HappyUP!!! Day 1121

HappyUP!!! - Pot Roast

Why it happened - gone long enough without it

Why it makes me happy - long story....long history...of Sunday roast in my family. Anyway, I always loved my late mom's pot roast. THIS was the first one I had ever made....nope...don't have her recipe...used a different one......mine ended up more like a casserole.....it's good stuff...but, as if she needed to hear it, "mom....like your's more"

HappyUP!!! - birdies

Why it happened - hit some shots

Why it makes me happy - I nailed down two birdies....could have easily been four.....that is about as good for ball striking as I can expect. Putting good....just not falling

HappyUP!!! - finding the rub

Why it happened - my buddy told me about the ultimate steak experience

Why it makes me happy - I love trying new things...especially when I have a fanatical buddy about the right way to BBQ steak. I stopped at grocery store and bought the accoutrements....and put them on my pork chops for tomorrow. Sheesh...can't I follow instructions that the special mix was for steak? No matter...I won't starve tomorrow....got an extra chop waiting for you...HappyUP!!!

JollyJottings

A great friend

Birdies on 6 and 13

Making some cash

Finding the rub

Pot Roast

Lots of electronic chatter from a buddy

Dodging the few raindrops

HappyUP!!! Day 1120

HappyUP!!! - 6 iron into 16

Why it happened - I nutted up

Why it makes me happy - I have talked about this before. When playing golf, you hopefully hit some good shots. The ball gets close...you make some birdies. These are nice, solid shots. Every so often, and the great Ben Hogan talked about how rare they were, you hit an absolutely pure one. 172....into a bit of a breeze....hadn't been playing well....then......BOOM! It makes your day. It's a hope thing.

HappyUP!!! - hole 6

Why it happened - we were in a tournament

Why it makes me happy - we usually play the "gold" tees. Today was a tournament so we "moved up" to the blues. This time of year, I'm not hitting many par 5's in two from the golds. Today, I had a shot at it. I took it and screamed the ball through the green. Hey, for me, that is a HappyUP!!! of it's own. Now, I had a very delicate little short bunker shot......popped it out....made the 4 footer for birdie......and contributed to the team. 4 good shots.

HappyUP!!! - a buddy popped by

Why it happened - I have some great friends

Why it makes me happy - we just had the greatest time chatting.....with a little bit of ice cream to boot. Niiiiiizzzzze.

JollyJottings

6 iron into 16

Wedge into 10

Sand shot on 6

Seeing a buddy

My partner's play

Call from a friend

A buddy popping by

HappyUP!!! Day 1119

HappyUP!!! - a solid round of golf

Why it happened - a lil less thinkin and a bit more swingin

Why it makes me happy - this was a bit of a breakthrough....I have gotten too analytical with my swing....sometimes, you just need to flow

HappyUP!!! - a profitable round of golf

Why it happened - see above

Why it makes me happy - I clipped my buddy for some big dough today. I don't necessarily like big days one way or the other....but I liked this one because, with all of the rounds of golf we have enjoyed together, this brings us back to pretty much even in the monetary exchange. Lots of fun....lots of pressure.....and, at the end of all those times, nobody loses

HappyUP!!! - helping out a friend

Why it happened - my friend needed a truck

Why it makes me happy - I'm glad that I am in the position to help out

JollyJottings

Helping out a friend

Back to back birdies

A solid round of golf

A profitable round of golf

An overcast, yet pleasant day

Good information on bundling my communications

HappyUP!!! Day 1118

HappyUP!!! - chipping and pitching

Why it happened - maybe practice is helping

Why it makes me happy - I played like crap today....but I had some very solid "up and downs" today......including a chip in on 15 that I wasn't even sure I could get close. There were at least two other pitches that one is rarely going to get close.

HappyUP!!! - getting out of dodge for $10

Why it happened - I pressed on 18

Why it makes me happy - the driver fell apart today...which happens all too frequently.....but I got off cheap. Nobody likes to lose but, sometimes, a loss is a win

<--------"Hey....what about me? I got some special treats today from my buddy....don't I get to say HappyUP!!!"

HappyUP!!! - playing with an outstanding player

Why it happened - my buddy set it up

Why it makes me happy - Jeff is a great amateur. I have known of him....just never met him or played with him. If I am not mistaken, he toured the back 9 in 3 under......and made it look easy.

JollyJottings

Saving a bogey on 1

Great chip on 5

Great chip on 7

Fantastic chip in on 15

Outrageous 2 putt on 16

Getting out of dodge for only $10

Getting to play with a great player

Stogie's presents

HappyUP!!! Day 1117

HappyUP!!! - winning some cash

Why it happened - I played the last 7 holes even par

Why it makes me happy - it's been a rough February...good to get on the winning end

HappyUP!!! - some quality irons

Why it happened - I have some skills

Why it makes me happy - knocked a 6 iron out of the bunker on 1 to 8 ft, an 8 iron on 9 to 4 ft, and a 6 iron to 5 ft on 12. Yeah....I only made one of the putts but, you keep hitting the shots and the putts will fall

HappyUP!!! - great exchange with my friend

Why it happened - my friend and I stay in touch

Why it makes me happy - it's nice to have special friends

JollyJottings

6 iron into 16

6 iron out of the bunker on 1

8 iron to 4 feet on 9

6 iron to 5 feet on 12

Up and down on 17

Great weather

Playing with Bob-O

Winning some cash

Coffee

HappyUP!!! Day 1116

HappyUP!!! - Help out on the range

Why it happened - I snuck in a few balls

Why it makes me happy - my buddy came by...gave me a little posture help....same thing I was told during a lesson long ago....and then I started striping the driver. Always sneak back into those bad habits. Lots of promise with the driver

HappyUP!!! - call from an old buddy

Why it happend - I was looked up and tracked down

Why it makes me happy - spent some considerable time earlier with this person. It will be good to hook up again and play some golf

HappyUP!!! - Toastmasters

Why it happened - it's Tuesday

Why it makes me happy - we had two great speeches today. Bob really stood out and cracked me up. You wouldn't suspect it but that is one funny dude!

HappyUP!!! -

JollyJottings

Toastmasters

Help out on the range

Call from Sully

Catching a few minutes of some good blues

Fun texting with my bud

HappyUP!!! Day 1115

HappyUP!!! - flop shot on 18

Why it happened - I put myself in a tough spot

Why it makes me happy - not saying the shot was impossible....but it was up there on the difficulty rating.....took the club back...slid it under with some spin.....ball came down next to the hole.....stuck like gum and came to rest on the lip of the cup. Darn near holed it out.....saved me a few bucks!

HappyUP!!! - one putting the last three holes

Why it happened - twice, I just saw the line and the greens were smooth

Why it makes me happy - ball striking got a touch squirrely coming down the line. If I didn't make some putts, it would have been disaster

HappyUP!!! - birdie...birdie

Why it happened - some good shots and great putts

Why it makes me happy - birdie...birdie will always put you up on your opponents.

HappyUP!!! - text/e-mails

Why it happened - I have a good buddy

Why it makes me happy - my buddy was just letting me know I was appreciated

JollyJottings

Making some putts

INSANELY good flop shot on 18

Phone conversation with a buddy on the road

Great text/e-mails from friend

HappyUP!!! Day 1114

HappyUP!!! - Fantasy Golf

Why it happened - dumb lucked this week

Why it makes me happy - this is my first year of this stupid game. Half the time I forget to set my lineup.......BUT.....I am thinking that my four man roster claimed 4 out of the 5 top spots!!! Hard to think anyone will have a week better than that this year. This should VAULT me off the bottom firmly into the mediocre!

HappyUP!!! - ski trip Tuesday?

Why it happened - a buddy stopped by

Why it makes me happy - he's got the buggy....and the free passes.....haven't skiied in forever....don't know if it is going to happen....probably kill myself...but...what the hell. Anyway, it was good to see my friend whether or not we ski

HappyUP!!! - gorgeous day on golf course

Why it happened - it's why we play

Why it makes me happy - yeah...I had to pay today.....effer made a birdie on last hole.....gotta pay when that happens. Good buddies...gorgeous weather.....course/greens in great shape....greens in really great shape

JollyJottings

Fantasy Golf

Seeing my buddy

Possible ski trip on Tuesday

HappyUP!!! Day 1113

HappyUP!!! - a stunning morning

Why it happened - it's weather....and I was on the golf course

Why it makes me happy - we've had our share of rain....cloudy days.....and a little bit of cold. This morning just exploded in vast sunshine and warmth. The quick change makes one notice, feel, and appreciate the beautiful surroundings

HappyUP!!! - bunker shot on 10

Why it happened - I've got a couple of skills

Why it makes me happy - I almost holed that shot.....left it hanging on the lip.....and, while not the most difficult sand shot, it wasn't the easiest by any stretch

HappyUP!!! - top down

Why it happened - see beautiful morning....the afternoon got even better

Why it makes me happy - I just love the convertible on a perfect convertible day. Wind and warmth touching upon the skin.

JollyJottings

30 Quetions

Playing with Wah and Manz

A STUNNING morning

Great drive/wedge on one

Vc mail from my buddy

HappyUP!!! Day 1112

HappyUP!!! - a great golf match

Why it happened - we decided to play

Why it makes me happy - it was just going to be my golf partner and I. Then, we found two other good players on the range. We decided to go out and do a team game. After 18 hard fought holes, we ended up dead even. You can't beat that competition

HappyUP!!! - making someone's day

Why it happened - I took a second

Why it makes me happy - it really doesn't take much to lift another person's spirit.....YOU need that reminder....I need that reminder....we could all do more

HappyUP!!! - phone call from my buddy

Why it happened - my buddy was thinking of me

Why it makes me happy - it was great to get a chance to chat last night....absolutely great.

JollyJottings

Making someone's day

A great golf match

Opening ceremonies

Lovely weather

HappyUP!!! Day 1111

HappyUP!!! - 6 iron into 18

Why it happened - who knows

Why it makes me happy - this shot was as pure as pure gets. AK's ball was next to mine. He had just hit. Before seeing where it was going, he listened to the sound and said, "how good did you hit that..."...it wasn't a question. A golfer can go many rounds without hitting "the pure" shot. This one ended up 3 feet from the hole from 173 yards......and a birdie.....which saved me a little capital.

HappyUP!!! - 9th tee

Why it happened - it's golf

Why it makes me happy - there are many reasons to play golf. AK made a comment about going to the gym and I said, "you go to the gym." He responded, "yeah, I like to work out.....and check out some butts." I then said, "you know, guys don't like it when you do that to them at the gym." It may have been a "had to be there" moment.......but everyone was in stitches including self. Good times...HappyUP!!!

HappyUP!!! - E-Waste

Why it happened - I got in touch with the city

Why it makes me happy - OK....a couple of misc entities were supposed to take my e-waste as a donation....but they didn't show to pick it up. So....there it sits on my front porch. I make one e-mail to my city's waste department.......BAM....they'll pick it up on Tuesday. How cool is that? Heck...I might get ambitious over the weekend to see if I can find more. Huh? Did I just say "I might get ambitious"? Wow....E-Waste is exciting!

JollyJottings

Early morning walk

Golf with some great guys/players

6 iron into 18

Playing last 5 holes 2 under par

6 iron into 9

8 iron into 1

Firming up some plans for March

Setting up e-waste pickup

HappyUP!!! Day 1110

HappyUP!!! - BASIC pizza

Why it happened - I was hungry

Why it makes me happy - a lot of people have been saying this pizza is pretty good. I hadn't really ever tried it. I walked down....delicious!

HappyUP!!! - NOT having to use the jumper cables

Why it happened - my buddy's car started

Why it makes me happy - hey....I'll hook up the jumpers to help anyone. I was having coffee with my bud who told me he was having alternator problems and I might need to give him a jump. No big deal....that is never an inconvenience to help someone. When we went out, his car started. As stated, I'd do the jump thing all day long. Yet, do you really want to be getting dirty under the hood in the fog and cold? No...you don't....HappyUP!!!

HappyUP!!! - a solid front 9

Why it happened - who knows

Why it makes me happy - our course is playing LOOOOOONG from the gold tees right now. I hit 7 out of 9 greens. The two I missed?....I just missed. The golf game is not looking too bad for February (though we won't talk about the back 9)

HappyUP!!! - golfing just to golf today

Why it happened - none of the bandits were playing today

Why it makes me happy - see that good front 9 above...I would have been way up after 9. If any of my "bandit buddies" had been with me, they would have pressed the wagers on back 9.........and just kicked my hiney! HappyUP!!! to a day of just slapping it around.

HappyUP!!! - doing a favor

Why it happened - I went out of my way

Why it makes me happy - sure, I got a text "thank you,"....which was appropriate and polite....but, at the end of the day, we don't do things for other people. We do them for ourselves. My buddy could have never told me, "thank you," and I still would have been fine because I know I went out of my way to help someone else. It's a good thing to do.

HappyUP!!! - good news from a friend

Why it happened - my friend had to make some tough calls

Why it makes me happy - I like to hear when my friends get to a better place

JollyJottings

Walking the course

A solid front 9

Lovely day

Seeing Seth

Doing a favor for a friend

Top down

Getting through the commute

Not having to get out jumper cables for my buddy

HappyUP!!! Day 1109

HappyUP!!! - chat with former co-worker

Why it happened - she needed some advice

Why it makes me happy - hey, whenever comes to me for an opinion or insight, it is a great compliment. I worked with this person for a long time. We had a great conversation.

HappyUP!!! - BASIC

Why it happened - it was Tuesday night jam

Why it makes me happy - I caught some good blues going on....ran across some people I knew including one of my friend's mom. I hadn't seen her in FOREVER and it was good to see her in excellent health

HappyUP!!! - IM conversation

Why it happened - my buddy and I had some time

Why it makes me happy - a lot of IM is just for fun.....and we had some great, side-splitting laughter.....but covered some important topics too. Very enriching

HappyUP!!! Day 1108

HappyUP!!! - Blood Pressure

Why it happened - I had a portion of my physical done

Why it makes me happy - 100/78 is pretty darn good for a guy my age. It's always a relief to know this is in check. I really don't ever want to get on that meds bandwagon.....you take BP medication.....but then that makes something else not work right...so you take something for that......etc. No thank you

HappyUP!!! -fun trip to the blood bank

Why it happened - I give blood

Why it makes me happy - my doc has recommended I only do this twice a year...which was a bit of a bummer because I like the feeling of giving blood and helping someone else out. Plus, excellent treats in the post-giving area. Love treats!

HappyUP!!! -hearing that my friend kept Wally

Why it happened - I sent her an e-mail

Why it makes me happy - my friend rescued Wally right after he was born when he was dumped at a Walmart. She nursed him to adoption size. Last I heard, she was taking him down to the shelter. She told me yesterday that she is keeping the adorable little black kitten.

JollyJottings

BP 100/78

First part of physical was fine

Fun trip to the Blood Bank

Running across a buddy

Reconnecting with a guitar buddy

Hearing that my friend kept Wally

HappyUP!!! Day 1107

HappyUP!!! - pre-game bet

Why it happened - my buddy needed to bet

Why it makes me happy - he called me....gave me the Saints and 4.5....I wasn't even going to have a bet on the game. Winner!

HappyUP!!! - closest to the pin

Why it happened - I hit a decent shot

Why it makes me happy - it made me $67.50.....HappyUP!!! on a day when the ball didn't go that well on the links

HappyUP!!! - bunker shot on final hole

Why it happened - I have a degree of skill

Why it makes me happy - I hit a terrible iron shot leaving me a long bunker shot that I HAD to get up and down. I clipped it perfectly to within 4 feet. It was a great shot under the circumstances. Oh, sure, my putt hit a bump and knocked it off line for a costly miss....not much you can do about that. I hit the shots I needed to when I needed to.

HappyUP!!! - Saints SuperBowl Win

Why it happened - they took some chances

Why it makes me happy - honestly, I had no allegiances either way. When Peyton Manning's own dad, ex-Saints QB Danny Manning, was mixed...why can't I be? In the end, New Orleans has gone through a lot...Indianapolis has won before.....so I think you had to feel good for the Saints.

JollyJottings

Bunker shot on final hole

Closest to the pin

8 iron close on 1

Saints and 4.5

Sunshine

HappyUP!!! Day 1106

HappyUP!!! - pancakes with the adopted family

Why it happened - raining...no golf

Why it makes me happy - food and hanging with these friends....just lots of warmth....always a HappyUP!!!

HappyUP!!! - laying down some tracks

Why it happened - in project mode

Why it makes me happy - when we go to studio, I'll get some "real players" to do a lot of these parts. In the meantime, there was a nice groove going on here today.

HappyUP!!! - e-mail/text

Why it happened - I have some nice friends

Why it makes me happy - I was a little shut in today with no golf and threatening weather. I had some great exchanges with my buddies.

JollyJottings

Pancakes

Hanging with my adopted family

Laying down some more tracks

HappyUP!!! Day 1105

HappyUP!!! - Getting some jeans

Why it happened - OK...tattered jeans may be in...but there has to be a limit to how far you tatter them

Why it makes me happy - "you've got jeans"....I really needed a new pair....well, I actually probably need three....but you have to start somewhere

HappyUP!!! - Assembly

Why it happened - I got an invitation

Why it makes me happy - I didn't have to travel far....I saw some dynamic speakers.....and I know I gave my buddy that invited me a shot in the arm. Never underestimate the value of your presence

HappyUP!!! - playing with the new tracks

Why it happened - we laid down tracks last night

Why it makes me happy - I would have liked to do some recording.....but it was good to do some noodling. Saturday should bring some rain......good for recording

HappyUP!!! - chatting with the Parminator

Why it happened - he called me

Why it makes me happy - always great to talk to the P-man.......and I will get over to his club/restaurant....Agave Bar & Grill

HappyUP!!! - watching the iPad demonstration

Why it happened - I have a MacBook

Why it makes me happy - there is some cool stuff coming in THIS product.....I mean really cool. When you think what Apple has done with the iPod...iPhone.....this tablet is going to change things. I am no tekkie....but I can smell a winner when I see one.

JollyJottings

Making someone's day

School assembly

Getting some jeans

Talkin with the parminator.....Agave Grill....here I come

Playing with the tracks we laid down last night

Chatting with Dominator

Watching the iPad demonstration

HappyUP!!! Day 1104

HappyUP!!! - laying em down with the Stizz

Why it happened - he's helping me out

Why it makes me happy - he's giving me some pretty solid rhythm tracks to build upon. Yeah, we are just at the developmental stage doing some scratch tracks but it's pretty cool being involved in this process. Whoa....I'm about out of tunes!

HappyUP!!! - entertaining day on the text/e-mail/IM front

Why it happened - it's how my friends like to stay in touch

Why it makes me happy - I had some SERIOUS laughs.....the painful make-your-sides-hurt kind

...today

HappyUP!!! - great shots

Why it happened - I was golfing

Why it makes me happy - my bunker shot on 16 was insane on how well I played that impossible shot. Hit a terrible drive on 18.....and then drilled the hybrid close to the stick.

HappyUP!!! - golfing with The Squirrel

Why it happened - he came out

Why it makes me happy - it was good to see him...it had been awhile.

JollyJottings

Great day on text/e-mails with friends

Hybrid into 18....bunker shots on 3, 10, and 16....hybrid into 8...par on 11....hybrid on 15...drive on 17

Playing with the Squirrel

The Tov is in for SuperBowl Skins

HappyUP!!! Day 1103

HappyUP!!! - one of my friend's popped by

Why it happened - my bud was in the neighborhood

Why it makes me happy - it was great to visit for a couple of minutes

and get caught up a little. This is one of those people that always is

good for a smile.

HappyUP!!! - laying down some uke tracks for the Dominator

Why it happened - He called me and was in need

Why it makes me happy - I'm glad that I have the equipment and was

available to help him out tonight. He might be having his thumb operated

on tomorrow so he needed to get his song on tracked.

HappyUP!!! - grabbing a quick bite

Why it happened - my bud was on break from work

Why it makes me happy - "let's grab some sushi..." ......need I say more?

HappyUP!!! The conversation is always fun too.

HappyUP!!! - golf

Why it happened - I golf, therefore I am

Why it makes me happy - good guys.....the usual guys plus Lucky Logan....hadn't

teed it up with him in forever. I hit some EXTREMELY pure shots...the kind you

can go a few rounds and not hit. Yeah...there were some misfires too....but I am

on the right track with my game

JollyJottings

A cool invitation

Practice time

Birdie on 11....Birdie on 16

Par on 2

Drive on 9...Hybrid on 10...lots of quality shots

Having a buddy stop by

Grabbing dinner with my friend

A buddy coming by to record on his uke

HappyUP!!! Day 1102

HappyUP!!! - tacos with my nephew

Why it happened - he stopped by

Why it makes me happy - I am sure he wasn't expecting to get some food....but there is something about serving another....breaking bread.....even informally....that makes you feel good. I loved dishing him out some grub.

HappyUP!!! - trip to BASIC

Why it happened - the Stizz was jamming there

Why it makes me happy - I got out of the house....walked down the street....and it was like being in a blues club....and it was a Tuesday night. This could become a staple as the music was tastey.

HappyUP!!! - Toastmasters

Why it happened - hello....it's Tuesday

Why it makes me happy - we had a full house.....we had a new person join...June gave a charming talk....our Area Governor was there for a great meeting......a new Toastmaster and General Evaluator both did great jobs. I love to see how these peeps have grown.

HappyUP!!! - the Stizz stopping by

Why it happened - I had a tuning issue

Why it makes me happy - he was so cool. He came over and helped me with a tuning issue. He didn't have to do that....especially with his talent.

JollyJottings

Toastmasters

June's speech

Visit from Area Governor

Stizz stopping by

Trip to BASIC

Jamming on tunes

Tacos with the nephew

HappyUP!!! Day 1101

HappyUP!!! - a visit from "the Stizz"

Why it happened - I asked him to come over to start working on a possible project

Why it makes me happy - Stizz is an INCREDIBLE musician...I am not...it was amazing to watch how his mind was recognizing...working... converting....things in which I had no clue. We had a bit of just hang time which was nice too.

<----Here is a little treat a friend sent to me. The caption that came with the photo was "favorite child." That would be my brother with the foot on his head

HappyUP!!! - hitting 7 out of 9 greens

Why it happened - I am striking it better

Why it makes me happy - I didn't get to hit any balls....met my buddies when they were making the turn. I went out there cold and, if I hadn't caught that wedge a bit heavy on 9, would have hit 8 out of 9 greens from the long tees....that's pretty good for me on any day.

HappyUP!!! - Toastmasters training

Why it happened - I went to an alternative training

Why it makes me happy - I got to sit in on a "closed club".....it is a new club that is dedicated to the employees of the firm in which they work. I didn't even know they existed. It was nice to be able to help them and increase their knowledge. I love helping people in this fashion.

HappyUP!!! - driving the golf ball

Why it happened - my swing is getting better

Why it makes me happy - it's nice to not be playing from the weeds....or from way behind everyone. I hit almost every fairway on the 9 holes we played...with decent length. When you come from the HELL I have been in with my driver, you would know this is huge! You can't play offense in golf if your tee ball has you on defense from the giddyup!

JollyJottings

9 holes of solid golf

Driving the golf ball

Meeting new Toastmasters at a training event

Meeting with the Stizz

HappyUP!!! Day 1100

HappyUP!!! - birdie on 18

Why it happened - I hit a great drive, great 8 iron, and a great putt

Why it makes me happy - I had been playing pretty well all day....my partner was playing

even better. This put us up as a team....and me up individually. There is a habit that some

people have of "doubling down" on the last hole....I believe it is called the Aloha Press. One

of the individuals that did it to me today happens to be one of the best amateurs in all of Northern California. In other words, 9 times out of 10, he is going to beat me on the last hole. How good is he? Well, I hit two great shots to about 7-8 ft and had a hairy putt for birdie.....he then got up and put it to within 3-4 feet. I made my putt, as did he, and HE FINALLY HAD TO PAY ME FOR ONCE IN HIS LIFE!!!! He's a nice kid and a great golfer......but he's not my son. I get tired of supporting him.

HappyUP!!! - my partner today

Why it happened - maybe things are turned around

Why it makes me happy - my partner is a better golfer than I am. He's been struggling a bit. We don't always play team games at our course...mostly individual matches. Today, him and I played two different teams. It would have been a bad day to play poorly....a very bad day. He threw a little 34 down on the front 9....good financially for our team but, more importantly, it was good to see him shoot 2 under for 9 holes. He shot 72 for the day with a double bogey so I know he is feeling better....which makes for a HappyUP!!! for me. I like it when my friends feel better.

HappyUP!!! - glorious weather

Why it happened - it's weather...I got nothing over that

Why it makes me happy - it's January...while I didn't, I could have been wearing shorts! How much do I love where I live?

HappyUP!!! - IMng with my buds

Why it happened -nothing but good news

Why it makes me happy - I love my friends and good news

JollyJottings

Near ace

Par putt on 8

Up and down on 16

Cleaning up some untidiness on 17

My partner shooting 34 on the front 9

My partner making 4 birdies....including a big one on 15

Buying some lunch after the game

HappyUP!!! Day 1099

HappyUP!!! - stunning weather

Why it happened - it's weather

Why it makes me happy - golf in great temps.....driving with the top down on the way home from the course....heck, it was almost nice enough to mow my lawn....almost. Loved today

HappyUP!!! - golfing companions

Why it happened - a couple of treats

Why it makes me happy - we had the return of "the Laff".....played with the pro/owner of course....and had some GREAT matches

HappyUP!!! - misc communications with friends

Why it happened - my friends tracked me down

Why it makes me happy - had some miscommunications yesterday...glad there were no problems and things were cleared up today

HappyUP!!! - second best round of the year

Why it happened - I am swinging better

Why it makes me happy - 9 greens....30 putts...76.....on a 7000 yard wet course....very encouraging. Still had a few "loose" swings but, by and large, got myself out of some jams

JollyJottings

Stunning weather

Best round of year..and some time

6 iron on 5

Birdie putt on 6

Hybrid into 8

Wedge on 10

Bogey putt on 11

Drive/wedge into 13

Hybrid on 15

6 iron on 16

Chip on 17

Text from a buddy

E-mail from a friend

Playing with the pro

Return of the Laff

HappyUP!!! Day 1098

HappyUP!!! - lunch with a buddy

Why it happened - we set it up

Why it makes me happy - this is an old industry friend. My friend brought along their daughter who I hadn't seen in ages....wow...what a nice young lady she has become! It was absolutely awesome to spend time in their presence.

HappyUP!!! - booking it with my buddy

Why it happened - we had been e-mailing

Why it makes me happy - I'll spend some time Monday night with the guy that taught me how

to play guitar 30 years ago....we'll play some tunes....and go over a project...I'm stoked

HappyUP!!! - practicre session

Why it happened - I forced myself out there

Why it makes me happy - had a productive hour and a half working on the chipping and putting...I have a feeling the putter is going to be coming around very nicely. Couldn't believe how well I was stroking it.

JollyJottings

Chat with Jeffy

Chat with CG

Texting with a dear friend

Lunch with a friend and daughter

"CalPers is my new best friend"

HappyUP!!! Day 1097

HappyUP!!! - e-mail from musician friend

Why it happened - I e-mailed him a request

Why it makes me happy - he's stopping by next week to consult with me on a

possible project I want to do in-studio. Great guy.....WAY GREAT musician...

HappyUP!!!

HappyUP!!! - 27 holes in nice weather

Why it happened - we are grabbing it while we can

Why it makes me happy - outdoors.....good friends....decent golf for this time

of year.....I've got work to do but I am hitting a lot of quality shots. For January,

the game is coming around. We'll start grinding in February.

HappyUP!!! - great e-mails with a good friend

Why it happened - who knows what starts the ball rolling

Why it makes me happy - there were some hysterical parts for both of us

and other commentary that was nice. E-mail doesn't always lay "as flat" as one

would think that medium does. Very enriching.

HappyUP!!! - par on 18

Why it happened - I am a grinder

Why it makes me happy - I hit a crappy drive into the bunker.....and a crappy 5 iron out

of the bunker....my god, everything was on the line....I had a challenging pitch shot which I

hit well....to about 6 feet....and dumped the putt. My main opponent was staring at a 4 foot birdie putt to reclaim EVERYTHING he had lost to that point. Yes, he made it....but not before I "made him make it" with my grinding it out. HappyUP!!!

HappyUP!!! - grabbing some Chinese with a buddy

Why it happened - my buddy was hungry

Why it makes me happy - who wants to eat alone?

JollyJottings

E-mail from musician friend

Another day of golf

An extremely nice e-mail exchange with my buddy

A funny YouTube Video...and e-mail photo/joke

Birdie on the first hole today

Birdie on 12

Great 5 iron and par on 26

Getting some dough back

Chinese Food

Getting up and down for par on 18

HappyUP!!! Day 1096

HappyUP!!! - texting with my buddy

Why it happened - it probably shouldn't have

Why it makes me happy - I love my great friends....this one is a great one. Sometimes, friendships get strained for various reasons. Air cleared? No....but it isn't smog either. We'll get the "open loop" fixed.

HappyUP!!! - sunshine!

Why it happened - it had to at some point...and we played 27 to find it

Why it makes me happy - it just felt good to "strip down" a bit on the golf course

and get the fleece vest off. I think 10 days of being "shut in" might have made me a little grumpy as well.

HappyUP!!! - a note from my "adopted mom"

Why it happened - she's SWEET

Why it makes me happy - a thought always goes a long way...but I also got a recipe that

I had been looking for.

HappyUP!!! - second shot on the 27th hole

Why it happened - who knows....maybe I have a little skill?

Why it makes me happy - I was sitting in the fairway bunker....172 yds out....over water. My opponent was in the fairway at about 157. He was a few wagers ahead...and it looked like he was REALLY going to take me to the cleaners. I picked that 6 iron clean, sent it skyward, it drew, went right at the hole and settled in about 3 feet from the pin.......and more than a few dollars were saved! Nice way to end!!!

HappyUP!!! - making about a 10 footer on 18

Why it happened - I stroked it

Why it makes me happy - it always comes down to the last hole.....that little putt was a wallet helper...for sure. Nothing like coming through under the gun.

HappyUP!!! - 27 holes with my buds

Why it happened - we all had the itch

Why it makes me happy - my golf buddies are great guys......can a guy say what I am about to say......I missed them!

JollyJottings

Recipe from my "adopted mom"

6 iron from 172 out of the bunker and over the water on 27th hole

A couple of rifled 5 irons

Great wedge into hole 21

Two putting 18

Sunshine

27 holes with my friends

Walking 18 holes

QuoteUP!!! 21 Confuscious

"If you make a mistake and don't correct your mistake, you just made your second mistake"

-Confuscious

WOW! How long have I packed this gem along on the trip? - a long time. I think I picked this pearl up almost 30 years ago

This one comes in handy everywhere - but it really came in handy back in my days of lending.

When you are doing someone's loan (or anything, I suppose) - it is very easy for a mistake to be made. Often, to correct the mistake, meant going back to the customer to get more information which clearly put on display that you screwed up. The prospect of putting that out there could be scary.....embarrassing.....downright PAINFUL

Which is why many of my peers said - "eh...we'll just let it slide," and then it would blow up in their face later on.

Not me - yes, did I end up fixing some mistakes that may have worked themselves out? I am sure I did. The problem is that you just don't KNOW which mistakes will boomerang back at you.

I was very good at what I did - and, later in my career, didn't make that many errors.

A skill that I did pick up - was recognizing my mistakes, owning them, and fixing them fast.

Take the quote above - and stick it in your back pocket. You WILL find it useful.

HappyUP!!! Day 1095

HappyUP!!! - my Toastmasters meeting

Why it happened - it's Tuesday

Why it makes me happy - we had two AWESOME speeches today. I love it when the speakers get out of comfort and go to the next level

HappyUP!!! - new member

Why it happened - he visited

Why it makes me happy - Morgan is a cool dude...he knows he needs the help...he visited today...and recognized that this is where he needs to be

HappyUP!!! - scoring decent Bon Jovi tickets

Why it happened - I went on line

Why it makes me happy - it will be really cool to go to this show.....really cool

HappyUP!!! - laying down a scratch track

Why it happened - I set myself up to record

Why it makes me happy - I have had this one cookin for awhile. I think the tune and idea is pretty damn cool. I don't like the scratch...but it is a scratch....I can't wait to hear from friends to see if "the story" gets conveyed...it's all about the story.]

JollyJottings

Great sleep

Wonderful speeches

A new member

Layind down a solid scratch track

BBQ pork chops

Music

HappyUP!!! Day 1094

HappyUP!!! - brekko

Why it happened - I was hungry

Why it makes me happy - I hadn't had an omelette out and about in forever. I got some critical reading done....tough reading but very soul satisfying. Just a pleasant morning out watching the raindrops.

HappyUP!!! - getting some stuff moved around

Why it happened - you get sick and tired of being sick and tired

Why it makes me happy - I created some room to record....of course, now that I have done it, it will probably stop raining and I will be back on the golf course! Still, no issues....didn't get anything good laid down today but made a couple of legitimate passes.

HappyUP!!! - stock market

Why it happened - who knows

Why it makes me happy - last week was a little worrisome....today was not a huge win but the tide got stemmed a bit.

HappyUP!!! - great e-mail exchanges

Why it happened - I have some good friends in town and out

Why it makes me happy - always cool to know what other people have going on. I couldn't believe what a buddy down Fresno way is up to....what a brutal schedule.....ALMOST makes me feel guilty!

JollyJottings

Brekko

Chatting with a buddy

Great reading on a rainy day

Stock market

HappyUP!!! Day 1093

HappyUP!!! - the double stack

Why it happened - two championship football games...lots of chair time

Why it makes me happy - though my two children are great friends, they don't like to share chair time. Here we are, enjoying today's games....especially the Saints/Vikings deal...what a game!

HappyUP!!! - great sleep

Why it happened - who knows

Why it makes me happy - I logged darn near 9 hours last night...a near record for me even though it was interrupted. Amazing.

HappyUP!!! - good contact with a buddy

Why it happened - we texted and talked

Why it makes me happy - we had some small loops...tiny loops...loops that shouldn't even be there. They are smoothed out and we'll get together this week to put the road in the right direction...no doubt!

HappyUP!!! - throwing down on a friend

Why it happened - sometimes you have to lay it down

Why it makes me happy - no friendship will be just lost.....just clarified...perfectly!

JollyJottings

Great sleep

Double stack

Great football

Invite to the donk

Getting back in touch with a friend

HappyUP!!! Day 1092

HappyUP!!! - my buddy

Why it happened - we were on Facebook

Why it makes me happy - my bud was saying he was going to see a guy from Santa Cruz guitars. I said that I owned one...gave him the serial number....and the guy that made it. Turns out, the guy that made it was the guy he was going to see. So, pictured here, is the luthier who ground out my Santa Cruz guitar. How cool is that? Not only that but the luthier is going to look up the serial number and get info to my buddy to pass on to me. Again....how cool is that?

HappyUP!!! - coffee with my buddy

Why it happened - I didn't play golf

Why it makes me happy - what's better than a lazy Saturday morning at Starbucks hanging with your buddy....solving the world's problems....and sharing vital information. Good times.

HappyUP!!! - excellent guitar time

Why it happened - it was a lazy Saturday afternoon

Why it makes me happy - broke no new ground...what else is new...but did build up some "finger/callous" time. I had some pretty good rhythm's going....got to love that.

HappyUP!!! - got into the Olympic Club

Why it happened - I went to the website

Why it makes me happy - 28 years ago was the last time I qualified for the State Amateur....and I did it at the Ocean Course at Olympic Club. Now, I'll have to go against the kids...the bombers....and I have 3 months to get my game elevated. Why not?

JollyJottings

Brekko at the club

Coffee with family

More coffee with my buddy

Texting with some friends

Wailing out some guitar chops

Got into Olympic Club

GREAT evening

QuoteUP!!! 20 Albert Einstein

"Not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted"

-Albert Einstein

This quote has been a favorite of mine - for a long time.....even before the small company I worked for merged into a bigger one........which then bought an equal of size........

......and I was now working for a monolith - that managed by the mantra, "If it can't be measured, it can't be managed."

No knocks on the monolith - but there is a huge component missed in the "measured/managed" motto.

In the end - it's the people that work for you that matter....and it's a distinct advantage a smaller business....a more democratice organization....will always have over the Corporate Behemoth.

Think of your own family - can you measure, "Love"? Yet, what is the bedrock to that "organization"?

Why is that? - because it is very important to the individual

In a large organization - not only is there no love, you can't even SAY the word.

I was surprised to get a look once - at an HR program that was being prototyped...."Employees: Love em or Lose em".

Did I say surprised? - how about astounded? The Monolith was actually going to roll something using the "L word" with their employees?........

........and the program was never rolled - Shocking....news at 11.

How about "the little things" - can you measure them?......perhaps....but, to do it, would require such quantification of minutae that people spend all their time COUNTING rather than DOING (a condition of much frustration to many managers today).

Measurements are important - but they will never be all important because you can never measure "that special something" that someone has.....or can do for you.....never.

HappyUP!!! Day 1091

HappyUP!!! - a great walk

Why it happened - no rain tonight

Why it makes me happy - everything smelled so fresh after so much rain. On more than one occasion, I think I smelled the aroma of fabric softener being dispensed from dryer vents. The air was so clean, it had nothing to compete with. It smelled so sweet.

HappyUP!!! - finding a spare D string

Why it happened - I snapped one last night

Why it makes me happy - while it would have been infinitely more fun to find a stray G string laying around, I actually needed a D string after busting one last night. I didn't have to cannibalize a new set of strings either

HappyUP!!! - great group set up for tomorrow

Why it happened - everyone wants to play

Why it makes me happy - I'll get to see the Laff for the first time in weeks.....and my other buddies for the first time in a week or so. Haven't touched a club for a week.

JollyJottings

Finding a spare D string

Welcoming home a friend

HappyUP!!! Day 1090

HappyUP!!! - pancakes

Why it happened - I had a breakfast appointment

Why it makes me happy - it had been a couple of weeks....I love my Pacific Street pancakes (short stack only) and a side of sausage

HappyUP!!! - time with my buddy

Why it happened - we went to breakfast

Why it makes me happy - love spending time with this dear friend. Just absolutely love it.

HappyUP!!! - e-mail from the Laff

Why it happened - he was thinking of me

Why it makes me happy - I miss the Laff.......but it does appear that we will get to the golf course very soon for some hijinx.

HappyUP!!! - hooking up with an old work friend

Why it happened - I am working on a project for him

Why it makes me happy - when I can do some recruiting for a buddy and help them along, it always makes me happy. My buddy has a good thing going on...and, god only knows, people in the industry need alternatives where they can go and are appreciated.

JollyJottings

Pancakes

Brekko with my buddy

Good workout

Great music mix piping through

E-mail from the Laff

HappyUP!!! Day 1089

HappyUP!!! - Looking Forward

Why it happened - I got to thinking

Why it makes me happy - we'll see if I end up going through with it but the budget director (me) has approved the cost of a feasibility study to explore the master bedroom addition. It may be cost prohibitive but the HappyUP!!! was thinking about how NICE of an upgrade this would be.

HappyUP!!! - bed on a blustery day

Why it happened - I was a little tired

Why it makes me happy - I live in an old home. After an early morning meeting, I went upstairs to my bedroom where you could more than hear today's storm....you could almost feel it. It was an awesome thing to be able to lie on the bed for a bit and just here the pounding outside

HappyUP!!! - a real workout

Why it happened - it's time

Why it makes me happy - is this the first step of the journey of 1000 miles? Who knows.....that will probably be predicated on whether I kept day one light enough not to be crippled for a week like the last time I tried this program. No matter...it felt good to do it.

HappyUP!!! - texting with my buddy

Why it happened - my buddy gave me a tap

Why it makes me happy - just another fun exchange between me and a buddy of mine

JollyJottings

Texting with friends

Visiting with my brof

Real workout

HappyUP!!! Day 1088

HappyUP!!! - Skyping with a friend

Why it happened - I am learning Skype

Why it makes me happy - Skype helps you be there when you are not. It's an amazing tool

HappyUP!!! - e-mail from another friend

Why it happened - this old friend sought me out

Why it makes me happy - when I was in the industry, there were some people that were gems. I had left some messages during the time that were unreturned....no big deal as my industry went through constant change. I was honored that this buddy looked me up, dug for my contact info, and sought me out. We had a lovely Skype and will be grabbing lunch in the future. NOTE: when you come across REALLY good people....don't let them go

HappyUP!!! - Kathy's Speech

Why it happened - Toastmasters

Why it makes me happy - she was able to deliver a speech today that was very personal. It brought tears to my eyes...and I am not an easy audience. This was so far from where she started a few months ago. To see this kind of growth in a person...and be priviliged to witness such a talk....was such an honor that I just can't explain it other than it is why I show up every Tuesday at Toastmasters. I was blown away

HappyUP!!! - a bittersweet goodby

Why it happened - fate

Why it makes me happy - I helped a DEAR friend get straight in direction. It comes at

some cost to me but, in the end, my friend is on the path that was chosen....and it was a

path I helped pave. I am enriched.

JollyJottings

Tears from a speech

My Toastmaster's Club

E-mail from a long lost friend KM

E-mailing with a partner in crime

Skyping with a buddy

Doing some recording

The rain

Talking with my industry buddy, MM

Lining up some recruits

HappyUP!!! Day 1087

HappyUP!!! - not having to work today

Why it happened - I'm retired

Why it makes me happy - I know..you are saying, "how can that be a HappyUP!!! when you never work?" Well, I used to work for the mortgage division of a bank. Title companies were closed.....the bank was closed...we were open. Because I was one of the so called "big bosses", I felt I had to show the staff that, "yes, as much as I don't like it, we're open." While these were usually "light" days, I still had to be there and I didn't care much for it. I am so happy on these days not to worry about it that it is beyond belief

HappyUP!!! - unclogging the downspouts

Why it happened - it was pouring

Why it makes me happy - I don't know why I don't do preventitive maintenance on the gutters. I don't think I have ever cleaned out a gutter when I wasn't wearing a raincoat. Today was more of the same. I had clogged spouts everywhere. While being pelted by the deluge is not my idea of a good time, the second I grabbed the clog and the water started pouring through, there was an instant rush of, "....I fixed it." Yeah....that makes me happy. Hey, call me a cheap date but it really did make me happy.

HappyUP!!! - some Starbucks and morning reflection

Why it happened - I woke up with a strange bittersweet/meloncholy feeling

Why it makes me happy - it didn't take long for me to figure out the source of the discomfort in my gut. By and large, I am a thinker....I have very few regrets. Yesterday, I had mistreated someone....not horribly....the other person probably didn't even know it. But...I did....at least, upon reflection. When I figured it out, I did my best to close whatever loop I had opened.

JollyJottings

Not having to work on this day

Starbucks

Some good morning reflection

Trading an e-mail with a wonderful friend

Meeting up peeps throughout the day

Unclogging the downspouts

Eccentric

I was talking to a friend - yeah, I have some of those

My friend had been talking to another mutual friend - and asked the mutual friend, "how would you describe the Nutster."

Now, the mutual friend - is not a long time contact...someone I have really not had a ton

of contact with

The mutual friend said - "eccentric"

Eccentric, when used as a noun - a person of unconventional and slightly strange views or behavior : he enjoys a colorful reputation as an engaging eccentric.

Eccentric, when used as an adjective - (of a person or their behavior) unconventional and slightly strange :my favorite aunt is very eccentric.

Now I swear - I did not put those sentences in. They were in my on-line dictionary. Eccentric sounds like a good thing

Or, as Bruce Cockburn put it - the trouble with normal is it always gets worse

Thanks - mutual friend

It's good to know - I still got it!

HappyUP!!!

HappyUP!!! Day 1086

HappyUP!!! - a buddy stopping by on a rainy day

Why it happened - it was raining

Why it makes me happy - sometimes, on a rainy Sunday afternoon, the best thing you can ever do is hang out with your friends and let it rain. Today qualified.

HappyUP!! - the Great (Meat)Loaf Off

Why it happened - we set it up

Why it makes me happy - I at least got a draw out of it. We have sent the byproducts to the outside consultants for a final determination. Just glad I didn't get smoked out of the gate.

HappyUP!!! - time for reflection...and cleaning

Why it happened - it rained

Why it makes me happy - any other day, I would have felt like I should have played golf. I spent a little extra time tidying the house up today....and it makes me feel better. It also gave me time to think of important things and people in my life and where they belong. I am so enriched and lucky to be where I am. I need to pinch myself.

HappyUP!!! Day 1085

HappyUP!!! - playing in first tournament of year

Why it happened - my partner and I got pulled in

Why it makes me happy - we were outgunned today scorewise....but not THAT bad in ball striking. We didn't make a SINGLE putt....and we must have lipped out 8 that could have fallen. We get those to drop....and things are respectable. Still, it was good to be out there

HappyUP!!! - birdie on the first hole

Why it happened - my partner hit it close

Why it makes me happy - he missed the putt but I was able to clean up that 5 footer (OK...we made a 5 foot putt....but that literally was IT). We were off to a good start...HappyUP!!!

HappyUP!!! - getting a little pop back in the driver

Why it happened - the pro gave me a little help on the range

Why it makes me happy - when I hit my driver, I get it out there with the average length guys. THAT has not been happening much lately. I now have something to work on. I uncorked a few during and toward the end of the round today that WORKED.

HappyUP!!! - iTunes fixed

Why it happened - I went to the Apple Store

Why it makes me happy - it was an EASY fix....I knew it would be....and I learned something. I also don't have to play my iPhone through my Bose as my sole music source. I'm back in the iTunes business!

JollyJottings

Birdie on the first hole

Brekko with the guys from club

Getting my iTunes fixed

Firming up some plans

Helping out a friend

Getting a little pop back in the driver

Getting a quick tip/fix from the golf pro

HappyUP!!! Day 1084

HappyUP!!! - parring the first 5 holes

Why it happened - good chipping and putting

Why it makes me happy - when I get through our first 5 holes even, I usually figure that I can score

on the front 9. Well....the bogey train hit but, after 5, I was where I wanted to be.

HappyUP!!! - slapping it around with the pros

Why it happened - they grabbed my partner and I as we were packing up

Why it makes me happy - I had been hitting my driver like dog doo....all of a sudden, playing with the big boys, I realized that wasn't going to cut it and drove the ball as well as I have for awhile. Needed that little shot in the arm going into the tournament this weekend

HappyUP!!! - going to the dump

Why it happened - I got off my butt

Why it makes me happy - how many people get this little task done....before 9 a.m.? It's a great start of the day to notch that on the belt early.

JollyJottings

Texting with a buddy

Parring the first 5 holes

Getting out with a small loss

Slapping it around with the pros

Getting the driver going

HappyUP!!! Day 1083

HappyUP!!! - better posture to the ball

Why it happened - I keep working at it

Why it makes me happy - I haven't worked it on the range enough....but my bad shots aren't as bad and some of my shots are PUUUUURE. Balance is better. On the right track.

HappyUP!!! - closing a loop

Why it happened - communication

Why it makes me happy - I hate it when things are left hanging. Closed one today

HappyUP!!! - weekend plans

Why it happened - I put some together

Why it makes me happy - it's going to be busy...mostly dominated by me acquiescing to my golfing partner to play in a tournament. Lots of fun this weekend.

HappyUP!!! - losing

Why it happened - beat with a birdie

Why it makes me happy - OK...I HATE to lose.....but I had a 20 foot birdie putt on the last hole. I missed. My RFer of an opponent hit a great shot from the boonies to 10 feet...and took me down. Hats off.

JollyJottings

Tons of great shots

Better posture to the ball

Closing a loop

Plans for the weekend

HappyUP!!! Day 1082

HappyUP!!! - getting on it this morning

Why it happened - got a bit of that "that's it, that's all"

Why it makes me happy - sometimes you need that interior kick in the fanny to

get moving on a project you don't want to do.

HappyUP!!! - chutt in...putt in...back to back

Why it happened - who knows...bit of luck..touch of skill

Why it makes me happy - not often that I birdie number 5 at our course...and then birdie the next hole.......and then come a whisper within birdieing the following hole.

HappyUP!!! - some pure...pure irons

Why it happened - working on new stuff

Why it makes me happy - golf is Satan's sport. I hit about 4 irons RIGHT on the button today...you can go rounds without hitting any like that.....along with them came some of the most horrific irons that I could hit....go figure.....but as long as that purity looms, one is hooked...and that is what I remember...HappyUP!!!

JollyJottings

Cars washed

Coffee with my bud

Truck loaded for dump

Call to golf

Back to back birdies

Scrambling/Cobbling together a decent score

Splendid weather

Making plans

Talking with the Merch

Closing a loop with VL

HappyUP!!! Day 1081

HappyUP!!! - meat loaf

Why it happened - I made some

Why it makes me happy - I just started making this dish again.....why so many years without...it's soooooooooo goooooood.

HappyUP!!! - rain

Why it happened - I didn't see it coming

Why it makes me happy - I enjoyed waking up to the sound of an unexpected rain today. It was nice...been a bit since a good rainstorm

HappyUP!!! - helping out a friend

Why it happened - I noticed an opportunity

Why it makes me happy - not sure the opportunity will work out for my buddy but it made me feel good to present it for both of my friends. Networking at it's finest

HappyUP!!! - new vacation spot

Why it happened - I saw it on a friend's Facebook

Why it makes me happy - it's pricey......but I gotta go....more on when I commit but I gotta go

HappyUP!!! - lots to look forward to

Why it happened - my friends

Why it makes me happy - good times ahead....and not that far away.

JollyJottings

Toastmasters

Rain

Meatloaf

Getting some year end accounting done

Texting with friends

Setting up Brekko

Nice call with former biz colleague

A couple of great speech ideas

HappyUP!!! Day 1080

HappyUP!!! - waking up in a room with a view

Why it happened - quick road trip

Why it makes me happy - yes, it was a bit foggy in Sausalito...but still beautiful. Love Sausalito.

HappyUP!!! - early morning Skins Game invite

Why it happened - I play golf at a club

Why it makes me happy - I had planned to kick around Sausalito and gently meander back. While the view was nice, I hadn't packed my jeans....and I was ready to go back to some SERIOUS golfing.

HappyUP!!! - taking down the Tov

Why it happened - he played crappy

Why it makes me happy - I got into his wallet today. I am working my way back to even. I like it better when we both play well....in today's case, I just played less crappily. Yet, at the end of the day, I am closer to getting our personal ledger back to even.

HappyUP!!! - holding off PENO

Why it happened - he was in our group

Why it makes me happy - despite my crappy play, I managed to only give up $5 to this fine player....even though he has to give me a lot of strokes due to where I am at right now. PENO could have taken me to the cleaners today if he was on his game. It was a HappyUP!!! to only cough up a five spot.

HappyUP!!! - communications with my friends

Why it happened - phone...text...e-mails

Why it makes me happy - I love where I am at with my friends....my communications with all today were bright spots.

JollyJottings

Waking up to a room with a view

Driving home through the wine country

Great contact with my friends

Winning the team skins game

Par on 18

Bogey on 5

Second shot on 9

4th shot on 11

Chat with a buddy

Getting home

Helping someone out

Par on 2

Bunker shot on 17

Leftover Cesaer Dressing

HappyUP!!! Day 1079

HappyUP!!! - Awesome Hotel Room

Why it happened - I blew out of town

Why it makes me happy - I could do the link...don't feel like it. If you have the chance to go to Sausalito, stay at Casa Madrona. Get yourself a Bay View room. Look out over the harbor on to Tiburon Bay. The tub isn't bad either.

HappyUP!!! - golfing with my buddies

Why it happened -we set it up

Why it makes me happy - we had a great time....I missed a 6 foot putt on 18 which only made a $40 difference...but that is why we wager....to come through in the clutch. I double clutched after a SPECTACULAR pitch shot (the real HappyUP!!!)

HappyUP!!! - Dinner at Poggio

Why it happened - it is connected to the hotel

Why it makes me happy - just an incredible dinner... absolutely awesome. One of the best meals I have had away from home in some time

HappyUP!!! - morning anticipation

Why it happened - fool proof day planned

Why it makes me happy - yes, the events that happened were all HappyUP!!!s in and of themselves. When I got up Sunday morning, I said, "short of a catastrophe, I have a GREAT day coming." It was a living large day.

JollyJottings

Golf with my friends

A nice drive

Great dinner

Awesome room

Knowing I had a great day ahead

HappyUP!!! Day 1078

HappyUP!!! - 0ne on one with my best friend

Why it happened - we set it up

Why it makes me happy - been far too long since

HappyUP!!! - delicious pancakes

Why it happened - no golf today

Why it makes me happy - first pancakes I have in awhile......with exceptional company. GREAT conversation.

HappyUP!!! - seminar

Why it happened - I volunteered to lead one

Why it makes me happy - the turnout was light.....but we played to the people who were there...got some work done....and made a difference

HappyUP!!! - confirming some plans

Why it happened - texting

Why it makes me happy - my buddy and I have some fantastic things to chat about when we get together soon.

JollyJottings

HappyUP!!! Day 1077

HappyUP!!! - call from AK

Why it happened - 9 holes of golf

Why it makes me happy - AK was teeing it up with another of our pros....our teaching pro. I looked forward to getting in a quick 9. It was curtailed after 2 holes due to rain but we set a bookmark today. We'll get it done.

HappyUP!!! - walking

Why it happened - been pretty good this year

Why it makes me happy - a good walk does a lot of good things. Knocked down 6 miles today. Yes...love to run it...and maybe the feet will cooperate at some point....for now...Walk ON!!!

HappyUP!!! - booking some plans

Why it happened - time to get out of town

Why it makes me happy - I've never subscribed to the "sometimes you just need a change of scenery" school of thought.......but I bought a subscription for a day or two today. Looking forward to it

HappyUP!!! - confirmation for golf tournament

Why it happened - I put out the inquiry

Why it makes me happy - next weekend....first tournament of 2010....looking forward to it.

JollyJottings

Call from AK

Two hole golf game

Slapping it back with PENO

Confirmation for golf tournament

Booking some plans

Cool texts with friends

QuoteUP!!! 19 Bruck Cockburn

"Nothing worth having doesn't come without a fight.......you gotta kick at the

darkness till it bleeds daylight"

-Bruce Cockburn, Lovers In A Dangerous Time

Did some deejaying - for public radio back in the 80's. I remember grabbing this track to take with me one night. Cockburn has had a couple of tunes that hit the charts (Wondering Where the Lions Are.....If I Had a Rocket Launcher).

He's an amazing artist - his body of work is always rooted in the human condition.

Most of my favorite songs - are his.

So, as I was iPodding along on my walk tonight - and heard this track, I said, "sounds like a QuoteUP!!! to me.....just like it did 25 years ago."

Timelessness -....that, my friends, is a HappyUP!!!

HappyUP!!! Day 1076

Yep - yesterday I caught an inside pitch to the chin....but you dust off, get back up, look forward....

......and, low and behold - today ends up being a banner day!!! Much more good stuff going on than a guy can report here.

HappyUP!!! - Berries and Cream

Why it happened - seemed like that kind of night

Why it makes me happy - I have never actually whipped cream for this purpose. I have whipped it with chocolate to make a mousse....but never with a bit of sugar and vanilla for berry dipping.....delicious!

HappyUP!!! - playing with the pro

Why it happened - he had the day open

Why it makes me happy - I tied him..........tells you that he didn't play that well!!! LOL

HappyUP!!! - 4 birdies on the bonus 9

Why it happened - made some stupid putts

Why it makes me happy - since golfing again, the most birdies I have had in one round is 4........I had all of those in 9 holes....love the birdies.

HappyUP!!! - 27 holes in great weather...with great guys

Why it happened - weather?...I have no control...the guys?...I'm a good picker of friends?

Why it makes me happy - weather......great company....golf.......c'mon....pinch me...I must

be dreaming

JollyJottings

Waking up lovin life

27 holes with no waiting

Chipping in

Back on the friends list

HappyUP!!! Day 1075

HappyUP!!! - my cats

Why it happened - who knows

Why it makes me happy - it is rare that I get the double stack. "Dad" got a little troubling news today....not a huge deal....do you think they knew? Cats are mysterious....and awesome!

HappyUP!!! - pro joining us

Why it happened - we were a twosome

Why it makes me happy - it's always a treat when the Head Pro joins us for a round of golf. While it didn't elevate my game today, it's nice to play with people of a higher skill set

HappyUP!!! - closing a loop

Why it happened - I reached out

Why it makes me happy - my best friend forever and I have had an "open loop" in the background for waaaaay to long. I think we closed it tonight...or at least came close....I love this person as much as anyone and it was nice to bring issue to the fore.

HappyUP!!! Day 1074

HappyUP!!! - progress on the golf course

Why it happened - working on a swing change

Why it makes me happy - it wasn't quite as good as yesterday but a bit of range time will get me

back to playing solidly. After the slump I have been in, BIG HappyUP!!!

HappyUP!!! - dinner

Why it happened - I eat

Why it makes me happy - my cesaer along with my special zucchini.....does it get better than that?

HappyUP!!! - hanging with a buddy

Why it happened - we set it up

Why it makes me happy - my buddy was having a tough day....always good when you can cheer a friend up.

JollyJottings

HappyUP!!! Day 1073

HappyUP!!! - shooting best round in awhile

Why it happened - I made a posture adjustment

Why it makes me happy - I had been driving the ball very short....and crooked.....for too long.

Figured something out on the range today...just something as simple as standing a little taller to the ball....not being as bent from the waist.....BOOM. 75 with two double bogeys from the 7000 yard tees.

HappyUP!!! - 20 foot putt on 9

Why it happened - I was desperate

Why it makes me happy - if I don't make that, I lose 3 bets rather than 1. When you step up to the must make....and make it.....there is nothing better.

HappyUP!!! - weather

Why it happened - who knows....what a January day

Why it makes me happy - we got in 36 holes in about 6 hours. It actually started feeling warm in the afternoon.

HappyUP!!! - top down

Why it happened - see weather

Why it makes me happy - I like to get at least one top down drive in each month.....January is covered!

HappyUP!!! - 5 iron into 34th hole

Why it happened - I was swinging it pretty good

Why it makes me happy - it was a critical part of my match. Tough back right hole location....you either get it on that part of the green or it's a 4 at best. I hit it up with a nice fade and watched it drift right back by the hole. THAT is why you put up with so many bad rounds.

JollyJotting

Dropping a putt on the 9th hole

5 iron into the 34th hole

36 holes of golf

Brilliant January weather

Top down

HappyUP!!! Day 1072

HappyUP!!! - putt on 9

Why it happened - desperation?

Why it makes me happy - after screwing up my approach and a chip, I was faced with a curling 20 footer to save my bacon......draino!!!

HappyUP!!! - 5 iron into 16

Why it happened - I was the one today that put the right move on it

Why it makes me happy - when they cut the pin long left on this hole, you need to risk putting it in the water. If you hit the green short or left, you'll make a bogey because you didn't get it "down in the pit." Today, I knocked it down there.......and made the putt for a birdie when I needed it.

HappyUP!!! - meeting up with a buddy

Why it happened - my bud called me

Why it makes me happy - it was cool to get together on this deal and jam a bit

JollyJottings

Laundry done

Fresh bed

kitchen clean

guitar time

Golfing weather

HappyUP!!! Day 1071

HappyUP!!! - up and down from bunker on 18

Why it happened - I hit a great sand shot and a better putt

Why it makes me happy - 18 was a HUUUUUGE swing hole today....that little save was the difference between a good win and a small loss

HappyUP!!! - up and down for par...from 200 yds

Why it happened - I pulled my second shot into a hazard

Why it makes me happy - I was dead....DEAD...on this hole. I was lying 3 on this par 5 Sixty yards behind my opponents who were lying 2. I hit that hybrid right on the button to 15 feet and made the putt for a tie.

HappyUP!!! - three birdies

Why it happened - they were all different

Why it makes me happy - birdies have been scarce lately. Made one very conventionally, another with a NICE little chip in, and another with a 20 foot putt. Birdies make up for a lot of evils.

HappyUP!!! - talking with my buddy

Why it happened - my buddy shot me a text

Why it makes me happy - we just keep missing each other but I'm sure we'll get together soon. I really need to make more time for friends in 2010.

HappyUP!!! Day 1070 - Happy New Year 2010

HappyUP!!! - jammin with the Dominator

Why it happened - he gave me a call

Why it makes me happy - the Dominator showed me a few licks as well as addes some fancy stuff to a couple of my songs. Gave me some ideas to build on. Cool stuff.

HappyUP!!! - 4 miler

Why it happened - I hit the road

Why it makes me happy - it was a GREAT time to be out this morning...a couple of raindrops is all I got...which was a good thing because I wasn't in a jacket. It started coming down when I got done.

HappyUP!!! - invite to the Rose Bowl

Why it happened - a buddy and I were texting

Why it makes me happy - I was busy around the house so I didn't go....but it's always nice to get any invitation.