Better Late than Never: 2009 Aussie Open Moments

#3: The Suarez-Navarro One-Handed Backhand. Hyped during her match with Venus Williams (whom she defeated), 20 year old Carla (white) wowed the Aussie crowd and received praise for her backhand.



This just made me miss Justine Henin’s (blue) awesome one-hander.



#2: Fed needs a little lovin’. I didn’t expect Federer to cry. I can only imagine what could be going on in his mind after being defeated by the same man who has prevented him from winning the only grand slam he doesn’t have (the French Open), who has stole the glory from him in the grass courts of Wimbledon and who has now outlasted him in the hard courts. I’m no worshipper of Federer, but I wanted to give him a hug.



#1: Nerves of Steel: Nadal-Verdasco Seminfinal. Awesome. Awesome. Awesome battle of the Southpaws! I have never sat still and watched one thing for more than 5 hours in my life. This could very well be THE FINAL! I love Verdasco’s (green) service motion and a lot of people were disappointed when he gave the game away because of a double fault but my stand remains: This was his first grand slam semi final, against a tenacious player like Nadal, with whom he played with for over 5 hours. He could’ve choked many times during the earlier sets but didn’t. Cut the guy some slack. And Nadal…what topspins! I tried and failed many times to emulate such move, lol!



Next stop—Paris, France!

Must...RESIST...!!!

I DON'T NEED A RACQUET THAT COSTS TEN THOUSAND PESOS.

Even if it is the Head Flexpoint Radical MP. On Paylite.

I DON'T need that kind of racquet.
I DON'T even play competitive tennis.
I DON'T need a new racquet for that matter.

Sigh. What I need is to GET PUMPED in writing two research papers, revising three syllabi, checking *looks at lab papers* A LOT of lab papers, reviewing biopsychology and getting published--single authorship.

Repeat bold and italicized mantra to self.

In Current News…

TENNIS: I finally broke the strings of my racquet. I had it replaced the same day, accompanied by some uneasy feelings of what happened in Toby’s Megamall. I purchased two things separately using two different credit cards because the attendant told me that only I swipe per card is allowed in establishments. I haven’t heard of this rule but instead of asking the cashier, I simply did what she suggested. On hindsight, I thought I felt kind of duped…and stupid. I mean, when I was eating at Sushiya, I asked the manager if that rule apply to them, and they said no. I even had my mother call me up to ask her…the OC-ness really hit me and I hated the feeling that I wasn’t assertive enough to ask. I mean, it wouldn’t hurt and it wouldn’t really cost me anything. Of course, I allowed myself to become paranoid and thought that it could be a scam or something. Argh. Why was it that I didn’t see them rare 4 pieces Slazenger tennis balls were available and on sale. Lesson learned: ASK, IT WONT’ HURT. On other news, I intend to break in the new strings…I experimented on the tension, I wonder what 60kg feels like.

RESEARCH: Last week was the brainstorming of our Department collaborated research on Youth Development. I’m glad I went but on the side, I felt a little disappointed at myself that these guys came up with really good theoretical frameworks which made mine look preschool-ish in comparison. It then came with a feeling that I can’t seem to feel the expertise I supposedly have achieved now that I have a Master’s Degree in Human Development Psychology. I teach, but the expertise I gain is that of teaching—how to wing things and still have the goals attained. I’m beginning to feel that maybe unconsciously I’m getting bored with my current state because it’s so monotonous that I can even risk not preparing for work because I know how to handle it when it all comes down to the actual thing. Maybe this is a sign that I need something new…something more challenging. Something that will motivate me to move.

JPOP: Thanks to Ohmer’s dvd, I saw the spinoff movie of Deathnote (L: Change the World). It was okay; it’s not something I would buy nor download but it was nice to see L and his eccentric ways. The whole idea of the antagonists were simply flawed and really, had they further developed the idea of why there is a need to use bioterrorism on people and not just “because we are overpopulated and abuse nature” (a big “HUH?”), it would’ve really made the film more exciting. And much as I like seeing L, he doesn’t seem to be so much himself in this movie…I mean, I missed his shrewdness in the first two films (as well as portrayed in the manga) and in here, he’s…not as proactive as I want him to be ^^(). But there were ‘Awww…” moments for sure =3

Tennis Tales: An Open Letter

Dear Service,

Serve, I’m going to start with you. I’ve been trying to understand you for so long it’s starting to get me frustrated. At first I thought I get you, then the next, it’s like we’ve never seen each other in the eye. The same thing goes with Toss—why is it going for the 12 o’clock sound so simple and yet I can’t do it consistently? Yes, reach the peak of the toss. Argh! And Snap—it’s like all of a sudden, my wrist becomes incapable of bending. Also, let’s not get started with Flat Serve—I mean, it looks so freakin’ easy and yet wrist insists on doing a spin.

Serve, I NEED to get you—CONSISTENTLY. You’re the only elusive aspect of the sport that’s keeping me from playing a serious game with the people in the tennis court.

- - - - -

Dear Forehand,

You’re weird. There are times that I feel you (and you look good when I do) but recently, I’m bugged by how you seem to look off (but coach said you’re not). Do remember that the sweet spot IS your best friend, not the racquet frame. And I will have a quiet talk with Semi-Continental grip—we’ve been getting it on lately and I think there’s a need to sort out things as to where we stand.

I look forward to our next meeting. Hopefully I can make you go down (the line) deeper ; ).

- - - - -

Dear Volley,

I say we are getting reacquainted, after getting used to switching grips for forehand and backhand volleys. Semi-continental and I are still working on Serve but somehow, I’m glad things are working out between the two of you. I hope to you use more of you soon. So far, I’m comfortable coming on to the net—if only I get the opportune time to meet up with Approach Shot.

I’ve always been comfy with you. Let’s try to keep it that way.

- - - - -

Dear Single-Handed Backhand,

I’m so happy to have formally met you and have somehow given justice executing you. I do miss your sibling, Double-Handed, and the extra control it brought along. But ever since we’ve worked together, it feels at home—even if I don’t brush up as I should or I do the backswing late. I’m yet to really feel how to use you on high bouncing balls but so far, we’re good.

Yeah, we’re good. Can’t wait to put more power on you.

- - - - -

Dear Footwork,

Remember when you stopped being flatfooted? Well, now is another time to remember others things. First, stop doing the open stance during Forehand—it’s f***ng it up. Second, right leg stays BEHIND when hitting forehands—stop acting like the right half of my leg has a separation anxiety when my left leg goes forward. Third, it’s okay to—no, actually, you SHOULD halt/break/pause before doing an approach shot and running shot.

You were hardly criticized that you sucked. Don’t start now.

- - - - -

Dear Running Shot,

I.Love.You. <3>

Tennis Tales: Day xx?

I don't keep track of the days I play anymore--the smileys on my calendar takes care of that.

Today I played at QCSC via the invitation of my former student Ali. I've never driven this far before so I asked my dad to tag along and be my navigator.

We played with two trainers and later had a doubles match--Ali with one trainer and me with another trainer. My side won, 7-5, though my partner did most of the work to complement my few winners and abundant errors. I remember my instructor always telling me to have fun and just enjoy, win or lose. Did I have fun? Well, sure, it was okay--I suppose it's more of an adjustment thing--new place, new faces, new surface (first time on shell court), including my initial introverted tendencies. I guess the more appropriate question would be, 'Did I want to play again because it was fun, or because I want to play a better game?' -- at this point, it's the latter.

Or maybe I don't feel like jumping for joy because my ever observant father had to re-emphasize how: 1. I don't have power and spin on my shots, 2. I always look behind my partner when I should be concentrating at the net, 3. I'm not fully concentrating on the net, 4. flatfooted I was. There's another one but I forgot at the moment and I'm sure he was saying something else but I was trying to concetrate on driving back so I kind of didn't notice. It's just slightly frustrating that despite the training and despite my know-how of what should and shouldn't be done, I end up not reflecting on play what I've learned and did most of the 'what-shouldn't-be-done'. I could have reasoned out that: 1. I don't usually play doubles, and 2. I haven't played in 2.5 weeks. But I just let it pass and whether its wishful thinking or disguised determination, I just tell myself - Just.You.Wait.

Funny how I seem to portray that this doesn't bother me when I'm completely mulling over it.

Tennis Tales: Day 48

After almost a month of absence, I was finally able to play tennis—this time, Quiaps was not the only one who had all the fun. On the contrary, she got her first hand experience of the “lagare” (the saw—you know, the carpentry tool) and learned what it felt like to chase the ball left and right. *evil grin*

I only have four words to say – I STILL HAVE IT!!! ^o^

Even if I got tired more easily and was not as quick as before, I generally liked my game. The ground strokes, volleys and approach shots were all there and I didn’t completely embarrass myself as a result of the lack of practice. One thing’s for sure, though—tomorrow will be painful.

Now what I need to figure out is how to put my vibration dampener back. *tweaks racquet* @_@

Hiatus, Jumper (***spoilers***) and Tennis Tales (Days 44-47)

I didn’t get to update because work got busier and I had an encounter with a nasty virus. I’m well now—been so for a while, thankfully—and catching up with work. It’s just sad that I’m banned for playing tennis for one more week as part of the recovery plan. Oh, and I eat. As in EAT – double the servings of rice, more fluids, snacks in between and mandatory consistent vitamin intake. I’m anxiously waiting what these will do to my weight, especially since I don’t get to burn the calories. XD

~~~

Instead of the usual life happenings, I’m going to share my opinion on the recent movie that I saw with Quiaps—Jumper. In brief, it’s about a guy (Hayden Christiansen-[sp?]) who can teleport, makes money out of it and visits places, gets the girl he’s always wanted since high school, gets hunted down by mysterious people, finds out there’s another one with the same powers as he does (Jamie Bell!!!), teams up briefly to fight bad guys but team up didn’t last long enough (irreconcilable difference I guess, haha!), protagonist defeats antagonist (Samuel L. Jackson), saves the girl, learns about past and teleports with the girl to travel around the world.

Hn.

The Good:

I personally liked the concept behind the film—teleportation and how would an average person deal with it.

The you-are-not-alone and the you-are-going-to-be-hunted bits are plot clichés already but the reason for the hunting—evolved religious fanaticism was interesting.

The teleportation CG wasn’t bad either—it reminded me a bit of the SilverHairedMen+Sephiroth+Cloud fight scenes in Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children, but this time with real people.

Jamie Bell. When I saw his name on the opening credits, I just knew I’ve heard that name before. I only remembered (IIRC!) now that he starred as a ballerina wannabe kid in Billy Elliot. Compared to Hayden’s acting, I liked Jamie’s better because I was able to like his character. Although Jamie’s character isn’t really the complex type, it just worked—he nailed it so well that I didn’t even notice Hayden looked better than him.

Samuel L. Jackson’s character didn’t die. Or perhaps it was stated in his contract that his character shouldn’t die. Rightfully so, because with the way the plot worked out, it would’ve been a shame if he died.

The Bad:

Underdeveloped plot—which is sad because for this type of movie concept, it had such promise.

The time spent on the high-school-type-impress-the-girl-and-date-her-then-make-out-with-her scenes was a little overemphasized that I felt it would’ve been better if such time was spent for further plot development. Also, it’s not as if the girl was pivotal in protagonists’ way of performing his ability to teleport anyway. Plus, the mystery behind the disappearance of lead guy’s mom was intriguing but only resolved at the very end, like somebody remembered that it should be brought up but the roll of film is almost out. The religious fanaticism motivation to hunt down “Jumpers”, as well as their back grounds—how they became as such, how they acquire their Jumpsites and make it “theirs”, etc were hardly explored. I wonder if the basis of the story used for this movie was actually a first draft or something.

The Ugly:

Lacks development of characters and storyline. Oh, wait-I already said that. And that is why I’m glad Samuel’s character did not die because the plot was not worth it. In short, the movie has great promise—it has some intriguing moments and makes one anticipates for more but fails to deliver.

So the verdict? I saw this movie in Shang. Not worth the money I paid for, considering that Shang is more expensive that the average movie theater. At best, I’d be willing to watch it from a ripped off DVD—but that’s because I like topics on teleportation. I suppose for those who cling on actual characterization and plot, wait for it in cable. But if you fancy Hayden fan service or a sucker for Jamie’s accent and have a companion to treat you to a movie, go for this.

~~~

I can’t remember much of my tennis practices prior my hiatus, except for the last session where I actually practice approach shots and finish the points with volleys. It’s sad because I was getting the feel of it but now I’m worried that the month-long absence of practice would defer the progress. I wouldn’t be surprised though, and it’s also sad that I won’t be able to do my monthly 10 hours of tennis resolution this month.

Yesterday though, Quiaps had a tennis session in Rizal and I accompanied her, sitting on the sidelines…green with envy. I was suppose to play with her but the moment I mentioned it to my mom the night before, she was ready to deploy a checkpoint to make sure that I cannot leave the house with a single tennis paraphernalia. So, I urged Quiaps to take the hour instead while I watch (and finish coding a research project). But, being pasaway and all, when Quiaps took a break, I borrowed her racquet, checked out for any Rizal guard (I’m not in the proper attire) and hit for 5 minutes with the ballman (yes, man—the dad of our usual ballkid). I was satisfied even if I chose not to run after balls I usually do so I can hit it. I suppose this means I still have it. Can’t wait for next week when I can officially get back to practice.

Tennis Tales: Day 43 and 44

One word: Mediocre.

I had better days. The entire sessions weren't so uber bad but still, even my forehand volleys weren't as cooperative as I keep hitting the frame. Despite that, it still goes in--does that reflect anything? On this coming week, I'll try to complete a thrice a week session. The elders there keep insisting that I should start playing in matches...I don't know o.O;;

Tennis Tales (Days 40 and 41) and starting the school day with stingrays

Seems like I started the year right by playing twice during the first week, and it’s even more than an hour. The highlight would be Day 41 where Quiaps finally played tennis the first time and we ended up playing an hour each instead of the shared one-hour session we planned. Then on the same day in the afternoon, we practiced at the rooftop tennis court in school. I practiced my serves—although there were still faults, I felt good about the practice.

And now, school started again. Hopefully I can update every now and then. I wonder if I should add in my resolutions to give immediate attention to course outputs so they don’t end up avalanching at me during term end. And there are other things to do like course preps, article revisions, manual illustrations…gaaah.

About the stingrays, it belonged to one of my colleague. He donated (his pet) a mother stingray and a baby stingray to the Biology department for preservation. The mother stingray was huge, maybe measuring about 50 inches around its circumference(? – sorry, too lazy to check), while the baby stingray was of saucer size—cute, really.

December Tennis Tales, Term End stressors, Goings out with Friends and New Year Resolutions

I haven’t updated for a long time so this will be the year-end wrap up.

For the month of December, I played a total of six days (days 35-39), the last being today was around two hours. I got hold of another instructor—I’ve seen him around the courts for some time, jolly person. Let’s see, as far as I can remember, we did forehand and retreating backhand drills (hitting a backhand drive from near the net then going farther back to the baseline) as well as forehand drives, practiced some volley and smash, and return serve + backhand volley + forehand volley combo (my backhand volley…sad ^^;). I did a session in Rizal also, which would probably be repeated next month (my wallet winced in pain). The highlight would probably be the doubles match I got to do today, to which we won (my partner was the aforementioned instructor)! I’m happy as long as it’s not a bagel but winning was a bonus, LOL! I still double faulted, of course, but turns out that some of my volleys were okay (more or less). After that, I had a rallied with a trainer for an hour (I had rest while waiting for a doubles match to finish).

Regarding the stressors, I don’t even want to go there since thinking about it is enough to replicate the stress I went through. For some reason, this term was the most cram-felt, in terms of term end obligations. I felt the exhaustion (enough for me to miss the department Christmas dinner). I’m just hoping that come next term, there wouldn’t be any aftershocks of this term’s academic concerns. Hay.

This month also marked the time where I was able to meet all 3 sets of friends that I met in different context. My meeting with Greys and Gemma (yeah, I’ll use their first names since I forgot the pseudonym I referred to them before and I’m too lazy to look it up now…) was a blast, though it might’ve been uber blast if we were complete. Still, it was nice to have refreshing conversations again and for some reason, it felt just like before, only the themes that we talked about changed. But the way each spoke—very much the same. I also met with Kat, which almost didn’t push through this month. We basically caught up with each other while trekking the whole of MoA…twice, I think. We also had an unspoken exchange gift or sorts ^^;; Heehee, the chibi PoTs were nice—domo! Finally, Quiaps, Choco and I went to our yearly retreat(!) to Sta. Rosa to attend Missy’s birthday party. But since that was in the late afternoon, we met earlier and hung out at a mall and later continued unwinding in a coffee shop, before heading to the party. Apart from the usual catching up talk, we basically kept eating the whole time…it’s unusual of us. Yeah, this month was pretty good in terms of meeting with friends.

Finally, below are some of the resolutions I am considering doing next year:

To keep in shape:
- Playing at least 10 hours of tennis each month
- Should I decide to eat chips, I can only do so twice in a month, to which if the said month has passed, the unused chances-to-eat is not transferable to the next month.
- Sweets are defined as donuts or cakes or ice cream. For the span of January to October, I shall only indulge on any of them twice a month.

To keep me sane:
- Unless it is school or research matters, STOP overanalyzing everything.
- Smile to people I transact with, be it a team teacher or a tiangge vendor.
- Don’t think so much about all things….oh, I mentioned that already.

HAPPY NEW YEAR, ALL! ^__^

Tennis Tales: Day 34

I played yesterday after about two weeks hiatus. I'm happy to find out that I haven't lost the strokes despite not playing for some time. I liked how it turned out despite semi-cracking my shoulder when I did an awkward backhand while moving backwards ::d'oh!:: What I don't like is how my body, especially both shoulders, hurt now. It's trying to readjust to the beating it received yesterday. Oww.

Raves, Rants and Tennis Tales: Day 33.5

Raves~

I surprised myself just now since I actually completed my preps today (and it’s not yet midnight!). I was able to read the left out text for tomorrow’s lec, do a powerpoint for it and make lab exams. PLUS, I got to watch most of the opening game of the ATP Master’s Series in Shanghai. (Too bad Gasquet and Djokovic lost….but Nadal and Ferrer did deserve to win, I guess :P)

Rants~

No wonder I’ve been feeling crappy lately—thyroid’s acting up again and fatigue is one of the effects. I thought I was just being lazy (well, okay, a bit of that too…). What’s more, I’ve been having palpitations and I get tired easily—this means no tennis! : ( Just when I’m getting the feel of the forehand.

Tennis Tales: Day 33.5~

This month, I’ve only played once and it was crosscourt practice and doing drive (shots?). I’ve practiced a bit of overhead smash and forehand volley but depressingly, my backhand volley felt awkward—as my trainer graciously described it—parang ‘komang’. Still, it was my last 1.5 hours of play before this thyroid condition came up.

Then one time while waiting for some test results, I dropped by the tennis courts to watch and pass time. Fortunately, I saw one of my acquaintances (I finally learned what her name really is) who’s been MIA for three months. I got to chat with her as well as her coach and learned some things about the different grips and how it’s not totally wrong to change grip when doing backhand volley (from a forehand), as well as to where and when it is best to hit the ball in ground strokes. Even if I didn’t play, I’m glad I picked up some tips. It was tempting to borrow a racquet and start playing though. And I was surprised that some of the ball kids already knew me (by name) and asked why I haven’t been playing. ^^; Ehehe…

Tennis Tales: Day 32

Yesterday, I played for 1.5 hours after not playing for 6 consecutive days. I liked how it turned out-my forehands were okay although there were still homeruns, some of my serves got in and I get to return my trainer's serve (his tip here was to look at the ball and he said I'd know which direction it will go...I'm still trying to figure that out but whatever my interpretation of it was seemed to work since I did guess right where the ball was heading).

This made me realize some things: (1) despite not playing for almost a week, I still did okay, (2) maybe playing daily at this point makes me tired so I don't get to play well the next day, (3) I may have already acquired the skills but I won't lose it if I don't play daily, (4) I can survive with eating only a banana and yogurt drink before playing, and (5) maybe playing on a no class day helps mentally. I have to put these to the test and see how it turns out--whether it gets consistent.

Tennis Tales: 31 days later…

I’ve decided to blog about my tennis learning experiences so I can trace how pathetic I am (and could still be?) as days pass. I’m not sure if I can actually keep this up considering how often I update.

It’s been about 31 days that I’ve been playing. That is over a span of three months since I only do so at least 3 times a week, 4 if I don’t substitute for somebody. So far, the following are my observations:

~ People say that I have a nice two-handed backhand. I notice that too but lately I’m losing it since I’m trying to improve my homerun-ish forehand. Of course, no one mentions anything about my forehand >_<

~ My forehand is getting flatter but the topspin is still very inconsistent that I still do a homerun or hit the net. One of the coaches there said that it’s because I flick my wrist upon impact when it should just remain in an angle…it’s hard to explain but something like this à ‘<’. I find that hard to do. When I do keep it, the swing hardly has any power; if I put power, I lose the control.

~ Lately, I’ve been killing my racquet frame, it’s frustrating that I don’t hit the sweet spot consistently.

~ Timing is another problem. Sometimes I end up too close or too far from the ball that it kills the proper forehand form.

~ I do appreciate now the skipping and always-on-your-toes stances. I tried slightly jumping while preparing to rally back and it seems to work. I think that helps in the timing. But lately I’m unable to do these all through out.

~ This might be just me but playing when it’s raining seem to make me sweat faster and wear me out more.

~ I started practicing my service and I average at about 50% service in. But since I got sick last week and have stopped practice, my service went back down. What I notice though is that timing and toss is key.

~ I have absolutely no doubles sense. I’ve been in two doubles games (on separate days) and I was so embarrassed to my partners. We lost in both games—6-0 and 6-1. I had one singles game before with a trainer and I lost also with 6-0. I’d rather have that since I don’t have to drag anyone else down.

~ Embarrassing moments always happen to me. As in I bring amusement to those who are waiting for their turn to use the court. I’m so glad that I’ve reached the point of the-hell-do-I-care-what-you-think/say/react. Hey, I’m a noob but I intend to kick ass in six months time. (Oh, dear…self-imposed pressure..dimmit.)

~ In fairness, the morning people I meet always encourage and compliment on my minute improvements. It’s fascinating talking with them. ^_^ I played three straight days this week, immediately after I gained some strength from being sick last week. Now, I’m not sure if this was a good idea since I can feel slight weakness in my knees. @__@

A cRaZy week ends today!!!

For the first time in a long while, I felt like I was working in an office and not in a school. Laid back was not the best description for this week—instead, it’s fast-paced and things had to be done one after the other. I tried hard not to think that in the remaining ten hours of my time, I wasn’t really getting paid to get the work done. Ah, woes of a part-timer >__<.

Today was a rather interesting one. I was supposed to play again this morning but the trainer didn’t show up! GOOD THING I had to do something early in school anyway (out of sheer stupidity from the day before) so I thought, some laps around City Hall would compensate as a workout. I finished about an hour of walking/running and as I waited for my dad to finish his laps, I went back inside the court to watch. After talking a bit with this girl that I’ve seen a couple of times, a regular senior player approached us and asked if we wanted to use the court. The girl who I was talking to said her instructor was not there yet so the senior (let’s call him Sir Joe) asked me. I told him about my trainer but for some reason he still insisted, saying that once the people start coming in, I might not be able to play. Anyway, I didn’t think he’d take no for an answer and really felt that my time coming in early shouldn’t be wasted so he volunteered to be my hitting partner.

So much for my plan to be in school at 830am. LOL!

Actually, instead of him, the brother of my trainer played with me. He just happened to play but not really work there. I spent 30 minutes hitting before my superego got the best of me. Besides, I can’t hog the court for so long when sir Joe still hasn’t played. After the game, he seemed pleased that the purpose of my going to a tennis court has been accomplished ^^; The moment I got home, I rushed and prepared for school.

Let’s sidetrack a bit as to why I HAD to get to school early. It’s because I had to check an exam I promised to be returned today…something I was supposed to do yesterday but was unable to do so because even if I was prepared yesterday, I realized that the exams were in my locker and I forgot to bring my keys.

“D’oh!!!” (Simpson, 2007)

But I thought, I can check them early in the morning today…only to realize that the locker is in the lab, which opens at 10am to which I no longer have keys to and my class is at 1030am.

“D’oh!!!” (Simpson, 2007)

So I had to make arrangements to meet a colleague with a key. It all worked out in the end anyway. Even if I’m already thinking of another way to meet him since I wouldn’t make it on our earlier agreement of 830am, he informed me that he’d be late. So there were no problems there. Yay. I made it on time with the exams and proved that I can check and record papers in one hour and it shouldn’t take me three hours when I’m doing it at home.

Pressure apparently makes me work better. ^o^

Lattes Make Me Dizzy

This is the second time it has happened. Before, I thought the culprit was the place I had cafe latte, which was Figaro. But now, Starbucks had the same effect. However, the latte from Nescafe coffee vendos have no such effects. Hmm, maybe I'm allergic to expensive lattes. LOL!

I finally finished checking the grad papers--YAY! I just needed to leave the house and not come back unless I'm done. Next will be the undergrads--until the new batch of grad papers arrive @__@

I played tennis again this morning and for some reason, I was actually exhausted a bit more than usual. I wonder if it was a good idea to play on one's second day or maybe it's because of the rest I got over the weekend. This explains why I'm tired the whole day and opted to go out because I just might end up sleeping if I stayed at home.

It's back to work tomorrow. Crunch time.

I’ve been working all day…*O_o*

I’ve been slacking off at some points in the term and now that it’s about to end, the momentum is picking up. I’m not technically cramming yet. Actually, my mind is at Centrino level processing what to do next and how to plan my next move.

I’m tired. X_x

It’s a bit disappointing though that I didn’t finish what the grad school course I have to fix. My dial-up won’t let me upload the stuff I need to upload. I’ll take that as a sign that I should go out tomorrow, rent and then check papers.

On a lighter note, I wrote this last year and I think I should update it:

I am hardly a morning person. The only possible reasons that I would wake up before 6AM are:

I have to cram for something
I have to be early somewhere and I’m on color-coding
I have to drink medicine if I’m sick
I have to watch a football or tennis match, perhaps a final
I have to play tennis

Yes, folks. I finally took advantage of the Tennis Club in City Hall and have been trying to play decently three times this week. And to justify the last point I updated above—I play at 5.45AM. FIVE FORTY-FIVE IN THE FREAKIN’ MORNING!!! That means I wake up at 4AM (but get out of bed at 4.30AM, hehehe). It was also because of this which was why I was able to watch the final set of Montreal Finals. Hehehe, I beat my old record of 5AM to watch World Cup!

That’s it. I’ll probably have hangover aches and pains tomorrow—physically and mentally.

CLASS SUSPENSIONS

Which student wouldn’t like class suspensions? I bet few would. I remember when I was younger class suspensions would be such a blessing especially when it’s right on exam day.

Of course, I wonder which student thinks about the world of other people who have to deal with class suspensions…like maybe their teachers? (Yeah, I bet they’d care, LOL!)

Being in a trimestral system does not help either. I’ve been molding and remolding my existing course plans and adjusting it again and again.

Sigh, I’m starting not to care anymore. I should use the time to check the mountain of papers I have.

It better rain really hard today.

[sun is slightly radiating outside…meh.]

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On other notes…YEAH, BABY!!! THE DJOK HAS FINALLY GONE PAST THE FED EXPRESS!!! I know, I know—Montreal is not even a grand slam but it was so nice to see other players beat Federer. Too bad Djokovic’s already out in Cincinnati. I do hope he does well in the US Open.

…Yes, Bagh-daddy…I’d still root for you, too… ^_^

To Limbo and Back

Last week was crunch time part one. I took a week off just so I can entertain the grounded theorist and get some work…okay, A LOT of work, done. It was exhausting, both physically and mentally.

It’s funny since a colleague of mine, who’s also on the same situation as mine, decided that we needed a break before we worry about the next step. So earlier in the week, the moment we gave our outputs (me to my adviser, she to her panelists), we will detox and play tennis. It was suppose to be this week since it’s the only time that both of us are free. Yet for some reason, there’s this weeklong athletic event in Rizal that will end mid next week….when both of us are no longer free.

It seems that fate is playing with us again. We’ll see. Out next common free week again will be the first week of March (I’m sure I can afford one hour of tennis in my prep week, right? ; ) If by some reason, we still can’t play on that week, fate is definitely making us finish our academic requirements.

And today, the results are in---OVERHAUL 160, people!!! Grounded theory is sucking the life out of me. I never thought writing this type of research would yield varying degrees of “qualitativeness”. Just when I thought my Results section was qualitative enough, my adviser tells me to make it more qualitative. At first, it’s like she’s speaking in German, or rather it’s in English but it felt like German ^^; I met with her in the late afternoon and I walked away with the stuff that I need to revise, a stiff neck and a headache.

So, until then, I doubt I’ll be able to update again. Next week, I’m going back to my “zone” and start revising (and getting “high”, as my adviser said it helps when writing the Discussion ; )

Darn, this is a boring post. :P

Crunch Time

I’m not supposed to be doing this but the grounded theorist is not looking so…

The next two and a half months will be crucial and I will need all the self-discipline and delayed gratification that I can muster to finally put an end to this bloody unfinished business I started two years ago.

So much for distraction from watching the Aussie Open—technically, there’s no point (okay, I’m being too cynical…). Justine Henin-Hardenne didn’t play and Marcos Baghdatis is out (which is sad, I’m afraid his last year’s success would look like a fluke peppered by 'crowd advantage'). I’m not even sure if Nikolay Davidenko is playing—haven’t heard any mention of him. And Marat Safin—oh dear, that guy can play like crap sometimes and still win—makings of a former top seed player? ; ) Oh yeah, there’s still his sister, Dinara, to watch out for but her matches are hardly televised.

That being said, I want my Tenipuri ;p.