Super Saturday

Man, oh man! I had an amazing Saturday!

I arrived at the Club around 0815 and waited for other ladies to arrive so we could carpool/caravan over to Santa Clara. As I was waiting, I decided to get directions just in case no one shows and I was on my own. Dennis, Matt, and "Little Old Man with a new hip and Knee Brace" (I can't remember his name....) all get together and help me out. Good thing, since I drove over all on my own! Woo hoo! Take that!

It was a great match! We split sets and lost in the third, but it was incredible fun! I felt pretty good from the "git go" and we still need to work on making a lot less unforced errors, but it was so fun! The ladies we played against were great! Thanks Joan and Fiona! I played with Karen, and that was a lot of fun as well. I need to take more time between serves!!!

Immediately following the match, I drove over to Milpitas to have lunch with Aunt Miriam, Connie, Uncle Fred, and Matthew! It was so great to see them all and to have a meal. The highlight of my day, was being able to play catch with Matthew. It wasn't my best showing as catcher, but considering I was playing right handed I was not too upset about it. I need to build up my arm strength though. I am not sure I could have made it to second base throwing with either arm! I love to play catch!!!

I made it to my eye exam on time and guess what? My vision improved! LOL! I got a trial pair of lenses, so now I can wait a few weeks to buy contacts. As per usual, both eyes are the same prescription! I love it! It's a cost effective situation! The cool thing about my eye exam is the doctor was really nice and we had a really fun conversation. Normally, my eye exams are rather dull, so this was a pleasant change.

Somehow, between heading over to my eye exam and texting my friends to get together and have dinner, I managed to get sick. I almost cancelled dinner even. By Saturday night, I was sick! Not sure what happened, but I am just glad it happened after my lunch with the family! I only managed an hour of church on Sunday, and Jessie had to drive us home! I called in sick to work yesterday, but made it in today and feeling spry! Glad I took care of it before I was miserable for days! Thanks, Jess and Carrie! It must have been that chicken soup!

Oh, and I decided that my efforts of improving my game have finally started paying dividends. I played a doubles Friendly Friday morning, and a singles Friendly Friday night, and felt so comfortable with a racquet in my hand Saturday morning! Good times and Ridgemont High!

ej

Family Desire

As Prop 8 has been discussed a lot these last few weeks, I have found myself caught up in thought about my future family. I am unmarried and currently not dating, but I'm 28 and have a strong desire to start raising a family. My friend John and I, had a conversation about adopting as a single adult the other day. We were pretty much on the same page. Even though we agreed on what we felt was right, I still have a strong desire to have a family of my own.

When I turned 25, I started to explore the possibility of adopting a child. After a conversation with Scott, he finally encouraged me to re-read the "Proclamation of the Family." After reading it and pondering its contents, I knew that my research needed to stop there.

Now, a few years later, I am still single (I'm happy, don't misunderstand me). My desire to have a family is great, but I know the importance of marriage and giving children the best chance for success in life. Being a single mother because of life's circumstances is one thing, but to consciously choose to be a single mother by adopting children, at least for myself, goes against my interpretation of the family unit.

The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity. Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities.

By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families.

Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners.

I have joked half-hearted, that when I get married, I wanted to adopt a few children right off the bat and get "caught up" with other friends and families. My friends laugh, but there is some truth to what I am saying. There are so many children in need of a loving permanent home and family. As efforts to pass Prop 8 continue, the Proclamation of the Family continues to run through my mind as well as the needs of the County for finding homes for the children:

Our greatest need for homes exists for:

Two or more related children (sibling groups)
Boys ages seven through nine
Infants and preschoolers with special needs
Teenagers

My hope, is that when my time comes to become a wife for eternity, that I may marry a man who has a desire to increase his capacity to love, and has a great love for children and creating a beautiful family.

ej

Monday Tennis

Monday was a long day! Jesse and I went swimming in the morning and had a most excellent swim! She has come a long way and will be much faster than myself in no time. We have been working on increasing her endurance. It has been fun to see her learn to push herself. I am starting to get texts a few times a week that say something like "my arms are so sore...hahaha." She is such a trooper! I have been pushing her a little harder now that she is more proficient and it also allows me to get a better workout as well. By the way, she is at my house by 0445-0500 nearly every day!

I swam late Saturday night at the gym and Jessie came with me. We got there around 2230 and Jessie hit the hot tub to loosen up her back. I told her I was going to swim a few laps then join her. Well, I got into an incredible rhythm and just went to town. It felt so good to swim lap after lap. I haven't swam that many laps in a few years, when last I was swimming that regularly. I finally got a watch, so I was able to keep track of my lap times and now I am able to track my progress.

I played a Friendly on Tuesday with some ladies from the club and had a great time! By the second set, my serve was on lock and that felt good. I need to have that same confidence when I play on Saturday! I am looking forward to that match, as well as my Friendly tomorrow. I am playing with Karen who will be my partner in this weekend's match and I am hoping to put on a better showing then last week.

I also played a Singles Friendly against my friend, Brian. He has really improved and will be surpassing me in no time! Men are just naturally so much stronger than women, so I will not be able to keep up with his pace once he gains some consistency. I am also slow and out of shape, so the shift will be very clear. I will have to work harder in the gym and in all my other extra-circulars to keep up! We played a couple sets on Friday night and that was a lot of fun, and he beat me! It was a good match all the way around. The fact that I had played three sets of tennis earlier in the day, and swam with Jessie for about an hour, had no influence on the outcome of our match, just for the record.

Matthew has another baseball tournament in Sunnyvale this weekend, and I will be heading over to watch him play after my Match. He's such a cute kid! He's definitely a Freeman. He's nine years old, on a team that is mixed with ten year old kids and such, and is one of the tallest and the most adorable. I might be a little biased on the most adorable opinion, but hey! He's my cousin and I am entitled to that opinion. =)

ej

Oops! I almost forgot...

Last Saturday, I went up to Elk Grove for a workshop put on by the USTA. I spent six hours doing tennis drills. It was awesome. I was tired like it was nobody's business, but I was so happy with the way the day went. It's always interesting how a group of random people put together can become a "team" by the end of a day, while engaging in team oriented activities.

I will probably never meet any of those people again, but I had a great time with them. My favorites were probably Thad (a father of two), and the kids from the Sacramento Park and Redcreation Department. Thad, because he was taking the class for his kids. There were others there for the same reason, but he shared with me the reasons. He spent money for he and his kids to learn tennis together, but was very disappointed. He wanted to be able to give his children something more. Now he can give them the gift of tennis in their lives, and be spending that time with them as well. It's a win, win situation. As for the Park Rec Kids, they were all brand new to tennis. They couldn't hit a ball in the court to save their lives at 830 saturday morning. By the end of the day, they were doing so well, it warmed my heart. Not only were they hitting the ball, they were having fun! It was great to see!

ej

I'm a Tennis Instructor

It's official! I have taught my first official tennis class. I have done many individual lessons with people, and have even gotten paid to do it. But, this is the first time I have taught a group class as an "official" tennis instructor. It was so great! There were eight kids in attendance and I can remember every name and face, which is a miracle for someone who is horrible at remembering names.

Let me tell you, finding the location of the courts was the biggest challenge of my day!!! I don't even think the people at the Community Center (the place where people sign up for the class) even know where to find it, because the directions they gave my were BOOTY!!! I had to ask a group of kids that were walking home from school, and an old lady riding a bike. I finally found it with enough time to spare to set up for class.

I had so much fun teaching these kids! I was a little nervous at first and survived a short moment of sheer panic! We were doing an easy drill and the kids were struggling to get through it, and it looked like utter chaos! I thought for a moment that the parents might jump out of the stands and pull their kids off the court! But then I remembered, "Hey! I know what I am doing! This is the learning period of their experience here. No one is going to be hitting like Federer the first day." Then it was all gravy from there! (side note: I am craving biscuits and gravy from O.D.'s).

I was sure tired after I was done teaching the class, and was in bed super early. Jessie came over, but it may have been a waste of gas since we were both pretty tired! I wanted to hit the pool at the gym today, so I made sure I was in bed early. Today is my Friday, so I am looking forward to staying up a little later tonight.

Might stay up and work on a little side project I've been working on, since I need the cash. We'll see.

ej

p.s.

oh, and i finished a quilt yesterday as well.

McCain vs. Obama

So, I am not super political...however, I have decided that McCain is the best fit for the next President. Maybe there are others more qualified, but if McCain and Obama are my choices; then I must choose McCain.

Neither has impressed me much, but there is something to be said about a man like Obama. When he talks, he lacks some sincerity. He reminds me of the typical politician who tells all the flaming liberals exactly what they want to hear. Because they lack vision, and he figures that it’s easier to convince them of their votes then with someone whom has a more logic based approached to making a decision. I'm not prejudice against the left or the right, makes no difference to me. It's the ever growing number of fanatics.

"What?" you say. "He lacks vision?" I'm not saying he lacks vision as a person. But he caters to all the far left liberals that only care about the danged dolphins and their own personal agendas that they sometimes forget about the bigger picture. The rest of the country that has needs to be attended to as well. And guess what??? Like it or not, we are a part of a bigger world than just the United States, and sometimes, we have to be involved in some foreign activities. Deal!

I enjoy life’s simple luxuries, but I also know that when I am on a strict budget, sometimes those things have got to be cut. Even my university education had to be put on hold due to a lack of funding. Do I blame the President of the University for not allowing me to continue studying? No. It is simply what needed to be done, in order for me to maintain my apartment, and have food on my table. It is one “good” that is sacrificed for another good.

Sure, you can have your free speech about "war is bad" and whatever else you feel the need to whine about. It took a war and the lives of soldiers to give you that freedom, so shut your pie hole when you talk to me! I have a right to not give a flying rip about anything you say. Don't you think I want to be able to go to a concert of my choice, with my hard earned money, without you polluting the streets with your signs, and retarded chants about what only you and God know what? Is that not also ruining the environment? It impedes my right to go downtown for some live tunes without your smelly anus in my way, and secreting the foul stench of your verbal feces coming out of your alimentary canal. That is my free speech for ya!

I'm going to vote for McCain, and I have that right. Stop questioning my faith in God, and my devotion to my religion and country because you believe in something different. I'm not trying to convince you that you are wrong. Just leave me alone so I can have to freedom to choose without the ridicule and ignorance you want to throw my way.

Here is my logic: Obama makes me want to vomit inside my own mouth. McCain doesn’t. Simple.

I vote because I believe it to be my civic duty. I have no desire to be involved in politics, and not even discuss it over dinner, so please, don’t hassle me. Vote for the best man you think is right for the job. I don’t vote republican or democrat, since it doesn’t matter to me. What matters is doing what I believe to be right. We can agree to disagree, that is our right as Americans.

ej

Protect the Family - Yes on Prop 8

I don't like serves without pace! =-)

The Panda Bears don't get along with the Penguins, even though they share the same color scheme.

Last night's match was pretty fun. Our team won! My partner and I lost our court, but the good news is we improved (3-6, 4-6). Really, I think we were very capable of winning but I just lack the consistency. There were so many stupid mistakes on my end, and I wouldn't be butt hurt if Shashi requested I never be her partner again. Although, I am committing myself to work harder to improve my game.

I have finally made a goal of where I want to go with tennis. Without goals, we have nothing to reach for, or to give us motivation. My overall goals are to have a strong core strength training program, and to become a 4.5 rated player. I know it is going to take time, but that is where I would like to be. With that in mind, I can look at where I am at and decide what needs to be improved in my game to get there.

First step, what is a 4.0? What attributes does a 4.0 have? How do I get there? What are my strengths?

4.0
You have dependable strokes, including directional control and depth on both forehand and backhand sides on moderate-paced shots. You can use lobs, overheads, approach shots and volleys with some success and occasionally force errors when serving. Rallies may be lost due to impatience. Teamwork in doubles is evident.

I am excited to play some better tennis, and about other upcoming events.

Also...the loss of my friend yesterday had more of an affect on me than I had realized. As I was driving to my match, my mind was caught up with thoughts of her, and the adventures we shared during her short time here. I am grateful to have known her, and to have had her bless my life, even though it was brief. I pulled into a parking spot at the Club and felt so emotional. I was happy, because I knew she wasn't suffering, and I felt a tinge of sadness because it may be some time before we see each other again. As I waited for my teammates to arrive, I turned on my MP3 player and Ludovico Einaudi came on. It was my favorite song by him called "Due Tramonti" which means "Two Sunsets." I love the introspective feeling I get when I hear it, and the peace and calm that comes over my body and mind. I took some time to collect my thoughts and feelings prior to game time. It helped me to smile when I thought of her, rather than feel sad. I know that she is with our Heavenly Father and is happy. Bye, Joogie. =)

ej

Game Day Preparation

0415 - Get out of bed and pack my clothes for work.

0431 - Receive text message from Jessie "dude i woke up whth [with] a headache"

0432 - Response to Jessie - "Okay"

0434 - Jessie "i took drugs but i dont want to get worse from swimming"

0434 - EJ - "cool cool"

0437 - Jessie - "sorrxw [sorry]i:ll text u later =) have a g'morning"

0438 - EJ - "You too! No apologies. Feel better."

0532 - Jessie "you know what sucks right now...that i'm wide awake & no headache =/"

0533 - Shaking my head and smiling, thinking to myself "Jessie oh Jessie."

0605 - Arrive at SJSRC to swim

0612 - Enter Pool. By the way, it's freezing cold, the water is not as warm as usual, I don't have my contacts in, so I can't see in the darkness of the morning, whether or not the lane I am in has someone in it already, so I swim and hope for the best.

0637 - Exit pool with a purpose. It's pickin' cold!

0647 - Showered and dressed and meet a woman named Lark who decides she wants to chat about bad circulation in her hands and shoulders. She was really nice, but since I didn't want to be rude...

0707 - Clocked in for work. (seven minutes late)

I swam hard, even though I didn't swim for very long. So all morning I was starving, looking for food to eat in the office. Fortunately, Shirlie hooked me up with a few bites of left over raviolis and a few bites of a piece of lasagna, then had eggs and toast. Way nummers!

Now, it's about leaving time, and I have been doing my best to keep my wits about me today. Office, friends, and the loss of a friend have kept my mind occupied all day.

I am ready for tonight. My partner and I have communicated that we are going to be "n sync" at least with our wardrobe, and will be wearing the same colored top. I clinic-ed twice this last week or so, drilled myself on my volley's, and have been working hard to get better rest. Just finished my mango I started eating at 0930 today, hahaha! I'm sure the mango will help jump start my afternoon!

Went to lunch with Don at the SJSU Institute, and alas, we were well received. I warned Don ahead of time that we might be "received warmer than usual." Lunch was good. More importantly, lunch was FREE! Was able to get my, as of late, small weekly dose of seeing John. I was happy to see him there. I know work has been busy for him, so even though it was brief, it enriched my day to be in his company. Now, if only we could schedule a game of catch.

It's now 1515 on Tuesday, 09 September 2008...it's time to prepare to leave the office and prepare for my tennis match. Translation...I need a nap!!! Hahaha! I can hardly wait to play tonight!!!

ej

Vocabulary:

Nummers : really, really, ridiculously yummy


drugs : tylenol, aspirin, etc., generally refered to as any OTC pain killer

received warmer than usual : an exerted effort to bring a "lost sheep" back to the fold after a special request to invite Don to lunch

Interesting Day...

My good pal, Mort (aka Dr. Morty) sent me a hilarious IM (instant message) today. Here is our short conversation:

Dr: dude
i'm bored

EJ: talk to me
i am back from lunch

Dr: call my work, tell them there's been a family emergency and that i have to go home, and order a stripper for me

EJ: LOL
you're freaking hilarious

Dr: i know

...

Yeah...interesting...that's how I roll when I am working hard at...work.

ej