T-16 : Golf 71

Today I finally used my golf course gift card that I got 2 Father's Days ago.  The planets finally aligned to where I knew the exact price for green fees was $7 -- based on the advertisement on the outside fence -- and I had a reasonable idea that I could go alone without having to be paired up with anyone.  What's more, I shot a 71!  Golfers will know that's a good score; usually 1 under par!  As a matter of full disclosure, though, I must admit that it was only a 9-hole course.  That's pretty good for a beginner, though.  Now I'm committed to going each Monday throughout the Summer as I try to improve my game and get a bit of exercise in a way funner than running.  So, now I'll have this schedule:

Monday	Golf
Tuesday	Soccer
Wednesday	Jog
Thursday	Bowling
Friday	Soccer
Saturday	Jog
Sunday	Rest

Wanna play?

T-17 : Wagon Trailers

As I was mowing the lawn tonight I saw a number of cars go by.  Our house is on the corner of our cul-de-sac and a major crossroad.  It was the last lot to sell in the neighborhood.  I suppose the general notion is that folks don't like living near the traffic.  I admit it seemed loud when we first moved here.  But, I've acclimated.  Anyway, what struck me tonight is the moment when I saw two cars slowing down from the major road to turn onto our road.  I recognized both cars as belonging to two different folks who live down the street.  The point is that I wondered how long they'd followed each other and if either the leader or the trailer noticed the other.  I often do notice when the car just in front (if it's a slow guy) or just behind (if it's a fast guy) are familiar.  When I recognize them I think I drive differently.  I suppose that's a form of positive peer pressure.  Maybe I should practice it more often, then.  What do you think?  Have you ever driven just behind or just in front of me and been nervous or frustrated?

T-18 : Roy Braver

Today I found out that my friend, Roy, passed away overnight.  When I found out, I was shocked and saddened.  I cried.  He'd contracted cancer a few months back.  He's about the same age as me.  I never imagined that the cancer would be something he couldn't nor wouldn't conquer.  Anyway, as part of my method of coping, here are a few of my remembrances of my Brave Buddy.

• His southern twang
• His goatee
• His Atlanta Braves fanaticism
• His zeal for the Gospel of Jesus Christ
• His love for his wife, adopted son (who didn't seem adopted), and blood daughter (who wasn't supposed to be possible)

Roy was braver than me.  I'll miss you, buddy.

T-19 : Moo Vibrations

The other night after a Relief Society temple activity we met Tara at one of the other sister's house for root beer floats.  I had been to the Library Foundation meeting and so arrived at the house a few minutes ahead of time.  As I'm wont to do, I pulled out my phone and checked for WiFi.  I shouldn't be surprised that there was none there.  It's a very nice house but the couple who live there are mature and probably only have a simple computer connected to the Internet for purposes of keeping in touch with family.  This should have been my first clue as to the minor mystery that evidenced itself later in the evening.

As the activity progressed Jacob and I happened to be over to one side of the room enjoying each other's company; but mostly enjoying the root beer and ice cream.  I kept hearing a buzzing sound.  At first I thought it was my phone.  I almost always keep it on "vibrate".  When I realized it wasn't that I assumed for the moment that it must be one of the ladies' phones.  As I continued to listen, I could sense it was coming from a different direction than the crowd was.  After not too long I virtually slapped my forehead when I realized that it was indeed the mooing of cows.

So, this is what I've become.  Nature sounds appear to me to be secondary to technological blips and bleeps.  How the bleep do you feel about that?

T-20 : Book Backage

Recently I've been called on to help Emily with her 7th-Grade math.  I think it might actually be 8th-Grade level or pre-algebra or something.  At any rate, I'm intrigued by a couple of things.

First of all, I like the fact that the answers to the odd questions are in the back of the book.  I wish more of life were like that.  It's nice to figure out what you think the answer to the problem is -- or at least get a good way toward a resolution -- then have a definitive source to look to for confirmation.

Second, I finally realize how applicable all those math skills are to my current profession.  Mr. Golightly was right.  All the times we pressed him to convert to our way of thinking that we'd "never use this stuff in real life"; I now see I was wrong.  I don't know if it's that way for everyone.  But I imagine the problem-solving skills could certainly be useful to someone outside the realm of Information Technology, as I am, too.

What do you say?  Have you used any of the skills that you learned in high school that you thought you'd never have need for?  Do you have a good source for answers to everyday problems?