HappyUP!!! Day 814

HappyUP!!! - getting more of the garden in
Why it happened - the golf course is closed on Mondays
Why it makes me happy - only cukes, melons, and some herbs to go and the planting will be over.

HappyUP!!! - my ophthalmologist
Why it happened - I had a scheduled exam
Why it makes me happy - either through Lasik (again) or new glasses, I will be able to see my ball land on the green again! I KNEW something wasn't right. I also found out he is friends with a person significant in my history.

HappyUP!!! - bees
Why it happened - I was gardening
Why it makes me happy - those bees were jammin on my orange tree today. Bees in April means oranges in December! I LOVE bees. Good for gardeners.

JollyJottings

Big Stock Play
Getting more of the garden in
Trip to my ophthalmologist
Brekko
My book
Bees
Heat

HappyUP!!! Day 813

HappyUP!!! - Member-Member Tournament Day 2
Why it happened - it's an annual affair
Why it makes me happy - we all sat down to lunch after two days of golf. Recanting the miscues of the two days and getting on each other is such a guy thing that I don't even need to go into specifics. It is just good times.

HappyUP!!!- a bonus 9 holes
Why it happened - some guys wanted to go back out
Why it makes me happy - we had a few wagers going on which brings on a different kind of pressure. For example, I had a tough chip shot into the last hole. If I was playing by myself or casually with my buddies, I would do my best. This shot had a LOT on the line...and I knew it.
THAT is a HappyUP!!!...to feel that.

HappyUP!!! - playing in the tournament
Why it happened - see above
Why it makes me happy - we were in second place. We were playing with the leaders. We were about even with them...then we screwed up. Then we were clawing our way back within a shot. THAT....the clawing....THAT is what it is about.



JollyJottings

Second shot into 2
Par save on 9
Par save on 9 the second time I played it today

HappyUP!!! Day 812

HappyUP!!! - tournament day
Why it happened - my club puts these on
Why it makes me happy - because everyone tees off at the same time, all the guys are out on the range at the same time and everyone is tossing around the crap...good times.

HappyUP!!! - first hole
Why it happened - you have to start somewhere
Why it makes me happy - my partner was able to find my drive, play it (it was a switch shot format), and we ended up making a birdie from what looked like a shaky start.

HappyUP!!! - invite from a buddy
Why it happened - I'm fun?
Why it makes me happy - I'll have something to do in the near future. Good to have something to look forward to.

HappyUP!!! - washed car
Why it happened - I got off my fanny
Why it makes me happy - the white car sleeps outside. Over the winter, there is not a lot of point in washing it. It got it's first spring hosing yesterday....it will need another one but it was back to near gleaming...which is nice

JollyJottings

Tournament Day
Finding first drive
Birdie on first hole
Four more birdies
Ball striking...wedge on 1...4....5...8...10
Pitch on 14....and 17
Lunch
Hitting balls and helping a buddy
Call and invite from a buddy
Washed car

HappyUP!!! Day 811

HappyUP!!! - an unexpected windfall
Why it happened - I'm not sure
Why it makes me happy - I sold some stock on-line Wednesday after buying it Tuesday. There was some profit there. I thought I had sold it all but, for whatever reason, only 1.9% of the shares that I owned actually sold. I wanted to sell them all. I caught the error today...but the stock had gone up another dollar....winner!

HappyUP!!! - birdie on the first hole
Why it happened - I hit a great third shot
Why it makes me happy - you have heard it before. A great start is always a HappyUP!!! If I had made the birdie putt on 3, I would have been 2 under after three. (The game pretty much went to heck after that but, for a minute, things looked promising).

HappyUP!!! - Eddie joined us
Why it happened - he got to the course as we were making the turn
Why it makes me happy - Eddie is a good guy with a great golf swing. He was a pleasant addition to our twosome today.

HappyUP!!! - weather
Why it happened - it's weather
Why it makes me happy - this was one of, if not THEE, nicest weather day of the year. Upper 70's....nice.

HappyUP!!!Day 810

HappyUP!!! - golf lesson
Why it happened - I went and saw my pro
Why it makes me happy - I had the feeling that the "fix" I was installing into my swing had the potential to make things worse. Rather than ingrain it, I decided to have my man check it out. Man, am I glad I did! He's got me on the right course. I may be playing respectable golf again by the time of my next big tournament qualifier a week from Monday.

HappyUP!!! - tax refund
Why it happened - I filed taxes
Why it makes me happy - I thought I was going to break even. Write a check to the Fed...get a check from the state...transfer dough to cover the one until the refund gets back...etc. NO!!! I am getting a NICE refund back. HappyUP!!!

HappyUP!!! - putting
Why it happened - I played some golf after my lesson
Why it makes me happy - I drained a couple of long ones and made my short ones today...much to the chagrin of the person I was playing against, I am sure. Nah..he's a nice guy. We golfers are OK with someone doing well. Then again, I never like people dropping bombs on me. It's kind of fun when you are on the delivering end of the artillery.



JollyJotting

Range Session
Driving the ball
Holed out a bunker shot
Solid 8 iron into 8
Solid wedge into 9
Nice 7 iron into 4
Tax REFUND
Getting the taxes off
So many nice e-mails thanking me

HappyUP!!! Day 809.....Susan Boyle...Wow!

I am posting this one a little early today - if I have any HappyUP!!! that surpasses the first one that I list here, it will be a tremendous day indeed!

HappyUP!!! - Susan Boyle
Why it happened - Britains Got Talent
Why it makes me happy - yes, this clip is travelling the internet at light speed. Take the 7 minutes it takes to watch this clip.....just do it! Don't give me the "I'll do it later." Do it now! Whatever it is you have to do will be done better for having watched this. If I have to explain why this makes me happy, I have to humbly suggest that you exit the blog and find a counselor.

HappyUP!!! - Tax Day
Why it happened - it's always April 15
Why it makes me happy - some look at this as a day to dread....I look at it as a year where the statute of limitations for being audited dropped off. It's not that I have anything to hide. It's just that it is obvious that you have to pay or file which can get you down. You have to find the bright spots too. It's what HappyingUP!!! is all about.

HappyUP!!! - morning coffee
Why it happened - it's Wednesday
Why it makes me happy - in addition to conversing about the ever interesting Rules and Decisions regarding the Game of Golf, I got the opportunity to assist a person in the coffee shop that was technologically phone challenged. Hey, what is knowledge but to share?

HappyUP!!! Day 808

HappyUP!!! - range session
Why it happened - I'm practicing
Why it makes me happy - I'm getting the "feel" of my new action rather than thinking about it. There is still work to do but I'm tracking

HappyUP!!! - practice 9
Why it happened - a buddy grabbed me
Why it makes me happy - we went out in the wind with the pure intention of just slapping it around and working on our games. No pressure but game-like conditions. I hit some good shots...progress made.

HappyUP!!! - a movie
Why it happened - it was on TV
Why it makes me happy - "The Greatest Game of All" is a very touching story based on the true life of Francis Ouimet...a pioneer in American golf.

HappyUP!!! - guitar banging
Why it happened - I needed it
Why it makes me happy - I picked up a cool new-2-me rhythm riff. It has a cool bluesy feel.

JollyJottings

Range session
Practice 9
Banging the guitar

HappyUP!!! Day 807

HappyUP!!! - shirt off
Why it happened - I was gardening
Why it makes me happy - it felt WONDERFUL to get some sun on my shoulders....it really did. I even got a sweat going as I....

HappyUP!!! - put in the vegetables
Why it happened - it's that time of year
Why it makes me happy - I love the garden right after planting. Plants...lots of dirt....and no weeds. Visions of the bounty that are around the corner. Love it!

HappyUP!!! - beating the market
Why it happened - I was in the right things today
Why it makes me happy - the Dow was down and I was up.....that always gives me a feeling of well being. Yes, tomorrow is another day but I savor the moment.

HappyUP!!! - errands
Why it happened - they were overdue
Why it makes me happy - no issues...point a to point b to point c...all nicely routed on a lovely morning to be driving around



JollyJottings

Breakfast
Light Bulb store
Nursery
Morning

HappyUP!!! Day 806...Masters Sunday

HappyUP!!! - the Masters
Why it happened - it's an annual golf tournament
Why it makes me happy - the Masters rarely fails to deliver an exciting finish on Sunday. Today was no exception with Angel Cabrera coming through and outlasting the competition. Angel is from Argentina. His win goes a bit to take the sting out of Roberto DeVicenzo's epic incorrect scorecard signing back in 1968 for Argentina. The drama was intense today....it's the reason this is the best sporting event of the year to watch.....well, until the next major, of course.

HappyUP!!! - cleaning up the BBQ
Why it happened - I got off my fanny
Why it makes me happy - I have never cleaned the Que stem to stern. I thought there would be a lot more to it. Sure, I could have made it spotless......why? I got the grease out and am now ready for a hard grilling season.

HappyUP!!! - 5 iron on 7
Why it happened - I made a good swing
Why it makes me happy - it was another one that had a chance to be a hole in one. I think my ace is going to have to come this year. I am probably scaring it once a week. At one point, it just has to go in.



JollyJottings

5 iron on 7
4 iron on 8
5 iron on 18
Masters Golf
Ducklings
Call from a friend
Edging and cutting the lawn
Cleaning up the BBQ

HappyUP!!! Day 805

HappyUP!!! - winning a friendly match
Why it happened - I rallied
Why it makes me happy - I was written off for dead in today's match only to come from about 4 shots back.

HappyUP!! - chutting in on 17
Why it happened - I'm a grinder
Why it makes me happy - even though I do it about once a week, I never get tired of knocking it in from off the green. This was especially sweet because I had just gotten a terrible break.

HappyUP!!! - Masters Golf
Why it happened - it's April in Augusta
Why it makes me happy - I'm in there on my pool. Everything is shaping up for a great last round

HappyUP!!! - seeing a friend
Why it happened - we set it up
Why it makes me up - it's great to see freinds and doing a little catching up.

HappyUP!!! - afternoon practice
Why it happened - I got motivated
Why it makes me happy - I'm getting closer with the golf game.

JollyJottings

Winning a friendly match
Playing the last 7 holes 1 under

HappyUP!!! Day 804 - Masters Friday

HappyUP!!! - Masters Pool
Why it happened - my club held one
Why it makes me happy - we had to pick 8 players in the pool. 7 of mine made the cut. When you are playing cumulative prize money won, the more guys playing the weekend you have increases your chances

<----Justin Rose rallied late in the round to make the cut and earn some Masters Pool money for me this weekend

HappyUP!!! - hitting balls
Why it happened - the range opened
Why it makes me happy - I decided I needed to work out some kinks after the Masters. I went to my club but the range was closed. Then....they opened it...HappyUP!!! It took me a bit but I had a pretty productive session on the range....HappyUP!!!

HappyUP!!! - gorgeous afternoon
Why it happened - it's weather
Why it makes me happy - after a day and a half of rain, it was nice to go out and enjoy the late afternoon/early evening outside on the driving range. Just beautiful.

JollyJottings

Masters
Masters Pool
A very lazy cat
A golf invitation
The range opened
Hitting balls
Giving Boz crap
Gorgeous afternoon

HappyUP!!! Day 803 NCGA 4-ball Qualifying

We didn't qualify today - not even close. All in all, I played absolutely horribly. It also began to rain as we were on the first tee....and didn't stop. The greens had just been "punched" so balls that were putted moved around like jumping beans.


(<------ an Easter funny)

....but you didn't come here - to hear me complain. While a disappointment, let's look at the good

HappyUP!!! - sand play
Why it happened - I hit it in the bunkers
Why it makes me happy - I've done some work on this part of my game. I honestly feel that I am going to hit a great bunker shot whenever I am in there. I was in there three times today and everything was good.

HappyUP!!! - seeing CMac at the tournament
Why it happened - he was playing too
Why it makes me happy - CMac is a great guy. I really like running into him. We got to talk a bit. He is a hell of a player

HappyUP!!! - cart cover and heater
Why it happened - my bro gave me a Xmas present
Why it makes me happy - if we didn't have this combo in the rain today, we would have been miserable. Instead, we were toasty warm.

HappyUP!!! - dry socks
Why it happened - I planned ahead
Why it makes me happy - my feet got wet today. Upon completion of the round for the drive home, I put on the dry socks....and it felt great.

JollyJottings

Motrin
Brekko
Anticipation
Seeing Chris
Sand Shot
Chip In
3 Hybrids
Dry Socks

HappyUP!!! Day 802

HappyUP!!! - finding rain gloves and a rain hat
Why it happened - my golf partner suggested it
Why it made me happy - I have to play in a big tournament tomorrow. It is likely we are going to be out there in the rain. Because this is a scratch tournament, it is unlikely they will cancel short of a deluge. I'll be as dry as possible....

<-----and, should I ever decide to rob a convenience store, I'll be looking stylish on the surveillance photos.

HappyUP!!! - cooperative weather today
Why it happened - it's weather
Why it makes me happy - I really wanted to get today's round in. My swing is not quite there but it is coming around. Perhaps tomorrow will be the day it finds it's way back to the stable

HappyUP!!! - stiffing it on 1
Why it happened - I hit two good shots to the right place
Why it makes me happy - our first hole has a bank to it. I not only saw the shot ahead of time but executed right to the place I was aiming at. Did I make the putt? Let's just leave it at the happiness from hitting the shots.

HappyUP!!! - rain and company during the night
Why it happened - it's weather
Why it makes me happy - we need the rain. It was good to hear again...and to have a warm purring cat perched upon me during the storm.

JollyJottings

Coffee
Cooperative weather
Par on 3
Swing getting better
Bantering by text
My new book
Rain during the night
Sleeping cat
Finding rain gear

HappyUP!!! Day 801

HappyUP!!! - a good practice day
Why it happened - been working on new "old" things
Why it makes me happy - my golf game has been off. My golf partner and I have a BIG qualifier on Thursday. Today, I believe that I made a breakthrough. It may be too soon to be in top form on Thursday but, in best ball, some solid form will be good enough. A great day to build on.

HappyUP!!!- brekko for a buck
Why it happened - I stopped at the grocery store
Why it makes me happy - I am not a huge fruit eater. Today, on the way to the course, I grabbed a banana and an apple....for a touch over a buck. I thought, "how lucky I am to be able to obtain such good sustenance so easily and inexpensively."

HappyUP!!! - leftover pizza
Why it happened - I didn't mac it all last night
Why it makes me happy - I was pretty hungry after golf today....what could be better than a couple of slices of delicious pizza? Answer...darn near nothing.

HappyUP!!! - reducing a stock position
Why it happened - the market was down but the stock was up
Why it makes me happy - this is a good stock but I have been waaaaaaaaay overweight in it. It hasn't been smart. Today, I trimmed the position at a recent high mark. The stock even went down a touch after I sold it. I actually hope it keeps going up despite my sale. As said, I was grossly overweight in this puppy. I don't have to worry about that anymore

HappyUP!!! - not buying a stock
Why it happened - the stock started rising
Why it makes me happy - the stock backed off and is upside down in the futures market for tomorrow. There could be a sale on this stock soon....I'll buy it then.

HappyUP!!! - a new book
Why it happened - I was near Barnes & Noble
Why it makes me happy - I am part on the International Positive Psychology Association. One of the main people has a new book out. I have only read about 6 pages but already have one nugget.

JollyJottings

My speech
Toastmasters meeting
Brekko for a buck
Leftover pizza
Calling it a day on the golf course
Getting my swing back
9 iron on 1....driver/hybrid/wedge on 3...4 iron on 4....driver on 6....5 iron on 7...bunker shot on 7....9 iron on 9....driver/8 iron on 11....5 iron on 12....driver on 13
Not buying one stock
Selling another stock position
April showers
Productive errand run

HappyUP!!! Day 800

HappyUP!!! - pizza
Why it happened - I was hungry
Why it makes me happy - I haven't had any pizza in forever. I'm allergic to pizza...makes me break out in fat. Tonight, I decided to have some pizza. FastFreddies is just down the street and was the first time I had their pizza....it works!

HappyUP!!! - getting the info I needed
Why it happened - my accountant called me with a list
Why it makes me happy - I had to make a few calls but I basically retrieved all of the info that I needed in less than an hour....and it was a bit of a list. No nosebleed involved......HappyUP!!!

HappyUP!!! - a Toastmasters recruit
Why it happened - the person found us on the internet
Why it makes me happy - we are always looking for new people. This person is probably going to visit tomorrow.

HappyUP!!! - texting with buddies
Why it happened - I shot a couple of outbounds to peeps I don't talk to much
Why it makes me happy - the banter was priceless

HappyUP!!! - NCAA game
Why it happened - it was the championship
Why it makes me happy - the game itself stunk....but it was something that I, and much of America, had to look forward to today.

HappyUP!!! Day 799

HappyUP!!! - 6 iron into old 1
Why it happened - I hit a great shot after a bad one
Why it makes me happy - I usually hit a wedge into this hole. 6 irons dont yield birdie opportunities that often....this one ended up 5 feet

HappyUP!!! - sushi
Why it happened - a buddy called me for lunch
Why it makes me happy - the sushi at this place is really good....and the rolls are half off. You can't beat that.

HappyUP!!! - weight
Why it happened - I weigh every Sunday
Why it makes me happy - for whatever reason, I dropped 5 pounds this week....how often does that happen? We all have the week where we mysteriously gain 5. I didn't eat that much this week....but I still ate. I'll probably put a couple on this week because of the rapid loss with no effort. In the meantime, I'm down 5 and will celebrate!

JollyJottings

Wedge into old 12...old 15...old 4...old 5
Chutt on old 16...old 11
6 iron into old 1...old 7....old 8
Sushi
Afternoon nap

HappyUP!!! Day 798

HappyUP!!! - winning a small tournament at the club
Why it happened - it was a good group effort
Why it makes me happy - none of us played that well. I didn't think we had a chance. Yet, we all chipped in just enough to have the winning score....go figure!

HappyUP!!! - sand shot
Why it happened - I know how to hit the shot
Why it makes me happy - I had about a 60 yard shot out of a sand shot...one of the tougher shots in golf. I hit it past the pin but the spin from the trap brought it back to the pin....and a birdie.

HappyUP!!! - Community Dinner
Why it happened - it's an annual benefit
Why it makes me happy - I ran into a lot of people that I see every so often at this event. It's kind of like a class reunion for our town.

HappyUP!!! - 9 more holes
Why it happened - some of the guys wanted to go
Why it makes me happy - I didn't play that well.....but the competition was excellent. It even uncovered a few nerves due to the extremely fast greens we are putting on. It's good to get those nerves tested as prep for tournament play coming up.

HappyUP!!! Day 797

HappyUP!!! - breaking even
Why it happened - I managed the last hole
Why it makes me happy - I played like a dog in the extreme wind today. On the last hole, one of my golfing chums doubled the bets he was down. We both got bad breaks off the tee. I played it safe...he went for it....and paid the price. I was able to take the winnings from him today and pair it off on my other losses to the dollar and break dead even today. When you play like I did and don't lose money, HappyUP!!! The cool thing was that, even playing it safe, I still gave myself a reasonable chance to make a par.

HappyUP!!! - stock market
Why it happened - c'mon...it's the stock market...who knows?
Why it makes me happy - first, any day the market is up is a HappyUP!!! Second, I threw some new money at a new stock the other day. It's up about 10% in two days with 8% coming today. While the profit isn't locked in (yet), it's good to be up!

HappyUP!!! - dinner with a buddy
Why it happened - we set it up
Why it makes me happy - the food was great....fresh Chilean Sea Bass. The conversation was even better.

JollyJottings

Chutt in
Pitch shots into old 17...and making the putt on one of them
Up and down from the edge of the lake
3 hybrids on the third 9.....and two great cut three woods
Breakfast
2 putt.....using the chutting club first....from 110 feet

HappyUP!!! Day 796

HappyUP!!!- chutted for birdie
Why it happened - I hit the perfect shot
Why it makes me happy - I was playing against a really good player. He had it in close for a gimmie birdie. He figured he would win the hole when I was off the green and up on a hill. I used my hybrid to roll the ball....it's not a putt and not a chip so I call it a chutt. On it's dying roll, the ball fell in. He was stunned.....that's FUN!

HappyUP!!! - call/text from a bud
Why it happened - who knows
Why it makes me happy - we'll probably end up getting together pretty soon. It was great to hear a few stories since the last time we spoke.

HappyUP!!! - 36 holes in glorious weather
Why it happened - we just kept playing
Why it makes me happy - I'm not playing well but the competition is good. You can hit a lot of range balls but you have to figure it out on the course. I could go either way....I am either getting ready to play worse or breakthrough to play better. While I fear that I am slumping a bit, I think I may have figured a few things out.

HappyUP!!! - 6 irons
Why it happened - I hit good drives on one hole both times I played it
Why it makes me happy - I knocked them both to about 10 feet on a hole that can be a challenge for me....birdied it once and parred the other time.

HappyUP!!! - stock market trade
Why it happened - I got lucky
Why it makes me happy - I was waaay down on this one a couple of days ago....so I bought some more. The whole thing turned around and I sold it today....right at it's peak. It dove right after I sold it....how often does that happen? It's a good stock so I may be in there buying it again tomorrow.

JollyJottings

Text/Call from my friend
Got out of a trade...at the top
Great day in the stock market
Chutted in a birdie
Great 6 iron for birdie...and another one on the second 18
2 Great wedges for birdies
Excitement on the last hole....twice

HappyUP!!! Day 795...More Wind

HappyUP!!! - seeing my attorney
Why it happened - I needed to do some trust work
Why it makes me happy - it's really a responsible thing to get the affairs in order...plus, my attorney is a long time friend.

HappyUP!!! - talking with the Squirrel
Why it happened - he saw me after my round
Why it makes me happy - he's a good guy...better player than me. He asked me how I did today and really meant it. That was a wake up call. A lot of time, we ask as a courtesy. I could tell he meant it and I liked it. I need to do that more often.

HappyUP!!! - finding Shadow...again
Why it happened - she was MIA last night and this morning
Why it makes me happy - now that I really lost her and found her, this was going to be worse to lose her this time. I'm glad she came waltzing into the backyard when I was out there this afternoon.

JollyJottings

Talking with the Squirrel
Seeing my attorney
Finding Shadow...again
Playing with Logan
E-mail with my friend
Wedge on 4
3 wood on 5...wedge on 5
Putt on 6
Chutt on 7
Sandshot on 11
Flop on 12
Sandshot on 15
9 iron on 16
Putt on 17

HappyUP!!! Day 794

HappyUP!!! - new posture
Why it happened - I saw something on the Golf Channel
Why it makes me happy - my driver has been letting me down. I tried standing taller through the shot to keep my knees from sliding. This eliminated the ball from going right. I may have hit it a little shorter but almost every drive had a lower ball flight that was straight as a string. Promising.

HappyUP!!! - wedge into 13
Why it happened - I took some off the 52
Why it makes me happy - the guy I was playing for a few bucks is a pretty good wedge player. He was sitting in the cart up close watching the shot. I know it impressed him. Great distance control.

HappyUP!!! - picking up the envelope
Why it happened - I won those skins on Sunday
Why it makes me happy - the assistant pro said, "oh yeah...you got an envelope. There were only six skins out....and you got three of them!" Cha-ching!

HappyUP!!! - planted some seeds
Why it happened - I had the soil ready
Why it makes me happy - it is the official beginning to planting season. In two weeks, all the plants go in. Spring has sprung!

HappyUP!!! Day 793

HappyUP!!! - a picture with the goods
Why it happened - someone sent this to me

<-----Winner! Why it makes me happy - sure, it reminded me that I had won a speech contest but that wasn't it. It was the organizer who is putting an event together that I have been invited to be the guest speaker at. She wanted my permission for the program/promo material. How often do you get your picture in promotional material (that someone else created...not your own stuff)? HappyUP!!! HappyUP!!! - my buddy in AZ
Why it happened - my buddy called
Why it makes me happy - my friend is a crackup. I heard all about an eventful weekend. It sounded like a helluva lot of fun!

HappyUP!!!- grass germination
Why it happened - I planted it
Why it makes me happy - I have worn holes chipping in my backyard. Two weeks ago, I did some re-soiling, re-seeding. The grass seed was supposed to germinate in 7-10 days. I was seeing a whole bunch of nothing. The chipping range has been closed....and no new growth. Today, it looks like the seed is taking.

JollyJottings

Call from JW
Garbage service
The guy that takes my coffee money....Confidentiality St
Grass germination
Calling Sprint
Getting Things Done
Working on Speech
Flowers in Front
A clean kitchen
Clean Sheets

The Honey Bucket of Luuuuuuuv

OK...I am going to lose some of you today - but, remember I just said that so make a little extra effort to go with me on this one.

I am a firm believer - that our lives are shaped by how we think. The more we use our imagination, the more that we can change things.

Few people imagine - things as they are. If they do, one could make a case that they really aren't using imagination.....but now we get into semantics. You know what I am talking about.

Next time you are in a restaurant - coffee line, grocery line, etc and you notice a fairly disagreeable person....someone that is just radiating a bad vibe.....I have a little trick for you.

Picture that there is a warm bucket of honey - right over their head....and tip it over...warmly dripping upon them. This isn't punishment to make them look silly like the old pie in the face gag. Just watch that syrupy, warm substance slowly cover them.

Warm, pure honey - ....a visual representation of love. Let it wash down over them. Allow yourself to react to the new picture that you see.

Without getting to "woo woo" on you - I have actually seen the person's demeanor change. Really!

Did they really change?....or did I?...or did both of us? - does it really matter?

The Honey Bucket of Love - give it a try on someone at random. Make note of what happens to you inside. Fun stuff!

IMMEDIATE ACTION - write down "Honey Bucket of Love" in your journal, a post it, somewhere....otherwise you will NEVER try this.

EXTRA Credit - do it with someone that you know...you'll start smiling or cracking up. Tell them that you thought they were looking a bit out of sorts and tell them what you just did.

HappyUP!!! Day 792...EagleUP!!!...AGAIN

b


HappyUP!!! - near ace

Why it happened - I hit a perfect...well, near perfect...7 iron

Why it makes me happy - when they get this close to being a hole in one, there is a part of you that isn't happy. Then you have to say, "I can tap that in for one of the easiest birdies I have ever had." It really exemplifies what the HappyUP!!! process is all about. Yeah, it would have been nice if it had gone in. The fact is that I hit a great shot...let's focus on that and let the ace come on another day.


HappyUP!!! - another eagle

Why it happened - I hit three solid shots

Why it makes me happy - if a birdie makes you happy, what do you think an eagle does? This one wasn't as dramatic as yesterday's when I holed out the 7 iron from 160. This was more traditional. I hit close to the par 5 and then chipped in the third shot....but it was a great chip. Nothing cheap in this eagle at all.

HappyUP!!! - opening birdie

Why it happened - I made a looooooooong breaking putt

Why it makes me happy - it's great to get out of the box in a big way. Love to make birdie on one.

HappyUP!!! - three skins

Why it happened - see the above three holes

Why it makes me happy - I didn't get a single skin yesterday.....not even for the eagle that I made. I got paid back in spades today....very profitable. Profitability always shoots me up with some happiness.

HappyUP!!! - playing with Jack

Why it happened - he needed a game

Why it makes me happy - Jack is a good guy. We don't play with him very often so it was enjoyable to hang out in the wind on the golf course today.

HappyUP!!! - watching Tiger

Why it happened - it was too windy to go outside

Why it makes me happy - I wasn't rooting for Tiger in today's PGA tournament. He'll win his major championships. I like to see other guys get a lift when they beat him....which isn't very often. I always root for the underdog. Today, though, he had a 18-20 footer on the last hole to win the tournament. Before he even takes the putter back, everyone KNOWS he is going to make the putt. It's incredible.

JollyJottings

Birdie....the first hole
Birdie...fourth hole
Eagle...sixth hole
8 iron..7th hole
Hybrid off cart path
Wedge ....10th
6 iron 11th
7 iron 12th
9 iron 13th
3 wood 14th
Drive on 18th
Three skins

HappyUP!!! Day 791....EagleUP!!!

HappyUP!!! - an eagle on a par four
Why it happened - I struck the perfect gripped down 7 iron
Why it makes me happy - there are good shots...great shots....and, every once in awhile, the perfect shot. I fired this one into the cup today from about 160 yards. I hit it pure, it never left the line of the pin in the air, took a hop, a little roll and disappeared. The Boz was right there to witness the entire thing. It also should be a skin...meaning $.



<----you have to be a conscientious golfer and fix your ball mark.

HappyUP!!! - a solid score
Why it happened - the game is coming back
Why it makes me happy - I still have a little flaw in my swing but it's small, consistent, and fixable. I could have scored much better today but I like how things are tracking for all important April.

HappyUP!!! - a visit to my accountant
Why it happened - it's tax time.
Why it makes me happy - I think I am going to break even this year. In most years, I have a pretty good idea of what things will look like before I go. Today, I had no idea. This is my first year of being retired so anything was possible.

<----that ballmark was right on line. It's a good thing I don't hit the ball with a lot of backspin! At the moment this photo was taken, the precious treasure at the bottom of the cup had not been recovered.



JollyJottings

Talking with my friend through crisis
Texting with my buddy...who is in Hawaii
Found 16 bucks in a pair of jeans
Gorgeous weather

HappyUP!!! Day 790

HappyUP!!! - taking a friend to the airport
Why it happened - my friend needed a ride
Why it makes me happy - it's not a huge favor or anything....but it makes me feel good to help someone. The drive was great. Traffic could have been a lot worse. It also reminded me that I have not been on a plane in well over a year....not sure whether that is a good thing or a bad thing.

HappyUP!!! - cut lawn
Why it happened - I got motivated
Why it makes me happy - I will be driving up to my freshly cut and watered lawn both days this weekend. That's a pleasing sight. Who knows, I may start cutting more than once a week.

HappyUP!!! - golf game is improve
Why it happened - I went back to a swing key my pro taught me
Why it makes me happy - for the last couple of weeks, things were slipping away. Yesterday was a low point on the front 9. While I am still not where I want to be, this would be a great time to start picking up my game. I think I have what I need to build on. Two big qualifiers coming up in April

HappyUP!!! - birdies
Why it happened - talent?
Why it makes me happy - a birdie is a HappyUP!!! I birdied the first hole which is a superHappyUP!!! I also drilled a 5 iron into the 16th hole I played...and I mean drilled...to within 6 feet and center cut the putt.

JollyJottings

Friend to airport
Watering
Yesterday stock trade
Birdie on one
Chutt on third
Bunker shot on fourth
Putt on fifth...seventh...eighth....11th...
Chip on 10
Chutt on 7th...11th...17th
5 iron on 16...putt on 16...birdie
Cut lawn on Friday night

HappyUP!!! Day 789

HappyUP!!! - a good back 9
Why it happened - I THINK I figured out my game
Why it makes me happy - I played the worst front 9 since I started back golfing. I almost threw in the towel and went to the range. Hopefully, things are back on track.

<-----why do girls wear things like this? I was trained not to look. I am doubting that dad gave this one approval. I did find out one thing...I am a slow reader. Thank goodness I don't read by Braille!


HappyUP!!! - mentoring
Why it happened - I am part of the team
Why it makes me happy - it is really cool seeing this new Toastmasters Club come together...just awesome. They are progressing VERY quickly. Good peeps.

HappyUP!!! - convertible driving
Why it happened - gorgeous weather
Why it makes me happy - this is the perfect top down weather....absolutely awesome.

HappyUP!!! 788

HappyUP!!! - bunker shot on 8
Why it happened - I'm good?
Why it makes me happy - when you execute an awkward, tough shot perfectly, it's a happyUP!!! I came within inches of holing this bunker shot out.

<----the world's best ice cream... available at TraderJoes. If you like coffee ice cream, this is THE BOMB HappyUP!!! - the stock market
Why it happened - I went a lot into cash last fall.
Why it makes me happy - on the funds that I manage, I am actually ahead for the year....as of today. Yes, it has been a beating since last year but you have to win when you can. I have kept about 60% in cash since the fall. I have made a couple of shrewd trades. Just trying to work back to even from last year.

HappyUP!!! - seeing my friend
Why it happened - my friend was walking the dog
Why it makes me happy - my buddy is going to get the jacuzzi fixed. My friend has a house not far from the course and that tub could come in handy. More importantly, it's good to see friends.

HappyUP!!! - playing with the tour pro
Why it happened - he needed a game
Why it makes me happy - it's always good to play with great players. You pick up things. A little thing like putting the weight on one foot versus the other on a short shot can give you two different shots. I'll be playing with this idea.

HappyUP!!! - coffee with my buddy
Why it happened - it's Wednesday
Why it makes me happy - we had a lot of fun with the "Please use other door" sign and the human behavior around that.

JollyJottings

Portfolio up for the year
Putt on 9....bunker shot on 8...pitch on 5.....5 iron on 4.....6 iron on 16....bunker shot 17...putt on 17
Chatting with my friend
Seeing my buddy
Playing with the tour pro
Playing with a new guy

HappyUP!!! Day 787

HappyUP!!! - clutch putt
Why it happened - I watched the putt before mine
Why it makes me happy - I think rolling in that 8 foot breaker on the final hole probably saved me about 25 bucks! It's a great feeling when you come through when the pressure is on

HappyUP!!! - out of the pond
Why it happened - I hit it into the pond
Why it makes me happy - a lot of guys wouldn't take the shoes off and knock the ball out of the muck. I did.....and got it on the green....and made my par. I even got applause from the group in front of us.

HappyUP!!! - Toastmasters
Why it happened - it was an "on" Tuesday
Why it makes me happy - just meeting with the members and having a new member move through the program gives me great enjoyment.


JollyJottings

Toastmasters
Laying up and birdie
Hitting it out of the lake
Selling out a position
Par on 12
5 iron on 13
Par on 17
Par on 9

HappyUP!!! Day 786...Hosewater

HappyUP!!! - hosewater
Why it happened - I was gardening
Why it makes me happy - I was thirsty. Every time I drink hosewater, I think of that taste...and all of the people that won't even drink tapwater. I'm still alive and have been drinking hosewater whenever I was thirsty and the hose was nearby.

NOTE: when drinking hosewater, always give your friend the first hot drink of it. Good fun!

HappyUP!!! - stock trade
Why it happened - I couldn't resist taking some risk
Why it makes me happy - the stock opened way up but I bought it anyway. I was going to let it go up another 20-30 cents and dump it for a quick profit...but it went down. I left to do other things....and the stock skyrocketed up $1.83 from where I bought it. I'll get out of it tomorrow so I may not get the entire gain but I will get something. After so many long term losses, short term wins are a HappyUP!!!.....

HappyUP!!! - De-thatching
Why it happened - I bought a tool
Why it makes me happy - ever dethatched a lawn? Me neither....and I'll pay for it tomorrow, I am sure. It's a little brutal. But, I am happy that I got the backyard done. My back lawn isn't very big but I FILLED my garbage can with thatch. There is no question that my lawn will be healthier. We'll see if I am up to tackling the front tomorrow.

JollyJottings

Breakfast
Text/E-mail

HapppyUP!!! Day 785

HappyUP!!! - found my phone
Why it happened - I left it at my house
Why it makes me happy - I went to make a call when I left the golf course...no phone. I always have my phone. I temporarily lost it on the golf course before. As I drove home, I went, "I hope it is there." It was.....and I had a spark of happiness.

HappyUP!!! - 13 days in a row of golf
Why it happened - I go
Why it makes me happy - I played terrible today...just terrible. No snap...no nothing. Terrible score. With no tournaments and no wagers going on, I just enjoyed the weather and the day out. It's not easy to do that when you are playing badly. I'm happy I realized that it was just time to take a break.

HappyUP!!! - cutting the lawn
Why it happened - I snuck it in
Why it makes me happy - c'mon...who doesn't love a cut lawn....especially when it was a bit overdue. Hey...it rained yesterday....I got it done!

JollyJottings

Found my phone
13 days in a row of golf done - kept attitude up when at low ebb
Beautiful weather on the back 9
Cutting the lawn

HappyUP!!! Day 784

HappyUP!!! - won the tournament
Why it happened - I played well....my partner played better
Why it makes me happy - my partner tore it up...it was a joy to watch....and benefit from. We now move on to the NEXT level of competition in the NCGA. This is the second qualifier we have won at our club.

HappyUP!!! - NCAA Tournament
Why it happened - it's March
Why it makes me happy - I saw pieces of two EXCITING games....what cliffhangers! I really didn't know anything about the teams...didn't matter. The college basketball tourney is the best.

HappyUP!!! - beating Laff
Why it happened - he bet me
Why it makes me happy - I got my ten bucks back that I lost to him yesterday!

HappyUP!!! - a couple of birdies
Why it happened - I played some smart golf
Why it makes me happy - these were just very well thought out and executed strategy birdies. They weren't just "slap it at the hole and see what happened."

HappyUP!!! Day 783

HappyUP!!! - 6 iron into 16
Why it happened - I made a great swing
Why it makes me happy - I knocked this ball up high and hard with a little fade. It settled just 4 feet from the pin. I made a birdie at a critical time in my match. It was a perfect shot.

HappyUP!!! - 7 iron on 7
Why it happened - I made another great swing
Why it makes me happy - it was my first birdie of the day....at a time I needed one. It was perfectly hit with a little draw to within 10 feet of the cup. The putt I hit was MONEY.

HappyUP!!! - drive on 18
Why it happened - I concentrated and executed
Why it makes me happy - all the dough was on the line. My opponent had already put it deep in the middle of the fairway on this demanding driving hole. I went to the left side of the tee...took a line up the left side....held my hands to avoid driving it into the lake left...and busted it farther down the fairway in perfect position. It also gave me another shot to work on tomorrow.

HappyUP!!! - texts and phone calls
Why it happened - I have friends
Why it makes me happy - I have so much fun just playing and chatting with my friends when I can't see them that it should be illegal.

HappyUP!!! - speaking engagement
Why it happened - I was invited
Why it makes me happy - a Toastmasters Club is having an open house at the end of next month. These Toastmasters could have had their own speaker talk but they have seen me and gave me an invitation....that's an honor for sure!

JollyJottings

Texting w/my friend
Phone call from another friend
Hitting balls

Happiness and the ThreePenny Opera

Aye, race for happiness
But don't you race too fast
When all start chasing happiness
Happiness comes in last

700 and something days - of HappyUP!!!s. Is that how many I have to do?

I get that question in some form or another - when I am out talking about HappyUP!!!s.

Who knows how many it takes - does it matter?

All I know - is that the longer I stay at this process, the more ingrained the daily habit of looking for the good things becomes. As that habit becomes ingrained, it leaves less room for the setbacks, upsets, and tragedies to occupy.

Oh, the unfortunate things - still get the amount of time they deserve.....they just don't get any more than that.

HappyUP!!! Day 782...TweetUP!!!

HappyUP!!! - SacTweetUP
Why it happened - my friends put it on
Why it makes me happy - this is an interesting group. It is putting physical presence into social networking. I met some fine folks as well as mingled with a couple of friends. There are some neat things going on in this burgeoning community.

HappyUP!!! - a great trade
Why it happened - it was time to sell
Why it makes me happy - I was up on a stock trade. As the stock fell, I almost bailed....then, I saw the stock recovering. It went up about 80 cents a share from where I was going to sell it. I sold at the higher price.....and the stock went back down. Who knows what will happen from here but that 80 cents times the number of shares I sold was significant.

HappyUP!!! - call from my buddy
Why it happened - we had played tag a couple of days ago
Why it makes me happy - this is a good friend that I hadn't talked to in awhile. I got the call while my friend commuted.

HappyUP!!! - an unknown skin
Why it happened - I played in the skins game last Sunday at my golf club
Why it makes me happy - I actually won a skin and got my money back from Sunday....it's not required but it's always fun to recoup your entry fee.

JollyJottings

Held off on a trade
Cleaning up some paperwork
Early morning practice round
Call from SC
Seeing V
Winning a skin last Sunday
Weather

HappyUP!!! Day 781

HappyUP!!! - golfing with the assistant pro and a good player
Why it happened - the pro set it up
Why it makes me happy - when I play with good players, I always think differently...and better. It's not pressure. It's a weird thing...perhaps it kicks up the competitiveness and the concentration. Plus, you learn things....especially...

HappyUP!!! - a couple of tips from the assistant
Why it happened - he was my partner so I asked him
Why it makes me happy - my swing is close but it's not quite there. He told me something late in the round that I am going to work on tomorrow. I think it is exactly what the doctor ordered. He also gave me a fairway bunker tip.

HappyUP!!! - three birdies
Why it happened - I am doing better
Why it makes me happy - I don't hit it that far. This makes birdies a little tougher to get. I had more in the group than anyone today. Two of them were "kick ins." Kick ins are nice...especially on the first hole. It's great to get off to a hot start.

HappyUP!!! - sleeping with Shadow
Why it happened - I found her last weekend
Why it makes me happy - I went to sleep with her between my legs on the bed. When I woke up, she was still right there. With any luck, Shadow will be with me a long time....she is a good, good kitty.

JollyJottings

Sleeping with Shadow
Big Skins Game
Rolling some dice
Three birdies
Starting with a birdie
Two kick in birdies
Hitting it out of the water
Hybrid on 2
5 iron on 4
4 iron on 8

HappyUP!!! Day 780

HappyUP!!! - good chipping session
Why it happened - I went out to the course early
Why it makes me happy - it was very productive. I made much more consistent contact and felt I was more in control of the egg.

HappyUP!!! - golf with T, Squirrel, and Jimmy
Why it happened - they needed a fourth
Why it makes me happy - I don't always play with these guys and they are solid players. We went 27 holes and I broke even....and enjoyed good fellowship

HappyUP!!! - two birdies
Why it happened - it's happening more and more
Why it makes me happy - you have to make birdies to score. Both the birdies are on par 5's where is where at least one should always come from. I had wedge into three of them and, had it not be for a bad break, would have been that close on the fourth.

HappyUP!!! - stock market
Why it happened - c'mon...
Why it makes me happy - like everyone else, I have lost a ton. It's great to keep having days when you feel like some wealth is being restored.

HappyUP!!! - sleep
Why it happened - no alarm clock
Why it makes me happy - I got a good 7, maybe 8, hours in. My doc says sleep is medicine.

JollyJottings

Chatting with V
Good chipping session
A game with T, Squirrel & Jimmy
Two birdies
Winning the skins game
Stock Market

HappyUP!!! Day 779

HappyUP!!! - meeting with my financial guy
Why it happened - I made the appointment
Why it makes me happy - I got some new insight into the carnage that has taken place. Things are still going to work out.

HappyUP!!! - driving to Cold Springs
Why it happened - I had a golf outing
Why it makes me happy - top down....the Sierra Foothills....cloudy day....streams...deer....beautiful

HappyUP!!! - teeing it up in a fun tournament
Why it happened - I had to fill in
Why it makes me happy - I played a course that I had never played. We didn't play that well as a team but I hit some good shots...not as many as I should...but it's OK. It's all a learning experience.

HappyUP!!! - e-mails from friends
Why it happened - I keep some good friends....and engaging e-mails...going
Why it makes me happy - it's good to come home and have something entertaining sitting on the computer.

JollyJottings

Brekko
Meeting with financial guy
Driving to Cold Springs
Teeing it up in a fun tournament
E-mail from S

HappyUP!!! Day 778

HappyUP!!! - Shadow's Home
Why it happened - I found her yesterday
Why it makes me happy - that's my legs and my hand.....engulfed by a happy kitty. Do you think she is purring?

HappyUP!!! - Seeing the Master Gardener
Why it happened - I went to the nursery
Why it makes me happy - he's a hoot. Plus he gave me some more tips. I also found out he's a golfer.....which furthers our bond and commonality.

HappyUP!!! - three birdies
Why it happened - I had it going on the front 9
Why it makes me happy - at the time, I thought for sure I would get a fourth...fifth...or sixth birdie. One more would have set a record for me. It never happened...but I still put three birdies on the card....AND a lot of quality shots despite a high score.

JollyJottings

Patching the lawn
Seeing Wayne the master gardener
Talking with my friend on the phone
Shooting 37 on the front nine with two double bogeys
3 Birdies on the front 9
5 iron into 2
Wedge into 6
5 iron into 7
Wedge into 8
4 iron into 9
Hybrid into 10
5 iron into 12
8 iron into 13
3 shots on 14
4 iron into 16

HappyUP!!! Day 777....Wipeout!!!

HappyUP!!! - the accident scene

<---------Funny! Why it happened - someone wasn't paying good attention to their equipment Why it makes me happy - that someone wasn't me! Therefore, after walking off the 18th green today, this is the sight that I saw....and it was pretty funny! Boz let things get a bit out of control. HappyUP!!! - Shadow returns
Why it happened - I heard a cat crying
Why it makes me happy - my young cat, Shadow, had been missing for days. I had written her off. It turns out she had gotten herself trapped in a neighbor's outbuilding....until I rescued her today.

HappyUP!!! - three birdies
Why it happened - I have some skills
Why it makes me happy - one of the birdies led to a skin today....chaching. Another one occurred when I holed out from a bunker.

HappyUP!!! - dinner
Why it happened - I was meeting a buddy
Why it makes me happy - great food and great conversation with someone I don't get to see very often is always good for good times....and a HappyUP!!!

JollyJottings

3 birdies
Holing a bunker shot
Skin
Finding Balls
Another solid score on an off day....that easily could have been 5 shots better without hitting the ball any better
Kind e-mails on facebook
Seeing my buddy VL

HappyUP!!! Day 776

HappyUP!!! - Toastmasters Area Speech Contest
Why it happened - I was representing our club
Why it makes me happy - we had almost all of our members there for support. We even had an old member there helping out and it was great to see TR again. The program lasted two hours so it ran OK time wise. The venue was great. And as an additional...

HappyUP!!! - I was fortunate enough to win
Why it happened - my speech was more topical and I have a little more experience
Why it makes me happy - I move on to the Divisional contest now. I have been to this level so many times over my 20+ year Toastmasters career that it is not even funny...but I have never won that level. I'd like to win that level just to get to compete on the BIG STAGE at the District Conference. While I am still in the running to become the World Champion of Public Speaking, we'll take it one step at a time and see if I can crack the next elusive barrier.

HappyUP!!! - golfing
Why it happened - uh...yawn...I do it everyday
Why it makes me happy - I got to play with GS...the Squirrel today in addition to my regular golfing partner. My score was off as was my game but more progress was made. There were a few silly mistakes so I could have shot a very good score on a day when I didn't hit it very well. THAT is the next level. I'm getting there.


JollyJottings

Golfin with Squirrel
Golfing fast
Another perfect weather day
Up and down on the first two holes
Birdie
Seeing my old friend TR at the speech contest
Getting supported at the contest
Winning the contest

HappyUP!!! Day 775

HappyUP!!! - a straight driver
Why it happened - I kept it at 80%
Why it makes me happy - sometimes less is more. It's a lot easier to play golf from the fairway.

HappyUP!!! - a good round of golf
Why it happened - I didn't beat myself
Why it makes me happy - golf is a fickle mistress. You think you have her one day and the next, she is gone. The upside is that I didn't hit the ball nearly as good as I can. The straight driver definitely helped, no three putts, and no double bogeys.

HappyUP!!! - stock market
Why it happened - c'mon...it's the stock market
Why it makes me happy - this is three days in a row the market has improved. We could all use an extended rally.

HappyUP!!! - brekko
Why it happened - my friend called me
Why it makes me happy - good food and conversation will always do it.

JollyJottings

brekko
stock market
one particular pair off trade
picture from my friend
facebook update from PW

HappyUP!!! Day 774

HappyUP!!! - birthday dinner
Why it happened - my nephew turned 26
Why it makes me happy - I saw both nephews and my niece. I saw M&P. The food was delicious. I ate way too much. Good family times

HappyUP!!! - an epic golf match
Why it happened - Wah called and joined R and I
Why it makes me happy - we had a little wager on who would have the low score. I trailed all day...by as many as 4 shots. I came on in the stretch and lipped out a birdie putt on 17. I then had a 12 footer to win the match on 18 and lipped it out. We all three ended up with the exact same score and decided to continue the match tomorrow.

HappyUP!!! - weather
Why it happened - I live in Nor Cal
Why it makes me happy - the weather could not have been more perfect for this time of the year. Mid 60's with a hint of a breeze. I was wearing my shorts and just soaking it in.



JollyJottings

Birthday dinner
Seeing M & P
Seeing my nephews and niece
Gorgeous golfing weather
Golfing with Wah
An Epic Golf match
7 iron into 17
Driver...hybrid on 14
Sand shot on 13
5 iron on 2....5 iron on 5....4 iron on 8

HappyUP!!! Day 773

HappyUP!!! - stock market
Why it happened - we were overdue?
Why it makes me happy - it's just good to get a substantial win in once in awhile. I'm in for the long run but it doesn't help when the great days are so far between. Today....we rejoice.

HappyUP!!! - Toastmasters speech contest
Why it happened - I put a speech together
Why it makes me happy - I wasn't going to enter because I didn't think I had something "with the legs" to get through the different levels of competition. Then, last night, "that thing" in me started to click. The speech isn't perfect but it has more potential than I thought...it is very timely.

HappyUP!!! - new Toastmasters
Why it happened - they stepped up
Why it makes me happy - one new member had only given one evaluation....and he won the contest today. He did a GREAT job. Another new member gave his icebreaker and, whoa!, he was powerful....I didn't see that coming. It was a great speech.

HappyUP!!! - birdie on 2
Why it happened - I hit a great shot and a super putt
Why it makes me happy - I was one under through 3 holes and I hit it close on 4. I have not been 2 under on my golf course. Unfortunately, I missed the birdie putt....and the par putt coming back. I ended up playing like a dog but, for a few moments, I thought today might be the day. I may have been "out of the moment" for a bit. Keep learning.

HappyUP!!! - running into V
Why it happened - V was out at the course walking the dog
Why it makes me happy - V just moved out by the golf course I play at. It's always great running into this person.

JollyJottings

Toastmasters J
Toastmasters contest
Toastmasters evaluation
Birdie on 2
5 iron on 4....5 iron on 5...driver/hybrid on 6...pitch on 12....8 iron on 15
Running into V
Golfing with P and SC

HappyUP!!! Day 772...2nd March Monday

HappyUP!!! - beating the guitar
Why it happened - needed a lil late night pick me up
Why it makes me happy - I am a chord banger...with a manufactured voice. I went through a set tonight at home...and went to another place...ahhhh.

HappyUP!!! - wrote my speech
Why it happened - I have to give it tomorrow
Why it makes me happy - it's all about happiness and it is pretty good. I don't know why but the creative juices always come upon me at the last minute

HappyUP!!! - call from my friend
Why it happened - my friend got done moving
Why it makes me happy - it sounds like the move went well....and I am sure I'll get a dinner out of the deal at some point! My friend was one happy person and it's always good to hear happiness in someone's voice



JollyJottings

Cooing
Chipping
Sunshine
Breakfast
Reading
Getting my speech done
Call from my friend, V

HappyUP!!! Day 771

HappyUP!!! - new wedge
Why it happened - I left my old one at home
Why it makes me happy - I was needing a new wedge so it was convenient that the pro shop had a good one in stock.....and that baby flat out spins the golf ball. The grooves on the new wedge are much more conducive to spinning and controlling the ball.

HappyUP!!! - golf shots
Why it happened - I played a solid round
Why it makes me happy - I hit a lot of gems today...I hope that I never get to the point that I don't appreciate a good shot. It's joy when that ball leaves the club face perfectly and starts hunting the pin.

HappyUP!!! - dinner
Why it happened - my buddy and I set it up
Why it makes me happy - I hadn't seen this friend in a long time. It was great to get caught up and learn some things that I didn't know....and a lot of laughs too!

JollyJottings

Time change
Good sleep
Solid round of golf
New Wedge
Birdie on 15
Par on 17
6 iron on 18
5 iron on 3
9 iron on 4
6 iron on 6
Dinner
Driving

HappyUP!!! Day 770 - Member/Guest Day

HappyUP!!! - first place
Why it happened - my partner played some good golf
Why it makes me happy - what can be better than playing in a golf tournament with your brother and taking in first place? HappyUP!!! I played a good round of golf too so it was a NUTTER great round of golf!

HappyUP!!! - three birdies
Why it happened - hit some shots...made some putts
Why it makes me happy - 1 birdie is a HappyUP!!! but three starts to go exponential...barely missed a 6 footer for the fourth which would be the most I have ever had at my home course.

HappyUP!!! - lunch
Why it happened - it was part of the tournament
Why it makes me happy - ribs...corn on the cob.....eaten outdoors under a 64 degree sun....with the backdrop of the golf course and with good company.....life is pretty sweet sometimes.

HappyUP!!! - texting
Why it happened - I have friends
Why it makes me happy - we'll be getting together soon as a product of the texts....breaking bread with friends is a number one HappyUP!!!

HappyUP!!! Day 769

HappyUP!!! - breakfast with friend
Why it happened - my friend called me
Why it makes me happy - it was good to be looked for advice...and get info on what is happening in the business world

HappyUP!!! - golf with W and Manz
Why it happened - they made the game
Why it makes me happy - these are some guys we don't get to play with that often...good guys

HappyUP!!! - won 5 bucks
Why it happened - I got off my butt
Why it makes me happy - I played like crap until I went one under on the last 4 holes. Up until then, I was a load on my partner

HappyUP!!! - birdie on 17
Why it happened - we needed it
Why it makes me happy - it's good to rise to the occasion


JollyJottings

Breakfast with my friend
Golfing with W and Manz
3 shots on 3
Wedge /putt on 5
9 iron on 6...7 iron on 8....bunker shot on 11...7 iron on 12...chip on 13...pitch on 15...5 iron on 16 9 iron on 17/putt.....par on 18
Winning 5 bucks
Beautiful afternoon
Stock trade working a little

HappyUP!!! Day 768

HappyUP!!! - chipping contest/practice with my friend
Why it happened - he called me
Why it makes me happy - he had a little better game than I thought. I give him golf pointers from time to time. I thought today would be a short game lesson but he was fine. Just fun friendly competition

<----glad it didn't look like this out my front door today. This was Monday!



HappyUP!!! - first guy out
Why it happened - I decided to dash in 18
Why it makes me happy - taking two hours to play 18 holes without waiting is it! While my golf course doesn't have a ton of trees, it has lakes with water fowl and is just very pretty.

HappyUP!!! - good score without hitting it great
Why it happened - pitching, chipping, sand play, and some putting
Why it makes me happy - the key to golf is to do OK on days when you aren't hitting a lot of greens. I only hit 8 greens...my golf course is 7000 yards, it's wet, and it was cool this morning. For me, that adds up to missing greens. If I can still make the pars in those conditions, it will serve me well later when I'm hitting more greens when it warms up.

HappyUP!!!

JollyJottings

Golfing in 2 hrs
Good scoring
Lots of good shots
Chipping contest

HappyUP-Day 767...Dodging the Rain

"All pain and suffering arises solely from the ego and not from God"

"Forgiveness is not about forgetting. It is about letting go of another person’s throat" –Papa p224, The Shack

<----c'mon...what's not a HappyUP!!! about a bunch of duckies on the pond. Best of all, my golf ball did NOT end up in that pond today. Hey, maybe that makes me an environmentalist


HappyUP!!! -SacTweetUP!!!
Why it happened - some people organized this through Facebook
Why it makes me happy - I ran into an old friend, met new acquaintances, and got some good information.

HappyUP - Power vs Force
Why it happened - I took some focus time to study
Why it makes me happy - this is a very important book. I read it once and am now going back through it. The concepts in there helped me to put some things in perspective and are going to assist me in moving forward in how I view my place in the world.

HappyUP!!! - a ton of good golf shots
Why it happened - I have been working on the short game
Why it makes me happy - in golf, you are going to miss some greens. It is critical to get the ball up and down. It was either Ben Hogan or Byron Nelson who said, "the real joy of golf is turning three shots into two." While I didn't make the corresponding putts, I had 7 chip/pitch/bunker shots today that were just gems. If you get the short game down, you can have a bad day striking it and still score.

JollyJottings

Power vs Force
Being alive
Chipping practice
Stock market
Wedge into 13
Putt on 5
3 wood into 6 and putt
5 iron into 7
3 wood from trap on 8
Wedge on 10
5 iron on 12
Pitch on 15
Pitch on 16
Pitch on 17
The rubber mat
Speech Topic
Hitting balls
Waves of love and inspiration
Forgiveness thoughts from The Shack

HappyUP!!! Day 766-Global Warming Conference

...and hundreds turned out!

HappyUP!!! - sneaking in 13 holes
Why it happened - a storm was coming
Why it makes me happy - I was the first one on the course today. The storm was supposed to come in at 10 ....unfortunately it blew in at 9:30. I possibly hurt my elbow on Sunday so I wanted to get out and give it a little try. I think, with a little care, it will be fine.

HappyUP!!! - birdie on 3
Why it happened - I saw it and played it perfectly
Why it makes me happy - I got it pin high behind a trap in two on this par 5. Though I had to pitch over the bunker, I saw the shot, executed it perfectly, and had a tap in. You have to have some kick in birdies once in awhile. The good players get one or two a round. Working toward it.

HappyUP!!! - call from TB
Why it happened - I'm in the rolodex
Why it makes me happy - TB is a good barometer for the business climate in our area. It was great to spend some time chatting with this person

HappyUP!!! - text exchange
Why it happened - I have text friends
Why it makes me happy - pure silliness and fun....need I say more?

HappyUP!!! Day 765

HappyUP!!! - beautiful day
Why it happened - it's weather
Why it makes me happy - it just felt good to be out today

HappyUP!!! - crazy cats
Why it happened - who knows
Why it makes me happy - Stogie and Shadow are great cats and get along well but they don't play. Today, they did and it was a crack up

HappyUP!!! - funny joke
Why it happened - a buddy popped it
Why it makes me happy - it was a bit bawdy but it cracked me up...hard....as in bellylaugh

HappyUP!!! Day 764

HappyUP!!! - the "Do Your Best" Post
Why it happened - I just sat down and got it done....plus it was raining
Why it makes me happy - I get tremendous responses when I run installments of this series. Someone out there is getting some help

HappyUP!!! - seeing the nephew
Why it happened - it's the beginning of the month
Why it makes me happy - I love my nephew to death

HappyUP!!! - downpour
Why it happened - it's weather
Why it makes me happy - today was the first time this year when I could look out and have my vision obstructed by the rain. It was hard to see across the street. I reached up and unclogged a downspout and watched the water pour. Huge puddling in the streets. It's cool

JollyJottings

Gutter
Downpour
Breakfast
E-mails from friends
Do Your Best Post

The Four Agreements - Always Do Your Best

(Part 5 of a series based on the book, The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. To view previous posts, go down to "labels" after this post and click Four Agreements)

Be Impeccable With Your Word
Don't Take Anything Personally
Don't Make Assumptions
Always Do Your Best

We arrive today at our final agreement - always do your best

And this is a tricky one - if you take it too literally, you will never get around to having enough time to do what you think is perfection. You also may spend too much time in overdoing.

Your best will vary - each day. You may be rushed, tired, or sick. You may not be sober. The key is, in any circumstance, to do your best at that time.

Ask yourself - "is this the best I can do right now?" The answer may be, "yes." The answer may be, "it's pretty good, I thought I was done, but I could add this," and you make that last minute addition.

Finish whatever it is - and be finished and say, "I did my best at the time I had with the situation."

...and then walk away - and don't look back. Your attention may be drawn back to the event later and you will want to say you could have done better. Hindsight is always 20-20. You may have picked up information AFTER completion that could have made things better...

...it doesn't matter - "I did my best with what I was working with at the time."

Following this agreement - will eliminate guilt and regret. You asked....you checked...you answered, "I did my best."

At the end of the day - your best is the most you have to give.

"The prizes go to those who meet emergencies successfully. And the way to meet emergencies is to do each daily task the best that we can."

William Feather
1889-1981, Publisher and Author

HappyUP!!! Day 763

HappyUP!!! - a little moist golf
Why it happened - my golf partner pushed me
Why it makes me happy - it was a bit crazy to be out there...but we had the covered cart so it was OK. After 11 holes, the water was puddling to much on the greens. Still, it was good to be out amongst nature and it's wet glory.

<----looking for a instant HappyUP!!! from a treat? Try these little goodies from Trader Joes.....just not too many of them because packing the weight on is an anti-HappyUP!!!


HappyUP!!! - two birdies
Why it happened - I made a putt and hit some shots
Why it makes me happy - you know the birdie story...while I make 1.25 per round, every birdie is a HappyUP!!! I made two in 11 holes today.

HappyUP!!! - hearing from a friend
Why it happened - we stay in touch via technology
Why it makes me happy - my friend was struggling....and I think my words helped a bit.