Through the Green
January 2023
In this month's edition
On Course
After an incredibly busy November period that included Tournament Week, the past month has seen the Club as a hive of activity as we entered the holiday period, and this will continue over the coming weeks.
Ray Presnell Shield
54 Hole Challenge
The 54 Hole Challenge, a unique event to The National, consisting of members playing all three courses in the same day, was played by a strong field of over 85 players.
Our overall winner, with an impressive 114pts, was Tony Davis.
The Ray Presnell Shield was played on the Gunnamatta course on Sunday 4 December, featuring 7 mixed pairs from Huntingdale Golf Club competing against 7 mixed pairs from The National Golf Club in a 4BBB Stableford event.
The National ultimately proved too strong on the day, securing the trophy with a victory of 5 points to 2.
Christmas Ambrose
The Longest Day
The annual Club Christmas Ambrose event was held on Sunday 4 December on the Gunnamatta Course.
The overall nett winners of the day were Akira Ozawa, David McPherson, Timothy Alexander and Adele Alexander with an excellent score of 53.75 nett.
Holes-in-One
Congratulatiopns to Stephen Montgomerie and Ed Holmes for their holes-in-one over the past month. Stephen's ace came on the 12th Hole at Long Island, whilst Ed hit a beautiful shot in on the 7th hole of the Old Course.
The Longest Day was played on 12 December, on the Gunnamatta Course in conditions comparable to a 12-hour long ice bath with the fan on.
Collectively, 2,484 holes were played by the brave field of 37 with a total amount of $34,355 being raised for charity!
Thank you to all participants who tested their skill, strength and stamina as part of this event.
Congratulations to Louise James who led the field with an aggregate score of 135 Stableford points (32, 21, 36, 36).
A special mention to Francesca Petrakos who won the single-round competition with a score of 38 points.
The Dunes Medal
Congratulations to The National’s, Nathan Page on his win in The Dunes Medal.
Nathan joins an illustrious group with names like Jason Day and Hannah Green, both past champions.
Nathan who was one down with two to play, birdied the 17th hole to set up his win.
Well done to Matt Lever (5th) Chloe Wilson (10th), Sam Bakes and Cody Brenner who also represented The National.
Around the club
Long Island Update
The planning submission for the LI renovation was submitted to Council on Monday December 5. The Club has been working closely with Ogilvy Cocking Mead (OCM), our planning consultant Tract and Frankston Council to ensure, to the greatest extent possible, that ‘roadblock’ issues pertaining to this project have been addressed in advance of the submission going in. We anticipate that the approval process will take about 6 months, albeit noting that this timeframe falls outside our direct control.
The tender for irrigation works is almost complete, the outcome of which will be clearly known to us within the month. This is a critical component of the project budget, noting that it will account for approximately one quarter of total spend.
A preliminary works program has been developed with three distinct stages, as outlined below. The timelines below should be treated as indicative and will be varied as circumstances require. The first phase, which takes in the southern ‘half’ of the course, will actually remove 10 holes from play, requiring a temporary hole to be introduced on the existing practice area between the 17th tee and 18th green to accommodate 9 holes of play for members during that initial 12 months. Work on the new short-game area and putting green will commence towards the end of that first phase, commencing in April 2024 with the aim of being ready for growing in over the ensuing spring months. The final stage, encompassing the 8 ‘northern’ holes will commence in September 2024 with a targeted full course re-opening from October 2025.
The following constitute our short-term project priorities:
Appointment of Jodi Micari as Women’s Golf Coordinator
The Committee is pleased to announce that Jodi Micari has taken over as the Women’s Golf Coordinator from Meredith Ramadan, whose recent appointment to the Captaincy has required her to step away after almost four years in that role.
Despite only having been with The National since 2018, Jodi has been an energetic contributor to Women’s Bowls, Interclub and Pennant as well as having taken up a position on the Match Sub-Committee. A regular starter on Wednesdays at Long Island, Jodi is a fixture at Cape Schanck on the weekends, generally playing off a mid-teens handicap. In March, capably supported by National volunteers, she will head up the National Women’s Invitational event for the first time, as a key element of the role.
With qualifications in Psychology and Criminology, Jodi has been a tireless defender of, and advocate for, vulnerable younger Australians in a range of senior roles. In 2006, she started Axia Solutions Family Contact Services, which is now the industry leader across Australia in providing children’s contact supervision services to State Government Child Protection, Foster Care and Welfare Agencies and the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia. The business has offices in Victoria and New South Wales, and employs over 70 staff nationally, helping many graduates find a footing for their career in social welfare. As Managing Director for more than 15 years, Jodi is committed to upholding the safety and rights of children and young people in our community.
Jodi’s selfless attitude and boundless energy will make her an unquestionable asset to the Club in future years.
2023 Club Championships
The 2023 Club Championships are fast approaching, with the dates as follows.
Round 1 - Saturday 28 Jan – Long Island and Gunnamatta Course
Round 2 - Sunday 29 Jan – Long Island and Gunnamatta Course
Quarter-finals - Sunday 5 Feb (AM) – Moonah Course
Semi-finals - Sunday 5 Feb (PM) – Moonah Course
Final - Sunday 12 Feb – Old Course
Rounds & draws
Men's
Open* - GA Handicap range – up to 4.4
Club GA Handicap range – up to 4.4
A Grade GA Handicap range – 4.5 to 9.4
B Grade GA Handicap range – 9.5 to 15.4
C Grade GA Handicap range – 15.5 +
*The Open Champion is the player with the lowest gross scores after 2 round of stroke play. Open to both Men and Women. Professional golfers are also eligible
There will also be a 36 hole nett event for the 2 qualifying rounds.
Women's
Open* - GA Handicap range – up to 4.4
A Grade GA Handicap range – up to 15.4
B Grade GA Handicap range – 15.5 to 25.4
C Grade GA Handicap range – 25.5 +
Entries open via the timesheets on the Club website on Tuesday 10 Jan. Entries will close on Sunday 22 Jan or if capacity is reached.
Car Parking at Cape Schanck
A number of areas in the Cape Schanck car-park have been cleared, ahead of proposed works in mid-2023, to create additional unmarked spaces during this summer peak. In addition to some reserved parks being freed up in the undercover area, a number of permanent staff will temporarily use the small grassed area to the right of the clubhouse (as you face out towards the 18th hole on Gunnamatta). The entrance to that area will be clearly signed and marked out (at the access point marked in the image below).
Please observe the signage, and keep access to that area clear at all times, to prevent cars from being stranded on that upper level. We anticipate that these various small steps will have some positive impact in helping to restrict congestion during the weeks ahead.
PGA Corporate and Sponsorship Opportunities
The National will host the season-ending tournament of the 2022-23 PGA Tour of Australasia commencing 30 March, on the Moonah course.
This tournament, during the weekends play will comprise of 8 hours coverage across each of Foxtel, Kayo and Spark NZ platforms.
The Club will release Sponsorship opportunities mid to late January which will also include information on Hospitality packages and Volunteer information. Expressions of interest pertaining to Sponsorship package opportunities can be emailed to Brett Nelson – brett.nelson@nationalgolf.com.au
Allocated Group Bookings
The Captains Update email sent on December 14 outlined changes to timesheet bookings for allocated groups. We committed to provide more detail on how we have compressed group bookings onto two courses at Cape Schanck.
To address growing demand, particularly on Wednesday and Friday mornings, allocated group bookings will only be allocated to two courses. The regular member/member guest/guest rotation will continue, albeit with the removal of guest restrictions on all courses from two days prior to play (excluding Saturday AM). Strict conditions will apply to all group booking activity, and any group found to be flouting those rules will risk losing its privileges.
To help members when the ballot opens the booking sheet heading will indicate which course will not contain any allocated group bookings. A copy of the times allocated to group booking on Wednesday and Friday can be found here.
A copy of the group booking sheet can be found here.
Member Photo Competition
For the month of January we will be giving away a voucher to the Pro-Shop for the best photos that are shared to the members' Instagram page.
To enter, simply share your photo on Instagram and tag @ngcmembers
The image below was taken by Gregor Carr. What a snap!!
Bump & Run
Forward - Back Tees
Member-Exclusive Instagram Page
As of January 1 2023, Forward-Back tees have replaced gender/colour tees and are all available to use by members and their guests each day.
2023 Programme
Member-Guest Bookings
Each day member guest bookings are available on three of our four courses. We receive frequent requests from members for Golf Operations to make exceptions to these rules. To standardise our approach, and to remove that discretionary aspect, we will remove restrictions on guests from all courses at 9am two days prior to play for any tee times which remain available. Please note – this excludes Saturday AM
This will result in the following course classifications:
* Excluding Saturday AM
The National Golf Club 2023 Programme is now available.
View or download the full calendar of upcoming events for the new year, along with other handy information.
Dress Standards
A friendly reminder of Dress Regulations at the Club with particular regards to:
Members are responsible for the attire of their guests;
Click here to access the Club’s Dress Code Regulations booklet.
Tournament Week - Club Dinner
Dog-Friendly Day
Members are invited to attend the Club Dinner, held during our upcoming Tournament Week on Friday 24 February. .
Further information will be posted to the website in the coming weeks.
The Club will conduct its first dog-friendly day in January. This is an opportunity for members to share the experience of The National with their (best) furry friends.
Keep an eye on the Club website in the coming weeks for further info.
Member Privacy
Pennant 2023
Members are reminded to be respectful of the right to privacy at our facility. It is not appropriate to photograph, record, video or publish in any format/forum another member or group of members without their explicit permission.
The Club will again participate in Metropolitan Pennant and GPV Pennant for season 2023. The Club, for the first time will participate in Men’s GPV Pennant.
Good luck to all players and officials and look out for regular updates on the website during the season.
The irrigation design has been finalised for Long Island and will go out to tender in the next couple of weeks
The design has two separate pumping stations, one for the greens and one for the couch surfaces . This will allow us to irrigate the greens with either potable water or bore water . The fairways irrigation is a hard edge design, this means no water will be applied to the roughs . This will provide definition and avoid water wastage
A copy of the plans can be found here
From the Pro Shop
Demo and Fitting Days
The club has a number of upcoming demo and fitting days running through January and February.
Bookings can be made via the website or by contacting the Golf Operations team.
Women's Clothing Launch - Coming Soon
Following the success of the Greyson mens clothing range, The National’s retail team is proud to announce that we will be stocking exclusive brands like DailySports, J.LINDEBERG and Röhnisch in a women's range.
Similar to the mens launch of Greyson – we will be hosting a launch party with exclusive sneak-peeks into upcoming ranges from these stockists.
Keep your eyes out for the EPNY range that will also be landing on shelves over the coming weeks, with the launch party for the new range to come in March.
Little Nash'
HOLE | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | TOTAL |
Meters | 38 | 22 | 52 | 41 | 36 | 40 | 229 |
Par | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 18 |
Player 1 | |||||||
Player 2 | |||||||
Player 3 | |||||||
Player 4 |
Our first 'Little Nash' event took place on Thursday 29 December in picture-perfect conditions. With a full timesheet it was great to see so many out on course (some for the very first time).
For those of you who aren't familiar, ‘Little Nash’ is a pitch ‘n’ putt course designed for golfers of all abilities. The course provides some challenge for the more seasoned golfer, whilst also allowing those who may not have played before, the opportunity to succeed on a short course that is significantly friendlier than its neighbouring layouts.
Using the current practice chipping green and surrounding areas, we have designed 6 short holes, ranging between 20 – 60m.
We encourage members to bring along their friends and family, from 4pm, for an afternoon of fun on the following dates:
– Fri 6 January (BOOKED OUT)
– Tue 10 January
– Sun 15 January
Dinner and drinks are available in the bar until 7pm.
Clubs and balls will be provided to those who require them.
To book, simply access the timesheets as you would normally.
Any questions – please contact Ben Hall – ben.hall@nationalgolf.com.au
Nick's Tip
Each month we are going to bring you a tip from former European and PGA Tour player Nick O'Hern.
This months tip focuses on speed when we are putting - certainly something that players of all skill levels can consider when they are lining up their next putt!
Coaches Corner
Coaching Availability
With more than 20 years of coaching experience each, our PGA Professional Coaching Staff are ready to help you improve your game.
Tim Stone and Andrew Kloprogge, equipped with some of golf’s latest technology, are available throughout January at Cape Schanck and Long Island.
Whether you are looking for some advice on clubs, wanting to learn a new or particular shot, or simply want to work on your golf swing, come and spend some time with Tim or Andrew.
To check availability or book coaching sessions, visit the Club website, or contact Tim at tim.stone@nationalgolf.com.au or Andrew at andrew.kloprogge@nationalgolf.com.au
GC Quad Lands at The National
Used by the likes of Rickie Fowler, Phil Mickleson and Byson Dechambau, the GC Quad is now available for your next lesson at The National.
Featuring 4 cameras that take 200 photos from different perspectives at impact, GCQuad takes pictures of the clubface, which provides precise information like the path, lie angle, angle of attack and strike location.
This data is then used to provide further understanding of why you keep hitting that dreaded hook or how you can add more spin to your approach shots.
Book a time with one of our coaches to access the GC Quad and immediately start to see the results!
Changes to the Rules of Golf
On 1 January 2023, a series of changes to the Rules of Golf took effect in all countries around the world.
In addition to a small number of amendments to the Rules that apply to all golfers, the changes include groundbreaking modifications for people with a disability, and a global modernisation of the way in which the rules are made available.
Major Rule Change - Simplified back-on-the-line-relief
This relief procedure, often used for penalty area and unplayable ball relief, has been simplified so the ball is now dropped on the line, and may roll up to one club-length in any direction without a re-drop being required.
This change simplifies what had become a complex procedure that was regularly breached by golfers without them realising they had done so.
It represents a return to the essence of the easy-to-apply, pre-2019 process, which was almost entirely free of inaccurate application by golfers at any level of the game.
New Rule of Golf (Rule 25) that applies only to golfers with a disability
For the first time, specific regulations for golfers with disability have been included in the Rules of Golf. There are four sub-rules in the new Rule 25 that permit an “approved person” to perform certain actions that would result in a penalty if performed by a non-approved person.
Click here to access the application process, and for more information on the four new sub-rules for golfers with disability.
Discontinuance of Hard Copies of Rule Books
Another significant reform associated with the 2023 Rules is that hard copies will no longer be distributed to club members and administrators. In future, access to the Rules will be via R&A-approved websites and apps. Golf Australia is currently working with the R&A to upgrade the GA Handicap App to have it feature all 2023 R&A Rules content. This will enable all club golfers and administrators across Australia to gain world-class access to their handicapping and rules content from the one place. The app has now surpassed 250,000 downloads. The work on the GA Handicap App is projected to be completed in February 2023.
Until the work on the upgraded GA Handicap App has been completed by the R&A and Golf Australia, we encourage any administrator or golfer wanting access to the 2023 Rules to use the new R&A Rules of Golf app.
Australia’s move to digital is part of the R&A’s and USGA’s global modernisation of the way in which the Rules are made available to golfers and administrators around the world. This initiative will eliminate any paper wastage and freighting associated with distributing 500,000 Rule books around Australia, many of which received little practical use and were intimidating to the vast majority of golfers. This historical practice of printing Rule books has become unsustainable, and the move to digital is an easy way for golf to support the environment.
For those people seeking a hard copy of the 2023 Rules, they will still be available for purchase – to source options from the various online retailers, simply Google “Official Guide to the Rules of Golf 2023”.
Relaxations to Rules Applying to Damaged Clubs & Handicaps on Scorecards
Minor changes/relaxations to rules can be found here
Course News
Pitch Repair
We ask all members to help us present the courses in the best possible conditions at all times. One integral part of ensuring we maintain pristine putting surfaces is to repair pitch marks.
Repairing ball marks is one of the easiest ways that golfers can help our course maintenance team to deliver high-quality putting surfaces. After hitting a great shot onto the putting green, fixing your ball mark and a couple nearby is an excellent way of ensuring that our greens stay in excellent condition
Fresh pitch mark
Non-repaired pitch mark after 3 weeks
Repaired pitch mark after 24 hours
Next time you hit your approach into the green, remember these four points.
The proper technique for ball mark repair is easy and fast.
Insert the ball mark repair tool behind the ball mark and gently pull the top of the tool toward the center. Continue working around the ball mark, pulling the surrounding turf in toward the center of the indentation. Avoid using a lifting or twisting motion because this can damage turf roots. Once you have finished pulling turf in toward the center, gently tap the area down with your putter to create a smooth, firm surface.
Unrepaired ball marks cause lasting problems
Failing to repair a ball mark may seem like a minor oversight, but there are lasting consequences. Unrepaired ball marks can take weeks to heal, during which time they can cause balls to bounce off line. The damage to the putting surface is also an entry point for weeds that can cause serious problems.
Soft conditions mean more ball marks
Following irrigation or rain, causing putting surfaces to be wet or soft, ball marks can be more of an issue. This is just one of the reasons why our course maintenance team work hard to promote firm playing conditions with aeration, topdressing and other maintenance practices.
Almost any pointed tool can be used to successfully repair a ball mark.
Many different tools have been created to repair ball marks, including single-pronged and fork-shaped tools. Almost any pointed tool, including a golf tee, can be used to effectively repair a ball mark. Using the proper technique is the key to success
Gunnamatta 17th & 18th holes
On the back of renewed concerns relating to the general safety of players on the 18th tee of Gunnamatta, from players teeing off from the 17th hole, the Club has made some further amendments to the placement of tees on that finishing hole.
From 29 December, the preferred tee locations for that hole has been located on the fairway off to the right of the traditional women’s teeing area or approximately 20 metres forward of that area. Management is currently in discussion with the team from Renaissance Golf Design, and that group is aware of our urgency to identify a design solution which will permanently address the existing safety issue and remove the current restrictions that have been introduced. Despite the current delay, we adhere to the view that the involvement of the course architect in such a material change is important for preserving overall integrity.
From the Kitchen
Spencer Gulf Kingfish Sashimi
Thai Basil Green Chilli Nahm Jim, Coconut Cream & Finger Lime
1
1b
2
200ml
2
200ml
Green Chilli Nahm Jim
10
1b
10cl
1
8
250g
10
250ml
50ml
1T
Whole Sashimi Grade Spencer Gulf Kingfish
Thai Basil
Native Finger Limes
Coconut Cream
Kaffir Lime Leaves
Green Chilli Nahm Jim (see below)
Limes (rolled)
Washed Coriander Roots
Garlic Roughly Chopped
Stick Lemongrass Roughly Chopped
Kaffir Lime Leaves Finely Chopped
Palm Sugar Shaved
Long Green Chillies Roughly Chopped
Fish Sauce
Veg Oil
Murray River Salt
In a Pestle and Mortar pound in batches garlic with a little salt, then coriander roots, chilli, lemongrass, lime leaf, then squeeze in lime juice and fish sauce. Taste for balance and repeat process until all the ingredients have been used. Mix all batches and taste for balance, adjust if necessary, top with vegetable oil. Makes approx 1litre of sauce.
To plate slice 7 nice slices of kingfish and lay on a plate, spoon over nahm jim on each piece of fish, drizzle with coconut cream, sprinkle with finger lime, picked thai basil leaves, fine julienne of lime leaves and serve.
Makes approx. 8 plates
Events in January
Hangover Cup
Sunday 1 January
Sandra McCaw Trophy Play-Off
Wednesday 4 January
Monthly Medal
Saturday 7 January
Summer Cup
Sunday 8 January - Round 1
Sunday 15 January - Round 2
Sunday 22 January - Round 3
Finals to follow in February
Bill Britten Trophy Play-Off
Thursday 12 January
Michael Hamson Chairman’s Trophy
Saturday 14 January
The National Junior Classic
Wednesday 18 January
Australia Day Ambrose
Thursday 26 January
Club Championships
Saturday 28 January - Round 1
Sunday 29 January - Round 2
Finals to follow in February
Nine & Dine
Friday 6 January
Friday 13 January
Friday 20 January
Friday 27 January
To view the 2023 Programme - please click here
Looking Ahead
Alma Jewson Shield
Wednesday 1 February - Round 1
Wednesday 8 February - Round 2
Women's Only Event
Monthly Medal
Sat 4 February
Club Championships - Finals
Sunday 5 February - Quarter-Finals (AM) & Semi-Finals (PM)
Sunday 12 February - Finals
Trent Jones Trophy
Saturday 25 February- Round 1
Sunday 26 February- Round 2
Nine & Dine
Friday 3 February
Friday 10 February
Tournament Week
Saturday 18 February - Tribal Challenge
Sunday 19 February - Summer Mixed Event
Monday 20 February - Champagne Open
Monday 20 February - Men’s Elimination Ambrose
Tuesday 21 February - Guest Day AM Field Gunnamatta & Long Island
Wednesday 22 February - Members Day
Thursday 23 February - Composite Course Challenge
Friday 24 February - Club Dinner
Junior News
Junior Club Championships
The Junior Club Championships took place over the first two Sundays in December with 18 of our brightest young stars tackling the Long Island and Gunnamatta courses.
Some spectacular golf was on display, none more so than by Joshua Marshall who shot a 4 under, 68 on the Gunnamatta course.
Following the golf, a presentation evening was held where we recognised the following players.
Joshua Marshall – Junior Champion
Lenny Saville – Junior Handicap Champion
Rex Figdor – Junior Golfer of the Year
School Holiday Clinics
School holiday clinics are back again this summer holidays!! Commencing in the second week of January, our clinics have always been a hit with juniors at The National and they cater for all, even if you've never picked up a club before.
Bookings are now closed - if you missed out this time but would like to be notified about further opportunities for junior golfers, please contact Ben Hall - ben.hall@nationalgolf.com.au
U.S Kids Clubs - Now in Pro Shop
The Pro Shop is now stocking the U.S Kids range of golf clubs. Available in different sizes to suit all ages, the clubs can be purchased individually or as a set (pictured). The sets come with a Stand Bag, Driver, Hybrid, 7 iron, PW and a putter.
Have a chat with the friendly staff in the Pro Shop to order yours today.
Jesse Litchfield Wins Kingston Heath Junior Open
Congratulaitions to Jesse Litchfield on his win in the Kingston Heath Junior Open.
Fresh off hosting the Australian Open, Jesse shot a 74 off the stick to win comfortably at Kingston Heath on Tuesday 3 January.
Joining Jesse in the event was Jack Wilson, Lenny Saville and Rex Figdor who all represented The National.
Well done to all the boys for their efforts!
Getting to know you...
Introducing - James Verity
James is no stranger to our members and you'll see his face regularly in the Pro Shop. A man who loves a very creative Santa photo with his mates. also happens to be studying law in his spare time.
Have a read below and learn a little more about our friendly Golf Operations Assistant Manager.
Highlights of your job?
The highlight of my job is definitely interacting and building relationships with members. Working behind the counter doesn’t feel so much as simply serving customers, but more like hanging out with your mates for eight hours a day.
Favourite hole at The National:
The 15th Hole of Gunnamatta because the fairway is about 120m wide. Every meter counts.
Favourite sporting team:
The St Kilda Football Club is my favourite team and probable root of my problems since about 2009.
What’s on your bucket list?
I have a dream of hitting driver downwind on the 8th Hole of the Old Course (Par 5), getting a good kick off the cart path and making the green. I won’t stop hitting the gym until it’s done.
One thing that instantly makes your day better:
When there is no fog or lightning delays
Favourite Sportsperson?
I’m going to have to go with Lenny Hayes (former St Kilda player) on this one.
Go-to Karaoke song:
High School Musical- Breaking Free
You’re hosting a dinner party for 3 people of your choice, who do you invite?
A tough one, but I’m going to have to say: Ronald McDonald, Colonel Sanders, and The Burger King. If they all bring something along then I won’t need to cook. Crisis averted.
Do you have a special skill? If so, what is it?
Honestly, I’m quite an unremarkable human being… BUT! I’ve heard Tom Cruise can run 100m in 14 seconds. Last time I checked in 2021 I could do it in 12.55s. The secret is in the hair.
What are you studying at University?
I am studying part-time a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) and a Bachelor of Laws at Deakin University. I have just started the Laws part to see how it goes. Still trying to figure it out.
If you could completely get rid of one month out of the year, which month would it be and why?
Hmm… probably January because it’s so hot. I evaporate in the heat. It’s just not for me!
If you could create a career that doesn’t currently exist, what would it be?.
I used to wish there was a job for a paramedic that does accounting. I realised later there’s probably a good reason it doesn’t exist
Do you believe aliens exist? If so, what are they like?
In a potentially infinite universe, I think anything is possible. I would think they’d be quite festive, too. Here they are making an appearance in my 2022 Santa photo:
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
Putting jokes aside, someone once told me that I need to “be my own man” when I was a lot younger. It is a message which has resonated with me ever since and has helped me stand by the things I do or believe in and just enjoy being me.