Friday, December 31, 2010

HappyUP!!! Day 1432 NY Eve 2010


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

HappyUP!!! - birdies
Why it happened - good shots...great putts
Why it makes me happy - I really stayed down on these two putts and stroked them perfectly with great pace and direction

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

HappyUP!!! - chatting with my friend
Why it happened - it's NY Eve
Why it makes me happy - it's great to be able to close out the year talking with friends...wishing them well.....reflect....and share optimism for the new year.



JollyJottings

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

Fun with the guys after the round
Teaching a friend's boy on how to play golf
Great phone chat with a friend
Weather warmed up nicely
New Year's Eve

Thursday, December 30, 2010

HappyUP!!! Day 1431



HappyUP!!! - up and ready and rarin to go
Why it happened - excitement?
Why it makes me happy - I got all of my preparations done for the jaunt!

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

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

HappyUP!!! - update from a sick friend
Why it happened - he posted it
Why it makes me happy - I'm not sure if they were "good posts" or "bad posts"...I only know they told me what offer I had to make...and I did.

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

JollyJottings


Getting some errands in
Sledding.....and no damage done
Snowball fights
Great food
Stunning weather
Helping out a couple of little girls
Playing "chairlift"
Getting home

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

HappyUP!!! Day 1430


HappyUP!!! - a good podcast
Why it happened - I saw a friend was going to be on one
Why it makes me happy - it was no new news....but it was good news to be reminded of...and very mind expanding. Good time of the year to hear it

HappyUP!!! - call from my buddy
Why it happened - I shot him a text
Why it makes me happy - we hadn't talked for a bit....and it's always great to catch up and shoot the breeze with a bestie.

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

HappyUP!!! - getting ready for fun
Why it happened - great day planned for tomorrow
Why it makes me happy - it's exciting when you have an adventure to go on....and you don't quite have all the stuff....and you are figuring out what you need, what you don't, what might add to the experience.

JollyJottings

Breakfast
A good podcast...mind expanding
Sunshine
A good quote
A call from my buddy
Finding some great outerwear
Getting ready for fun!
A couple of jack tacos


Tuesday, December 28, 2010

HappyUP!!! Day 1429


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

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

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

JollyJottings

Great sleep
Delicious salad
Great meeting with the president
Reconnecting with an old friend...and an opportunity discussion
Free hot dog

Monday, December 27, 2010

HappyUP!!! Day 1428


HappyUP!!! - bunker shot on 11
Why it happened - skill?
Why it makes me happy - I had to throw this one 35 yds up a slope and spin it back down the hill.....and I did...to about 3 feet. Degree of difficulty? 9.5

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

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

JollyJottings

7 iron on one...hybrid on 2...wedge on 3...chutt on 5....wedge/putt on 6...7 iron on 7...chip/putt on 8....pitch/putt on 9....bunker shot on 11....2 putt on 12...2 putt on 13....putt on 15....7 iron/chutt on 18
After Christmas shopping
Mas
Christmas present
An interruption
A cancellation



Sunday, December 26, 2010

HappyUP!!! Day 1427


HappyUP!!! - talking with my best friend
Why it happened - I picked up the phone
Why it makes me happy - for whatever reason, we didn't get a chance to chat during Christmas. It was sooooo good to catch up

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

HappyUP!!! - GREAT ham
Why it happened - TraderJoes and a cook
Why it makes me happy - when you get the right mix in a ham and cheese scramble....OMG...nothing better.

HappyUP!!! - sleeping in and feeling better
Why it happened - decided not to drive myself out of bed
Why it makes me happy - I had been congested for a couple of days...."Oh, crap, did I catch a cold?" Nope....just thinking it was something in the air...some kind of allergy...that had me all stuffed up. All good

JollyJottings

Ham and cheese scramble
Talking with my best friend
Recounting the holiday
Sleeping in....and feeling better
Setting up the week's schedule...and so happy I am sooo free to do so

Saturday, December 25, 2010

HappyUP!!! Day 1426...Merry Christmas



HappyUP!!! - delivering the gifts
Why it happened - its Christmas
Why it makes me happy - another WINNER in hiding the cash with my niece and nephews...a lot o confusion...and a ton of fun.

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

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

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

JollyJottings

Wake up call
Delivering the gifts
Poker with my family
Visiting another family
Visiting yet another family
Playing a board game
Time with my best friend
Great food throughout the day

Friday, December 24, 2010

HappyUP!!! Day 1425


HappyUP!!! - flop shot on 12...our third hole
Why it happened - a bit of skill
Why it makes me happy - I was in a tough spot...almost impossible to get down in 2 shots....I am still wondering why that flop didn't end up in the bottom of the cup

HappyUP!!! - 3 wood on 8...our 17th hole
Why it happened - I was desperate...and had to wait
Why it makes me happy - I hit an AWFUL tee shot.....I was way farther away from the green than I should have been....yet....as we waited for the golfers in front of us...I said, "this is what you do, Scott....you hit a lot of crappy shots...you put yourself in bad positions....and come out of them." I struck a miraculous shot from 230 yds off a bad lie to within 20 ft of the pin.

HappyUP!!! - Christmas Eve
Why it happened - it's !2/24
Why it makes me happy - I got to visit with some good friends....exchange gifts with even better friends.....and just soooooooo much fun

JollyJottings

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

Teeing it up
Nice weather
Time with guys after the round
Winning a KP
Fabulous Christmas Eve

Thursday, December 23, 2010

HappyUP!!! Day 1424

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

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

HappyUP!!! - last minute gift idea
Why it happened - uh....desperation?
Why it makes me happy - perfect stocking stuffer


HappyUP!!! - more fun with Happy the Hamster
Why it happened - he's a great mascot
Why it makes me happy - "fun" is not happiness....but it is a component. I have had so much fun with him this holiday season...and more today....and a BUNCH more to come!

JollyJottings

Last shopping done
A great last minute gift idea
Passing on golf
Call from my buddy regarding project
Life
Weather
Great conversation with my friend
Xfinity on laptop news
Bob Newhart show
Great text with a suhhhhweeet friend
More fun with Happy the Hamster

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

HappyUP!!! Day 1423



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

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

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

HappyUP!!! - great blog reading
Why it happened - a guy I respect a lot was telling a year long story

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



JollyJottings

Toastmasters
Finding a perfect addition to my project
Great reports from friends
Coffee
Seeing an old friend at Starbucks
Great blog reading from a dear friend

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

HappyUP!!! Day 1422



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

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

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


HappyUP!!! -a new power tool
Why it happened - I'm working on a project
Why it makes me happy - not sure I REALLY needed this tool....but it was FUN using it. Not sure how much use I will get out of it but it's pretty cool.

HappyUP!!! - packages arriving
Why it happened - UPS doesn't mess around
Why it makes me happy - Xmas is coming together.....got them wrapped already. Hey....I may not spend Xmas eve wrapping this year!

JollyJottings

TM Brekko
Gift Exchange
Talking with the Dom
All garage door openers working
Wrapping
Packages arriving
A power tool
Project coming together


Monday, December 20, 2010

HappyUP!!! Day 1421


HappyUP!!! - helpful people
Why it happened - I asked
Why it makes me happy - it's always GREAT to get useful information and consultation when you make inquiries. Got some solid help today

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

HappyUP!!! - meeting up with my buddy
Why it happened - my pal is at a crossroads
Why it makes me happy - it's always a sacred privilege to get to talk to someone when they are really in need. I hope I helped in some way or another

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

JollyJottings

Great sleep
Good bank run
Getting some help from a salesperson
Good advice from a consultant
Gluing went well
Rain free day
Great invitation to an epic event
Mentoring/Counseling

Sunday, December 19, 2010

HappyUP!!! Day 1420

HappyUP!!! - a big favor done for me
Why it happened - I called a buddy
Why it makes me happy - this buddy had all the equipment that I needed to do my "Xmas thing" this year. We knocked the project out in an hour.

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

HappyUP!!! - GREAT dinner
Why it happened - I went out at the last minute
Why it makes me happy - man...that was some delicious food!

HappyUP!!! - a pic text to me
Why it happened -great friend
Why it makes me happy - who wouldn't love a pic of the PP's????

JollyJottings

Returning change
A present
Getting X-mas together
Drenching rain
A holiday present
A BIG favor done for me
Brekko with my buddy
Great photo of the P's
POURING rain
Friend's happy call


Saturday, December 18, 2010

HappyUP!!! Day 1419


HappyUP!!! - great brekko
Why it happened - I was at my favorite breakfast joint
Why it makes me happy - nothing like bacon, eggs, a croissant, and some coffee on a rainy day

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

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

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

HappyUP!!! - a rainy day
Why it happened - it's weather
Why it makes me happy - it was good just to be inside.....and watch and listen to it storm.

Friday, December 17, 2010

HappyUP!!! Day 1418



HappyUP!!! - brekko
Why it happened - my buddy insisted
Why it makes me happy - absolutely a great hour of fellowship with a couple of people near and dear

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

HappyUP!!! - my buddy said YES
Why it happened - I shot a message over
Why it makes me happy - my friend's help is "mission critical" for Xmas this year. If this was a NO....I'd be scrambling for plan B!

HappyUP!!! - an iPhone restore
Why it happened - it's been acting up
Why it makes me happy - yeah...took a bit longer than I would have preferred. Thought I would lose "stuff".....but worked wonderfully



JollyJottings

Brekko
Visiting a friend
iPhone restoring
Buddy saying YES to a favor
Great errands run
Rain

Thursday, December 16, 2010

HappyUP!!! Day 1417



HappyUP!!! - golfin in the fridge...for a bit
Why it happened - the rains are coming
Why it makes me happy - it was definitely brisk teeing it up this morning. We have serious rains coming in....possibly through Xmas. I just had to get one more round in.

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

HappyUP!!! - a suggestion from a buddy
Why it happened - my buddy had a thought
Why it makes me happy - my buddy's thought inspired me to check out something cool.

HappyUP!!! - good news from sick friend
Why it happened - he keeps us posted
Why it makes me happy - it will be quite awhile before he is out of the woods...but he's giving his cancer a darn good fight.

JollyJottings

Golfin in the fridge...for a bit
Sushi lunch

Warmed up...gorgeous day
Good news from sick friend

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

HappyUP!!! Day 1416



HappyUP!!! - 3 birdies
Why it happened - I stepped up
Why it makes me happy - the birdie on 9 came after 8 straight pars.......it could not have come at a better time...the final hole on the front 9. The birdie on 16 was extremely timely too

HappyUP!!! - ciopinno revisited
Why it happened - I got an invitation
Why it makes me happy - it was great to go over to bro/sis in laws, visit with them, seeing another couple that I rarely get to see.....great time

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

HappyUP!!! - Toastmasters
Why it happened - I am mentoring a new club
Why it makes me happy - the members did a great job giving their first speeches. We had a couple of dignitaries in the audience. Great meeting

HappyUP!!! - great news from a friend
Why it happened - my peeps give me updated
Why it makes me happy - this one just did...eased my mind.

JollyJottings

Toastmasters
Dignitaries
6 iron on 1....2 putt on 2...hybrid on 3....2 putt on 4....putt on 5....wedge on 6....8 iron on 7....flop shot/putt on 8....8 iron/putt on 9.....wedge on 10....hybrid on 11...6 iron on 12....8 iron/putt on 16....drive on 18...chip on 18
Ciopinno re-visited
Seeing a nice couple
Doing bro a favor
Great news from a friend
Golfing with Steve

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

HappyUP!!! Day 1415



HappyUP!!! - finding ATM card
Why it happened - I went diving
Why it makes me happy - not like me to lose this important item. When I found it.....HappyUP!!!

HappyUP!!! - making a donation
Why it happened - my friend had a goal
Why it makes me happy - glad to be in a position to do it....feel good about it...and not worry about it. So fortunate

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

HappyUP!!! - a visit
Why it happened - my buddy stopped by
Why it makes me happy - good to be able to observe an accomplishment

HappyUP!!! - bro stopping by
Why it happened - I asked
Why it makes me happy - I WILL get this house remodeling done! Bro has good ideas being a former contractor.

JollyJottings

Toastmasters
Finding ATM card
Brother stopping by
New boots
Cabbage soup
Making a donation
Rain
Raking
Getting agenda together for tomorrow
Godmother...Godfather...Scott Nutter e-mail
Talking with a speaker for tomorrow and doing some coaching
Getting reservations for brekko next week



Monday, December 13, 2010

HappyUP!!! Day 1414


HappyUP!!! - great errands run
Why it happened - I didn't golf
Why it makes me happy - I got caught up on some stuff....in a hurry

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

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

HappyUP!!! - understanding
Why it happened - got a message from a buddy
Why it makes me happy - it is always great when you get some clarity. I thought one thing...buddy thinking something else....all good.

Sunday, December 12, 2010

HappyUP!!! Day 1413



HappyUP!!! - birdie on 2
Why it happened - great second shot and putt
Why it makes me happy - it won a skin in the big game early on...playing free

HappyUP!!! - bunker shot on 9
Why it happened - a little skills
Why it makes me happy - still not sure how second shot came up so short....and buried...into an upslope in the bunker....with me having to stand outside the bunker to hit it. On difficulty level for any pro...this one was a 10......I scooped it out to gimmie range

<---HappytheHampster loves his morning mocha

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

JollyJottings

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

Gorgeous afternoon
Ciopinno feed
Texts from my buddy

Saturday, December 11, 2010

HappyUP!!! Day 1412



HappyUP!!! - birdies
Why it happened - a couple of great shots and a couple of great putts
Why it makes me happy - one of them "tied up" a skin and kept our team in the game. The other one got me the closest to the pin and a skin of my own....it means I make some dough

<----what does a caucasian guy wear to a Sikh function? Pretty much the same thing he wears anywhere.

HappyUP!!! - a Sikh Wedding reception
Why it happened - my budddy's sister got married
Why it makes me happy - it's always great to get a peek at how other cultures celebrate occasions. I have been to a function or two that the Sikh's put on.....they are underrated for loving a good time.

HappyUP!!! - staying in touch with a travelling friend
Why it happened - text is great
Why it makes me happy - always good to provide some company when a friend is on the road....and to know they got to where they needed to get safely.

HappyUP!!! - tennis anyone?
Why it happened - my buddy rang me up
Why it makes me happy - I hadn't played tennis in a long time. Though I lost 6-1, every game was close. This was the first time we got together and played. We actually are pretty well matched.......and I realized.....though I have lost weight.....tennis is a different set of muscles being used than which I am accustomed! Yeah....happy today....sore tomorrow!

JollyJottings

Birdie on 2
Pitch shot on 1
Pitch shot on 4
Putt on 5
7 iron on 7
Putt on 10
7 iron/putt/birdie on 12
Wedge into 13
Pitch and putt on 15
Golfing with my friend Bruce
Touching base with my on the road friend
A Sikh Wedding reception

Friday, December 10, 2010

HappyUP!!! Day 1411


Some days - really are better than others....and some are even better than that....and today was one of those.

HappyUP!!! - pitch shot on 3
Why it happened - I have some touch
Why it makes me happy - the guys had to give me the putt that was left for the birdie

HappyUP!!! - waking up
Why it happened - I try to make it a habit everyday
Why it makes me happy - I just woke up today....and had a feeling of rest/contentment that I don't get every night. I don't have sleeping problems...but I don't sleep straight through and feel so good like I did this morning all the time.

HappyUP!!! - wedge into 10
Why it happened - see that touch thing above
Why it makes me happy - 94 yds....3/4 54 degree wedge....almost jarred it....another putt conceded for birdie

HappyUP!!! - kids in the alley
Why it happened - I was out and about
Why it makes me happy - it was fun to see kids having good old outdoor fun....kind of getting into safe mischief.

HappyUP!!! - putt on 16
Why it happened - I "saw it" and "hit it"
Why it makes me happy - I was about 22 feet downhill...with a slight break. The ball had travelled about 8 feet when I said, "look out," letting everyone know where I thought this putt was going to end up......and kerplunk!

JollyJottings

Drive/9 iron on 1.....6 iron on 2.....pitch shot on 3....putt on 4....6 iron on 5.....6 iron on 7....wedge on 10....pitch shot on 11.....bunker shot on 15.....7 iron/putt on 16....pitch/putt on 17

Waking up
Meeting with our club president
Seeing some old friends at an open house party
Great chats with a dear friend


Thursday, December 09, 2010

HappyUP!!! Day 1410



HappyUP!!! - getting paperwork completed
Why it happened - we were hammering
Why it makes me happy - we got all of the paperwork done to charter our new Toastmasters Club.....with 38 members! This is the largest number of people to charter a club in our district this year. Yeah...it was a lot of paperwork....but it's done!

<-----"Happy Holidays....Happy Holidays........."

HappyUP!!! - friend got home
Why it happened - he's healing
Why it makes me happy - it was a pretty intense surgery to remove the cancer. I just found out that he's back home and recuperating.......the best place there is to recover.

HappyUP!!! - a great invitation
Why it happened - I get invited
Why it makes me happy - a great time was had by all....so much fun.

JollyJottings

Getting paperwork done
Friend got home


Wednesday, December 08, 2010

HappyUP!!! Day 1409



HappyUP!!! - waking up
Why it happened - I like to do that every morning
Why it makes me happy - I don't know why....but I felt exceptionally great doing that today.

HappyUP!!! - coffee
Why it happened - I do it every Wed
Why it makes me happy - it was a great conversation today


<------THAT is a leaf pile...oh..wait...it was. I love that my city comes and picks it up

HappyUP!!! - new Toastmasters meeting
Why it happened - I am mentoring
Why it makes me happy - this club is HOPPING right out of the back. I am knocking down the paperwork. I love the idea of helping so many people


HappyUP!!! - running across an old friend at the grocery store
Why it happened - I needed some groceries
Why it makes me happy - hadn't seen this friend in over 5 years...maybe 6. My friend, after lenghty conversation, said, "you don't look like you have aged a bit." The way it was said....it wasn't like air being blown up my skirt. That was nice...it was awesome catching up on how radically life had changed...for the better.

HappyUP!!! - great text messages
Why it happened - outside consultants
Why it makes me happy - great to hear some sage advice my buddy had received from an advisor.

HappyUP!!! - quick visit
Why it happened - I was on my way to a meeting
Why it makes me happy - glad I was able to stop by and squeeze in a visit with a friend.

HappyUP!!! - an afternoon meeting
Why it happened - a buddy was able to stop by
Why it makes me happy - I love good, meaningful conversation

JollyJottings

Waking up
Coffee
New Toastmasters meeting
Getting the paperwork done
Brekko invite
Afternoon visit
Great text message in the afternoon
Running into an old friend at grocery store
Dedicated officers

Tuesday, December 07, 2010

HappyUP!!! Day 1408


HappyUP!!! - BJ's
Why it happened - my buddy needed some chat
Why it makes me happy - good that I have friends like this that look to me for quality conversation

HappyUP!!! - golfing..even if it was only 9
Why it happened - buddies called me
Why it makes me happy - good to get out of the house....didn't look like we could play...course was packed........glad we decided to hang around and swat it around for 9 holes

HappyUP!!! - Toastmasters
Why it happened - it's Tuesday
Why it makes me happy - our regular meeting was great....our exec meeting for our new club was productive as well

HappyUP!!! - getting a nice walk in after BJ's
Why it happened - I have a little discipline
Why it makes me happy - it would have been easy to just tuck it in for the night......but, even a shorter walk, is still good for everything.

JollyJottings

Toastmasters
Golfing...even if it was just a little
1 under thru 6...2 birdies....9 iron on 1...bunker shot on 2....ball in on 3....wedge/putt on 3...2 putt on 4....drive/7 iron on 5...wedge/putt on 6.....3 wood/2 putt on 8
Executive meeting
Volunteers and agenda set
FABULOUS errands run
Meeting a buddy at BJ's for a couple of hours

Monday, December 06, 2010

HappyUP!!! Day 1407



HappyUP!!! - good trip to the doc
Why it happened - part of my physical
Why it makes me happy - it's always good when the blood pressure is in check and the weight is down from the last visit (6 pounds). It wasn't quite a perfect trip...but it was a good one.

HappyUP!!! - good insurance news
Why it happened - I joined AARP
Why it makes me happy - I may need to raise my deductibles but I should be able to save $200-300 bucks a month on my health insurance in 2011

<---------HappytheHampster....such a good patient. He gets a lollipop

HappyUP!!! - ministering and being there for two friends
Why it happened - people come to me with "stuff"
Why it makes me happy - I am a pretty happy-go-lucky and funny guy. That is not usually the person that people come to when they are tackling some serious challenges. It is a sacred privilege to be looked upon and to be confided in when your friends really need it.

HappyUP!!! - buddy stopping by
Why it happened - my house was on the way
Why it makes me happy - glad when this friend stops by.....always brightens my day.

JollyJottings
Great walk
Good trip to the Doc
Raking leaves
Enjoying video msg from a friend
Bacon and Eggs (with taco meat)
Sunshine
Buddy stopping by
Check in the mail



Sunday, December 05, 2010

HappyUP!!! Day 1406


HappyUP!!! - great e-mail from a friend
Why it happened - I know some sweet people
Why it makes me happy - lots of people are struggling a little. I am thinking this couple is. It was great to know they have some chicken soup "in the vault" for me. They thought I might be getting sick. While happy I don't have to use it, glad it was there.

<------shot this pic for a friend this morning

HappyUP!!! - saving par on 8
Why it happend - I hit a darn good putt
Why it makes me happy - it won me a skin!

HappyUP!!! - birdie putt on 10
Why it happened - I read it right and hit it perfectly
Why it makes me happy - it was a tough putt. My game has been struggling. At least this part is looking better....and it got me another skin

HappyUP!!! - being there
Why it happened - peeps have challenges
Why it makes me happy - I'm not sure how much help I was......but that's all you can do for your friends.....be there when they may need you. It's a sacred privilege.

JollyJottings

Getting golf in
Birdie on 3
Putt on 8
Shots on 9
Birdie on 10
6 iron on 12
19th hole with friends
Being there for someone
Great e-mail from a friend

Saturday, December 04, 2010

HappyUP!!! Day 1405


HappyUP!!! - winning the 18th hole
Why it happened - yeah, I backed into it
Why it makes me happy - OK, I'm not proud of it...but I was getting my fanny kicked. At least I came back on one bet!!!

HappyUP!!! - fast play
Why it happened - no one in front of us
Why it makes me happy - 18 holes in 3.5 hrs on a weekend? HEAVEN!!!

HappyUP!!! - catching some Uke music
Why it happened - my friend was playing
Why it makes me happy - it's always awesome to be in the presence of such talent.....and being appreciated for being there as an audience.

JollyJottings

7 iron on 1...bunker shot 2....6 iron on 5....pitch on 6.....chip on 8....drive 9
Hang time at the 19th hole
My buddy and his uke
Winning 18th hole
Text with friends
Fast play
Much better weather than expected
TM Volunteers

Friday, December 03, 2010

HappyUP!!! Day 1404


HappyUP!!! - tacos
Why it happened - I was hungry
Why it makes me happy - they always do. I just love the way I make tacos. The pickles make the meal

HappyUP!!! - getting to the bank
Why it happened - I rushed
Why it makes me happy - lots of paperwork until we get the new club going. When you get checks, you have to get them to the bank!...PRONTO

HappyUP!!! - talking with a new officer
Why it happened - she stepped up
Why it makes me happy - see that paperwork comment above? Yeah....this gal is going to start taking some off of me!!!

JollyJottings

Time at home
Talking with a new officer
Getting to the bank
Raking
Tacos
Paperwork done


Thursday, December 02, 2010

HappyUP!!! Day 1403



HappyUP!!! - choco chip cookies
Why it happened - I got peeps looking out for me
Why it makes me happy - it's choco chip cookies, people! Need I say more?

HappyUP!!! - knocking down the paperwork
Why it happened - I sat down and made it happen
Why it makes me happy - since retiring, I can let paperwork sit for a bit. Not this stuff. I jammed on it.

<----THAT is a tastey cookie! Not quite a cupcake...but a cookie is good!

HappyUP!!! - birdies
Why it happened - some quality shots...and great putts
Why it makes me happy - 3 birdies early in the round.....yeah.....it lets you play golf for "free" the rest of the day.

JollyJottings

Waking up
Choco Chip cookies
Paperwork got done
Birdies on 6,8, and 9
Great up and downs on 7...12...13
Flop shot on 14.....9 iron on 15....8 iron on 17.

Wednesday, December 01, 2010

HappyUP!!! Day 1402



HappyUP!!! - cloud vortex
Why it happened - who knows?
Why it makes me happy - I love when weird stuff happens. The picture probably doesn't do this justice....it's from my camera phone. Imagine...see how the clouds are kind of "popcorned" They were like that as far as you can see. See that little hole? It was like someone was drilling an opening in the cloud......and the funnel was beneath. I have NEVER seen this kind of cloud action. IF that looks like a funnel going on below.....yeah....it's why I took the picture....and I wasn't the only one.

HappyUP!!! - hitting 6 in 2 today
Why it happened - a nice drive and a nice 3 wood
Why it makes me happy - I have lost some distance in my mature years...nice to know...I can still get to a par 5 in 2 shots....in December...once in awhile....man...that 3 wood was STRIPED!

HappyUP!!! - Demonstration Meeting
Why it happened - initiative on the part of several people
Why it makes me happy - I just showed up and did what I am good at....running a meeting. I was SO PROUD of the great job the OTHER people did........we have enough people to charter a brand new Toastmasters Club....on the VERY FIRST promotional meeting that we had. It was a lot of work fo the "heavy lifters" to promote this deal.......so Happy!

HappyUP!!! - great IM
Why it happened - my buddy was in the mood
Why it makes me happy - great communication

HappyUP!!! - birdie putt on 10
Why it happened - great read...great execution
Why it makes me happy - it was a double breaking 25 footer....that I read perfectly...and struck PERFECTLY....that ball took that second break and died on it's last breath...right in the jar

JollyJottings

Coffee
Demonstration Meeting
Doing the paperwork
Golf.....8 iron on 1....bunker shot on 2....hybrid on 3....7 iron on 4.....driver/3wood on 6...7 iron on 7...drive/wedge on 9......wedge/PUTT on 10....putt on 13.....drive/hybrid/wedge on 14.....drive/9 iron/putt on 15...lag put on 16
Getting my round in today
Call from my golf buddy for tomorrow
IM chat with my buddy tonight
Great e-mail from another buddy
Firming up a venue

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

HappyUP!!! Day 1401


HappyUP!!! - 2 great speeches
Why it happened - Toastmasters
Why it makes me happy - I just enjoyed our members giving it all they had today

HappyUP!!! - fun with Happy the Hampster
Why it happened - I'm silly
Why it makes me happy - through posting the photo to the left....and other things I will do with my new "adopted mascot for Xmas 2010" .....we may get a few more quarters into those buckets

<-----"I was on Facebook today! It's been a tough year for me....but I am coughing up. You?"

HappyUP!!! - distant travellers coming home
Why it happened - relocation
Why it makes me happy - they got here....tired...but safe and sound!

JollyJottings

2 great speeches
Looking forward to new club tomorrow
Talking with Lt Governor
Distant travellers coming home
Great comment from my "big sis"
Good talk with a "lil sis"
Beautiful morning walk
Salvation Army

Monday, November 29, 2010

HappyUP!!! Day 1400



HappyUP!!! - a great walk
Why it happened - I make a habit of it
Why it makes me happy - it was cold out....but dry....and I actually overdressed again. I am just loving these walks after dark in the cold, crisp air.

<---------what's not to like about my Holiday mascot? What shall we call him? How about "Happy." Yes...."Happy the Holiday Hamster" ...that's the ticket!

HappyUP!!! - running into a pal
Why it happened - I walk....I see my neighbors
Why it makes me happy - always love doing a bit of chatting and visiting with people in the neighborhood.

HappyUP!!! - good news from my struggling friend
Why it happened - my friend posts to mylifeline.org
Why it makes me happy - cancer struggle....my friend keeps getting good news.

HappyUP!!! - lodging option
Why it happened - I asked
Why it makes me happy - still determining whether or not I am a skiier this year. Northstar/Heavenly has a nice package. A buddy of mine has a BIG place in South Shore.......which could be a great place to crash on a 2 day Heavenly trip. Northstar is an easy up and back.



JollyJottings

A great walk
Running into a buddy
Great e-mail exchange with a "big sis"
Good news from my friend going through a struggle
Lodging option
Setting up a venue
Being warm......good lord...it was -6 to -9 up the road a bit


Sunday, November 28, 2010

HappyUP!!! Day 1399



HappyUP!!! - birdie on 10
Why it happened - a great wedge and a super putt
Why it makes me happy - it got me a skin.....if I hadn't gotten that one, I would have been skunked!
HappyUP!!! - weight
Why it happened - I weigh every week
Why it makes me happy - down another pound this week. I'm actually down 8 pounds from my high. Looking pretty good considering it was just Thanksgiving

<------------ACTION SHOT! (what was that good looking guy's ball doing in the pond anyway?)

HappyUP!!! - great talking with an old friend
Why it happened - I called
Why it makes me happy - I am rapidly building up ski buddies! I guess I am actually going to HAVE to become a skiier this year!!!

JollyJottings

Playing 5
Playing in less than 4 hrs
Birdie on 10
KP on 12
Bunker shot on 13
7 iron on 16
Tolerable weather
Good times at hole 19
Venue next weekend
Great texts
Some closure

Saturday, November 27, 2010

HappyUP!!! Day 1398



HappyUP!!! - college football
Why it happened - rainy Saturday
Why it makes me happy - no golf today....it was nice to have a lot of choices for football....with BCS births on the line

<------so happy a friend sent me this pic the other day

HappyUP!!! - reconnecting with an old friend
Why it happened - I found an old number
Why it makes me happy - we haven't seen each other in forever....I'm sure we'll grab some lunch/dinner soon. Reconnecting is always a HappyUP!!! for me.

HappyUP!!! - my cats
Why it happened - I think weather is a factor
Why it makes me happy - it isn't often that they lay down next to each other.....ON ME! It was a warm way to spend a chilly evening

HappyUP!!! - another great walk
Why it happened - the rain held off
Why it makes me happy - I took a chance heading out when I did....I was ready...had my "fashionable" rain hat on....never needed it.



JollyJottings

Good football
Pearl Harbor
My cats
A nice rainy...not rainy...day
Reconnecting with some old friends
Getting some stuff done
Transcription work
Clean Sheets

Friday, November 26, 2010

HappyUP!!! Day 1397


HappyUP!!! - great walk
Why it happened - I'm becoming quite the walker
Why it makes me happy - as cold as it is, it doesn't seem to matter...and...once bundled....it actually feels good to be in the chill. Other than rain, I can keep doing this.

<-------my spot at the table yesterday

HappyUP!!! - a lot of great shots
Why it happened - I'm OK
Why it makes me happy - put together a decent found in the cold.....wish the putter would have worked a little nicer....but good to hit it fairly solid

HappyUP!!! - a little breakthrough
Why it happened - I've been working on it
Why it makes me happy - sometimes, you have to do a little cognitive reconstruction.....made some progress today....and so thankful I have the technology on board.

JollyJottings

Frost delay
Great foursome
Wedge on 10.....6 iron on 12...bunker shot on 13....8 iron on 14...8 iron on 15....9 iron on 17.....drive on 1....7 iron on 2...drive/hybrid/pitch on 3....putt on 16...putt on 17
Great walk
Continued progress on cognitive reconstruction
A leaf fight

Thursday, November 25, 2010

HappyUP!!! Day 1396



HappyUP!!! - 5 iron on 8
Why it happened - I striped one
Why it makes me happy - 180 to the pin.....on a cold day......and I put it within 6 inches.....birde, largo, and 3 skins......that put me bucks up for the day.

<-----yep......an 8 iron....right on line.....2 feet short of an ace.....foiled again....man, that puppy looked good in the air!

HappyUP!!! - a place at the table...again
Why it happened - I have a gracious "family"
Why it makes me happy - my life longest friend...and his family....welcomed me...again...on this Thanksgiving Day.....like they have many times before.

HappyUP!!! - 4 birdies
Why it happened - I hit it TIGHT 3 times..made a great putt on the fourth one
Why it makes me happy - THAT wins in a skins game. Easily could have been 5 birdies.

JollyJottings

A great foursome
4 birdies
8 iron on 16.....putt on 17.....wedge on 3.....wedge on 6.....5 iron on 8
Thanksgiving with my "family"
Texts and e-mails with my friends

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

HappyUP!!! Day 1395



HappyUP!!! - a dream last night
Why it happened - it was the eve of an important night
Why it makes me happy - today will be 8 yrs since my mom left this world. For the first time, she appeared to me in a dream.........totally real....eerie...beautiful

HappyUP!!! - wonderful wishes on my Facebook page
Why it happened - special posts must have drawn them out
Why it makes me happy - a couple of them....well....they filled my heart

HappyUP!!! - an unexpected inviation
Why it happened - I have great friends
Why it makes me happy - it was an excellent opportunity

HappyUP!!! - a great invitation
Why it happened - it's Cioppino time
Why it makes me happy - I LOVE that my bro and sis-in-law do an annual crab and cioppion feed this time of year.....and soooooo look forward to it.


JollyJottings

An opportunity to lead
Staying warm
Thanksgiving Eve
Supportive friends
Drive on 10...9 iron....pitch on 11...drive/wedge on 13....drive/3 wood/wedge 14....9 iron on 15...pitch on 17....drive/8 iron on 18...5 iron on 2...9 iron on 4...flop shot on 6....hybrid on 8...8 iron and putt on 9
A GREAT invitation
A great e-mail exchange
Another great e-mail exchange
Wonderful wishes on my Facebook page
A cold.....but fun day on the links
A dream last night

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

HappyUP!!! Day 1394



HappyUP!!! - an icebreaker
Why it happened - it's Toastmasters...and we have a bold new member
Why it makes me happy - she did great....even though she was not scheduled to speak. She filled in for us, stepped up to the plate, and knocked it out of the park!

<------yum.......leftover from many good bacon days....of which today was one. Anyone need some grease?

HappyUP!!! - a wonderful invitation
Why it happened - I'm a lucky guy
Why it makes me happy - something to look forward to.....always a HappyUP!!!

HappyUP!!! - seeing my financial planner
Why it happened - we have regular meetings
Why it makes me happy - it appears that, for now, my long term financial plan is still working....despite the uncertainty of the markets.

HappyUP!!! - a call from my CPA
Why it happened - he does that from time to time
Why it makes me happy - always great to be thought of. His call was timely after just leaving my financial planner. I had some questions I needed to ask....and got the answers.

JollyJottings

An icebreaker
Being called upon for coaching
An opportunity to lead
A wonderful invitation
A great meeting with my financial planner
Some really good bacon

Monday, November 22, 2010

HappyUP!!! Day 1393


HappyUP!!! - a great breakfast
Why it happened - I went to the right place
Why it makes me happy - my scrambled eggs are always OK......and edible.....haven't gagged myself once. They just don't ever seem as PERFECT as the ones I got today

HappyUP!!! - a lazy day
Why it happened - I think part of it is the weather change
Why it makes me happy - I am so thankful that I have the luxury to take days like this.....and just BE......and enjoy.

HappyUP!!! - an upbeat attitude
Why it happened - I found out I have a very sick friend
Why it makes me happy - hearing that an old friend has colon/liver cancer is the farthest thing from a HappyUP!!! that there is. I was reading through his blog postings about the journey. I was buoyed and uplifted by his remarkable attitude about the process. He is not out of the woods but I am a firm believer that a positive attitude helps one heal. See Anatomy of an Illness by Norman Cousins for more info. I'm glad he is girded up for the fight!

JollyJottings

Great Breakfast
A lazy day
Supporting a suffering buddy
Support of a friend


Sunday, November 21, 2010

HappyUP!!! Day 1392



HappyUP!!! - great YOUTUBE music video
Why it happened - a buddy posted it
Why it makes me happy - it was a wonderful video....by a relatively unknown artist....that "spoke" to me.....and to another friend that I shared it with.....at a time when I know that it was heard at the deepest levels by all. Coincidence that it came up then?

<-----hey...buddy...get a job! This was your job...not mine!!!!

HappyUP!!! - raking leaves
Why it happened - they fell
Why it makes me happy - it helped me prove to a special buddy that, yeah....I have a job!

HappyUP!!! - great evening
Why it happened - I threw out the invite
Why it makes me happy - thoroughly enjoyed the dinner at Mikuni....with a gift card from a friend....and the movie, "Hereafter." Not sure what the reviewer's thought about that movie....I thought it was GREAT!

JollyJottings

Cool walk in the morning
E-mails from a special friend
Raking leaves
Great YouTube music video
Good news from one of my golfing buddies
Waking up....feeling great
Great dinner

Saturday, November 20, 2010

HappyUP!!! Day 1391



HappyUP!!! - more rain and snow
Why it happened - weather...it happens
Why it makes me happy - it was awesome up on the second story....reading....candles.....listening to the rain just nail the roof.

<-------any guess as to who got to the couch first....The Queen

HappyUP!!! - a late night walk
Why it happened - the rain dissipated
Why it makes me happy - the tumult ended....and everything got eerily at the snap of a finger. I thought, "I was couped up all day....yeah, it's late....but why not bundle up for a little walk." It was a GREAT walk in the quiet evening.





HappyUP!!! - brekko out with the family
Why it happened - it's Saturday...and it was raining (no golf)
Why it makes me happy - good to enjoy some good food and great conver with my adopted family. It's always a great Saturday morning when this happens


JollyJottings

Phone call from my buddy
Brekko out
More rain....and snow
Glad I didn't try to golf


Friday, November 19, 2010

HappyUP!!! Day 1390


HappyUP!!! - relaxing day at home
Why it happened - felt like the first wintry/wintery day
Why it makes me happy - nice day to take off from the links....catch up on some paperwork... laundry....and stuff....with a fire going....great day to be inside

HappyUP!!! - good conversations
Why it happened - my friends
Why it makes me happy - good stuff going on all around me

HappyUP!!! - a brisk morning walk
Why it happened - I HAD to walk this morning
Why it makes me happy - while I hate to see the end of shorts season, it's time. The breeze and chill felt a little different today...it was like a whisper.....portending the rain that has now set upon us....that old man winter may be upon us.

JollyJottings

Relaxing day at home
Enjoying the rain
A brisk morning walk
Heartfelt exchange
Good news from my buddy re: evening plans

Thursday, November 18, 2010

HappyUP!!! Day 1389



HappyUP!!! - driving the ball
Why it happened - I golf
Why it makes me happy - yeah...I still had 3 really loose ones today....and they cost me.....but the other 11 drives were all pretty tasty. Some of them were as long as I can probably hit the ball.....pretty good for November

<----"Let me out of here...I'm innocent, I tellya!"

HappyUP!!! - great evening
Why it happened - my friends did a shout out to go have some fun
Why it makes me happy - what can be better than to be sitting at home on a Thursday afternoon and then get the call to go out and have a ripper time!

HappyUP!!! - trip to the pet store
Why it happened - I needed some stuff
Why it makes me happy - OMG!.....can you say "kittens playing???" The pictured feline had a cell mate....and adorable black kitten. It had been soooooooo long since I had seen a couple of kittens going at it full on.......want to put a little joy in your heart? Get lucky enough to see this again. (NOTE: No.......no felines were brought home from said store......tempting as it was!)

JollyJottings

Drive/Wedge on 1....Drive on 3...8 iron on 4....Recovery hybrid on 5....Drive/chip on 6....Drive/8 iron on 9....Hybrid on 11....pitch on 12...Drive on 13....9 iron on 15...pitch/putts on 16/17/18

Single that filled in our foursome
Trip to the pet store
Great evening

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

HappyUP!!! Day 1388


HappyUP!!! - a great evening
Why it happened - sometimes they do
Why it makes me happy - hard to describe...you know when it's good

HappyUP!!! - shotmaking
Why it happened - you know you have some skillz
Why it makes me happy - nope....the putter wasn't there...but I had FIVE birdie looks inside 10 ft today...pretty good for me...didn't get any of them....the game is just a few tweeks from being there even though the scores wouldn't say it

HappyUP!!! - reconnecting
Why it happened - Facebook
Why it makes me happy - absolutely AWESOME touches from dear old friends

HappyUP!!! - e-mail
Why it happened - I have e-mail
Why it makes me happy - FABULOUS interaction with a dearest friend. It's why I am on the planet

JollyJottings

Re-connecting with two long lost sweet friends on Facebook
Knocking it within 10 feet 5 times
Drop dead weather
Cutting the lawn
A GREAT hot dog
Coffee with my friend
Great conversation with another friend
The honor of deep discussion
Love

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

HappyUP!!! Day 1387



HappyUP!!! - knowing a funny old schtick
Why it happened - Toastmasters
Why it makes me happy - I got a TableTopic thrown at me today.....my brain synapsed bace to an old ditty by George Carlin...circa 1968...very appropo... and very entertaining

HappyUP!!! - brussel sprouts
Why it happened - had some at a restaurant recently
Why it makes me happy - always thought I hated them. Had them one night out...thought it was a fluke...made them here...another food I can learn to love. And, courtesy of Facebook friends, another tasty way to make them.

<----wow!...he kinda looks OK when you clean him up!

HappyUP!!! - haircut
Why it happened - my hair has been bugging me
Why it makes me happy - the damn mess is under control now!!!

HappyUP!!! - ski season coming
Why it happened - Facibook, e-mails, and phone calls
Why it makes me happy - it looks like I am going to be a skiier this winter.....cool!

JollyJottings

Toastmasters
Table Topics
Knowing an old funny song
Ice rink story
Buddy living in Tahoe Keys
Haircut


"I LOVE Brussel Sprouts!"....Who Knew!


I know - you HATE brussel sprouts. I hear you because I used to say the same thing even though....

I'm NOT SURE I EVER EVEN HAD THEM BEFORE - I was out a local eatery not long ago. I ordered the swordfish which was served on brussel sprouts in a bacon reduction sauce.

Were they delicious? - well, let's just say the kitchen staff was queried and the bulk of the ingredients were obtained to give this a shot at home.

I hereby declare - brussel sprouts have gotten a bum wrap! Yeah.....if you were forced to eat them at some point, I'm guessing it was a boiled situation.

We aren't - gonna do that to you here!

So...here is a rundown of what you need - and never ask me for how much of anything to put in...that's all personal taste. You know what you like...it's more fun playing around with it.
Brussel Sprouts
Bacon
Butter
Balsamic Vinegar
Lemon
Garlic
Onions
Chicken or vegetable stock
Salt
Pepper

1) Start frying up your bacon
2) Start your chopped garlic and onions sweating in some oil in another pan
3) When bacon is done...remove from pan...but keep that bacon grease
4) Add butter, balsamic, lemon, onions, garlic, chicken/vegetable stock, salt and pepper
5) You had already cut your Brussels in halves...throw them in as well.
6) Break your bacon up into little pieces and toss those in
7) Sautee over a low to medium heat
8) Let sauce reduce....and pull the sprouts out at desired tenderness (I like a bit of crunch left). Anywhere from 3-6 minutes depending on your heat and firmness you want
9) Pour your remnants over the top of the sprouts

Yeah......-you could have thrown some cheese over the top while sauteeing. I didn't....THIS time.

You are flat out doing some eating now - and brussel sprouts are very good for you

Yeah...I know - the butter and bacon grease probably aren't going to make it to the top of the American Dieticians Society as being good for you.....but...if that is what it takes to eat them sprouts.......

Bon Apetit!!!!!

Monday, November 15, 2010

HappyUP!!! Day 1386



HappyUP!!! - falling leaves
Why it happened - time of year
Why it makes me happy - can you believe it is November and it was so gorgeous here that I could have my door open with just the screen door to look through. A capricious breeze was blowing...enough to knock the leaves down off my neighbor's Japanese Maple (or whatever tree it is). They kept falling like yellow and red snowflakes. Nice.

<-----greatest T-shirt ever made....still kept it from high school. Just came across it the other day. Nope...it's not going to Goodwill

HappyUP!!! - fun with my friends
Why it happened - there is an overachiever amongst us
Why it makes me happy - it was a great accomplishment....glad I had a chance to honor it with a special card

HappyUP!!! - great wake up
Why it happened - did some tossing and turning
Why it makes me happy - ever notice that, when you don't sleep well, you sometimes sleep right to your buzzer. Sure, you may not feel like getting up but it is like your "sleep thing" went into overdrive late in the night. I woke up feeling refreshed and ready

JollyJottings

Great wake up
Nice morning walk
Falling leaves
Beautiful Day
Great phone conver with buddy, L

Sunday, November 14, 2010

HappyUP!!! Day 1385




HappyUP!!! - birdie putt on 4
Why it happened - I hit a good one
Why it makes me happy - it won me a skin in the big game and basically allowed me to "play free" the rest of the day


<-----yeah, Slamson.....it's me....down here...sitting on the baseline! Hi, buddy!

HappyUP!!! - Kings Game
Why it happened - my buddy is a season ticket holder
Why it makes me happy - it's always good to take in a game. My friend knows people and we got an upgrade....FLOOR SEATS! Great perspective for a game.


HappyUP!!! - a long walk...and a nice bath
Why it happened - just felt a little sluggish
Why it makes me happy - I'm not one that bathes very often..I'm a shower guy. My walk was excellent..........and that bath afterward felt OH SO GOOD!

JollyJottings

Birdie putt on 4
9 iron into 9
Wedge into 10....wedge into 13.....chutt on 15
8 iron into 16
Scrambling par
Kings Game.....and an upgrade
A nice long walk
A great bath

Saturday, November 13, 2010

HappyUP!!! Day 1384



HappyUP!!! - wedge into 14
Why it happened - I have some skills
Why it makes me happy - 14 can be a tricky par 5. When you get a chance to get after it with a wedge, you need to take advantage. I darn near jarred it from 120 and had a tap in birdie. It didn't win me a skin but it tied up another guy to make the other skins worth a little more

<------good to have an angel on your side when golfing.

HappyUP!!! - birdie on 17
Why it happened - we were desperate
Why it makes me happy - our team was down...we needed to "go to the whip." I stepped up and striped a 9 iron and made a HUGE putt...clutch!



HappyUP!!! - battling back to even
Why it happened - my partner and I birdied 3 of the last 5 holes
Why it makes me happy - few things feel as good as a great comeback! Things looked bleak with two holes to go but a birdie-birdie finish by my partner and I got the job done!



JollyJottings

Wedge into 14
9 iron/birdie putt on 17
Chatting with friends
A confession
Playing golf with Buddy...don't get to play with him much

Friday, November 12, 2010

HappyUP!!! Day 1383




HappyUP!!! - finding a beret
Why it happened - I got some help from a friend
Why it makes me happy - while it turned out to be unnecessary (few people went along with the theme), I was happy to have made the effort to look French at "Evening in Paris."

<---------is he really French after all?

HappyUP!!! - lunch at the mall
Why it happened - I had a bit of shopping to do
Why it makes me happy - first time I had been to the Galleria since the fire. Actually, it's been awhile since I had been there at all.....they actually have a Gordon Biersch!!! 3 mini-sliders and a beverage later....ready to shop!!! I have a feeling GB is going to be VERY popular with holiday shoppers. "Honey, text me when your done...I'll come carry everything...in the meantime....."

HappyUP!!! - great news from a friend
Why it happened - there's been a bit of an ordeal going on
Why it makes me happy - I don't know if it could actually be true........but I think I am happier or as least as happy when my dear friends get great news regarding something that has been on their mind.

Thursday, November 11, 2010

HappyUP!!! Day 1382



HappyUP!!! - cute 8 iron on 9
Why it happened - a moment of consciousness
Why it makes me happy - the situation...distance, lie, and wind....made for a confusing shot. I decided to take "too much" club and hit a half shot to take the variables out of equation....and executed it to within 8 feet of the pin

<----while it didn't happen today...THAT is a great brekko.....ever have Sausage Rigatoni Scrambled Eggs?

HappyUP!!! - a fabulous midday invitation
Why it happened - people like me
Why it makes me happy - it gave me something to look forward to all day long....and the invite did not disappoint

HappyUP!!! - a great walk
Why it happened - it was the evening
Why it makes me happy - I borrowed my buddy's dog.......love having the dog pad along with me. We went long and fast on the walk.....good for the pooch...good for me.

JollyJottings

Brekko
Drive/wedge on 1
Recovery on 4
Cute 8 iron on 9
Recovery on 10....drive on 11....putt on 11...bunker shot on 13....wedge on 18
Talking with Duluth buddy
Weather
Nice walk
Fabulous invitation

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

HappyUP!!! Day 1381



HappyUP!!! - near ace
Why it happened - I hit a great shot
Why it makes me happy - well.....I got a birdie...kicked it in with my foot. I'm happy about that. There is the part of hitting a 7 iron up into a stiff breeze from 163 yards that comes down just 5 inches from the hole that....well....makes me a bit less happy. How looooong must I wait for my first Hole-In-One?

<---------How many more of these must I endure? Will I ever get an ace?

HappyUP!!! - my golfing angel pin
Why it happened - thoughtful friend
Why it makes me happy - I haven't tried her out on the links yet.....but maybe this angel will end the drought? (see above) It also was a very nice thing to receive.

HappyUP!!! - brekko with my buddy
Why it happened - he was hungry
Why it makes me happy - a nice light brekko on the way to the golf course? What could be better?

JollyJottings

Near Ace
Brekko
Coffee
Morning walk
Wedge on 3
Bunker shot on 13
Receiving a golfing angel

Tuesday, November 09, 2010

HappyUP!!! Day 1380


HappyUP!!! - Beowulf
Why it happened - it's Toastmasters
Why it makes me happy - I delved into a new area today...Storytelling. I told the tale of Beowulf and....to my amazement.....received stunning reviews.

HappyUP!!! - afternoon coffe
Why it happened - my pal was in town
Why it makes me happy - I received an invitation to a wedding. More importantly, I got to spend some face time with a dear friend that I haven't seen in a couple of years.

HappyUP!!! - bread
Why it happened - I have a tremendous friend
Why it makes me happy - who the heck wouldn't LOVE some homemade bread delivered to their door? Bread is a very symbolic thing, you know.

JollyJottings

Delivering a great story
Toastmasters
Meeting my buddy for coffee
Great texts with my pal
Taco Lunch