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| So this past weekend I drove with Jason and Tarwin to Nebraska for a badminton tournament. I think it is one of those tournaments where it is most likely my first and last. We left around 1pm, having to finish packing and picking everyone up prior to that, and did not arrive at our hotel until about 9pm. It was a looooong drive and it never felt like we were getting any closer. We played stupid car games that helped to pass the time. When we finally got there, it was partially raining and we were looking for a good place to eat. We ended up going to a Chili's, where the guys pigged out on ribs and I had pasta. I dunno, but Nebraska's dining service is 110%. Chicago sucks...
We woke up at around 7:15am the next day for our tournament, at least that's when singles started and Tarwin and I were the only ones in our group playing. Turns out...women's singles only had 2 females...Tiff and I. So I automatically got 2nd ^_^ I got a medal and an engraved mug. Pretty cool...So that was at 8am...but you know what, my next match wasn't until 5:40pm!!!! We watched Tarwin play singles and for a crippled (yes, he was still injured), he advanced all the way to the semis! He could've won it all, I think, if he was at his best. We went to get IHOP for brunch before getting ready to play doubles. Suanne and I won women's doubles, only by our opponents retiring due to an injury. I kind of wanted a good match -_- Tarwin and Jason got to the semis before losing to these old schmucks whom we all underestimated. Mixed was a lot of fun, yet also stressful. Jason and I made it all the way to the semis, losing to James Meier and Lucy Hu. At least we split...I just realized that there is a lot of things I need to improve on. So everything was finished on Saturday. For dinner we just went to Cheesecake Factory. The Tres Leches is AMAZING! Nothing beats a little dessert while watching videos of ourselves playing.
Sunday we went out with friends for lunch and did some slight souvenir shopping. Got a couple of t-shirts and a mug for a friend ^_^ I hope she likes it.
So now...we train for Kalamazoo and Madison. But good news, I might be going to Houston, Texas for another tournament on November 17th. How exciting!!!! | | |
| Oh, so the bad news is that Tarwin sprained his ankle at Chicago Open. He's been trying to recover for the past week or two and the swelling has decreased and his ability to walk has much improved. He cannot really put pressure on it as he runs but he's been going through icing, heating and now physical therapy. Since I experienced two separate occasions of spraining my ankle, I learned the necessary steps in recovering and trying to implement it on Tarwin's situation. He needs to be ready by next weekend because we are planning a trip with Jason and others to the Ray Scott Memorial Tournament in Papillion, Nebraska.
Yes, another tournament. I think I am going to try and make it to most of the midwest tournaments since I missed out on so many the past few years. Plus, I miss being able to see my friends in other states, partying at night and either playing or watching the finals. I guess it's like my second family ^_^
Upcoming Tournaments
November 3-4: Kalamazoo, Michigan
December 8-9: Madison, Wisconsin
January 18-20: Terra Haute, Indiana | | |
| This past weekend has been one of the most happiest moments of my life, yet also one of the saddest. The Chicago Open tournament took place at Hinsdale South High School and the outcome turned out to be pretty nice. The men's doubles and singles draws, as well as the mixed doubles draw were pretty large and consisted of pretty heavy competition. I think when it came down to the quarterfinals it was all top-A players. I would say it was one of the toughest.
Playing mixed, well, it was not all that great. I did not walk into every match with that mentality of wanting to win. I think the only time I was focused and tried was when I had to play Eric. It felt like I was only out there to try and prove something. I think I did. Plus, I took one of his smashes ^_^ Having to play Matt and Irina next, ugh. I don't know what it is about them but my level of play just wants to drop to an all-time low. I really did not feel like trying anymore. I think it is because they deserve to move on much more than I need to. Besides, my focus was on women's doubles.
Our first match was fairly easy, having to play against some local club members. Our second match was against my former student at Wheeling High School and a friend at Fremd High School. It was a little tougher but knowing how they play, due to being their coach, it is a lot easier to break into them and pick on their weak sides. We then watched our next match where we were to play either Karishma/Jurate or Line/Leah. It looked like a tough duel because it was a split game, going to the deciding game and Line/Leah were up a few points. Deep inside I was hoping for Line and Leah to win only because I thought we had a better chance of beating them.
Next day, semifinals...I was so nervous! My hands were sweating profusely. My arms and legs were shaking. And I had butterflies in my stomach. I listened to "Fei De Geng Gao" over and over trying to remain calm and did a light jog/agility runs to get the blood flowing. I warmed up pretty well with Celine too in trying to get all of my basic shots right and getting used to the facility. When our semifinal match was called I took everything easily. My nervousness was gone and I started to feel much more confident in myself. The game was almost too easy! I wasn't sure if my opponents were just as nervous as I was or if they just had a tough day (it could be that they played singles and mixed the day before, causing them to be tired, sore, etc.). It was an incredible feeling to finish the game so quickly and almost flawlessly! I felt that we were in control of every point and they were just on the defense. What a relief...we were in the finals! My very first Chicago Open A Final!!!
I had to wait for a couple hours before our finals match was called. Unfortunately by then, everyone else had left. Luckily I had my posse with me to cheer me on! Thanks! Also, thanks to Jason for warming up with me almost every 30 minutes! I could not warm up with Celine because she was playing her mixed doubles matches too. The game was filled with excitement, enthusiasm and outstanding effort. Never in my life was I ever so focused and kept complete composure of myself. Usually I would choke up and get so scared that all I would do is defend. I took a step up and had confidence that I could make any shot that I wanted to. I blocked the people that were watching, the noises, the umpire, the linesmen...I was in my own world. I just played, played how I wanted to. To see our opponent's shot go right into the net on our matchpoint, I was in complete shock! We won! I hugged Celine with true happiness because without her, I'd be nowhere. She has taught me so much in a matter of two days! I think I have become an entirely new and different player. Thanks! | | |
| So I return...
I have been overwhelmed lately by everything that has been occuring in my life. Since graduating at DePaul University, I now have a full-time job, moved out of my parent's house, struggling with my financial life, and working hard to become a better badminton player! It is tough living out on your own and realizing that your life pretty much depends on yourself. Well, I guess that is why I am thankful for having friends and family who constantly keep on the lookout in making sure I'm still alive.
Full-time job...it is a relief that I was able to be employed by such a great architectural firm right on Michigan Avenue, however, I made the mistake of starting the DAY RIGHT AFTER I GRADUATED! If I could turn back time, I would give myself at least a couple of weeks so that I could go on vacation or bum around. Regardless, the atmosphere is so upbeating and the people are extremely nice.
Moving out of my parent's home was the toughest part of my life. Being entirely independent was something I had to learn and get used to. I was so used to depending on my family that without them, I knew I could not do anything. Heck, I don't even know how to cook! Sad...I moved in with a good friend of my mine near UIC, close enough for her to get to school and for me to take the train to work. So far we have been getting along quite well, and I'm lucky to have her as a roommate. I can imagine situations getting unstable if I were to live with any other person. Our move-in weekend was pretty hectic but with the help of a friend and our boyfriends, we were able to get most of it down within a day or two AND play badminton at McKinley! Our place is slowly shaping up to how we want it and with a few tweaks here and there, we'll soon be able to hold parties! ^_-
Financial problems, well, not that bad. I just have problems with spending money that shouldn't be spent. Shopaholic, not quite, but I have the potential of getting there. It is just that the cure to my boredom is to shop and that means I must get something by the end of the day. Something needs to be fixed...I'm working on it.
Badminton, yeah, still playing. With school and coaching/teaching on Sundays for the past year, I have not been able to play at McKinley, nor was I able to go to out of state tournaments, or in state! It got really frustrating because I missed seeing my friends whom I rarely get to see in the first place. Since quitting my teaching position, I now have free weekends. I am considering starting up again and traveling throughout the Midwest to play in various tournaments. Chicago Open, in Hinsdale Central High School, is coming up this weekend and I have two great partners that I look forward to playing with. The following week I have a small tournament in Elgin that I am playing in, doubles only. The weekend of October 13th I am going to Papillion, Nebraska for the Ray Scott Memorial Tournament and the weekend of November 3rd I am going to Kalamazoo, Michigan for the KVCC Tournament. I am hoping that these small tournaments will help me better prepare myself for the larger tournaments like Midwest Closed and Region II Classics. I have been trying to play often and get myself in shape because I am sick of coming in second place all the time. I think it is time I come in first. I will need to build up my confidence and my belief that I can pull out a win. I WILL WIN! | | |
| Yay! I graduated ^_^ GO ME!!!!
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