HappyUP!!! Day 64

HappyUP!!! - quarter 1 is over and the weight is slightly down from last quarter

2005	Q1	164.77
	Q2	166.85
	Q3	173.92
	Q4	173.77
2006	Q1	167
	Q2	166.6154
	Q3	167.8462
	Q4	172.6154
2007	Q1	172

Why it happened - I have no idea. I discontinued going to the gym this quarter
Why it makes me happy - I was fairly inactive in Q1. No, I wasn't a total sloth. I wasn't that concerned about it and it doesn't look like it has put me in the doghouse. Yes, I am still riding the top end of what is acceptable but, today, I celebrate! Throw a steak on the grill.

HappyUP!!! - a steak on the grill
Why it happened - I decided this morning I was having one
Why it made me happy - I haven't had it yet. It's going to be good, though. I have been soaking it all day. I don't eat an extraordinary amount of meat. When I do, I enjoy it.

HappyUP!!! - retesting for optimism
Why it happened - I was moved to do it by my SundayScribblings post
Why it made me happy - I got some scientific confirmation of what I already suspected. My optimism and happiness are on the rise. Even if I was deluding myself, what is how you feel anyway? In this case, I have some quantifiable numbers behind me.

Deepest, Darkest Secrets....Who I Am

( A Special Post for SundayScribblings )

The "darkest" secrets - will not be discussed here today. I am sharing exactly who I really am with the entire world. I would consider that pretty deep.

Last year - at a 5 month interval, I took and retook a test over at Martin Seligman's fabulous website. As many of you who follow along know, he is the father of Positive Psychology. I have based my HappyUP!!! calling on his work.

I thought it might be interesting - for those of you following the Nutster on the HappyUP!!! trail to find out a little bit about who this nutty guy is......scientifically tested.

Here are the signature strengths of mine (VIAS test for those of you going to the site....warning: it's a robust 220+ question assessment) that consistently popped up in or around the top 5 on both tests.

Creativity, ingenuity, and originality (#1 in May, #4 in October) - I would say it is right on. It is definitely in the running for the top slot.

Honesty, authenticity, and genuiness (#2 in May, #6 in October) - this is a permanent top fiver in my opinion.

Bravery and valor (#3 in May, #13 in October) - I think the May testing was an aberration. I don't have a lot of fear. My attitude: "hey, what is the worst thing that can happen to me? I die. I can deal with that. I would prefer it not to be today, but my number will come up." Bravery comes when you have fear and do the thing anyway. Perhaps my valor got me in there on the second go round.

Caution, Prudence, and discretion (#4 in May, #3 in October) - yep, that darn test hit it right on the head. This is me. How do these guys have this pegged?

Judgment, critical thinking, and open-mindedness - (#5 in May, #2 in October) - right on the money again.

Perspective (wisdom) - (#6 in May, #7 in October)

Forgiveness and mercy (#7 in May, #1 in October) - this is one that I am particularly proud of. I think I may have rated a bit low in May and a little high in October. It is definitely in the top 5. If I had done this test 7 years ago, I would not have rated well at all.

So, let's summarize - I am forgiving, creative, honest/genuine, open-minded, discrete/prudent with some wisdom sprinkled in. I wish mom was still alive....I think she did a pretty good job with the youngest of three boys! Good thing mom and dad had that accident that brought the final person into the clan.

Where did modesty and humility fall? - ooh, I just knew you were going to ask that. Hey, I will cough it up. It was 21 in May and 10 in October. Yes, it cracked the top 10. I think that is a nice trend.

How did the Authentic Happiness Test look like - year over year? As I wrote this posting, I just had to go take it again. I first took it last March. This one is a short one. Out of a possible 5, I am now testing at 3.83....this was opposed to 3.25 one year ago. Now, a happyometer does not exist in this world. What is happy to one is not to another. However, when you test relatively to yourself, you are playing the same game so there is relevance here. As I have said all along, where you fall is where you fall. No goods...no bads. HappyUP!!! is all about moving up the continuum.

.......but, should you take the test - you really need to do a gut check and be honest. Yes, you can figure out the "right" answers...the ones you want. Like anything in life when you cheat, you only cheat yourself.

Here is some big news - last May, I took the Optimism test on the website (go there...take it...32 questions with only two choices...you can do it in minutes). I scored a 4 out of a possible 8. I was, average. There was nothing wrong with that. My description of myself at the time would have said, "I am pretty pragmatic."

I just retook the test - and I am now scoring at a 7 out of 8. Scientifically, I have moved from pragmatic to optimistic in just one year.

I have been working on changing my attitude - it was OK to begin with. I have seen the differences that consistently applying the HappyUP!!! principles make in my own life. This is a big shift. When I got the latest results, the quantum slide up the scale was not surprising.

NOTE: I also got a new boss and a new bosses boss in that same time frame........one of the biggest HappyUP!!!'s in the last year, I would say. It is amazing how the work environment can effect your overall attitude. Yet, over the last 60 days, I also had some adverse events happen....terminated a long term (3 year) relationship, heavy turmoil in my industry despite the new leadership, short staffed due to terminations underneath me and I haven't backfilled the positions.

My deepest secret - is who I am. You now know it. I guess I will now have to go back down to that "secret's vault" and find the next one to share at another time. I don't care much for secrets.

While I am a vault if someone share's theirs with me - I find that secrets require more maintenance than they are worth. The secrets we keep about ourselves are things that other's really don't care that much about anyway. They are busy tending to their own "secret's garden." Once in awhile, if you are lucky, you share a secret that is troubling with the right person and THE WORLD opens up to you.

I have a saying about that - "I'm going to toss this one out to the universe and see what comes back."

Psychological testing - can be very thought provoking. It can be painful. It can be uplifting. It can bring forth denial. All in all, it may bring some secrets out in the open to yourself.

HappyUP!!! Day 63

Happy UP!!! - a party
Why it happened - I got invited...and I went
Why it made me happy- I am not a huge party person. This was different. I don't know why. I'll have to get back to you on that...really. All I can tell you is that I had a very good time.

Happy UP!!! - more plants in the ground
Why it happened - I just did it
Why it made me happy- once the vegetables are planted, it's pretty much just watering after that. I am not a meticulous gardener. I have good soil....I plant with generous amounts of potting soil to amend. This year, I even have the mulch thing going on to cut back the weeds. I'll probably throw a drip system in this year...all above ground letting it all hang out in the open. Also, it felt good with the shirt off...getting some sun on an 82 degree Norther California day

Happy UP!!! - my tax appointment
Why it happened - it was scheduled
Why it made me happy- I like my tax guy. I have been seeing him for 20 years. This is the fourth office that he has been in. I have a lot of confidence in him. While I don't have the final results, I think I am going to be looking good based on his preliminary assessment. Cash back is a cool thing.

HappyUP!!! Day 62

HappyUP!!! - a retirement party
Why it happened - a friend spent 30 yrs at the company and is getting out at 52
Why it made me happy - hey, it gives me hope! I got to say a few words...and people laughed quite a bit. The best part was when the honoree spent so much time talking about his wife. It is awesome when people married a long time gush over each other. That was the real HappyUP!!!

HappyUP!!! - seeing an old friend
Why it happened - we both went to the same retirement party
Why it made me happy - I hadn't seen the guy in about a year. He relocated. He is within a car drive. He is living on the coast. Has his boat there. Mountain bike trails. He wants me to come down. Besides seeing each other again, it sounds like there is a new place to play!

HappyUP!!! - hot issue resolved
Why it happened - one of my employees got on it and did a good job
Why it made me happy - THIS could have turned into a major blowup...super stressful. You absolutely MUST revel in times of pain that is avoided. Just because it didn't happen is no reason that it shouldn't be a HappyUP!!!


Jolly Jottings
Meeting with employee
Builder issue ...hot...done
My part in conf call
King's game
Second interview
Message from recruiter
Call with equity person

HappyUP!!! Day 61

Life isn't always HappyUP!!!'s - hopes of just yesterday can be dashed. Today was a day like that. It happens. You make new plans.....and you focus on the things that move you forward. Let's go....

HappyUP!!! - lunch
Why it happened - a coworker said, "let's go."
Why it made me happy - it was a stressful day. Sometimes those are the days when you need to take a little breather. We had great conversation about things that were fun.

HappyUP!!! - solved a problem very easily
Why it happened - a department found some money
Why it made me happy - we needed this solved...and NOW. This kind of problem with this department doesn't always (rarely) get solved so rapidly. This, in turn, will prevent another MUCH bigger problem from developing. Sometimes, we don't stop and think about how appreciative we should be when someone steps up and not only solves the problem at hand but also mitigates the chain effect that would have begun.

HappyUP!!! - got into a catalog website
Why it happened - I needed stuff
Why it made me happy - I hadn't used the site in forever. The "forgot password" didn't look like it was going to work. This would have meant a call to customer service tomorrow, dealing with that, then finding the time to order the stuff at a later did. I got it all done tonight.

Cheerful People

Some of you may be familiar with Bob Proctor - Bob has been a motivational speaker and author that has been around for some time.

He also is making the rounds on the talk shows - pimping "The Secret." My stance on "The Secret" is they are stretching it a bit on the Law of Attraction. Do I believe in the Law of Attraction? Yes, I do. Do I believe in how far the people behind the promotion of "The Secret" have taken it? Sorry to seem wishy washy but I can't say "Yes," but I won't say "No." I do believe that synchronicity exists. I join Carl Jung in this regard. There are just too many things that are coincidences. If synchronicity exists, there is room in the ether for other things as well.

"Coincidences - are God's way of staying anonymous," is a favorite quote of mine. I believe that coincidences are there to be explored. Heck, exploring coincidences is probably a lot more interesting than most of the things that we do everyday.

Proctor sends out a thought for the day - and, because I am a quote guy, I allow him into my e-mail box almost every day. Here is what came across the web this morning:

"You will find yourself refreshed by the presence of cheerful people. Why not make earnest effort to confer that pleasure on others? Half the battle is gained if you never allow yourself to say anything gloomy."

-Lydia M. Child
1802-1880, Abolitionist and Writer

What if it was a felony - to spoil someone else's day and a misdemeanor to bring someone down? How would that change your behavior?

Don't answer that question too fast, sunshine! - you may be a fairly positive sort already. If this was a law, you might step it up and go a little further just to make sure you didn't end up in the hoosgow*.

You have the freedom to believe - anything that you want to believe. You can make that a law for yourself if you want to (NO...until you become Czar of the Universe, you don't get to impose sovereignty on anyone else). If you do decide to do this, you would need to take a course to make sure your skills are improved.

Hmmmmmm - where would one start? Thinking..........thinking......searching my marvelous computer (that is the couple of pound sack of wet, mushy stuff that sits atop my neck) for an answer......the little hourglass is spinning along......BINGO!

A great starting point would be to - HappyUP!!! for 7-30 days. Full details on the program here. For those of you that just want to cut to the chase, every day write down three things that 1)made you happy 2) why you think they happened and 3) why they made YOU happy.

*HappyUP!!! points to me - I have never seen the word "hoosgow" in print. I had no idea how to spell it. I spelled it the way you saw it here, went to dictionary.com for a spellcheck, and found out I had nailed it correctly the first time. Yes, that will find itself into the journal as a JollyJotting and possible HappyUP!!! today....it makes me happy! You may think it is stupid....and that is totally cool. Your attempt to bring me down will fall on deaf ears. Watch out, though. If you pull the same thing on someone else, you may succeed in lowering their image of themselves and YOU will be in violation of the law.

HappyUP!!! Day 60...Delivering as Threatened

It is official - two months of solid HappyUP!!!'s. There doesn't appear to be an end in sight either.

It matters not - if it is a day when the multitudes of you tune in or on a day when traffic is down a bit.

I am at confessional - I now do this for me....Me.....ME! No shame. No guilt. No worries about self-absorption. Why? Because if you know there is one crazy guy out there doing it for him, YOU now have permission to do it FOR you should you choose to join in and HappyUP!!!

HappyUP!!! - being named as a top 5 thought provoking blog by a person that I have tremendous respect for
Why it happened - she and I took the time to read each other's things.
Why it made me happy - she writes from a perspective and talent level far beyond mine. Yet, at the same time, there is something she finds here that makes her day a little brighter when she stops by. I was asked a long, long time ago, "Nutster, what should your tombstone read?" My reply today is the same as it was over a quarter century ago, "It was always a little bit better when he was around." This recognition is an acknowledgement that I am staying true to that purpose. No, you and I may not be curing starvation or ridding the world of AIDS here.....but we may be making life a little better for someone who is.

(Editors Note: whose life were you a light to today?)

HappyUP!!! - a wonderful dinner
Why it happened - I made it happen and went to dinner
Why it made me happy - I had never eaten indoors at The Town Lounge. (Hey, hit the link...the cool music is worth it). I have heard of it being more of an upscale, pick up joint. I figured that it was probably safe on a Wednesday night. The service was outstanding. The sea bass was tremendous. The guy playing guitar was playing at a volume level perfect for background music for the dining crowd. The company was outstanding.

HappyUP!!! - a possible solution to a nagging problem
Why it happened - I made a phone call
Why it made me happy - my admin is going out on maternity leave in less than 30 days. I have wrestled with the solution of what we are going to do for six months. Do I hope that the temp that I bring in will work out....I only have one shot for my current admin to train him/her? Do I try to spread the load amongst my current staff, the staff above me, and with a peer or two? THIS solution, if it works out, will be THE BESTEST! That's right, I said the BESTEST. I love that non-word. It will be the BESTEST for everyone...if only I can pull it off. Keep your fingers crossed.

A HUGE in a WORLD of it's OWN HappyUP!!!

It's right here

My friend Tara runs Paris Parfait - Tara is a journalist who has led a fascinating life. She has seen the world from the top, close or at bottom, and everywhere in between.

Currently - she lives in Paris (which answers half of your question about why her blog is titled what it is).

I "met" Tara - through a mutual participation in SundayScribblings. It wasn't hard for me to see that, of the many wonderful writers, artists, poets, etc that contribute to that site, she was the cream of the crop.

If you enjoy excellent writing - you will enjoy her blog (WARNING: when she does the political thing, you may not agree with her stance. Just KNOW that it is written from her heart and a little more knowledge of the topic than many "pundits". She's been to those places in the Middle East covering the stories. She knows the landscape, the people, and the players.)

If you enjoy great pictures - she serves those in her parfait

If you enjoy antiques and antique shopping - she will bring that to you as well.

If you enjoy style - hey, she lives in Paris and has lived the life..............and lived to tell about it.

My accolades above are far overdue - but the dearth of the recognition was brought home to me today. She actually named OUR (that's your's and mine) little blog here as one of her five most thought provoking.

Quite honestly - I was floored when I saw her picks. Humbled. Beyond an academy award. I see some of the places that she visits on this great big web that we travel. This is no small deal in my book.

I have been asked a question - several times lately about what I would wish for more of in life...money, fame, respect, or something else that I forget. I always check the box, "respect." You can't get respect out of a printing press. To receive such recognition from someone like this is.....well.....you know.....

A big ol HappyUP!!!!

TO New Visitors - besides a daily dose of HappyUP!!!'s, you can find some interesting treasures in these
classic posts:

A guy trying to avoid the Man Police at the bedding store

All about being a man

Thoughts to think about before you install your chain link fence in the front yard(just save yourself some time...and don't do it!)

A brief foray into the deep stuff around "Goodbye"
(hey, it's not all just giggles here)

Habits......Disciplines....and Time

Tonight, I post day 60 of accountability - to all of you regarding my HappyUP!!!'s. While I have worked on this in my journal for a year, I didn't do the formal process every single day. I did continue to return to it after I did several 7-14 day excercises. I had done the HappyUP!!! process enough that, while not a daily habit, it was always there in the background. It had left an imprint.

Now, as I get ready to post day 60 - I look back and go, "Day One was just yesterday." I also reflect upon how much more powerful this self-improvement tool has been to my outlook now that I have added some accountability and discipline to it.

The ever present "they" - say that it takes 21 days to create a new habit. No generalization works for everyone. I can say that after 30 days of doing this, I wasn't going to stop anytime soon. I internally felt that if the HappyUP!!!-ing was taking away time from other things in my life, it was the other things that had to go. I have not dropped anything on purpose to make room for the HappyUP!!!-ing. Heck, it only takes 10 minutes a day. Maybe it cost me a few minutes of sleep because I was 10 minutes later to bed. As I did the JollyJottings during the day, perhaps it was a welcome little few minutes of break that I needed. Everything still seems to be getting done at the office.

When the HappyUP!!!-ing moved from an "I gotta do it" - to just an "it's something I do," that is the point when a new habit became ingrained. It was probably around day 30. I could go back through the archives and actually pick out the day.....but, what would be the point? So I could say, "it takes me 14 days or 18 days or 28 days to ingrain a habit" for me? Who cares?

Let's bring it home - maybe introducing a disciplined attempt at HappyingUP!!! isn't for you. I would only say that I think you have 10 minutes you can find every day for the next 30 days. Go to blogger.com. The account is free. If not HappyUP!!!, what will you commit to doing differently for the next 30 days that might change your life? Don't know? Well, try HappyUP!!! Just starting SOMETHING may take you in the direction of your dreams and purpose that you can't access right now.

You see, if you don't move from where you are standing - the landscape never changes. If the scenery doesn't change, how can you expect your perspective to? Do you think that a blinding revelation is going to come down and annoint you? Well, I suppose it could. I hope it does. My experience goes back to a quote I heard a long time ago, "most things that fall from the sky are decidedly unpleasant."

If 60 days passes by - like it was just yesterday, then 30 days will seem like it was just this morning. If you operate a little slower, 60 days may seem like 2 days ago and 30 days will seem like yesterday. Small, consistent, 10 minute changes are easy to do.....and they could lead you to somewhere you never dreamed of going.

I won't share where this has led me - because I don't like to put something out there that I am not 100% on. That's my issue. I can only tell you this. I do have a strong inclination that would never have materialized had it not been for this process. I will share it with you all when it is time. I can only tell you that it has the ability to impact many, many people in a positive way.

I caught a blog the other day - on how a guy is sick of the "positive cult." Now that Positive Psychology has made it's way to the forefront, more people are being given permission to make changes that they would not have made in a previously in a positive direction. For those that want to stay in the negative, they get uncomfortable. They don't want to see people leave their club. That is pretty much how I see how most things are when change happens. Your friends, your cronies, your family...they will be quick to point out how "that won't work," or "that is stupid." They are absolutely correct. It won't....for them. You are not them. You are you and you are a precious child. You are full of things that not even you can imagine for yourself. But, unless something changes, you will either be the same you tomorrow or a product of the "them's" that you are allowing to control your behavior.

To that guy who is sick of the "positive cult" - I would say, "dude, don't worry about it. Stay as you are. No one is making you do anything. You make a choice to stay how you are. I make a choice not to listen to you. I still love you like any brother here on Earth. I believe with my heart and soul that I am helping people that want to be helped. I am not here for you and where you are at right now. You can always call me. I may even act like I am listening. I will not try to change you. If you want help, I'll be there to pull you up but I will not let you pull me down. If you just want to complain, I'll give a sympathetic ear but, if it's chronic complaining, I know you have someone else to call. "

All we can do - is try to be the change that we seek. I started this process from a place where I was pretty content with myself. I feel that I have moved up the continuum from there. I feel like I am becoming a better person. I hope my negative friend mentioned above can be as happy for me as I am happy for him that he has fulfilled his goal of maintaining the status quo. It's all good......

....I just want good - to become gooder.

What is happiness? - who knows? I saw a study about twins conjoined at the forehead. They were fully grown with careers. The possibility of disconnecting them was given to them as an option. They said, "why would we do that? We are happy."

"Oh, how could they be. They don't know happiness" - that is not for me...or you...to say. Brighter minds than mine have tackled this question of what is happiness for centuries. I will never spend that much time studying the subject. I only know one thing....

Wherever you are today on YOUR own happiness scale - you can move up if you want to. I wish that for everyone. The PURSUIT of happiness is what our founding fathers died for....and what I hope you will devote 10 minutes a day toward for the next 30 days.

Julie Andrews turns 69...a HappyUP!!!

Julie Andrews evidently turned 69 last year---she made a special appearance for the benefit of the American Association of Retired People at Radio City Music Hall. For those of you who remember her in the Sound of Music, she came out and sang My Favorite Things from that movie. It is one of her signature songs from a classic movie. Yet there was a twist. Here is the report from my friend Wes Roberts :

Here are the lyrics she reportedly used:

* * * * * * *

Maalox and nose drops and needles for knitting,
Walkers and handrails and new dental fittings,
Bundles of magazines tied up in string,
These are a few of my favorite things.

Cadillac's and cataracts, and hearing aids and glasses,
Polident and Fixodent and false teeth in glasses,
Pacemakers, golf carts and porches with swings,
These are a few of my favorite things.

When the pipes leak,
When the bones creak,
When the knees go bad,
I simply remember my favorite things,
And then I don't feel so bad.

Hot tea and crumpets and corn pads for bunions,
No spicy hot food or food cooked with onions,
Bathrobes and heating pads and hot meals they bring,
These are a few of my favorite things.

Back pains, confused brains, and no need for sinnin',
Thin bones and fractures and hair that is thinnin',
And we won't mention our short shrunken frames,
When we remember our favorite things.

When the joints ache,
When the hips break,
When the eyes grow dim,
Then I remember the great life I've had,
And then I don't feel so bad.

* * * * * * *

It was stated that Ms. Andrews received a standing ovation from the crowd that lasted over four minutes with repeated encores. Must have been some younger people in the crowd to remember to keep standing and clapping for that long.

HappyUP!!! Day 59

HappyUP!!! - Toastmasters Meeting
Why it happened - I go every Tuesday
Why it made me happy - our assigned speakers didn't show up. Two of the members filled in unexpectedly and did a great job. They gave two great "off the cuff" speeches. Sometimes, those can be disasters. Here is what I know: these two guys couldn't have done what they did a few short years ago. One of the members spoke about how he now goes out and speaks to service groups on behalf of people in places that have no clean water. Awesome stuff! He is putting his new found speaking skills to good use

HappyUP!!! - an employee about to have his best month ever
Why it happened - he keeps working and working at it
Why it made me happy - I know this guy is working hard. He has some adversarial conditions. He is working through them anyway and is on his way to a record breaking month for him. It is just awesome to see the people that report to me...the people I serve...do well.

HappyUP!!! - a brilliant idea
Why it happened - I took a meeting and problem from yesterday and combined it with a solution to a different problem
Why it made me happy - Voila....it is kind of like dunking a chocolate bar in peanut butter to get a Reese's Cup. I didn't use today's solution. I used the spirit of it's solution to come up with a different possible solution to a problem many of my HMC's are suffering with.

HappyUP!!! Day 58....a Bittersweet HappyUP

I can't believe it - I'm feeling a little melancholy about the first HappyUP!!! today...but in a good way.

HappyUP!!! - we lost our Arena Softball playoff game
Why it happened - we played like dirt (and this is indoors where there is no dirt)
Why it made me happy - or, melancholy happy. We have played about 5 seasons. With Spring around the corner, some of the players are taking their game outdoors. In a younger day, I would have been tempted to join them. Outdoor softball just moves to slow compared to indoors, however. Long games at the park. It just doesn't have the allure. It looks like a case of "their breaking up that old gang of mine." I doubt we'll get back together in the fall. Along the way, we collected a championship. It's time to move on to the next hobby to have some fun with.

HappyUP!!! - an e-mail from one of my employees
Why it happened - she fought through adversity...and is going to win
Why it made me happy - the strategy that I had put in place worked....and it makes me more confident that it will work for more of my employees on an important, long term initiative. It was a little victory...but a big victory for this employee. She now realizes that the adversity is natural...and, if she fights through it, there just may be a carrot on the other side of the stick.

HappyUP!!! - an interview
Why it made me happy - the person that I was called in to do the second interview with had "that thing." I call it magic. It's where confidence and intelligence meet along with a pleasing personality. It's very attractive and that will get you a long way. It's not about physical beauty. It's about having presence. Who knows if the person will work out but I think they have a great shot at it. The hiring manager is excited. It's all good.

JollyJottings

a great meeting with a client

HappyUP!!! Day 57....Kings Win!

HappyUP!!! - spending a few hours with my nephew at a Kings game
Why it happened - he accepted my offer
Why it made me happy - the dude had to work graveyard last night. He got home in time to get a few hours sleep. Then, he rousted himself out of bed to spend a few hours with his uncle. My nephew has had to battle through a lot of health challenges from the time he was born. He has had more exotic drugs through him than entire towns of people have had. Every minute I spend with him is precious.

HappyUP!!! - ...and the Kings beat the Phoenix Suns
Why it happened - who knows? Mike Bibby knocking down 9 out of 12 three point shots didn't hurt
Why it made me happy - it's always great when the underdog wins....and that was the case here. The Kings are probably not even going to make the playoffs. The Suns are battling for the top spot. When the Kings get it going at Arco Arena, the fans turn it up like nowhere else in the league. You have to be there to experience it. It has been missing most of this year but it was there today.

HappyUP!!! - top down and 72 degrees
Why it happened - it didn't rain as the weather man had forecasted
Why it made me happy - 72 degrees is perfect top down weather. When you slow down, it can feel a little warm. As soon as you speed up, it cools right off. This is a pure indulgence of the senses and I am lucky that I have the opportunity to experience it.

HappyUP!!! Day 56...all in one shot

No...these probably aren't the three biggest HappyUP!!!s of the day - but I thought that I would do a twist for you faithful....three HappyUP!!!s in one picture.

That plant with the fuscia flowers - I don't know where those buds came from but it was EXPLODING with color today.

That bush from the neighbor's yard - same thing as above. It must be spring because it wasn't like that last week. The white is just BLINDING.

The lawn - freshly cut by your's truly.


HappyUP!!! - the geranium? I think that is what is providing the fuscia to the scene
Why it happened - the plant was already planted...probably by the previous owners...my parents
Why it makes me happy - I love that color. It's not power red or passion purple. It is the color in between that I just really dig. If I could find a men's dress jacket in that color, I would own it!

HappyUP!!! - the white bush
Why it happened - my neighbor has let it become overgrown
Why it made me happy - OK...the chain link fence is not a HappyUP!!! (see here) but nature's beauty is. I just could never recall it being so white. I just stopped in amazement at what He has done with his artwork this week.

HappyUP!!! - the freshly cut lawn
Why it happened - I got on it
Why it made me happy - one of the reasons I don't have a service do this is that I actually like cutting my lawn. I know...sick, isn't it? I do, though. Remember, this is MY HappyUP!!! that we are talking about. Plus, I always have a freshly cut lawn on the weekend. I seemed to always get the Tuesday service with my prior yard guy. By the time the weekend rolled around, it was looking shabby. The grass is turning to a deeper shade of green. The bermuda is almost entirely awake from it's dormancy of winter.

Hmmmm....- what have we discovered today? A common thread. I really do dig colors!

What's Cookin in the Nutster Kitchen?

( A Special Posting for SundayScribblings)




This is so "James Bond"-ish - take a look at this innocent little gas cooktop. If you could look a little closer, you would see that it isn't that innocent. One of the burners cranks up to 1 million BTU's.

OK - maybe not a million but it is something like 18000. It was enough that the people at Dacor only put ONE on the range that was that hot.

It's probably more than I should legally be able to operate as well - is there a licensing department somewhere?

Now, you ladies - are probably just marvelling at my female side with the lovely candles....

...which is exactly why they are there! - OK....I lied again. If my mom was alive, it would be time for a soap mouthwash. I actually like the smell and ambiance almost as much as a female (once again....DO NOT TELL THE MAN POLICE...they have me under close surveillance)

"But, Nutster, where do the fumes go? Do you have a fancy hood out in the middle of your kitchen?" - you ask the best questions. The answer is, "Bond...James Bond." With the touch of one button, I get this:


Yep - with a little toggle of the magic swithch, it's a side pulling, downdraft with a blower under the house that requires you to keep your tie away from it's mighty intake for fear of being sucked in! This thing just pops up out of nowhere. Holy Houdini, Batman!

You want some garlic? - I'll pour it on for you. The blower even gets some of it. I do have to admit that garlic is still going to permeate the house....and I am good with that.

HappyUP!!! Day 55...

HappyUP!!! - NCAA Basketball tournament
Why it happened - it's March
Why it makes me happy - it is raw, young enthusiasm at it's best. Kids just out there busting the gut for glory and glory alone. Cheerleaders. It's an awesome time.

HappyUP!!! - finished The Ultimate Gift
Why it Happened - this is the book that my friend gave me a few nights ago
Why it made me happy - it's a neat story that covers all the things that are good...excellent reminder about what character is and how it contributes to happiness

HappyUP!!! - Friday
Why it happened - yesterday was Thursday
Why it made me happy - looking forward to a great weekend of just doing stuff around the house/garden with some great weather.....plus a little bit of work.

preHappyUP!!! Day 55....starting the day

You know the drill by now - JollyJot the good things that happen during the day, review in the evening, capture the best three, and do the "why they happened" and "why they made you happy" narrative.

On this most gorgeous of Friday mornings - and after a case of late coffee induced insomnia, I thought I would give you something else to consider.

Due to the late falling asleep - I was late waking up. I have only been comatose for about an hour. I haven't even moved around that much. Here is what I have going on already:

-a tremendoulsy beautiful spring morning
-an e-mail from a buddy with pictures of a gorgeous Colorado morning where he is doing some consulting work
-a lovely e-mail from my new friend "Blue"
-a few minutes done of excercise
-an optimistic outlook towards today
-a high degree of feeling alive (despite the sleeping issue)
-anticipation of a great weekend (though it is not even planned as of yet)
-plants in the garden awaiting my supply of nurturing water
-two hungry felines at the backdoor waiting to purr for me
-a couple of deadlines to complete some GREAT projects at work
-a personal note to deliver to a new friend that will make their day (the insomnia inspired this one)

....and I am barely awake. Let's take a look at that last JollyJotting....

Whose day are you going to make.......TODAY? - who will be the main beneficiary of the gift that IS you before the fall of darkness?

Gratitude Corner

"It is as important to Want What You Have as
it is to Have What You Want"

That is the quote - and I am not sure who it is to be attributed to. It's a solid notion stated as is.

Let's raise the stakes - "It's MORE important to Want What You Have than to Have What You Want"

You can always - get what you want. Today....TOday....TODAY may be the last day that you have something that you are overlooking.

....act accordingly

HappyUP!!! Day 54.....the Vision is clear

HappyUP!!! - a trip to the opthamologist
Why it happened - it was time for a vision check
Why it made me happy - I was thinking that things may be getting a little out of synch vision wise. I had Lasik 8 yrs ago. It was a god send. Absolutely amazing to be free of a 30 yr glasses curse. I was afraid that I may need to do it again. Nope...vision is 20/30. I can get away with a light prescription for glasses to drive at night and I am good to go...Awesome

HappyUP!!! - the first eye doctor that saw me
Why it happened - my eye doctor is the best. He comes in at the end and only handles things at the highest skill level.
Why it made me happy - the first eye doctor that did the "this is number 1...this is number 2...which is better" was cute and may be available. Me, being my charming self, got her to laugh. Hmmmm.....how will the Nutster pull this one off? I usually space my eye visits a few years apart. A challenge is always a HappyUP!!!!

HappyUP!!! - giving my staff a bonus
Why it happened - they qualified and won a contest
Why it made me happy - they kicked butt, got a tough thing done, and they were thrilled to be rewarded. It meant a lot...the dough and the accomplishment. My biggest HappyUP!!! is when the people close to me get happy and excited. They were screaming and beaming.

HappyUP!!! Day 53....home from Bakersfield

HappyUP!!! - multiple sunsets on the drive home from Bakersfield
Why did it happen - a strange combination of where I was driving and the time of day
Why it made me happy - it gave me something to do that was enjoyable to pass the time on this flat drive. There were rolling hills close by to the west. As I drove, the sun would disappear with all of the flair of a sunset. Everyone loves a sunset. I drove further, hill disappeared, sun was back, another hill came up, and another sunset happened. This must have occurred 5 times. I was just very aware of this privilege that I was granted.

HappyUP!!! - arriving home
Why did it happen - I kept driving
Why it made me happy - 4 hrs and 20 minutes is about as fast as you can sanely make it back from Bakersfield. Once I pulled off that freeway and I was near my house, I just said to myself, "ahhh.....home."

HappyUP!!! - I was given a book
Why it happened - I picked up the tab for dinner last night. My dining companion showed up at the meeting with a book
Why it made me happy - it is always great to get a present...especially unexpected ones...and I love books! This is going to be a good one but that is just the cherry on top. It was a really cool thing for my friend to do.
Why