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

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."

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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