So I couldn't figure out how to post pictures again...really. I'm amazed by my earlier technological prowess that somehow enabled me to accomplish this epic feat, for after selecting some excellent pictures to share with all of you earlier this week, I was left staring dumbfounded at the computer screen that refused to let me copy and paste. Grieved, I was forced to turn back to my usual haunts of facebook and textsfromlastnight to procrastinate from my paper - both of which are much less productive and much less effective in getting my mother, Jackie, and the Gumports off my back about blogging. Too bad, guess its further proof that I'm not a "true blogger". So sad...

            Since earning our spot to Georgia with a win over Tufts in last Sunday's gusting winds, AWT has been focused on two things: school and tennis. With final exams and papers looming and practices becoming more scarce and valuable we've had little time to relax; our social lives, and sometimes even our hygiene, has had to give. All that's in the past though, and 3 a.m. science library sessions, gallons of coffee, and constant stress are hardly interesting or something I'm looking to relive. Besides, Georgia's been on our minds for a while, and now we're finally here, so I'll focus on that.

            With the exception of Laura's epic failure in getting through airport security (freshman.), our flight and travel to our hotel in Lawrenceville were blessedly uneventful. We arrived just in time for a quick dinner, then had time to relax, unpack, and begin catching up on the sleep we'd lost during the aforementioned finals period. That next morning, after a lovely breakfast of fresh-made omelettes, sliced melon, and warm biscuits (thanks NCAA! I <3 you.), we packed up our massive tennis bags and headed over to the tournament site, Collins Hill Athletic Club.  Since we didn't have the courts until 1 pm, we decided may as well eat again. After a failed attempt to find the Applebees in town, we were left with the wonderful opportunity to dine at the Subway located in the super-Wal-Mart. Sadly the rest of the team did not share the same enthusiasm as Jill and I did for this unique culinary experience, but I think by the end of the meal we all had gained a newfound appreciation for sandwiches served mere feet from an in-store hair salon, pharmacy, and the best deals in town.

            Practice at the facility provided us all with a good opportunity to shake off some lingering nerves and fine-tune a few of Jackie's favorite doubles tactics. (Obviously such tactics are not information I will divulge on the Internet.) After this, our final practice of the season, it was time to go back to the hotel to rest before the opening banquet. Apparently, 'banquet' has many different dress code interpretations across the country, as we immediately noticed while comparing our flip-flops to other girls' high heels. However, our fear that we'd really missed the memo to the shame of the Amherst as a whole was assuaged when Jackie made her grand entrance in a skirt - a novel sight for us all. (Never fear, she was also wearing converses.) Continuing on our casual, laid-back theme, AWT continued by helping Brittany prepare much of her team introduction speech at the table in the middle of the banquet. Although she decided against using the 'Dove Promises' wrappers or any of Jackie's beloved sayings for inspiration, everyone in the room now knows our entire teams' astrological signs...including Jon's after some on-the-spot questioning.

            Ok, well, time is of the essence and its time for me to pack my bags for today's match against Gustavus Adolphus. Though I may try to post an 'insider's' play by play, so far my record of posting when I promise to is pretty poor. Can't keep Big Bad Jon aka the bronzed body builder waiting any longer, got to go DO WORK on the tennis courts. Until who knows when...

Mimi