The Cottage Experience

I've heard colleagues and came across some brochures talking about "the cottage" experience in Canada. After 3 years in Canada, me and the misus finally had the opportunity to enjoy this very Canadian getaway. Thanks to our good friends, the Lauzon Family for inviting us to their cottage last Saturday, it was indeed truly very relaxing and enjoyable experience. Work related stress was completely forgotten, although not much to think about when it comes to "the work" itself. But for some people, severe pressure is more on trying to cope with their superior who has no sense of professionalism, which could potentially be mind damaging...hmmm...something to write about soon...

Anyway, back to our cottage experience, we spent the whole Saturday just hanging around, eating, chit-chatting, boat riding, swimming and canoeing. I didn't swim and canoe, but enjoyed my lazing around moment at the deck by the lake - the moment when Montecristo was my best friend. The misus enjoyed swimming in the lake, although she was just literally dipping at one corner - her paranoia on big pikes might bite....

Overall, we had great fun and planning to do it again but, this time to spend the whole weekend at a different cottage, some place where there are golf courses nearby...

Front bit of the cottage

The side patio

One of the host, Andre Lauzon aligning the canoe. Fyi, Andre and his wife Josie lived in Brunei for almost 11 years. Andre used to teach at the 6th Form Centre in Gadong (my college back then), while Josie was with the CfBT

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The thing about golf

Pic taken during fall last year at the 1st tee-box (central course), Meadows Golf & Country Club, Ottawa, Canada

Nowadays, golf is no longer the game for the high-powered people or for the upper-class. The way I see it, it’s an addictive game that is now affordable to many. The addictive bit is quite hard to explain, perhaps it is an individual thing. To me, it’s the joy and fun of “whacking” or “cracking” the ball (common terms used by me and one of my best golfing buddy). Another thing is about the courses itself i.e. appreciating the beauty of the sceneries and the fun of overcoming obstacles normally water hazards, bunkers, and sometimes ball surrounded by geese.

However, I think every golfer would agree if I say that the game is not as easy as it seems. In order to have a good swing, ideally there are quite a number of fundamentals that one needs to learn and know well. Among others are correct grip, stance, body-turn and tempo are all very important. The mind also significantly affects the swing. If one were not in a good mind shape, I’m pretty sure the balls will fly haywire. Just like having coffee or tea. To me, no matter how expensive or high quality the coffee or tea is, it will still taste normal or perhaps badly if he or she is not in a good mood..

Anyway, I don’t take golf seriously, but I love to play it a lot. Once my misus told me that I spent too much money on golf stuffs, constantly asking me the difference between a cheap, average and above average price clubs. After taking up few golf lessons and played on course several times, the golf town is now her favourite shopping store! She just recently bought the Cobra 4 Hybrid, ordered a Nike Hybrid, now awaiting the Callaway X20 demo clubs for 5 days trial, and will soon decide either to buy the X20 or the Ping Rhapsody set. Hahahaha one needs to do it and “get the feel” in order to better understand golfers' mindset. Welcome to the club hon..you’re now officially my golfing mate.

The beauty of golf is that no matter how good or bad you played, you will keep on playing more and more and more. To me, apart from leisure or “bad golfing” it helps expand my network at all levels, strengthening bonds with friends, colleagues, and of course now my better-half.

To those who wishes to start golfing...good luck and all the best!!

To all golfers...life is short..play another 18...