Much Better Venue

I returned to the airport to pick up my friend and yes, this is the least I can do for this wonderful friend. As I was driving I utilized my cell phone (albeit somewhat safely via a “Bluetooth” hands free device) and made several calls. I spoke with my Dad and this are now wonderful conversations as the topic usually centers on golf. My Dad is to put it lightly a golf “nut” but in a very good way and he has had so many theories in regards to the golf swing that I lost count after 1,000!!! My Dad was telling me about a session he recently had with a golf pro and revelation about his golf swing.

I found this particular “revelation” very interesting because I correlated it to my golf swing. I won’t go into the boring details (because God knows this blog is boring enough already!) but I will say I got something out of it. I would very much like to play a round of golf with my Dad but situations being what they are; he resides in Florida and I am in Southern California somewhat restricted to my movements about the country; I don’t know when we will play a round of golf together. The last time we played was over 4 years ago and if memory serves me right this is the last time I have seen my Dad which is must too long. I don’t believe I can work my father’s residence into our cross country plans in July but I do know we will have the opportunity to play soon enough.

This was a great conversation and after this telephone call I continued to place calls. I returned a call from a dear friend in the GA Program who was telling me about someone that recently attended a meeting that had a very similar story to mine. My uniqueness continues to diminish which in a sense is good for me but not so good for those that are faced with the same situation I faced over three years ago. I suspect my uniqueness ultimately will disappear as others will come with more significant issues then me. This is sad because it doesn’t have to be this way but I can’t stop anyway from doing what I did; I can only tell my story in hopes of helping at least one person.

I always enjoy speaking with this dear friend but I had to cut the phone call short as I approached the airport and I had another call. The other call was from a reminder of my current situation. When I receive these calls no matter how hard I try to “just let go” my heart jumps into my throat and I can feel my heart rate elevate. This was especially the case since it was a Saturday afternoon. I really only conjured up fear for myself and there is no reason for this fear. These feelings are all manufactured by my brain and hopefully someday I will stop feeling this way. However; for now I had the lump in my throat. The telephone call was just a courtesy call and I would have yet another reminder of my situation early this morning.

I quickly calmed myself down and made my way to the airport where I picked up my dear friend. We drove back from the airport and once again had very good conversations. It was around dinnertime and my friend was kind enough to stop and pick up dinner before we arrived back at the houses. We had a very nice dinner and our Saturday was all set up with the viewing of the “Suze Orman Show” followed by “Deal or No Deal”. This would be one of the last Saturday nights we share together as my next two Saturday evenings are booked. Next week I will be in San Diego for the marathon and the following week I will be in Palm Springs with my friends on a golf outing.

Yesterday’s version of the “Suze Orman Show” was a “Best Of” segment and was missing our favorite “Can I Afford It” segment. The “Can I Afford It” segment has become our favorite part of the program because it is quite entertaining. This is where people call-in to Suze with questions on whether or not they can afford to purchase some type of good or service. I know for myself the answer is “no” to this question no matter the good or service because I simply can’t afford anything at this time. However; it is entertaining hearing people ask for certain items while disclosing their finances. Last night was indeed a let down. “Deal or No Deal” was very good because this show reinvents itself even during the show. The producers are always keeping it fresh and if these same producers had anything to do with “Millionaire” game show which was all the rage a few years ago it probably would still be on prime time television.

The exciting Saturday evening had come to a close and I retired to my room. I had to get up early this morning in order for me to get my run in and get back to the house for my reminder before going to play golf. I was up early and right on schedule. I ran 8 miles as my intensity and mileage are way down since the marathon is next Sunday. The 8 miles felt great and I believe purchasing my new running shoes has alleviated any of the shin discomfort I have been having for the past few weeks. I am enjoying these running shoes and will enjoy the 26.2 miles of running in these shoes next week.

The run was over and I returned home for my reminder. Even my reminder was on time (even a little early) so I could get to the golf course on schedule. The reminder went extremely well and I continued to be amazed as to how “attitude is everything”. I may get a lump in my throat along with an elevated heart rate but my attitude remains positive and this continues to show great results. I was very encouraged with this reminder earlier today and after it was over I made my way over to the golf course. I was meeting a dear friend whom I have never played golf with before but we have talked about considerably over these past two years.

This dear friend is one half of the extraordinary great friends that came to visit me while I was in prison more then anyone else. Their visits lifted my spirits immensely and over these past three months I have missed them. This may sound strange because in no way, shape or form do I miss prison but I do miss the consistent dedicated love that was shown over the past two years. I still have the love but life sometimes provides hurdles and obstacles out here in the free world. It is a little more complicated since I am out in the free world as opposed to when I was incarcerated I would always be available for a visit during the visiting days and hours. Now things like schedules, commitments, job and other “life stuff” get in the way. I wouldn’t trade this for the world and I am so happy I was able to golf with this great friend today.

We played a golf course neither one of us had ever played nor the reason why I chose it was due to the inexpensive cost. The golf course was interesting and could have been in a little better shape but did prove a challenge. I had a wonderful time and my golf game has become consistent over the past three weeks. I still have difficulty putting and I am now hitting more good shots then bad. My bad shots are still fairly bad but I have been able to makeup for these bad shots with more of the good shots. It was great playing 18 holes with this dear friend and it was a magnificent Sunday.