Yes, that’s right, the US Open starts on Monday, and I am excited! Can’t wait to see what the tournament brings. There are always surprises every year (like Kim Clijsters winning last year in only her 3 tournament back after her “retirement”, that marathon match between Agassi & Blake a few years ago, and of course, a 39-year old Jimmy Connors making a run to the semifinals in, I think, 1991 or 1992.)
My tennis playing continues these days, after a brief layoff in July to tend my tender ankles. I’ve been doing my exercises regularly and they’ve been doing very well. Last night I even played without my ankles supports, mostly because they’re new ones this season and are really tight. My feet hurt a bit from the elastic edges, so I just took them off, and actually had no problems. I think I played a bit more free without them too. Who knows. At any rate, I was pleased that I rediscovered my serve, which seemed to have left me a while ago. I decided to forget all the “new” stuff I’d learned in my lessons and go back to my old way, and what do you know, all was well! At one point I went almost 4 full service games without a double fault, which for the recreational player is fantastic. I was pleased that I was able to hold my own against my friend, who is male, and about 10 years younger than me. Thankfully what I lack in foot speed and in-shape-ness I make up for in wile (sp?) and strategy. I had him running all over the place and even managed to get in a good pseudo-drop shot too (it wasn’t supposed to be a drop shot, but it ended up being one and totally fooled him!). I had fun trying to figure out how to return his serve, as it was quite a lot faster & had more power than I’m used to, which is to be expected as he’s a guy. So it was fun to take all that tv tennis commentary advice and just “block it back”…wouldn’t you know, it actually works! I ended up losing 7-5, but had a blast playing. I normally don’t play with points, but sometimes it helps focus me, you know?
And next week the tennis buffet begins with tons of US Open coverage! I love it when tournaments are in my time zone.
Another Retro Band Off My List
14 Aug2010
Over the last several years I’ve been slowly working my way through my “I wish that retro band was still around so I could see them live” list. First there was the Police, then Def Leppard, KISS, Stone Temple Pilots, Blondie, Taylor Dayne and this weekend: Tears for Fears (the original lineup!) Should be a fun time. Stay tuned for the review later on tonight or tomorrow.
Temptations Fulfilled
10 Aug2010
I’ve been so busy lately that I didn’t blog about it when it happened, but my temptation package from KnitPicks arrived two weeks ago. Check it out!
Very exciting! I must say I’m a little disappointed in the Mason-Dixon book, as I truly enjoyed the first one, but since I got it on super-discount, I don’t mind. The Afghans book is just wonderful. I’ve already ruined a few pages with all my drooling. I can’t wait for the weather to start cooling off so that I can start knitting/crocheting up these wonderful blankies n’ things. Just great!
Caving in to temptation
31 Jul2010
This week I caved into temptation and bought some of the wonderful Felici yarn from Knitpicks. I can’t wait till it arrives! I bought the Seaside colorway, which I’ve been drooling over the last couple of years, and I think I might even take the bull by the horns and knit up some socks with it. Perhaps. I don’t know. Maybe I’ll just wait till it gets here to decide.
Welcome Long Weekend
30 Jul2010
Ah, the perfect time of the weekend: Friday night. I’ve often joked that the best part of the weekend is at 5:05pm, as you have the entire weekend ahead of you and the work week is done. And I’m right, if I do say so myself.
So far it’s been a good weekend. Some good food, some good drinks, and good music. I’ve been enjoying the eclectic music on AuxTV, which is a tv station that plays the best in independent music. I love how they go from funky 50′s inspired funk to rap to country to folk and back again all in the span of an hour. I’ve discovered a few new artists there too, which is actually why I started watching the channel in the first place.
Don’t get me wrong, I do enjoy my current roster of tunes, but it’s always good to add new people to the mix, ya know? So get out there and discover some new music!
But back to the topic at hand: the long weekend.
For once I’m not going out of town this weekend, and I’m going to enjoy it. Most of my friends have gone out of town, but that’s okay, as there’s plenty to amuse me here in the city. I think I’ll see about playing a little tennis, do a little housework, walk around my neighbourhood and maybe go to the movies if it rains on Sunday like they say it’s going to. Oh, and of course, SLEEP IN. That’s the best part of a weekend, waking up sans alarm clock. I may still wake up at the same time as during the week, but sans alarm clock, I feel much better about it. Although waking up at 06:45 on a Saturday morning is not my idea of fun, unless it means that I’m driving up to a cottage or the airport to catch a flight to somewhere different. 
What are you up to this weekend, long or short?