A Man...A Plan.....and a Bed

OK....first off - NOBODY on this thread calls the man police! Got that!

If they found out I was even near - Bed, Bath, and Beyond without a female in tow, my man-badge would be confiscated immediately.

Even if you go there with a woman - you are only allowed 20 minutes in that store. The manual says that when she hits the linen section, you must go to the coffee makers.



Here is what drove me there - an old tartan comforter and, worst of all, no bed skirt. The bed skirt has been an issue forever.

"Nutster, why the heck didn't you have a bed skirt? It's no big deal" - hey, seek first to understand before you are understood. I will now reveal the problem issue that had no solution...

....until now.





It's the King Size Temperpedic Adjustable bed - now, when I bought this piece of slumber heaven, I didn't realize that what I was really buying was two big twins.

They operate independently of one another - you can prop yourself up to read...your partner can lay flat or raise his/her knees (good for the health, I am told).

Anyway - do you see that bar across the one side? (I already had taken off the one for the other mattress). It created an issue



How the heck - do you work a bed skirt around this little mess?

It's impossible - we are talking about getting some special seamstress to come over.

I called the Temperpedic factory - I checked the website. NO HELP!






McGyver enters the picture - some laugh when I show them my trusty pocket knife that I carry at all times.

It's not just for slashing the throat - of an aggressive mouse that I may encounter.

In this case - you will see it come in handy soon.







Here is an actual - photo of McGyver in action.

(Do not try this at home without special training... oh, wait...you are reading this...this is your training)

Look at how - his beautiful hands skillfully cut through the top of the bed skirt liner.

Is there any question - about how much man this man is? I didn't think so.





After deftly using - another, more conventional manly tool....the screwdriver...the hardware is reinstalled over the top of the bedskirt.

(No....I did not iron the bed skirts prior to putting them on. Martha Stewart...you out there?...come and shoot me. But, I warn you...I'm packin a blade!)





And, the finished product - a fully bed skirted temperpedic king size adjustable bed.

If you have one of these - here is your set up.

Two twin size extra long fitted sheets
One standard King flat sheet
Shams and pillows to taste.

Simon - the lucky bear, is optional.

If you are in the Sacramento area - the SleepShop would be an excellent place to pick one of these up. See my friend ,Travis. (916) 645-7009

Some of you are saying - "Nutster, you started with tartan. You still have it." Acutally, this is blacks and greys. I don't know if I will stick with it. I was just heck bent on making something happen.

Total time of conversion - including trip, selection, return, hardware change, and ready to sleep....two hours.

Sweet dreams! - or whatever else that happens in that bed...like READING! (Get your dirty minds out of that gutter).

HappyUP!!! Day 35

HappyUP!!! 1 - made contact with an old friend
Why it happened - just coincidence
Why it made me happy - it is just great to stumble across someone that you really enjoyed and who drifted out of your life. You get to see how they are doing. It's also like a return to grounding

HappyUP!!! 2 - figured out a severe bedding problem
Why it happened - I finally figured that I was making the problem harder than it was
Why it made me happy - I had subbed this job out a while back but it didn't get done. I have an adjustable king size bed. It's really two deep pocket twins side by side. This creates all kinds of bed skirt and sheet issues...that I have conveniently procrastinated on. Well, today I finally went to the bedding store...got some dimensions. I will have a new bed set tomorrow. Yes, it will take two trips to the bedding store but it will be done

HappyUP!!! 3 - an absolute gorgeous day...with the top down
Why it happened - God turned in some handy work
Why it made me happy - high 60's...clear as a bell. I got to go out and run the mower for the first time this year. It just felt great.

Superstitions

(A special post for SundayScribblings )

My two cats - are black. So were the two that I had before these two. I have found that black cats have the best dispositions. At least, dispositions that suit me. Whichever way it is, I am sure they cross my path or I cross theirs all of the time. . Life seems to move on quite nicely

Long ago, I was engaged - my fiance' wanted to set a date. I jokingly noted a story about the Japanese hustling to finish the world's tallest building (at the time) by 8/8/88 because it was good luck. "Hey, we should get married that day. It's good luck," I jested.

8/8/88 - was my wedding date

I'm not married now - so much for the numbers theory!

Now that we are talking about numbers - let's chat about that number 13 deal. This is the one that is probably the most widely held superstition in the western world. I read over in Paris' post that it has to do with Judas being the 13th diner at the Jesus Dine and Dash Supper.

If that is true - and that is where the 13aphopia came from, it is hysterical. Judas....or someone...HAD to rat out Jesus and tell the Jews where He could be found. The dorky Pharisees weren't able to find Jesus on their own. If the plot doesn't play out exactly as it does, with Jesus being crucified and resurrected, you have no Christian story. Man may view what Judas did as bad....but how do you think God sees it who sent His only son to earth for the very purpose of living as He did and then being crucified....

....and then WE - turnaround and fear the number 13? We fear because this one guy did this horrible thing that the God we worship wanted done! It's quite comical to me. I absolutely live for laughing at silly human folly.

Further, you move on to the dread of the number 6 - which does hail from places in the Bible. Here is the override butto n for all of my holy roller friends. How do you really think God would feel about you fearing a man made number more than you fear Him?

No, six is useful - it's a touchdown, it's two field goals, it's two three-pointers from beyond the arc, it's the height of a guy that is 5 inches too tall (I'm 5'7"...the perfect height), it's a handy number of Budweiser's to take along on a Sunday picnic, it's a great number to stick in front of "teen" and call someone sweet because of it.

I like routines - habitual ways that one does things that provide a grounding. Making the bed every morning when you first get up because you will feel better later when you walk into that bedroom is a good example. It's a habit driven by the desire for a later gratification.

Habits driven by fear of the occult - they just don't interest me much.

....now, pardon me - I have a mirror precariously leaning against one of my walls. I am redecorating, you know. I would hate to knock it over. Can't afford the 7 unfortunate years to follow should I tip that shiny piece of glass over and break it.

PS - Bugs Bunny just called. He said that ever since people have seemed to let go of the lucky rabbit's foot obsession, he has slept a lot better.

HappyUP!!! Day 34

HappyUP!!! 1 - a great breakfast
Why it happened - I hit my usual breakfast joint
Why it made me happy - I just love having that place to start my day nearby a couple of times a week. The service is great. They know you by name. They even know your order. All the waitresses are great, too. I found out one today has a super opportunity that she is going to go for which is awesome!

HappyUP!!! 2 - appointment with a business partner
Why it happened - he made it happen
Why it made me happy - we got a lot of items off of our agenda. We got caught up on each other's personal lives. Then, we tackled some sticky topics. We got through them...and will calender a monthly meeting so we don't fall behind again.

HappyUP!!! 3 - wonderful meetings to end my day with two other business partners/clients
Why it happened - I picked up the phone for one and dropped in on the other
Why it made me happy - I went with one of my employees to show her how you sell our company....and, boy, did I do a good job! I secured the client and amazed my employee (OK, maybe not amazed, but I know the respect level shot up). On the other meeting, I just deepened the relationship at the end of the day...I didn't need to go out of my way for this one but I did some "extra miling."

Lots of work stuff today......but now it's the weekend. Tomorrow will be a hoot!!!!

HappyUP!!! Showing UP

Showing up on time -with a smile on your face is almost always more important than what you actually say or do.

Seth Godin nails it again.

People ask me - what the key to my being successful has been. After saying, "wow, I didn't know that I was," I usually say....

"I'm always around" - now, of course, there is a bit more too it than that....

...but not a lot - when someone needs something, they know the person who is going to be there. You get smart when you tell them where to find it or how to do and not do it for them...

....but you need to be there - and the smile? Hey, that's what the HappyUP!!! is all about.

HappyUP!!! Day 33

HappyUP!!! 1 - walking into the office
Why it happened - the staff did a little thing
Why it made me happy - I once heard a saying about, "do you know what it is like to walk into a room and to know the people are glad to have you there?" That's all I can say about this morning.

HappyUP!!! 2 - got some help from a manager who doesn't work for me
Why it happened - I asked for help
Why it made me happy - I used an hour of this young guy's time...he doesn't work for me. He just pitched in. In the end, it was good for him.

HappyUP!!! 3 - a trip to the barbershop
Why it happened - I finally just went!
Why it made me happy - man, this little chore was overdue. Now, I wonder why I didn't go sooner. I am looking hot! Modesty aside, the old barbershop is the last male bastion. Ladies, you can go there...I have been there when you take your little boys there. In the presence of a female, it becomes a clam shop! While I don't agree with what was being kicked around while I was in the chair between patrons and the other barber, it was funny as heck to hear the male bovine manure being thrown around.

Happy Old Saying...

If you want to be happy...


..for an hour, take a nap

..for a day, go fishing

..for a month, get married

..for a year, get an inheritance

..for a lifetime, help someone


I like old sayings. There is probably a reason that they have hung around long enough to earn the honor of being called "old."

HappyUP!!! Day 32...Getting it Done

HappyUP!!! 1 - I put a complicated offer letter together
Why Did it Happen - I gave myself a deadline
Why did it make me happy - because this needed to get done. I finally said that it has to happen today. There were plenty of things popping up and competing with this. I did those things too. I kept nibbling away. I was gathering necessary data. Finally, it all got put together. As is the case for many things, I was making too big a deal to get it right...when it just needed to get out there. I am glad it is off of my desk.

HappyUP!!! 2 - an invitation to meet with a valuable business associate
Why Did it Happen - he made it happen by e-mailing me.
Why did it make me happy - because we really needed to meet. Even though the meeting is probably on Friday, I will be prepared. As I was gathering data for HU 1 above, I was gathering data for this too. I was just taking data as it came in and putting it in the appropriate files between HU1 and 2. By tomorrow, I will be ready. It's looking good and my group is going to look good in this person's eyes.

HappyUP!!! 3 - reading Authentic Happiness
Why did it happen - I had the book with me as I grabbed some breakfast
Why it made me happy - I collected more data to feed into my HappyUP!!! seminar that I will be doing in March. The group I am hearing has heard a part of my talk before. I needed some fresh perspective and to be pointed to some fresh studies. I am going to have no problem filling the time.....it is the editing that is going to be rough.

HappyUP!!! Day 31....Toastmasters

What a start! - my heart was so full by the time I got into work today that I could barely contain myself. Work was fine....it was just no competition for what had happened prior to 9 a.m. I even caught myself in the moments of rapture, noticed them for what they were, and soaked them in like a good marinade.

HappyUP!!! 1 - our semi annual speech contest
Why it happened - our club is committed to always sending someone to the next level
Why it made me happy - we had four great speeches....and all of the other three speakers have come into the club long after I did. I am so proud of each one of them. No, the oldest veteran didn't win today....and that's OK. We are sending the best representative. We are a small group but there are clubs with a bigger membership that doesn't even play.

HappyUP!!! 2 - a conversation after the meeting with a member
Why it happened - we just took some time to converse
Why it made me happy - it was one of those conversations that went to several meaningful topics. When two guys get together for that, it's always a HappyUP!!!

HappyUP!!! 3 - the "Wildman" re-enters my life
Why it happened - because of HappyUP!!! 2
Why it made me happy - there is a gentleman that is about 30 years my senior that I have been acquainted with for a long time. We kind of know each other....but we don't. I hadn't seen him in years. He came bebopping into the room where HappyUP!!! 2 was going on....right when I was chatting with the other member about people who are the "+5's" on the HappyUP!!! scale. I said, "Luke, see this guy....this is one of those 5's." "The Wildman" gave me his card and wants to get together...and he really means it. I was going to suggest the same. I can only pray that I have the youthful exuberance that this guy has when I am in my 70's. They guy is ebullient like you can not believe.

JollyJottings

-conference call with my boss and his boss
-great exchange via e-mail with two key employees
-a tuna salad melt at home for a quick lunch
-a wonderful personal e-mail exchange with a friend...first thing this morning
-got a couple of pressing work things done
-competed in the speech contest....I wasn't going to but I put something together in the end
-Walt brought cookies to our meeting....and got a copy of the club charter
-One of my protoge's at work was going out on his own to conquer the world today....I can't wait to see what he comes back with.

HappyUP!!! Day 30

It's time for a celebration - it is the magical 30 day mark!

"Wait, Nutster! Didn't you just celebrate the 4 week mark a couple of days ago? Aren't you milking this a bit?" - hey, I resemble that remark!

Of course I just celebrated four weeks - and today, we celebrate 30 days. It's your party too! Who says there should be a limit on celebrations? Don't look at me. I didn't make that rule. I may have another one at day 35...40....definitely at the big five-oh.

In the meantime, you are itching to find out what happened today - so let's get on with it.

HappyUP!!! 1 - an arena softball win
Why it happened - I like to play...and it is in my calender
Why it makes me happy - just taking an hour or so, being around some good guys, and keeping up with them. It's totally a guy thing. Hey, come to think of it, I don't do that many guy things....well, except for crochet and embroidery.

HappyUP!!! 2 - kicking some butt at work
Why it happened - pure mental attitude.....fueled partially/wholly by HappyUP!!!
Why it makes me happy - my business is a battlefield. I am giving some pretty strong and clear orders to my troops. It's no power trip. I know that it is all for their best long term interest. I feel like I am on top of things (while I know I am falling behind on some others)

HappyUP!!! 3 - a great interview
Why it happened - one of my managers was persistent and got this lady on my calender
Why it made me happy - this recruit seems to have it all. A good recruiting interview is always going to be a HappyUP!!! for me. This candidate brings an element of grace as well. She will also be the first person to come to work under my new accountability program. She should do very well in our system.

JollyJottings

-a couple of great e-mails and invitations
-a great builder meeting
-a solid conversation at work...or two...or three
-made some ground on a new initiative
- something to look forward to for later in the week

HappyUP!!! Day 29

HappyUP!!! 1 - my street
Why it happened - I moved back there
Why it makes me happy - it's so wide. It could easily be a 4 lane street. Thankfully, there is not that much traffic. Even when people park in front of their houses, you don't notice it. Local lore says that the street was so wide because, when the railroad moved their railyard from a local town to my town, this road was wide so the houses could be moved.

HappyUP!!! 2 - a hard mile
Why it happened - I decided to just do it
Why it made me happy - running has a long history with me. It provided one of, if not thee, the happiest moments of my life....finishing my first marathon. I even have the picture with the time captured above. I finished the mile today....it wasn't fast but I finished. I will be back.

HappyUP!!! 3 - time on my keyboard
Why it happened - I moved the keyboard downstairs as a product of my flooring being done
Why it makes me happy - I have no clue how to play a keyboard...zip...nada...none. I do know chords, however. Just the sounds that I put together please me. I can only imagine how much more it will satisfy me once I learn.

The Hard Mile

Three years have probably passed since I have run a measured mile.

My weight had gotten to 185 pounds. I then got it down to 155. The goal was to run a 6 minute mile in my mid 40's. The goal was hollow. No discipline. No commitment. It was also too easy.

On my first assessment, I ran a 6:06. "Maybe I should make it 12 minutes for two miles. Just to make it interesting." Yes, I was cocky. The goal was forgotten. I didn't go back.

Despite a year on the exercycle and 170 hours of mileage on the machines in 2006, I stand at 172 pounds. 17 pounds over my modern day low. My last marathon was 20 years and 30 pounds ago.

What is today all about? It's about assessment. What will things look like today? As I hold the watch, I know a few things. I know some would say, "start out slow. Jog. Take it easy. You haven't run in forever. Don't go full out. You will hurt yourself." Wise advice but I know my body. If I feel something wrong, I will pull up. With age comes wisdom. I know this is going to hurt tomorrow. It will be only a few minutes but the pain that I will suffer tomorrow will tell me that this was a power packed and intense workout.

I know that my lungs will burn. When I am done, I am going to cough. Hopefully, a lung won't come up with it. I feel the wind. It seems to be a cross wind but I also know it will never feel like it is at my back but I will notice it when I am running into it.

I know that there will come a time that I will want to quit. Not because of a shooting pain, though that is a possibility, but because of will. The mind will say, "you aren't doing bad for a guy your age. This was enough for the day...especially the first one." I also know that, when I hear that voice, I will need to press on. I don't want to wait another week to know where I stand.

I get down the first straightaway. My shoe comes untied. Just like it always did. I stop the watch, tie the shoe, and pick it back up. I head up the backstretch. As I approach the clubhouse turn, I feel the wind. "OK, this is the spot it is going to hit me three more times. Be prepared. You now know the spot when it is at your back too. Remind yourself that to enjoy the benefits, you have to pay the price."

Lap one reads at 1:36. It is too fast. This would be a 6:24 mile but I know that first lap was a little too much effort. It is hard to believe that I used to do light 8 mile training runs at 6 minutes a mile and not break a sweat. The steps just rattled off. I think back to that marathon. 26.2 miles at 6:03 a mile. Here I am today. Dying just to get around the track 4 times.

But every journey begins with the first step. Is another marathon in me? Can the arthritis in my big toe that stopped me from running be arrested enough to get me through the arduous training required? Am I willing to endure the pain and solitude required? I know that I will actually be out at that marathon trail longer than I was 20 years ago. Could I have even ran for that long then...let alone now? Do I have it inside me to answer that question? There is only one way to do it.

Lap three is in the books. I know that I am going to make it. I also know that when I feel that last wind in my face, I am going to kick it on. I always came on at the end. Today will be no different. I have never been one to limp home. I won't start today. You run through that tape. Why? To be able to say that you did.

I kick in. I round the corner. I break the tape and stop the watch. What is it going to read? 6:59. It's no world record. It's only a start. 7 minutes was broken. What would have happened had I not given it my all at the end? 7:02 would have haunted me for a week. I left it all out there. I accomplished something. My pulse upon completion is 210. "They" will tell you that is not healthy. "They" don't know me the way that I know me. The 210 was due to that last burst.

It's a start. It's an assessment. Where do I go from here? We will all find out together in the weeks to come.

Puzzled

(A Special Post for SundayScribblings )

People. The interaction. The paradoxes. The inconsistencies with us but consistencies within themselves. The attempts from us to try to merge on to their highway so we can travel in unison for as long as we choose. With most, we realize that it is time to turn off of their road.

We make agreements. We'll meet up again a little farther down the path. Of course, once turned off, their path makes a turn as we continue on forging our own new course. We think that we should take a slight detour to wander back to their path. But, in our absence, do we have any new information for them? Do they for us? We continue on with the hollow commitment to double back over on another day.

The puzzle of the meandering separate highways is too complex to solve.

Concurrently, we travel the parallel highways of those closest to us. We take a different path but we keep them in sight. They are our frontage roads. If the street we travel becomes too full of traffic and too congested, we know we can make a quick turn at the next crossing and ride on their thoroughfare for a bit. There is no puzzle to those closest to us.

But for the very closest, there is a constant puzzle. In the words of Gabriel Garcia Marquez, "I know her so well that she is a complete mystery to me." The ultimate puzzle.

HappyUP!!! Day 30

Can you believe it? - 4 weeks complete. It seems like just yesterday. A full month of counting blessings. Does it make a difference?

I know it hasn't hurt! - it has been a rough couple of fortnights. Yet, I feel more optimistic than I have felt in years. This hasn't hailed from me saying to myself, "think positive. Be more optimistic."

It has been a welling up - of a shift of attention. The optimism seems to be a byproduct.

Hey...you don't have to put this into - the daily things that ground you. But, are you doing something any better?

HappyUP!!! 1 - 4 weeks complete
Why it happened - I took action and did something that is easy to do....and easy not to do
Why it makes me happy - accomplishment of anything always increases your happiness. This wasn't hard...but it was also easy NOT to do. I just find myself looking for good things...naturally

HappyUP!!! 2 - knocked off a pesky work issue
Why it happened - someone else made the call I should have made
Why it makes me happy - you know what it is like when you have a hanging issue, phone call, relationship thing...etc. Until you deal with it, it weighs on you. The learning here? Get it done. Get it done. Get it done. Move on with the lighter load. If you put it off, it only takes more of your precious focus.

HappyUP!!! 3 - meeting a new friend
Why it happened - I took some initiative
Why it makes me happy - it's always great to meet a new friendly acquaintenance. They bring life experiences that allow us to see a new perspective. They bring new stories. Meeting them lead to meeting others. Spending time with new people is key to the human experience.


JollyJottings

4 weeks complete
Waking up late
Rain late in day
Knocking off a pesky work issue
Sim Card transfer easy
Mocha
Easy finding of restaraunt
Meeting a new friend
Funny conversation
Meeting with contractor
Finding a good fireplace store

HappyUP!!! Day 28..it's Friday!

HappyUP!!! 1 - nephew seeking me out for advice
Why it happened - who knows....I have been waiting
Why it makes me happy - we aren't demonstrative in our family but I do love my nephew to death. He is in his mid-twenties...a bit adrift. He's a good kid...with a huge heart that he has to hide. He is having to come to grips with lifestyle versus employment. Changing careers. So, he wants to get together with his uncle for some advice.

HappyUP!!! 2 - a shot of depression/blues
Why it happened - who knows? I didn't have my Friday night planned very well?
Why it made me happy - "Nutster, how the heck can a shot of depression make you happy? Are you mental? Have you lost it?" Heck no!!! Hey, even being a HappyUP!!! kind of guy doesn't make you totally immune to life's troubles. It just keeps you from dwelling on them and making them worse. For whatever reason, I was a little off last evening when I got home. But, I realized what it was....for what it was. It was just a couple of clouds that rolled by for a bit. I embraced the clouds.....but I didn't fall in love with them!!! It was no big deal. It made me happy to realize this...and helped me to plan what to do the next time this weather pattern rolls in. It also makes me appreciate this morning!!!! I am up, at it, and looking forward to today....an exciting day... the contractor is coming over!!!!

HappyUP!!! 3 - a great story from an employee
Why it happened - I just made a howdy doody "how you doin" call
Why it made me happy - I am kind of mentoring this young gent. We have bonded. He hasn't had a manager for some time so I have taken him on as a direct report. He had a piece of success with a suggestion that I made. I am so proud that he went out and did what I told him.....and, by doing, he now will understand. Self-motivation will soon kick in....and he will be on his way BIG TIME. I absolutely LOOOOOVE that!!!


JollyJottings

Video
Blizzard
Shot of Depression
Stir Fry
No Chimney extension
Trip to models
Breakfast w/manager
Great story from employee
Great e-mail from friend
Great page read on cognition

SUPER HappyUP!!! Day 27 - You'll LOVE It!!!

File this one under - "share the love."

Hey....wait...- this blog isn't about love. It's about Happy

SHARE THE HAPPY - there we go. You all know that HappyUP!!! is scientifically proven by former head of the American Psychological Association, Martin Seligman.

What!!!???!!! - you don't believe me? OK...here. You people are so hard to satisfy sometimes. But...I love you anyway. ...

Which gets us back to the above - most would agree that all of us could use more love in our life. Yes, you may have love in your life....perhaps LOTS of love. You might be Led Zepplinish and have A Whole Lotta Love

.....but you can have more, can't you? - this would be an awesome thing. Instead of more of a lot of things that you do attain, wouldn't more love easily be something that would transcend those things?

...and, it is easier to love - the Happier you are.

"Nutster, what comes first? Love or Happiness?"- I tell you what. When you have the answer to that chicken or egg question that has been kicked around for a bit, we'll get together and tackle the new question.

Anyway, you have all seen the Nuttons (Nuttons-just like buttons but better) in previous posts - my friend, Alex , the Chief Happiness Officer at PositiveSharing, over in Copenhagen is a happy guy. I like happy guys (and gals) in my periphery. I said, "is there anything that could add to his happiness?"


Off to Copenhagen - the HappyUP!!! Nuttons went.

Here they are - arriving in Denmark safe and sound, phoning home.

Alex was at a booksigning ( for his wonderful book, Happy Hour is 9-5) - and, to the people that were particularly happy, they were bestowed an extra "round" of happiness (see picture above).

...and that made me even happier!!! - it's funny what happens....when YOU HappyUP!!!

(Thank goodness for HappyUP!!! If it wasn't for that, I may be dwelling on the fact that my nuttons are farther travelled than myself!!! Perhaps my new life quest will be Chasing the Nuttons. How much fun and happy would that be??!!!??? I'd be on a plane for Paris and Copenhagen already! Hmmmmmm.........pardon me......idea cooking.......anyone know the link to travelocity?)

HappyUP!!! - my package going overseas
Why it happened - I had an idea
Why it makes me happy - I am international

HappyUP!!! - my friend Alex
Why it happened - I reached out
Why it makes me happy - this dude is a mover and a shaker and he is on to something

HappyUP!!! - just sharing the Happy
Why it happened - see above
Why it makes me happy - always best to pay it forward

HappyUP!!! Day 26

HappyUP!!! 1 - an interview...and it looks like a hire
Why it happened - one of my employees found a solid person
Why it makes me happy - it looks like another solid, stable person is going to come on board. My team is building up momentum in a time when others are running in my industry. The time to strike is now.

HappyUP!!! 2 - an interview....and another hire
Why it happened - one of my employees found another solid person
Why it makes me happy - all of the above. Plus, this guy has experience, is super sharp, knows what he is getting into, etc. You never really know when you make a hire...you never really do. But, I am sure feeling good about the odds on this one.

HappyUP!!! 3 - my fireplace guy called
Why it happened - it rained so he had a hole in his schedule
Why it makes me happy - I am so jazzed by my downstairs almost being done. I have posted about that already. I get a bit giddy when I think about it being finished. I really do. Plus, the fireplace guy is more than that. I think he can quickly knock out a bathroom remodel and, perhaps, egad....the upstairs!

HappyUP!!! Day 25

HappyUP!!! 1 - being in the presence of a great coach
Why it happened - I took the invite to be at an optional meeting
Why it made me happy - I learned. I evaluated where I am and have been as a leader...and where I need to go. It made me think of how my past errors were just tools to get to where I am today and how they have made me and can make me better

HappyUP!!! 2 - I saw David Crosby!
Why it happened - I stopped to check out a band on the way back to my room at the hotel
Why it made me happy - David Crosby has done a lot of things in his life that I would not recommend....but his music is poetry. I wouldn't wish to travel the road that he has....and the temptations that abounded. It was just kind of neat to be standing right next to him. It wasn't like I was a kid wanting an autograph. It was like he is just a guy like me.....who just made some different twists and turns. He's done some incredible things....on both ends of the "incredible" spectrum. ....and he was right next to me at that lounge. I don't know. It wasn't hero worship. It was something else...I'll get back to you when I figure it out.

HappyUP!!! 3 - a guy remembering something I said three years ago
Why it happened - the person in HappyUP!!! 1 and I talked
Why it made me happy - here is a guy that I have a lot of respect for. He is in the College Hockey Hall of Fame as the winningest coach ever. I had met him 3 years ago at a meeting. As soon as we reacquainted, he said, "I remember what you said about the zamboni." Yes, it was a humorous quote that I had long since forgotten but the statement also had some meaning. It reaffirmed that we all touch people everyday. The words you speak may be something that you carry for the rest of someone's life. You want to make them good ones.

HappyUP!!! Day 24....Tuesday

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

Rest assured - they were recorded in my handy Moleskinie.

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

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

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

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

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

HappyUP!!! Day 23

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

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

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