things I've learned from (to love about) golf

This summer Mark and I have become slightly obsessed with a game called g o l f. We have probably played at least 12 times. It started out just as something to do after work with Mark's intern, Dongsun. He enjoyed playing, and so we all went out together one day after work. Shortly thereafter it became somewhat of a post-work routine. 

Here's what I've learned from the game: 

1. The less you think, the better you swing

The more I relax and remember the fundamentals of my stroke, the better I play. Just slow it down and let life come. You'll be fine if you remember the most important things. 

2. Hit the shot you know you can make, not the one you think you can make 

I think I have shot par a handful of times this summer--that doesn't give me the right to have everyone call me "pro" or think I can drive 300 yards every time. Even when I don't it's important not ever get too confident. Just like a wise Book of Mormon a prophet once said "...and see that all these things are done in wisdom and order; for it is not requisite that a man should run faster than he has strength. And again, it is expedient that he should be diligent, that thereby he might win the prize; therefore, all things must be done in order." 

3. You hit one ball, you go find it, then you hit another. 

Sometimes we take steps forward, sometimes we take major steps forward. Sometimes we take major chunks of dirt forward, with us. Sometimes we miss the ball completely. Sometimes we drive around for way too long, just wondering where it went. Basically life is the same. We sometimes see the destination, but it takes way longer for us to get there than we wanted it to. 

4. If you don't line up, the ball doesn't land where you think it will. 

You have to position your body and the club and hope things work out for the best.You have to know where the flag is and you have to know what's surrounding the green. If you never know where you want to go, you definitely won't ever get there. 

5. Sometimes you find fun stuff when you are looking for a lost ball. 

Sometimes in 9 holes you lose like 12 balls, but it's still a great time. Sometimes in life you come out on top, and sometimes you just can't ever get in the rhythm. It sometimes doesn't makes sense and your mind messes up shots more than the body and you just have to laugh along the way. 

6. Sometimes you find pet frogs 

Family Boating

The summer seems to be slipping away! we've had several family boating weekends, now that my sister has a boat. These little ladies make it hard not to have a blast. I love being so close to so much of my family right now. It won't always be this way, so I try to seize every opportunity to spend time with them. 

my sister Rebecca and me 

My mom with baby DJ