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It's a big day - here at Nutsterville.....which means you are going to be getting a bigger dose than just the three HappyUP!!!'s today.
HappyUP!!! - 9 holes of golf
Why it happened - my bro called me
Why it makes me happy - I wasn't going to golf today because my course is closed. When my brother called about teeing it up at his course, I was thrilled to get out.....and I shot even par....with a couple of three putts. Good golf is a HappyUP!!!
HappyUP!!! - brekko
Why it happened - I had planned to go out for brekko
Why it makes me happy - I ran into a couple of people I really like, B&S. I had not seen either of them in a looooong time. We talked for about 10 minutes so it was great. I also got my favorite waitress waiting on me so we had fun banter as usual.
HappyUP!!! - blood donating
Why it happened - I got back into it
Why it makes me happy - my blood may help someone....I like that idea. Also, I had a good time with my blood person.....I was in rare form with the humor. I also slipped her a HappyUP!!! button. Afterward, I got some juice....love the pineapple juice!
HappyUP!!! - rototilling
Why it happened - I need to put in some winter vegetables
Why it makes me happy - the ground had dried out from the recent rains but was still moist enough that there was no dust being raised. I LOVE the smell of freshly turned dirt. My soil is really good for tilling....it's a joy to get down and dirty in the garden. Many, if not all, of the senses get involved.
HappyUP!!! - dinner
Why it happened - I was invited at the last minute
Why it makes me happy - Mr/Mrs Max had me stay after golf. I got some nice company and an excellent casserole....sweet!
JollyJotting
B&S at brekko
J at Brekko
Blood donation
Rototilling
Bro calling me
9 holes of golf
Dinner invite
E-mail exchanges with friends
HappyUP!!! - Kings game
Why it happened - my buddy, S, invited me
Why it makes me happy - it's always great to be invited....even though, in this case, the Kings got beat at the very end of the game. It's always good to spend time with S. This was the first Kings game that I went to this year so that is always a special difference......it's a new season.
HappyUP!!! - Golf
Why it happened - we had a time
Why it makes me happy - Boz and I teed it up as expected.....but W joined us. I always like teeing up with W so it was a pleasant surprise. We got to tee off a little early which got us done early. I played another very loose round.....I don't know what has happened to my game....but I played the last hole well which included striping a drive about 265 down the middle.
HappyUP!!! - e-mailing with my friend
Why it happened - we stay in touch
Why it makes me happy - we kind of have a running gag going on so it makes for a fun dialogue that is none too serious.
JollyJottings
Teeing off early
Playing with W
Drive on 18
Seeing my friend at the Kings game
Going to the Kings game
Call from T
E-mailing with another friend
HappyUP!!! - beautiful golfing weather
Why it happened - it's November in Norcal
Why it makes me happy - I love the chill of the morning that gives way to a touch of warmth. I started out with my rain pants and windshirt on for warmth. Pretty soon, the rain pants were peeled...and then the windshirt. It was just a glorious day to be outside. I think I golf just as much to be outside as to enjoy the game.
HappyUP!!! - golf shots
Why it happened - I was playing golf
Why it makes me happy - I couldn't make a putt today to save my life.....but I had some pretty nice shots going on. You always want to hit a good shot but there are places on the course that really make you feel good. I nailed a drive on 4 today....that is one of those places you want that to happen. I hit a hybrid from 180 yds within 10 ft. I hit my final shot on 18 within a three feet of the pin. It just feels sooooooooooo good to put the shots together.
HappyUP!!! - call from T
Why it happened - T had played some golf
Why it makes me happy - T must have had a good day on the course. I did a little work with him a couple of weeks ago. He left me a message saying that things are working....especially the grip change that he had been reticent to take on. I like helping people and making them feel better.
JollyJottings
9 iron into 18
5 iron on 3
Drive on 4
Hybrid on 6
Drive on 10
5 iron on 11
Twelve
Drive on 14
7 iron on 16
E-mail with L
Weather
Beatin the Boz
Yakking with S
HappyUP!!! -
Darren LaCroixWhy it happened - I was on the undercard of an engagement where he was the featured speaker
Why it makes me happy - OK...I had to do StandUp Comedy....I can be a funny guy but Stand Up is an entirely different deal. First...there were over 100 people in the audience....that's only about 98 more than are usually in front of me when I cut up. Second... StandUP is not spontaneous. It can be but it's not for the most part. It is a learned and practiced skill. Anyway, at the break before he went on, Darren sought me out and gave me a heartfelt "attaboy" along with a tip. He didn't have to do that....but it meant alot. THIS is what we all need to do.
HappyUP!!! - getting the Stand Up deal done
Why it happened - I was volunteered
Why it makes me happy - I was funny enough....can't say I was hysterical....I had a couple of clangers, "is that the ceiling fan I hear?....it can't be...I just delivered my punch line."
HappyUP!!! - my fellow entertainers
Why it happened - see above
Why it makes me happy - we were all huddled together backstage....a bunch of amateurs thrown into the realm NOT of speakers, which we are used to at Toastmasters, but entertainers. All of us were out of our comfort zone...but we were there together. Nobody was putting on airs or trying to outdo the other person. It was community.
HappyUP!!! - pitching in with the hybrid
Why it happened - I missed a green
Why it makes me happy - I should not be making the shots that I do with this club. Today, on the 13th hole, I was 10 ft short of the green on the right side. The hole was cut 35 feet ON the green on the left side...WITH a huge ridge in the way. This means the ball had to travel over 50 feet because there was a good 6 feet of break in this shot.........and I watched the entire time going, "Wow...that's pretty good....I wonder...hmmm....could that go in....nah...well....wait.......YOWSER!" I am gaining quite the reputation as the hybrid guy.
HappyUP!!! - doctor visit
Why it happened - it's part of my annual physical
Why it makes me happy - got a clean bill of health. We are now working on one issue that may or may not be minor. The HappyUP!!! is that it is uncovered and we're working on it.
HappyUP!!! - rehearsal
Why it happened - I have to be part of an entertainment show tonight
Why it makes me happy - I met some new people....learned what the gig tonight is all about....and didn't have to do my entire schtick in rehearsal (I really didn't want to do that).
HappyUP!!! - visit from my buddy
Why it happened - we had been talking about it
Why it makes me happy - this is one of my favorite people. It was great to get the visit paid. We discussed some things that had been troubling....and came to resolution.
HappyUP!!! - golf environment
Why it happened - I decided to tee it up on a whim
Why it makes me happy - I was greeted with playful banter from the cart guy....hit a couple of balls really quickly....and then played 18 holes in gorgeous weather by myself with NO ONE in front of me.
HappyUP!!! - driving range after the round
Why it happened - I didn't hit it very well today
Why it makes me happy - I think I figured some things out. One of the guys from the pro shop was hitting balls next to me....he saw the quality in the swing. It's getting there again....and needs to....now!
HappyUP!!! - the golf shots
Why it happened - I played golf
Why it makes me happy - when you hit the shots "just right," the feeling is incredible. Today, I had a bunch of them. The problem is the disparity between the good shots and the bad shots has increased. In the meantime, I played 4 perfectly. Same thing on 8, 9, and 10. I hit a fabulous little wedge into 15. The 7 iron on 16 was perfectly struck. You can play a lot of rounds where you don't have any "purity." I just need to keep plugging.
HappyUP!!! - trading texts with a buddy
Why it happened - I was thinking
Why it makes me happy - hadn't seen my friend for awhile. Due to the text, we'll get together for lunch in the near future. While golf can provide a lot of HappyUP!!!s, the best HappyUP!!!'s is just getting together with people.
JollyJottings
Up early
Meeting with T
2 hours to play golf
Great iron on 16
Solid wedge on 15
Great play on hole 4
Drive and 8 iron on 8
Super 9 iron into 10
Driving range afterward
Comments by J on the range
Post office automation
Dry Cleaner
HappyUP!!! - 36 holes with the Boz
Why it happened - it was Veteran's Day and Boz had it off
Why it makes me happy - I had an early meeting. I pulled into the parking lot at 8:20....our tee time. Boz has the cart ready and picks me up at my car. We went right to the first tee. We finish 18 holes just in time to order a sandwich...and take it with us to our 12:10 tee time with our buddy, R. We finished up around 4:00....that is a lot of golf without much of a break in the action....and a great day.
HappyUP!!! - Toastmasters
Why it happened - it is Tuesday
Why it makes me happy - we keep making more progress toward building the club. This morning, we had a solid executive meeting. We have more potential guests for next week...on top of this past week's guests. We are on the upswing and this morning's meeting supported that.
HappyUP!!! - golf shots
Why it happened - I golfed a lot today
Why it makes me happy - I didn't play that well today.....with the new clubs and all. This COULD get someone down. I am in rebuild mode on the links. I made a couple of great swings on the par 3 16th. I hit a couple of tremendous "running wedges" on the par 5 15th...I have named that shot the "Hot Tamale." I hit an 8 iron on 5 that was just stellar and got me a birdie.
JollyJottings
Toastmasters
36 holes with the Boz
A couple of good birdies
The "Hot Tamale" 9 iron shot
Nice visit and bite
HappyUP!!! - a new Driver
Why it happened - I got off my fanny
Why it makes me happy - I went down and got myself checked out and tested on the TrackMan System. In a side by side, this little setup was giving me 17 yards more carry on the drive than the old driver. THAT is almost two clubs less when I am hitting into a green...that is a HappyUP!!! (..
and I love the VOODOO Shaft.....the name fits my game).HappyUP!!! - New 3 wood
Why it happened - it was new club day (see above)
Why it makes me happy - the clubfitter immediately saw my Titleist 3 wood and said, "that's a problem.....those clubs were good with the tour players but most amateurs could not hit them." I KNEW it wasn't all my 
fault!
I'll be taking the new dynamic duo "to the streets" tomorrow.
HappyUP!!! - breakfast with S
Why it happened - we like to get together
Why it makes me happy - S is going through some changes and needs to make sure that I am still there. Of course I am. We traded great information as well. We got to jibber jabber with my fave waitress...a good morning.
HappyUP!!! - chat with my friend
Why it happened - I returned my friend's message with a call
Why it makes me happy - sometimes people need to talk so this was a good Sunday evening thing to do. As usual with friends, we left it with we'll need to get together soon....and we probably will.
HappyUP!!! - par 3's
Why it happened - I played golf today
Why it makes me happy - out of the four par three's I played today, I actually had a shot at hole in one's 3 times AFTER I made contact with the shot. What does that mean? It means that, in the air, the ball was heading exactly where it was supposed to...it was only a question of whether the distance was right. Each time, as those balls took off in the air, it was a HappyUP!!!
HappyUP!!! - the Driver
Why it happened - I came across a mental picture
Why it makes me happy - it seems like the change in weather has been causing me to hit the ball a little shorter. This is common as we head into fall and heavy air. The problem is that my ball seems to be more effected than the guys I play with. Today, as I was leaving the range, I had a mental picture going through my mind......and it was pretty funny! I used it throughout the round....I even shared it with my golfing partners... who probably thought I was a nutcase......but, then again, they know me so that's no new news. The driver was going LONG and STRAIGHT today...a HappyUP!!! every time the blow was delivered.
JollyJottings
Par threes....3 of them
Driver
Irons
Weather
Company
Getting up early
Geez - with a schedule like that, the golf course is pretty much the only place to get a HappyUP!!! today. It's the only place I was at.
HappyUP!!! - Scratch League
Why it happened - I guess my club was desperate
Why it makes me happy - they played at the course that I grew up on today....and my club needed me to play. I won my match...shot a respectable score....and met a couple of nice guys that provided a very enjoyable afternoon of golf.
HappyUP!!! - teeing it up with the Boz
Why it happened - he showed up on time
Why it makes me happy - Boz has been MIA out on the golf course for the last couple of weeks. It was good to have him in the group so he could receive another butt kicking.
HappyUP!!! - birdie on 15
Why it happened - I strategized
Why it makes me happy - I didn't try to knock it on this par 5 in 2. I laid it back...considerably back...and I got to the exact distance that I like for hitting a 60 degree wedge....and then I hit the 60 degree wedge close and made the birdie. WOW! It was like something out of TV. I have now birdied this hole twice in a row.....after more than a month of not birdieing it. We'll see what I put together tomorrow.
JollyJottings
Teeing up with the Boz
Waking early
Two birdies this morning
Second birdie in a row on 15
Winning my match for my team
Playing a steady round on a foreign course
The guys I played with in the match
HappyUP!!! - wedge
Why it happened - I had a choice
Why it makes me happy - I had to carry a long green to get to a back pin. My golfing partner suggested I hit it all the way back, spin the ball, and end up right by the hole. I said, "I like the low running shot just right that trickles down the hill." I then hit the exact shot I called (lucky...lucky...lucky..) and the ball nearly fell in the cup for an eagle. EZ Birdie
HappyUP!!! - Walking this morning
Why it happened - I needed to take something to a friend
Why it makes me happy - I kept walking and did a couple more errands. My back has really been an issue but walking doesn't seem to aggravate it.....which probably means it does it some good. It was also a very pretty morning to be stomping around.
HappyUP!!! - seeing RC
Why it happened - he was hitting some putts
Why it makes me happy - I'm playing Scratch League again tomorrow....the club is obviously desperate. RC runs the league and is kind of our captain. We spent some time talking golf and tomorrow's match. I'm going back to my old home course so I am looking to have a big day.
JollyJottings
Couple
wedge shot on 15
7 iron on 16
Walking this morning
Breakfast
HappyUP!!! - golf and weather
Why it happened - it's Nov in Northern California
Why it makes me happy - I was wearing shorts as I walked the course today. I chose to wear a sweatshirt but it really wasn't necessary. The golf was poor.....but the weather was just spectacular today.
HappyUP!!! - another day toward goal
Why it happened - I started something yesterday
Why it makes me happy - I can't share the details here just yet....I'm rolling toward something that is important to take care of. It also takes a lot of focus. I made some head way today
HappyUP!!! - time with nephew
Why it happened - he came to give me a check
Why it makes me happy - I love my nephew....I really do....I'm glad he stopped by.
JollyJottings
Rising early
Another Day toward goal
Golf and weather
HappyUP!!! - speaking opportunity
Why it happened - our Educational VP stumbled across it
Why it makes me happy - I will get to go out and promote the club while I discuss the HappyUP!!! concept. How sweet is that?
HappyUP!!! -meeting with my friend, T
Why it happened - it happens every Wednesday
Why it makes me happy - We had a great cup of coffee and visit today post election. I heard about a couple that he and I both know....they just had multiple babies.
HappyUP!!! - a new president
Why it happened - we do it every 4 years
Why it makes me happy - B.O. was not my choice...I was clear about that. But, before I nodded off last night, I decided that everything would be fine....nobody wants to hear me grouse....most of all me. The best thing that I can do is exactly what I did today...tried to console my McCain supporting circle. I will guarantee you that there are people who have decided to be ticked about this choice for president....until he isn't the president anymore. That is the OPPOSITE of a HappyUP!!!...and the reason for having HappyUP!!!s
JollyJottings
A New President
My polling place
Talking with a friend
Text exchange with another friend
A Speaking Opportunity
A Dry Run for Standup
Golf
Faithful readers know - that I was not in favor of Barack Obama in this election.
But I don't rule this country - and the majority of people that I share this sandbox with digs the guy's groove. This must be respected.
"Democrats having no checks and balances" - "control given all to the likes of Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reed" are both very scary prospects.
....and I know people that will hold that view - until a Republican is back in the White House or control of the House or Senate is regained by the elephants.
What is the cost personally to holding that view? - Republicans have been in for some time and the times aren't as rosy right now as they could be.
I submit that holding that thought, - even subconsciously, is a luxury that you can't afford.
If you were a McCain/Palin supporter - you need and are allowed time to mourn. I suggest you make it a short span. I did mine until I turned off the TV last night. I woke up this morning laughing in bed...and hit the floor running.
It is time to get together as Americans - and look to the positive prospects of the people's decision last night. It is hard to see opportunity and the sunlight when your eyes are focused down at the mud.
On this day more than any other - HappyUP!!! Go out and find what it is that makes you happy today.
Awhile back - I wrote the "How Do You Mark Your Titleists?" post which showed you how I mark my golf balls out on the links.
With the familiar smile - on both sides, it makes it very easy for me to identify my ball versus anyone else's on the course. It also should be a deterrent to other people from other people on the golf course accidentally playing my egg
On another side - I always have the happiest balls on the golf course....something I am reminded of every time I get over my orb.
So, after I steered Smiley into a tree one day - you can imagine the laughter I got when I came upon this alteration after finding him.....arrgh, matey.
HappyUP!!! - meeting some new guys
Why it happened - things were stacked up on the 18th tee
Why it makes me happy - these guys are good players. They play at the club frequently. Sometimes there are three of them...perhaps I can be a fourth on some days as I expand my golfing circle out at the club. One of the guys said, "nice pass," when I made my swing off the tee. I never see my golf swing. When a good player watches your swing and makes that specific comment, things must be looking pretty good.
HappyUP!!! - birdie as I played through
Why it happened - some gents were nice enough to let me play through
Why it makes me happy - whenever you are allowed to play through in golf, you always want to do well. It isn't a "do or die" thing...it's just something you want to do. It's hard to do better than a birdie.
HappyUP!!! - Toastmasters
Why it happened - it was an "on" Tuesday
Why it makes me happy - we had a couple of great speeches. More importantly, we had two guests that really look like they are going to join. New people is what we are all about. If we can bat 2 for 2, that is a home run day!
JollyJottings
Toastmasters
Guests
Playing 18 with some new guys
Birdie when I played through
A tax break
Talking with the pro and assistant
HappyUP!!! - a chance
Why it happened - America is waking up
Why it makes me happy - while I do fear that we will be living under the Pelossi rule for the next four years, I am buoyed by the tightening of the polls today. Tomorrow's outcome in the Presidential election is not a given. While I think the McCain campaign has run out of time, people are at least becoming aware of just how risky the alternative pick would be.
HappyUP!!! - lunch
Why it happened - my friend JP gave me a call
Why it makes me happy - I'm not sure when the last time was that I saw J. It was fantastic getting together and catching up on what life has brought each other way as of late. J is heading into some challenging but exciting times......which brings me a HappyUP!!!
HappyUP!!! - heating and air guy
Why it happened - I scheduled the appointment
Why it makes me happy - he showed up.......he called and was running way ahead of schedule....he found something in my system which was NOT something I would have seen so the call was worth it...and, while he was here, I had him install a new thermostat that I could actually figure out and program myself! I have heat ...just in time for the cooler temps coming around the bend. That is a whole bunch of reasons to be happy.
HappyUP!!! - call from my friend
Why it happened - D called from a coffeehouse
Why it makes me happy - I got to find out some cool things that D is working on...which includes taking a reading and writing course that D will benefit from. D and I agreed to get together soon....getting together.... always a HappyUP!!!
HappyUP!!! - dinner with the family
Why it happened - it was my nephew's birthday
Why it makes me happy - I get a meal prepared for me....and my sis-in-law makes a mean lasagna. It was also great visiting with my bro, nephews, niece and friends. Quality family time without it being a big party.
HappyUP!!! - excellent golfing weather
Why it happened - who knows
Why it makes me happy - it was supposed to rain today......not a drop fell. The course was a little wet but it was great to be out in some great weather. We had a guy join us that doesn't play with us that often...but we are always glad when he does.
HappyUP!!! - golf shots
Why it happened - we had the weather to play golf
Why it makes me happy - I was playing with some good golfers today.....and, even if you don't score as well as you can, it's always great to hit some outstanding shots. I had several today including a phenomenal up and down from next to a tree on the 17th hole...I'm kind of known for pulling off a little magic around the greens. THIS particular gem was black magic. It left my golfing partners in a bit of disbelief...."is he the luckiest guy we know or is he actually pretty good at this stuff," is what they were thinking. Hell...I was thinking the same thing!
JollyJottings
Excellent weather
Great 4 iron
Phenomenal up and down on 17
Exchanges with M
HappyUP!!! -golf...then no golf...then golf...then no golf...then golf
Why it happened - I make things happen
Why it makes me happy - I woke up this morning with an 8 a.m. Tee time. That's good....no, that's bad because it was raining. That's bad....no, that's good because I got invited to play in the Scratch League at noon when my golf pro called because a guy didn't show up. That's good...no, that's bad because the pro called me back 5 minutes later and the guy showed up after all. That's bad...no, that's good because it started pouring and I didn't want to play in the rain. That's good....no, that's bad because now the golf bug was implanted in me. The rain seemed to clear around 2:30 so I went out to my club to golf. That's good...no, that's bad because the rain picked up as I was in the middle of the first hole. That's bad.....no, that's good because I was comitted now. I played 9 holes in the rain, shot a pretty good score, made another birdie with my hybrid, knocked it stiff on another hole, discovered something in my swing.......it was a productive 9 holes!....and fun to be a kid out swinging in the rain (is that being a kid or being Gene Kelly?).
HappyUP!!! - chicken
Why it happened - it rained so I used my electric grill
Why it makes me happy - I forgot that my electric griddle doubles as a grill. You just flip it over. This was the first time I had used it in that fashion. While I would have preferred to BBQ, the chicken turned out delicious. You have the recipe. It's a HappyUP!!! whenever I take the time to cook a meal.
HappyUP!!! -breakfast with the gang
Why it happened - golf cancelled
Why it makes me happy - I was the lone independent amidst the sea of my Democrat adopted family. What a heated table that could become....but it was all in good fun. Though I am an Independent, I am against the extreme left (page down for any of the Barry the Squirrel Hussein Pelossi posts).
HappyUP!!! - catching Sara Palin on the tube
Why it happened - golf cancelled
Why it makes me happy - she was WOWing them in Florida. This lady could do the job just as well as the Squirrel and better than his sidekick....no doubt about it. Of course, that isn't saying a whole heck of a lot. It might actually demean her talents.
JollyJottings
Breakfast
Golf...then no golf...then golf...then no golf...then golf
Chicken
Sara Palin
Hope
Sample Ballot
Warm and Dry
Candles
Rain
HappyUP!!! - hole number 8
