FORE!!!


Friday, October 13, 2006 might go down as one of the best days of my life. It all started Thursday afternoon when FOX 4 news anchor, Steve Eagar called me. Steve knew about my list and a few weeks ago told me he wanted to be there when I learned to play golf. We made a plan to play sometime in October. Thursday about 5pm he called and asked if I could take off work on Friday afternoon because we were going to play golf and there would be a camera following me around. The pressure was on...not only was I going to learn to swing a golf club for the first time in my life but also I was going to have a news camera watching me. Thankfully, my boss did let me have the afternoon off (Thanks Barry!).

The whole reason I wanted to learn to play golf was to be able to play with my dear friend John. Thanks to John for taking Friday afternoon off, as well. Steve had it all arranged for me to work with a golf pro and take a lesson before we got out on the course. I had the best teacher, Noah. I was nervous, and of all my the things on my list this might have been the hardest. I was scared that I wouldn't be able to even hit the ball. Thanks to Noah, not only did I hit the ball but I also had a pretty decent swing. The fact that I had a camera watching my every move wasn't the reason I was so nervous. It was the thought of embarrassing myself in front of Steve and John.

It only took me a few shots to catch the golf bug. I remember hitting the ball with the driver and it felt smooth and relaxed. That moment I decided the game of golf might actually be fun. After my lesson with Noah it was time for me to hit the course. Steve, John and I played a scramble and amazing enough we actually used my ball several times. There is still so much for me to learn about golf but at least I know how to swing and what clubs to use. Golf will be a part of my life and something that I will continue after this list is completed. Thank you to Noah, Steve and John for taking the time to teach me. I look forward to playing with each of you again soon. I swear I will spend a lot of time at the driving range.

I am not sure if it was natural ability that helped me not to embarrass myself or if it was just determination. I guess the only way to find out is to go out the driving range and see how I do next time.

When Steve was interviewing me he asked what I had learned for my 30 by30. That is such a hard question. There are so many things I have learned so far and I don't even know where to start. This was such a little simple idea that I thought no one would care about except for maybe Todd. I am not afraid of trying new things anymore and I actually enjoy it more than I ever thought possible. My favorite part of this list is how my friends and family have come through to help me accomplish my goal.