Friends-

As you can tell from the lag between entries, it's been an exciting few weeks here in Lexington.  Actually, I'd like to rephrase that: it's been a busy few weeks of DOIN' WORK (both on and off the court).  When you live in Lexington for too long, you begin to think that midnight WalMart runs are exciting, and nothing that exciting has been going on since I last wrote.  Anyways, I've been getting some feedback that people are waiting on this entry.  It makes me feel famous- and I'm not going to lie, I don't hate that.  Besides, if this guy can be famous, why can't I?:

I know, I know, his legs are fabulous and his hair is fierce, but give me a chance and I won't let you down!  I swear I would be just as avid an advocate for vegetables as him!

So I suppose people are interested in hearing a little bit about tennis too.  About 10 million years ago we played JMU and Carnegie Mellon.  James Madison, a Division 1 team, was a great opportunity to play some really tough competition before our match against Carnegie Mellon.  Though we lost 5-4, I think everyone came out of the match really motivated, and most of us played really well despite the loss.  It definitely geared us up for the following Saturday against CMU, which was great for two reasons: 1) we won 6-3 2) my friends showed up with a poster that said "No, you look fat, but you look good."  Thanks guys!  I think the key for us so far has been to build on our successes and learn from the hardships; we've used all of our experience to make every match better than the last one. 

That win was made even better because Fancy Dress ball, (W and L's prom) the best thing to come to "William and Lee" since Busta Ryhmes, was upon us.  The theme was A Dark Night, after the batman movie, which was a great idea because who doesn't love to be creeped out at formals?  And I'm sure for some, it was a very dark night indeed.  So dark, I would venture to bet, that for some it was like a blackout.  I didn't end up going, but if I had, I know that my moves would have stunned everyone.  I would have looked something like this:

In fact, that's me on the right. 

I'm sure everyone had a great time at Fancy Dress, but more importantly, we had to get ready for Atlanta.  We were all excited at the prospect of great tennis, 16 hours of bonding time on the bus, and Chick-Fil-A.  But before we left, there was one thing we had to take care of.  Katie Harris was being inducted into our leadership fraternity, Omicron Delta Kappa, a huge honor, and our job was to notify her by giving her the letter as proof of her superiority.  Of course, before we did that, we had to scare her to death and make her believe that she was being kicked out of school or something like that.  We ended up telling her that some incriminating photos from Fancy Dress made their way into our athletic director's hands, and she was being asked to resign from one of her positions on campus.  The look on her face was sadder than Justin Timberlake's when he was told that his dogs were being repossessed.  I almost felt bad.....Congratulations Katie!

I won't lie, I had some doubts about the fun factor of spending eight hours on a bus whose toilet inevitably compounds in stench over the length of the trip.  But I can honestly say that I had a GREAT time.  We ate good food, visited the Patillo's beautiful home, had spiritual experiences at the hallowed halls of Lenox mall, and watched Twilight featuring the beautiful Edward Cullen.  The tennis was pretty good too.  

Middlebury gave us quite a match on Thursday, but we managed to pull it out 5-3.  Unfortunately, Meg didn't get the chance to finish her match.  Eric started to breathe again when Laura Patillo clinched the match.  I think he might have even given her a hug.  

After the tight match on the first day, we came out really strong on Friday against Depauw.  The final score was 7-2, and I think everyone was really pleased with how we played.  I know that I was so pleased that I allowed myself to spend enough money to fund a small nation on clothing the next day.  Sunday was Williams, which was obviously a charged match since we lost to them in the finals of nationals last year.  We lost 5-4, but I was really impressed with the effort of every single person.  We were right in the match, and if we end up playing them again, I know that it will be another great battle.  It's always fun to play a team that really challenges you.  

Before I go, I did want to share one small tidbit that I received from Lauren Caire.  She pointed out the glory that is Yahoo answers, and although there are eleven just like this, this was my favorite:

Why are the holes in cats fur always in the right places for their eyes? On one hand, this could almost be a deeply existential question. Unfortunately, I don't think that was the intent.

Hopefully all three of you reading will check my next entry about the FAMOUS MEG SPALITTA.  Until then, peace, love, Generals.  

Still not quite sure how to actually do this "blogging" business, I turned to my fellow bloggers on the internet for some inspiration on how to start this entry.  (By the way, it's truly amazing how much unsolicited advice you can find online without even really trying.)  Luckily, I stumbled across a blog that has absolutely nothing to do with tennis, but that I still thoroughly enjoyed.  That blog is "DABAgirls" or Dating A Banker Anonymous- a support site for women going through personal crises because their i-banking boyfriends have cut back on their Bergdorf allowances and private pilates sessions.  I know, you can't make this stuff up.  

My favorite post came from Cathy, whose age has not rendered her any less creative when it comes to stretching that dollar in this economic downturn:

"OK I'm not in my 30's I'm in my 40's, so me and my banker have a lot to lose - the apartment with private roof deck, 2 kids, opera tickets, the wine club. We agreed to pretend nothing would change (though we wouldn't do anything lavish - we stayed in Manhattan for Christmas and finally saw the Nutcracker, for example) until he got his number in January, and then we'd adjust, whatever."

Poor Cathy.  Her fear is understandable; with so much to lose- the apartment, the wine club, her two children- she makes the rest of America look selfish for wanting to keep the luxuries in our own lives, like housing and toilet paper.  Not the opera!  Take my kids, but not the opera!  What kind of a sick world do we live in where American citizens have to live in fear that their own children will be repossessed by the Government?  Stay strong, Cathy.  Fight for your wine club membership!

So what does this have to do with tennis?  Absolutely nothing, except to make me happy.  Happy to know that on the court, I lead a relatively uncomplicated life free from the typical American concerns of child abduction and a Christmas stuck in Manhattan.  Needless to say, Cathy has really taught me to count my blessings.  

Speaking of blessings, this has really been a great week for the team.  Even Caire made it out alive, and it was really touch-and-go there for a while.  After a good showing against Mary Washington yesterday, we came out with a slim 5-4 victory.  Mary Wash is always a great team to play; they battle until the end, they're good players, and they're really nice girls.  Plus, one of our past teammates, and my former doubles partner, Ginny Wortham came to visit, so that was pretty boss.  Some highlights of the trip:

(1) Eating

(2) Visiting Mary Wash; it's like our home away from home. 

(3) Fighting back from 1-2 down after doubles to eventually win.

(4) Eating

Some not-so-good parts:

(1) Elliott's music

(2) I sat in something sticky in the van.  I do not want to know what it was, but it's not coming out. 

(3) Lauren, Ann, Trelsie, and Jen harrassing a lady they thought to be "Ellen" in the Hardee's bathroom.  I do not think that poor lady enjoyed it when we yelled over the stall door "Don't forget to wash your hands.  Actually, don't.  Because that will take longer."  It was later discovered that Ellen had been in the van the whole time.  So, sorry if you were that lady minding your own business, trying to use the bathroom in a Hardee's on Route 3 yesterday.

With two conference matches tomorrow, James Madison University on Tuesday, and Carnegie Mellon and Fancy Dress Ball on Saturday, we have a crazy busy week ahead of us.  

And now, as promised:

PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Lauren Caire, our junior captain and my doubles partner, has garnered the first weekly prestigious "Player of the Week" award.  I emailed these questions to Lauren earlier today so that we could really get to know the girl behind the uniform.  Unparalleled in talent, finesse, and class, Lauren's down-the-line forehand has reportedly made Roger Federer want to retire, knowing that it could never be equaled.  She has the beauty of Heidi Klum, the brains of Albert Einstein, and rumor has it that she once beat Chuck Norris in a roundhouse contest.  Ladies and gentlemen, Lauren Caire:

Name: Lauren Brady Caire

Hometown: Nashville, Tennessee

Major: Business Administration

Team-appointed animal-look alike: Laughing hyena

(I see the resemblance....do you?)

Favorite athlete: Three-way tie-- James Blake, Shaun White, Ronaldinho.

Perfect Day: Easy....I would wake up and walk into the kitchen where my personal Starbuck's barista would hand me a grande coffee with two splendas and a dash of milk.  Then I would walk outside and read a little Twilight on the terrace (and I would skip all the parts about Jacob because he's annoying.)  It's around 75 degrees outside so I take a long walk in the park with the new chocolate lab puppy me parents surprised me with earlier in the morning.  After the walk, I would go shopping for a very long time.  Then it's siesta time after which I go have a mexican dinner with my friends and then spend the rest of the night singing in a karaoke bar.  

Favorite Ice Cream Flavor:  Blue Bell's Cookies and Cream....the original cookies and cream.

Favorite Movie Quote: "Call it friendo." -No Country for Old Men

Sweet or Sour? I will not choose.  I want them both.  I was addicted to those sweet and sour chewy candy balls when i was little.  I overdosed on them often.

Roger or Rafa?  Ana Ivanovic

What should people know about you that they don't already?  I make the best grits ever!!  They call me gritmaster.  (I didn't know grits were so much work Caire.  Isn't that like saying you make the best cereal ever?)

What should people know about the team?  We're doin' work.