Sweet Spot Journey

Weekend Banger’s Friday Funky Jam

2009-11-06T14:27:00.017-05:00

Music has always had a place in my life. My entire youth was spent performing as a singer. Although I'm no longer a performing artist, music still lifts me up when I'm down, and it speaks to almost every event in my life – good or bad. I can think of or locate a song that represents my state of mind for anything that has occurred in my life. Being able to pinpoint that perfect situational song is essential because, I'm allowed to find one song that will arouse my competitive, fighting spirit and transition me from my normal laidback state of mind to a warrior state of mind. While my laidback, sedentary lifestyle is great for everyday purposes, it has the ability to put me in wrong state of mind for competition. If ever there is a time when I need to be transitioned, then it's when I have to step on a tennis court. To prepare and transition, I use really upbeat music. The louder & funkier it is, the better it is – hence my Friday Funky Jam.

The Friday Funky Jam is a song I've picked for my weekend tennis escapades when I should be high energy and ready to "bang" with the best on the recreational courts. This song may vary in genre and age. Undoubtedly, it will almost always have vocals – I am a former singer. Last, but not least, it will be a song that I've heard during the week that is "hot" (at least, hot for me) and representative of what my mindset should and will be by match time.

This week’s selection….

Tye Tribbett – “Victory”

Note: If you computer is as slow as mine, it’s best to let this song load completely before listening.

To all my weekend bangers, aim for your “sweet spot” and keeping banging!

Quet

My Last Hurrah

2009-05-26T22:51:00.005-04:00

My last hurrah on the Atlanta courts didn't live up to my expectations or desires. My partner and I lost in straight sets. I don't remember the exact score, and really don't want to remember it. That loss only added to mounting number of consecutive match losses I've experienced over the last two seasons in two different leagues. I'm on a 4 match losing streak, and that's not how I wanted to wrap up my Atlanta tennis career, so I'll be back. Doubt me is you want, but you'll see. I'm not going out like that! Until then, I'll be missing Atlanta tennis.

-Chequetta

I Have to Play Tonight?

2009-04-27T23:24:00.005-04:00

Less than 1 day after my proclamation that I would be taking a "vaca" from tennis, I received a last minute phone call at almost 5 p.m. today asking me to play a 6:30 p.m. USTA Women's Combo match. Despite the late notice, I couldn't say no - I had previously committed. All my plans for the evening immediately went up in smoke. My 6:30 match turned into a mini-marathon - lasting more than 2 hours. I was really looking forward to the end of my long weekend being topped off with a one day break between tennis and work. A nice day of rest. No dice. Now, I'm tired all over again and my week is just beginning. Geez!

It Wasn't Meant to Be

2009-04-26T23:03:00.006-04:00

The team needed a lot of things to happen to make it beyond the regular season. Unfortunately, it was not meant to be. Our season ended today with a 1-4 loss. Although the season ended sooner than we would have liked, I think we can all be proud of just how competitive we were for the majority of the season. We proved to ourselves that we could compete at a higher level. My ladies were great! 3-peating as ALTA City Champion is tough, and while we weren't able to 3-peat, I know we will be back in the City Championship match again. We have all summer to work on our weaknesses, I'm sure this will result in improvements during the fall season.

Personally, I'm planning to reduce the amount of tennis I play this summer. There are some other things that require my attention, but that doesn't mean you won't hear me chime in about some random match here or there. As long as there are courts and players willing to play, I'll be somewhere in the mix.

Chequetta

Ahhh, This is the Life!!!

2009-04-25T23:11:00.006-04:00

Today was my day to enjoy watching others play tennis. I'm a fan of the game, so I like to watch just as much as I like to play. Supporting my friends' teams is something I do as often as possible. With the hectic schedule I had for the past month, playing a supportive fan has been somewhat difficult this season. This was the first Saturday I was able to get out to a men's match, and it was a great choice - if I may say so. The weather was absolutely beautiful for Atlanta - mid 80's and no humidity (imagine that). I wasn't about to sit in my house, let alone one with a busted air conditioner, on such a lovely day. Since it was warmer in my house than outside, going to a tennis match was a no brainer. I picked up a few beverages, drove to the courts, set up my lawn chair under a shady oak tree, and kicked back with good friends to pass the time. It's leisurely days and ocassions such as this when my love of tennis, and all that it has brought into my life is truly appreciated. For me, this is the life.

Is It Meant to Be?

2009-04-24T23:47:00.001-04:00

While I'm not trying to get overly religious on any of you, I truly believe that things happen the way they're supposed to happen. If something is meant to be, then it will be. No matter how many options there are to select from, or the changes that are made, the outcome has been determined. We may not know what the outcome will be, or how things will play out to allow a predetermined result to come to fruition, but that's life and fate.

Truthfully, that's tennis as well.

"Whatever limits us, we call fate." -Ralph Waldo Emerson

Chequetta

Orderly Pursuits

2009-04-23T22:39:00.005-04:00

Okay, this is serious business. I absolutely must pursue the creation of some sense of order in my space. I have four consecutive days off. Thank God! There is no travel planned, and limited tennis until Sunday. Spring is here, and that means it's time for a fresh new start when it comes to organization. I refuse to be distracted. Beyond my rescheduled tennis practice tomorrow, I have no plans to do anything, except immerse myself in my pursuit of order. I won't rest until I have achieved my goal. The clock is ticking, and I plan to rest up tonight because tomorrow I begin.

Chequetta

Let's Get 'Er Done!

2009-04-22T22:33:00.003-04:00

Now that my body has recovered from my marathon match against the Golden Girls, I'm ready to play. Practice is tomorrow, and it's the teams last chance to work out any kinks before our final regular season ALTA match on Sunday. It's pretty much do or die so we might want to get 'er done! If we don't, then the possibility of us being done for the season is strong.

Chequetta

What a Jam!

2009-04-21T21:06:00.004-04:00

The division standings for my ALTA league have been partially updated, and viewing them has left me a little concerned. My team has gotten itself into a bit of a jam. Unfortunately, we are now very dependent upon the performance of other teams, or rather, the failure of other teams to perform. While we are relying upon others to fail, we've also put ourselves in a situation that now requires us to put up our best scores of the season. That's not good, and it's definitely not the position we want to be in at this point of the season. If I thought last Sunday was tough, then this Sunday won't be any easier. I may as well get ready to battle and leave it all on the court.

Chequetta

My Senior Moment

2009-04-20T00:42:00.000-04:00

I've been on the courts, but I haven't been blogging....for shame. Well, I'm back. Life got really hectic for a while - shoot, my life is still hectic, but I can't put the blog on hold any longer to wait for my life to slow down. It may never slow down, so I have to get back to it.

I'm recovering today and completely out of it. My body is still aching after this weekend's doubles match. Yesterday's match had to be the worst I've played - EVER! Mentally, I was shot out. Off the court events that I encountered in my captain role had me in a tizzy, and it showed in my player role. My partner and I played two senior citizens who gave me (yes, just me) fits. Now I know why I hate playing senior citizens. I shouldn't just limit it to seniors, but that's who was on the court yesterday and those are the players who know how to make us younger players work while they stand and place using their racquets like they are knives - just slicing everything that comes their way.

I don't know how we won, but somehow my partner and I perservered and escaped with the ugliest victory of the season. I was glad and probably lucky to get off the court with a win. I'm sure my racquet was just as glad since it suffered the brunt of my abuse. I'll definitely have to play better next Sunday, or I could find myself sitting at home while some other team moves on to the playoffs. I'll spend this week recuperating, practicing and mentally preparing for my next tennis court battle. I'm certain it will be a battle so I may as well be prepared.

Chequetta

25 + Random Things About Me

2009-01-22T22:47:00.007-05:00

Over the past day or so some of my Facebook friends have decided they should send me notes detailing 25 random things about themselves and tag me to respond to their notes with my own list of 25 random things about myself. It was an exercise to share information about myself with people that I wanted to know more about me. Normally, I refuse to participate in such tedious activities, but tonight I decided appease them and cooperate with their request. Once I started, I found that I was able to compile the list of 25 random things about myself rather quickly. After I had completed my list, and posted it on my Facebook page, my mind kept working. What had originally started as a list of 25 random things about myself grew longer and longer, until it was a list of more than 40 random things about myself. Then, I decided why not share it with the readers of my blog. Are there 25 random things about yourself that you would be willing to share with others who may not have that knowledge. Below is my list of "25+ Random Things About Me." Enjoy.

25+ Random Things About Me

1. My favorite activity is playing tennis, and I’m completely addicted to the game.
2. I have no children.
3. I don’t own any pets, even though I keep playing with the idea of purchasing a dog to be my constant companion.
4. I’m not involved in a serious relationship, and at this time I’m not incredibly remorseful about this situation.
5. I love the freedom I have to come and go as I please.
6. Despite having majored in English in college, I haven’t found the time to read my ever growing collection of books.
7. I am allergic to the sun; I break out in a dreadfully itchy rash when I fail to wear sunscreen.
8. When I am playing tennis in the spring and summer I have to ramp up the sunscreen SPF to 75…and you didn’t know there was such a thing.
9. I love being outdoors from sunrise to sunset.
10. I dig sunsets, and sunrises (when I can wake up to see them).
11. I’m a night owl and who functions better as it gets later.
12. My friends call my adamant reluctance to cooperate and quirkiness “Quetisms”.
13. I enjoy good food and cooking good food.
14. I hate to repeat meals so I cook new and different things frequently – you’re not likely to see the old Southern staples too often at my house.
15. I love to cruise in the early fall – shoot, I just love to cruise, regardless of the season.
16. I am glad that I have two loving and extremely hilarious parents still present in my life.
17. I can’t imagine a day without coffee.
18. I really love and appreciate the friends I have made throughout the years.
19. I desperately want to go to the Sony Ericsson Tennis Open in Miami this year, so if anyone runs across any tickets they would like to share with me…please call.
20. I wish I could figure out which talents I possess that will allow me to work for myself so that I spend my vacations at all of the major tennis tournaments.
21. I am no longer a fan of a road trip that requires me to drive.
22. I’m the biggest fan of everything Adidas.
23. I would do my college years all over again just because they were so much fun, and I hated when they ended.
24. I am enjoying my 30’s and feel like I am really coming into my own.
25. I absolutely adore anything that can make me laugh until I cry.
26. I miss the following things about North Carolina
a. Being less than 6 hours from the beach.
b. Eastern North Carolina style BBQ & slaw sandwiches.
c. Seafood whenever I want.
d. The ACC Basketball Season and Tournament.
e. Going to a real farmer’s market.
f. The N.C. State Fair in October.
27. I love wrapping up in a blanket and curling up on a comfy sofa on rainy days to watch movies.
28. I love going to outdoor jazz and music festivals in the summer.
29. I prefer intimate concert venues.
30. I enjoy listening to soulful music with lyrics that are relevant to my life.
31. I relish feeling enveloped by the warm breeze from the sea.
32. I desire a career opportunity that excites me, challenges me, and allows me to maximize my skills.
33. I am looking forward to moving to a new living space that will put my mind at ease and provide me with the peaceful surroundings I need to thrive.
34. I’m looking forward to creating building a recession-proof financial situation for myself.
35. I despise waking up to an alarm clock.
36. I am thankful for my 15 year friendship with my friends – Christie, Kesha, Stephanie, and Katina.
37. I grateful to have a friend like Christie who sees so many possibilities within me and for me when I can’t.
38. I’m glad to have a job that I can still go to that pays the bills.
39. I love seafood.
40. I was a lover of naturally and locally grown food before it was ever cool.
41. I still truly miss my friend, Arnette Ford-Simmons. Rest in Peace.

Out of Touch

2009-01-11T20:51:00.003-05:00

O.k., somehow I managed to lose all contact with cyberspace at home. I have no access to the internet, so I haven't posted since last week. A fix is supposed to be on the way at some point this week, but we'll see. My time on the phone with technical support last week wasn't too promising. I'm praying the the solution my internet provider has come up with will resolve my issues, but only time will tell. In the meantime, here is an update on what's been going on with me:

Goals for 2009

I've created my "Master Plan" progress notebooks to keep up with personal goals, financial goals and career goal.

Tennis

My mixed doubles season has started. We are two games into the season. The first game wasn't pretty, but the team pulled out a victory in our second match. Yea, team!!!

My women's season is winding down. While it wasn't the outcome we wanted I had fun.

I've put together the roster for my Spring women's season and I seeking to add women to the team, but I really excited about the upcoming Spring season.

Well folks, that's it for now. I'll be back soon, so stay tuned.

Thinking of a Master Plan

2009-01-05T22:52:00.004-05:00

Today, during lunch, I sat down and wrote an entry into the journal given to me by my tennis partner, Leisa. The fact that I "wrote" (yes, with a pen and paper) anything down is a sheer miracle. I have some odd aversion to writing, but that may have something to do with my hand cramping after the first four sentences. Anyway, back to what I was saying, I wrote an entry in my journal that listed all of my goals for 2009. Many of these goals were among my 2008 goals, but there is a slight difference, these goals have been chronicled, documented, recorded, or any other synonym you can think of along those lines.

I figured if I put it in writing, then I might be more accountable for my actions and the results of those actions. Even better, if I let others know there is a list, then there is a little more pressure to accomplish at least some of the goals on my 2009 list. Any accomplishment would be an improvement over 2008. While my 2008 list was short and never documented, I know what was on the list. I also know that I was unable to scratch anything off that list. That list has been transferred over to my 2009 list, and it has grown in length. That was discouraging, but it served to remind me that if I didn't develop a plan, then I would lose sight of what I'm supposed to be accomplishing. I guess when John Beckley said, "most people don't plan to fail, they fail to plan", he knew what he was talking about.

Now that I have my list, I've got to think of a "master plan" that will enable me to achieve as many of those 2009 goals as possible. I feel as though I'm setting myself up with this next promise, but there will be progress reports throughout the year and that is how you will know what is on "the list". The idea of sharing the list and my progress with the list is frightening, but so are ineffective efforts - so why not? Keep checking back in the coming months to see how things are going, there will definitely be more to come.

Nobody Knows the Trouble I've Seen

2008-12-31T00:12:00.001-05:00

Sorry, all. I've been a poor blogger this month. Unfortunately, there is no real excuse for it. I can't blame it on tennis, tennis practice, or even the usual holiday bustle that happens around this time of the year, because I haven't participated extensively in any of those things. To date, I have played one tennis match this month (the only one scheduled for the month), I have attended one tennis practice, I haven't purchased a single Christmas gift (online or otherwise), and the only Christmas cards were hastily prepared and given out during a team function celebration. Since this is the last day of the year, I thought it would only be fitting to wrap it up with one final blog.

Lately, I've just suffered from a case of "woe is me". You know, "Nobody Knows the Trouble I've Seen". Honestly, I wanted to post new entries, and I had even started drafting new entries to post, but as you can see, I've been unable to post anything for your reading pleasure. I allowed my plethora of "woes" to get the best of me for a while. Instead of feeling "joyful", I've been feeling pretty "woeful". As sad as it may sound, it's the truth.

Right around Thanksgiving, things started to go awry in my life; I even mentioned this in an entry posted on Thanksgiving day. Well, since then things have continued to be out of wack. I guess the endless series of calamities wore on me. I recited my chant - "next point"- repeatedly. Despite my mental preparation for the "next point", life continued to bang winners in my direction. I analyzed the previous events and had some strategies in mind; I used every strategy in my arsenal, but once again life had a reply for them all. I tried to stay active and keep moving thinking that life would be distracted by the activity, but once again that was not the case. Nothing seemed to work.

At this point, I can say that I have not acquired all the weapons necessary to win this "life" match. Sometimes, it happens that way. There are instances when the opponent you are facing is just too strong, but that doesn't mean that you won't have another chance. While I have been bested this time around, I am now fully cognizant of my weaknesses. They have been exposed and I've seen just how those weakness can place me at the mercy of everyday unexpected life events. Although, it is too late to change the outcome of the past few weeks, it is never too late for me to target those deficiencies for improvement. For this particular match, there are more points, but I will have to see how they play out for 2009. I'm praying I can stop singing that Louis Armstrong song that I sang for most of 2008.

A New Rec Love for Chequetta?

2008-12-02T22:19:00.002-05:00

Okay, please don't think I've lost my mind - because I haven't, but I'm seriously thinking about incorporating golf into my recreational sports repertoire. Don't ask me where the funds will come from to bankroll this new sports adventure, but I believe there is a God. I trust that God knows the positive influence recreational sports (mainly tennis) have had on my life, and he will make a way for me to continue to benefit from tennis and very soon – golf. I know this seems like it came out of left field, and you're thinking – "What the heck?" Tennis is this chick's thing, so how did golf get into the picture?

Before I ever played tennis, I was a fan of the game. The same is true with golf. Last night, I attended a Women's Night function at Golfsmith. Golfsmith is primarily a golf store with a significantly smaller focus on tennis. So you ask, what was my draw for attending the event? Easy, it was a $25 gift card to spend in the store, as well as the lure of other prizes to be given away. I have to admit the tennis activities at the event were limited, but it didn't matter because I had the gift card.

While waiting for the event to wind down, a teammate (who happens to play golf) and I encountered a golf pro that convinced us to try out the teaching facility that was set up with artificial turf, tee, a net to catch the ball and video equipment. He wanted to see us hit, nothing technical (I guess), just a simple drive. That doesn't sound too tough until you consider that I can't remember ever holding a golf club in my hands, not even at Putt-Putt Golf, let alone hitting a golf ball. Of course you know, and I shouldn't have to tell you, that I let my teammate go first.

After watching their session and video of her technique (yeah, it was taped), it was my turn. Completely unprepared, with totally inappropriate golf attire – skintight jeans, three inch boots, and a form fitting leotard - I took my place on the artificial turf. First, our golf pro showed me how to hold the golf club, then he showed me the proper stance, and finally he instructed me on how to swing the club. Afterwards, I took a couple of test swings minus the ball. With a few corrections came a couple more test swings, and then he said I was ready to hit a ball. As he placed the ball on the tee in front of me, I mentally replayed all the instruction I had receive in the last ten minutes. I checked my grip, my stance, and the position of my head. I checked to make sure the triangle was formed, and then I started my backswing. Left arm straight, right arm bending, left foot remains planted, don't take the club too far, okay time to swing forward….keep your legs slightly bent, don't raise up, follow through – no alligator arms….WHACK!!! OMG!!! I made contact, I couldn't believe it. Not only did I make contact, but according to my golf pro - it was a solid hit. AMAZING!! When we reviewed my video, he told me that my technique was good, and had it not been for the high heeled boots, then it would have been even better. He said that for someone who had never held a club I did a better job hitting the ball properly than my teammate who had received lessons and played. I was stoked!

That was it; I had confirmed that golf would be my next sport. Immediately following our lesson, my teammate and I started talking about taking group lessons with the golf pro when the weather improved. When I left my lesson, I called my sponsor. I know you're thinking…sponsor? What sponsor? Now, you all couldn't have possibly thought I could play all this tennis without a sponsor. That wouldn't be possible – at least, not on my income. Anyway, I talked to my sponsor and he was supportive of my newest recreational venture. I got the green light to proceed, but I have been told, at some point, to expect some competition to test my acquired skills. That only means my sponsor knows that I have a good chance of excelling at golf and is fearful of being beaten by a beginner. Honestly, I have to admit, my sponsor should be fearful.

The golf pro told me that golf is one of the most addictive sports to play. Uh, not good! I'm already hooked on tennis and balancing two addictive sports could really become an issue. There definitely wouldn't be enough time for me to work – haha! Okay, okay…I promise to do my best to balance the rest of my life with my recreational loves, but it'll be tough. Regardless, you all should look out, because I'll be coming to a golf or tennis club near you soon. I can't wait to see the lessons in life that golf has to offer.

Thoughts From My Thankful Thanksgiving Thursday

2008-11-27T20:33:00.006-05:00

Last week wasn't easy for me. Personally, everything that could go wrong has gone wrong. It was a week where I can definitely attest to the fact that Murphy's Law was truly ruling over the events in my life. Now that the dust has settled I realize there is so much for me to be thankful for. While the events last week were troubling, they were not devastating. I have options, and for this I am most thankful.

On the court, I can't linger on the points that I don't win, and the same is true in everyday life. Tennis players live by the mantra - "next point", and right now, that is all I can do. I can choose to focus on the events of the past week, but why? Will that allow me to focus on winning or excelling at the next shot fired at me in life? I don't think so. Rather than allowing myself to get caught up in things that are beyond my control or naturally occuring events, I have decided to approach it the way I would on the court - accept it, analyze it, strategize, and keep moving. I can't say that none of those situations will never arise again, but you know what? I will be thankful to have those past experiences to reflect back on. Because it will be those past experiences that will serve as situational life lessons that will prepare me for even tougher shots fired my way.

6 Days and Counting.

2008-11-24T22:51:00.008-05:00

I haven't played a lick of tennis in 9 days...Who would've thought that could happen. Most assuredly, not my friends. No, I'm not sick, and no, I definitely didn't fall and crack my head...well, at least not this time. It really isn't my fault that I haven't played. For the lack of a better tennis term, it's been a "mixed combo".

I won't bore you with the details, but there were forces (career-related) that interfered with my lifestyle. Now, there are new forces (family-oriented) that interfere with my lifestyle. In a nut shell, my real life is not cooperating with my tennis life. Oh, well (sigh).....at least I've been able watch. Friday night, I watched my team get stopped cold (literally) in our effort to become the USTA Atlanta 6.0 Mixed Doubles City Champion. Although the temperature was hovering in the mid-30's and I had to endure driving with the car window half down - that's another story too detailed for this blog - to sit on the coldest concrete seat ever, wrapped up like a cheesehead (of Green Bay Packer fame), I went out to support my team. Okay, that wasn't the only reason; I just couldn't stay away....addict. Call me Pookie, but the courts just kept calling me. While I may not have been on the court, just being that close was close enough to bring me joy and reduce my anxiety.

I guess I had better wrap myself in the comfort of that memory because there are another 6 days left before I'll have the chance hit the court again to get my next fix. Oh, brother!!

Food for Thought Friday

2008-11-21T09:00:00.001-05:00

Here's something for me to to chew on over the weekend. If I'm writing about my two passions in life (tennis and food), then why is there only 1 food post?!?! Hmm...

Published Author...Check!

2008-11-18T22:30:00.013-05:00

On Sunday, I submitted my 1st article, "Sleep: An Afterthought", for publication on Divine Caroline. Divine Caroline published it on Monday. Yeah!!!

It started as a blog (and it still is a blog), but it got so long and I spent so much time crafting it that I was determined that someone other than me was gonna read it. I've been resistant to the urgings of my good friend, Christie, who does a ton of writing and has her own blog - My Life....A Work in Progress. She has been on me for months, if not years, to write and submit my writings - so she gets the credit for it finally happening. Thanks, Chris!

I can't say why I've been so apprehensive to publish any of my writings, but I'm glad that I have my first article under my belt. It definitely won't be the last - there are others already in the works, as well as ideas for future articles. I don't know how many people have read my article, but I know at least 2 people, other than me, liked what they read. For me, that is affirmation that it wasn't such a bad idea. Finally, I can add published author to my list of accomplishments.

Check it out if you get a chance.

Sleep, an Afterthought

2008-11-16T21:21:00.007-05:00

For the first time since July, I have an unprecedented amount of free time to myself. Most of this year has been dominated by tennis oriented events and activities - multiple teams, multiple weekly practices, multiple matches, tournaments, and tennis socials have filled my calendar week in and week out. This was mostly due to the success of the majority of the teams on which I've played. I guess you could say that I am a victim of my own success. For next the six weeks, I have only one league, one match, and one practice each week. With that being said, there is an entire list of things that I probably used to take for granted that are now luxuries. While that list may be extensive, the one indulgence that stands out most prominently, and holds the #1 slot is sleep.

While I've never been one to indulge in sleeping my day away, and getting more than seven hours of sleep (in the past) seemed excessive, I’ve come to realize that it was one of my most pleasurable daily activities. My ability to squeeze in the minimum daily sleep requirement has been greatly diminished. Being a team captain has required me to start before everyone else and stay later than everyone else. While my team members may be afforded the privilege of showing up right before match time, and thereby maximizing their sleep time, that is not a possibility for me. The earlier a match time is scheduled, then the earlier I'm required to start. Now on the weekends, just as during the work week, it seems to be a requirement for me to set my alarm, and that absolutely sucks!

Sleep during my work week - ha! That's a joke. Maybe this is my primer for motherhood, I don't know, all I know is during the work week there is not a dedicated time slot in my daily schedule for sleep. It's something that finally happens after work, after my Superwoman quick change from business attire to court attire, after 1.5 hours of coached practice, after succumbing to peer pressure to stay on the court for 1 hour after coached practice, after the drive home from practice, after scoffing down a fast food meal in lieu of one prepared by my own hands, after extinguishing fires which result from listening to, reading, and responding to the emails and voicemails of team members, family, and friends, after a frustrating search through my closet for the next day's work attire, after the shower required to combat the stench of sweat and funk, after a hopeless attempt to keep up with my ever reducing rotation of television shows, after the nightly news, after an attempted blog entry, after the decision to neglect organizational demands, and after sitting on the edge of my bed in a zombie-like state staring at the destruction around me - I finally submit. I submit to the silence of the night around me, to the realization that I’m probably the only lunatic who isn’t asleep, and to the delirium associated with sleep deprivation.

After all of my daily obligations, that afterthought called sleep descends upon me like the effects of Nyquil on a cold sufferer. It ends up being a pseudo-drugged sleep that is so heavy and near paralyzing that the sound of my blaring alarm clock each morning doesn't register. Most times, I can barely remember hearing the alarm sound or the trip over to alarm clock to turn it off. I've tried diligently to drag myself out of bed, but obviously when the clock sounds I must be right in the middle of some very good REM sleep, so good in fact, that I am lulled back into my coma. That is not a good thing because there is this small issue called work. Oversleeping for work has become more the norm than the exception. Good thing no one keeps count, or I would most assuredly be fired. Unfortunately, despite the semi-tennis lifestyle that I currently live, I am not amongst the privileged who can afford to live the complete tennis lifestyle. Yes, work is a necessary evil that presents itself daily as an interference that must be addressed. Until, I can find the career that allows me to work from home and set my own schedule, I am forced to conform and request a schedule change at my job.

Sorry, I don’t have the 401k or the courage of one of my coaches who decided to quit working and succumb to the call of the tennis lifestyle. For the time being, there is no great money making scheme, idea, invention, or great novel in the works. For now, I guess I will relish the next six weeks of freedom and seize every opportunity to regularly indulge myself with the luxury of a full night’s sleep. The clock is ticking, and before I know it my schedule will once again be filled with everything tennis. Sleep will once again abate and only appear in statements that sound like distant memories of times long gone. My frenetic lifestyle will gobble up every waking moment, as well as those which weren’t meant to be spent awake. Sleep will once more be an afterthought.

Next Top Models

2008-11-12T00:48:00.030-05:00

When I started playing tennis I didn't own a stitch of tennis apparel - no cute skirts, no court shoes, or compression shorts. I only owned a racquet. Well, more than two years have passed and I've more than made up for that wardrobe deficiency. Normally, I've taken a willy nilly approach that involved rummaging through Ross, TJ Maxx or Filene's Basement's sales and clearance racks. Whatever they had for the low-low has been subject to end up in my wardrobe. By shopping in discount stores, I've acquired quite an extensive collection of tennis attire and tennis gear, but you can never have too much (at least, not as far as I'm concerned). Recently, I elevated my game and started purchasing matching sets. I've decided, if I'm going to play with the top dogs, then I have to dress like the top dogs. To do this, it's essential that I not only be able to play well, but I also have to look fashionable and coordinated while I'm on the court. I've always have a tennis wish list (in my mind) and it's mostly Adidas but, I've never written it down. Many times I've gotten distracted and made random purchases that don't really make much tennis fashion sense. In light of this, I've decided that it would be best to stick to a list.

I searched the internet for some things that I'd love to add to the wardrobe and posted them below for all to see. You may notice that the list is heavily weighted with Adidas attire, and that has a lot to do with my love affair with Adidas tennis attire. I never really identified with it, but the Run-DMC song, "My Adidas," now actually has some relevance in my life.

Here are my "Next Top Models"

1. Wilson nCode N6 Racquet

2. Adidas ClimaCool Divine 2 Court Shoes

3. Bolle Swiftkick Polarized Sunglasses

4. Adidas Edge Warm Up Top

5. Adidas Response Court Warm Up Top & Pants

6. Adidas Beanie

7. Adidas No Show Socks

8. Stella McCarthy for Adidas Tennis Track Pants

Saturn's Ride n' Drive.

2008-11-11T23:24:00.002-05:00

I had a ball today at Saturn's Ride n' Drive. I haven't done one of those since my fleet leasing days, and made me remember just how much I love cars, especially new ones. While my sports car day are (temporarily) behind me, airing out Saturn's Sky convertible was big fun. The Saturn Outlook was a great ride and being that it's a crossover vehicle I'm inclined to say that this would be closest I will ever allow myself to come to driving the dreaded minivan. I'm not a mom and so it's a cool compromise that falls somewhere between the minivan and SUV. I have never been the biggest fan of American vehicles, but I could easily accept the Outlook as a future vehicle when I find enough folks to ride around in it regularly. Although neither the Sky, nor the Outlook really fit my current lifestyle, I thought both were great vehicles for the future me.

The Saturn Vue Hybrid could make it into my "Next Top Model" vehicle search. It represents the present me; a perfect size for my family of just me. It's safe and efficient - that's a must have for me. While the other vehicles were equally as nice, this vehicle was more me. I don't care what I drive, but it has to have some get up and go. This puppy accelerated well. My concerns about a lack of power due to its usage of a battery were assuaged. I didn't have to turn off the a/c to have enough acceleration to prevent the maniac Atlanta drivers from mowing me down. Sounds funny, but believe me I've driven cars where it wouldn't be prudent to consider pulling out in front of another vehicle without shuttting down the a/c. I'd rather not see my life flash before me.

It had plenty of room. I know that there is only me, and typically that is the only person that I'm concerned with, but it's always good to be able to accomodate a few others. It also comes with a 3rd row seat, which I would probably never use, but it's good to know that there is room for expansion should I choose. Plus, I can carry around all of my tennis gear with no problem.

The ride was smooth and comfortable, I didn't feel the impact of every pothole or road imperfection. The seats were comfortable; they didn't feel like bricks. I'm big on the layout of the dash and it's appearance, which is normally pretty unimpressive in many American vehicles, but this is more along the lines of what I would like to see in a vehicle. No everything wasn't lit up like it would be in a Lexus, but it's modern and I won't go blind from the dash lights or appear to be driving down the the road with a spotlight shining on me as if I'm about to shoot a video.

I've avoided the temptation to be among the obnoxious SUV drivers who seem to have taken over the road, but testing out theVue has definitely made it more appealing.

Victory is Mine, Well...Ours

2008-11-09T18:33:00.001-05:00

We won. A repeat, wow! I had put the goal out there for some of my team members before the season started, but I never really thought it would actually happen. It was just a goal, and it required a collective effort on the part of my team, but it came to fruition. It wasn't an easy road to the championship. We definitely had a lot of obstacles to overcome. Most teams don't repeat as champions at two different levels in two consecutive seasons, let alone do it after losing a quarter of their championship team. So winning back to back was no small feat.

This season served as a true inspiration to me for goal setting, overcoming obstacles, perservering, and rising to the ocassion. So, I guess this is evidence that if you take the time to establish a goal for yourself then you have a starting point. I can't say that I've been that good at doing that.

Continuous effort is a necessity; my team never gave up, we kept fighting. If each person in the line-up was able to find the energy to keep fighting through the longest matches, then why haven't I been able to do the same. Guess I better take a note from the team.

We won our division by 1 point, but that one point kept our hopes for a championship alive and kept us motivated to play for more. It doesn't really matter if I just barely make it to crucial milestones, just as long as I make it. Making it can only show me that I am capable of that and more.

While the ALTA fall season has ended and all business on the court has been handled, there is still more for me to work on to make it to the next level in my life off the court. I guess it's time to start my new season. I was a part of our team victory, but now I'm better prepared to battle to a victory that is mine.

Championship Bound

2008-11-02T23:16:00.000-05:00

We're on our way!! My team is going to the "'ship"! That's short for "championship" for all those who don't know.

Back to the Kitchen

2008-11-01T19:08:00.003-04:00

Okay, I can't hold out any longer. My cooking boycott is over. I am sitting on my bed with my laptop, surfing the net for sales and recipes in preparation for my re-entry into the cooking arena. My skin, stomach, palate, and pocketbook can't handle it anymore. No more fast food for me. The clock has been set and my mission has only begun to find the right financially achievable and time permissive menu options. By this time tomorrow, I expect to have a healthy, appetizing meal ready to eat.