Squire Open 2007

Every year a friend of mine from work organizes a golf tournament to benefit St. Rose's hospice in New York City. It is mostly people from work who play. This is the third year that I have participated. This year was a little different because I didn't have to bum a ride. Ryan and I were playing so we took his car. Jenn came along for the ride and took pictures again this year. She took this picture posted here - which turned out to be my favorite from the entire trip.

The country club that we play at each year is very nice - well kept greens, beautiful views. Its so nice to get out of the city and into some greenery and sun for a day here and there. I can really think of nothing better than a nice sunny day, a round of golf, and a few cocktails with good company.

You are probably wondering why it is called the Squire Open (and spelled differently!). The guy that organizes the event has a nickname, "Squire". It's his tournament, so rightfully named after him.

There is something special to me about a round of golf. I am not sure how I began to love the sport - I never really had any interest in it until about 1998. I do remember my dad taking me on some of his golf trips when I was younger. I remember he had a hand cart that he would bring along on his trips. He gave me a ride on the cart along with the golf clubs (of course, I was much smaller then!).

I remember my first time that I actually golfed a real game. It was about 10 years ago. I had randomly decided to go with some friends from work. I specifically remember going to the driving range, and my friends were teaching me how to hit the ball. "Keep your head down (still a problem at times!), "Dont try to hit it so hard", "Use the club like a pendulum", "Plant your left foot", and all kinds of other stuff. I am grateful to those friends back then - Specifically Kim and Gregg, who taught me these first things and to love the game.

I had played a few sports prior to that like soccer or baseball, but really the extent of most of my physical activity growing up was in dance. So, golf was very out of my element but grew on me immediately. I never thought I would like it until I tried it.

I think the thing I like about it most is the pace. It is not too fast, but not too slow. I like the fact that it is semi social - you can really get to know your co-players over 4 (or in my case 5) hours and 18 holes.

My most memorable game was a tournament I played in Utah. It was at Homestead and I played a decent round... for me. The most exciting part about it was that I had won the closest to the pin contest on the par three. I really enjoyed it because there was a ceremony afterwards and I received my prize in front of all of my coworkers. I know it sounds a little cocky, but it really made my day. There weren't a lot of women, and I beat out a few of the better male players so it really boosted my golf confidence!!

Well, enough babbling... May there always be a green to play on and friends to share the tee box.

Cousins Come to Town

So this week was a pretty busy week for me. My Cousin Debbie, who I haven't seen in years, came to town with her friend Beth. I worked during the week but took off on Thursday to hang out with them. During the week we did have dinner and spend some time together too.

Its nice to have visitors come from other places. I enjoy the fact that I can have people come and stay with me and see a place that they have always wanted to travel to.

Although I am not "in" Manhattan anymore, the two blocks to the skyline is really spectacular. It is a beautiful view.

There are many times that I struggle with the city vs. suburb decision. I really love New York City for its eccentricity like China Town, Little Italy, the museums, and all the great food and shopping. But, there are other times when I go away and visit my former homes where I really realize that I work too much and don't really have some of the same qualities of life that others have. I guess it is a trade off. Many times, I feel like I am at the right place to advance my career but maybe am not in the right place to really enjoy my life. The balance between work and home does not exist here to the same extent as other places.

When I went home to Utah for two months earlier this year I felt like I was in another world. I got to spend time with my family and friends but not the same way I do when I am here. The community is different. It's hard to explain. I have things I love about both places.

US Open

The last few weeks of my life have been so much more fun than than I can remember. I have had a roommate that just moved to New York and he is staying with me temporarily until he closes on his own place.

I love people who can be completely spontaneous. There is something to be said for being able to just jump at an opportunity and do something. You just can't find a lot of people like that. So, I was randomly searching the message board at work on a Friday (totally uncharacteristic of me...I hardly find time to even get up and grab something to eat for lunch) when I came across tickets for the US Open for Golf. I shortly thereafter got the tickets and that evening was headed to Pennsylvania. Long trips never seem quite so long with good company.

The next day, we planted ourselves at the first par three in the course to watch the golfers.. then realized we had passes to the American Express VIP tent. This entitled us to free food and drinks, so we naturally hung out close to there the rest of the day. After a few hours, we got a little tired of watching golf and did some shopping. He got a few shirts for friends and family, I did the same. I also got my long wanted golf skirt (soon to post pic of that!).

We stayed at a ski resort that night and had a nice dinner at the hotel. Sunday we headed back to NYC.

You know how there are certain things you will always remember in your life... this is one of them. Great weekend. And the best part is that there was not any particular fancy thing that made it spectacular. I have always wanted to go see a golf open and it was fabulous. Couldn't have asked for anything more.