"Failure happens all the time. What makes you better is how you react to it" Mia Hamm
So the week finally caught up with me and I couldn't find time to post last night. We actually had a great evening watching movies, soccer on TV, and cooking dinner. Michael was so excited that I let him chop the vegetables for our sweet potato, black bean and chicken burritos. He said it was therapeutic. It was nice and relaxing and peaceful cooking dinner and watching Couples Retreat in TV. Have you ever seen that movie? It's hilarious, but not kid appropriate.
Not every round is gonna go well. Some rounds just plain suck. But Mia Hamm had it right when she said that failure is just a part of life, and it's your reaction to failure that defines who you really are. Failures are God's greatest teaching opportunities. Yeah we were angry about the round as any normal guy out here would be, but turning that anger into something constructive, useful, and positive rather than purely emotional is what allows us to learn. And if you don't know who Mia Hamm is...wow.
Plus, we know that one round does not define a career. We know that we are just blessed to be out here doing what we do. The trick is to find positive aspects of every circumstance. God commands us to "Give thanks in ALL circumstances. For this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:18.
No matter what's going on in your life, find something positive to focus on, whether its your friends and family, a roof over your head, a job that pays the bills, good health, or even just being happy God allowed you to wake up this morning. I know for me, I am so thankful we had this opportunity to share this Masters experience with our family who travelled all the way from Arizona, Virginia, Florida, Colorado, and Texas. I am so thankful Michael made the cut and got to experience the weekend at the Masters. I am so thankful we currently have good health and wonderful friends. Most of all we are thankful that we have a loving Father in Heaven that watches and walks with us every single day, guiding our steps and paving our path ahead of us...even when we don't feel his presence he is still there. And he loves us unconditionally just like I love my husband unconditionally whether he shoots 7 under or 7 over. Whether he is on the PGA tour or has a normal 9-5 job. It doesn't matter what he does I will always love him, just like it doesn't matter what we do, God will always love us.
Now I know you are all wondering about the title of today's blog. Michael's nickname since Alabama has been Slick. The media seems to think that his nickname comes from the fact that he is a great putter. Well it actually had nothing to do with that and I plan to set the record straight...tonight when I write again so you'll have to wait a bit longer. Mostly cause I'm writing this on my phone in a parking lot and need to get to the course to watch Michael's final round.
And although we do wish we were playing later in the day, I have to be thankful we are playing early since it looks like there may be rain this afternoon. See? It's not about wishing for what could've happened or wondering what will happen. It's finding something to be thankful for with what IS happening. And I am just so excited I get to wear my rain boots again!
Sunday, April 14, 2013
Friday, April 12, 2013
Fade Friday
I've been trying to figure out which Bible verse would be best to describe how thankful I am for God's blessings today. And going through them all, I realize that throughout the entire Bible, old and new testaments, God is constantly telling his people to give thanks and praise to him. In fact, our entire lives should be spent giving Him thanks and praise. I guess Colossians 3:17 sums it up..."And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." There is always something to be thankful for in your life. Think how much happier and positive you would be if you focused on the blessings in your life rather than the hardships. Have a heart of gratitude and be an example for those around you. It may just change someone's life.
I'm pretty tired tonight, so this blog is devoid of any dry humor. Sorry. My brain shut off at about 7 pm. But I do believe the title deserves explanation. Michael has for his entire golf career hit a shot called a fade. This is when the trajectory of the ball comes off the club face moving to the left of the target and then gently curves back to the right. From what I understand, not many people hit a fade out on tour. All I know about a fade is that Michael is always trying to hit it.
As most of you probably know by now, Michael made the cut at the Masters today. I said yesterday that I had no idea how today would go. I just tried to keep a really positive peaceful attitude out there all day and tried to allow God to do his work, whatever he had in mind. Michael started the first 11 holes with lots of birdie chances that just didn't drop and a few par putts he wasn't able to convert. Until #12.
Michael dropped what looked like a 20-25 footer on the par 3 #12 and never looked back after that. It was kind of a delayed celebration from the spectators because the hole was hidden in the shadows so no one actually saw it drop. He then strode over and pulled it out of the cup and only then did everyone start clapping. He birdied #13 as well after hitting his 2nd shot into the #14 fairway before putting it nicely a few feet from the hole with his 3rd shot and making the putt. That got him back to even par for the day, +1 for the tournament with 5 holes to play.
Michael made a couple of clutch par putts coming in, especially on 14 and 17, with tap in pars on 15 and 16. And he played hole 18 perfectly, with a perfect tee shot down the middle, an approach to about 5 feet, and then a birdie putt to finish at -1 for the day, even for the tournament. He hit every green in regulation on the back nine and just looked so solid and confident out there all day.
And now we find ourselves playing the weekend at the Masters, a position so many people would love to be in. I hope and pray Michael and I can be good role models for those watching us. We are so thankful and grateful to be in this position and know that God is using every second of our lives to advance his kingdom. I pray that when people look at me and Michael, they see Jesus in our actions. When they hear us speak, they hear Jesus in our words. I pray when the media and fans point to us, we point them to Jesus. He is the reason we do this, the reason we are in this position. Thank you everyone for all your love and support, and thank you God for these wonderful opportunities to share your love with those watching us this week!
Thursday, April 11, 2013
Thin Thursday
So it's 9:15 at night and I finally find myself with a small window of time to write after a long day. Normally, in the past and probably not so distant future, I would've just said to heck with it and put off writing till tomorrow. However it's Masters week, and people tell me that's a pretty big deal so I guess I can't leave my avid readers hanging for details. (I do have avid readers don't I?)
Today's term is a new one for me as well, thought I've heard "hitting it thin" before, but never actually knew what it meant. Hitting it thin is when you hit the ball with the leading edge of the club instead of the face (where all the grooves are). This produces a shot with a lower than normal trajectory and a lot less spin (it's the grooves on the face that produce spin). I hope you've been taking notes cause there is a test at the end of the week...and not just a multiple choice test...I'm talking essays people.
I'll be honest...Michael and I totally missed our alarm this morning. I'm not exactly sure what happened, but I'll take the blame since it was on my phone. We didn't tee off till 10:12 am so we were up by 8 am anyway and got to the course on time (courtesy of staying almost across the street), so no harm done. Michael's clothing sponsor Ashworth has a scripted wardrobe this week, with these really cool green, white and navy shirts that the guys are switching off wearing. Michael normally picks out his own outfits each day with little to no input from me; and he irons them too...you could cut bread with the creases he creates. I don't really get the whole ironing thing myself...it's just gonna get wrinkled when you wear it anyway.
I have no idea what the stats said or what the TV said (if he even got on TV), but Michael actually played awesome. He hit it really well and made a lot of great par putts. He just didn't have a lot of good birdie opportunities. The greens really are just as undulated and fast as they say on TV. They are literally the hardest greens we experience on tour. I think Michael is in a great position going into tomorrow and hopefully he can get some better looks at birdie. How about that eagle on #15?? That is the hole he called the penalty on himself in 2008, so I hope he just tears that hole up all week in vicious retribution!
Michael practiced for about an hour after his round and then we went home, showered and went over to the house where our family is staying for the week. We brought a cake and champagne to the house to celebrate the Thompson Team's Honda Classic win a few week's ago. We just wanted our family to know how much we appreciate their love and support of the life we've chosen to lead. We know it's very different from the norm and often hard to understand, so we just wanted to acknowledge their part in our success.
I honestly have no idea how tomorrow will go. Just like I honestly had no idea how the Honda Classic would go. We really never have any idea how anything will go, no matter what plans we try to make. But I do know this: "Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations. The Lord is trustworthy in all his promises and faithful in all he does. The Lord upholds all who fall, and lifts up all who bow down" Psalm 145 13-14. I KNOW God is in charge and has a plan. I KNOW he will never leave me and his kingdom will never fail. I KNOW I can trust him and his plan. Because of these promises, I know that no matter what happens this week, God is in charge and has a wonderful plan for our lives. So I do not worry, I do not fear, I don't not feel anxious or nervous or stressed. Those are signs of lack of faith. Faith and fear cannot co-exist. If you worry or feel anxious, then your faith is small. Hold tight to God's promises for your life. He promises to take care of those who believe, even if it doesn't turn out like you had hoped. So instead of you guys praying for us, Michael and I pray for all of you that you may know the utter peace and contentment that comes with knowing God is in charge and we are just along for the ride!
Peace out...bedtime
Today's term is a new one for me as well, thought I've heard "hitting it thin" before, but never actually knew what it meant. Hitting it thin is when you hit the ball with the leading edge of the club instead of the face (where all the grooves are). This produces a shot with a lower than normal trajectory and a lot less spin (it's the grooves on the face that produce spin). I hope you've been taking notes cause there is a test at the end of the week...and not just a multiple choice test...I'm talking essays people.
I'll be honest...Michael and I totally missed our alarm this morning. I'm not exactly sure what happened, but I'll take the blame since it was on my phone. We didn't tee off till 10:12 am so we were up by 8 am anyway and got to the course on time (courtesy of staying almost across the street), so no harm done. Michael's clothing sponsor Ashworth has a scripted wardrobe this week, with these really cool green, white and navy shirts that the guys are switching off wearing. Michael normally picks out his own outfits each day with little to no input from me; and he irons them too...you could cut bread with the creases he creates. I don't really get the whole ironing thing myself...it's just gonna get wrinkled when you wear it anyway.
I have no idea what the stats said or what the TV said (if he even got on TV), but Michael actually played awesome. He hit it really well and made a lot of great par putts. He just didn't have a lot of good birdie opportunities. The greens really are just as undulated and fast as they say on TV. They are literally the hardest greens we experience on tour. I think Michael is in a great position going into tomorrow and hopefully he can get some better looks at birdie. How about that eagle on #15?? That is the hole he called the penalty on himself in 2008, so I hope he just tears that hole up all week in vicious retribution!
Michael practiced for about an hour after his round and then we went home, showered and went over to the house where our family is staying for the week. We brought a cake and champagne to the house to celebrate the Thompson Team's Honda Classic win a few week's ago. We just wanted our family to know how much we appreciate their love and support of the life we've chosen to lead. We know it's very different from the norm and often hard to understand, so we just wanted to acknowledge their part in our success.
I honestly have no idea how tomorrow will go. Just like I honestly had no idea how the Honda Classic would go. We really never have any idea how anything will go, no matter what plans we try to make. But I do know this: "Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations. The Lord is trustworthy in all his promises and faithful in all he does. The Lord upholds all who fall, and lifts up all who bow down" Psalm 145 13-14. I KNOW God is in charge and has a plan. I KNOW he will never leave me and his kingdom will never fail. I KNOW I can trust him and his plan. Because of these promises, I know that no matter what happens this week, God is in charge and has a wonderful plan for our lives. So I do not worry, I do not fear, I don't not feel anxious or nervous or stressed. Those are signs of lack of faith. Faith and fear cannot co-exist. If you worry or feel anxious, then your faith is small. Hold tight to God's promises for your life. He promises to take care of those who believe, even if it doesn't turn out like you had hoped. So instead of you guys praying for us, Michael and I pray for all of you that you may know the utter peace and contentment that comes with knowing God is in charge and we are just along for the ride!
Peace out...bedtime
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Waggle Wednesday
I can't take credit for today's title as my sister-in-law Kerri Halbrook Thompson provided me with a fabulous Wednesday term. A waggle is a kind of motion with the club that allows the player to stay loose instead of holding still right before hitting the ball. Used in a sentence, I could say "Jason Dufner has a million waggles before he hits." Just watch him play...you'll know what I mean.
Today Michael played in the annual Par 3 contest that the Masters Tournament holds on its 9 hole par 3 course every Wednesday before the tournament begins. All competing and non-competing invitees (such as Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Hubert Green, Gary Player etc) are allowed to play, though they are not required to, and the player can have anyone he wants caddy for him. Players have parents, siblings, wives, friends, anyone caddy for them in front of thousands of spectators. But it's the young kids caddying that really make the contest fun. Those tiny white jumpsuits are just so stinking adorable!! John Merrick even had his baby girl wearing a green tutu, green headband and tiny white T-shirt with his name on the back. It is just such a fun time for players and their families to enjoy the Masters atmosphere together.
While Michael practiced with his coach Susie Meyers, I went with our caddy Matty Bednarski into the caddy house at the end of the driving range and got all dressed up as a caddie with my white jumpsuit and green hat (which I got to keep!). I then met Michael at the chipping practice area and assumed my role as caddy for the next few hours. While Michael practiced, I recalled all my knowledge from my days caddying for Michael on the NGA Hooters Tour. If you know me, you know I hate making mistakes so I vowed to basically not do anything stupid in front of thousands of people.
Michael played with John Senden, an Australian and one of our playing partners for Thursday and Friday, and Jerry Pate, another Alabama graduate. I think he played really well because I never had to rake a bunker (though I was mentally prepared to do so). All I had to do was clean clubs and his ball, take the pin out of the hole and replace it, carry the bag, keep enough water in the bag, and hand him his putter after he hit his tee shot. And look cute doing it. I did check the wind every once in a while just to look like a pro and I did have to tell off some spectators who said something nasty (Matty would be so proud), but other than that Michael pretty much took care of himself. And I met former secretary of state Condoleeza Rice as she was one of the starters on the tee. She is one of only 2 female members of Augusta National and we talked about Birmingham as she is also a member of Shoal Creek where Michael practices. I think we definitely bonded.
Since no one on any social media outlets commented on my 4 putt on the final hole of the par 3 contest today, it must not have been on TV...which is perfectly fine with me. Usually when the player doesn't really have a chance of winning the contest, he will let his caddy, no matter his or her age, try to make the final putt. I almost made the first putt, which was just off the green in the fringe and had about 2 feet of left to right break over a little mound. It only missed by half an inch! I wasn't nervous since I knew no one really expected me to make it anyway. Oh well...I hear whoever wins the par 3 contest never goes on to win the Masters, so I can't be too upset. That's probably why Michael made me putt anyway. How many people can say they've hit a putt on a green at Augusta National?!
Overall it was such an amazing experience caddying for Michael in the Par 3 contest at the Masters. We had so much fun together and it was just a nice relaxing day to spend the day before the actual tournament begins. The rest of the day/night will be spent relaxing at the house Michael and I have rented for the week. Tonight will involved homemade spaghetti, pajamas, Fast n Loud (a car show) and Duck Dynasty, and an early bedtime. Michael tees off at 10:12 tomorrow and plays with John Huh and John Senden.
Please send prayers for endurance, stamina, and peace for the rest of the week. No matter what the outcome, we are so grateful for this opportunity God has given us to play in the Masters. We are thankful for our families and friends who have come to support us in person and those who support us in spirit. We would not be here without you all. God puts people in our lives for a reason, whether its for you to encourage and support them, or for them to change and teach you. Just remember that everyone you come in contact with needs love and joy in their lives. Find a way to give it to them. That is what it means to reflect the image of Christ...it is in the way you treat people whether they deserve it or not.
Enjoy some pictures my Dad took from the Par 3 today! These will probably be the last pictures for the week since we aren't allowed to take any during the tournament. Hope everyone has a great rest of the Masters week!
Today Michael played in the annual Par 3 contest that the Masters Tournament holds on its 9 hole par 3 course every Wednesday before the tournament begins. All competing and non-competing invitees (such as Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Hubert Green, Gary Player etc) are allowed to play, though they are not required to, and the player can have anyone he wants caddy for him. Players have parents, siblings, wives, friends, anyone caddy for them in front of thousands of spectators. But it's the young kids caddying that really make the contest fun. Those tiny white jumpsuits are just so stinking adorable!! John Merrick even had his baby girl wearing a green tutu, green headband and tiny white T-shirt with his name on the back. It is just such a fun time for players and their families to enjoy the Masters atmosphere together.
While Michael practiced with his coach Susie Meyers, I went with our caddy Matty Bednarski into the caddy house at the end of the driving range and got all dressed up as a caddie with my white jumpsuit and green hat (which I got to keep!). I then met Michael at the chipping practice area and assumed my role as caddy for the next few hours. While Michael practiced, I recalled all my knowledge from my days caddying for Michael on the NGA Hooters Tour. If you know me, you know I hate making mistakes so I vowed to basically not do anything stupid in front of thousands of people.
Michael played with John Senden, an Australian and one of our playing partners for Thursday and Friday, and Jerry Pate, another Alabama graduate. I think he played really well because I never had to rake a bunker (though I was mentally prepared to do so). All I had to do was clean clubs and his ball, take the pin out of the hole and replace it, carry the bag, keep enough water in the bag, and hand him his putter after he hit his tee shot. And look cute doing it. I did check the wind every once in a while just to look like a pro and I did have to tell off some spectators who said something nasty (Matty would be so proud), but other than that Michael pretty much took care of himself. And I met former secretary of state Condoleeza Rice as she was one of the starters on the tee. She is one of only 2 female members of Augusta National and we talked about Birmingham as she is also a member of Shoal Creek where Michael practices. I think we definitely bonded.
Since no one on any social media outlets commented on my 4 putt on the final hole of the par 3 contest today, it must not have been on TV...which is perfectly fine with me. Usually when the player doesn't really have a chance of winning the contest, he will let his caddy, no matter his or her age, try to make the final putt. I almost made the first putt, which was just off the green in the fringe and had about 2 feet of left to right break over a little mound. It only missed by half an inch! I wasn't nervous since I knew no one really expected me to make it anyway. Oh well...I hear whoever wins the par 3 contest never goes on to win the Masters, so I can't be too upset. That's probably why Michael made me putt anyway. How many people can say they've hit a putt on a green at Augusta National?!
Overall it was such an amazing experience caddying for Michael in the Par 3 contest at the Masters. We had so much fun together and it was just a nice relaxing day to spend the day before the actual tournament begins. The rest of the day/night will be spent relaxing at the house Michael and I have rented for the week. Tonight will involved homemade spaghetti, pajamas, Fast n Loud (a car show) and Duck Dynasty, and an early bedtime. Michael tees off at 10:12 tomorrow and plays with John Huh and John Senden.
Please send prayers for endurance, stamina, and peace for the rest of the week. No matter what the outcome, we are so grateful for this opportunity God has given us to play in the Masters. We are thankful for our families and friends who have come to support us in person and those who support us in spirit. We would not be here without you all. God puts people in our lives for a reason, whether its for you to encourage and support them, or for them to change and teach you. Just remember that everyone you come in contact with needs love and joy in their lives. Find a way to give it to them. That is what it means to reflect the image of Christ...it is in the way you treat people whether they deserve it or not.
Enjoy some pictures my Dad took from the Par 3 today! These will probably be the last pictures for the week since we aren't allowed to take any during the tournament. Hope everyone has a great rest of the Masters week!
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| Practicing before the Par 3 contest |
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| Waiting with Michael's bag...behind Fuzzy Zoller |
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| Talking strategy |
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| Totally playing it cool... |
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| Success! |
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
Master-ful Pictures Practice Round Monday and Tuesday
I don't claim to be any good at photography, but here are some of the pictures I took (and our friend Mike Holmes took) yesterday and today of Michael's practice round. Enjoy!
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| #1 Fairway Like Velvet |
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| Entering Amen Corner |
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| # 12 |
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| #13 |
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| And the sweater comes off! Love the Magenta! |
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| Our Monday crowd! Friends from Birmingham! |
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| This shot courtesy of our friend Mike Holmes from Atlanta, GA! |
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| We don't clash at all... |
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| Working with Susie after the practice round. |
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| Talking with Mark O'Meara |
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| Day Two Practice round with Jerry Pate and Kevin Streelman |
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| Getting some help from Kevin Streelman |
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| Tuesday Family Contingent! Sorry about the Shadows! |
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| The Ladies...used up my bright colors yesterday |
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| Beautiful Azaleas!!! |
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| The only palm tree on the course, on the par 3 # 4, amongst the bamboo |
Video of Michael hitting his second shot on #13, the par 5
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