Woke up at 5.10am and Gina came as scheduled at 7am to fetch us to the airport. We reached SFO airport at about 8.15am and checked in our baggage which cost us $15 per bag, ouch! But no choice as my vanity bag is in there and there is a limit to the amount of lotions and creams one can carry on board. Sam also checked in her luggage so, that came to a total of $30.
Flight 1994 from SFO to DFW (Dallas Foxworth) left on time and we arrived as scheduled. Flight was pretty uneventful and managed to finish reading my tennis magazine and played Bookworm on my new iPod Touch. Took a little snooze too. Arrived at 2.45pm central time (2 hrs ahead of Pacific time). Went straight to our connecting terminal which is Terminal A10 and we had lunch there. I had McDonald's quarter pounder, Sam had fried chicken from Popeye's and Ed had frozen yogurt. Our transit in DFW is about 3 hours.
I found out that we were not seated together so, Ed went to check with the counter to see if they can seat us together as a family and we got changed from seat 26A to seat 7A, B and C. Am happy we got a good seat and flight left on time at 5.50pm. Thank goodness there was no flight delays as American Airlines is infamous for. We arrived at 9.45pm in Washington Dulles airport. By the time we wait for our luggage and took a taxi to our hotel (Marriott Courtyard Dunn Loring Fairfax), it was almost 10.50pm. We checked into our hotel. Am in room 1022. Put our belongings in the room and set out to look for dinner. Went to Arby's but they close at 11pm. Walked for about 1/2 a mile and saw this place called the Silver Diner and we're in luck as they are opened till 3am on Fridays and Saturdays. So, we sat down and ate a very late dinner. I had crab chowder soup, Ed had pomegranate shake and Sam had a sandwich and fries. Dare not eat too much, lest, I cannot sleep.
Came home and now it is 1.38am and am writing this post. Going to bed now. Tata... and sweet dreams.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Thursday, June 11, 2009
11 June 2009
Ahhh...the pleasure of being able to hit some tennis balls on the ball machine with Emily this morning from 9am and then played 3 games of singles with her b4 I went out for my lessons with Larry at 10.30am. It's good to be back at the tennis court coz I've missed it the past 3 days. I'm never satisfied am I?
After tennis came home and packed for our trip tomorrow. Then, in the evening, we went out and watch Angels & Demons. It was a pretty good movie. The start was a little slow and I almost doze off but the plot quickly thickens and all of a sudden, I am biting all my fingernails off, hahaha. I enjoyed the movie but not the price I have to pay ie. $31.50, ouch! It was a very long movie, started at 7.20pm and ended at almost 9.40pm.
Now, gotta go and pack my toiletries bag, shower and go to bed. Sam's schoolmate's mom Jinah will be fetching us to airport tomorrow morning at 7.05am. Gotta get my beauty sleep now...
After tennis came home and packed for our trip tomorrow. Then, in the evening, we went out and watch Angels & Demons. It was a pretty good movie. The start was a little slow and I almost doze off but the plot quickly thickens and all of a sudden, I am biting all my fingernails off, hahaha. I enjoyed the movie but not the price I have to pay ie. $31.50, ouch! It was a very long movie, started at 7.20pm and ended at almost 9.40pm.
Now, gotta go and pack my toiletries bag, shower and go to bed. Sam's schoolmate's mom Jinah will be fetching us to airport tomorrow morning at 7.05am. Gotta get my beauty sleep now...
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
9 June 2009
Woke up early, had a nice breakfast and then off to Dept of Homeland Security to get our I-551 stamp on our passports. Arrived there at 10.30am and there was no queues whatsoever, praise God. They promptly stamped our passports and sent us on our way in about 30 mins. Then, went to Social Security to get Sam's SS number application done. Card won't come till about 2 weeks' time. Couldn't get DMV ID card done as no SS number given out. Gotta make another trip another day. Just glad that everything went without a glitch at the govt depts and the waiting time wasn't too bad.
Went to OSH to get 3 packs of potassium chloride for my water softener. Then, off to buy lunch at Subway and get my 5 gallon water bottle refilled. Rewarded ourselves with snow bubble from Tapioca Express. This place sure is earning lots of money from us as we're hooked on it esp the pearls, hahaha.
Came home and ate lunch, took a short nap and then woke up to prepare dinner. Cooked tomyam soup and fried chye sim for dinner. Ate dinner and folded my laundry. Called mom to find out dad's condition. He's no longer urinating blood, praise God. Went for xrays and doc found a mass on his top left kidney. Gave him medication for 2 weeks and after that, he's supposed to go back for an MRI to check if the mass is gone or further tests needs to be done. Hope it is nothing serious. Mom's down with flu and her voice is still hoarse from sore throat. I guess she's also not resting as much due to dad's condition and t4, healing process will take a longer time. Gotta pray pray pray....
Went to OSH to get 3 packs of potassium chloride for my water softener. Then, off to buy lunch at Subway and get my 5 gallon water bottle refilled. Rewarded ourselves with snow bubble from Tapioca Express. This place sure is earning lots of money from us as we're hooked on it esp the pearls, hahaha.
Came home and ate lunch, took a short nap and then woke up to prepare dinner. Cooked tomyam soup and fried chye sim for dinner. Ate dinner and folded my laundry. Called mom to find out dad's condition. He's no longer urinating blood, praise God. Went for xrays and doc found a mass on his top left kidney. Gave him medication for 2 weeks and after that, he's supposed to go back for an MRI to check if the mass is gone or further tests needs to be done. Hope it is nothing serious. Mom's down with flu and her voice is still hoarse from sore throat. I guess she's also not resting as much due to dad's condition and t4, healing process will take a longer time. Gotta pray pray pray....
8 June 2009
Am looking forward to going to Gilroy Outlet Mall with Sam today. She's got lots of attires to buy as she doesn't have anything in her wardrobe for "professional formal" as required by NYLC for 7 out of the 10 days of conference.
We went to Cha Cha Sushi for lunch, gotta feed the body with energy as there's lots of walking to do. Reached Gilroy about 1.30pm and started off with Nike. Very disappointing as there's nothing worth buying and no sale. Then, to Eddie Bauer. Sam found a nice white shirt and a pair of black pants there. Couldn't find any blazer or jacket so, asked the sales assistant who was very helpful. Referred us to Jones New York, Max Studio, BCBG or Liz Claiborne. Thanked her profusely. In Malaysia, the standard answer would probably be, "Aiyah, don't know or out of stock."
True enough, founds lots of clothes in Jones New York. Lots of jackets and even evening gowns. We were in that shop for at least 1 hour. In the end, Sam bought 3 shirts, 1 jacket, 1 skirt and the bill came to $351.69. Now that we've got formal attire done, gotta start looking for evening dress coz there's a formal dance at the end of the conference. So, it was to Max Studio, BCBG and finally, found one black and white dress at Liz Claiborne. It was on sale for $61.59 and we grabbed it coz it fit Sam so well, as if it was made specially for her. OK, now to look for professional dress shoes. Frankly, don't know what that means. My idea was to get her those pumps or court shoes. Unfortunately, the way Sam's foot is designed with low arch, she can't wear that kind of shoes as it will slip off the minute she starts walking. Also, we all have small feet and size 5.5 doesn't come easy. After looking in and out of several shoe stores, we were about to give up when we come across this store called SAS in Bldg D. Thought we'll just give it our best shot. Finally found a pair in there for $94, ouch! Well, we didn't finish till about 8.30pm. It's been a long day and my feet's tired. Never shopped for so long b4 in my whole life. But just glad that we managed to find everything at Gilroy, yay!
Didn't get home till past 10.30pm after dinner at Applebee's at Gilroy. I am dead tired now...
We went to Cha Cha Sushi for lunch, gotta feed the body with energy as there's lots of walking to do. Reached Gilroy about 1.30pm and started off with Nike. Very disappointing as there's nothing worth buying and no sale. Then, to Eddie Bauer. Sam found a nice white shirt and a pair of black pants there. Couldn't find any blazer or jacket so, asked the sales assistant who was very helpful. Referred us to Jones New York, Max Studio, BCBG or Liz Claiborne. Thanked her profusely. In Malaysia, the standard answer would probably be, "Aiyah, don't know or out of stock."
True enough, founds lots of clothes in Jones New York. Lots of jackets and even evening gowns. We were in that shop for at least 1 hour. In the end, Sam bought 3 shirts, 1 jacket, 1 skirt and the bill came to $351.69. Now that we've got formal attire done, gotta start looking for evening dress coz there's a formal dance at the end of the conference. So, it was to Max Studio, BCBG and finally, found one black and white dress at Liz Claiborne. It was on sale for $61.59 and we grabbed it coz it fit Sam so well, as if it was made specially for her. OK, now to look for professional dress shoes. Frankly, don't know what that means. My idea was to get her those pumps or court shoes. Unfortunately, the way Sam's foot is designed with low arch, she can't wear that kind of shoes as it will slip off the minute she starts walking. Also, we all have small feet and size 5.5 doesn't come easy. After looking in and out of several shoe stores, we were about to give up when we come across this store called SAS in Bldg D. Thought we'll just give it our best shot. Finally found a pair in there for $94, ouch! Well, we didn't finish till about 8.30pm. It's been a long day and my feet's tired. Never shopped for so long b4 in my whole life. But just glad that we managed to find everything at Gilroy, yay!
Didn't get home till past 10.30pm after dinner at Applebee's at Gilroy. I am dead tired now...
Sunday, June 7, 2009
7 June 2009
Okay, I have finally gotten over my blunder yesterday. Went to bed with a less heavier heart for sure as I received many encouraging and supportive emails from all my teammates and friends. I know I have to put everything behind me. Just like what the bible says: Focus on what's ahead and run towards the finishing line.
I caught a glimpse of Federer's match today and watched the tail end of it when he was serving for championship point and Soderling netted that return. Federer was just too awesome today. I was glad he finally managed to win the French Open after so many tries. I just hope that he won't announce his retirement any time soon coz he now has a full collection of all the slams' trophies. Soderling didn't even get a snuff of hope as Federer played solid and didn't allow Soderling to play his game. Soderling was also probably overwhelmed by the atmosphere as this is his first ever final in a grand slam. I can see in his eyes he was hoping for a rain delay as he never got settled in his game at all. Definitely 100% credit to Federer for hanging in there and playing great tennis, as always. A well deserved victory for sure....
After that, I left and went to King's Eggroll and bought chow mien and eggrolls as I am in charge of main dish for our match today against Silver Creek Valley Country Club (SCVCC). My match is scheduled for 11.15am and I was there by 10am. Am playing #3D with Hanna. Am glad I was early as I could cheer my teammates on. Our #1S won her match but our #1D lost theirs. Thuy/Judy combination won their match and our #2S lost hers. It was up to Hanna and me to come up with a win for the team and am glad we managed to do that with a 6-1, 6-0 scoreline. It wasn't as easy as the score suggests but am glad that we managed to pull this out of the bag. As a result, our team won 3-2.
Came home about 1.45pm and was exhausted mentally and physically. Was supposed to go shopping with Sam but told her we'll do it tomorrow instead coz I wanted to rest and Sam was gracious and agreed. Thank goodness we stayed home coz later part of the evening, Sam had a terrible tummy ache due to "food poisoning". I think that was due to the fries from Burger King coz she ate it for lunch while I didn't. After purging it out, she was tired, took a short nap, ate some medication and we had soup and sandwich for dinner. Nothing oily to further exacerbate her condition and I think she's back to her rambunctions self again as we sit down together for another night of TV marathon.....
I caught a glimpse of Federer's match today and watched the tail end of it when he was serving for championship point and Soderling netted that return. Federer was just too awesome today. I was glad he finally managed to win the French Open after so many tries. I just hope that he won't announce his retirement any time soon coz he now has a full collection of all the slams' trophies. Soderling didn't even get a snuff of hope as Federer played solid and didn't allow Soderling to play his game. Soderling was also probably overwhelmed by the atmosphere as this is his first ever final in a grand slam. I can see in his eyes he was hoping for a rain delay as he never got settled in his game at all. Definitely 100% credit to Federer for hanging in there and playing great tennis, as always. A well deserved victory for sure....
After that, I left and went to King's Eggroll and bought chow mien and eggrolls as I am in charge of main dish for our match today against Silver Creek Valley Country Club (SCVCC). My match is scheduled for 11.15am and I was there by 10am. Am playing #3D with Hanna. Am glad I was early as I could cheer my teammates on. Our #1S won her match but our #1D lost theirs. Thuy/Judy combination won their match and our #2S lost hers. It was up to Hanna and me to come up with a win for the team and am glad we managed to do that with a 6-1, 6-0 scoreline. It wasn't as easy as the score suggests but am glad that we managed to pull this out of the bag. As a result, our team won 3-2.
Came home about 1.45pm and was exhausted mentally and physically. Was supposed to go shopping with Sam but told her we'll do it tomorrow instead coz I wanted to rest and Sam was gracious and agreed. Thank goodness we stayed home coz later part of the evening, Sam had a terrible tummy ache due to "food poisoning". I think that was due to the fries from Burger King coz she ate it for lunch while I didn't. After purging it out, she was tired, took a short nap, ate some medication and we had soup and sandwich for dinner. Nothing oily to further exacerbate her condition and I think she's back to her rambunctions self again as we sit down together for another night of TV marathon.....
Saturday, June 6, 2009
6 June 2009
Today, I totally messed up BIG TIME. I was supposed to play my 2nd match for Sandy against Livermore VTC and scheduled to play #1D partnering Hanna and guess what? I read Sandy's email like about a hundred times but 100x, I saw the time as 10.15am and didn't dawn on me that it is at 9am.
Happily I woke up at 6.23am and watched the French Open ladies' final between Kuzzie and Safina. Was happy that Kuzzie finally got the monkey off her back and won 6-4, 6-2. She finally got over her mental hurdle.
Sam and me left the house at 8.40am for her bowling and at 9.07am, as I was about to reach the alley, Noriko called me on my mobile phone and asked why I am still not there when I was supposed to be playing at 9am. And I was shocked and said, "no, I am playing at 10.15am". Then Hanna came on the line and said what's up with me and I said I must've mistakenly not see the 9am coz all these while I was thinking 10.15am. I quickly dropped Sam off and sped off to CSF as quickly as I could. Arrived at 9.30am only to find out from Taemi who called me at 9.27am that Sandy has to default our match because she couldn't find a replacement within the 15 mins grace period given. Huong came to the rescue at 9.20am but the captain of LVTC refused to let her play.
I don't know what happened but all I know is that I screwed up big time. As a result, our team lost as Sandy had to reshuffle the team line-up and everything just didn't fall into place today. I just stood there and try to support the team but my heart wasn't there as I kept kicking myself for being STUPID and CARELESS and it was a costly mistake.
It is my sincerest apologies to Sandy and the rest of the my teammates. I know I have let all of you down. I learnt my lesson well today and vowed that in the future, there won't be another such incident ever again. I will come to the matches regardless of whether I am playing #1 or #2 squad. There were a lot of could have's and should have's and it is with regret that I let the team down. Again, I AM SORRY...
Happily I woke up at 6.23am and watched the French Open ladies' final between Kuzzie and Safina. Was happy that Kuzzie finally got the monkey off her back and won 6-4, 6-2. She finally got over her mental hurdle.
Sam and me left the house at 8.40am for her bowling and at 9.07am, as I was about to reach the alley, Noriko called me on my mobile phone and asked why I am still not there when I was supposed to be playing at 9am. And I was shocked and said, "no, I am playing at 10.15am". Then Hanna came on the line and said what's up with me and I said I must've mistakenly not see the 9am coz all these while I was thinking 10.15am. I quickly dropped Sam off and sped off to CSF as quickly as I could. Arrived at 9.30am only to find out from Taemi who called me at 9.27am that Sandy has to default our match because she couldn't find a replacement within the 15 mins grace period given. Huong came to the rescue at 9.20am but the captain of LVTC refused to let her play.
I don't know what happened but all I know is that I screwed up big time. As a result, our team lost as Sandy had to reshuffle the team line-up and everything just didn't fall into place today. I just stood there and try to support the team but my heart wasn't there as I kept kicking myself for being STUPID and CARELESS and it was a costly mistake.
It is my sincerest apologies to Sandy and the rest of the my teammates. I know I have let all of you down. I learnt my lesson well today and vowed that in the future, there won't be another such incident ever again. I will come to the matches regardless of whether I am playing #1 or #2 squad. There were a lot of could have's and should have's and it is with regret that I let the team down. Again, I AM SORRY...
Friday, June 5, 2009
5 June 2009
Nooooooo....Del Potro lost and Federer won. That's just too bad coz I was rooting for Del Potro to cause an upset. I hope Federer doesn't win the French otherwise, he'll retire after getting a full collection of all the slams. The French trophy is the only one he doesn't have in his collection. But knowing my luck, Federer will probably win, FINALLY! Hmmm... hopefully, Robin Soderling will give Fed a run for his money like he did to Nadal.
Took Sam to DMV to get her California ID card done. But, as with all things that can go wrong and it will, we only get as far as obtaining the form coz guess what? No social security number, no ID card. So, everything goes back to that stupid I-551 stamp that we need to get from USCIS this Tue. With that stamp, can get social security number and the ID card done. What a drag...
Went for lunch at Cha Cha Sushi and we had this rainbow roll which consisted of sushi (unagi, salmon, prawn and halibut) on top of the california roll and it was so yummy. We also shared a beef udon and then Ty, Sam's bowling coach called to say he can't make it to lessons today. So, home we went and I spent most of my afternoon watching the Federer/Del Potro match as well as Soderling vs Gonzalez's. Both of the matches were so thrilling with exchanges that's hit so hard. Man, where in the world do they get their energy from!!!
Tonight, have a tennis mixed 7.0 dinner party bash to celebrate our success for making it to Districts. It is to be held at Ming Ta, Flourishing Garden Restaurant located at 1650 Monterey Hwy which is about 21 mins from home. The menu will be as follows:
Appetizer:
Spicy chicken and shrimp salad
Soup
Westlake beef soup
Dinner:
Honey crispy walnut prawns
Beef with string beans
Peking duck with steamed buns
Mixed vegetable with tofu
Salt and pepper sea bass
Seafood crabmeat fried rice
Dessert:
Sesame ball
Sam's following me to dinner tonight so, have a good excuse to leave early for home. As you know, I am not much of a party person. They can drink and dance but I'd prefer my warm soft bed, *winks*.
Here's the photo of the ladies at the bash. Seated in the front row, L-R: Sonia, Judy, Thuy, Chris, Sam. Standing in the back row, L-R: Maria, Donna, Nella, Nella's sister, Kitty.
Took Sam to DMV to get her California ID card done. But, as with all things that can go wrong and it will, we only get as far as obtaining the form coz guess what? No social security number, no ID card. So, everything goes back to that stupid I-551 stamp that we need to get from USCIS this Tue. With that stamp, can get social security number and the ID card done. What a drag...
Went for lunch at Cha Cha Sushi and we had this rainbow roll which consisted of sushi (unagi, salmon, prawn and halibut) on top of the california roll and it was so yummy. We also shared a beef udon and then Ty, Sam's bowling coach called to say he can't make it to lessons today. So, home we went and I spent most of my afternoon watching the Federer/Del Potro match as well as Soderling vs Gonzalez's. Both of the matches were so thrilling with exchanges that's hit so hard. Man, where in the world do they get their energy from!!!
Tonight, have a tennis mixed 7.0 dinner party bash to celebrate our success for making it to Districts. It is to be held at Ming Ta, Flourishing Garden Restaurant located at 1650 Monterey Hwy which is about 21 mins from home. The menu will be as follows:
Appetizer:
Spicy chicken and shrimp salad
Soup
Westlake beef soup
Dinner:
Honey crispy walnut prawns
Beef with string beans
Peking duck with steamed buns
Mixed vegetable with tofu
Salt and pepper sea bass
Seafood crabmeat fried rice
Dessert:
Sesame ball
Sam's following me to dinner tonight so, have a good excuse to leave early for home. As you know, I am not much of a party person. They can drink and dance but I'd prefer my warm soft bed, *winks*.
Here's the photo of the ladies at the bash. Seated in the front row, L-R: Sonia, Judy, Thuy, Chris, Sam. Standing in the back row, L-R: Maria, Donna, Nella, Nella's sister, Kitty.
4 June 2009
Went to play singles with Emily. She's improved from Friday and can move me around the court so, it was more challenging for sure today. But I won 6-1, 4-0 when she said she had to leave. It was good to play singles again although I must admit it's more tiring. Hmmm...perhaps age is catching up and my stamina's not as good as before!
Soon after that, continued with lessons with Larry and today, we had quite a good team consisting of Shawn/Cuong/Wilson/Ed/Cherub. Today, we learnt how to take the ball in mid flight in the air by volleying but with the face of the racquet being square instead of the usual volley position. Well, not many of you will understand what the heck I am talking about but if Danny were to read this, he would.
In the evening, went out with Sam and hit some more tennis with her at the Evergreen Valley College tennis courts. We were there for about 2 hours and then, as I see Sam's enthusiasm dwindle and her frustration and impatience creeps in, I stopped and suggested we go to Tapioca Express for our snow bubble and we ordered fried calamari heads and it was so yummy.
Tonight is another tv marathon as we finish watching the finale of Criminal Minds. Oh no.... is Hotchner asking for too much pay this time around as he's deemed to be gunned down or so the producers wants us to believe. Well, we'll see what's the outcome when summer's done....
Soon after that, continued with lessons with Larry and today, we had quite a good team consisting of Shawn/Cuong/Wilson/Ed/Cherub. Today, we learnt how to take the ball in mid flight in the air by volleying but with the face of the racquet being square instead of the usual volley position. Well, not many of you will understand what the heck I am talking about but if Danny were to read this, he would.
In the evening, went out with Sam and hit some more tennis with her at the Evergreen Valley College tennis courts. We were there for about 2 hours and then, as I see Sam's enthusiasm dwindle and her frustration and impatience creeps in, I stopped and suggested we go to Tapioca Express for our snow bubble and we ordered fried calamari heads and it was so yummy.
Tonight is another tv marathon as we finish watching the finale of Criminal Minds. Oh no.... is Hotchner asking for too much pay this time around as he's deemed to be gunned down or so the producers wants us to believe. Well, we'll see what's the outcome when summer's done....
3 June 2009
Went to play tennis with Richard this morning. Had a good hit with him in singles and I was quite happy with my serves as Richard noted that it has improved tremendously. I was surprised at myself too, hahaha.
After tennis, came home and fetch Sam and then left to fetch Eugene who stays 5 mins away near Farnsworth coz they all have a movie outing at Oakridge. I am carpooling with Gina, Eugene's mom and she will send them home after the movie. I bet Sam had fun and I think she's watching Star Trek. She said it was awesome.
I had fun at home catching up on the French Open and ironing clothes. At night, watched tv marathon with Sam catching up on our CSI Miami. The finale was so bad, as I am writing this blog, I can't even remember the plot or lack of. Went to bed close to 12am. Am definitely enjoying this summer vacation. Sleep late, wake up late and while my time away...Finally, I can spend time smelling the roses, so to speak!
After tennis, came home and fetch Sam and then left to fetch Eugene who stays 5 mins away near Farnsworth coz they all have a movie outing at Oakridge. I am carpooling with Gina, Eugene's mom and she will send them home after the movie. I bet Sam had fun and I think she's watching Star Trek. She said it was awesome.
I had fun at home catching up on the French Open and ironing clothes. At night, watched tv marathon with Sam catching up on our CSI Miami. The finale was so bad, as I am writing this blog, I can't even remember the plot or lack of. Went to bed close to 12am. Am definitely enjoying this summer vacation. Sleep late, wake up late and while my time away...Finally, I can spend time smelling the roses, so to speak!
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
2 June 2009
Woke up at 7.05am and started cleaning bathrooms, part of housekeeping which didn't get started yesterday coz I had a match to go to. Also managed to watch Sharapova get a thrashing from Cibulkova of Slovakia 6-0, 6-2. Was so happy that Sharapova lost. Just can't wait to see her lose. Simply hate her esp her grunts but loved her guts and for trying hard to come back to the game when she was 0-5 down. Anyway, thanks to Cibulkova for hanging in there causing a major upset, yay!
Then, at 11am, went to Social Security with Sam to apply for a SSN number for her. Unfortunately, the lady in charge says she can't do that unless Sam gets a I-551 stamp in her passport. With an L2 visa, she can't get a social security number. So, we gotta go to USCIS and get her the stamp b4 going back to SSN again. Sigh, the story of our lives. Things just don't get done the 1st time around does it? Anyway, good learning experience, as usual.
Then, went for her bowling practice at Homestead and had pizza and breadsticks for lunch. While Sam trains (coach Ty told her what to train), I sat in front of the TV watching the match between Safina and Azarenka. The latter is another scream queen in the making. I hate her although she looks prettier than Sharapova in my opinion. It was an interesting match although I already know the results. Anyway, the kept me occupied. At least I get to enjoy my tennis and Sam gets to enjoy her bowling at the same time, hahaha!
After bowling, went to buy Baskins Robbins and set for home. Came home and did some paperwork and then cooked fried rice for dinner with sambal belacan from mom (oh yummy and best in the world) and ikan bilis (anchovies). It was so delicious but a little too spicy for Sam. I whopped it all down in 5 mins and then set out to CSF for tennis practice at 7pm. Played with Yodi against Christine/Huong. Won the 1st set 6-3, lost the 2nd 2-6 and won the 3rd 3-2. Tried to hit the ball with a little more pace in the 2nd set but all my balls went flying everywhere. Need to practice more on my serves as it's going nowhere these days, sigh. Story of my life. Tennis is one day up, one day down.... What a drag....
Then, at 11am, went to Social Security with Sam to apply for a SSN number for her. Unfortunately, the lady in charge says she can't do that unless Sam gets a I-551 stamp in her passport. With an L2 visa, she can't get a social security number. So, we gotta go to USCIS and get her the stamp b4 going back to SSN again. Sigh, the story of our lives. Things just don't get done the 1st time around does it? Anyway, good learning experience, as usual.
Then, went for her bowling practice at Homestead and had pizza and breadsticks for lunch. While Sam trains (coach Ty told her what to train), I sat in front of the TV watching the match between Safina and Azarenka. The latter is another scream queen in the making. I hate her although she looks prettier than Sharapova in my opinion. It was an interesting match although I already know the results. Anyway, the kept me occupied. At least I get to enjoy my tennis and Sam gets to enjoy her bowling at the same time, hahaha!
After bowling, went to buy Baskins Robbins and set for home. Came home and did some paperwork and then cooked fried rice for dinner with sambal belacan from mom (oh yummy and best in the world) and ikan bilis (anchovies). It was so delicious but a little too spicy for Sam. I whopped it all down in 5 mins and then set out to CSF for tennis practice at 7pm. Played with Yodi against Christine/Huong. Won the 1st set 6-3, lost the 2nd 2-6 and won the 3rd 3-2. Tried to hit the ball with a little more pace in the 2nd set but all my balls went flying everywhere. Need to practice more on my serves as it's going nowhere these days, sigh. Story of my life. Tennis is one day up, one day down.... What a drag....
1 June 2009
Oh my gosh, it's another new month and 5 months of 2009 have passed. This is scary. Where did all my time go? Hmm... I guess at the tennis courts, hahaha!
Anyway, today is housekeeping day. What a drag but then, I woke up this morning feeling very gung-ho about clearing up the mess in Sam's room where she has cleared her locker at VCHS and brought back a ton of stuff and it has littered the floor of her room. But, she was nice and stayed till midnight last night, clearing away all the unwanted papers and rubbish and finally, I can see the floor again and some space on her desk. Started cleaning around 9.30am and was busy watching and catching glimpses of the French Open at the same time. Didn't finish housekeeping till about 4.30pm. Then, took my shower and got ready for my tennis match at CSP.
Was told that this team, Blue Angels they are called, is the #1 leader in the playoffs standing. So, I was getting myself ready to be whopped. Had to help CH out coz my conscience was pricking me the entire weekend coz I had refused to play for them even though I was quite available. Kept giving CH excuses like: I hate the lighting at CSP, I don't like the ball bounce, I don't like playing at night and not wanting to leave Sam at home by herself at night. By Sunday, got an email from Phyllis saying that they are throwing away the #1doubles match and hoping that their #2 and #3 doubles will have a better pairing and win. So, I emailed Emily and asked if she'd like to play the #1D since I think we make quite a good pair and we have nothing to lose since they are going to throw that match away anyway. And, Emily agreed. So, I emailed CH and told him of our intentions but along the way, things worked out and the team managed to get all their better 3.0 players and Emily was outvoted and they put me in the #2D partnering Phyllis. Since I opened my mouth, couldn't wriggle out anymore so, I relented and told them I'll be at CSP by 8pm tonight to play.
Left the house at 6.15pm and reached there in good time. Went to the practice courts outside to warm up and guess what? Michelle was stroking with me from the baseline and she hit a ball to me and I managed to block it with my racquet but the ball ricocheted and hit me this time in my left eye. Ouch, it was painful and my eye started tearing and all. Same like what happened in Oakley except this one is a little less painful. Tried to recover but my eye just couldn't stay open. So, I stopped warming up. Went to the lounge and the tennis coordinator was kind enough to get me some ice and that helped a lot. By the time everyone in the team finished warming up and was in the lounge, I was feeling and seeing much better. Thank goodness that I could recover on time to play. During the 5 mins warm-up session, tried to do some overheads but it hurts when I look up and I didn't hit too well but, I tried to keep a positive outlook and not be too concerned about the eye issue.
Match started promptly at 8.05pm and we were on court #4. We won the 1st set 6-4 and we were up against Susan/Mary and was told by Phyllis that this is their strongest pair out of the 3 doubles. In the 2nd set, we were up 4-1, only to lose it all coz midway, I felt hungry and couldn't concentrate (I think that must be due to me eating too early a dinner at 5.30pm) and my body literally shut down on me. I think that was because the whole day, I hadn't rested and was busy doing housekeeping and now playing tennis, the body is retaliating and refused to cooperate. As a result, the footwork went to sleep and I really don't feel like running, much less play tennis. So, it wasn't surprising that we lost the 2nd 4-6. I managed to grab an energy bar at changeover and I think that helped a little coz we won the super tiebreak 10-2. And the team won 3-2 in all the doubles and lost in the 2 singles match. But, it's a good win considering we were all preparing to lose in the 1st place.
Somehow, looking back at retrospect, I think the ball-hit-the-eye incident was kind of a blessing in disguise coz perhaps the Lord wants to take my mind off about the court conditions which I don't like. With an eye injury, I was concerned about the eye recovering quickly and never at any one time, thought about court conditions. As a result, I didn't let the conditions deter my attention and focus and I think that's why we won our match. And I do thank God for the "slight injury" now but of course, do not want this to happen again. Very soon I may have to wear eye protective gear to avoid a further occurrence. I may not be so lucky all the time.... But, again, it's all glory to God for the win over CSP. Couldn't have done it without God's help and thanks to Phyllis for being such a good sport and support as a partner.
Anyway, today is housekeeping day. What a drag but then, I woke up this morning feeling very gung-ho about clearing up the mess in Sam's room where she has cleared her locker at VCHS and brought back a ton of stuff and it has littered the floor of her room. But, she was nice and stayed till midnight last night, clearing away all the unwanted papers and rubbish and finally, I can see the floor again and some space on her desk. Started cleaning around 9.30am and was busy watching and catching glimpses of the French Open at the same time. Didn't finish housekeeping till about 4.30pm. Then, took my shower and got ready for my tennis match at CSP.
Was told that this team, Blue Angels they are called, is the #1 leader in the playoffs standing. So, I was getting myself ready to be whopped. Had to help CH out coz my conscience was pricking me the entire weekend coz I had refused to play for them even though I was quite available. Kept giving CH excuses like: I hate the lighting at CSP, I don't like the ball bounce, I don't like playing at night and not wanting to leave Sam at home by herself at night. By Sunday, got an email from Phyllis saying that they are throwing away the #1doubles match and hoping that their #2 and #3 doubles will have a better pairing and win. So, I emailed Emily and asked if she'd like to play the #1D since I think we make quite a good pair and we have nothing to lose since they are going to throw that match away anyway. And, Emily agreed. So, I emailed CH and told him of our intentions but along the way, things worked out and the team managed to get all their better 3.0 players and Emily was outvoted and they put me in the #2D partnering Phyllis. Since I opened my mouth, couldn't wriggle out anymore so, I relented and told them I'll be at CSP by 8pm tonight to play.
Left the house at 6.15pm and reached there in good time. Went to the practice courts outside to warm up and guess what? Michelle was stroking with me from the baseline and she hit a ball to me and I managed to block it with my racquet but the ball ricocheted and hit me this time in my left eye. Ouch, it was painful and my eye started tearing and all. Same like what happened in Oakley except this one is a little less painful. Tried to recover but my eye just couldn't stay open. So, I stopped warming up. Went to the lounge and the tennis coordinator was kind enough to get me some ice and that helped a lot. By the time everyone in the team finished warming up and was in the lounge, I was feeling and seeing much better. Thank goodness that I could recover on time to play. During the 5 mins warm-up session, tried to do some overheads but it hurts when I look up and I didn't hit too well but, I tried to keep a positive outlook and not be too concerned about the eye issue.
Match started promptly at 8.05pm and we were on court #4. We won the 1st set 6-4 and we were up against Susan/Mary and was told by Phyllis that this is their strongest pair out of the 3 doubles. In the 2nd set, we were up 4-1, only to lose it all coz midway, I felt hungry and couldn't concentrate (I think that must be due to me eating too early a dinner at 5.30pm) and my body literally shut down on me. I think that was because the whole day, I hadn't rested and was busy doing housekeeping and now playing tennis, the body is retaliating and refused to cooperate. As a result, the footwork went to sleep and I really don't feel like running, much less play tennis. So, it wasn't surprising that we lost the 2nd 4-6. I managed to grab an energy bar at changeover and I think that helped a little coz we won the super tiebreak 10-2. And the team won 3-2 in all the doubles and lost in the 2 singles match. But, it's a good win considering we were all preparing to lose in the 1st place.
Somehow, looking back at retrospect, I think the ball-hit-the-eye incident was kind of a blessing in disguise coz perhaps the Lord wants to take my mind off about the court conditions which I don't like. With an eye injury, I was concerned about the eye recovering quickly and never at any one time, thought about court conditions. As a result, I didn't let the conditions deter my attention and focus and I think that's why we won our match. And I do thank God for the "slight injury" now but of course, do not want this to happen again. Very soon I may have to wear eye protective gear to avoid a further occurrence. I may not be so lucky all the time.... But, again, it's all glory to God for the win over CSP. Couldn't have done it without God's help and thanks to Phyllis for being such a good sport and support as a partner.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)