HappyUP!!! Day 872

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

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

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

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


JollyJottings

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

HappyUP!!! Day 871

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

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

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

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

JollyJottings

Getting swing back

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

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

HappyUP!!! Day 870

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

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

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

JollyJottings

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

QuoteUP!!! 12 - The Way

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

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

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

"Who died and made you God?"

HappyUP!!! Day 869

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

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

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

HappyUP!!! Day 868

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

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

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


JollyJottings

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

HappyUP!!! Day 867

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

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

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

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

JollyJottings

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

HappyUP!!! Day 866

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

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

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

JollyJottings

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

HappyUP!!! Day 865

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

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

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

JollyJottings


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

HappyUP!!! Day 864

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

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

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

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

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

JollyJottings

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

HappyUP!!! Day 863

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

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

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

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

JollyJottings

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

Two Wolves

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

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

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

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

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

This very blog - is a part of that movement.

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

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

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

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

A Whack to the Side of the Head

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

HappyUP!!! Day 862

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

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

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

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

JollyJottings

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

HappyUP!!! Day 861

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

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

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

JollyJottings

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

HappyUP!!! Day 860

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

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

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

JollyJottings

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

HappyUP!!! Day 859

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

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

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

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

JollyJottings

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

HappyUP!!! Day 858

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

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

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

JollyJottings

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

HappyUP!!! Day 857

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

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

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

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

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

HappyUP!!! Day 856

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

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

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

JollyJottings

Great sleep
Vegetables
Breakfast
Speaking tomorrow
Stock Market
Messages from friends

Married with Kids?...You Have Been There

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"How do you know they are having sex?"

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

HappyUP!!! Day 855

HappyUP!!! - 36 holes
Why it happened - we took a break...and came back for more
Why it makes me happy - we teed it up again at 4:15 and played in just over 3 hours. THAT is how long it should take

HappyUP!!! - winning a soda
Why it happened - the Boz threw it out there
Why it makes me happy - it's been a long time since Boz could give me a run. With him at the blue tees and me back at the golds, he felt good enough to have a game with me.....and it took 16 holes to win my drink. Ahhhh....the taste of victory

HappyUP!!! - 8 iron into 18
Why it happened - I hit a great drive
Why it makes me happy - 18 plays tough at our course. After that great drive, I hit a great draw into the left pin location. While the ball didn't hold, it was a great shot to end the day on.

HappyUP!!! - e-mail from a friend
Why it happened - we've traded some e-mails
Why it makes me happy - I got some updates on childhood friends that my buddy is still in touch with. We'll go grab some dinner soon and give more updates.

HappyUP!!! Day 854

HappyUP!!! - afternoon ball striking
Why it happened - I went out for a second 18
Why it makes me happy - I didn't score well but I hit 12 greens from the gold tees. I hit a ton of quality shots giving myself a bunch of birdie opportunities....9-10 of them. A little work on the putter and we could be in business for club championship next week.

HappyUP!!! - putting/chipping practice
Why it happened - I forced myself
Why it makes me happy - I already had played 36 holes...but I had the discipline to go out and work on the short game.

HappyUP!!! - 1/2 sandwich
Why it happened - my golf buddy shared
Why it makes me happy - I was starving. There was one sandwich left on the drink lady's cart. My golf pal already had claimed it and offered me half. HappyUP!!!

HappyUP!!! - finding the keys
Why it happened - I fished through my bag again
Why it makes me happy - after 36 and practice, I faced the dilemma of not being able to drive home. I already had reached into my golf bag. There was a chance the keys had been left in a golf cart. One more pass....and HappyUP!!!...I was on my way home.

JollyJottings

Sleeping in a bit
36 holes
Putting/Chipping practice
Winning a fiver in the afternoon
Hitting 12 greens in PM...hybrid on 13...drive/8 iron 14...wedge on 15...6 iron 16...3 wood on 1... driver/5 iron on 2...5 iron on 3...hybrid on 6...6 iron on 7....wedge on 8...5 iron on 9

HappyUP!!! Day 853

Today was a very rich day - and a good one to be walking in my shoes. I can't wait for tomorrow

HappyUP!!! - hearing from a long lost friend
Why it happened - Facebook find
Why it makes me happy - this person now holds the record for the longest I have known someone that I still communicate with that is not part of my family. It was awesome hearing from this old grade school chum.

HappyUP!!! - niece's birthday/graduation dinner
Why it happened - my niece graduated from college
Why it makes me happy - my niece got her accounting degree from Sonoma State.....and knocked it down in just four years. With the way you need to schedule classes, that is not easy to do anymore...even for the ambitious. We all assembled at my brother's house for excellent family and friend times.

HappyUP!!! - 36 holes with Laff
Why it happened - we are golfing fools
Why it makes me happy - I wasn't that happy about the drubbing I got and the dough that flew out of my wallet....let's get that clear. I had ample opportunities to do something about it, though. I came through in the clutch with a couple of excellent putts.....THOSE are big HappyUP!!!s. Yes, I blew it on the last hole of both rounds (including a ball in the pond) but we don't dwell on that. I remember the good shots I hit.......and even the incredible putts that Laff drained on me. My scores weren't there but I hit it OK and it all added up to a super day of golf.



JollyJottings

Watering
Buying some stocks
Today's and this week's market
36 holes with Laff
Knocking down a critical birdie putt
A near hole in one
A lot of other great shots
Hearing from a long lost friend
My niece's birthday/graduation dinner

HappyUP!!! Day 852

HappyUP!!! - picture sent to me
Why it happened - someone tried to crack me up
Why it makes me happy - I explained a concept to a friend last week about the proper way to use the derriere gasket. Like most, the person just laughed at me....the pic proved they were listening! Pretty funny

<----what?...you want an explanation of what this is about.....I'll devote a post to it.



HappyUP!!! - road trip
Why it happened - a Celebration of Life
Why it makes me happy - I spent some good car miles with my brother. I saw relatives that I never see....never have seen.....and go to appreciate my late uncle who lived an absolutely great life.

HappyUP!!! - seeing my aunt
Why it happened - Celebration of Live
Why it makes me happy - she is healthy. I had heard that she hadn't been recognizing people....THAT was bad information. She is around 90 now....but she knew exactly who I was.

HappyUP!!! - an evening 9 holes
Why it happened - Boz called me
Why it makes me happy - I got to play with Wah and Boz.....I hit a lot of high quality golf shots. After 7 hours in the car, it was good to get out and slap it around.




JollyJottings

Pic sent to me
Time in the car with my brother
Seeing my aunt
Seeing all my other relatives
Getting 9 holes in with Wah and Boz
Birdie on 15
Wedge on 10...hybrid on 12...pitch on 12...5 iron on 13...8 iron on 14....wedge on 15...8 iron on 16....
bunt driver on 18

HappyUP!!! Day 851

HappyUP!!! - coffee with my friend
Why it happened - it's Wednesday
Why it makes me happy - we had an interesting conversation this morning. No, the world's problems weren't solved...but they were discussed. What you talk about, you bring about.

HappyUP!!! - a friend dropped back to play golf with me
Why it happened - he's a nice guy
Why it makes me happy - there were 5 guys that formed to play out at the club just before I got there. 5 is the max you can play...and they had a group of good players assembled. It's fun to play in a group like that. One of the guys saw I would be spanking it alone and gave up his spot in the big group and made a game with me. That was really cool. It got cooler when another guy drove out and joined us......and then two more did the same thing so we ended up with 5. That's neat stuff.

HappyUP!!! - two birdies....two skins...and another good round of golf
Why it happened - I'm playing better
Why it makes me happy - I matched my second best score at my club today. If I had a couple of putts/chips drop that hung on the lip or lipped out, I would have beaten my best easily. This is a really good time to start playing well.

HappyUP!!! - getting some errands/chores done
Why it happened - I put myself on a time crunch
Why it makes me happy - I may be able to knock the rest of the "to do" list out someday. HOPE is a HappyUP!!!

JollyJottings

Coffee conversation
Getting up really early
Knocking off some errands/chores
Making a couple of birdies and picking up a couple of skins
One guy dropping back to play with me
Dinner

HappyUP!!! Day 850

HappyUP!!! - not having to work today
Why it happened - I retired
Why it makes me happy - I was over on Facebook. I could not believe how many of my friends were lamenting about going back to work after a three day weekend. It also reminded me of a study I heard about that said how many heart attacks occur on Monday morning. While there are times that I miss working, the feeling hasn't been strong enough to make me think about going back.....seeing these kinds of messages makes me feel better about my decision.

HappyUP!!! - today's golf game
Why it happened - everyone played OK
Why it makes me happy - I didn't play with the very, very best at the club today but they are pretty close. There was a 75, a 76, another 76, and another 78. I was witness to a lot of good shots.....and manufactured a few myself

HappyUP!!! - phone call from a friend
Why it happened - my friend was thinking of me
Why it makes me happy - we caught up on the weekend....and agreed to get together for dinner...something we haven't done forever.

HappyUP!!! - call from another friend
Why it happened - my friend was thinking of me
Why it makes me happy - I haven't heard from this friend in a bit...but was thinking about em. Perfect timing for a call.

HappyUP!!! - tapioca pudding
Why it happened - I bought some at TraderJoe's
Why it makes me happy - my mom used to make me this treat as a kid. I haven't had any in quite some time.....it was delicious....and it was good to know where I can get some anytime.

JollyJottings

Tapioca pudding
My golf game buddies today
13 putts on the back side
Phone call from a friend
Text from another friend
A friend's birthday
NOT having to go back to work today

HappyUP!!! Day 849

HappyUP!!! - grocery shopping
Why it happened - Mother Hubbard's cupboards were bare
Why it makes me happy - due to the holiday this evening, no one was in the store. I did a full on stop and was in and out in no time.

HappyUP!!! - birdie by my friend
Why it happened - he hit two great shots and made the putt
Why it makes me happy - my buddy, Boz, struggled today. Yet, on our difficult final hole, he got the ball back to a very tough pin position....and I mean a tough one. I was glad he ended the day on a super positive note

HappyUP!!! - pitch shot on the last hole
Why it happened - I am good at the tough shots
Why it makes me happy - I got a bad break when my ball hit the green and bounced down a hill. Now, I had a tough up and down but I was able to get the club under the ball and put some wicked spin on it. This held it on the top shelf and let me make a par......and beat the Boz by one stroke. Hey, it was a tough day for me out there too.

HappyUP!!! - e-mails and facebook messages from friends
Why it happened - they had some time on Memorial Day
Why it makes me happy - it keeps me in the loop with them.

HappyUP!!! - Memorial Day
Why it happened - brave men gave their lives
Why it makes me happy - I thought about my late father and what he did in WW2. The story is incredible.....and one that I was happy to be reminded of today.

HappyUP!!! Day 848

HappyUP!!! - Indy 500
Why it happened - it happens every year
Why it makes me happy - I am not a huge car fan...I was when I was a kid. I loved Indy racing. At "the greatest spectacle in racing," it is "balls to the wall" and you know they are pushing it as hard as they possibly can. I think it is the tension of high stakes competition that does it.

HappyUP!!! - afternoon golf and no waiting
Why it happened - I think people had Memorial Day weekend plans
Why it makes me happy - I was just too tired to play this morning. I was almost not going to play. When my golf buddy texted me saying he wanted to play another 18, I knew it would just be him and I...no gambling....knocking it around. I figured we would do some waiting but we played in less than 3 hours with no one in front of us.

HappyUP!!! - BBQ lunch
Why it happened - my friends were doing it
Why it makes me happy - I got a great burger and was able to spend time with my much too neglected "adopted" family.

Jolly Jottings

Indy 500.......Barbeque.....sleeping in....delivering the prize money....golf with no waiting in the afternoon....stopping by my bro's....texting with my niece...meeting a new employee at the club
Hitting a lot of greens....wedge on scorecard 4

HappyUP!!! Day 847

HappyUP!!! - playing a tournament with long time friend, TE
Why it happened - I invited him
Why it makes me happy - TE had wanted to play with me. We couldn't get it done. He had never played in a tournament so he was nervous.....but he did great. We took second. He is going to get a gift certificate and doesn't know it. THAT will be another HappyUP!!! when I deliver it tomorrow.

HappyUP!!! - good round...lots of great shots
Why it happened - I am playing better
Why it makes me happy - it was good to play good in front of my friend (see above). I increased my lead in our clubs Player of the the Year standings. Even with two 3-putts and 2 penalty strokes, I was only 2 over. I also made one of about 8 makeable birdies. My sights are on shooting in the 60's. It was out there today.....and is gettable in the near future.

HappyUP!!! - lunch
Why it happened - it was part of the tournament
Why it makes me happy - I hadn't eaten all day....that burger and sausage on the side were delicious!

JollyJottings

Good warmup session
Par save on first hole
Wedge on second
Birdie on 4th
Par save on 6th
Par save on 10th
8 iron on 11th
Par save on 12th
Chutt on 13th
Wedge on 15th
Hybrid on 16th
Playing with my long time friend
Lunch
Seeing my buddy in the evening

HappyUP!!! Day 846

HappyUP!!! - brekko
Why it happened - a friend set it up
Why it makes be happy - haven't caught breakfast with this person in awhile. I got some industry info and updates. Interesting stuff.

HappyUP!!! - running into a friend
Why it happened - I was driving...my friend was walking
Why it makes me happy - nothing like a curbside conversation......thank goodness for the convertible....makes it easy.

HappyUP!!! - productive practice session
Why it happened - I needed to do some work
Why it makes me happy - I haven't felt in control of the golf ball the last two rounds. It hasn't been out of control but I haven't been on top of it like I was. Today's work was insightful.

HappyUP!!! - gabbing with the pros
Why it happened - they had a few minutes to kill before an outside tournament
Why it makes me happy - I always learn something when I talk to those guys.

JollyJottings

Good practice session
Running into a friend
Getting some clean up done
Brekko with a buddy
Cavaliers-Magic

HappyUP!!! Day 845

HappyUP!!! - tournament golf
Why it happened - my partner and I qualified to play today
Why it makes me happy - my partner was in trouble on the initial hole....I scrambled and bailed us out. I made a birdie on the second hole. I held us in pretty well for the first 5 holes which was making me pretty happy. It got a little loose after that but the start was a HappyUP!!!

HappyUP!!! - my partner
Why it happened - he started playing some good golf
Why it makes me happy - to have a shot at qualifying for the next level, we needed to go to the whip. My partner drove a par 4 and had a short eagle putt....while he missed it, it was a HappyUP!!! watching that one sail and finish on the green. He chipped in on the next hole for another birdie. We both had birdie putts on the last hole. Mine missed but my partner drained his. We didn't qualify but he was Mr Clutch today so I know he is feeling good.....and that's a HappyUP!!!

HappyUP!!! - early morning gardening
Why it happened - I had been out of town
Why it makes me happy - I still have a bunch of weeding to do but I made some progress. It felt great to be out in the cool morning air amongst the fresh plants.....and I spotted my first edible result today. It's zucchini time!

JollyJottings

Saving par on one
Birdie on two
My partner driving a green, chipping in on the next hole, and then making birdie on the last hole
Early morning gardening
NBA Playoffs
Golf pairing
New Golf Course

HappyUP!!! Day 844

HappyUP!!! - my putter
Why it happened - I got home
Why it makes me happy - the trip to Monterey was a putting disaster. I thought that I had to do an overhaul of my putting stroke. No 3-putts and 29 putts back home confirmed my suspicions that I just didn't adapt to the weird putting environment down by the coast.

HappyUP!!! - breakfast with my buddy SK
Why it happened - he needed something
Why it makes me happy - I see SK a few times a year. We always have a great chat about the financial environment. Good company and food are HappyUP!!!s

HappyUP!!! - one ball from an ace
Why it happened - I hit a near perfect 6 iron
Why it makes me happy - I won a skin.....and almost had my first hole in one ever. It was also one of three birdies today. After three rounds without a birdie, it felt great to knock some down.

JollyJottings

My putting
Being back on my course
Golfing with my buddy, Lefleur
3 birdies
One ball from an ace
Coffee with my buddy
Breakfast with another friend
A very nice text message
Playoff basketball
Nutter Weed

HappyUP!!! Day 843

HappyUP!!! - Driving the golf ball
Why it happened - who knows
Why it makes me happy - I had the ball in play all day long...incredibly so on a foreign course. I scored like a dog because my short game is an entirely different story. The driver was a HappyUP!!! today

HappyUP!!! - getting back home
Why it happened - I went away
Why it makes me happy - I like being home...I really do. Travelling is OK but there is nothing like being back in the familiar environment

HappyUP!!! - golfing with BP
Why it happened - it was a tournament
Why it makes me happy - B is just a great guy. He was playing like crap but he didn't let that spoil the round....that is a seriously good quality....and rare.

HappyUP!!! Day 842

HappyUP!!! - jokes
Why it happened - dinner with the team
Why it makes me happy - my partner and I were teamed with two other guys from our club. These pair are a hoot! While the jokes were terribly inappropriate, my face and stomach were hurting from laughing so hard.


<---that's a lot of Italian Sausage! Glad I went with the halibut...probably keep me around for a few additional HappyUP!!!s


HappyUP!!! - playing with BP
Why it happened - we were paired together
Why it makes me happy - I have known B for years but we have never played golf. He was great to tee it up with today. Neither one of us played that well but we had a great time.....and, together, we teamed up pretty well and covered each other's backs.

HappyUP!!! - in the hunt
Why it happened - it is a golf tournament
Why it makes me happy - B and I could have played a lot better very easily. Our other two partners definitely could have played better. Despite this, we are only 4 shots down and have only 7 teams to pass to qualify for the next level.

HappyUP!!! - hitting it well
Why it happened - I am swinging better
Why it makes me happy - there is nothing worse to going to a different golf course and hitting it all over the place....you don't get to really play the golf course. While my putting was horrible, I at least felt like I played the course.

HappyUP!!! Day 841

HappyUP!!! - beautiful golf weather in Monterey
Why it happened - it's weather
Why it makes me happy - my buddy and I came down for a practice round and teed off at noon. You never know what Monterey weather will be like. Today, it was shorts and shirt sleeves. As we were on the final hole, it started to invite a sweater....THAT is perfect.

HappyUP!!! - great drive down
Why it happened - see above
Why it makes me happy - my golf buddy and I have never traveled together. The three hour drive went by in a heartbeat. We had plenty to talk about even though we talk all the time on the golf course. A car ride is something else. No issues and time easily filled.

HappyUP!!! - toughest holes
Why it happened - you have to play them
Why it makes me happy - we will play this course on Tuesday. While I missed the putts on both of them, I hit it close on the two hardest holes on the course....real close. If I can get the putter working, I can post a low number here.

HappyUP!!! Day 840

HappyUP!!! - District Conference Speech Contest
Why it happened - I was competing
Why it makes me happy - I "gave the speech I wanted to give." There really wasn't a lot more I could have done with it. There were 8 speeches and, at this level, all of them good. I didn't walk away with first....second....or third.....but I was happy with how I did. The guy that I thought should have won didn't bring home a trophy either. It was all good and a great contest.

HappyUP!!! - support
Why it happened - my club members are great
Why it makes me happy - our Toastmasters Club is tiny.....but every one of them drove more than 30 minutes on a Saturday night and sat through 3 hours of pomp, circumstance, and contest. It was GREAT to have them there. They MADE me give a better speech.

HappyUP!!! - the Sunsetter
Why it happened - the great invitational golf tourney concluded
Why it makes me happy - I put a decent round of golf together. I came on strong at the end with back to back birdies, got robbed out of a par, and scrambled for another par at the end. I played the last 7 holes under par.....and our team needed it. We broke even on our bets....finished well enough to get paid in the tournament (top third)...and had a great time with my brother.

JollyJottings

Seeing my golf pro
Seeing my golf buddies
Trying a new brand of golf ball
Turning it on and making two birdies down the stretch
An up and down on the last hole
Breaking even on our bets
Perhaps placing in the tournament
Shooting a decent score

HappyUP!!! Day 839

HappyUP!!! - birdie on first hole
Why it happened - good shooting
Why it makes me happy - this is the second day in a row of the tournament that I birdied the initial hole. It's great to start off well.

HappyUP!!! - making a bogey on the final hole
Why it happened - I kept grinding
Why it makes me happy - I had a horrible lie...had to play sideways...got up and down and got a point for my team.

HappyUP!!! - seeing my buddy
Why it happened - I blew off dinner
Why it makes me happy - I hadn't seen my friend for a bit. It was a great visit.

HappyUP!!! - good speech practice
Why it happened - I snuck it in
Why it makes me happy - I needed this. I just couldn't get myself to sit down and grind it out. A little practice before the contest tomorrow and I will be in good shape.

JollyJottings

Birdie on the first hole
Two birdies on the day
Knocking it close on the first four holes
Making a bogey on the last hole
Rapping with my friend, Firk
Practicing my speech
Seeing thru a hectic few days
Helping a buddy out

HappyUP!!! Day 838

HappyUP!!! - early morning planting
Why it happened - initiative
Why it makes me happy - I had forgotten to get in a few cukes and melons so I bought some yesterday. I didn't have much time this morning but I got them into the ground so they are on their way.

HappyUP!!! - birdie on first hole of tournament
Why it happened - I hit a great drive and a fantastic wedge
Why it makes me happy - I got our team off to a super start. We ended up having a little below average day as my partner struggled a bit. We were riding high for awhile though.....happy times.

HappyUP!!! - good guys to play with
Why it happened - we got a good pairing
Why it makes me happy - it's always nice to play with nice guys....and we had a couple of them today.

HappyUP!!! - birdie on 4
Why it happened - I hit a great drive...great 3 wood...and a super wedge
Why it makes me happy - it got me back to one under par at the time. I didn't end up holding that score but I was going at it for a bit.

JollyJottings

Planting
Birdied the first hole
Sandies
Birdie/Wedge on 6th hole
Good guys to play with
Decent tournament round

HappyUP!!! Day 837

HappyUP!!! - good golf group...great partner
Why it happened - I was playing at my brother's course
Why it makes me happy - my partner shot a 69...that's pretty good golf to get to watch....and win some bets with

HappyUP!!! - birdie on first hole
Why it happened - I hit a great 9 iron
Why it makes me happy - a birdie is always a HappyUP!!! but getting off to a good start will always put a smile on

HappyUP!!! - e-mail with my friend, T
Why it happened - I shot T a message
Why it makes me happy - T is doing well as I got a message back. T is a business friend that I lost a bit of contact with but is one of those people that you always feel good when you are around them. We'll get together in the near future.

HappyUP!!! - haircut
Why it happened - it was due
Why it makes me happy - the long hair deal wasn't working....I'm back to looking sweet.

JollyJottings

Birdie on first hole
Birdie on ninth hole
Shot to 3 feet on 18th
Good golf group....and an excellent partner
E-mail with my friend T

HappyUP!!! Day 836

HappyUP!!! - 3 birdies
Why it happened - I kept getting the ball close
Why it makes me happy - I had 10 good birdie looks today....that's getting the ball close to the hole alot. It is days like this that makes me play golf and practice. Control over the golf ball.

HappyUP!!! - 71 from the Gold tees
Why it happened - I was hitting it good
Why it makes me happy - hit 12 out of 14 fairways.....on or just off 15 out of 18 greens. It all adds up to shooting my best round at my course....and my first round under par in 28 years (OK...I took about 27 of those off). Still, getting it around our course under par is a neat trick.

HappyUP!!! - talking with my brother
Why it happened - he had an invitation
Why it makes me happy - he wants me to tee it up for a practice round at his course tomorrow. We have his invitational Thursday-Saturday. One more tuneup on his course is just what the doctor ordered.

JollyJottings

Best score on my course
First under par round in 27 years
Birdies
Winning some dough
Golf set up for tomorrow
TJ's Pepporoni Pizza
Hitting the final green
Holding it together
12 of 14 fairways
15 greens

HappyUP!!! Day 835

HappyUP!!! - Space Shuttle liftoff
Why it happened - gotta fix that Hubbel Telescope
Why it makes me happy - ever since the Challenger, it is always a relief when that big bomb gets off the pad and into orbit without any issues. Plus, it really is a pretty impressive sight that many take for granted. That's a ton of horsepower being released

HappyUP!!! - chatting with Kap
Why it happened - I shot him a message
Why it makes me happy - I lose track of this old character from my past. We'll get together at some point in the future.

HappyUP!!! - a market pullback
Why it happened - it's the stock market
Why it makes me happy - I'm doing a little shopping for some deals. The market needs to do a little correction for me to be able to do that. Today was one of those days.

JollyJottings

Chatting with Kap
Grabbing some coffee
Running errands
A market pullback
Chord

HappyUP!!! Day 834

HappyUP!!! - golfing at my brother's club
Why it happened - he invited me
Why it makes me happy - it's great to get off my course once in awhile. It's especially good playing with my brother and a couple of other buddies. Great weather. Super pace of play. It's a great day.

HappyUP!!! - some good shots
Why it happened - I am starting to play better
Why it makes me happy - well, it wasn't as good as yesterday but there were still enough good shots to build on. I'll be back on the range this week.

HappyUP!!! - garden time
Why it happened - no morning golf
Why it makes me happy - gardening is called a lot of things.....therapeutic....etc. I call it a socially acceptable way for adults to play in the dirt like little kids. I had a nice little morning of it this morning.

JollyJottings

Golf with my brother
Up and down on 1 and 2 and 5
5 iron on 3..16
Wedge on 4..12
6 iron on 7...17
Driver on 8...10...17
Weeding

HappyUP!!! Day 833

HappyUP!!! - best round on my course
Why it happened - it's been coming
Why it makes me happy - it came out of nowhere! Yes, it's been coming but I didn't think the good round would be so dramatic. My golf game has been suffering for two months.

<----It's a bit of a HappyUP!!! that I don't have to do this for a living

HappyUP!!! - bunker shots
Why it happened - my setup and tempo were good
Why it makes me happy - when you can step into a trap and know you are going to hit it close, it's a great feeling. Then, when your wedge goes "thhhwwwapp" against the sand and you know that it's hit right, there are few things better.

HappyUP!!! - birdies
Why it happened - I'm playing better
Why it makes me happy - three birdies today....and had good looks at 4 others. The birdie on 17 was great because that hole is tough....and my team needed that birdie. The 8 iron took off and just covered the flag.

HappyUP!!! - checking out the pool
Why it happened - my buddy called me
Why it makes me happy - it might be nice to have a pool to use so I may need to look into this situation.



JollyJottings

Best round on my course
Winning $10
Birdie on 17
Birdie on 12
Birdie on 13
Stopping by the pool
Players Championship

HappyUP!!! Day 832

HappyUP!!! - retrieving a bit of "lent" funds
Why it happened - I played golf with guys who have gotten the best of me this year.
Why it makes me happy - it's always better to win a couple of bucks than pay them out.....especially from people who are holding your funds.

HappyUP!!! - hybrid bunker shot
Why it happened - I made a good pass
Why it makes me happy - I had hit a horrible pop up drive to a terrible lie. I tried to do something I couldn't off that lie and cold topped it into a bunker. I was lying 2 180 yards from the hole on this par 4 with a bit of wind in the face. With nothing to lose, I hit the best fairway bunker shot of my life....a high draw that came down and finished within a couple of feet of the pin. Terrible shots....staring double bogey in the face.....and I get a par....HappyUP!!!

HappyUP!!! - birdie on 16
Why it happened - an exceptional putt
Why it makes me happy - this was about a 25 footer, downhill with a little break, that looked pretty good all the way. It hung on the lip and dropped on it's dying breath. Birdies are always a HappyUP!!! Birdies on the last few holes are REALLY HappyUP!!!s

HappyUP!!! - good day in the stock market
Why it happened - after yesterday's retreat? Who knows
Why it makes me happy - I'm not as invested as I should be....I'm like a lot of people that are waiting for a substantial market correction. It did me a little good in my short term funds.....my 401k LOVED today!

JollyJottings

Getting some "lent" funds back
RT's new shirt
Hybrid bunker shot on 8
Dr...3 wood...flop shot on 3
7 iron on 4
Hybrid bunker shot on 10
5 iron on 12
Driver on 13.....8 iron on 14....8 iron on 15
6 iron on 16.....PUTT on 16
Dr on 17....8 iron on 17
Finding a book I was looking for
Great day in the stock market
Stunning May weather
Depositing the refund checks
Invite from brother
New putting stroke
Good back 9

HappyUP!!! Day 831

HappyUP!!! - walking 9 at twilight
Why it happened - I decided to go out after the course re-opened
Why it makes me happy - an outside tournament closed down the course today. When I went out, no one was in front of me. The weather was gorgeous. I was afforded the opportunity to drop some balls and hit some extra shots and get some on-course practice done. I hit some beauties.

HappyUP!!! - a tip from the assistant pro
Why it happened - he saw me on the range
Why it makes me happy - he hit the nail right on the head. I have some more work to do but it's full speed ahead on this little thing to work on. It shows a lot of promise and fits with the other things I have been working on. I started striping it out on the course at times....which, with a tournament heavy schedule ahead, would be great timing.

HappyUP!!! - seeing my doctor
Why it happened - it was part of my physical
Why it makes me happy - my doc spreads my physical over three visits. This gives me more time to spend with him. Everything was looking good today!

JollyJottings

Trip to the doctor
A good lawn cutting
Chipping work
A tip from the assistant pro
Walking 9 holes
Hybrid on 11...Drive on 12....wedge on 12...6 iron 13...putt on 13...hybrid on 14....7 iron on 16....drive on 17...7 iron on 17....
Practice shots on course

HappyUP!!! Day 830

HappyUP!!! - breaking the grunge
Why it happened - it's been long enough
Why it makes me happy - after 3.5 days in bed and on the couch, I decided to spend one more lounging around just to be sure. I think I am done with this crap.

<----Stogie doing his job. He's a good sick kitty.

HappyUP!!! - Strawberries
Why it happened - I planted them and it's that time of year
Why it makes me happy - I have tons of them! ...some were actually ripe today. I took care of that. Delicious and looking forward to a killer harvest.

HappyUP!!! - appreciating health
Why it happened - I was/am sick
Why it makes me better - sometimes, it takes some bad times to appreciate the good. While my cold was not life threatening, it did serve as a good metaphor that you need to have valleys to appreciate peaks. It also got me to thinking, health wise, am I really experiencing peaks? There is a change in my thought process that needs to happen....and change is good.

HappyUP!!! Day 829....Dom Deluise

While few of us know - the real insides of our celebrities, I think that we all suspect that Dom Deluise was a pretty happy dude.

Many comedians aren't - it is often the dabbling into the dark side of our society that makes for funny stuff.

Yet, Deluise's comedy was light - and full of frivolity.

We also know - the guy enjoyed his food. I have no idea whether it contributed to the kidney and respiratory problems that took him at age 75. I do know that he added meaning to his love for food...he wasn't just an overeater.

While I was a bit saddened - to hear of his passing, I also got a few HappyUP!!!s as I remembered the times he came into my childhood home with those cheesy accents and oddball antics.....and that I looked forward to seeing him on TV when I was a kid.

HappyUP!!! - fever is dropping as I go to bed
Why it happened - who knows
Why it makes me happy - I may be able to sleep without nite time cold medicine. Fever was running over 100 all night but is starting to drop.

HappyUP!!! - helping a former co worker
Why it happened - he called me
Why it makes me happy - he was in a bit of a bind....I was home....sick. I gave him some creative services. It's good to use skills.

HappyUP!!! - seeing my nephew
Why it happened - he dropped something off
Why it makes me happy - I love seeing my nephew....even if I had to keep him at a distance due to my sickness.

HappyUP!!! Day 828

HappyUP!!! - an anniversary
Why it happened - a year has gone by
Why it makes me happy - the official anniversary was Saturday...but it wasn't a work day...so it has to be today. I have been retired for a year. While I appreciate the time spent, experience gained, and relationships made at my former employer, I really appreciate my freedom.

HappyUP!!! - another anniversary
Why it happened - I got up one day and made a decision
Why it makes me happy - six years ago today, I said, "you know what...I am going to stop drinking for 30 days." That 30 days has turned into 6 years. While drinking was not a big problem for me, I saw that it could head in that direction.....and it's been a good life since.

HappyUP!!! - another day of sickness gone
Why it happened - it's day 2
Why it makes me happy - I laid low today....coughing...with a fever. I don't "do sick" very well because I don't do it that often. I hadn't been sick in 2-3 years. Yet, by taking it easy, I know I am speeding the healing process and every day sick is one day closer to being well.

HappyUP!!! - hot and sour soup
Why it happened - I'm sick
Why it makes me happy - no, it's not chicken soup, but I find that the Chinese soups work on the sinuses and make me feel better............and they are tasty!

JollyJottings

Anniversaries
Another day of sickness down...and I was able to lay down
Stock Market
Hot and Sour Soup
Obammy talking tough about tax cheats with Tim Geithner standing next to him

HappyUP!!! Day 827

HappyUP!!! - a rainy day
Why it happened - weather
Why it makes me happy - I had to lay low all day long......it's May.....BUT it was rainy. It wasn't like I missed out on anything.

HappyUP!!! - a close drug store
Why it happened - I live in town
Why it makes me happy - I'm a bit under the weather. TODAY is one of the reasons that I live in ton and not out in the sticks. All of my cold medicine was expired. Going to the store when you are sick is not a good time....except when it is close by.

HappyUP!!! - great TV
Why it happened - it's the season
Why it makes me happy - NBA playoffs and the Quail Hollow Golf Championship was a good way to pass the day.

JollyJottings

Donut
Great TV to watch while sick
A drug store nearby
A rainy day when sick

HappyUP!!! Day 826

HappyUP!!! - beating the rain
Why it happened - the rain held off
Why it makes me happy - it started sprinkling when we were on 7. Any hard stuff held off and I was able to call it a day after 9 holes without a drenching....I don't enjoy a drenching.

HappyUP!!! - Wor Won Ton Soup
Why it happened - I was feeling grungy
Why it makes me happy - I know I wasn't sick last year...pretty sure I wasn't sick the year before. When I felt "the grime" coming on this afternoon, I made a phone call to Wong's Garden for the magic Wor Won Ton Soup. Does it really have medicinal effects or is it a placebo? Who knows...it's worked for me in the past. I'll let you know tomorrow.

HappyUP!!! - the driver
Why it happened - not sure
Why it makes me happy - I only had one go right today. I didn't cream it. I only lost it right once which is my "go to" bad shot. We'll keep working on it.

HappyUP!!! - Kentucky Derby
Why it happened - it's the first Saturday in May
Why it makes me happy - I'm not a horse racing buff but, c'mon, who doesn't like the spectacle that is the Run for the Roses. Great race too.

JollyJottings

Driver
Wor Won Ton Soup
Kentucky Derby
Game 7 Celts/Bulls
Beating the Rain

HappyUP!!! Day 825

HappyUP!!! - Driving range session
Why it happened - I needed practice
Why it makes me happy - I had started to regress from my last lesson. I worked on my grip and getting my hands a lot lower at address. Too bad the rain cut me short or I think I would have been all over it today.

HappyUP!!! - rain
Why it happened - who knows...it's May
Why it makes me happy - this is a freak storm that is going to bring rain here and snow to the mountains......anything is welcome to stave off the drought mongers that will be hitting us with that all summer

HappyUP!!! - call from an ex-co-worker
Why it happened - he was thinking of me
Why it makes me happy - it's always nice to be thought of. He had some good information and we had a meaningful exchange. I like meaningful exchanges.

JollyJottings

Driving range session
Seeing a buddy out on the range
Finishing up the proctoring
Phone call from an ex-coworker
Chinese Food

HappyUP!!!...Why Are You Keeping It to Yourself?

Everyone complains about the media - and all of the bad news that it reports. No question...without the proper filters, it can get you down.

Ever thought of yourself as a media source? - you are, you know. You touch people everyday.

Here is my question - what does your output look like?

I'm not saying you have to be the "good news" channel - polyanna isn't always taken seriously.

What is your ratio of good things to bad things that happen - to you? What stories are your reporters covering for the world. Are you telling people about the good things going on in your world?

Why not? - you think you are being humble? You want to be reserved?

My question - what do you want to attract to you?

Ghandi said - "Be the change you seek." If that is true and you are a clam, you probably won't get much good news fed back to you. You'll probably get bad news delivered to you because, hey, the media has trained most people to sensationalize the crud.

Good things are happening - amidst the bad. Why are you keeping it to yourself?

HappyUP!!! 824....Swine Flu

The CDC has issued a warning

<-----Don't Do This! HappyUP!!! - nap
Why it happened - I was tired this afternoon
Why it makes me happy - I can't believe how refreshing that nap was! I don't care if I'm getting older...that was a good one.

HappyUP!!! - golfing with E
Why it happened - him and Squirrel were looking for a game.
Why it makes me happy - E is a pro trying to make it on the minor tours. It is a wonder to see up close just how good some guys are....and realize that there are a bunch of guys even better than that. It was like watching an exhibition.

HappyUP!!! - Rio City Cafe
Why it happened - I met a buddy there
Why it makes me happy - love the Rio City. I hadn't had dinner there in forever. The halibut and pollenta were tremendous!

JollyJottings

Nap
Pitch on 2...3 shots on 3...putt on 6...pitch on 7...driver/7 iron on 9...putt on 10...putt on 11...driver/3 wood/7 iron on 14...driver/7 iron on 15...driver/pitch on 17.
Playing with E and Squirrel
Proctoring exam
Dinner
May Handicap Index

HappyUP!!! Day 823...A Decent Round of Golf

HappyUP!!! - a decent score
Why it happened - I took that lesson 2 weeks ago and have been working on it
Why it makes me happy - I hadn't played well in at least two months. While I had some loose shots today, I had enough good shots to have a decent round. More work to do but I definitely have things heading in the right direction for May.....which would be a good time to get it going in that direction.

HappyUP!!! - unlikely birdies
Why it happened - I have a bit of skill and had some good feelings
Why it makes me happy - they happened on the 9th and 18th holes....usually the money holes. Today was no different. I had about a 30 foot putt on 9 that I looked at and said to myself, "hey, this one looks makeable...really makeable." Down it went. The 18th was better because I had a challenging pitch up and over a mound. I hit it perfectly....I rushed to the top of the hill in time to watch it bounce, roll, and, ka-ching, fall in the cup. While I didn't think I would actually make the ball, I knew that I was going to hit a good chip.

.....and, yes, the cash went into my pocket and not out........HappyUP!!!

HappyUP!!! - brekko
Why it happened - my buddy set it up
Why it makes me happy - always great to break bread with a bud. I also got some interesting info regarding my ex-employer and the industry.

HappyUP!!! - e-mails and phone conversations
Why it happened - I have some friends
Why it makes me happy - lots of happy information was exchanged today. No down information.

HappyUP!!! Day 822

HappyUP!!! - found a copy store
Why it happened - I took a chance
Why it makes me happy - instead of going out of my way to a place here, I took a chance that I could make copies closer to my speaking venue. I found the store and it gave me some breathing room.

HappyUP!!! - my talk
Why it happened - I was invited
Why it makes me happy - I delivered some solid material that was well received. Better than that, I was honored to be invited and the group inspired me. On top of it, the people in this group are really nice people that I enjoy.

HappyUP!!! - proctoring
Why it happened - my friend asked me
Why it makes me happy - by giving him a neutral, quiet place to do his doctoral exam, he didn't have to make a long trip. It's always good when you can help someone out....and this one is pretty easy.

JollyJottings

Writing bio
Cleaning room
Gave a good talk
Spent time with good people
Found a copy store

HappyUP!!! Day 821

HappyUP - State Am Qualifying
Why it happened - I paid my money and took my chances
Why it makes me happy - I didn't qualify...I didn't score that well. I did hit a tremendous amount of quality golf shots in howling wind. This was the first individual scratch tournament I have played in 25 years. It's a game for the younger and longer hitters but I was almost competitive. Just a bit more work to do.

HappyUP!!! - Cindy's Restaurant
Why it happened - it was close to the golf course
Why it makes me happy - I drove to the course early to avoid commuter traffic. I took a chance that I could find a place to sit down for breakfast. I had a great little egg scramble at this place

HappyUP!!! - my driver
Why it happened - I have been practicing
Why it makes me happy - though it landed me in trouble on 4 of the 15 holes I used it on, it was long and straight the rest of the time. This is a vast improvement from where it was.

HappyUP!!! - a birdie
Why it happened - I recovered from a bad break
Why it makes me happy - a birdie is always a HappyUP!!! I thought I had hit a good drive and would have a wedge into a par 4. Unfortunately, there was an overhanging tree that required me to hit a low 8 iron pitch about 100 yards. I kept it low, ran it up, and then made the putt. A bogey was turned into a birdie!

JollyJottings

Cindy's Restaurant
Golf Tournament
Drive off of 1....5 iron into 2...Driver on 3....Driver on 4...Hybrid on 4...Driver on 5...6 iron on 5....Driver on 6....Driver on 8....Driver on 10....Driver on 13...Driver on 14...Driver on 15...Drive on 18

Hitting stick on 10
Bunker shot on 11
8 iron trouble shot and birdie on 13
Bunker shot on 15
5 iron on 15
Up and down on 16
Hybrid and Wedge on 18

HappyUP!!! Day 820

HappyUP!!! - driving the golf ball
Why it happened - my lesson is kicking in
Why it makes me happy - I will be trying to qualify for the State Am tomorrow...I last tried and qualified 27 years ago. It would be really cool to make it so many years later.

<-----see yesterday's HappyUP!!!s for what this is all about! I'm still happy about this one today.

HappyUP!!! - this blog
Why it happened - I got an update to my browser while posting this
Why it makes me happy - I didn't have to restart this post from scratch.

HappyUP!!! - crispy irons
Why it happened - that lesson a week and a half ago?
Why it makes me happy - while the driver has been coming around, the irons weren't. Finally, on the last 4 holes, the iron swing started working like the driver swing and the irons were as crisp as any I ever hit. Positive signs!

HappyUP!!! - borrowing the Sky Caddy
Why it happened - my bro called me
Why it makes me happy - this device will give me the distances I need tomorrow. My brother was out of town but he told me how to get into his house. I found the Sky Caddy and charger and have figured it out....all set for tomorrow.

JollyJottings

Seeing the guys on the range
36 holes
Playing with the assistant
Playing with a guy that had his best round
Birdie on 13
Irons on 2...7...12...15...16..17...18
Hybrid on 11
Incredible bunker shot
Speech contest
Getting the Sky Caddy

HappyUP!!! Day 819

HappyUP!!! - Toastmasters Division Speech Contest
Why it happened - I had won at the club and area levels
Why it makes me happy - Surprise! Surprise! I won! I will now get to speak at the next level, the District Conference. I've been in a lot of contests and have gotten to today's level many times and come up empty. Not today!

HappyUP!!! - remembering my speech
Why it happened - who knows
Why it makes me happy - I didn't spend that much time getting ready for this contest. Yet, I remembered every aspect of my speech today. I had a couple of slight hesitations but it was OK. I also saw the timing lights...I was running unexpectedly long and I calmly shelved a last part of my speech so I would qualify.

HappyUP!!! - golf
Why it happened - the weather was good
Why it makes me happy - I am on the verge of trying to qualify for the State Amateur. I have not been playing well for a long time. I didn't play that great today but I think I am finding something. One more practice round and some time on the range tomorrow...maybe...just maybe I am going to find that golf game just in time.

JollyJottings

Golf weather
Two birdies
Greens a little better
Lots of green lights
Toastmasters Speech Contest
9 extra holes in the evening

HappyUP!!! Day 818

HappyUP!!! -speech contest prep
Why it happened - the contest is tomorrow
Why it makes me happy - I don't like to go over and over speeches. I didn't practice since the last contest for that reason. I was thinking I needed to re-work it...but I didn't. When I opened it back up today, I actually liked it more than the last time I gave it. A few more run throughs and I will be ready.

HappyUP!!! - chutting one in
Why it happened - I don't chip from just off the green
Why it makes me happy - I birdied one of the holes that plays toughest for me

HappyUP!!! - practice after my round
Why it happened - my partner wanted to and I needed it
Why it makes me happy - it was productive....and I need it. I also got to watch the best player at the club hit balls next to me. I picked up something that was missing from my latest fix. I think my game COULD be coming around at just the right time....this Monday.



JollyJottings

Speech re-opened and practice
Chutting one in
Hitting balls after today's round

HappyUP!!! Day 817

HappyUP!!! - practice
Why it happened - tournament coming
Why it makes me happy - nope...not hitting the ball like I need to BUT these are the things you have to work through to get to where you need to be.

HappyUP!!! - opportunity to help
Why it happened - I know people that need help
Why it makes me happy - I can help. Helping is a big part of what we are about

HappyUP!!! - e-mail
Why it happened - a buddy responded
Why it makes me happy - I haven't talked with this bud in forever. We'll just need to figure out a time and BAM!....we'll grab a bite and do some face to face catching up.

JollyJottings

Oppty to help my friend
Hitting balls...and getting out on the course
Assistant Pro
E-mail from a friend

HappyUP!!! Day 816

HappyUP!!! - hitting balls
Why it happened - upcoming tournament
Why it makes me happy - it was a tough session today....but I hung in there for 2.5 hours. I was a little surprised by my discipline. I am not sure I even hit balls for that long in the fall. It reminded me of a younger day. It ended up being productive....and will motivate me to be back out there tomorrow.

HappyUP!!! - sleeping downstairs
Why it happened - it was hot upstairs
Why it makes me happy - I got some sleep...very easily. This unseasonal broil of the last couple of days caught my environmental control system by surprise

HappyUP!!! - Habit Burger
Why it happened - I decided to try it out
Why it makes me happy - I can now comment on this joint that everyone raves about. It was OK......I think I'd just as soon go to In-n-Out.


JollyJottings

Coffee with buddy
Sleeping downstairs

Hitting balls

HappyUP!!! Day 815

HappyUP!!! - Hitting balls
Why it happened - I have to work on my swing changes
Why it makes me happy - I wasn't pure-ing it but I made some progress. I'll be back out there tomorrow. I also met Bob on the range...we had a great chat.

HappyUP!!! - stock reversal
Why it happened - who knows
Why it makes me happy - my hunch yesterday looked bad last night...and worse at the opening bell. Yet, it came through....I got out of my position and made a couple of bucks. Sure, I could have held to the end of the day and made more but who cares.

HappyUP!!! - visit from my buddy, E
Why it happened - he wanted to see me
Why it makes me happy - it's always good to visit with your buddies! Especially when they show up bearing a Blizzard!

JollyJottings

Another good stock trade
Toastmasters
Sex report on CNN
Hitting balls
Meeting Bob on the range
Seeing friends in the clubhouse
The new club menu....Tunamelts now available
Visit from my friend, E
E-mail from T