Sunset Beach

I'm finally back home after a whirlwind tour of the Southeastern United States.

My cousin and I left Savannah yesterday afternoon and made the drive up to my aunt and uncle's house in Sunset Beach, North Carolina.  Without going into the details, and to protect privacy, there was a lot going on with our family.  We did get to visit with our other two cousins, one of whom I haven't seen in decades.

The circumstances were a bit unusual, but it was still SO GOOD to see everyone.  It really made me realize how much you can miss those you grow up with.  Life always seems to get in the way, and everyone seems to go on there separate paths.  We've vowed to do a better job of getting together though, and I'm hopeful that we can all make that happen at least once a year.

Thanks for a great weekend to Trey, Dana, Alicia, Tres, and all their families.  I can't wait to see you all again soon.

Tomorrow I'm off the Philadelphia.  Back to reality.  Argh.

The Cup Runneth Over

After dropping off the Wozniacki clan on the tarmac...

I'm done with the tennis!  And what a day it was...

After a relatively slow start, I was thrown into the high-stakes mix a little after noon---drafted to take Caroline Wozniacki to the airport.

I've never seen so many people scrambling over such a simple task, it was a bit daunting.  But she had to catch a connecting flight in Washington before flying on to Monaco.

Minutes after her win, she was shuffled into the car and we were off to the airport with a double police escort.  One in the front and one in the back.  It was quite exciting actually, and I had moments of being impressed with the importance of my high-speed task.  That was in between the moments of sheer terror as unsuspecting Charleston motorists dared not to give way.

We finally made it to the private airport and I whisked the Wozniacki family onto the tarmac safe and sound.

Mission accomplished.  Until next year...

More Tennis Greats

I had another great day serving as Transportation at the Family Circle Cup.  Met tons of people.  I had about an hour and a half of being in charge.  Highlights include:

• Todd Martin, nice with a lovely wife
• Cliff Drysdale, quite the comic
• Pam Shriver, nicer than ever
• Ms. Scheepers and coach leaving town.  Please come again next year!
• Virginia Wade came in and showed off one of her old wooden racquets from yesteryear.
• And douchebag of the world, John McEnroe.  For the second year in a row, this tiny little troll of a man mistreated a few of my fellow drivers.  I WISH I would get this little cocksucker in my vehicle.  He must be bitter because he's not even really famous for being even one of the five greatest tennis players in history.  Just famous for being an ass.  Seriously, I cannot stand him, and it would serve him right if he falls and breaks his ankle in five places tonight.  Asswipe.  He even pulled an Alec Baldwin and spent quite a few minutes bitching his daughter out over the telephone.

Last day is tomorrow.  I'm a bit sad already.

Tennis Legend

Tonight's shift at the Family Circle Cup was quite eventful.

My first trip was to the Charleston airport to fetch Chris Evert.  She was extremely nice, but a bit under the weather.  I really appreciated the fact that she took the name to ask my name.  It's nice to know that even a legend still knows how to treat people well. 

Take notes, John McEnroe.  He's arriving tomorrow.  I'll keep you posted of any misbehavior.

Caroline Wozniacki scared us all a bit today, but pulled off the win.  Tomorrow's semifinals should be very entertaining.  Too bad I'm working two shifts and will be unable to watch.

Pre-Weekend Celebration

I've never been so happy to see a Thursday.  This has seemed like the longest week ever, and my entire team is really frazzled.

I'm so frazzled, this seems like a good random thought posting....

• Fuckwit Stephen Garcia is in trouble again, and has been suspended from the team indefinitely.  The dummy has had enough changes.  I think it's time for Steve Spurrier to finally give his fat ass the boot.
• I cannot believe they had yet another earthquake in Japan.I nearly forgot to gloat about the Gamecock victory over U.S.C. Upstate the other night.  18-2.  Wow.
• Sabine Lisicki looks to be in a bit of a pickle at the Family Circle Cup tonight.  Oops.  It's over.  6-4, 6-4.  Dammit.  I really like her.  At least Wozniacki won.
• Tomorrow night is my next shift.  Martina and Chris are coming in.  Yes, THE Martina and Chris.  I drove Martina a few years back and she is one of the nicest human beings I've ever met.  Love her.

Night at the FCC

Tonight I finally made it to the Family Circle Cup as a spectator.  Unfortunately the evening was a bit short-lived.

Vania King and Barbora Zahlavova Strycova seemed to have Zheng and Peng's number.  Until the trainer was called out and the match was called.  I'm still not entirely sure what happened.

By that point though, I figured out that I was extremely underdressed and that I was being eaten alive by the noseeums.  So I made the strategic decision to bail on the stadium matches.  Although I could be watching Sabine Lisicki crush Marion Bartoli right now, I'm satisfied with having had my fix of event food and being back in my warm home.

Besides, I'll be working there again Friday night, and that's much more exciting that being in the stands.

The Windy City

Today was not too bad for a Monday.  That's awesome since I don't feel like I had a very relaxing weekend.

I feel sorry for the ladies who had to play tennis today.  We're having wind gusts of nearly 40 mph and tomorrow is supposed to be stormy.  I guess an entire week of uninterrupted sunny weather would be entirely too much to ask for.  On the bright side, at least it's not freezing.

In other news, Novak beat Rafa yesterday (boo), but South Carolina swept their weekend series against Kentucky (yay).  I think I'll go to the Cup Wednesday or Thursday evening since I'm volunteering Friday night.  It would be nice to actually enjoy some of the tennis for a change, and not just cater to the needs of the twenty-somethings.

More from the Cup

My second day at the Family Circle Cup was more exhausting than the first.

I arrived early for my shift before 10 am, eager to get started.  The first half of the day seemed to be an endless amount of shuttling players between the practice courts and the main site.

A little while later, I was called to duty --- escort Bob Moran to the private airport to pick up Denmark's very own Carolina Wozniacki and her family.  As the number one player in the world and top seed, Caroline received special attention.  I was just the tag-along vehicle for luggage, but I fulfilled my duties with enthusiasm.

After dropping the great Danes off at the Charleston Place hotel, I played shuttle for the other ladies getting ready to attend the annual player party held downtown.  I've only just now recovered from the perfume and non-stop not-so-familiar sounding chatter ringing in my ears.

I managed to break away from my shift a little after 8 pm.  I don't work again until Friday, and I already miss it.  Especially since the Real Housewives of Charleston County were held at bay for most of the day.

Family Circle Cup

I just got in from working my first shift at the tennis tournament.  It was a very long day.  I drove so many people, including old favorites such as Chanelle Scheepers.  My new favorite has to be Austria's Tamira Paszek.  I drove her and her coach several times today and they were a blast to be around.  I hope they stick around all week.

It was also nice to see all the old friends I've made over the years.  Unfortunately it was not so nice to have to deal with a few of the Real Housewives of Charleston County who seem to enjoy their only week of being in a real power position.  Whoever puts them in charge year after year is nuts, but if I get one more earful of their Mommy-speak directed my way, I'll likely shove my credentials down their throat.  Pushy broads.

Weekend!

The weekend is here and I'm ready to rock.

I woke up especially early and drove downtown to the Broad Street Barbershop for my biweekly visit.  I decided to get my weave worked before the masses descended on downtown Charleston tomorrow morning.

It was a fairly uneventful day at work.  I got a decent amount accomplished.

This evening, I had a quick bite to eat and bought new sheets at Bed Bath and Beyond.  I love that store, and I love new Egyptian cotton sheets even more. 

So far the evening is turning out to be a sportsman's wet dream.  Rafa Nadal just demolished crybaby Roger Federer in the semis down in Key Biscayne.  And the Gamecocks currently lead Kentucky in the bottom of the 6th.  I hope I didn't just jinx them.

Tomorrow is my first shift at the Family Circle Cup.  Should be great weather, so everyone come out and see me.  Or the players.

Top Chef

The season finale of the All Stars Edition of "Top Chef" aired last night, and I could not have been more underwhelmed.  As usual, I could not make it past 10:30 pm.  Luckily, the blogosphere was filled with updates this morning.  Sourpuss Richard Blais finally got the monkey off his back and redeemed himself by taking home the title.  Two years after choking on the big one, he can finally find peace with himself and be happy.  Until next season, Tom and Padma...

It's almost the weekend.  The weathermen are calling for clear skies and 80 degree weather.  It's going to be a busy week in Charleston.  We have the Family Circle Cup tennis tournament, the Flowertown festival, the annual Cooper River Bridge Run, and a Cajun festival.

I'll be braving traffic and shuttling tennis players to and fro.  I can't wait.

Blah

It's Hump Day, which is always good, but I have a major case of the blahs.

The weather is a bit suspect.  Overcast and rainy.  I wore a sweatshirt again today, but it seems to be getting better.  I think we're supposed to be back in the 80's by the weekend.  Just in time for the Family Circle Cup.

Last night was the season finale of "Million Dollar Listing."  I'm going to miss that show.  It really makes me think that I should get my real estate license.  I just find all of that so fascinating.  But I know that there is more famine than feast.

Another quality episode of "Survivor" to look forward to tonight.

I shouldn't fret, the weekend is almost here.  One more call with Europe to get through tomorrow and then it will be Friday and time for my tennis volunteering to begin.  I can hardly wait.

Back to February

As it if it weren't bad enough that today is Monday, it was unusually cold too.  I'm talking 40's cold.  And terribly rainy.

I am not amused.

I picked up my uniform and credentials for the Family Circle Cup today.  I AM quite pleased with the uniform this year.  Anything is better than last year's baby blue hot mess.

My first shift is not until Saturday, but I'm starting to get excited.

They also announced today that the World Team Tennis finals will be held here in July.  Could this be my chance to meet Pete Sampras?  Or Billie Jean?

G'day 14

Well, if Rafael wasn't able to win the Australian Open, I'm consoled by the fact that my second favorite player, Novak Djokovic, was able to take home the trophy.  Well done., Novak.

It's going to be a long 4 months until the French.  At least I finally completed my Family Circle Cup application.  I was on the fence about volunteering this year, but at the end of the day, I'd feel like I was missing out if I didn't do it.

This weekend has flown by.  Why does that always happen?  I'm not ready for another long work week.  Must stay positive.  Things are going to change soon, I can feel it.

I'm also back on the "I need a new car" bandwagon.  Or SportsWagen I should say.  Must resist impulse purchases.  It's a good thing the car dealerships are closed on Sundays.

Funk

Today is Sunday and my usual Sunday funk is about 10 times worse that usual.  It's probably because I'm dreading the first 5 day work week since mid-December.  It sucks, and I cannot wait for MLK day.

It's 8 pm and I can count on one hand the number of times I've been out of bed today.

I'm so funked up that I'm watching "Sarah Palin's Alaska", but I blame that on Andy Cohen and Bravos's lack of new programming, along with the fact that making fun of that bitch Sarah Palin always cheers me up.  It's worth whatever ratings boost it gives her.

On the plus side, I just got a text from my friend Harry asking if I was volunteering for the Family Circle Cup again this year.  Less than 3 months, and something to look forward to.  We had a blast last year, fighting over which vehicle was more pimped out and hiding the keys from other drivers who were not worthy of the luxury.  David N., if you're reading this, you missed out, no matter what I told you in an attempt to make you feel better about missing the tournament! 

It's so much fun seeing the same people over and over again each year, like a little family reunion.  Except for that bitch who blessed me out for spraying insect repellent indoors.  Like it was any worse than her rank perfume.

Greetings from Charlotte!

I arrived in beautiful Charlotte in record speed.  Traffic and weather were both on my side.  Thank you, Interstates 26 and 77 for making my drive tolerable. 

NPR definitely makes the drive more interesting.  Today I learned about the blister beetle, which is capable of secreting two chemicals which, when combined, make sulfuric acid.  Fancy.

Now that I've checked into the hotel, unpacked, and ironed my fashions, I can focus on my my opinions and observations.  It's Monday, and I'm just full of them.  Or something like that...

• In tennis news, I'm happy to report that Andy Murray trounced Roger Federer 6-3 6-2 in Shanghai yesterday.  I'm not a huge Murray fan, but I'm even less of a Federer fan.  I do have a valid reason for despising him, but I'll save that story for a future post.
• "Jerseylicious" was fantastic last night.  At least from what I remember.  Unfortunately, due to programming conflicts, I had to catch the 10 PM airing.  That always leaves me with suspect recollection.  However, from what I DO remember, the highlight of the show was around Tracey, Gigi, and The Tit Fairy participating in speed dating.  Always ready to create a scene, Alexa the Tit Fairy ended up watering a potential suitor.  Meanwhile, Olivia decided that it would be a great idea to go out with Tracey's ex.  A little bit of payback goes a long way.  Words and loogies were exchanged, but that's where I began to fade.  I'm going to have to catch a recap once I get back home.
• 60 days until my cruise
• 166 days until the Family Circle Cup tennis tournament.  Get ready, David.
• The BCS standings were released today and Boise State was shown no respect.  Finally, something with which I agree!!!
• I just read that the new Hoover Dam bypass bridge is now open.  Sharon, does this mean that our real estate in Kingman is finally ready to skyrocket?

Can't wait for my weekly dose of Hotlanta madness at 9 PM on Bravo...

Random

I don't really have anything interesting to say, so this post will be like a "Seinfeld" episode---about nothing.

• Friday cannot come soon enough.  Just when I think things cannot get any crazier, they do.  So I'm just going to cease with the expectations of normalcy.
• Got an email from my tennis buddy today.  Traveling around the country, counting down the days until the Family Circle Cup tennis tournament, where we are volunteer drivers for the W.T.A. divas.  Six more months, David---and YOU'RE driving Dementieva this year.
• I was officially rejected by Chick-fil-A yesterday.  At least by their franchise selection committee.  Apparently they have no desire the open franchises in the areas I specified.  At least that is what I'm telling myself.  Because I know it couldn't be me personally (not after my heartfelt essay answers I concocted for my application).  I thought maybe boycotting would be a suitable manner of protest, but that would really just be hurting me.  Oh well, at least I can say I tried, and cross that off of my list.
• I cannot wait for my Friday night binge at Long Point Grill.  Buttermilk fried chicken breast, collard greens, and mashed potatoes.  Will undo all the good progress re:diet and exercise, but so worth it.  Sometimes being fat just seems worth it.
• I'd like to give a big shout out to my readers in Argentina and the Netherlands!  I would say something in Spanish, but then I would feel bad about neglecting the Dutch.
• Cool weather is finally here---had to turn on the heat last night.  I'll soon be longing for the 100 degree days.

Ok, I really am just rambling to take up space at this point.  I hope to have more entertaining thoughts tomorrow.