HappyUP!!! Day 1432 NY Eve 2010

HappyUP!!! - New Year's Eve

Why it happened - it always does

Why it makes me happy - I am not a big partier....and definitely not one to go out and "do it" on NY Eve. I don't believe in NY being a new starting point. THAT can happen any day. I do like the optimism....even if it is only for a day or two...that comes with the holiday.

HappyUP!!! - birdies

Why it happened - good shots...great putts

Why it makes me happy - I really stayed down on these two putts and stroked them perfectly with great pace and direction

HappyUP!!! - teaching a young friend

Why it happened -his dad asked

Why it makes me happy - he's never had any instruction in golf. He didn't hit many good shots....I didn't expect him to. We were changing a lot of stuff. I liked his willingness and his not getting down on himself. He was listening.

HappyUP!!! - chatting with my friend

Why it happened - it's NY Eve

Why it makes me happy - it's great to be able to close out the year talking with friends...wishing them well.....reflect....and share optimism for the new year.

JollyJottings

Drive/wedge on 1....drive/wedge on 2....wedge on 3...8 iron on 4....wedge on 6...8 iron on 7....8 iron on 9....birdie on 10.....pitch on 11....2 putt on 12....drive/chip on 13....chip/putt on 15....birdie on 17....wedge/putt on 18

Fun with the guys after the round

Teaching a friend's boy on how to play golf

Great phone chat with a friend

Weather warmed up nicely

New Year's Eve

HappyUP!!! Day 1431

HappyUP!!! - up and ready and rarin to go

Why it happened - excitement?

Why it makes me happy - I got all of my preparations done for the jaunt!

<----Happy makes the trip to the snow...and has a blast

HappyUP!!! - a day in the snow

Why it happened - we did some planning

Why it makes me happy - it was a great day to spend some time in the cold stuff with a couple of partners in crime. Sledding, snow finding places between your layers, my beard freezing like Frosty the Snowman, snowball fights, sinking up to my knees, coffee out in the cold, great food taken along and eaten at the bed of the truck, stunning weather....I could go on and on.

HappyUP!!! - update from a sick friend

Why it happened - he posted it

Why it makes me happy - I'm not sure if they were "good posts" or "bad posts"...I only know they told me what offer I had to make...and I did.

HappyUP!!! - helping out some little girls

Why it happened - COLD hands

Why it makes me happy - I threw my portable propane heater into the truck just for good measure. We probably didn't really NEED it...but it was nice to have there. The little girls who may have gotten there first lesson not to handle snow without gloves DEFINITELY appreciated that I had it along.

JollyJottings

Getting some errands in

Sledding.....and no damage done

Snowball fights

Great food

Stunning weather

Helping out a couple of little girls

Playing "chairlift"

Getting home

HappyUP!!! Day 1430

HappyUP!!! - a good podcast

Why it happened - I saw a friend was going to be on one

Why it makes me happy - it was no new news....but it was good news to be reminded of...and very mind expanding. Good time of the year to hear it

HappyUP!!! - call from my buddy

Why it happened - I shot him a text

Why it makes me happy - we hadn't talked for a bit....and it's always great to catch up and shoot the breeze with a bestie.

HappyUP!!! - breakfast

Why it happened - I had to eat

Why it makes me happy - I ordered the French Toast. When was the last time I had French Toast? I couldn't remember....but it was deeeeeelicious.

HappyUP!!! - getting ready for fun

Why it happened - great day planned for tomorrow

Why it makes me happy - it's exciting when you have an adventure to go on....and you don't quite have all the stuff....and you are figuring out what you need, what you don't, what might add to the experience.

JollyJottings

Breakfast

A good podcast...mind expanding

Sunshine

A good quote

A call from my buddy

Finding some great outerwear

Getting ready for fun!

A couple of jack tacos

HappyUP!!! Day 1429

HappyUP!!! - great sleep

Why it happened - could have been Nightyme med

Why it makes me happy - I think I have a little seasonal allergy going on...a little congested....tiny little cough. I decided to take something before I went to bed....and it KNOCKED me out.....and I slept all the way through....with NO grogginess in the morning. Sweet!!!

HappyUP!!! - reconnecting with an old friend

Why it happened - I shot him a text

Why it makes me happy - he called me up....we had a GREAT chat...and then he presented me an opportunity! I'm not sure that I'm looking for one...but it's something to think about...and it felt good that he trusts me enough to help him out.

HappyUP!!! - great meeting with the president

Why it happened - he set it up

Why it makes me happy - he is really pushing to take care of and serve the members of our new Toastmasters Club.....and it's an awesome thing to see. We have a GOOD problem...but it is still a problem...and is going to take some creative ideas to solve. Fortunately, I think we have some that will work.

JollyJottings

Great sleep

Delicious salad

Great meeting with the president

Reconnecting with an old friend...and an opportunity discussion

Free hot dog

HappyUP!!! Day 1428

HappyUP!!! - bunker shot on 11

Why it happened - skill?

Why it makes me happy - I had to throw this one 35 yds up a slope and spin it back down the hill.....and I did...to about 3 feet. Degree of difficulty? 9.5

HappyUP!!! - dinner

Why it happened - I was hungry

Why it makes me happy - who doesn't love going to a great place for dinner and finding out you get, basically, a two for one on Monday and Tuesday nights?

HappyUP!!! - a lot of great shots

Why it happened - who knows?

Why it makes me happy - I'm not playing a lot right now...expectations are a little low. It's good to see that the skills aren't eroding too badly between now and when practice starts.

JollyJottings

7 iron on one...hybrid on 2...wedge on 3...chutt on 5....wedge/putt on 6...7 iron on 7...chip/putt on 8....pitch/putt on 9....bunker shot on 11....2 putt on 12...2 putt on 13....putt on 15....7 iron/chutt on 18

After Christmas shopping

Mas

Christmas present

An interruption

A cancellation

HappyUP!!! Day 1427

HappyUP!!! - talking with my best friend

Why it happened - I picked up the phone

Why it makes me happy - for whatever reason, we didn't get a chance to chat during Christmas. It was sooooo good to catch up

HappyUP!!! - recounting the holiday

Why it happened - I reflect more than occasionally

Why it makes me happy - this was a great Christmas....all the way around. Perfect by my standards. You have to ALWAYS appreciate the good....because....and this is the entire point of the HappyUP!!!s....you will have bad ones that scream for attention. MAKE the good times scream for it too.

HappyUP!!! - GREAT ham

Why it happened - TraderJoes and a cook

Why it makes me happy - when you get the right mix in a ham and cheese scramble....OMG...nothing better.

HappyUP!!! - sleeping in and feeling better

Why it happened - decided not to drive myself out of bed

Why it makes me happy - I had been congested for a couple of days...."Oh, crap, did I catch a cold?" Nope....just thinking it was something in the air...some kind of allergy...that had me all stuffed up. All good

JollyJottings

Ham and cheese scramble

Talking with my best friend

Recounting the holiday

Sleeping in....and feeling better

Setting up the week's schedule...and so happy I am sooo free to do so

HappyUP!!! Day 1426...Merry Christmas

HappyUP!!! - delivering the gifts

Why it happened - its Christmas

Why it makes me happy - another WINNER in hiding the cash with my niece and nephews...a lot o confusion...and a ton of fun.

<---Happy the Hamster....looking good in his bling

HappyUP!!! - poker with the family

Why it happened - it's Christmas

Why it makes me happy - it's an awesome time when my niece, nephews, and brother sit down for some family fun cards.......and it only cost me ten bucks this year!!!

HappyUP!!! - doing the rounds with the friends

Why it happened - it's Christmas

Why it makes me happy - I loved my family time...but...it was done...early in the afternoon..now I had the privelege to go hang out at with some other friends....and suck in even more holiday spirit! GREAT TIMES!!! Merry Christmas.

JollyJottings

Wake up call

Delivering the gifts

Poker with my family

Visiting another family

Visiting yet another family

Playing a board game

Time with my best friend

Great food throughout the day

HappyUP!!! Day 1425

HappyUP!!! - flop shot on 12...our third hole

Why it happened - a bit of skill

Why it makes me happy - I was in a tough spot...almost impossible to get down in 2 shots....I am still wondering why that flop didn't end up in the bottom of the cup

HappyUP!!! - 3 wood on 8...our 17th hole

Why it happened - I was desperate...and had to wait

Why it makes me happy - I hit an AWFUL tee shot.....I was way farther away from the green than I should have been....yet....as we waited for the golfers in front of us...I said, "this is what you do, Scott....you hit a lot of crappy shots...you put yourself in bad positions....and come out of them." I struck a miraculous shot from 230 yds off a bad lie to within 20 ft of the pin.

HappyUP!!! - Christmas Eve

Why it happened - it's !2/24

Why it makes me happy - I got to visit with some good friends....exchange gifts with even better friends.....and just soooooooo much fun

JollyJottings

Flop shot on 12....hybrid on 15...flop shot on 16...drive/wedge/putt on 17....flop shot on 3...6 iron on 4...hot tamle on 6...chip on 7....3 wood on 8...flop shot on 9

Teeing it up

Nice weather

Time with guys after the round

Winning a KP

Fabulous Christmas Eve

HappyUP!!! Day 1424

HappyUP!!! - old Bob Newhart Show holiday episode

Why it happened - Comcast alerted me

Why it makes me happy - it's not like I don't know about Hulu...which is who Comcast uses...they sent an e-mail telling me I had "On Demand" through my computer...and offered up holiday choices. It was so easy....and great to see an old show I had not seen for years....pretty much commercial free!

<----OK....Happy was a little bad today trying to put His calendar on MY wall. I tossed the contraband! Oh the "joys" of trying to raise an adolescent! "BAD Happy! Bad!!!"

HappyUP!!! - last minute gift idea

Why it happened - uh....desperation?

Why it makes me happy - perfect stocking stuffer

HappyUP!!! - more fun with Happy the Hamster

Why it happened - he's a great mascot

Why it makes me happy - "fun" is not happiness....but it is a component. I have had so much fun with him this holiday season...and more today....and a BUNCH more to come!

JollyJottings

Last shopping done

A great last minute gift idea

Passing on golf

Call from my buddy regarding project

Life

Weather

Great conversation with my friend

Xfinity on laptop news

Bob Newhart show

Great text with a suhhhhweeet friend

More fun with Happy the Hamster

HappyUP!!! Day 1423

HappyUP!!! - The Articulators

Why it happened - it's Wed

Why it makes me happy - it's a new club...lots of people out due to holiday....but we still had a great meeting. I can SEE the growth in people already

<-----Happy jumped in at Toastmasters today...and took home a Sunshine award

HappyUP!!! - perfect addition to my project

Why it happened - I looked deeper

Why it makes me happy - I asked the store person for a certain item..."no gots" was the reply. He left. I wandered the store...came back to section we were looking in...and found something even better to use!

HappyUP!!! - great blog reading

Why it happened - a guy I respect a lot was telling a year long story

Why it makes me happy - very inspirational.....perhaps motivational....gave me some SERIOUS food for thought.

JollyJottings

Toastmasters

Finding a perfect addition to my project

Great reports from friends

Coffee

Seeing an old friend at Starbucks

Great blog reading from a dear friend

HappyUP!!! Day 1422

HappyUP!!! - Toastmasters Brekko

Why it happened - it's a tradition

Why it makes me happy - it's great to take one week and go out for food and fellowship. The gift exchange was cool this year. I got some Starbucks and my new Xmas stocking

<-----"Ho Ho Ho...Merry Xmas"

HappyUP!!! - all garage door openers working

Why it happened - uh....I took some "initiative"

Why it makes me happy - ok..not that much initiative. I have 4 openers....2 were working..that's all a guy needs, right. I decided to pry the dead ones open and see if MAYBE they may need new batteries. I doubted that was the issue...heck...are hardly use them. Low and behold....voila! I'm popping and going.

HappyUP!!! -a new power tool

Why it happened - I'm working on a project

Why it makes me happy - not sure I REALLY needed this tool....but it was FUN using it. Not sure how much use I will get out of it but it's pretty cool.

HappyUP!!! - packages arriving

Why it happened - UPS doesn't mess around

Why it makes me happy - Xmas is coming together.....got them wrapped already. Hey....I may not spend Xmas eve wrapping this year!

JollyJottings

TM Brekko

Gift Exchange

Talking with the Dom

All garage door openers working

Wrapping

Packages arriving

A power tool

Project coming together

HappyUP!!! Day 1421

HappyUP!!! - helpful people

Why it happened - I asked

Why it makes me happy - it's always GREAT to get useful information and consultation when you make inquiries. Got some solid help today

HappyUP!!! - great sleep

Why it happened - who knows

Why it makes me happy - some night's, I don't sleep all the way through. I did last night!

HappyUP!!! - meeting up with my buddy

Why it happened - my pal is at a crossroads

Why it makes me happy - it's always a sacred privilege to get to talk to someone when they are really in need. I hope I helped in some way or another

HappyUP!!! - NOT going to the mall

Why it happened - I got caught up

Why it makes me happy - there was an event going to happen...that wasn't kept a secret like it probably was supposed to be kept secret. There were so many people on the upper level that they had to evacuate the building. I heard the streets were impassable. I mean...I ALMOST went....sometimes you just get lucky!

JollyJottings

Great sleep

Good bank run

Getting some help from a salesperson

Good advice from a consultant

Gluing went well

Rain free day

Great invitation to an epic event

Mentoring/Counseling

HappyUP!!! Day 1420

HappyUP!!! - a big favor done for me

Why it happened - I called a buddy

Why it makes me happy - this buddy had all the equipment that I needed to do my "Xmas thing" this year. We knocked the project out in an hour.

HappyUP!!! - a present

Why it happened - see above

Why it makes me happy - my buddy did me a favor....and gave ME a present! I love the holidays

HappyUP!!! - GREAT dinner

Why it happened - I went out at the last minute

Why it makes me happy - man...that was some delicious food!

HappyUP!!! - a pic text to me

Why it happened -great friend

Why it makes me happy - who wouldn't love a pic of the PP's????

JollyJottings

Returning change

A present

Getting X-mas together

Drenching rain

A holiday present

A BIG favor done for me

Brekko with my buddy

Great photo of the P's

POURING rain

Friend's happy call

HappyUP!!! Day 1419

HappyUP!!! - great brekko

Why it happened - I was at my favorite breakfast joint

Why it makes me happy - nothing like bacon, eggs, a croissant, and some coffee on a rainy day

<----huge light decorations from the Sikh wedding reception last weekend

HappyUP!!! - a diversion

Why it happened - I got a call

Why it makes me happy - I was just sitting around the house. I got an opportunity to attend a fun function at the last minute....jumped on it....had a great time.

HappyUP!!! - helping out my friend

Why it happened - my friend needed a favor

Why it makes me happy - using my driver's license to help someone out of a spot?.....it makes me glad that I am retired....and can be of service.

HappyUP!!! - a rainy day

Why it happened - it's weather

Why it makes me happy - it was good just to be inside.....and watch and listen to it storm.

HappyUP!!! Day 1418

HappyUP!!! - brekko

Why it happened - my buddy insisted

Why it makes me happy - absolutely a great hour of fellowship with a couple of people near and dear

<--------Happy the Hampster was a little run down today....till he got a mug or two of his favorite joe

HappyUP!!! - my buddy said YES

Why it happened - I shot a message over

Why it makes me happy - my friend's help is "mission critical" for Xmas this year. If this was a NO....I'd be scrambling for plan B!

HappyUP!!! - an iPhone restore

Why it happened - it's been acting up

Why it makes me happy - yeah...took a bit longer than I would have preferred. Thought I would lose "stuff".....but worked wonderfully

JollyJottings

Brekko

Visiting a friend

iPhone restoring

Buddy saying YES to a favor

Great errands run

Rain

HappyUP!!! Day 1417

HappyUP!!! - golfin in the fridge...for a bit

Why it happened - the rains are coming

Why it makes me happy - it was definitely brisk teeing it up this morning. We have serious rains coming in....possibly through Xmas. I just had to get one more round in.

<----------Happy the Hampster does a little bit of work on occasion. He's getting ready to "shut it down" for the year though

HappyUP!!! - a suggestion from a buddy

Why it happened - my buddy had a thought

Why it makes me happy - my buddy's thought inspired me to check out something cool.

HappyUP!!! - good news from sick friend

Why it happened - he keeps us posted

Why it makes me happy - it will be quite awhile before he is out of the woods...but he's giving his cancer a darn good fight.

JollyJottings

Golfin in the fridge...for a bit

Sushi lunch

Warmed up...gorgeous day

Good news from sick friend

HappyUP!!! Day 1416

HappyUP!!! - 3 birdies

Why it happened - I stepped up

Why it makes me happy - the birdie on 9 came after 8 straight pars.......it could not have come at a better time...the final hole on the front 9. The birdie on 16 was extremely timely too

HappyUP!!! - ciopinno revisited

Why it happened - I got an invitation

Why it makes me happy - it was great to go over to bro/sis in laws, visit with them, seeing another couple that I rarely get to see.....great time

<-------even HappytheHampster knows you need a little downtime...ESPECIALLY during the busy season

HappyUP!!! - Toastmasters

Why it happened - I am mentoring a new club

Why it makes me happy - the members did a great job giving their first speeches. We had a couple of dignitaries in the audience. Great meeting

HappyUP!!! - great news from a friend

Why it happened - my peeps give me updated

Why it makes me happy - this one just did...eased my mind.

JollyJottings

Toastmasters

Dignitaries

6 iron on 1....2 putt on 2...hybrid on 3....2 putt on 4....putt on 5....wedge on 6....8 iron on 7....flop shot/putt on 8....8 iron/putt on 9.....wedge on 10....hybrid on 11...6 iron on 12....8 iron/putt on 16....drive on 18...chip on 18

Ciopinno re-visited

Seeing a nice couple

Doing bro a favor

Great news from a friend

Golfing with Steve

HappyUP!!! Day 1415

HappyUP!!! - finding ATM card

Why it happened - I went diving

Why it makes me happy - not like me to lose this important item. When I found it.....HappyUP!!!

HappyUP!!! - making a donation

Why it happened - my friend had a goal

Why it makes me happy - glad to be in a position to do it....feel good about it...and not worry about it. So fortunate

<------Happy knows a good place when he sees it on a grey wintry day

HappyUP!!! - a visit

Why it happened - my buddy stopped by

Why it makes me happy - good to be able to observe an accomplishment

HappyUP!!! - bro stopping by

Why it happened - I asked

Why it makes me happy - I WILL get this house remodeling done! Bro has good ideas being a former contractor.

JollyJottings

Toastmasters

Finding ATM card

Brother stopping by

New boots

Cabbage soup

Making a donation

Rain

Raking

Getting agenda together for tomorrow

Godmother...Godfather...Scott Nutter e-mail

Talking with a speaker for tomorrow and doing some coaching

Getting reservations for brekko next week

HappyUP!!! Day 1414

HappyUP!!! - great errands run

Why it happened - I didn't golf

Why it makes me happy - I got caught up on some stuff....in a hurry

<----last night's ciopinno feed. Hey....it even looks fun....without KNOWING how good the food was

HappyUP!!! - new boots

Why it happened - that errands run

Why it makes me happy - they will probably never see snow.....but they can handle the water...which was gate one. I took them on a test walk tonight...4 miles...no blisters or discomfort....I am set.

HappyUP!!! - understanding

Why it happened - got a message from a buddy

Why it makes me happy - it is always great when you get some clarity. I thought one thing...buddy thinking something else....all good.

HappyUP!!! Day 1413

HappyUP!!! - birdie on 2

Why it happened - great second shot and putt

Why it makes me happy - it won a skin in the big game early on...playing free

HappyUP!!! - bunker shot on 9

Why it happened - a little skills

Why it makes me happy - still not sure how second shot came up so short....and buried...into an upslope in the bunker....with me having to stand outside the bunker to hit it. On difficulty level for any pro...this one was a 10......I scooped it out to gimmie range

<---HappytheHampster loves his morning mocha

HappyUP!!! - Ciopinno feed

Why it happened - a tradition

Why it makes me happy - who doesn't love a tradition.....lots of friends, wine, and great food. What a fabulous time! It's a highlight of my year and am so happy my bro/sis-in-law go to the trouble

JollyJottings

Birdie on 2....Birdie on 3...Sandy on 4....hybrid on 5....drive/8 iron on 6....SANDY on 9....hybrid on 15....drive/wedge 17....drive on 18

Gorgeous afternoon

Ciopinno feed

Texts from my buddy