaf on the vine. Those grapes get a little headstart.

The Happy Virus

From my friend, Tara's, fine blog......and very appropriate here:


"I caught the happy virus last night
When I was out singing beneath the stars.
It is remarkably contagious -
so kiss me."

- Hafiz, Persia, 14th-century

HappyUP!!! Day 447

HappyUP!!! - golf
Why it happened - a buddy invited me
Why it makes me happy - I scraped it around....but I keep getting closer to getting a swing back. It's good to get out there in the sun (...and wind!) and just spank whitey around

HappyUP!!! - breakfast with my best friend
Why it happened- the gang didn't show up
Why it makes me happy - we spent about two hours talking......and I had stuff to talk about.

HappyUP!!! - full moon
Why it happened - it's a monthly occurrence
Why it makes me happy - we were leaving the golf course and my buddy said, "hey, check out the moon." He was right....it looked cool.

HappyUP!!! Day 446

HappyUP!!! - meeting a recruit
Why it happened - I made the appointment
Why it makes me happy - this is a great move for this person. If the person doesn't come on board, it really will be to the person's detriment. I am thrilled to put the person in a good position.

HappyUP!!! - one less trip to Bakersfield
Why it happened - a meeting was cancelled
Why it makes me happy - it's a long way to "The Bake" and I am NOT going there in June

HappyUP!!! - drinks with friends
Why it happened - a friend set it up
Why it makes me happy - I got some good information......very good information....and had a nice time.

HappyUP!!! Day 445

HappyUP!!! - eye appointment
Why it happened - it happens once a year
Why it makes me happy - everything was fine. I thought the vision may be detiorating a bit. We thought about playing with one contact lens as a test to see if I wanted to re-do Lasik on one eye. I decided my glasses aren't that much of a pain.

HappyUP!!! - fore!
Why it happened - I played golf
Why it makes me happy - it was a gorgeous day. I seem to be getting my swing back. I didn't score worth a darn but I broke even on my bets. I also am hitting the ball pretty long.....and I haven't even gone and bought the latest technology in drivers!

HappyUP!!! - time with friends
Why it happened - I stopped by after golf
Why it makes me happy - I dearly love this couple. They are so open and nice. It was good to stop by and visit for an hour.

HappyUP!!! Day 444

HappyUP!!! - Ron
Why it happened - he appeared out of nowhere
Why it makes me happy - I was walking down the hallway. I heard a voice mention something directed at me to overhear as I walked away. I said, "that sounds just like Ron." Ron was a guy I hadn't seen in years. There was no reason for him to be where I was. I turned around....it was my old buddy, Ron! I like Ron and it was great to come across him this way.

HappyUP!!! - an appointment set
Why it happened - I made the call
Why it makes me happy - I got this key appointment. I got the information that I needed for the appointment. Outtasite!!!!


HappyUP!!! - a good day in the financial markets
Why it happened - key companies released good earnings reports
Why it makes me happy - it may only be for a day but it was positive news. The financial sector is saying we are farther through the liquidity crisis than expected. It doesn't mean it is true but it is good news....and a HappyUP!!!

HappyUP!!! Day 443

HappyUP!!! - Toastmasters
Why it happened - it's Tuesday
Why it makes me happy - one of our members gave a brave...and great speech. I was really proud of him.

HappyUP!!! - talking with a recruit
Why it happened - I do that...it's part of my job
Why it makes me happy - this is a good one....and I think I have a good solution

HappyUP!!! - the watering system
Why it happened - I designed it on Sunday
Why it makes me happy - while I have to hustle around, it appears that I can have three hoses going at one time. When you have a bunch of plants out there, this is a good thing!

HappyUP!!! Day 442

HappyUP!!! - getting through a meeting
Why it happened - the meetings are on Monday
Why it makes me happy - I had left my notes behind. I had to fire up the laptop and get the information at the very last minute again...whew!

HappyUP!!! - lunch
Why it happened - I dashed home
Why it makes me happy - a little water, a few crushed blueberries, and my Nzyme shake left me good to go!

HappyUP!!! - got out of a meeting
Why it happened - I asked
Why it makes me happy - while I would like to see my peers, it's a long way to Bakersfield.....and there isn't much point of me attending this one for two days.

HappyUP!!! Day 441

HappyUP!!! - more planting
Why it happened - it's the season
Why it makes me happy - I am just about all planted out!

HappyUP!!! - a watering system
Why it happened - I was thinking
Why it makes me happy - it could make the watering job a WHOLE lot easier....especially when you think about how many plants I have in the ground

HappyUP!!! - the Masters
Why it happened - it's Masters Sunday
Why it makes me happy - I love to see the top golfers grind their guts out on the most unpredictable golf course in the world. Twoods had his chance today....and he couldn't get it done. While I would have preferred an exciting finish, I can hang with the way it was won. It would have been interesting to see Immelman dig that ball out of that divot on 18 if he wasn't three shots clear of the field.

Bonus HappyUP!!! - saw my friend, Fred
Why it happened - I was getting gas
Why it makes me happy - I love seeing Fred.....we talked for a bit at the pumps. We're going to go tee it up soon.

HappyUP!!! Day 440

HappyUP!!! - planting
Why it happened - the weather has turned
Why it makes me happy - playing in the dirt....getting an idea of what the backyard will look like...etc

HappyUP!!! - golf
Why it happened - a friend invited me
Why it makes me happy - my score wasn't good but I struck a lot of very good shots. That isn't bad for only the second time out this year. With one month to go until I play in a tournament, this is a good sign.

HappyUP!!! - time with my friend
Why it happened - he had to borrow something from me
Why it makes me happy - hey, when was the last time you sat in a park without kids or anything else to do...and just chatted?

HappyUP!!! Day 439

HappyUP!!! - helping an employee
Why it happened - the wrong thing was happening
Why it makes me happy - I am doing my job....and the HMC knows it and appreciates it

HappyUP!!! - top down and 87 degrees
Why it happened - I had to make a run on the freeway
Why it makes me happy - it almost didn't.....it was unseasonably warm at first...until I realized this was the first one of those days this year. When you haven't seen something for awhile, it's like seeing an old friend.

HappyUP!!! - golfing tomorrow
Why it happened - I got the invitation
Why it makes me happy - I have to play in a tournament next month. This will be a good tune up.

Happy!!! Day 438

HappyUP!!! - presentation went well
Why it happened - we were assigned it
Why it makes me happy - it was a job well done

HappyUP!!! - acknowledgement
Why it happened - I gave the opening
Why it makes me happy - it wasn't total security but it was a sign....which is what I was looking for

HappyUP!!! - plants perked up
Why it happened - I brought them inside
Why it makes me happy - I put some of the plants outside....I think the nights were too cool. I raised them from seeds and, just a week before planting, it looks like I killed them. They are coming back though and the weather has turned warm. This weekend is big for planting.

HappyUP!!! Day 437

HappyUP!!! - getting through a tough presentation
Why it happened - we were asked to do it
Why it makes me happy - the people got it.....it was a potentially sensitive topic. I think that behaviors will change because of it.

HappyUP!!! - a peer
Why it happened - he was at the meeting
Why it makes me happy - I really like this guy and being around him. I wish I got to see him more often

HappyUP!!! - a comment from a direct report
Why it happened - it was an exercise as part of the meeting
Why it makes me happy - he acknowledged that I assisted him in working on a flaw in his personality over the years.

HappyUP!!! Day 436

HappyUP!!! - Giving my speech at Toastmasters
Why it happened - it was my turn
Why it made me happy - I pulled an old speech out.....and it was awesome. We were small in number but every member that was there was glad that they made the trip over. I remember putting some time into crafting this speech back when I did it. It's a winner...glad to hear that it made people think and gave them chills.

HappyUP!!! - lunch with a recruit
Why it happened - it was time
Why it made me happy - I know what is holding the guy back from coming on board. Now, I need to remedy that situation

HappyUP!!! - a compliment about an employee
Why it happened - he did a good job
Why it makes me happy - his good deeds did not go unnoticed. He got some kudos up and down the chain.

HappyUP!!! Day 435

HappyUP!!! - meeting
Why it happened - it's Monday
Why it makes me happy - my client brought up some great topics. There was some excellent discussion. There were also good sales this week.

HappyUP!!! - clarity
Why it happened - I did some writing
Why it makes me happy - I am closer to making a very difficult decision

HappyUP!!! - recruiting
Why it happened - one of my employees came up with a couple
Why it makes me happy - it's exactly at the right time! I love perfect timing.

Extra HappyUP!!! - how about that NCAA Men's Final Basketball game....overtime!

HappyUP!!!! .......One Year Ago in History

(Here is a rare reprint from exactly one year ago today)

Saturday, April 07, 2007

HappyUP!!! Project Revisited

I just noticed - there are still a couple of people on the internet that have not found NuttersNotes

Because the last of the stragglers will probably be stopping by today - it is prime time for a little refresher course in what this HappyUP!!! thing is all about.

For an older explanation and the rationale - you need to nothing more than click here

...and you really should do that - because I can't devote this entire post to remedial students. I have to take care of the people following along.

If you are a follower - there has never been a better time to step up and lead. Your family needs you to do it. The world needs you to do it. I need you to do it. YOU need you to do it.

You may be happy - which makes you an excellent candidate for the project. The daily excercise is so easy that even the Nutster has been able to do it for over 60 documentable days....right here in front of your own eyes.

All I am coaching you for is - to do 7 days....and then stretch it until it becomes a daily habit. The net effect is that YOU create your good news. Tired of the newspapers and the fabricated stories that are beaten into the ground? Don't take more in....DO something about it. Here is a great example:

The HappyUP!!! - a fish with lips

Why it happened - I was carrying my camera when I went to dinner. I commented on the aquarium to the owner of the eating establishment. "Did you see the big fish....the one with lips?"

Why it made me happy - do you remember the old game when someone asked something really obvious? Today, we just go "duh." In a more creative time, we would say, "Is the Pope Cathholic?" or "Does a bear poop in the woods?" for a positive answer. If the answer was an obvious "No," we would say, "does a fish have lips?"
Well, as it turns out, I guess a fish does have lips!!!

....and that makes me happy - that's all there is to it! It's so easy, even the Nutster can do it! I took a moment, not all day obsessing, and recognized that little situation made me happy. The more times you realize what makes you happy, the happier you are going to be.

It's easy to single out all of the things - than make you mad, sad, frustrated, etc and attach all kinds of emotion to them. Why do you need to do that? The answer: you don't NEED to do it...you CHOOSE to do it. And, just like you made the choice to focus on the crappy, you can make a new choice to focus on the Happy.

Yes, it is a formalized version - of "count your blessings." Is there a better time to start than right now?

If you are a fellow blogger - you can even work it into a daily posting amongst the other wonderful things you are posting. It's a wonderful accountability to yourself. I can't tell you the number of times I have gone up to bed, laid down, and said, "oops...I have the HappyUP!!!s. I just forgot to post them."...and back to the computer I went.

....and it has been worth every trip! - I have been hearing a comment from people lately that I have never heard before. "Nutster, you are so positive....I really like that." Hmmmmmm........I think I am going to continue.

HappyUP!!! Day 434

Here's a HappyUP!!! quote - at least it was to me. I have seen it many times in the past but I just ran across it and it put a smile on my face

"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the the universe." -Albert Einstein

HappyUP!!! - Blackberry Replacement
Why it happened - my Crackberry malfunctioned
Why it makes me happy - I am getting a free replacement.......with no hassle. I love that. FREE always makes me happy

HappyUP!!! - Bean Planting
Why it happened - I went and saw Wayne the Master Gardener
Why it makes me happy - he gave me the skinny, "NO beans for YOU!" He told me to start growing them from seed indoors. You can't "go in" with them until late May. He did tell me that I should plant them every 6 inches and that they will totally cover the hideous chainlink fence my neighbor put up out back by my garden. It will be a lot of planting but I should end up with 45 feet wide x 5 feet tall of beans and snap peas!
HappyUP!!! - Getting a tune DOWN
Why it happened - I keep grinding at it
Why it makes me happy - I have owned guitars for a long time. I have never learned how to properly fingerpick the base and melody of a tune. I can now play a fairly robust rendition of Silent Night. I could do it before with just chords. I had another version with just double stops. The fingerpicked version has much more body to it......and it is the first of many that I will pick up.

HappyUP!!! Day 433

HappyUP!!! - Toastmaster's Speech Contest

Why it happened - our club produced the division contestant, Lawrence.

Why it makes me happy - he didn't take first place but our contestant has now given this speech 4 times. Today, he delivered it as well as he could...and that is what it is all about. Like a rubber band that, once stretched, never returns to it's original shape, our club member will forever be better for going through this process.


HappyUP!!! - convertible driving to the contest

Why it happened - it was a gorgeous day

Why it makes me happy - sun, a slight chill, and a drive to Grass Valley in the drop top makes for a great time. I picked up one of our members and he rode with me. It was nice.

HappyUP!!! - buying some plants

Why it happened - I got off my fanny late tonight

Why it makes me happy - it's going to let me get a few plants in tomorrow without having to go to the nursery (but I'll still go to the nursery)

HappyUP!!! Day 432

HappyUP!!! - Springsteen
Why it happened - I took the initiative and got tickets
Why it makes me happy - c'mon......there are people that have seen The Boss hundreds of times. He has to have something going for him. An awesome concert!

HappyUP!!! - leaving the concert
Why it happened - it was over
Why it makes me happy - I have never gotten out of Arco so quickly. Even if Springsteen did a second encore, it was worth having an unimpeded exit

HappyUP!!! - helping an employee
Why it happened - it was Loan Clearinghouse day
Why it makes me happy - this was a tough loan. The employee was lost.....and with good reason. This one even tested me!

HappyUP!!! Day 431

HappyUP!!! - my boss was late for our meeting
Why it happened - he thought the meeting started at 9...not 8
Why it made me happy - I was late myself....but he doesn't know that. I have a good boss and he would not have cared but, still, I don't like to be late

HappyUP!!! - driving home
Why it happened - meetings were over
Why it made me happy - I was so focused on phone work that the miles flew by. I got some quality phone calls in. The next thing you know, the 4.5 hrs were over

HappyUP!!! - strawberry plant
Why it happened - I planted some new ones
Why it made me happy - I have a new row next to my "old growth." I put them in about a month ago. I hadn't even noticed the "runners" on one. It was already 6 inches out and starting to embed in the turf. I think this moment is one of the reasons gardeners garden.

HappyUP!!! Day 430

HappyUP!!! - gettin to Bakersfield
Why it happened - we had a meeting
Why it makes me happy - it's 4.5 hrs of driving.....the feeling when you first get there is great because the drive is done. The drive was quite nice. Interstate 5 is a boring drive but, if you go at 4 in the morning, it doesn't seem drab at all. It can be any highway. I had some back east friends to talk to for part of the drive, a good audio CD, and I caught sunrise over the Sierras

HappyUP!!! - Buck Owens' Crystal Palace
Why it happened - we had dinner there after the meeting
Why it makes me happy - dinner with my chums is always great. The band was awesome. It was a dinner show. While I am not a huge country fan, I appreciate a good guitar player. Brian Longbeck was in this band. I didn't know who he was when I was there but I could tell he was "wicked good." After looking him up, I found out why.

HappyUP!!! - meeting
Why it happened - we have meetings
Why it makes me happy - meetings usually don't. We got some things done at this one, however. We accomplished some excellent work....including adapting some of my practices.

HappyUP!!! Day 429

HappyUP!!! - Toastmasters
Why it happened - it's Tuesday
Why it makes me happy - we had two great speeches....and I do mean great. The table topics were especially lively....and funny because the word of the day was, "amorous." People were gut busting.

HappyUP!!! - seeing my boss
Why it happened - he was in town
Why it makes me happy - I learned some things.

HappyUP!!! - a good training session with an employee
Why it happened - I invited him in
Why it makes me happy - he is going to be better at his craft due to this session.