Leaving Early for Golf

I got up right before 530a but only because I had to. I could’ve quite easily slept for another two hours. I tried my best to cast aside the sleepies and focus instead on the new day, but it was a struggle. Likewise, Frankie showed no interest whatsoever in leaving her bed pen. I didn’t force it. I left her rest while completing my calisthenics, coffee, meditation ,and stretching. I slogged through my entire routine, including delivering Mindy’s coffee, just before 630a. It was nice to see a clear sky overhead, though the temperature quite cool – only 46 degrees. After Tuesday, I knew I needed to adjust my running attire some. I went with a thin, long-sleeved wicking shirt and my fleece pull-over. The run went well. I ran the full 4.1 mile track comfortably. Mindy had fried eggs awaiting my return. Frankie had just crawled out of her pen, and Jacob was preparing to take her out. I volunteered to do the duty since I was already dressed for it. She and I headed out after a few seconds of play. She needs that before going out productively. Back inside, I sat down to my hot breakfast and fresh fruit. It was good. I purposefully left a little on my plate for Frankie. She loves eggs! Just before she left, Mindy reminded the kids to come home on the regular bus, and then to tidy their rooms. This was a Rachel day. Bella made sure to remind me of her walkathon set for tomorrow AM (Thursday). Wants me to join her. I will definitely try to make it. I headed for a shower while the kids tidied their rooms and brushed their teeth & hair. We regrouped downstairs around 755a. The kids headed out to the bus stop a couple minutes ahead of me while I put coffee and breakfast away. I joined them already in progress. Kenny was out with the girls and brought Woody along, too. The pugs played as they always do. The bus was punctual – always is. Kenny and I discussed the possibility of afternoon golf. I planned to take my clubs and try hard to get away sometime after 4p. I agreed to give him a call to confirm plans mid-afternoon. I arrived to work on time. I received the email I requested from Nationwide Irrigation via Windows Live detailing my auxiliary water meter repair. Unfortunately, I couldn’t open it at work. I forwarded it to my Droid (gmail), but it wouldn’t open it either. I forwarded the email home. I’d try it there later. I didn’t feel 100% all day. I was overtly tired and a tad bit queasy. I battled it all day long. At one point I caught myself staring blankly at my PC, my eyes heavy and tired. Somehow I pulled out of it. I got an email from Bob I. indicating that both he and Bob B were up for golf. I didn’t want to contact Kenny until I knew with almost certainty that I could get away. My boss was cool with it. He knew I hadn’t gotten away for Wed/Thurs golf for a couple months. I never complain about it either. Work comes first. Has to. Kenny sent a text mid-afternoon inquiring about golf. I responded favorably. Meet at Phoenix at 430p. We were set. My afternoon was crazy busy. I was a little stressed about trying to leave early with so much going on but forged forward with my original plan anyway. I called Mindy around 345p to let her know my intentions. She said she hadn’t even considered that I might be golfing, but sounded happy for me. It felt good to slip out at 410p. Kenny called just as I was entering I-71S from 70E. He was practically there. Let him know that the Bob’s were meeting us there too. I arrived at Phoenix at 435p. Kenny picked up our green fees and cart. I think I heard that it was only $15 each – good deal! We went off the back, which was our preference anyway. We all hit sound drives, though mine the shortest. I’ve been doing that lately. On my 2nd shot, I completely mishit my 3-wood bouncing the ball pretty much right in its place. Yikes! My third shot wasn’t on the screws either but left me close enough to hit a sand wedge on, but still out about 30-35’. Bottom line, I sunk the putt! Wahoo! I wasn’t on fire by any means, but played fairly well until hole #17, the par three that overlooks the clubhouse, a creek, cliff and hill. If anything was hurting me tonight it was oddly enough my driving, but that happens every so often. I was hitting my new irons fairly well. Anyway, hole #17 ate me up. I ended up with a triple – 6. Ugh! Hole #18 is the one with a 200+ yard pond fronting the fairway. I hit another weak tee shot in the drink. Crap! I took a drop in the designated zone. I smacked a long 3-wood but push it left and into the trees. Not good. Suddenly, I was lying in four and hitting five into the green. But when we walked out to everyone else’s 2nd shots, we discovered my second shot – my 3-wood shot- lying in the middle of the fairway about 60 yards out. Hmm – a favorable tree bounce. Sometimes good things happen to good people.  I hit my SW to within 15’ and two putted for a double. Darkness was fast approaching, but Kenny suggested we try and sneak in a few more holes. Hell, I was game, but Bob and Bob were not. They went on. Kenny and I went on and played holes 1-3. I played those bogey-par-bogey, striking the ball well on each, and that includes that dam par 3 #2 that more often than not eats my lunch.  It was all but dark as we headed to our vehicles. Kenny thought he spotted his mom’s 2nd husband, who he fondly refers to as Poppa Pao. Lucky for us, it wasn’t him, lest there might’ve been a scrum in the parking lot. I arrived home at 8p super hungry. I was fairly disciplined with my food consumption, eating some of the tasty chipotle hummus and pita chips I picked up at Giant Eagle the day before. I did eat a very mall piece of pizza leftover from Bella’s dinner, too, though. I washed it down with a glass of 2% milk and a spoonful of peanut butter. More importantly, my hunger was nicely satisfied. I helped the kids get their showers going while Mindy helped Bella with reading. I took Frankie out after hearing her scratch at the back door. She only pee’d. Back inside, I was eager to get in my comfy sleeping clothes and then choke down a couple Advil. I still wasn’t feeling that great and was feeling a tad achy, too. Mindy took two also. It’s a party! While relaxing on the sofa, I tuned to the Reds game on Fox Ohio Sports Network. They were behind 1-0 and then 2-0. Mindy headed to bed at 9p sharp – too early for me. I stayed up until 1030p. The Reds lost.