HappyUP!!! 824....Swine Flu

The CDC has issued a warning

<-----Don't Do This! HappyUP!!! - nap
Why it happened - I was tired this afternoon
Why it makes me happy - I can't believe how refreshing that nap was! I don't care if I'm getting older...that was a good one.

HappyUP!!! - golfing with E
Why it happened - him and Squirrel were looking for a game.
Why it makes me happy - E is a pro trying to make it on the minor tours. It is a wonder to see up close just how good some guys are....and realize that there are a bunch of guys even better than that. It was like watching an exhibition.

HappyUP!!! - Rio City Cafe
Why it happened - I met a buddy there
Why it makes me happy - love the Rio City. I hadn't had dinner there in forever. The halibut and pollenta were tremendous!

JollyJottings

Nap
Pitch on 2...3 shots on 3...putt on 6...pitch on 7...driver/7 iron on 9...putt on 10...putt on 11...driver/3 wood/7 iron on 14...driver/7 iron on 15...driver/pitch on 17.
Playing with E and Squirrel
Proctoring exam
Dinner
May Handicap Index

HappyUP!!! Day 823...A Decent Round of Golf

HappyUP!!! - a decent score
Why it happened - I took that lesson 2 weeks ago and have been working on it
Why it makes me happy - I hadn't played well in at least two months. While I had some loose shots today, I had enough good shots to have a decent round. More work to do but I definitely have things heading in the right direction for May.....which would be a good time to get it going in that direction.

HappyUP!!! - unlikely birdies
Why it happened - I have a bit of skill and had some good feelings
Why it makes me happy - they happened on the 9th and 18th holes....usually the money holes. Today was no different. I had about a 30 foot putt on 9 that I looked at and said to myself, "hey, this one looks makeable...really makeable." Down it went. The 18th was better because I had a challenging pitch up and over a mound. I hit it perfectly....I rushed to the top of the hill in time to watch it bounce, roll, and, ka-ching, fall in the cup. While I didn't think I would actually make the ball, I knew that I was going to hit a good chip.

.....and, yes, the cash went into my pocket and not out........HappyUP!!!

HappyUP!!! - brekko
Why it happened - my buddy set it up
Why it makes me happy - always great to break bread with a bud. I also got some interesting info regarding my ex-employer and the industry.

HappyUP!!! - e-mails and phone conversations
Why it happened - I have some friends
Why it makes me happy - lots of happy information was exchanged today. No down information.

HappyUP!!! Day 822

HappyUP!!! - found a copy store
Why it happened - I took a chance
Why it makes me happy - instead of going out of my way to a place here, I took a chance that I could make copies closer to my speaking venue. I found the store and it gave me some breathing room.

HappyUP!!! - my talk
Why it happened - I was invited
Why it makes me happy - I delivered some solid material that was well received. Better than that, I was honored to be invited and the group inspired me. On top of it, the people in this group are really nice people that I enjoy.

HappyUP!!! - proctoring
Why it happened - my friend asked me
Why it makes me happy - by giving him a neutral, quiet place to do his doctoral exam, he didn't have to make a long trip. It's always good when you can help someone out....and this one is pretty easy.

JollyJottings

Writing bio
Cleaning room
Gave a good talk
Spent time with good people
Found a copy store

HappyUP!!! Day 821

HappyUP - State Am Qualifying
Why it happened - I paid my money and took my chances
Why it makes me happy - I didn't qualify...I didn't score that well. I did hit a tremendous amount of quality golf shots in howling wind. This was the first individual scratch tournament I have played in 25 years. It's a game for the younger and longer hitters but I was almost competitive. Just a bit more work to do.

HappyUP!!! - Cindy's Restaurant
Why it happened - it was close to the golf course
Why it makes me happy - I drove to the course early to avoid commuter traffic. I took a chance that I could find a place to sit down for breakfast. I had a great little egg scramble at this place

HappyUP!!! - my driver
Why it happened - I have been practicing
Why it makes me happy - though it landed me in trouble on 4 of the 15 holes I used it on, it was long and straight the rest of the time. This is a vast improvement from where it was.

HappyUP!!! - a birdie
Why it happened - I recovered from a bad break
Why it makes me happy - a birdie is always a HappyUP!!! I thought I had hit a good drive and would have a wedge into a par 4. Unfortunately, there was an overhanging tree that required me to hit a low 8 iron pitch about 100 yards. I kept it low, ran it up, and then made the putt. A bogey was turned into a birdie!

JollyJottings

Cindy's Restaurant
Golf Tournament
Drive off of 1....5 iron into 2...Driver on 3....Driver on 4...Hybrid on 4...Driver on 5...6 iron on 5....Driver on 6....Driver on 8....Driver on 10....Driver on 13...Driver on 14...Driver on 15...Drive on 18

Hitting stick on 10
Bunker shot on 11
8 iron trouble shot and birdie on 13
Bunker shot on 15
5 iron on 15
Up and down on 16
Hybrid and Wedge on 18

HappyUP!!! Day 820

HappyUP!!! - driving the golf ball
Why it happened - my lesson is kicking in
Why it makes me happy - I will be trying to qualify for the State Am tomorrow...I last tried and qualified 27 years ago. It would be really cool to make it so many years later.

<-----see yesterday's HappyUP!!!s for what this is all about! I'm still happy about this one today.

HappyUP!!! - this blog
Why it happened - I got an update to my browser while posting this
Why it makes me happy - I didn't have to restart this post from scratch.

HappyUP!!! - crispy irons
Why it happened - that lesson a week and a half ago?
Why it makes me happy - while the driver has been coming around, the irons weren't. Finally, on the last 4 holes, the iron swing started working like the driver swing and the irons were as crisp as any I ever hit. Positive signs!

HappyUP!!! - borrowing the Sky Caddy
Why it happened - my bro called me
Why it makes me happy - this device will give me the distances I need tomorrow. My brother was out of town but he told me how to get into his house. I found the Sky Caddy and charger and have figured it out....all set for tomorrow.

JollyJottings

Seeing the guys on the range
36 holes
Playing with the assistant
Playing with a guy that had his best round
Birdie on 13
Irons on 2...7...12...15...16..17...18
Hybrid on 11
Incredible bunker shot
Speech contest
Getting the Sky Caddy

HappyUP!!! Day 819

HappyUP!!! - Toastmasters Division Speech Contest
Why it happened - I had won at the club and area levels
Why it makes me happy - Surprise! Surprise! I won! I will now get to speak at the next level, the District Conference. I've been in a lot of contests and have gotten to today's level many times and come up empty. Not today!

HappyUP!!! - remembering my speech
Why it happened - who knows
Why it makes me happy - I didn't spend that much time getting ready for this contest. Yet, I remembered every aspect of my speech today. I had a couple of slight hesitations but it was OK. I also saw the timing lights...I was running unexpectedly long and I calmly shelved a last part of my speech so I would qualify.

HappyUP!!! - golf
Why it happened - the weather was good
Why it makes me happy - I am on the verge of trying to qualify for the State Amateur. I have not been playing well for a long time. I didn't play that great today but I think I am finding something. One more practice round and some time on the range tomorrow...maybe...just maybe I am going to find that golf game just in time.

JollyJottings

Golf weather
Two birdies
Greens a little better
Lots of green lights
Toastmasters Speech Contest
9 extra holes in the evening

HappyUP!!! Day 818

HappyUP!!! -speech contest prep
Why it happened - the contest is tomorrow
Why it makes me happy - I don't like to go over and over speeches. I didn't practice since the last contest for that reason. I was thinking I needed to re-work it...but I didn't. When I opened it back up today, I actually liked it more than the last time I gave it. A few more run throughs and I will be ready.

HappyUP!!! - chutting one in
Why it happened - I don't chip from just off the green
Why it makes me happy - I birdied one of the holes that plays toughest for me

HappyUP!!! - practice after my round
Why it happened - my partner wanted to and I needed it
Why it makes me happy - it was productive....and I need it. I also got to watch the best player at the club hit balls next to me. I picked up something that was missing from my latest fix. I think my game COULD be coming around at just the right time....this Monday.



JollyJottings

Speech re-opened and practice
Chutting one in
Hitting balls after today's round

HappyUP!!! Day 817

HappyUP!!! - practice
Why it happened - tournament coming
Why it makes me happy - nope...not hitting the ball like I need to BUT these are the things you have to work through to get to where you need to be.

HappyUP!!! - opportunity to help
Why it happened - I know people that need help
Why it makes me happy - I can help. Helping is a big part of what we are about

HappyUP!!! - e-mail
Why it happened - a buddy responded
Why it makes me happy - I haven't talked with this bud in forever. We'll just need to figure out a time and BAM!....we'll grab a bite and do some face to face catching up.

JollyJottings

Oppty to help my friend
Hitting balls...and getting out on the course
Assistant Pro
E-mail from a friend

HappyUP!!! Day 816

HappyUP!!! - hitting balls
Why it happened - upcoming tournament
Why it makes me happy - it was a tough session today....but I hung in there for 2.5 hours. I was a little surprised by my discipline. I am not sure I even hit balls for that long in the fall. It reminded me of a younger day. It ended up being productive....and will motivate me to be back out there tomorrow.

HappyUP!!! - sleeping downstairs
Why it happened - it was hot upstairs
Why it makes me happy - I got some sleep...very easily. This unseasonal broil of the last couple of days caught my environmental control system by surprise

HappyUP!!! - Habit Burger
Why it happened - I decided to try it out
Why it makes me happy - I can now comment on this joint that everyone raves about. It was OK......I think I'd just as soon go to In-n-Out.


JollyJottings

Coffee with buddy
Sleeping downstairs

Hitting balls

HappyUP!!! Day 815

HappyUP!!! - Hitting balls
Why it happened - I have to work on my swing changes
Why it makes me happy - I wasn't pure-ing it but I made some progress. I'll be back out there tomorrow. I also met Bob on the range...we had a great chat.

HappyUP!!! - stock reversal
Why it happened - who knows
Why it makes me happy - my hunch yesterday looked bad last night...and worse at the opening bell. Yet, it came through....I got out of my position and made a couple of bucks. Sure, I could have held to the end of the day and made more but who cares.

HappyUP!!! - visit from my buddy, E
Why it happened - he wanted to see me
Why it makes me happy - it's always good to visit with your buddies! Especially when they show up bearing a Blizzard!

JollyJottings

Another good stock trade
Toastmasters
Sex report on CNN
Hitting balls
Meeting Bob on the range
Seeing friends in the clubhouse
The new club menu....Tunamelts now available
Visit from my friend, E
E-mail from T

HappyUP!!! Day 814

HappyUP!!! - getting more of the garden in
Why it happened - the golf course is closed on Mondays
Why it makes me happy - only cukes, melons, and some herbs to go and the planting will be over.

HappyUP!!! - my ophthalmologist
Why it happened - I had a scheduled exam
Why it makes me happy - either through Lasik (again) or new glasses, I will be able to see my ball land on the green again! I KNEW something wasn't right. I also found out he is friends with a person significant in my history.

HappyUP!!! - bees
Why it happened - I was gardening
Why it makes me happy - those bees were jammin on my orange tree today. Bees in April means oranges in December! I LOVE bees. Good for gardeners.

JollyJottings

Big Stock Play
Getting more of the garden in
Trip to my ophthalmologist
Brekko
My book
Bees
Heat

HappyUP!!! Day 813

HappyUP!!! - Member-Member Tournament Day 2
Why it happened - it's an annual affair
Why it makes me happy - we all sat down to lunch after two days of golf. Recanting the miscues of the two days and getting on each other is such a guy thing that I don't even need to go into specifics. It is just good times.

HappyUP!!!- a bonus 9 holes
Why it happened - some guys wanted to go back out
Why it makes me happy - we had a few wagers going on which brings on a different kind of pressure. For example, I had a tough chip shot into the last hole. If I was playing by myself or casually with my buddies, I would do my best. This shot had a LOT on the line...and I knew it.
THAT is a HappyUP!!!...to feel that.

HappyUP!!! - playing in the tournament
Why it happened - see above
Why it makes me happy - we were in second place. We were playing with the leaders. We were about even with them...then we screwed up. Then we were clawing our way back within a shot. THAT....the clawing....THAT is what it is about.



JollyJottings

Second shot into 2
Par save on 9
Par save on 9 the second time I played it today

HappyUP!!! Day 812

HappyUP!!! - tournament day
Why it happened - my club puts these on
Why it makes me happy - because everyone tees off at the same time, all the guys are out on the range at the same time and everyone is tossing around the crap...good times.

HappyUP!!! - first hole
Why it happened - you have to start somewhere
Why it makes me happy - my partner was able to find my drive, play it (it was a switch shot format), and we ended up making a birdie from what looked like a shaky start.

HappyUP!!! - invite from a buddy
Why it happened - I'm fun?
Why it makes me happy - I'll have something to do in the near future. Good to have something to look forward to.

HappyUP!!! - washed car
Why it happened - I got off my fanny
Why it makes me happy - the white car sleeps outside. Over the winter, there is not a lot of point in washing it. It got it's first spring hosing yesterday....it will need another one but it was back to near gleaming...which is nice

JollyJottings

Tournament Day
Finding first drive
Birdie on first hole
Four more birdies
Ball striking...wedge on 1...4....5...8...10
Pitch on 14....and 17
Lunch
Hitting balls and helping a buddy
Call and invite from a buddy
Washed car

HappyUP!!! Day 811

HappyUP!!! - an unexpected windfall
Why it happened - I'm not sure
Why it makes me happy - I sold some stock on-line Wednesday after buying it Tuesday. There was some profit there. I thought I had sold it all but, for whatever reason, only 1.9% of the shares that I owned actually sold. I wanted to sell them all. I caught the error today...but the stock had gone up another dollar....winner!

HappyUP!!! - birdie on the first hole
Why it happened - I hit a great third shot
Why it makes me happy - you have heard it before. A great start is always a HappyUP!!! If I had made the birdie putt on 3, I would have been 2 under after three. (The game pretty much went to heck after that but, for a minute, things looked promising).

HappyUP!!! - Eddie joined us
Why it happened - he got to the course as we were making the turn
Why it makes me happy - Eddie is a good guy with a great golf swing. He was a pleasant addition to our twosome today.

HappyUP!!! - weather
Why it happened - it's weather
Why it makes me happy - this was one of, if not THEE, nicest weather day of the year. Upper 70's....nice.

HappyUP!!!Day 810

HappyUP!!! - golf lesson
Why it happened - I went and saw my pro
Why it makes me happy - I had the feeling that the "fix" I was installing into my swing had the potential to make things worse. Rather than ingrain it, I decided to have my man check it out. Man, am I glad I did! He's got me on the right course. I may be playing respectable golf again by the time of my next big tournament qualifier a week from Monday.

HappyUP!!! - tax refund
Why it happened - I filed taxes
Why it makes me happy - I thought I was going to break even. Write a check to the Fed...get a check from the state...transfer dough to cover the one until the refund gets back...etc. NO!!! I am getting a NICE refund back. HappyUP!!!

HappyUP!!! - putting
Why it happened - I played some golf after my lesson
Why it makes me happy - I drained a couple of long ones and made my short ones today...much to the chagrin of the person I was playing against, I am sure. Nah..he's a nice guy. We golfers are OK with someone doing well. Then again, I never like people dropping bombs on me. It's kind of fun when you are on the delivering end of the artillery.



JollyJotting

Range Session
Driving the ball
Holed out a bunker shot
Solid 8 iron into 8
Solid wedge into 9
Nice 7 iron into 4
Tax REFUND
Getting the taxes off
So many nice e-mails thanking me

HappyUP!!! Day 809.....Susan Boyle...Wow!

I am posting this one a little early today - if I have any HappyUP!!! that surpasses the first one that I list here, it will be a tremendous day indeed!

HappyUP!!! - Susan Boyle
Why it happened - Britains Got Talent
Why it makes me happy - yes, this clip is travelling the internet at light speed. Take the 7 minutes it takes to watch this clip.....just do it! Don't give me the "I'll do it later." Do it now! Whatever it is you have to do will be done better for having watched this. If I have to explain why this makes me happy, I have to humbly suggest that you exit the blog and find a counselor.

HappyUP!!! - Tax Day
Why it happened - it's always April 15
Why it makes me happy - some look at this as a day to dread....I look at it as a year where the statute of limitations for being audited dropped off. It's not that I have anything to hide. It's just that it is obvious that you have to pay or file which can get you down. You have to find the bright spots too. It's what HappyingUP!!! is all about.

HappyUP!!! - morning coffee
Why it happened - it's Wednesday
Why it makes me happy - in addition to conversing about the ever interesting Rules and Decisions regarding the Game of Golf, I got the opportunity to assist a person in the coffee shop that was technologically phone challenged. Hey, what is knowledge but to share?

HappyUP!!! Day 808

HappyUP!!! - range session
Why it happened - I'm practicing
Why it makes me happy - I'm getting the "feel" of my new action rather than thinking about it. There is still work to do but I'm tracking

HappyUP!!! - practice 9
Why it happened - a buddy grabbed me
Why it makes me happy - we went out in the wind with the pure intention of just slapping it around and working on our games. No pressure but game-like conditions. I hit some good shots...progress made.

HappyUP!!! - a movie
Why it happened - it was on TV
Why it makes me happy - "The Greatest Game of All" is a very touching story based on the true life of Francis Ouimet...a pioneer in American golf.

HappyUP!!! - guitar banging
Why it happened - I needed it
Why it makes me happy - I picked up a cool new-2-me rhythm riff. It has a cool bluesy feel.

JollyJottings

Range session
Practice 9
Banging the guitar

HappyUP!!! Day 807

HappyUP!!! - shirt off
Why it happened - I was gardening
Why it makes me happy - it felt WONDERFUL to get some sun on my shoulders....it really did. I even got a sweat going as I....

HappyUP!!! - put in the vegetables
Why it happened - it's that time of year
Why it makes me happy - I love the garden right after planting. Plants...lots of dirt....and no weeds. Visions of the bounty that are around the corner. Love it!

HappyUP!!! - beating the market
Why it happened - I was in the right things today
Why it makes me happy - the Dow was down and I was up.....that always gives me a feeling of well being. Yes, tomorrow is another day but I savor the moment.

HappyUP!!! - errands
Why it happened - they were overdue
Why it makes me happy - no issues...point a to point b to point c...all nicely routed on a lovely morning to be driving around



JollyJottings

Breakfast
Light Bulb store
Nursery
Morning

HappyUP!!! Day 806...Masters Sunday

HappyUP!!! - the Masters
Why it happened - it's an annual golf tournament
Why it makes me happy - the Masters rarely fails to deliver an exciting finish on Sunday. Today was no exception with Angel Cabrera coming through and outlasting the competition. Angel is from Argentina. His win goes a bit to take the sting out of Roberto DeVicenzo's epic incorrect scorecard signing back in 1968 for Argentina. The drama was intense today....it's the reason this is the best sporting event of the year to watch.....well, until the next major, of course.

HappyUP!!! - cleaning up the BBQ
Why it happened - I got off my fanny
Why it makes me happy - I have never cleaned the Que stem to stern. I thought there would be a lot more to it. Sure, I could have made it spotless......why? I got the grease out and am now ready for a hard grilling season.

HappyUP!!! - 5 iron on 7
Why it happened - I made a good swing
Why it makes me happy - it was another one that had a chance to be a hole in one. I think my ace is going to have to come this year. I am probably scaring it once a week. At one point, it just has to go in.



JollyJottings

5 iron on 7
4 iron on 8
5 iron on 18
Masters Golf
Ducklings
Call from a friend
Edging and cutting the lawn
Cleaning up the BBQ

HappyUP!!! Day 805

HappyUP!!! - winning a friendly match
Why it happened - I rallied
Why it makes me happy - I was written off for dead in today's match only to come from about 4 shots back.

HappyUP!! - chutting in on 17
Why it happened - I'm a grinder
Why it makes me happy - even though I do it about once a week, I never get tired of knocking it in from off the green. This was especially sweet because I had just gotten a terrible break.

HappyUP!!! - Masters Golf
Why it happened - it's April in Augusta
Why it makes me happy - I'm in there on my pool. Everything is shaping up for a great last round

HappyUP!!! - seeing a friend
Why it happened - we set it up
Why it makes me up - it's great to see freinds and doing a little catching up.

HappyUP!!! - afternoon practice
Why it happened - I got motivated
Why it makes me happy - I'm getting closer with the golf game.

JollyJottings

Winning a friendly match
Playing the last 7 holes 1 under

HappyUP!!! Day 804 - Masters Friday

HappyUP!!! - Masters Pool
Why it happened - my club held one
Why it makes me happy - we had to pick 8 players in the pool. 7 of mine made the cut. When you are playing cumulative prize money won, the more guys playing the weekend you have increases your chances

<----Justin Rose rallied late in the round to make the cut and earn some Masters Pool money for me this weekend

HappyUP!!! - hitting balls
Why it happened - the range opened
Why it makes me happy - I decided I needed to work out some kinks after the Masters. I went to my club but the range was closed. Then....they opened it...HappyUP!!! It took me a bit but I had a pretty productive session on the range....HappyUP!!!

HappyUP!!! - gorgeous afternoon
Why it happened - it's weather
Why it makes me happy - after a day and a half of rain, it was nice to go out and enjoy the late afternoon/early evening outside on the driving range. Just beautiful.

JollyJottings

Masters
Masters Pool
A very lazy cat
A golf invitation
The range opened
Hitting balls
Giving Boz crap
Gorgeous afternoon

HappyUP!!! Day 803 NCGA 4-ball Qualifying

We didn't qualify today - not even close. All in all, I played absolutely horribly. It also began to rain as we were on the first tee....and didn't stop. The greens had just been "punched" so balls that were putted moved around like jumping beans.


(<------ an Easter funny)

....but you didn't come here - to hear me complain. While a disappointment, let's look at the good

HappyUP!!! - sand play
Why it happened - I hit it in the bunkers
Why it makes me happy - I've done some work on this part of my game. I honestly feel that I am going to hit a great bunker shot whenever I am in there. I was in there three times today and everything was good.

HappyUP!!! - seeing CMac at the tournament
Why it happened - he was playing too
Why it makes me happy - CMac is a great guy. I really like running into him. We got to talk a bit. He is a hell of a player

HappyUP!!! - cart cover and heater
Why it happened - my bro gave me a Xmas present
Why it makes me happy - if we didn't have this combo in the rain today, we would have been miserable. Instead, we were toasty warm.

HappyUP!!! - dry socks
Why it happened - I planned ahead
Why it makes me happy - my feet got wet today. Upon completion of the round for the drive home, I put on the dry socks....and it felt great.

JollyJottings

Motrin
Brekko
Anticipation
Seeing Chris
Sand Shot
Chip In
3 Hybrids
Dry Socks

HappyUP!!! Day 802

HappyUP!!! - finding rain gloves and a rain hat
Why it happened - my golf partner suggested it
Why it made me happy - I have to play in a big tournament tomorrow. It is likely we are going to be out there in the rain. Because this is a scratch tournament, it is unlikely they will cancel short of a deluge. I'll be as dry as possible....

<-----and, should I ever decide to rob a convenience store, I'll be looking stylish on the surveillance photos.

HappyUP!!! - cooperative weather today
Why it happened - it's weather
Why it makes me happy - I really wanted to get today's round in. My swing is not quite there but it is coming around. Perhaps tomorrow will be the day it finds it's way back to the stable

HappyUP!!! - stiffing it on 1
Why it happened - I hit two good shots to the right place
Why it makes me happy - our first hole has a bank to it. I not only saw the shot ahead of time but executed right to the place I was aiming at. Did I make the putt? Let's just leave it at the happiness from hitting the shots.

HappyUP!!! - rain and company during the night
Why it happened - it's weather
Why it makes me happy - we need the rain. It was good to hear again...and to have a warm purring cat perched upon me during the storm.

JollyJottings

Coffee
Cooperative weather
Par on 3
Swing getting better
Bantering by text
My new book
Rain during the night
Sleeping cat
Finding rain gear

HappyUP!!! Day 801

HappyUP!!! - a good practice day
Why it happened - been working on new "old" things
Why it makes me happy - my golf game has been off. My golf partner and I have a BIG qualifier on Thursday. Today, I believe that I made a breakthrough. It may be too soon to be in top form on Thursday but, in best ball, some solid form will be good enough. A great day to build on.

HappyUP!!!- brekko for a buck
Why it happened - I stopped at the grocery store
Why it makes me happy - I am not a huge fruit eater. Today, on the way to the course, I grabbed a banana and an apple....for a touch over a buck. I thought, "how lucky I am to be able to obtain such good sustenance so easily and inexpensively."

HappyUP!!! - leftover pizza
Why it happened - I didn't mac it all last night
Why it makes me happy - I was pretty hungry after golf today....what could be better than a couple of slices of delicious pizza? Answer...darn near nothing.

HappyUP!!! - reducing a stock position
Why it happened - the market was down but the stock was up
Why it makes me happy - this is a good stock but I have been waaaaaaaaay overweight in it. It hasn't been smart. Today, I trimmed the position at a recent high mark. The stock even went down a touch after I sold it. I actually hope it keeps going up despite my sale. As said, I was grossly overweight in this puppy. I don't have to worry about that anymore

HappyUP!!! - not buying a stock
Why it happened - the stock started rising
Why it makes me happy - the stock backed off and is upside down in the futures market for tomorrow. There could be a sale on this stock soon....I'll buy it then.

HappyUP!!! - a new book
Why it happened - I was near Barnes & Noble
Why it makes me happy - I am part on the International Positive Psychology Association. One of the main people has a new book out. I have only read about 6 pages but already have one nugget.

JollyJottings

My speech
Toastmasters meeting
Brekko for a buck
Leftover pizza
Calling it a day on the golf course
Getting my swing back
9 iron on 1....driver/hybrid/wedge on 3...4 iron on 4....driver on 6....5 iron on 7...bunker shot on 7....9 iron on 9....driver/8 iron on 11....5 iron on 12....driver on 13
Not buying one stock
Selling another stock position
April showers
Productive errand run

HappyUP!!! Day 800

HappyUP!!! - pizza
Why it happened - I was hungry
Why it makes me happy - I haven't had any pizza in forever. I'm allergic to pizza...makes me break out in fat. Tonight, I decided to have some pizza. FastFreddies is just down the street and was the first time I had their pizza....it works!

HappyUP!!! - getting the info I needed
Why it happened - my accountant called me with a list
Why it makes me happy - I had to make a few calls but I basically retrieved all of the info that I needed in less than an hour....and it was a bit of a list. No nosebleed involved......HappyUP!!!

HappyUP!!! - a Toastmasters recruit
Why it happened - the person found us on the internet
Why it makes me happy - we are always looking for new people. This person is probably going to visit tomorrow.

HappyUP!!! - texting with buddies
Why it happened - I shot a couple of outbounds to peeps I don't talk to much
Why it makes me happy - the banter was priceless

HappyUP!!! - NCAA game
Why it happened - it was the championship
Why it makes me happy - the game itself stunk....but it was something that I, and much of America, had to look forward to today.

HappyUP!!! Day 799

HappyUP!!! - 6 iron into old 1
Why it happened - I hit a great shot after a bad one
Why it makes me happy - I usually hit a wedge into this hole. 6 irons dont yield birdie opportunities that often....this one ended up 5 feet

HappyUP!!! - sushi
Why it happened - a buddy called me for lunch
Why it makes me happy - the sushi at this place is really good....and the rolls are half off. You can't beat that.

HappyUP!!! - weight
Why it happened - I weigh every Sunday
Why it makes me happy - for whatever reason, I dropped 5 pounds this week....how often does that happen? We all have the week where we mysteriously gain 5. I didn't eat that much this week....but I still ate. I'll probably put a couple on this week because of the rapid loss with no effort. In the meantime, I'm down 5 and will celebrate!

JollyJottings

Wedge into old 12...old 15...old 4...old 5
Chutt on old 16...old 11
6 iron into old 1...old 7....old 8
Sushi
Afternoon nap

HappyUP!!! Day 798

HappyUP!!! - winning a small tournament at the club
Why it happened - it was a good group effort
Why it makes me happy - none of us played that well. I didn't think we had a chance. Yet, we all chipped in just enough to have the winning score....go figure!

HappyUP!!! - sand shot
Why it happened - I know how to hit the shot
Why it makes me happy - I had about a 60 yard shot out of a sand shot...one of the tougher shots in golf. I hit it past the pin but the spin from the trap brought it back to the pin....and a birdie.

HappyUP!!! - Community Dinner
Why it happened - it's an annual benefit
Why it makes me happy - I ran into a lot of people that I see every so often at this event. It's kind of like a class reunion for our town.

HappyUP!!! - 9 more holes
Why it happened - some of the guys wanted to go
Why it makes me happy - I didn't play that well.....but the competition was excellent. It even uncovered a few nerves due to the extremely fast greens we are putting on. It's good to get those nerves tested as prep for tournament play coming up.

HappyUP!!! Day 797

HappyUP!!! - breaking even
Why it happened - I managed the last hole
Why it makes me happy - I played like a dog in the extreme wind today. On the last hole, one of my golfing chums doubled the bets he was down. We both got bad breaks off the tee. I played it safe...he went for it....and paid the price. I was able to take the winnings from him today and pair it off on my other losses to the dollar and break dead even today. When you play like I did and don't lose money, HappyUP!!! The cool thing was that, even playing it safe, I still gave myself a reasonable chance to make a par.

HappyUP!!! - stock market
Why it happened - c'mon...it's the stock market...who knows?
Why it makes me happy - first, any day the market is up is a HappyUP!!! Second, I threw some new money at a new stock the other day. It's up about 10% in two days with 8% coming today. While the profit isn't locked in (yet), it's good to be up!

HappyUP!!! - dinner with a buddy
Why it happened - we set it up
Why it makes me happy - the food was great....fresh Chilean Sea Bass. The conversation was even better.

JollyJottings

Chutt in
Pitch shots into old 17...and making the putt on one of them
Up and down from the edge of the lake
3 hybrids on the third 9.....and two great cut three woods
Breakfast
2 putt.....using the chutting club first....from 110 feet

HappyUP!!! Day 796

HappyUP!!!- chutted for birdie
Why it happened - I hit the perfect shot
Why it makes me happy - I was playing against a really good player. He had it in close for a gimmie birdie. He figured he would win the hole when I was off the green and up on a hill. I used my hybrid to roll the ball....it's not a putt and not a chip so I call it a chutt. On it's dying roll, the ball fell in. He was stunned.....that's FUN!

HappyUP!!! - call/text from a bud
Why it happened - who knows
Why it makes me happy - we'll probably end up getting together pretty soon. It was great to hear a few stories since the last time we spoke.

HappyUP!!! - 36 holes in glorious weather
Why it happened - we just kept playing
Why it makes me happy - I'm not playing well but the competition is good. You can hit a lot of range balls but you have to figure it out on the course. I could go either way....I am either getting ready to play worse or breakthrough to play better. While I fear that I am slumping a bit, I think I may have figured a few things out.

HappyUP!!! - 6 irons
Why it happened - I hit good drives on one hole both times I played it
Why it makes me happy - I knocked them both to about 10 feet on a hole that can be a challenge for me....birdied it once and parred the other time.

HappyUP!!! - stock market trade
Why it happened - I got lucky
Why it makes me happy - I was waaay down on this one a couple of days ago....so I bought some more. The whole thing turned around and I sold it today....right at it's peak. It dove right after I sold it....how often does that happen? It's a good stock so I may be in there buying it again tomorrow.

JollyJottings

Text/Call from my friend
Got out of a trade...at the top
Great day in the stock market
Chutted in a birdie
Great 6 iron for birdie...and another one on the second 18
2 Great wedges for birdies
Excitement on the last hole....twice

HappyUP!!! Day 795...More Wind

HappyUP!!! - seeing my attorney
Why it happened - I needed to do some trust work
Why it makes me happy - it's really a responsible thing to get the affairs in order...plus, my attorney is a long time friend.

HappyUP!!! - talking with the Squirrel
Why it happened - he saw me after my round
Why it makes me happy - he's a good guy...better player than me. He asked me how I did today and really meant it. That was a wake up call. A lot of time, we ask as a courtesy. I could tell he meant it and I liked it. I need to do that more often.

HappyUP!!! - finding Shadow...again
Why it happened - she was MIA last night and this morning
Why it makes me happy - now that I really lost her and found her, this was going to be worse to lose her this time. I'm glad she came waltzing into the backyard when I was out there this afternoon.

JollyJottings

Talking with the Squirrel
Seeing my attorney
Finding Shadow...again
Playing with Logan
E-mail with my friend
Wedge on 4
3 wood on 5...wedge on 5
Putt on 6
Chutt on 7
Sandshot on 11
Flop on 12
Sandshot on 15
9 iron on 16
Putt on 17