HappyUP!!! Day 519

HappyUP!!! - smog check
Why it happened - I had to register the car
Why it makes me happy - no issues....and I was in and out in less than 20 minutes. It could have gone a lot of ways but that easily. The lady that was before me in line was there when I left

HappyUP!!! - welcoming committee
Why it happened - I went out for a walk
Why it makes me happy - my neighbor was on her walk and told me to join her. We had a mutual friend/old schoolmate that just moved back into the neighborhood today. We went and visited for a few minutes.

HappyUP!!! - the Thin Mint Blizzard
Why it happened - I support Girl Scouts!
Why it makes me happy - it was delicious! Besides, I think that the Thin Mint Blizzard does support girl scouts

HappyUP!!! -from the garden
Why it happened - I did some picking
Why it makes me happy - I stuffed a bell pepper with some cheese, ate a cucumber by itself (then got another one to slice into my salad), ate about 5 strawberries, and had several small tomatoes by themselves and with my salad. If you have never eaten from your own garden, you can't get the extra joy.....on top of the freshness and knowing where your food came from.

HappyUP!!! Day 518

HappyUP!!! - delicious cucumbers
Why it happened - I grew them....and got a tip
Why it makes me happy - I need to be a bit more conscious of my diet. Yesterday, an older lady gave me a tip on eating cucumbers....says her husband has one every day. I GROW cucumbers. She just said, "slice it up, a touch of oil, and soy sauce." What a delicious by product tonight.

HappyUP!!! - the Fugitive
Why it happened - I caught the movie
Why it makes me happy - I spent a long time not watching movies....still don't see many. Today, I caught this one for the first time. I don't recall the reviews being that great but I thought the movie was.

HappyUP!!! - no one hurt
Why it happened - a dog fight
Why it makes me happy - my neighbor had placed herself between her children's dogs.....they are nice dogs but are a breed with a bad reputation. They got into an argument over some food and were locked down on each other. She was trying to pry them apart. I was first to the fence but there wasn't much that I could do. The kids came out and managed to get the dogs apart. Lots of blood but I think the pups will be alright....my neighbor too. I almost went over the fence and I am glad I didn't. The dogs know each other and they know her...if I showed up in their frenzy, they may have mistaken me for an intruder and turned the angst toward me.

HappyUP!!! Day 517

HappyUP!!! - the Rocklin Jubilee

Why it happened - we, as a species, have a penchant for these types of community affairs

Why it made me happy - I didn't have to go and deal with the crowd! You're never too big a kid to enjoy some fireworks......I'm just not big on the element that you have to usually fight through to enjoy the show. My buddy invited me over to his house for a BBQ at the last minute tonight. I got a free burger, homemade ice cream, and an unobstructed view of the show.



HappyUP!!! - homemade ice cream

Why it happened - I accepted the above invitation

Why it makes me happy - I love ice cream....I really do. I'm lactose indulgent. I had not had any home made in forever.

HappyUP!!! - giving up the figs

Why it happened - I saw my fig fan today

Why it makes me happy - figs are expensive. I have a fig tree. I hate to see them go to waste. The lady that I gave them to is appreciative....she also said that my figs are huge. So, I guess I am Mr Big Figs. I had no idea of how big a fig is supposed to be. Don't worry...I'll try not to let it get to my head.

HappyUP!!! Day 516

HappyUP!!! - breakfast with a friend
Why it happened - he got it on the calender
Why it makes me happy - this guy is one of my favorite people to visit with. He's going through some things right now....which makes for even better conversation.

HappyUP!!! - sodifying
Why it happened - a buddy needed help
Why it makes me happy - just doing a good turn for a friend in need is always a HappyUP!!! I didn't think the work was that hard....a little dirty.

HappyUP!!! - dinner with my best friend
Why it happened - he was hungry and called me
Why it makes me happy - more hi-jinx and funny conversation!

JollyJottings

Breakfast with my friend
Giuseppe on sweet with everything
Laying the sod
Finishing the sod
Drinking water
Sitting/Collapsing in my chair "post sod"

HappyUP!!! Day 515

HappyUP!!! - a trip to the dump
Why it happened - I had a load on
Why it made me happy - no issues on the drive there. The load stayed covered despite some suspect tying down. The line was non existent. I also live in a place where the dumping is luxurious. I even had a nice conversation with the hispanic gentleman who assisted me at the dump. He gave me a couple of touches on the forearm thanking me for my concern about his well being.

HappyUP!!! - recognition
Why it happened - my buddy noticed the favor I did yesterday
Why it made me happy - I really didn't need to be thanked. It was good to know that he realized that there was one less task he needed to do. It's nice to take something off another guy's plate

HappyUP!!! - a chance to be of service
Why it happened - I got a phone call
Why it made me happy - I get to lay sod tomorrow. OK....laying sod isn't my favorite thing to do but I have done it before. I wish I had gotten some help sooner in the day when I laid mine. Tomorrow's job won't be as big a job, there will be more people, and it will be considerably under 100 degrees. I'll also get a little bit of a badly needed workout.

HappyUP!!! Day 514 -

HappyUP!!! - e-mail from a former boss
Why it happened - I looked him up and e-mailed him yesterday....and forgot about it
Why it made me happy - this guy now owns a very interesting business I always like him as a boss though it has probably been 10 years since I have worked for him or seen him. I am glad that he was able to follow a dream in post-corporate life. I have more respect for him doing that than I do anyone that I have ever worked for.

HappyUP!!! - phone call from RV
Why it happened - RV is a nice guy.....not a gas guzzler!
Why it makes me happy - RV used to work for me as a manager. He moved far away but stays in touch a few times a year. I think that he will eventually move back out here.....and that is a HappyUP!!!

HappyUP!!! - random acts of kindness
Why it happened - I felt like it
Why it makes me happy - I think the people that got there first veggie bags of the year delivered will appreciate them. While a touch skimpy, there will be more to come. I like to "drop and dash". I also did a major favor for a guy that he probably doesn't even know about yet. It will be fun to find out how long it takes him to realize what was done.

JollyJottings

Phone call out of the blue from R.V.
E-mail from a guy WAY in my past
Dropping off the veges
Performing a random act of kindness
Meeting with my buddy
E-mail exchange with a new friend
More good chipping
Tri-tip
A cool day
A coupon in the PennySaver
LIFE
Remembering George Carlin
Great sleep

"Congolia Breckenridge....now that's a colorful name".....George Carlin remembered

How the heck did I miss this? - I stay pretty plugged in. I have to admit that a lot of it is to CNBC and the Golf Channel...not exactly Carlin venues or things that he had any taste for at all. I didn't realize that George Carlin had died Sunday until a few minutes ago.

Back in October - I decided at the last minute to go and see George Carlin live. Here is the HappyUP!!! link Today, I am so glad that I did. I can't tell you how many times he came to town and I said, "I need to see him," and then didn't go. I didn't even buy advance tickets. I was going to let this time pass me by like all of the others. Yet, on that Saturday night, I had nothing to do and I said, "I'm going."

I got there as the lights were flickering - I bought my ticket.....in the second row. Funny, I had tried to get tickets a few days earlier and the seats were all in the back. This added to my previous decision to let things pass. What an honor it was to be sitting so close to the feet of this comedic genius.

Boy, am I glad that I went - as I am allowing his passing to set in. Someone e-mailed me just yesterday about me being funny and asked who my favorite comedian is. I said, "George Carlin." In retrospect, I should have said, "was," but I hadn't gotten the news.

You see - I grew up with George Carlin. I was probably 10 years old when my older brothers brought "the hippy dippy weatherman" on vinyl into our house. I still have the record and am likely to set up the turntable and give it a listen very soon. George Carlin Puts on and Takes Off was the name of it. The fact that I can remember that tells you how indelibly he was linked to my youth. I'll even rattle off a song he did on that record....it was a love song that I committed to memory and can still remember it 38 yrs later:

"I sent my sinuses to Arizona
I sent my liver to Peru
I sent my lungs and my kidneys, for the summer, to Sydney
But I'm sending my heart to youuuuuuuuuuuu..."

And the weather report for tonight? - "Dark!"

The album cover was full of snapshots of him - in a coat and tie with short hair and clean shave. He hadn't "hit stride" and gone anti-establishment yet......he was funny when he was clean...

....but he was even funnier when he was dirty.

As I watched him that night - he was reading his material. It wasn't because he couldn't remember it. He was writing it on the road and trying it out to see if it would be suitable for his upcoming HBO special.......and the audience gladly paid for the privilege of watching this craftsman PRACTICE.

I usually carry a journal with me - but I forgot that night. I did have a pen and a scrap of paper. He inspired me to write a funny schtick about conference calls. While he wasn't making reference to them, he was riffing on the silly "male bovine manure" (George would have said something else but, out of respect, he owns that word) that goes on in corporate America.

I always thought it would be funny - to do that schtick at some gig my company was hosting.......but I don't think they would think it was too funny. You have to know your audience. Carlin always did......and he used them to his benefit.

It is a shame that I see all of the references - in the articles about his death to the "Seven Dirty Words...." It seems so trite and cliche' to remember him for that. Carlin was the anti-cliche and anti-trite king.

He was a comedian - that made you think. Yes, he used some bad language when he didn't need to....but he also used bad language precisely where it was needed. You laughed because you were thinking it. Here is a great link in his remembrance. You can find many more by doing a google. I know I will be doing many more so I can hear his gems.

Carlin was not afraid - to say what YOU thought.

I caught the following from a comment on another blog:

"I still remember a piece he did about a girl showing up at his apartment, three months after they briefly met at a concert. He says "oh I remember you...you were a good sport."

Girl: "Well, I'm pregnant with your baby and I'm going to kill myself!"

George: "Wow, you are a good sport."

I am wondering who I will miss the most - Tim Russert or George Carlin. I know. Russert represented all that was "proper" and "good" and hard-working in the world. His values are legendary. Carlin used profane language, drugs, and reminded you more of a homeless person.....that you loved. There is something about that which makes this a toss-up. Tim Russert will not be receiving the Mark Twain Award....and I am a Mark Twain fan. Perhaps this is why I think that, though radically different, Carlin was as great an American.

Keep Remembering to Question Authority - Carlin won't be around to remind you of that any more.

NOTE: here is a link to the last interview with Carlin. If you are a fan, take the time to read this excellent piece.

HappyUP!!! Day 513

HappyUP!!! - more chipping
Why it happened - I got that tip yesterday
Why it makes me happy - it really makes me want to get out to the course and do some practicing......and then put it to work on the course. If my short game gets in order, I think my scores will be really close to where they used to be. I still have some more tweaks to work on but this has been a particularly maddening part of my game...or lack thereof.

HappyUP!!! - toastmasters
Why it happened - it happens every Tuesday
Why it makes me happy - I got to see the guys.....I gave a solid speech....and I met our new area governor. He definitely has a lot of life in him. He could be a HappyUP!!! all on his own. I look forward to getting to know him better.

HappyUP!!! - a top down drive this evening
Why it happened - I felt a little closed in
Why it makes me happy - even with gas prices, it's good to just take a little drive around town. I know...it wasn't very green of me but I probably burned a quarter of a gallon of gas which isn't the end of the world. I love driving the convertible.

JollyJottings

Toastmasters
My Speech
Our incoming Area Governor
E-mail from T
Reading
Men's Health
Driving the Carerra
Call from a buddy for a breakfast invitation
Call to my brother
Call from my best friend inviting me to dinner
More chipping
Call from D

HappyUP!!! Day 512....Monday, Monday

Unlike the mama's and papa's - I trust that day. I am going to start making Monday my "Bidness" day. There usually isn't a lot going on for Monday so it seems like a good day to put in work on all of my stuff...

...and leave me to play guilt free - the rest of the week (like I was feeling guilty).

HappyUP!!! - a chipping tip
Why it happened - I stumbled across an on-line video
Why it makes me happy - I immediately went out back and went through the drill. It was amazing. The contact that I was making with the ball was night and day...and it was such a little thing. This was especially significant because my chipping was once my strong point. All year, it has been a source of consternation. Now, time to take it to the course.

HappyUP!!! - call from a former employee
Why it happened - I called and left a message
Why it makes me happy - everything is OK. I had heard that there was challenges with children but it turned out that it was just the usual sicknesses that happen to little ones. I was relieved that it wasn't more serious. We also had a nice chat.

HappyUP!!! - a new book
Why it happened - I bought it yesterday
Why it makes me happy - I got a different understanding of the Biblical reference, "I Am." It gives me permission to look at things a little differently on this topic....which should be to my betterment. The entire concept of ego is a very interesting topic to me.

JollyJottings

Chipping Tip
Accuracy Tip
Call from my admin
Clean Car
Clean Truck
Truck smogged
Lots of water
Vitamin replenished
Clean floors
A good book
Speech written
Mileage deduction increased to .58
APD continues to drive higher

HappyUP!!! Day 511

HappyUP!!! - seeing my master gardener
Why it happened - I made a trip to the nursery
Why it makes me happy - he gave me some good tips for summer gardening....time to start germinating again

HappyUP!!! - a phone chat
Why it happened - I got a call
Why it makes me happy - I got some information that I will need.......and a wonderful chat on top of that

HappyUP!!! - coffee
Why it happened - I called my buddy
Why it makes me happy - anytime my buddy and I sit down for coffee, it's a time for laughs and general hi jinx.


JollyJottings

Breakfast
Coffee
Phone chat
A good book
A nice trip to the bookstore
Seeing my master gardner

HappyUP!!! Day 510 - Lots O Golf

HappyUP!!! - back to back birdies
Why it happened - a great chip and a great putt
Why it makes me happy - it's always great to make a birdie. Even in my heyday, I was never a huge birdie guy. I made lots of grungy pars. When I made two in a row today, that was a HappyUP!!!

HappyUP!!! - playing fast
Why it happened - there weren't many people on the course
Why it makes me happy - we went out for a second 18.....and got in 16 before we had to call it a day. I hadn't played with just one other person and no one in front of us in a long time. I forgot how fast you can play. I love tht pace.

HappyUP!!! - knocking it stiff for an eagle chance
Why it happened - I pulled it a little
Why it makes me happy - I played a second shot out to the right for safety.....and then pulled it a bit...which is why I played for error. That "error" put my second shot on the par 5 within 10 feet for eagle! THAT is a great feeling!
JollyJottings

Rescue club on in two
Fabulous pitch shot
Great birdie on the par 3
Exceptional recovery shot off the hardpan
Lots of very solid putts
Walking into a cool house
34 holes of golf
Playing golf with the head pro
Two great shots into hole 9

HappyUP!!! Day 509

HappyUP!!! - Better Foods Sandwich
Why it happened - a guy needs to eat
Why it makes me happy - I used to go to this place a couple of times a week in my younger day. "Giuseppe on sweet with everything," is the sandwich. I probably have only had one in a year. The sandwich is a disgusting combination of meats that will kill you.....delicious. On top of it, I go there so seldom that it is like a trip down memory lane.

HappyUP!!! - phone message
Why it happened - sounded like a guilty conscience
Why it makes me happy - somebody finally did what they should have done a long time ago....they now have a burden off of their psyche. I am sure calling me was something that kept getting put off....didn't have the cojones for the confrontation. The funny thing is that, while the dread was going on, the person didn't know that I haven't cared.

HappyUP!!! - visit from a friend
Why it happened - my friend needed a favor
Why it makes me happy - we had a very nice visit just going over things.

HappyUP!!! Day 508 - Golfing at The Ridge

HappyUP!!! - Call from my friend JP
Why it happened - I was being thought of
Why it makes me happy - I hadn't talked to JP in quite some time. It was good to know things were going well for my friend. We'll be going to lunch soon.

HappyUP!!! - Song e-mailed to me from my friend
Why it happened - we found out we had something in common
Why it makes me happy - I didn't know this song was going to be so good. G told me that it was coming and that I had to send one in return. I didn't realize that I was going to be the one with the inferior material. We'll see what the critique is by someone better than me of my work

HappyUP!!! - Golf confirmed for Saturday...NO Sod Laying
Why it happened - my buddy, T, isn't ready for sod
Why it makes me happy - I had committed to T that I would help with sod this Saturday. I made the promise last week. I forgot about that yesterday when I accepted a golf invitation for Saturday. I called T today when I remembered. I was ready to cancel golf to live up to my responsibility....but I don't have to. I'm golfing Saturday. When I found that out, it was a HappyUP!!!

JollyJottings

Playing golf in general

Call to my friend JE
Making an incredible par
Making another incredible par
My golf partners Scott and Frank
Call from my friend E
Convertible drive to golf
A good day in the stock market



Finding good golf balls
Call from my friend RV

Session on the driving range
Putting ...32 putts...and my stroke

HappyUP!!! Day 507

HappyUP!!! - seeing my CPA
Why it happened - I needed to do some tax planning
Why it made me happy - I have been seeing the same CPA for probably 25 years. When I first went to see him, I was a penniless carpenter....stressed out on how I was going to pay $1000 in taxes. Today, we were making sure my taxes were going to be in order now that I am retired. He was more happy for me than I am for myself. AHA! As I thought about it, he always is that way. Even though he has to give some tough news sometimes, he is the kind of guy that you always feel better about talking to after you see him. An admirable trait indeed.

HappyUP!!! - something my CPA said
Why it happened - I asked him about his fishing trip
Why it made me happy - he had just got back from a week on his flat bottom boat that he keeps up in Redding. That's about a 3 hr drive. I asked him if he goes fishing alone. He said, "sometimes. Last week I had my best fishing buddy with me, my wife." I will tell you this from a guy who has talked to a lot of guys: there aren't many guys that would have said that.

HappyUP!!! - chatting with a friend/ex-employee
Why it happened - he called me
Why it made me happy - it's always good to hear from your friends. I have known this guy for almost 20 years. We bent more than a few elbows over bar tables over the years. Ever since I retired, I haven't had the opportunity to talk with him. It was good to catch up.

Bonus HappyUP!!! - watching the Tim Russert tribute
Why it happened - he passed on
Why it made me happy - it was an extremely well done service...a model for a service. Drama...laughs....musicThis included his brother in law doing an acoustic instrumental of Springsteen's "Born to Run" and then followed by a video feed of Springsteen himself doing "Promised Land" (which you probably know as "Thunder Road")

HappyUP!!! Day 506

HappyUP!!! - a skin!
Why it happened - I birdied a hole no one else did
Why it makes me happy - it's always cool to do something that no one else can. Today, no one else could birdie the first hole at the Dayton Valley golf course today. THAT little feat paid me some cash which makes me happy as well.

HappyUP!!! - my driver
Why it happened - I took it back a little slower with a little more upright turn
Why it makes me happy - I had about 5 straight really bad rounds. Part of it had to do with a very suspect driver. If you can't put the tee ball in play, it makes it tough to score. I got it in play today.......deep.

HappyUP!!! - recovery shots
Why it happened - good vision and commitment
Why it makes me happy - I am noticing that, when it comes to the short game, I hit better shots when they are more difficult. Today, I hit two GREAT and challenging pitch shots. This takes a degree of mastery....a mastery that I once had and has been missing in my comeback. I can build off of this. That makes me happy

HappyUP!!! Day 505

HappyUP!!! - me and my partner won our individual and team matches
Why it happened - my opponent didn't play well
Why it makes me happy - I played like crap but I got the "W".....just win, baby

HappyUP!!! - my partner and I won our sidebet
Why it happened - see the above
Why it makes me happy - after taking a drubbing at the gaming tables, it's nice to win a bet!

HappyUP!!! - scenery
Why it happened - we were golfing
Why it makes me happy - one doesn't equate the Carson Valley with beauty. We were playing up on the side of the mountain. We were on one green when one guy said, "this is like looking out over a zero edge pool,"...and it was. It was a beautiful morning.

Bonus HappyUP!!! - a couple of comments
Why it happened - I "chunked" one
Why it makes me happy - there I am, standing on the par 3 attempting to hit over the water and I hit about 3 inches behind the ball. It goes right in the pond. One of the other player's was not sure what club he should hit that would be enough to get to the green. "Hey, what did you hit?"....he asked. "A trout," was my reply. Everyone busted a gut over that.....you had to be there. It makes me happy when I can give someone a tremendous laugh....particularly at my own expense and not someone else's. I made another one when we got to the course that was definitely a "had to be there," so I won't bore you......but it was hysterical!

HappyUP!!! Day 504 - Sunday at the Bubba Cup

HappyUP!!! - Bubba Cup
Why it happened - I was invited
Why it makes me happy - it's about 40 guys playing golf in Carson City. MY golf sucked today......but it was still a good time.

HappyUP!!! - US Open Golf
Why it happened - it always does...and I always watch
Why it makes me happy - it was athletic excitement at it's highest and most dramatic. Tiger knocking in the 12 footer on the last hole to force a playoff. Rocco Mediate was looking like he would come out of nowhere to actually win a major championship.....and he was his affable self the entire time. Tiger will likely slaughter him tomorrow but Rocco picked up a lot of fans today. I would say 50% of the people in the bar I was at were rooting for him and not Tiger.

HappyUP!!! - Lake Tahoe
Why it happened - we had to drive by it this morning
Why it makes me happy - when you don't see big nature every day, the first glimpse is always a momentary HappyUP!!! to me....and, I think, to most people. It may be only for a few moments....and I am having another moment about it right now.

HappyUP!!! Day 503 - Pre-Father's Day

HappyUP!!! - golf with brother and nephews
Why it happened - Father's Day
Why it makes me happy - think about it. 4.5 hours with my brother, my 30 yr old nephew, and my 25 yr old nephew....all doing the same thing and enjoying each other's company. My golf was absolutely horrid....but who cares?

HappyUP!!! - coffee with my friend
Why it happened - coffee just happens
Why it makes me happy - we killed a couple of hours at Starbucks hanging out...and BS-ing

HappyUP!!! - songs from a friend
Why it happened - he e-mails me tunes
Why it makes me happy - this was a pretty cool soundtrack. It was all instrumentals. I would read the title and, as I listened, I was able to make up a story line even though there were no words....all based on the music. It was quite moving.

Bonus HappyUP!!! - my friend from Minnesota e-mail
Why it happened - he is a swell guy
Why it makes me happy - in addition to the soundtrack, he had a lot of good things in his e-mail that made me smile. He had taken the time to put some heartfelt compliments over my way...and they made me think. Sometimes, others see things in you that you get blinded of yourself.
JollyJottings

Breakfast
Coffee with my friend
Golf with my brother and nephews
Landing a friend to take care of cats
Dropping off the key and squash
A dozen golf balls
US Open

HappyUP!!! JokeItUP!!! 1 - Bob and Bessie

My friend sent me this picture of himself - I had never seen him in a hat....or sunglasses for that matter. I had never thought of him as a guy that would wear anything but a baseball cap.....no shades because he wears glasses. I haven't seen him in years....maybe he had Lasik surgery done.

I share that - because it reminded me of a joke. Isn't it amazing how our minds work. In my case, I get this cool picture........and off to the races my head goes.

An elderly couple, Bob and Bessie, have been married for many years. Bob has always wanted a real pair of authentic cowboy boots. Finally, he breaks down and finds a stunning pair on sale. He struts into the house proudly sporting his new purchase.

"Bessie, notice anything new about me?" he puffs

"Nope. You look the same as every other day," Bessie retorts.

This really ticks Bob off so he storms into the bedroom, strips down buck naked except for the boots and re-enters the room Bessie is in.

"How about now, Bessie? Do you notice anything different now?" he aggressively challenges her.

"Nope. It's pointing down.....just like yesterday......just like the day before," she replies.

"It's looking down because it is admiring my new boots," Bob says proudly.

"You should have bought a hat, Bob. You should have bought a hat."

HappyUP!!! Day 502

HappyUP!!! - Finding a new feature on my recording deck
Why it happened - I hit some buttons....curiosity
Why it makes me happy - I can now apply a whole bunch of effects to my guitar and to my voice....that I had no clue about! I have owned the deck for years and did not know about this supercool feature. It's like I got a free machine today.

HappyUP!!! -Dinner with my buddy
Why it happened - I made a call
Why it makes me happy - we had a TON o LAUGHS....I mean a BIG TON of side splitting, bent over, expel-liquid-through-your-nose laughter

HappyUP!!! -US OPEN
Why it happened - it's in honor of the HappyUP!!! 500 coming up on Tuesday
Why it makes me happy - here comes Tiger....it should be an exciting weekend

JollyJottings

Breakfast with a friend

Recording a couple of songs
Great e-mail from a buddy
Meeting a friend's little sister

HappyUP!!! Day 501

ONLY 5 days left - until the HappyUP!!! Five Hundred! You must be beside yourself.

The USGA (United States Golf Association) - is even holding it's big annual Open right now in honor of this event!

Speaking of which......

HappyUP!!! - the US Open
Why it happened - see above (...and that it happens this same weekend every year)
Why it makes me happy - this is the first time I could watch during the week.....I watched so much that I actually got up and was tired of it...that's blasphemy. I love the OPEN!!!

HappyUP!!! - hitting balls with my nephew
Why it happened - he called me
Why it makes me happy - it's always good hanging a bit with the nephew. Especially when we are doing something that we like.

HappyUP!!! - something to work on
Why it happened - my nephew gave me a suggestion
Why it makes me happy - I think I can make this swing mechanic actually work.....it's actually something that I WAS working on. Homeostasis had set in, however. Today, I was back at the hip rotation on the downswing... hard and fast! Just in time for an upcoming tournament.

JollyJottings

Backyard chipping
Call from and ex-employee
Seeing an old friend's daughter
Coffee
Call from my best friend
A great e-mail......which led to learning something new and a blog post
Google 411

HappyUP!!!.....SaveItUP!!!....Goog411

When you use your cell phone - and hit 411, you're carrier probably charges you at least a buck.

A FRIGGIN buck - in some places, it can be $1.50-2.00!

Even if you are on a calling plan - you are probably paying that.

TOO MUCH dough - for free information

Program "Goog411" - into your speed dial. 800-466-4411 is the actual number.

I tested it out this morning - with a local restaurant. It was not quite as efficient as AT&T but it wasn't $1
inferior.

I know....I know....- you are saying, "Wow...I get so much good info at Nutter's Notes. Why do I forget to check it regularly?" You can subscribe to the blogs feed and have every entry e-mailed right to you. Of course, this won't allow you to comment but it will keep you in the know!

HappyUP!!! Day 500.......FIVE HUNDRED!!!

You made it! - I made it! We made it! This was a 30 day experiment.....that has turned into a habit...a good one. Here are a few things that I know based on 500 days:

Almost every day - I get up and am thinking, "I'll be looking for HappyUP!!!s today."

I enjoy the things that make me happy more - because, I enjoy them like I would have before PLUS I immediately think, "that's a HappyUP!!!" It enhances the value

I notice more things that make me happy

When I have trouble thinking of three HappyUP!!!s - at the end of the day before going to bed, I think, "tomorrow, I need to look a little harder. I know there are things out there everyday. I may be slipping a bit."

Enough for now - let's get to today's HappyUP!!!s"
HappyUP!!! - finding the Jawbone
Why it happened - I looked
Why it makes me happy - I "moneyed up" a few weeks ago and got the Jawbone bluetooth device for my cell phone. This is in prep for the California hands free law that goes into place next month (a rather ridiculous law....if you can't hold a phone to your ear, you shouldn't be eating a burger and/or drinking a coke while applying makeup either....it's the dialing that is the risk). Anyway, the Jawbone is the first bluetooth that really works. I lost it...like I lost others that I tried. I had just about given up when, "Eureka!!!",........the HappyUP!!! moment

HappyUP!!! - nice coffee
Why it happened - retired people go out for coffee
Why it makes me happy - I just had a very nice conversation with a friend that I don't usually have coffee with.

HappyUP!!! - squash bowls
Why it happened - I decided to make some
Why it makes me happy - I used zucchini, onions, and basil from the garden....and turned it into a nice little meal.

JollyJottings

Call from an ex-employee
Squash
Nice coffee
Call from another ex-employee
Chipping
Finding the Jawbone

ClearItUP!!! Your House is NOT an Investment

Housing is responsible for 25% of Gross Domestic Product - can you see the government coming out and saying, "Hey, buy a house...it's good for the economy."

Of course not - which is why they don't

"What do we do?" - is what some bright guys sitting around a table ask.

"Hey, I know," - exclaims a really bright guy, "let's call it the American Dream of Homeownership? We'll make it seem like you have only 'made it' once you buy a house. Heck, someday people will buy bottles of water. They'll eat this up like candy. "

I have to applaud the government - and the entire industry. The American Dream promotion has been one of the best marketing campaigns of all time. My background is marketing. I have to doff the cap to whomever came up with this gem of propoganda.

The home you live in - is NOT an investment. This was a hard point for me to get across in the days of staggering appreciation...but I was saying it. "No, housing keeps going up...it's an investment," was what I would hear.

Of course, how many people - sold the house they lived in when the market was up....and then sold and rented? Nobody! OK...maybe a few did but they "lucked" into it. Maybe a divorce at the peak of the market forced them to sell and they didn't purchase again. Few people were willing to go back to renting and trade in and out of their own house like you would a stock.

It's a lot easier to say it now - as, depending where you are, you have seen the value of your home drop by 20-35% (or more) over the last three years.

In the Big Tomato (that's Sacramento for those of you out of the know) - we are coming up on three years. The peek of the market hit at the end of June 2005. The foreclosures started hitting the market toward the end of the first quarter of 2006.

"What is a house? Is it a bad thing?" - of course not. I am bullish on homeownership. If you can afford one and you plan to be there for 5 years, get in. Sure, values could drop a bit more but it's hard to buy at the bottom. When the rebound hits, it hits quick and you end up being lucky to buy at the levels today. You still have some time but I would be out there ready to go......NOW.

A House is A FORCED SAVINGS ACCOUNT - if it appreciates, that is the interest you get. Yes, you get a tax deduction. Do the comparison to rent and factor taxes in and owning actually could save you in monthly payment right now. Of course, you are going to spend money on other things that you "just have to have" in your house (hence the Home Depot picture).

A House is a Home....- or it can be. That's your job. This is the emotional factor of the equation that I can't advise you on. For me, it's a place to keep my stuff**.

My job - is to set the emotion aside.

**....and a place to grow my stuff at Nutster Farms

HappyUP!!!....Squash-IT-UP!!!

You've seen this before - it's a new picture of the same thing.

The little known 8-ball zucchini's are in - and being harvested out back in Nutster Farms

Guaranteed to be Salmonella Free - OK...it is not a guarantee but I really don't think there is any in there. The innards were sauteed....the shells were par-boiled... and the entire mess was thrown into a 350 degree oven.

So, what is in this year's bowls - you gut the 8-ball. You chop the guts up. I chopped some yellow squash in too. I chopped fresh Nutster Farms Basil in. Garlic as well. You throw in a little (a little) corn-starch in as well as some freshly cooked rice (NO....I did NOT cheat and use the minute rice. Long, grain brown). These will absorb the liquid. For grins, I tossed some frozen corn in.....why not?

Bake at 350 for a 20 minutes - but throw some grated cheese...in this case, freshly grated Parmesan....for the last 5 of those 20 minutes.

I'll probably dress up - with some black olives on top when I do the reheat.

Welcome to your meal!

QuoteUP!!! 7 Oscar Hammling

"Often the greatest enemy of present happiness is past happiness too well remembered"

-Oscar Hammling

"Man, those were the good old days" - is one of the first things that came to mind when I saw this passage.

What is it about us that makes us look back so wistfully? - .....and with such a bad memory? I can guarantee you that those times in the past were filled with significant hardships and inconveniences.....just like today's are which is what fueled that "good ol days" quote in the first place.

Let's go with the "good old days" story - anyway. Today is going to be "the good old days" someday.....right? (This is where you nod your head approvingly). These are. How do I know this? I think it is because Carly Simon said so in the song "Anticipation"!

OK.....though she did say it - Carly hasn't had a hit in awhile so perhaps the days of "Anticipation" really are her good old days. Still, it is true. Today will be your "good old days." Tomorrow will be a good old day as well.

Do a full court press once in awhile - have you ever seen how, in a close basketball game, the intensity level rises in the fourth quarter. It can also happen at other times when one team wants to "sneak up" on the other team. One team will really raise their game and pour it on for a bit. In cycling, you will see this when a group of guys does a breakaway and tries to accelerate and put such a gap between themselves and the peleton (the rest of the riders left in the pack) that the pack can't keep up.

You can't do the press everyday - you'll burn yourself out. Pick one day a week....or every other week....to really go out and make today a SUPER HappyUP!!! Day. You may need to make up some reusable reminder cards and post them around or wear a rubber band around your wrist. Attack Happiness.....focus on it....be silly ....be serious if your happiness involves that. TURN UP THE VOLUME for ONE DAY.

I tell you what - I am the guinea pig here. I am committing to it today.

Obviously - I will be letting you know about it tonight.

These really are - The Good Old Days

HappyUP!!! Day 499

HappyUP!!! - call from a contact
Why it happened - he was networking
Why it makes me happy - good guy to stay in touch with. We had a good conversation. I'm really glad he called me.

HappyUP!!! - getting information
Why it happened - a friend helped me out
Why it makes me happy - I got to visit with my friend......and the information that I really needed.

HappyUP!!! - convertible driving
Why it happened - I took the convertible
Why it makes me happy - when it is going to be in the 90's later in the day, there is nothing better than a top down drive at 8 in the morning. I was noticing it.....BIG TIME this morning.

JollyJottings

Toastmasters
Getting info
Reading
Invitation
E-mail from friend
Convertible driving
Basketball game
Call from a contact

HappyUP!!! Day 498

HappyUP!!! - dinner
Why it happened - I got an invitation
Why it makes me happy - the food was good and the company was enjoyable. That's just good living there.

HappyUP!!! - call from former employee
Why it happened - the person had a question
Why it makes me happy - it feels good when I can answer a question with a better answer than what this person received....plus, we'll probably go to lunch this week.

HappyUP!!! - e-mail from former employee
Why it happened - we stay in touch
Why it makes me happy - I keep learning things.........and they make me darn glad that I am retired! I also like my former employee's being friends. I hope it stays that way forever.

JollyJottings

Dinner
Lunch
Call from former employee
Dealing with a stock transfer
Dealing with a county worker
Invitation

HappyUP!!! Day 497

HappyUP!!! - e-mail from a friend
Why it happened - I get e-mails
Why it makes me happy - I am now heading to a social engagement that will be pretty cool

HappyUP!!! - golf confirmed
Why it happened - I applied
Why it makes me happy - I'll be playing with a guy I have known forever but never had the opportunity to play with. It is going to be great next week

HappyUP!!! - friend will do me a favor
Why it happened - I called and asked
Why it makes me happy - I should have the information that I need tomorrow...which will help another friend of mine. It's a beautiful world.

HappyUP!!! Day 496

HappyUP!!! - lunch with a friend
Why it happened - my friend suggested it
Why it makes me happy - I hadn't seen this guy forever....a tremendously nice guy and former employee. It was great to catch up and find some things about him I never knew. I learned some interesting info as well.

HappyUP!!! - breakfast
Why it happened - it was Saturday
Why it makes me happy - the usual banter was as good as ever

HappyUP!!! - lemonade with another friend
Why it happened - my friend and I set it up
Why it makes me happy - we had a real conversation......the ones that real friends have. They aren't always fun but sometimes people have some things to put out to others. You don't always plan these conversations...you usually don't....they just go there. It was good stuff.

HappyUP!!! Day 495

HappyUP!!! - golf
Why it happened - tournament day
Why it makes me happy - this was just a fun tournament. I got to play with one guy that is an old friend who I hadn't been with in forever. We got to have some great discussion riding in the same cart. I knew who the other two guys were but had never played with them. It was just a great time

HappyUP!!! - the raffle
Why it happened - I was at the golf tournament
Why it makes me happy - it's great to win something....doesn't matter what it is....I just dig winning free stuff. In this case, it was a golf club.....not even one that I could use.....so I gave it to a nice lady before I left the tournament.....which made it a bonus HappyUP!!!

HappyUP!!! - dancing
Why it happened - I got drug into it
Why it makes me happy - dancing usually doesn't ....but this setting and everything was cool.

HappyUP!!! Day 494

HappyUP!!! - golf invitation
Why it happened - who knows
Why it makes me happy - I took a buddy to the airport. I am driving back home...nice day....top down....nothing planned. The phone rings, "hey, how about golf late this afternoon at Catta Vedera?" All I can tell you was that was a HappyUP!!! moment. The invitation just came out of the blue....beeeeyoooooouteeeeeful.

HappyUP!!! - lunch with a friend
Why it happened - my friend had some things to drop by
Why it makes me happy - we had a very enjoyable visit...extremely pleasant.

HappyUP!!! - golf
Why it happened - see above
Why it makes me happy - still not scoring well....at all. I hit some nice shots including two really stupidly good "up and downs" where there was NOOOOO WAY one is going to get up and down. The putter was working a little better but still has a way to go. It's better than it has been.

HappyUP!!! Day 493

HappyUP!!! - Giants Game
Why it happened - a buddy invited me
Why it makes me happy - I get down to about 1 ball game a year...or every other year. Because it is such a novelty, it's always a treat. Even though the Giants lost, it was a good game. There is something about seeing that green ballfield when you first get into the park..it's clean....it's nice. It's Happy!!!

HappyUP!!! - time with friends
Why it happened - see above
Why it makes me happy - I got to spend quite a bit of time with one friend who I picked up and took to the game. Then, at the game, I got to see two other friends that live in SF. I hadn't seen one of them in forever. It was good catching up.....and I got a nice invitation for an event later this month.

HappyUP!!! - something to pray for
Why it happened - my friend told me about something that could happen tomorrow
Why it makes me happy - my friend has been struggling a bit. Tomorrow, there is some news that could come that could REALLY make a big difference. I will be praying for that news to be favorable....hard.


JollyJottings

Mistake works out in market
EZ drive to friends house
Dinner
Something to pray for...hope friend gets good news
A happy e-mail
A very pleasant phone call

HappyUP!!! Day 492

Plan NOW....Plan NOW.....Plan NOW!!! - you have two weeks. How and where will you be celebrating the HappyUP!!! 500?

Come on, Now - you know that you want to. I will be celebrating by GOLFING ("FORE!!!") in lovely Carson City, Nevada.

I should be back that evening, however - just in time to ink Day 500

Many will be planning trips to exotic locales - don't leave this to the last minute. Hotels will probably be booked out...if they aren't already.

HappyUP!!! - smackin spuds
Why it happened - I have some credits on my range card
Why it makes me happy - I do a lot of HappyUP!!!ing about golf around here. I actually enjoy practicing as much as playing. Today was the first time that I went to the course STRICTLY to practice. I knocked about 100 balls around (that's kind of lite), flipped about 100 chips, and slapped 60 putts. We'll see if it pays off.

HappyUP!!! - invitations
Why it happened - Uh....hmmm....because I'm popular???
Why it makes me happy - well, it kind of does and it doesn't. I'm really happy because I got two, count em, TWO golf invitations today. One is at the super EXCLUSIVE Winchester Country Club....well...la deee dah. The other was to play in a prize laden tournament. It's nice to be thought of...."they love me, they really love me." Unfortunately, both invitations were for this Friday and I already have a tournament to play in that day! Drats. Oh well, it is better for lots of love to rain down on the Nutster than none at all.

HappyUP!!! - pesto
Why it happened - I grew basil
Why it makes me happy - it's my first batch of the season. I think it is going to make a fine dressing for my
eggs in the morning.

JollyJottings

Top down on a gorgeous day to Spud City
Barbequed Rosemary (that I grew myself) chicken
Finding a putting key
Finding a chipping key
Talking to my buddy
Talking to another buddy
Banging some good 6 string

Who Wants To Be My Friend...I Know Who...YOU!

So....I grew a whole bunch of this. "What to do?...what to do?...
What in the world do I do?"









I get a few friends together....
...and a lot......I mean A LOT....
(did I mention LOTS)....
of HAND Chopping








......and I will be having PESTO eggs in the morning.

(Stop on by....what does that one chick say? "Yumm-OH!")

HappyUP!!! Day 491 - Monday

HappyUP!!! - Yoga
Why it happened - I put the CD in
Why it mades me happy - THAT is a workout....I am not claiming that I got all the way through it. I am feeling it tonight in a good way. We'll see what tomorrow brings. I can work this is a few times a week.

HappyUP!!! - Study and transcription
Why it happened - I made myself
Why it makes me happy - I am transcribing a great book I read last year, Happiness by Matthieu Ricard. It reminds me of things and things and thoughts that I need to have to maximize my happiness levels. There is no question that happiness is an effort....particularly when you are single. Many times, your partner will do some things that stimulate you. Either the partner does something that creates happiness or you are doing something for your partner that makes you happy. Yes, there is plenty of room for unhappiness there. A single can have an advantage....if the single works at it.

HappyUP!!! - Chipping
Why it happened - I needed the practice
Why it makes me happy - when I come across fundamentals in an area that I have struggled, it is a HappyUP!!! In this case, it's sweep the grass back and through AND seeing the grass AFTER you hit the chip. This should boost my confidence on the links

JollyJottings

Yoga
Reaching out for golf
Confirmation of golf
Reminder of upcoming game
Squash soup

HappyUP!!! Day 490

HappyUP!!! - a lovely lunch
Why it happened - took advantage of an opportunity
Why it makes me happy - a crepe....outside under the umbrella's....on a lovely day....with enjoyable company.

HappyUP!!! - a new song
Why it happened - a moment of inspiration
Why it makes me happy - the song isn't that good...but you have to write a lot to get any quality. This is two in the last week. There is something inside trying to crawl out.

HappyUP!!! - crookneck squash
Why it happened - I planted and watered
Why it makes me happy - it was delicious in the wok with a little oil, a little soy sauce, a bit of rice, and some cheese over the top.