Page 120 - MN
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We tried some new drip coffee (my cutting back was just a fantasy) and it seemed quite strong. I also realized I have lost all my taste buds and can't really tell good coffee from bad. This means I can go to the local shops and get a cappuccino for 50 baht--under two dollars. One shop has it for 25 baht, which is under a dollar. I love Thailand.
We drove into town to Butter is Better and had our usual--a waffle and a fruit plate. We split all our breakfasts because it's just too much food. Jintana told me she was fat when she was younger but I've seen pictures of her in college and she wasn't what we Americans call fat. I've been on cruise ships and I know what real fat is. She was a bit overweight back then and didn't like it so she changed her diet.
My bad back won't let me jog any more so I have to watch what I eat. The stationary bike helps, but it's not the same.
I took her to her friend's house but they'd gone out to get something so we waited in the car. I watched Formula 1 on Netflix, which is a really good documentary series and very exciting. Once again I was thankful I no longer had to face the stress of competition. I watched the drivers prepare for races and realized it was about the same as standing backstage waiting to do a show. I also realized that a driver stuck in a bad car was the same as me going out in a bad venue with lousy sound and lights. You knew you weren't going to be great and you just had to do the best you could. As always, I rooted for the underdogs.
When Jintana's friends got there I drove out to M-Sport driving range. M- Sport is an energy drink and the driving range is weird because they have huge, transformer-like statues out front built of gears and metal parts. I have no idea how they relate to golf, but the range is good and the people are nice.
I was waiting for the girl to bring the two trays of balls when I saw my Saturday golf buddy, New Orleans Joe, a few mats down.
I have spent years around golf professionals and like all amateurs I feel I can spot flaws in other people's swings. This is a disease, it's lethal, and it's contagious. It it why you see guys shooting 95 telling other guy's what's wrong with their swing. It's really stupid and we've all done it. I have worked years to try to keep my mouth shut and damn it's hard. I say this because it's obvious to me that Joe takes the club back so far inside that he gets stuck and can't hit the ball without flipping the club and chasing the shot. Today I watched him make that move and it was killing me not to talk. But yesterday I shot 95. I sucked, and there are days when Joe beats me with that flawed swing. Hell, there are days when Ronald McDonald could beat me. So in my mind I'm thinking, "Just shut up, Mike. Work on your own stuff."
I failed. But I didn't say anything. Instead I stood behind him and took video. Then I messaged it to him and he saw the problem himself.


























































































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