Thursday, December 31, 2009

HappyUP!!! Day 1069 - "Should ol acquaintenances......"



HappyUP!!! - MEAT!
Why it happened - it's New Years Eve
Why it makes me happy - I go into the New Year packing a dozen bacon-wrapped filet mignon from the local meat market. It's been forever since I went over and grabbed a box of this goodness. Helloooo 2010!!!

HappyUP!!! - visit with the librarian
Why it happened - I have to put on a program for her
Why it makes me happy - who knows how many will bet at the event but I get a chance to go out and touch some people and help them a little bit...something to look forward to

HappyUP!!! - conversations with several friends
Why it happened - I think NYrs Eve had something to do with it
Why it makes me happy - this is the last of the holiday spirit. While I hate to see that extra little niceness and thoughtfulness we all have during the holidays go, I really appreciate it when it's here.

JollyJottings

MEAT!
Seeing a buddy
Having some great conversations
My cats
Shrimp cocktail

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

HappyUP!!! Day 1068



HappyUP!!! - phone calls from my buddies
Why it happened - they were just kickin it
Why it makes me happy - hadn't heard from these friends in awhile....no doubt
we'll get together shortly after New Year's Day

HappyUP!!! - birdie on 6 in bonus holes
Why it happened - I drained a big breaking putt
Why it makes me happy - at the time, this putt was HUUUUGE and turned
my matches all around. While subsequent gaffs on finishing holes hurt,
this putt made my spirit SOAR.

HappyUP!!! - good sharing with golf partner
Why it happened - we just got to talking
Why it makes me happy - most of the time, we are just golfing. Today, we got a
chance to talk about a couple of real life situations and how we have dealt with
them. It was brief...but good stuff.

JollyJottings

No rain
2 putt twice on 3 from tough spot
Birdie on 6 in bonus holes
Pitch shot on 7
Pitch shot on 9 in bonus holes
Phone calls from a couple of buddies

QuoteUP!!! 17 - Napoleon Hill


Remember that all who succeed in life get off to a bad start, and pass through many heartbreaking struggles before they "arrive." The turning point in the lives of those who succeed usually comes at the moment of some crisis, through which they are introduced to their "other selves."

-Napoleon Hill, Think & Grow Rich


I came across this gem today - literally...moments ago. It was referenced by Bob Proctor so I went to my copy of this classic tome and found the passage which I pasted above.

It was curious that I came across this - right after posting the Joseph Campbell QuoteUP!!! just a bit over a day ago. As you recall, Campell talked about "leaving the life you planned to find the other one that is waiting for you."

I pay attention - to such coincidences....

...and it hit me - "these two statements do have a common link." The link is a burning desire to get to success in whatever way you define success. Campbell refers to "leaving the life you planned" and Hill talks about "heartbreaking struggles."

Neither of those two situations - sounds like a boatload of fun. Of course, neither does sitting in a sinking boat.

The thread that runs between these two - is that, to move significantly, you have to feel the pain of the present situation and then use that pain to slingshot you to where you want to go (probably a good idea to know where you want to go....but probably not mandatory right away....sometimes it's best to get out of a "bad here" and assess from a neutral "over there.")

Don't like the word, "pain"? - nope....it's not my favorite either.

Let's use desire - a burning desire. And, in running with that burning desire....

You find - ...you get to......"the life that is waiting" and your "other self."




Tuesday, December 29, 2009

HappyUP!!! Day 1067....Bulletproof

Every once in awhile - I get some kind of spirit infused in me.....and it just makes me bulletproof

Today was one of those days - it is like I exude some kind of special aura because people

A part of it - what a killer round of errands.....Origins/Restoration Hardware/Apple/Crate&Barrel at mall....Guitar Center....bank....Office Depot....TraderJoes...
all in about two hours. That, my friends, is some serious errand ass-kicking!

THIS was a SuperHappyUP!!! day - I'd like to recount them all one by one but I would be posting forever.

HappyUP!!! - call from a relative
Why it happened - my relative had a life experience
Why it makes me happy - we aren't a "words" family....this relative stepped up and, as hard as it was, spoke the three words to me......man to man.

HappyUP!!! - Magic 8 ball
Why it happened - I had time to kill
Why it makes me happy - I was waiting for a clerk to put a transaction together. There were some magic 8 balls on display. I haven't used one of those in FOREVER and don't put a lot of stock in them. Still, with time to spare, I asked it a question I have been wondering about....and it gave me the answer I was hoping for. I am moving on. The magic 8 ball doesn't lie on a day like this

HappyUP!!! - running across a recruit at the bank
Why it happened - I had some banking to do for the club
Why it makes me happy - this person remembered me from a visit he made a year ago. He wants to be part of our club......and bring one of his clients with him. THAT is beyond awesome. We had a great conversation as well.

HappyUP!!! - Toastmasters
Why it happened - hello...it's Tuesday
Why it makes me happy - I know...this is almost a weekly posting...but I just LOVE how our recent members keep stepping up.....giving awesome speeches and evaluations....our Toastmaster who ran the meeting perfectly was holding hands with people when she had to speak a couple of months ago.....I just LOVE how the group has come together as one. It's so freaking awesome that it floors me every Tuesday

HappyUP!!! - present to a friend
Why it happened - my friend won an informal contest
Why it makes me happy - my buddy is going to love what the prize is. Can't wait till it gets there....I'll hit the post office in the morning.

JollyJottings

Toastmasters meeting
Great speeches
Great help at Origins
Great deal at Restoration Hardware
Great find at Crate & Barrel
Awesome help at Guitar Center
Perfume of security gal at Guitar Center
Ran across a recruit at the bank
Slid right through Office Depot
Morning texts with a buddy
Easy trip on way home to TraderJoes
Hitting balls
Running across PENO and rolling some dice
Packing a present to a friend
Great phone call tonight with a buddy

Monday, December 28, 2009

HappyUP!!! Day 1066


HappyUP!!! - four miles
Why it happened - I got off my butt
Why it makes me happy - yeah, I was dodging a few raindrops but I needed to get a headstart into 2010. It took me almost an hour to walk this deal...but that's OK. The journey of 1000 miles starts with one step.

HappyUP!!! - happy news from a friend
Why it happened - there will be a change for the positive in a family
Why it makes me happy - it happened today and I know it made my friend very happy

HappyUP!!! - helping a friend out
Why it happened - my friend asked
Why it makes me happy - I'm just glad to be in a position where I can give the assistance

HappyUP!!! - hitting some chips
Why it happened - time to start working on the game a bit
Why it makes me happy - haven't been doing a lot of short game work. Decided to dig up the backyard a bit and hit some pitch shots. Most of them were pretty darn good.

JollyJottings

Making some plans with a buddy
A friend had some happy news
4 mile walk
Helping a friend out
Working on the chipping game
Hearing from a buddy
Good leftovers

QuoteUP!!! 16 - Joseph Campbell


"You must leave the life you planned in order to find the one that is waiting for you"

-Joseph Campbell

Some of you may or may not - be familiar with Campbell. He was very famous for his studies into various mythologies and the power that myths have. When I talk about myths, we aren't talking about "mythbusters" where one is disproving something

It is about the stories - that various cultures have and what they do to guide people. Campbell was a brilliant man.

What does the above mean.....to you? - there is no right answer. Have you already left one and are in the one that is waiting? Did you leave one and maybe need to leave another one? Do you have any idea what life the "one that is waiting for you" looks like? If not.....why not?

Questions...questions...questions - if you want quality answers, you have to ask some quality questions.

Sunday, December 27, 2009

HappyUP!!! Day 1065



HappyUP!!! - third hole
Why it happened - all exceptional shots
Why it makes me happy - we were playing with the course owner/ pro. After two great shots, I was faced with a short pitch to a two tiered green...with the pin cut just on top of the tier. I asked, "hey pro, what do you do here?" He advised getting a lower lofted club and running it up the hill. I said, "well, I could but my bag is way over at the cart." I flopped the high risk shot just on top of the hill to within a few feet...and made the birdie.

<---that chicken cesaer for dinner with my homemade dressing is a HappyUP!!! anytime....as long as you have a toothbrush nearby! Ooooh...garlic and anchovies

HappyUP!!! - playing with CG
Why it happened - we only had three
Why it makes me happy - we had not had the opportunity to play together. C is a great player and the owner of our club. We had a great day on the course.

HappyUP!!! - catching up with a buddy
Why it happened - we caught each other in front of the computer
Why it makes me happy - it was cool to be able to do some chatting about our respective Xmas experiences.

HappyUP!!! - throwing up the NUT-loaf post
Why it happened - I had a couple of minutes
Why it makes me happy - it drew some kicks from others.....and will become a classic post here. Making others laugh is always a HappyUP!!!

JollyJottings
7 iron into 1
All four shots on 3
6 iron on 4
Pitch shot on 5
Choked down 3 wood on 8
Pitch on 9
9-iron and putt on 10
5 iron on 12
3 woods on 14
Playing golf with CG
Texting with a buddy
Getting the Nut-loaf post posted
Beautiful weather

How to Make NUT-loaf


For Christmas - I give my niece and nephews cash. They seem to love it when I do my Xmas shopping at Wells Fargo

But my late mom - always said, "money is such a cold gift." Well, here is how you warm it up

Step ONE - go to bakery and ask baker for fresh dough. Don't buy the frozen crap at the store. DO NOT make your own dough for this project...I'm too lazy to do it and, if you do, you make me look bad. I don't need your help in that department

Step TWO - take the money denomination of your choice and roll it into tin foil. Don't tell me you don't know how to do this. Think back to when you used to roll another substance in long thin cylinders (Yeah...I know....you never enhaled)

Step THREE - wrap the dough over the tin foil cylinders and WORK the dough (talking about the bread dough...not money dough..even though the money dough is now in the bread dough)

Step FOUR - put your dough into little bread pans and put them in the microwave with steaming hot water

NOTE: Do I have to insert a warning here...DO NOT TURN MICROWAVE ON....well...do I? I really hope not because, if you haven't figured out that foil and a lit microwave don't mix, you probably didn't have the skill to roll and work the dough in the first place.

Step FIVE - shut the microwave door and leave the dough in their to rise. How long does it take the yeast and dough to rise?.....I asked the baker that. He said, "...until it does." Hey, just passing on the info from a professional.

Step SIX - (and step five was probably an hour) put your bread the
in the oven at 320 for about 20-25 minutes

Step SEVEN - pour yourself a glass of wine. That was hard work plus you need to entertain yourself while lovely bakery smells take over your kitchen

Step EIGHT - remove bread from pans and say, "damn....I am one fine piece of a baking machine. Rainbow and Wonder got nothin on me!

Step NINE - wrap and label your loaves with appropriate (or, in my case, very inappropriate) labels that you made on your computer

Step TEN - make up some cards that
talk about all the love that you put into this project....and how symbolic bread is with basic sustenance as well as being very important from a religious perspective. Have the card say they can now open the wrapping paper to reveal your gift to them....

<-----AND THIS IS WHAT THEY GET

"Savor my succulent loaf" - NUT-loaf

Saturday, December 26, 2009

HappyUP!!! Day 1064



HappyUP!!! - meatloaf
Why it happened - I bought some hamburger and sausage a couple of days ago
Why it makes me happy - when you are single, you don't do a lot of long term cooking. A meatloaf is an hour deal in the over........but......man.....was it worth it!!!

HappyUP!!! - putt on 12
Why it happened - I figured it out
Why it makes me happy - I had a 20 footer with about 3-4 feet of break...if I hit it too hard....it slides way down the hill due to the WICKED pin setting. I hit the putt...waited it out.....DRAINO!

HappyUP!!! - 37 on backside
Why it happened - I kept fighting
Why it makes me happy - I hit 8 out of 9 greens on backside even with the errant driver. I kept grinding it out.

HappyUP!!! - taking my friend down
Why it happened - I kept grinding
Why it makes me happy - I am in a driving slump. Yet, I played the last 14 holes in 2 over today after some tough breaks at the start. I didn't phone it in...at the end of the day....I got paid!

JollyJottings

Doing yardwork before golf
Drive and wedge on 1
Pitch on 5
7 iron on 7
6 iron on 9
Wedge on 10
Hybrid on 11
9 iron on 12
9 iron on 15
9 iron on 17
Drive on 18
Meatloaf

Friday, December 25, 2009

HappyUP!!! Day 1063 - Xmas 2009



HappyUP!!! - golf balls
Why it happened - I have a perceptive family
Why it makes me happy - that's a lot of eggs! I have fresh ammunition going into the new year. I wonder how long it will take me to go through them. Hey, the longer they last, the better it means I am playing. Maybe I can stretch these a bit! Optimism

HappyUP!!! - bread
Why it happened - it was my present
Why it makes me happy - it's a long held tradition. I'll do a seperate web post on it. Long story short....it was a hit.

HappyUP!!! - texts from dear friends
Why it happened - it is Xmas
Why it makes me happy - how can you not be overjoyed to know that people are thinking of you on this day? C'mon....need I say more?

JollyJottings

Breakfast
My nieces/nephews
Golf balls
Texts from dear friends
Getting it all done...and over
Grapefruit

Thursday, December 24, 2009

HappyUP!!! Day 1062


HappyUP!!! - phone call from a pal
Why it happened - my pal was thinking of me
Why it makes me happy - I love this person....can't believe that I got the call out
of the blue today. It makes me feel bad that I haven't picked up the phone...but extremely
joyful that I was thought of. It's the little things

HappyUP!!! - guitar time
Why it happened - Xmas Eve
Why it makes me happy - I picked up my songbook from church band days...there were tunes I hadn't played in forever. It just seemed to be the right thing to do today. I was amazed that I remembered as many of these as I did

HappyUP!!! - traditional Xmas Eve walk
Why it happened - it's Xmas Eve
Why it makes me happy - there is an eerie quiet when you go for a walk on Xmas eve in my part of the world. No cars on the road but lots of them in driveways. You know families are getting back together. There is just a great feeling in the air....and why I never miss going out and being in it.

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

HappyUP!!! Day 1061


HappyUP!!! - sneaking out for 5 holes
Why it happened - my buddies were out there
Why it makes me happy - working on a swing change (what else is new?)....I went out without a lot of warmup and struck it pretty solid. Though I chose the wrong clubs a couple of times, the irons were on the button.

HappyUP!!! - winning the dough
Why it happened - see above
Why it makes me happy - I made an excellent two putt from off the green on 18......when the pressure was on.....and got back some geeters lost to one of my buddies over the weekend

HappyUP!!! - waking up to lovely smells
Why it happened - I decided to burn candles last night
Why it makes me happy - I have some leftover Solstice candle fever going on....makes the bedroom smell nice

HappyUP!!! - I got the Xmas idea handled...another year
Why it happened - desperation
Why it makes me happy - I have a tradition to maintain. I swear every year that, while in desperation mode, I will also come up with an extra idea for next year...never happens. Then, just before Xmas, the juices kick in. Got it done today!

JollyJottings

Getting my xmas project done
Coffee with Trav
Sneaking out for 5 holes
Running across a buddy
Salami and cream cheese/shrimp
Gorgeous weather
Stock Market

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

HappyUP!!! Day 1060



HappyUP!!! - visit with my screenprinter guy
Why it happened - he brought me some stuff
Why it made me happy - we had a "real" conversation.....I love real conversations

HappyUP!!! - breakfast
Why it happened - our Toastmasters group went out
Why it makes me happy - it was just fabulous to visit with some of my new friends in the club that have joined in the last few months. My breakfast was delicious.....but the conversations were so much more. Rich times.

HappyUP!!! - putt on 17
Why it happened - I hit a good one
Why it makes me happy - I was making a major comeback. This little 10 foot right to lefter with about 8 inches of break DIED on it's last gasp....right into the hole.

HappyUP!!! - visiting with a buddy
Why it happened - my friend dropped by
Why it makes me happy - there is something about the holiday that brings out the best in people....we had an awesome time of sharing and looking forward to what the New Year will bring.

JollyJottings

My breakfast
Fellowship at Breakfast
Coming up with gift epiphany
Great e-mails
Playing some golf
Birdie on 6
Coming back strong on last 5 holes
Breaking even on the day
6 iron on 18 and on the first bonus hole
Getting a delivery
Getting a package
Visit and nice talk with Joe
Another buddy stopping by

Rappin with PENO early

Monday, December 21, 2009

HappyUP!!! Day 1059



HappyUP!!! - Winter Solstice
Why it happened - it's the shortest day of the year
Why it makes me happy - I love this solstice even more than Christmas. Commercialism hasn't grabbed it. It's a personal holiday. It's about being at the darkest day...with nothing but light ahead.


<----and the requisite candles

HappyUP!!! - finishing up Xmas Design
Why it happened - made a decision
Why it makes me happy - it's great when a decision is done. Was this the best? It's done....which makes it the best

HappyUP!!! - finaling up some plans
Why it happened - my buddies cooperated
Why it makes me happy - good times to look forward to.

JollyJottings

Hearing from a buddy
Getting the calendar together
Finaling up on the 2009 Xmas Design
Laughing at the Democrats and the Nebraska senator
Stock market

Sunday, December 20, 2009

HappyUP!!! Day 1058


HappyUP!!! - Raiders win
Why it happened - Jamarcus Russell pulled it out
Why it makes me happy - the Raiders suck....yet, I am a closet Raider fan. They were my team as a boy. As of late, they usually LOSE the close ones. It was nice for them to stick it to the hated Broncos....at Denver....in the closing seconds. A bit of a turnaround.

HappyUP!!! - driver/wedge into 1
Why it happened - I had a sneaky long drive
Why it makes me happy - I don't get wedges into 1 from the gold tees these days as the temps have dropped. I knocked that wedge inside of 10 feet...damn... why couldn't I have made the putt.

HappyUP!!! - texting with my friends
Why it happened - a lot of people were chatty
Why it makes me happy - texting leads to getting together....which is what life is all about.

HappyUP!!! - our fivesome today
Why it happened - we set it up
Why it makes me happy - played with four of my favorite people to golf with today.....just lots of fun....even if I SUCKED and had to pay out the dough for the privelege.

JollyJottings

Driver wedge on 1
Hybrid and putt on 2
6 iron on 4
Wedge on 6
3 wood on 8
Chip on 13
Putt on 14
Hybrid on 15

Saturday, December 19, 2009

HappyUP!!! Day 1057



HappyUP!!! - Stogie
Why it happened - he's an incredible cat
Why it makes me happy - I was a little tired. I laid down on the couch on my side to watch the Kings kick some butt. There's not much room ON me when I am on my side. Stogie found it. He is a damn good cat

HappyUP!!! - birdie on 4
Why it happened - two great shots
Why it makes me happy - it was a cold morning...pin was back...I had taken the 4 iron out of play so I had to manufacture a hybrid shot. Knocked it to about 15 feet....and just POURED the putt in to win a hole.

<---This was a bit of a HappyUP!!! How cool was the sunset tonight?

HappyUP!!! -Kings win
Why it happened - Tyreke Evans
Why it makes me happy - hey, I wrote these guys off at the beginning of the year. They have had some close games on the road and come up on the losing end. Tonight, Tyreke took it to the hole with a second to goal and laid in the game winner. Exciting!!!

JollyJottings

Warm morning
Bunker shot on 1...chip on 2
Hybrid...birdie on 4
Par on 11
Bunker shot 13
Pitch on 15
6 iron on 17
Kings win...Tyreke Evans
Stogie

Friday, December 18, 2009

HappyUP!!! Day 1056


HappyUP!!! - decent first day back
Why it happened - I needed to road test my new action
Why it makes me happy - plenty of work to do....some mistakes made...but I tied
my best score in the last month....not saying much but I am on the right track

HappyUP!! - 1 under after 3 holes
Why it happened - a couple of good shots and putts
Why it makes me happy - a good start gives you hope

HappyUP!!! - e-mail from a buddy
Why it happened - my buddy was thinking about me
Why it makes me happy - ever have a friend where you pushed it and were on a thin line with?
It's great when you come to understanding and everything is going to be OK. It strenghtens the friendship

HappyUP!!! - cashing the check
Why it happened - I played the last 6 holes 1 under par
Why it makes me happy - in our games, it doesn't matter what has happened before....if you can finish strong, you will be collecting some dough at the end of the day. The boys kept pressing....but you can never overcome steady, consistent play down the stretch. It was good to be able to do that because, up to my recent hiatus, that wasn't happening. I get paid today.

HappyUP!!! - 3 wood to 15
Why it happened - I hit a TERRIBLE drive
Why it makes me happy - this is a hole to have a 6-9 iron into. I was out there having to jack a 3 wood to it. My opponents were in relatively good shape. I hit this puppy on the button about 230 yards to within 25 feet of the pin. THIS was the pivotal shot of the match....HappyUP!!! on the delivery.

JollyJottings

Birthday wish
Pancakes
Setting things right
Par on 1....birdie on 2
7 iron on 7
Wedge on 9
1 under on last 6 holes
Winning the dough
Very nice e-mail
My t-shirt guy
Overall good fortune

Thursday, December 17, 2009

HappyUP!!! Day 1055



HappyUP!!! - brekko with associates
Why it happened - they wanted to eat with me
Why it makes me happy - love these people.....and the fact they go out of their way to see me....for pancakes....does a heart good

<----that is a big pile...about 2/3 of what was raked. More important than the size of the pile is how far you have to rake it.......it was a haul!

HappyUP!!! - raking for a neighbor
Why it happened - my neighbor is in hospital
Why it makes me happy - my neighbor is coming home tomorrow or day after from surgery. His corner yard was PILED with leaves from recent storms. When he rakes, he gets out the hose too....makes sure he gets them all. It's important to him that leaves are raked. I didn't get the hose out but I hit his yard hard.....all corners or it. My hope is that he doesn't notice anyone did it when he gets home....let alone me. I just know that, if those leaves where there, his focus would be on "I gotta get out there" rather than on recuperating. I want to take that thought away.

HappyUP!!! - reconnecting with a buddy
Why it happened - I was persistent
Why it makes me happy - we may end up playing some golf....or having a cocktail/appetizer tomorrow.

HappyUP!!! - practice session
Why it happened - I refuse to play golf
Why it makes me happy - I am coming closer to feeling like my driver belongs on the course.

JollyJottings

Brekko with friends
Raking for a neighbor
Hitting balls
Chat with FF
Going to Salvation Army
Reconnecting with a buddy

QuoteUP!!! 16



"The last of the human freedom's is to choose one's attitude"

-Victor Frankl

This quote reminds me of another one - that I believe is attributable to Eleanor Roosevelt.

"Nobody else can make you feel inferior without your permission" - I like to substitute the word "badly" for inferior as I took away feeling inferior to anyone many miles back down the road.

There is a lot of drama - that goes along with the holiday season. We are in more contact with our familes.
We reach out to old friends. While the holiday spirit uplifts many, it is a very busy time....a stressful time. For some, it actually is a time that brings on meloncholy and/or depression.

Victor Frankl was an incredibly insightful individual - he paid an extraordinary price to obtain his wisdom. Benefit from his suffering and remember that the people that you come in contact are coming from their own place. A place that you will never really know.

People can effect you in a myriad of ways - if you allow them to. The important thing is to love. This is what you do. Yes....you may want to be hurt....angry.....disappointed (<----my personal favorite....it allows me to still feel while putting the onus on the other where it belongs. It's not as good as being wholely unaffected but....hey, I'm a work-in-progress too). The important thing is to realize that whatever it is other's do that makes you want to feel less than optimal, it's not your stuff. This is THEIR stuff. You have enough stuff of your own.

.......compartmentalize their baggage - put it on their plane with a kiss and a hug, send the plane off with a wave.....and HappyUP!!! while you handle your own luggage.


Wednesday, December 16, 2009

HappyUP!!! Day 1054



HappyUP!!! - Hitting balls
Why it happened - getting ready for 2010
Why it makes me happy - I am getting closer to fixing a long term swing flaw. Today was a
very good session

HappyUP!!! - PENO
Why it happened - I worked on the short game
Why it makes me happy - PENO and I had some fun short game contests.....PENO is a top notch player....I always think practice is better when you PLAY. We had a good session

HappyUP!!! - brekko call
Why it happened - I got a call
Why it makes me happy - can't wait to have brekko with my buddies in the morning. Brekko
with a couple of my favorite people.



JollyJottings

Coffee
Hitting balls
Chipping/putting contest

Brekko plans for tomorrow
Great weekend to look forward to
Beautiful weather


Tuesday, December 15, 2009

HappyUP!!! Day 1053


HappyUP!!! - guitar time
Why it happened - I needed it
Why it makes me happy - I played until the fingers hurt...which wasn't that long....which
tells me the fingers were getting a little soft. The nice part....they got hardened up a bit
today. I can feel it as I type

HappyUP!!! - Toastmaster breakfast announced
Why it happened - today was Tuesday
Why it makes me happy - due to my illness, I went, opened the building, and left. I was
overjoyed to find out the group decided to take up an old tradition of having breakfast
out the week before Christmas.

HappyUP!!! - hitting balls
Why it happened - I got out there this afternoon
Why it makes me happy - I made some more progress toward getting my driver back in
the short grass today. Rain allowing....I'll pound a few more tomorrow. Had some good
talks out there on the range today too

HappyUP!!! - brekko
Why it happened - we scheduled it
Why it makes me happy - I got to spend some time with one of my favorite people today....and pancakes!

JollyJottings

Opening up at TM
TM Breakfast announced
Brekko with an associate
Good session on the range
Hittin balls with T

Monday, December 14, 2009

HappyUP!!! Day 1052



HappyUP!!! - Skype
Why it happened - a guy I was texting with wanted to Skype
Why it makes me happy - I had meant to get on this service....this forced my hand. I couldn't believe how fast...easy...I could be face to face with my buddy who was in Texas on a trip...all for free.

HappyUP!!! - Skype conversation
Why it happened - see above
Why it makes me happy - I had not talked with this wise friend in forever. Being able to see each other face to face via teleconference was like we were right there. Great conversation

HappyUP!!! - hitting balls
Why it happened - break in the weather
Why it makes me happy - the weather got bad...I got sick....my game has been bad....all pointing up to not touching a club in a few days. I think I made some progress but, more importantly, I got out of the house and took in some fresh air after being layed up due to illness. I love being outside.

JollyJottings

Hitting balls
Skype
Skyping with a buddy
Cat napping
Raking
Monday Night Football

Sunday, December 13, 2009

HappyUP!!! Day 1051



HappyUP!!! - Ciopinno Feed
Why it happened - bro and sis-in-law have made it a tradition
Why it makes me happy - 50 people....out on the patio......fresh seafood stew......all hand picked friends....what's not to like?

<----OK...you can not like the fuzzy picture...hey, it was a quick shot from the camera phone. What? Do you expect professionalism here?

HappyUP!!! - getting my cover back
Why it happened - JM returned it
Why it makes me happy - JM borrowed my cart cover yesterday morning....and returned it at 7 this morning. Personally, I didn't care when he brought it back. He went out of his way to get it back as soon as possible. I like that in a person who borrows my stuff. It shows respect, consideration, and appreciation.

HappyUP!!! - last of leaves down
Why it happened - it rained
Why it makes me happy - a combination of wind and rain made this year's raking duties rather easy. I went out today and raked for the second time this year....and it will be pretty close to the last. A huge north wind came through a couple of weeks ago at a perfect time to send most of my leaves far away. It seems like I have done a LOT more raking in the past. HappyUP!!! to less work

JollyJottings

Ciopinno Feed
College soccer final
Rain
Last of leaves down
Health
Getting my cover back
Fried potatoes

Saturday, December 12, 2009

HappyUP!!! Day 1050



OK - day 2 of being sick. I have to admit, when you shut in and don't feel good, HappyUP!!!s are a little harder to come by. Still, they are always there...

<---I think there are a couple of cats around here that don't mind me being sick


HappyUP!!! - a bath
Why it happened - home and sick
Why it makes me happy - I am a showerer...but, I have to tell you, the bubbles and warm water and a soak when feeling under the weather was very nice

HappyUP!!! - good soccer game
Why it happened - I was sick...watching soccer on TV ain't my thing
Why it makes me happy - still, it was the college semi-finals...any time that a team is laying it out there, it makes for good drama. Two overtimes later, they had to settle it with penalty kicks. Akron isn't known for much.....and it made me happy that they beat U of North Carolina.

HappyUP!!! - nice e-mail from a buddy
Why it happened - my buddy was thinking of me
Why it makes me happy - it's always good to know that you make a difference in a positive way to another

HappyUP!!! - watching the rain
Why it happened - still shut in
Why it makes me happy - well, as I pack it in, it makes me happy knowing I'm not missing anything being out and about.

JollyJottings

Akron beats UNC in semi-final of college soccer
Nice e-mail from a buddy
Funny e-mail from Dr J
A bath
Rain

Friday, December 11, 2009

HappyUP!!! Day 1049



OK......so today - I am a shut in. I've got a cold coming on. I've learned over the years that you CRASH at the onset so the cold becomes a brief visitor rather than an extended guest. I'll probably be crashing the next few days. It's cold and rainy outside....why push it.

Still - despite laying around and being couped up, there are still things that happen....HappyUP!!!


HappyUP!!! - talking to JE
Why it happened - JE called me
Why it makes me happy - hadn't heard from this person since I defected from the oppression to retirement. This person was one of the managers that worked for me. It was so great to catch up....find out what JE's needs are......now I can go out and see if I can recruit a few people.

HappyUP!!! - texts with a buddy
Why it happened - I have buddies...we text
Why it makes me happy - it's not often a text turns a light bulb on in your head...this one did

HappyUP!!! - The Kite Runner
Why it happened - it's rainy....I have a cold
Why it makes me happy - had this tome sitting on the shelf for a bit. I knocked it out in one day.....and I am much better off for having read this gut wrencher.


JollyJottings

Call from an ex-employee
Texts with a buddy
Being able to stay in on a cold, rainy day
The Kite Runner

Thursday, December 10, 2009

HappyUP!!! Day 1048


HappyUP!!! - irons
Why it happened - I hit some pure ones
Why it makes me happy - the driver continues to frustrate me....but pure irons on 1, 4, 7, 8, 9, 12, and 16 give me hope that the swing isn't gone. Just need to find that groove with the driver.

HappyUP!!! - visit with a buddy
Why it happened - we kept talking about it...and made it happen
Why it makes me happy - it's always good to have some information to share with a buddy
that has some question and confusion. It helps to get through challenging times. I think one of the biggest purposes we have is to help others when they need it.

HappyUP!!! - putt on 18
Why it happened - I needed it...and hit it perfectly
Why it makes me happy - that 12 foot right to lefter on 18 saved me about $25!

JollyJottings

Hitting 10 greens
Birdie on 10
Putts on 11...12...13
Visiting with a buddy

Wednesday, December 09, 2009

HappyUP!!! Day 1047


HappyUP!!! - leftovers
Why it happened - I made some dinner last night
Why it makes me happy - ever have that feeling that you are hungry, want something good, but don't want to go to much trouble. "Hey, leftover lobster raviolis!"......HappyUP!!!

HappyUP!!! - wedges
Why it happened - I am a decent wedge player
Why it makes me happy - while I only made one of the putts behind the wedge, it's good to know I had something going on today

HappyUP!!! - texts with my buddy
Why it happened - I text my buds
Why it makes me happy - my bud has some things to go over. My mortgage background will
help....glad to be of service in near future.

JollyJottings

Coffee
Wedge/putt on 5
7 iron on 7
Pitch on 8
7 iron on 9
Wedge on 10...13
8 iron on 15....6 iron on 16
Making plans

Tuesday, December 08, 2009

HappyUP!!! Day 1046


HappyUP!!! - Toastmasters
Why it happened - Tuesday....it's on
Why it makes me happy - our Toastmaster did a great job...her first time running the meeting, I believe. Both our speakers stretched themselves. One of the evaluators gave one of the most poetic evaluations I have ever heard. Just a great meeting

HappyUP!!! - check in the mail
Why it happened - it happens
Why it makes me happy - c'mon....I don't have to go into detail on this, do I? Isn't receiving a check in the mail a universal HappyUP!!!!?

HappyUP!!! - making someone's day
Why it happened - somebody needed some help
Why it makes me happy - we truly feel best about ourselves when we help out others. I don't do enough of it....had the chance today....and grabbed it.

JollyJottings

Our Toastmaster
Our speakers
One of the evaluators
Check in the mail
Making someone's day
Beaming

Monday, December 07, 2009

HappyUP!!! Day 1045



HappyUP!!! - giving blood
Why it happened - it was time
Why it makes me happy - OK...we go through all the "give your blood to give others life" obvious stuff....but I really scored because I got "a pint for a pint." I went to give to others....and I am getting a pint of Baskin Robbins Ice Cream in return.

HappyUP!!! - haircut
Why it happened - I was running an errand
Why it makes me happy - I was dropping off some stuff to a friend. In the front suite of his building, what did I see....a salon...and a gal with nothing to do.....I walked right in and got trimmed up in a hurry.

HappyUP!!! - snow
Why it happened - weird weather
Why it makes me happy - it doesn't snow here on the valley floor. Yet, a lovely dusting greeted us this morning....beautiful


JollyJottings

Snow
Giving Blood
Blood pressure 110/76
Pint for a Pint
Helping self to juice
Seeing Herb at BloodSource
Text with buddies
Weight
Looks like drainage system worked
TraderJoes

Sunday, December 06, 2009

HappyUP!!! Day 1044



HappyUP!!! - drainage system in
Why it happened - an unexpected burst of motivation
Why it happened - I think I am set for this winter to keep the basement from flooding. A large portion went sub-terranian today....once I know things work, I'll nibble away at the rest. Just good to get this far.

HappyUP!!! - two birdies
Why it happened - a couple of great shots
Why it makes me happy - it was not an easy day to make birdies...cold and windy.


<----I guess I am using the couch today




HappyUP!!! - he's OK
Why it happened - he has a good skull...and is lucky?
Why it makes me happy - good God....I beaned someone in the back of the head on the golf course today. He could have been seriously hurt. Very glad that his is OK

JollyJottings

Two birdies
Bunker sand shot
Three great shots on 14
Playing with a couple of new guys
Finding my money clip
Sticking it out in the cold
Didn't kill a guy

Saturday, December 05, 2009

HappyUP!!! Day 1043


HappyUP!!! - ear warming head band
Why it happened - they were in my bag
Why it makes me happy - it was COLD teeing off yesterday....and it was real nice to be able to slip this puppy on under my hat

HappyUP!!! - 5 iron on 12/6 iron on 16/5 iron on 17
Why it happened - they were all punch shots
Why it makes me happy - there is nothing like striking an iron right on the button. Even with wind, the ball behaves. Now, if only I could have parred all three holes that I hit these on. While the putter was no HappyUP!!! today (I think my putter was tired from yesterday's achievements), at least I struck it ok with the irons.

HappyUP!!! - delicious meal
Why it happened - I decided I needed some fish
Why it makes me happy - ever had halibut over a bed of well prepared cream corn? THAT, my friend, is a delightful pairing.

JollyJottings

Ear Warmers
Halibut and Cream Corn
Text with a buddy
A friend's dog
RT's episode
Number 14
5 iron on 12

Friday, December 04, 2009

HappyUP!!! Day 1042


HappyUP!!! - dropping a putt on 9
Why it happened - I had the same putt yesterday
Why it makes me happy - I was down....and pressing the bets.....this was a fast, complicated 20+ footer breaking two ways. This thing rolled out......moved to the left....went over the hill...very slowly...gently broke back to the right....and died exactly where it needed to....HappyUP!!!

HappyUP!!! - hybrid into 18
Why it happened - I was desperate
Why it makes me happy - it all comes down to the last hole at times. I hit a crappy drive. Awkward uphill stance....200 to the pin. That ball was a moon shot......but it found it's way to the green. The way I was playing, it could have ended up ANYwhere.

HappyUP!!! - calls and texts with friends
Why it happened - I stay in touch
Why it makes me happy - you find out things.....have some fun.....and line up good times ahead.

HappyUP!!! - 36 on the back nine
Why it happened - SCRAMBLING...pure and simple
Why it makes me happy - after getting my fanny handed to me on the front, I cobbled a decent score together on the back. If you can only play one good 9, you would much rather have it coming home than heading outs......better for the wallet.....trust me.

Thursday, December 03, 2009

HappyUP!!! Day 1041


HappyUP!!! - Caesar Salad
Why it happened - I keep at it
Why it makes me happy - THAT was some delicious eating

HappyUP!!! - start of today's round
Why it happened - I had it going
Why it makes me happy - first four holes.....four looks at birdie....lipped out three.....I was looking good......until the nightmare

HappyUP!!! - putts
Why it happened - greens are primo
Why it makes me happy - I have a nice stroke going on with the tour quality greens.....made some pure putts today......even if it was a nightmare day in the end

HappyUP!!! - Wally the Kitten
Why it happened - my neighbor stopped by
Why it makes me happy - it didnt make me happy that someone would dump a 10 day old kitten in a box at Walmart. It did make my happy that my friend rescued him and stopped by and showed me this adorable little black kitten.

JollyJottings

Chicken sandwich
Great fivesome lined up for today
Nice first four holes
Putt on 9
Putt on 17
Putt on 13

Wednesday, December 02, 2009

HappyUP!!! Day 1040


HappyUP!!! - two birdies
Why it happened - I hit some shots and putts
Why it makes me happy - birdies are what golf is all about and I love em

HappyUP!!! - hitting 6 in two
Why it happened - nailed the three wood
Why it makes me happy - they guys I play with...and who try to take my money....hit it farther than I do.....and it burns them when I hit this par 5 in 2 and they don't....HappyUP!!!

HappyUP!!! - golf setup for tomorrow
Why it happened - everyone wants to play
Why it makes me happy - it looks like I am going to have an enjoyable afternoon with four of my best golfing friends as we play a fivesome.....great weather...great company...and the anticipation of me kicking their butts.......life is good!



JollyJottings

Good coffee time
Unexpected golf foursome
Birdie on 4
Birdie on 6
Stuffed it on 7
Stuffed it on 8
Great par on 9
Mastered 11
Texts with friends
Golf setup for tomorrow
Reconnecting with former
coworkers
Late visit from buddy

Tuesday, December 01, 2009

HappyUP!!! Day 1039



HappyUP!!! - Toastmasters
Why it happened - it's Tuesday
Why it makes me happy - three speeches...three evaluations....four table topics....all in 70 minutes....
and everything was quality

HappyUP!!! - phone call from a buddy
Why it happened - he was giving me a headsup
Why it makes me happy - I love this buddy in SoCal. Better than average chance I may be heading down there REALLY soon for some golf

HappyUP!!! - par on 18
Why it happened - I made a nice putt
Why it makes me happy - it saved me a lot of dough

HappyUP!!! - seeing my buddy
Why it happened - we set it up
Why it makes me happy - we had an absolutely great conversation....love great conversations


Monday, November 30, 2009

HappyUP!!! Day 1038


HappyUP!!! - Getting the wave
Why it happened - I am a courteous driver
Why it makes me happy - I went out of my way to let a guy over today....little did I know how far he needed to get over. I helped the guy out big time....and he acknowledged it

HappyUP!!! - great errand run
Why it happened - I had things to do
Why it makes me happy - no issues...point a to b to c.....and it was just a chipper experience

HappyUP!!! - nailing down some plans
Why it happened - chatted with the person helping me
Why it makes me happy - one step closer to getting things done

JollyJottings

"Touch"
iTunes Store
Solid errand run
Great conversation with my buddy
Making plans with other friends
Life
Contemplation
Letting a guy in...got the wave
Chillin with a bit of guitar

Sunday, November 29, 2009

HappyUP!!! Day 1037


HappyUP!!! - 3 wood on 2
Why it happened - I had hit my tee shot into the hazard
Why it makes me happy - I had made a mess of the first hole....and was about to make a mess of the 2nd hole when I put a 3 wood from 230 within 10 feet of the stick. For a moment, the ship was righted.

HappyUP!!! - phone conversation with a friend
Why it happened - I have friends
Why it makes me happy - ever have a good conversation....you know....a really good transparent one? I love those.

HappyUP!!! - excellent weather
Why it happened - who knows...it's November
Why it makes me happy - after yesterday's windstorm, today's crisp day was a blessing. Even as it gets a bit cooler, I love the fall weather here.....best time of year in NorCal.

JollyJottings

Progress with the driver
Two outstanding up and downs
Two three woods from places I should have had to hit three woods
5 iron into 12
Wedge into 13
Driver....9 iron...putt on 18
A great steak
Playing golf with Buddy
Seeing my regular golf pal again
NO wind...lovely fall weather for the end of November
Great phone conversation with a friend

Saturday, November 28, 2009

HappyUP!!! Day 1036



HappyUP!!! - par on the first hole
Why it happened - good chip and a putt
Why it makes me happy - I got off to a good start.....on a VERY windy (30 mph or more) day

HappyUP!!! - 3 wood into 8
Why it happened - I hit a crappy drive....and then recovered
Why it makes me happy - 200 yds out.....wind howling right to left....need to put it around a tree....BAM.....choked down and floated that thing to where it came down 6 feet from the pin and BIT right there. It had to be up there with one of the best shots I have hit in 37 years of golf

HappyUP!!! - connecting with a buddy
Why it happened - I checked in on an outcome
Why it makes me happy - the outcome was great for my buddy......and now we will be getting together as a product of chatting about what was happening.

JollyJottings

Evening time with a bud

Friday, November 27, 2009

HappyUP!!! Day 1035


HappyUP!!! - thunder and hail
Why it happened - it's the weather
Why it makes me happy - it was sooooo freaky.....I like it when weird things happen...especially like this when I am inside...warm...cozy...just watching

HappyUP!!! - Caesar Salad
Why it happened - I made the dressing
Why it makes me happy - my sis-in-law makes the best.....she gave me the recipe.....I came darn close to finally replicating it today. Tastey...tastey....

HappyUP!!! - Sacramento Kings
Why it happened - they won
Why it makes me happy - our town could use a boost....these young kids are playing good ball with a couple of the best players hurt. Who knows.....not much will happen this year....but there could be good things brewing for the future....optimism.

JollyJottings

Hooking up with a buddy
Call from a good friend
Thunder and hail
Caesaer Salad
Texting with buddies
Sacramento Kings

QuoteUP!!! 15


"A perpetual state of gratitude and radical humility"

"Relax.....Listen...... I will guide you"



Just doing a little clean up today - and found these jotted down.

They each mean something to me - thought they might do the same for you. Think about it.

Thursday, November 26, 2009

HappyUP!!! Day 1034....THANKSGIVING 2009


HappyUP!!! - Apple Website
Why it happened - I am defaulted to it right now when I open the computer
Why it makes me happy - I did a couple of short 5 minute tutorials this morning as I go through the conversion....cool stuff....and easy

<---No, I wasn't there today...that was last week....but it still makes me happy!!!

HappyUP!!! - banging the guitar
Why it happened - it was a holiday
Why it makes me happy - I don't know what it is about holidays that inspire me to spend a bit more time with the six string....lazy day perhaps? This needs to happen more often.

HappyUP!!! - visiting with an old friend
Why it happened - Facebook was part of it
Why it makes me happy - we both had some time to kill....were in the same area....and got together to reminisce a bit......holidays are the best!

JollyJottings

Macys Parade
Football
Banging on the guitar
Texting with friends on the holiday
Great dinner
Beautiful weather
So much to be thankful for
Visiting with an old friend


Wednesday, November 25, 2009

HappyUP!!! Day 1033




HappyUP!!! - time with LM at Starbucks
Why it happened - I thought I was supposed to meet my buddy
Why it makes me happy - it was great visiting with L. We don't get to spend nearly the amount of time that we should. I really enjoyed our exchange today.

<-----an interesting sight at sundown in Kauai



HappyUP!!! - texting with another buddy
Why it happened - we caught each other on Facebook
Why it makes me happy - it was great to reconnect with my old pal. As soon as the holidays are over, we are going to get together.

HappyUP!!! - shrimp cocktail
Why it happened - I went to the store
Why it makes me happy - it's been forever since I had a shrimp cocktail. I don't know why but I saw some little shrimp today and said, "hey, how about a shrimp cocktail." Delicious!!!

JollyJottings

Time with LM at Starbucks
Texting with a buddy
Doing some cleanup
Starting times
Stock market
Good book
Apple Keynote
Maui plans

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

HappyUP!!! Day 1032



HappyUP!!! - the Apple Store
Why it happened - they have classes to help people with the conversion
Why it makes me happy - I took an hour and went out to learn a few things about this bad boy I am typing on. There are some serious conveniencs being dealt out by this machine.

(<-------this picture will be a HappyUP!!! for me for a long time)




HappyUP!!! - Bill's Joke
Why it happened - he was jokemaster at Toastmasters
Why it makes me happy - this was a great way to start my day...the perfect joke...not too long...some physical humor.....and a touch of questionable taste (but not dirty or offensive). What a crack up

HappyUP!!! - a guest joined...and another new guest showed up
Why it happened - our club keeps drawing
Why it makes me happy - more new people....more life stories....more people to work with.

JollyJotting

Bill's Joke
Toastmasters meeting
New member
Another day off from golf
An educational session

Monday, November 23, 2009

HappyUP!!! Day 1031




HappyUP!!! - finding music files
Why it happened - I dug around
Why it makes me happy - I am making the PC to Mac conversion. All of my CD's have been burned into my old computer. They didn't all come over in my initial migration. I was able to poke around and get most, if not all of them. It's a LOT faster and easier to move a file than to re-burn a disk. I hate doing things twice.....not sure I would have been happy reloading all my CD's. VERY happy with the progress I made today

(See the photo above?.....that's no theatrical backdrop behind that guitar......how cool was that venue last week? - this is Kirby Keough's guitar on an open air stage in Kauai)

HappyUP!!! - sharing my stuff
Why it happened - I have stuff
Why it makes me happy - my buddy needed to borrow some equipment of mine. I went one better, "no problem and, while your here, I'll cut my steak in half and feed you too!" No, I am no saint but it makes me feel good to feed others.....especially when they don't expect it.

HappyUP!!! - mowing the lawn
Why it happened - it was a lovely afternoon
Why it makes me happy - there is something about being out on a crisp autumn afternoon and doing some light work. Mowing fits the bill. Then, when done, all the leaves are gone.....the grass is a uniform height.......a new pleasing aroma has been created.....there are a lot of senses being touched and I soaked it in.

JollyJottings

Mowing the lawn
Sharing a steak with a buddy
Sharing my equipment
Stogie and his sleeping
Finding some music files

Sunday, November 22, 2009

HappyUP!!! Day 1030



HappyUP!!! - sleeping in my bed
Why it happened - I was gone for a week
Why it makes me happy - I didn't have a lump (aka...nice kitty) sleeping on me all night. Shadow was a comfort on a cold night

HappyUP!!! - fast greens
Why it happened - I am back at home
Why it makes me happy - after a week on slow, bermuda greens, it was nice to be on the greens at home.....and they were fast. It was a weird change that was good.

HappyUP!!! - getting caught up with the HappyUP!!!s
Why it happened - I used my word processor
Why it makes me happy - I wasn't able to upload on a nightly basis. I was able to keep track everyday while I was on vacation. It was a pretty easy cut and paste to get caught up in my postings

HappyUP!!! - the weather
Why it happened - who knows
Why it makes me happy - I wore shorts....in November....in Sacramento....and it was fine. I was plenty warm enough.....all day long......love the weather here.

JollyJottings

Sleeping with the lump
Teeing it up with my buds
Fast Greens
Birdie on 6
Being able to wear shorts
Hooking up with my buddies
Great up and downs
Call from my buddy

Saturday, November 21, 2009

HappyUP!!! Day 1029

HappyUP!!! - smooth trip to the checkin gate
Why it happened - my buddy and I planned ahead
Why it makes me happy - even though we had to do a second pass to find the rental car agency and there was traffic on way to airport, no stress. We left plenty early

HappyUP!!! - my book
Why it happened - I brought it along
Why it makes me happy - I read that thing in it's entirity....5 hours worth. It made the trip fly by



HappyUP!!! - getting picked up at the airport
Why it happened - I set it up and the other person was right there
Why it makes me happy - after travelling all day, it is great to have someone there curbside for a quick and easy pickup! Time to get home

Friday, November 20, 2009

HappyUP!!! Day 1028


HappyUP!!! - Joining up on the back 9

Why it happened - it was a slow round at Kauia Lagoons

Why it made me happy - the guy and the son were good players. We were all on the same page. No hacking it around.


HappyUP!!! - back to back birdies

Why it happened - I am a talent?

Why it makes me happy - I don't birdie back to back at home that much. I made them on 12 and 13 at the Lagoons...I was 2 under on the back side. That's a big deal and a HappyUP!!!


HappyUP!!! - Sunset photos

Why it happened - I am in Hawaii

Why it makes me happy - everyone is a photographer in Hawaii....everyone!!! You get to enjoy the experience and know that you can't screw it up. I'll post the photos separately.





JollyJottings


Joining up on the back 9

Back to back birdies

Up and down on the last hole

Clean up dinner

Sunset photos

No rain

Hybrid into par 3

The weather

Seeing how to “get it set”


Thursday, November 19, 2009

HappyUP!!! Day 1027




HappyUP!!! - Princeville

Why it happened - we made the drive

Why it makes me happy - Princeville is legendary golf on the islands. There were a lot of dramatic golf holes there. Very strategic. I played poorly....but enjoyed every moment. Great golf course


HappyUP!!! - grilled steaks

Why it happened - we gotta eat

Why it makes me happy - we are at a timeshare. I had to use the communal grill. The marinade that I threw it in last night was a risk....and the steaks came out great












HappyUP!!! - Puff the Magic Dragon

Why it happened - I was in Hanalei Bay

Why it makes me happy - I saw Puff! “Puff, the magic dragon, lived by the sea.....” I grew up with that song.


HappyUP!!! - hybrid on par three

Why it happened - I was 190 to the pin into the wind

Why it makes me happy - this was all carry over a chasm. Any spin right or left could be disaster. I stung that puppy right over the pin....205 into the wind. This shot was hit as pure as a golf ball can be hit. Heaven.


<------See PUFF? - look at the land sticking out

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

HappyUP!!! Day 1026


HappyUP!!! - NAT in the stock market

Why it happened - who knows....shipping rates are going up

Why it makes me happy - I have a good position in this stock. It has been a laggard all year. Today, it was up 6.25%.....HappyUP!!!


HappyUP!!! - wedging in

Why it happened - I didn’t care

Why it makes me happy - I had made a mess of this hole. My damn ball got stuck in a tree. By the time I was hitting my 50 yard shot in, I was staring double bogey in the face.....and then the ball rolled into the cup. Wheeeeeeeeeeeee!


HappyUP!!! - Ocean views

Why it happened - we played at the muni

Why it makes me happy - tremendous views....right on the coastline....I mean right on the beach...at a public course. It was beautiful.


JollyJottings


Wedging in

Ocean views from the muni course

NAT in the stock market

A day at the beach

7 iron into par three

Texting with friends

Uke on the green

Funny pictures

Our native golfing friends

Driving range session


Tuesday, November 17, 2009

HappyUP!!! Day 1025


HappyUP!!! - Poipu Beach Golf

Why it happened - today was “nice” golf day

Why it makes me happy - today we played at a top drawer resort. It was right on the coast. Spectacular views. Very little rain. Unimpeded. Gotta love it.


HappyUP!!! - beach time

Why it happened - I’m in Kauai

Why it makes me happy - sitting at the outdoor bar/grill right on the beach...in the shade...with all the activity in front of me. A guy could spend a long time there.


HappyUP!!! - birdies

Why it happened - I have a bit of skill

Why it makes me happy - I love birdies...and I had bookkends today....on the first and the 18th. I was happy coming and going.


JollyJottings


Early morning

Poipu Beach Golf

Birdie on the first hole

Birdie on the final hole

Hanging down by the beach

A delicious burger

Sand shot to a gimmie

Taking the lead in the Kammannawannalaya Open


Monday, November 16, 2009

HappyUP!!! Day 1024



HappyUP!!! - Joes on the Green

Why it happened - my buddy was sitting in

Why it makes me happy - what are the odds that my guitar/ukulele master and buddy from Roseville would be in Kauai at the same time as me?...and sitting in with a local guitar player/singer. It was a night of bliss.


HappyUP!!! - unimpeded golf

Why it happened - we play early

Why it makes me happy - there is nothing better than playing golf and never having to wait.....and we didn’t


HappyUP!!! - 5 iron into 18

Why it happened - I stepped up

Why it makes me happy - I needed to hit a great shot....and, boy, did I? It would have been great to make the birdie putt but the shot, in the wind, was pretty special


Sunday, November 15, 2009

HappyUP!!! Day 1023


HappyUP!!! - wind in the trees

Why it happened - I am in Kauai

Why it makes me happy - screen door open in bedroom with a tropical breeze blowing through...sleeping doesn’t get better than that


HappyUP!!! - birdie on second hole

Why it happened - a nice wedge shot

Why it makes me happy - I love birdies....and it only took me two holes to get my first one on Kauai


HappyUP!!! - 7 iron on downhill par three

Why it happened - I hit it pure

Why it makes me happy - once in awhile you play a course with an EXTREMELY elevated tee. Today was like that. You don’t really know how the wind and elevation are going to affect things. I got it right on this hole and striped it right over the flag...just past the pin



JollyJottings


Wind blosing through the trees during night

A great nights sleep

Nice bed

Birdie on the second hole

7 iron on downhill par three

Just relaxing after golf