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.