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A 'lil HooHaa

Messing with the blogging world since 2005

blogging

It’s time to to rattle the chains

March 1, 2012

Just a quick note today as I’m working on a few things, from job applications to a new blog — which is my main thing here today.

Starting Monday, I’m adding a second blog to my life. This one is niche-based, however, and will be different than A ‘lil HooHaa.

It’s about disc golf.

Now I realize there are other disc golf communities out there — from forums to disc review to course review. There are club blogs and ones based on stores and such. There are places, like Yahoo! Sports where you can find some stories each week about tournaments, who won and the such. All that is great and are good sources for disc golf. There’s even an amazing Vlog (video blog) where the person interviews some of the top names in disc golf. That is a fun thing to watch.

But I want more.

I realize, too, that some pros have their own websites and blogs. But with their schedules, sometimes it’s hit-or-miss when those blogs are updated and what kind of topics they cover. I also don’t just want the voice of the blogger or the writer — I want to know about the personalities in this sport.

With my sports writing background, this seemed like a perfect fit. I wanted stories. I wanted information. I want to read something I enjoy, not just an extended tournament wrap.

Back in September, I did a post about my experiences at the Vibram Open.

A month or so later, I did some posts about the Happy Endings (TV show) “Frolf” episode.

I was amazed at the outpouring of views and comments about these. That led me to believe there was room for something in the disc golf community that has more of a journalistic feel.

So I thought a bit about it. Looked for a disc golf name — hence the “RattlingChains.com.”

Over the next several months, I used a few contacts to get in touch with some of the top names in disc golf. I’ve done hours worth of interviews and have been writing quite a bit to prepare for the launch. I’ve made other contacts with people about photos and all sorts of things and hope to have some cool content.

Ready or not, we launch Monday.

Though I don’t have as many stories in the “can” as I would like, I have a bunch to get me flowing. And I have a lot of ideas and many more stories to write. I’m hoping over time, disc golfers give me ideas to follow. Maybe something about some players in their area. I’m all about learning new things and telling stories. I don’t want this to be all New York based or pro-based. I want to tell any good disc golf story.

If all works out, maybe there’s even a few disc golfers out there who want to write a few stories for us!

There’s going to be giveaways, contests and all sorts of things. We’ll have weekly polls and I’m even in talks with a couple of pros about blogging periodically with us. I hope that latter part goes well, but only time will tell there.

Hopefully, it will be a whole heap of fun as we’ve put a lot of planning into this site.

I won’t be giving up here, though.

As I noted in yesterday’s blog post, I have all sorts of ideas and I don’t want to let this site go to waste. I love this blog and I love blogging overall. And that makes me want to test my luck with a niche blog. Maybe it’s something I can do to take the next step in life. It’s a hobby for now, but let’s see where it goes, right?

In the end, it will be a place I can get into “journalistic sports writing” again, as well as the normal blog fare. I’m excited about that. The pros and players I’ve talked to and interviewed for stories have made me really look forward to this.

For those of you who are disc golfers, I hope you’ll check out the blog and enjoy it. Monday will be a post showing what the plans are and then we’ll get right into it soon after. We’re aiming for 3-4 posts per week to start off and then grow once we have more ideas and things to do.

The site is up now so you can see what it looks like — click here.

You can also like our page on Facebook (which would be super awesome for you to do!) by clicking here.

And if you have Twitter, follow us by clicking here.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t thank a few others who have helped with the project and hopefully will continue to work with and help as we move forward. Darren has been amazingly big in coming up with some ideas and many things for our contests. Dave has helped with some ideas and hopefully, when time allows, he’ll be able to give us a few stories. And Dave’s brother, Ben, designed the super-awesome logos. So a special thanks to those three.

Feel free to leave a comment, or e-mail P.J. at hoohaablog [at] gmail.com. Also, please “Like” HooHaa Blog on Facebook by clicking the button on the right side of the page!

Filed Under: blogging, Disc golf, My world, Sports Tagged With: blog, blogging, disc golf blog, disc golf., discs, golf, rattling chains, rattlingchains.com

2 Comments

Help a blogger out?

February 16, 2012

OK, I wasn’t initially going to use the blog itself for a shoutout to fellow bloggers, but I guess I will as things have been slow in coming back.

I have a short survey (10 questions) that shouldn’t take long for you to fill out. People have said it takes no more than 10 minutes.

What I am seeking is this:

  • Someone who blogs, on a regular or somewhat regular basis
  • Someone who reads other blogs on a regular or somewhat regular basis

So, basically, if you blog and you read other blogs, you are eligible. You don’t have to be a daily blogger. Once a week if fine. Four or five times a month. But please be somewhat active.

I am seeking a minimum of 30 bloggers (15 male/15 female), but will take more than that if I get more willing to fill out the questionnaire. The questions are tailored toward each gender, so if you are a female, you’ll get the female questions and vice versa.

I am working on a blog post about tendencies and things like that. Anything you send me in your answers could possibly be used and credited to you in this post. I’ll be using the reactions and results for the post.

I will, also, be linking each blogger who answered at the end of said post, so you’ll get a free link. And, hopefully, I’ll find several new blogs to add to my daily read, too!

Note this — it doesn’t matter what you blog about. I’m not worried about subject matter. It could be food, sports, your life, mommy blogs, daddy blogs, caving blogs and whatever else. Anything. In fact, as diverse as it can be makes it even better.

If you are interested in participating, please drop a comment below or e-mail me and let me know. I just need to know if I am sending a male or female question sheet.

Please, too, feel free to re-tweet this or re-post on Facebook if you know other bloggers who might be willing to help out. The more, the merrier. Thanks!

***

A quick note — I will be having a giveaway of sorts here within the next week or so. I will be giving something away (don’t want to give away what it is yet as I want the photos before I do). People will be able to get one entry per $5 you donate to my Relay for Life page.

As many of you know, I participate in the Relay For Life each year. Those of us on our small team relay for different reasons, but the end reason is because we all want to see a cure for cancer. And the best way we can help is to raise money toward that goal.

Our relay this year runs from 6 p.m. April 27 to 9 a.m. April 28.

Those who donate to me will be automatically entered into this contest with one entry per $5. So if you donate $10, you get two entries and so forth.

As soon as said prize is ready for this, I will have another more lengthy post about it so people can be reminded.

And, believe me, I realize how tough times are right now. I am in the middle of it myself. But in a time like this, see if you can give a few bucks. Anything toward this cause is a step closer to finding a cure for this crappy disease.

Plus, if you donate to my Relay page, you might even win a little something else!

It can be retroactive, too. So if you donate before, you’ll be entered. My page can be found here.

Feel free to leave a comment, or e-mail P.J. at hoohaablog [at] gmail.com. Also, please “Like” HooHaa Blog on Facebook by clicking the button on the right side of the page!

Filed Under: blogging, My world Tagged With: blog, blog questions, bloggers, blogging, questions, survey

15 Comments

I’d like to thank the academy…

February 1, 2012

My first blogging award!

Oh to be showered with awards.

During my professional career, I’ve won several awards. And though those are fantastic for the resume and career, this one may take the cake. You see, I’ve received this fantastic blog award. And not only does it come to grace and be on my blog, but from another blogger.

Ahhh, the price of being famous.

Crap. You caught me. Maybe it’s not the top blogging award, but it’s something!

I don’t know if many of you know, but as with any other medium, there are many blogger awards out there. Some are more famous than others. That being said, the majority of blogs will never win these awards (and reap the benefits of a bump in readers). So many bloggers award each other these awards.

Personally, I think that’s cool as can be.

It’s nice to know you are appreciated and/or liked among your readers/friends/co-bloggers.

The above award was given to me by Jonna over at Tattooed Mommie. She’s got a really interesting take on this world and is worth the read.

Alas, having these awards has a price. So allow me to follow the rules a bit!

Thank the person that nominated you, and give them a shout out on your blog with a link to theirs.

I have linked Jonna above and without a doubt thank her for thinking of my blog with this award. I’ve known Jonna in the online realm for a couple of years and have enjoyed reading her blog(s). She was also a participant in the inaugural HooHaa TB Race (geocaching).

Share 7 random facts about yourself.

  1. I don’t like sharing random things about myself on the internet
  2. I once had the chance to become a photographer at a newspaper, but stayed as a writer because I didn’t want my love of photography to go away.
  3. I collect baseball cards.
  4. Sports photography is my favorite type of photography, followed by waterfalls, covered bridges and people.
  5. He’s been gone for four and a half years and not a day goes by that something doesn’t remind me of my father.
  6. Rattling the chains on a 20-plus foot putt might be the coolest sound in all of sports (disc golf).
  7. Watching baseball live is one of my greatest pleasures.

Send on the award to 15 other bloggers whose blog you love and appreciate and then let them know they won the award.

To be fair, though I probably easily read more than 15 bloggers during the course of a week, I’m not sure I have 15 bloggers who fit the versatile portion of this. If I read the idea of the award, it means that the blogs are more wide-ranged etc. So, I’m going to nominate a few people here and let them know, though I might be stretching the versatile thing a bit…

  • Christelle — who gives you a cool look at living in Northern Quebec and life in general.
  • LaurenChanting — Many different topics!
  • Naked Girl in a Dress — Get your mind out of the gutter, boys, it’s not what you think. But it’s good writing!
  • Scratch-made Wife — Though mainly a foodie blog, it’s versatile because Meghan talks about life and other things as well.
  • James daSilva — Some sports, some editing and some learning.
  • Are you flowin’? — A fun read!
  • ErikaJean — Geocaching, crafts, life and anything in between!
  • Out and About with the GeoKs — Outdoors and doing so many things, from geocaching to photography!

In regard to versatile bloggers, that’s all I have right now. I hope I’m not forgetting somebody! Feel free to follow suit and blog about this (or don’t, up to you!), but these are some of my favorites!

Thanks again to Jonna. This made for a fun blog post today! And now to make sure the others know all about their award…

Feel free to leave a comment, or e-mail P.J. at hoohaablog [at] gmail.com. Also, please “Like” HooHaa Blog on Facebook by clicking the button on the right side of the page!

Filed Under: blogging, My world Tagged With: award, blog, blogging, blogging award, blogs, fun, versatile award

11 Comments

Notes from my Noodle: January 6 edition

January 6, 2012

Hello blog readers and welcome to the first edition of Notes from my Noodle in 2012. I hope you all had a wonderful New Year’s and holiday season as this world gets back into full gear.

Alas, another weekend is upon us. There is good weather in the forecast in my part of the Northeast, so I’m looking to go out and geocache/letterbox/photograph for a while Saturday. Why not take advantage of it?

My January 4 choice for my 366 Project.

With this year being a leap year, I’ve opted to do the Project 3656 again. I was successful in 2010 with it, so I thought with the extra day, it would be cool to do it again.

Now I just have to make sure to get a photo each day!

I’ve been good with it so far. And I plan on heading out today to find a photo. As I peer outside right now, there are blue skies, the sun is shining and the temps are in the upper 40s.

Score!

There has to be something out there to snap photos of, I would think.

And though I have the iPhone, which has an excellent camera, I am hoping to do the bulk of the 366 this year with my Canon 7D. I love the use of the iPhone — I really do — but for this project, I’d like to challenge myself artistically a but more with my DSLR. Plus, I got a really cook bokeh kit for my lenses for Christmas and I’m looking forward to trying that out for sure.

If any of you have some cool and fun ideas for photos I should look into taking for my 366 project, post them in the comments section. I want to keep a small notebook of ideas, in case I get in a pinch!

I know a few others doing the 366 this year. One of them is fellow Flickr/Twitter user and fellow geocacher Mike, who has been doing the 365 since 2010. That means, unless he somehow skipped a day this year and hasn’t said anything yet, he has been taking a photo a day for 736 straight days (or more)! (For readers of this blog, Mike was a guest poster in November).

That’s insane!

Keep it up Mike. By the end of this one, you’ll have reached nearly 1,000 days, which is no small feat!

 ***

I wish I had more to report on the job hunt. Applications are still being sent out. But, for the next batch, I’m taking a different approach.

Being that the first approach hasn’t worked too well, outside of the few interviews and such I’ve had, I’m going to change the tone of my cover letters. At this point, what’s it going to hurt? I think I am going to attempt to make them a little more edgy, a little more cocky. I imagine that it will, at worse, get somebody’s attention. Maybe it will get me a few more interviews. And maybe (gasp!) an offer.

Something has to change.

I want to try and re-work my resume a little, too. I don’t think it’s awful, but a tweak or two probably wouldn’t hurt.

My big thing is trying to make it so my block of not working doesn’t stand out so much. I have to work on that as well and hope something comes along soon.

This has, by far, been one of the most trying things, professionally, I’ve ever dealt with in my life. I’m just hoping the light at the end of the tunnel gets big soon!

***

This past Sunday, I went and played a round of disc golf. On January 1, in the Albany area in New York, it was in the high 40s. Me, my niece Nicole, Darren and his wife Jodi played 18 holes at Schenectady Central Park.

My niece sizes up a putt.

What a day.

I played a round of disc golf last Jan. 1 as well, but it was not nearly as warm as this!

But it was a perfect day to go out for a nice little walk and play a round. We only came across people a couple of times, but no major issues. We stopped for a couple of letterboxes and pretty much took our time.

Without a doubt, though, it was great just to be out walking around and moving.

I haven’t played in a while (I think my last round had been on Thanksgiving), so I didn’t throw as well as I would have liked. Still, it wasn’t bad. I had some decent shots and hopefully my game will improve as this year moves on. My niece has only been a few times, but I think she’s starting to get the hang of things and hopefully she can keep improving and liking the game as well. Starting at a younger age will only make her better as she continues to age and play. It’s also a great game to be able to just get out and play.

Now if we can get a course in our local area…

Speaking of disc golf, I continue to work on a certain disc golf project I have going on. I am hoping within the next two weeks to be able to announce something here about it. I’m extremely excited about it and hope it works out for the best!

Until then, keep clanging the metal and rattling those chains when you are out on the disc golf course!

***

I’m sneaking out of the area this weekend to do a little day trip. I’m not going far, but I’m meeting up with a friend to do a day of geocaching/letterboxing and catch up on some things.

Here’s something I’ve figured — it’s not as easy planning a trip to involve letterboxing as it is geocaching.

See, with geocaching, you have a map you can open up and see where everything is. That way, you can plan a route that is somewhat economical and such.

With letterboxing, you can bring up a google map — for each box. Then you have to figure what’s close etc., and try and keep them somewhat in a route to make it worthwhile.

Hopefully by the end of tomorrow, we’ll have piled up a bunch of finds for both. And I also hope to have had several cool photos taken before the end of the day.

Though the temperatures are supposed to be slightly cooler tomorrow (not too bad, though), it is still supposed to be sunny and nice out. So I look forward to a day of finding stamps, caches and photo opportunities.

***

I have finally gotten back into reading books on the Kindle again. I’m reading one of Jodi Picoult’s latest books, “Sing Me Home.” So far, so good. I’m a big fan of Picoult and always enjoy what she brings to the table with her books. Well-written and well-researched make things a good and smooth read.

I have a couple of other books lined up as well.

Anyone get a Kindle Fire over the holidays? I’m curious to see what people think. I have a 3rd or 4th Generation Kindle and I like it. But down the line, I might look to upgrade, though if I really want a tablet, the iPad seems like the way I might lean. I like my reader to be just that — a reader.

Feel free to leave a comment, or e-mail P.J. at hoohaablog [at] gmail.com. Also, please “Like” HooHaa Blog on Facebook by clicking the button on the right side of the page!

Filed Under: Books, Cameras, Disc golf, Geocaching, iPhone, Job hunt, My world, Notes from my noodle, Photography Tagged With: 365 project, 366 project, blog, bloggers, blogging, camera, canon 7d, central park, central park schenectady, cover letters, cps, day trip, disc, disc golf, dslr, family, friends, geocache, geocaching, iphone, job, job hunt, jodi picoult, Kindle, letterbox, letterboxing, need a job, nice weather, photography, photos, picoult, planning, Reading, resume, schenectady, schenectady central park, unemployed, warm winter, work

8 Comments

2011: Looking back

January 1, 2012

One of my most vivid and humbling memories of 2011 is walking around Arlington National Cemetery.

As I write this, I’m still in 2011. When it publishes, it will be 2012.

I’m ready for the change.

To say that 2011 has been one of the most frustrating and stressful years for me since I’ve been on this planet would be an understatement.

I’m in the midst of one of the biggest battles of my life — unemployment. I’ve had interviews. I’ve had callbacks. But I haven’t gotten that job offer — yet. I know one will come, but it doesn’t take away from the fact that I’ve dealt with this for an entire year — and still feel that losing my job was unjust. I realize cuts have to be made, but I still can’t and probably never will why mine was cut.

That’s neither here nor there and it’s in the past. I keep pushing forward.

When I look back many years from now and think of years during my life, this one will stand out. Why? Because of everything I’ve had to go through. And I’m not the only one. There are so many talented people throughout the country dealing with the same thing. With unemployment as it is, the market is tougher. I’ve even cashed in many favors to get noticed, to no avail.

Something will happen. And this year will have made me stronger. That’s something that I will take away from all this frustration.

That doesn’t take the distaste away from my mouth. I haven’t been to the doctor in nearly a year (who can afford it when no insurance?), I haven’t seen a dentist (oh how I miss the teeth cleaning) in 9 or 10 months, and I’ve battled the up and down feelings at different times. I’ve learned everything I need to know and then some about unemployment insurance. And the job market. And resumes. And cover letters.

And the list goes on and on.

I’ve learned how to battle some of these items and push forward. I’ve let some of those feelings win at times, however, and that doesn’t feel good.

It took me many months to come to grips with what happened. I finally, in October or November, finally let it go. I’m at peace with it now. I am shocked it took me that long, but it did. I will say that there are certain people of whom I used to have amazing respect and admiration for. That’s gone. There were people I considered friends. That’s gone. The reality is I only keep in touch with a few people from my former place of employment. Once employed again, there might be a couple of others I touch base with.

There are a few, however, whom I will never — ever — have contact with again. There is a strong feeling of dislike, or worse. And I’m OK with that. I’ve learned to keep it under control. I know one day, I’ll rise above all of that and be able to laugh.

Still, with all that negativity, this year hasn’t been all bad.

I’m going to take a personal look back at 2011 and hopefully not bore you in the process!

***

The year started off OK, but then, for the first time in my professional career, I found myself on the short end of a layoff. It wasn’t performance based, but there were several cuts in our newsroom.

Anytime I get worked up about things that happened to me in 2011, I try and look at images like this to realize life isn't bad.

Somehow, despite winning or being part of six awards and being extremely loyal, I was one of the short straws. It still boggles my mind.

That put me in a different mode.

I had to re-write my resume, secure references and work on cover letters. I had to basically be a full-time job seeker. That still hasn’t paid off, but I’m pushing ahead.

I battled this early. It was tough, as it still is. But I was pretty in the dumps.

I battled out and went in here and there. But I kept fighting. Still, I made the best of this 2011.

***

A friend of mine, Brendan, who has always been more like a little brother, graduated from the Navy’s basic training. I had the opportunity to go out there and see it.

Brendan after graduation.

The experience was excellent. The ceremony was very cool and it was good to see him happy and excited for the next steps in his life. Since then, he’s continued his schooling and is doing well. I hope one day he really gets to make an impact. It’s good to see his life on track better than before.

The military isn’t for everyone. Though I am loyal and always considered myself hard working, I like knowing that if something is really bad, I can look for a new job and move on. It’s not that way in the military, so I don’t think I would have done well with it. But Brendan has done well and I hope his success continues and this becomes something he can continue to embrace and utilize to make his life better.

The trip to Chicago also served as a chance to meet up with an old friend, Scott. The two of us grew up three houses from one another. I’ve kept in somewhat contact with him over the years, but I hadn’t actually seen him in several years. He’s in the Chicago area, so I got to meet up with him one night, have a few drinks, dinner and catch up. I’ve long since realized that making contact with old friends and family is a big part of this life and a way to find some happiness. More on that, as well, late in the post.

***

Not long after that, I then had the chance to take a few days and go to the biggest geocaching event in the world.

GeoWoodstock.

The Ferreteers at GeoWoodstock!

It was in Pennsylvania, so not a bad drive. There were more than 5,000 people at this event. And what an experience.

Over the course of three days, we hit up eight events (including the big one), met many new people, saw a lot of familiar faces and had a great time. Of course there were many caches to be found as well!

The experience itself was quite amazing. This was probably the best geocaching experience I’ve had yet. I can’t even put it into words, for the most part. Vendors, people, food, fun. It was excellent.

Hopefully, if all goes well, I’ll be able to travel to Indiana for this year’s edition of GeoWoodstock. We’ll see how the job hunt goes.

As for geocaching, it hasn’t been an awful year. My numbers have gone down, as they have the past year or two. But I still enjoy it a lot. I just don’t go flying our for first to finds in the middle of the night or look for 40-plus find days anymore. A cache here and there makes me happy, especially if it’s a good one. Events are still the most enjoyable part of the game to me and I look forward to continuing this fun in 2012.

I had the chance to have a lot of great finds this year (and many crappy ones, too), but the game maintained its fun factor. That’s the key to me. I always wondered if geocaching would keep that fun and it has. I think that I’ve slowed down and spread it out more has prolonged the fun for me. I know many people out there have so many more finds, plan vacations for geocaching, and live and breathe the game. But if I had done that, I would have lost the interest a long time ago. I’ve kept it and I look for that to continue in 2012.

***

And though I’ve had to do it on the cheap (which isn’t bad), I’ve had the chance to do some small trips this year, specifically to Washington D.C. and South New Jersey.

I stared out at this for many hours when in South Jersey.

I crashed at a friend’s house in the D.C. area and had an excellent time. I caught up with him and another friend, saw some great things and had some good food. I hadn’t been to D.C. since I was 5 or 6 years old and don’t really remember it.

I had the chance to do some photography, find a few caches and just relax. It was nice to get away. And, I was even treated to a NHL playoff game, which was wild to watch, especially with the Capitals winning. Good times.

One of the parts of the trip I will remember are the two times I went to Arlington National Cemetery by myself. I just walked around. Took some photos and really took in the scene. It was amazing. And very powerful and humbling.

In October, I had the chance to hit up the Jersey shore. My aunt and uncle own a place in Avalon and offered me the chance to stay there. Despite having a hard time getting in when I first got there, I had three or so days of enjoyment down there. There was hardly anyone there. I walked the beach, took photos, went geocaching and relaxed. I also had the chance to meet up with a cousin I hadn’t seen in many years and we went out for a night of photography, which was a blast.

One of the cool things during a trip to NYC was going to 5 Pointz in Queens.

I also got to take two day trips down to New York City to visit with friends, which is always excellent. I went in the spring and then about a week ago. The city is a great place for photos, food and fun. I don’t think I’d ever want to live there, but visiting isn’t a bad thing. I got some great photo opportunities and it’s a great getaway that doesn’t cost too much for one day.

On the spring trip, I even finally got the chance to go to the top of the Empire State Building, which was really cool.

The best was keeping these trips on the cheap end. All of them of them helped clear my mind some, which was excellent.

***

A game that I’ve embraced more in 2011 is disc golf. This game has been a fantastic addition to my life. For one, it gets you out walking/hiking to play. It taxes you physically and mentally and it’s an interesting culture.

The Ace Race was a fun and relaxed tournament.

Personally, my game has improved some. Not as much as I’d have liked it to, but that’s part of the problem when the closest good course to you is 1:20 away. There has been a push for a course in our area (there had been hopes of having it in the ground this past June or so), but political red tape has stonewalled it. There’s still hope and maybe by this spring we’ll have the dream of this course realized. If that happens, I look forward to my game taking off a bit better.

Still, I had the chance to play many rounds. I also played in seven tournaments (five of which were PDGA sanctioned). I had plans to play in a few more, but I got a little burnt with the game earlier in the year.

I found that playing too many tournaments and not enough casual rounds could really do you in. Why? Because the game becomes too competitive. As much as I like to compete, I also don’t like to get smoked by everyone. Finishing last is one thing, but finishing last by many strokes is another.

So I stepped away from tournaments, except a few. I played more casual rounds. I found the fun again. I even had my best round ever, shooting a 64 at Central Park in Schenectady. That was an awesome feeling. I’ve since had several rounds in the 60s and feel I’m improving a lot, but I need to practice more. Go throw. Putt. Work on things.

The best for a tournament though? The ElectrCity Classic. My opening round was awful. One of the worst rounds I had ever shot at the course (again, Central Park) when I finished with an awful 83. I had been paired up with three players in a much better category than I. They were shooting from the blue tees and me from the white. It was very tough to do this and I still wonder why I wasn’t paired with at least one other in my division. But, that’s neither here nor there. The round dragged on. We got smoked with a nasty thunderstorm. And then finally finished.

With nothing to lose in round two, I relaxed. I was also in a fivesome — all of which were in the same level, for the most part. And I improved. I shot a 72 (and could have been better, sans a couple of idiotic putts), got the most improved round (a $25 gift card to a local sports store) and didn’t finish last in a legit tournament.

I volunteered at the Vibram Open this year. It's impressive watching players, such as Avery Jenkins, throw that plastic as far as they do.

So not bad.

I’m hoping 2012 will continue to see my game improve. I’ve made some great contacts in the industry and a few of us are working on a really fun project. I’ve met and chatted with some of the finest pros in the world, had the chance to volunteer at one of the most prestigious tournaments on the national tour (the Vibram Open) and really got to see a lot of new things in regard to the game this year. I see no reason that won’t change!

Here’s hoping that my game can continue to improve and that I can keep having fun playing!

***

As many people who know me know, most of my online monikers have the word “softball” in them. That’s done on purpose as I’m a softball junkie.

The one good thing about being unemployed during the summer is that I can do all my job seeking during the day and have the nights free to play softball. I’ve played softball since I was in high school and I love the game.

This year was a new experience for our team in our current league. We came in as defending champions.

Champions... again!

And we left as back-to-back champions.

It was a great season. We lost twice, both coming to the same team. One of those losses came in the best-of-three final. It didn’t look good for us in the third game, either. But we rallied in the bottom of the seventh to win on a walk-off single.

It was a tremendous scene, too, as our bench emptied to celebrate the win. I realize it’s adult recreation softball, but the reality is we are not going to be playing pro ball. So this is the competition we have. This is our big time. And to win a game in that fashion after such an awesome series, it was an incredible feeling.

Winning doesn’t suck.

Only time will tell if we can make it three straight this upcoming summer. But I know we’ll give it a run and have fun in the process.

***

Probably the best thing this year though?

Our family reunion.

It’s been something I’ve wanted to do for a long time and after some hard work with several people in the family (especially my mother), we pulled it off. Family from my mother’s and father’s sides came to this area for a fantastic day in August.

I met family I had never met before.

Our family reunion was, happily, a big draw.

And saw members of the family who I had only really seen at weddings and funerals. So what a difference.

We had good food, drink, games and fun.

In the end, there were more than 50 members of the family present. There were several generations, too, which made it even cooler.

There were a couple of times where I just stood back and looked around at all the smiles and such. I know for many years, I wasn’t the most family oriented person. I missed some smaller reunions, weddings etc. I regret that now.

But, as I’ve grown older, I realize how great these reunions can be.

I don’t know if I’ll try and do one again this year, but I know I want to do one again, soon. It’s a tough time for many people in this economy, so getting up here every year might be tough.

I did learn a lot from this reunion, however. And I think the next one will be better from those lessons.

But in the end, no matter how much we may have over planned (too much food!), this was a tremendous experience and great time. I look forward to doing it again!

***

With having more time on my hands, I had the chance to work on my blog more often. I think that has been successful.

For the year, my statistics were solid. I only started keeping stats at the very end of February, but according to those attached to my blog, I’ve had nearly 21,000 hits. That’s quite solid for a personal blog, I think.

And, since August, I’ve averaged almost 3,000 hits per month.

I’ve also had a chance to really dive back into photography and work on some personal projects. And seeing as my love of photography has come back, I’m going to once again attempt to do a 365 project. The reason I am doing it, however, is because 2012 is a leap year and it will actually be a 366 project.

I finished this project in 2010. So hopefully I can do it again this year. I always said I wouldn’t do it again, but heck… let’s see what I can get done this year!

***

In the end, 2011 was a tough year. Unemployment has given me a different outlook on this world, people and other things. I’m not political, but it’s my hope that the government will eventually find a way to help people instead of always fighting with other countries. That’s all I have to say about political stuff.

But I’ve met some really good new friends. I’ve had some successes and I look for better things in 2012. I do feel blessed, to a point, for having what I have and knowing life could be worse.

My outlook is good. I am positive. I have a roof over my head. I can pay my bills (for the most part) and I am breathing. I have it far better than many. But that doesn’t take away from the thoughts of personal failure and wonderment on what lies ahead. I’ll overcome, I hope, in 2012.

I am not much for “New Year’s resolutions,” but I do like to set some goals. My goals, in no specific order (outside of the first one) for 2012 are:

  • New job
  • Reach 3,000 finds in geocaching
  • Become a 750 rated disc golfer (I’m at 672)
  • Improve my health (get to seeing a doctor regularly again, lose weight, etc.)
  • Find personal happiness
  • Continue for my blog to grow
  • Complete the 366 project

***

Finally, I want to end this post with some more photography. I’ve decided I wanted to pick out my 15 favorite photos that I took this year. I will put them in no particular order and, I can assure you, this was a very rough decision to make to pick just 15 (I could have easily gone top 25!) (Note: The ones already used in this post are among some of my favorites, but I won’t use them for a second time in this part).

Disc golf basket during sunset. April.

Snowshoeing during an LL Bean course in Albany. January.

Speeding bullet. April.

Changing of the Guard, Arlington National Cemetery. April.

On-site fundraiser at Relay For Life. April.

Kite flying in South New Jersey. October.

Mother's Day golf outing. May.

Delaware County Fair. August.

Eddie Edwards vs. Jay Freddie, 2CW. August.

Vibram Open winner Nate Doss has his photo taken by top women's pro and girlfriend Val Jenkins after taking the ceremonial pond plunge. September.

David. August.

Oneonta Ultimate Idol winner, Liz Walker. August.

Sarah making the final out during a tournament game. September.

Catherine. May.

Washington D.C. (From Arlington). April.

***

To everyone, I hope you have a great and wonderful 2012. May it be full of dreams, good reality, good pizza, an awesome hot dog or three and perfectly poured pints of Guinness. May you smile often and find success in whatever you do.

Feel free to leave a comment, or e-mail P.J. at hoohaablog [at] gmail.com. Also, please “Like” HooHaa Blog on Facebook by clicking the button on the right side of the page!

Filed Under: blogging, Disc golf, Events, Family, Family reunion 2011, Friends, Geocaching, Job hunt, My world, Photography, softball, Travel Tagged With: 2011, 2011 in review, 5 pointz, blog, blogging, blogs, Chicago, disc golf, discs, family, family reunion, friends, geocaching, geowoodstock, jersey shore, job hunt, looking at 2012, looking back, navy, navy basic training, navy graduation, new year's, new york city, nyc, pdga, photography, photos, softball, south jersey, south new jersey, travel, unemployed, unemployment, vibram open, washington dc

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hoohaa29

Writer who loves images just as much as words! In search of perfectly poured pints of Guinness and great hot dogs. Find me on twitter @softball29.

Couldn’t resist stopping on the way to work too Couldn’t resist stopping on the way to work too quickly snap some photos of this scene. Hamden Covered Bridge. #bridge #coveredbridge #hamden #snow #winter #instagood #photooftheday #happy #picoftheday #fun #igers #bestoftheday #life #photo #iphonesia #igdaily #iphoneonly #love #beautiful #photography
A nice day to get out for a hike, grab a #geocache A nice day to get out for a hike, grab a #geocache and place a few. Felt good abs here’s hoping for a much better year!
Thought this wax seal came out pretty well! #waxse Thought this wax seal came out pretty well! #waxsealstamp #waxseal #waxseals #card #mail #snailmail
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QU_MIHQuinnipiac Men's Ice Hockey@QU_MIH·
18 Jan

We're up a spot in the polls and back in the Top 🔟! #BobcatNation

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POTUSPresident Biden@POTUS·
20 Jan

The time to move forward is now.

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DanRatherDan Rather@DanRather·
20 Jan

I will not apologize for getting emotional and a little misty in the eye on reflecting on this moment and the story of our nation.

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