Thursday, November 29, 2012

Flyover State of Mind


It’s Thursday, once again, which usually means it's time for me to hand out my weekly dose of judgment. I didn’t post last week due to the annual November festival dedicated to uncomfortable gatherings of people and gluttonous living. That’s right, I’m talking about Black Friday. Now, I’m sure most of you are probably expecting me to double down this week in my righteous, judgmental wrath against Andy Murray (I was expecting that too), but experiences last week have necessitated we take a different path today.
Next week Murray! You'll get our vengeance and furious anger!
Last week I, and several Coe players, were delayed at the airport in our attempts to go home over the holiday break. This is my story of that time.
Before we can talk about what did happen, I need to explain what should have happened. What my plans were.  I was supposed to fly to Texas Tuesday evening. Wednesday, I planned to meet some friends in Dallas and go on a super-extravaganza winter shopping spree that culminated in visiting Coach Rodgers’ favorite store, REI which happens to be where one of my friends works (it helps to have friends in the right places). Thursday would be Thanksgiving with the family, and Friday would be spent at a high school football game and then more time with friends. It was going to be a great holiday break.
That is what was supposed to happen. It’s time, now, for the story of what actually happened. You all know how this story ends: failure. It’s how we get to that failure that I will tell you about. We are going on a journey, you and I, into the depths of our selves and what we learn here will go with us forever (or at least for the next few moments). Welcome to therapy; coping with travel anguish. Get ready to lay down on the couch and tap into your emotions because it's time to deal with a little grief through the psyche of Brad Fenter.
Our story begins, as so many of these often do, with a gathering that has great promise. I arrived at the airport at the appointed time and ran into several tennis players making their way home (Mark Kroll, Alex Leovic, and Diannah Watson). We were all getting ready for our journeys home. For Mark and Diannah this was their first college Thanksgiving, and it was marked with all the travel and excitement of seeing family that many students encounter every year. For others like Leo and me, this was standard fare that we have become accustomed to every year.
Right now, there is only the promise of a journey for each of us that will lead to family and friends over a holiday celebrated across the nation. Obviously, our trip now begins to takes downward turn.
My flight was running a few minutes behind, but  there wasn’t any cause for worry. The gate agent said the plane would be landing in six minutes and then we would be boarded quickly. As we walked onto the aircraft I could see that not only had the sun set, but there was a darkness seemingly sprawling out across the plains. Darkness is a natural occurrence with the onset of night, but that always comes from the east. This crawling void was coming from the wrong direction. Others too must have felt something was wrong, and I could hear them asking the pilots about the weather. The pilots seemed nonplussed, “visibility is still good and we have a good window to get you to Dallas.” If the guy flying the plane thought everything was fine, then that was good enough for me.  
Unfortunately, other forces were conspiring against us as well. When everyone was buckled in and we were ready to push back it must have occurred to the crew that our plane hadn’t been refueled! So we waited as the fuel truck pulled up and the process of fueling the plane began (when I say “process” I really mean it).  It was almost comical how slow the guy fueling the plane was. If this was a movie, audiences would complain that the ineptitude of the fuel person was overplayed in order to perpetuate the plot. I spent most of this time hoping it was this guys first day because he was lacking in the energy department. It took 5 MINUTES for him to get the gas cap off - which incidentally is located on top of the wing of this plane. Then pump, and pump, and pump some more. When taking on 7,000 lbs of fuel it takes a little longer to fil-er-up than your average Civic. And no, I'm not exaggerating that number at all, 7,000 lbs is the amount the pilot specified to me when I asked how long it was going to take Humpty Dumpty to finish the job.
He's just as fast as he looks
At every moment of our lives our mind is taking in and storing more information than we could ever be consciously aware of. I've flown enough to know, subconsciously at least, when things aren't going right. I like to watch the workers on the tarmac go about readying the plane for takeoff. When something is wrong, in flying and everything else, people have a different feel to them. What is this feeling? I can't tell you, but my brain (and yours) is hardwired to pick up on these things. Whatever the cues were, everyone on that plane probably felt the same sense of foreboding I talked about when boarding earlier. The delay, the clouds, the subtle change in the cadence of the workers; it all served to heighten our senses and inform us that something was awry.
Like many times before, our senses were dead on. Those extra 10 minutes molasses man cost us with his less than sublime handling of the fuel happened to be the last 10 minutes of good visibility as dense fog rolled in. Right after we were fueled and ready to roll we heard this, "this is the captain, it looks like visibility is too limited for takeoff. We're going to taxi out anyway and see if we can get out of here.” Spoiler alert: we didn't. We taxied out the end of the runway and waited.
During our time on the runway every passenger on the plane had to deal with the circumstances that had surrounded us.  I went through my own five stages of grief. My therapist? God.
And how does that make you feel? Angry?
5:15 pm Denial
Surely we're going to take off. They wouldn't taxi all the way out here if they didn't plan on taking off. The tower guys must see a break of some sort in the fog. Yeah, we're definitely going to get out of here at some point. That’s the only thing that makes sense.
I was playing down my knowledge that fog doesn’t usually lift until the sun comes up in the morning. In this stage I wasn’t ready to acknowledge this fact yet.
5:40 Anger
STUPID FOG! What the hell is fog anyway and how can we not take off in fog!? If you're flying at night, what's a little fog mean? It's still dark! It’s not like you’re going to have landmarks to go by during night flying anyway.
God, if we're going to get delayed is it too much to ask for a tornadic event to justify this? If not tornadoes, would a thunderstorm kill you!?
6:10 Bargaining
Okay God, at this point I'm willing to settle for a little precipitation to justify our continued not-flight status.
Either way, we'll get out of here at some point. You know, now that I think about it I don't even have to leave immediately. A few hour delay won't hurt as long as we get out of here tonight.
At this point I had actually made arrangements for a friend to pick me up in Dallas due to the delay. I my mind, things could actually work out much better than I had originally planned.
6:45 Depression
Captain, "we going back to the gate, you need to go to the ticketing counter and re-schedule."
As I made my way to the ticketing counter I assumed I would be placed on an early flight in the morning. This way I would still be able to do see all my friends and be with my family over Thanksgiving. I still couldn’t bring to the forefront of my mind the thought that there are a limited number of flights out of Cedar Rapids each day and with holiday travel many of these would be full.
While waiting in line I could hear other people in front of me settling for tickets on the earliest flights they could find which were still late tomorrow afternoon. My mind shut those thoughts out as well. I finally got my chance to see the ticket agent.
Ticket Agent: Let's see. The earliest flight I can get you on is tomorrow at 4:50pm.
Me: that's the earliest?
Panic was now rising in my mind. The two sides of my brain were at war. The rational side of me said there was nothing else to be done, and I knew all along this was a possibility. It was time to move on. The other side of me, the emotional side, still held on hope of getting back earlier. Still held onto the plan I had crafted over the last few weeks.
Ticket Agent: Yes that’s the first open flight we have tomorrow.
Me: Is there anything else? Any other airport close by?
I knew there was nothing else and so did the ticket agent.
Ticket Agent: I can extend your stay for another day if you want me to?
Finally my emotional side with it dreams and hopes capitulated. The battle was lost. Those who cannot adapt their plans to the changes around them do not survive.
Me: No, just give me the ticket. That's fine. I'm going to go sit in the corner and cry.
I now knew beyond any doubt I would not be flying home that night. I would not get to see my family. I would not get to see my friends in Dallas. And I would not get 30% off winter clothes on my shopping extravaganza!
In case you can't tell, EVERYTHING is cancelled
8:00 Acceptance
This stage took the longest find. The process began immediately but the final result came about of its own fruition no matter how much I wished it to occur sooner.  Like I said, it's as if we have two selves and our emotional controlling subconscious self does things for its own reasons and in its own time.
So, as I sat in my room after I had called my parents and my sister and my friends, whom I would not get to see, a realization came over me. A realization that I had known the entire time, but which my emotional side – as always – withheld until now: everything was going to be fine. I wished this feeling had been present from the beginning, as all of us do, but our inner self will not release this innate knowledge until we have earned it.
I should have been more accessible to changing my plans. One of the biggest problems in this situation was my determination to keep to the arbitrary schedule I had made. Even though there were events out of my control that could drastically change what was possible, I still held on to the thought that I was totally in control of my situation. I had recently read the book Deep Survival by Laurence Gonzales in which he talks about adapting to our situations in order to survive. Making a plan is a good step, but you must be willing to change that plan based on changes in the environment around you. It was with a sense of irony that I realized I had just read extensively about adapting plans based on outside factors and then failed to do just that in my own situation.
The next day I did make it to Texas. I did see my friends. I did have Thanksgiving with my family. I did nearly everything that I had originally wanted to do; these events simply unfolded differently than I had originally planned. I even had an encounter with my old friend/nemesis coffee and was educated on the differences between a latte and cappuccino. I have no recollection of what these differences are, but the knowledge was good while it lasted.
This is apparently a cappuccino
I was scheduled to fly back to Iowa this past Monday and arrived at the airport at the scheduled time. The time to start boarding came…and went. And we were still sitting in the terminal. It’s okay, we’re probably going to start boarding any minute. A few more minutes passed and we still hadn’t boarded. This is no problem Brad, you are fully equipped to handle this situation. We’ll board soon, you’ll make it back to Iowa, and it’s not weird that you keep talking to yourself. Ten more minutes passed and there I sat. In the terminal. Unmoved. Okay we can do it that way too.
7:00am Denial

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

My First Two Miles....

Upon Brad's return from Thanksgiving in Texas, and with some down time on the horizon, I asked him  for 3 books from his collection; his choice.  He must have little faith in me because he showed up the next day with only 2:
1.  Born to Run (highlighted in a previous post of Brad's) and
2.  The Wave

I perused the first 4 chapters of the former whilst Brad worked out Noah, Curtis and Ryan.  They sauntered back into the office with revels of how Kohawk Tennis would benefit from their soon expected lottery winnings.  Didn't catch the news; did that pan out?

Quickly diverted Brad's attention back on topic.....the Tarahumara tribe, barefoot/minimalist shoes, etc. I was intrigued to say the least.  In part because of my first, and recent, injury/limitation attributed to the aging process.  Tendonitis in one of my knees.  Although a different injury, I related to the author's sought after, no limitations, ability to attain "SuperAthlete" status....or to at least, close the gap.

Detoured to Dick's Sporting Goods on my way home.  Asked the shoe sales manager to point me in the right direction.  He literally balked at what I first assumed was my novice approach (felt about as uncomfortable as Brad in a coffee shop, and questioned whether a true runner can spot one of it's own kind, and those who are not).

Not the case.....instead, he proceeded to rattle off facts/figures from his 20+ (informed me of that too) years of experience in the field......pointed to his Asics shoes as being the best in the industry....the need for support....blah, blah.  I literally stared at him like a deer caught in headlights and debated whether to turn and run like a true Tarahumaran would, or at the least, depart in embarrassment for having asked, and then been defeated.

Upon completing his rant, he said they carried a Merrell Glove, but would never carry Five Finger Shoes.  Dumbfounded for a few seconds, and in debate of the above stated options, I shyly asked him if he'd ever read Born to Run.  Only 4 chapters into the book, and with little knowledge as to my next statement/path, I braced for his answer.  "No."  (a sigh of relief)

I then asked to try on the Merrells that he had.  After bringing me the proper size, he returned to stocking a new display, with little concern for the outcome of my inquisitiveness.  Walked/jogged around their track trying to gauge the # of laps to complete a mile (a wide range but thinking between 42 and 66).  With only one pair of minimalist shoes on site, and no five finger shoes, decided it best to shop elsewhere.  Returned the shoes to said manager, thanked him and briefly talked hiking (his passion according to his nametag) in an attempt to regain some semblance of integrity, and confidence in being able to return to the store at some point.

And, I will have Brad accompany me the next time I set foot (pun intended) in Dick's shoe department.  Sick Brad, his 32 chapters of Born to Run knowledge, and kinesiology degree, on the angry (and hates life) salesman!  Anyone else want to witness that confrontation with me?

Sidetracked, sorry.  That all happened yesterday.  Am now 184 pages into the book.  Still enthralled.  Relate to both the tribe, and many other characters highlighted within.  Although I don't claim to be Born to Run (like the author asserts all of us are), I was certainly born to play.  I have always found peace in being on any type of athletic field/court....quite simplistic really.....like a Dick & Jane book, see ball, chase ball.....nothing is more symbolical of "how the world should be" than children at play.  This spirit is often sidelined and/or gets lost in the many details of life.  Nonetheless, "it" exists in me.

The "it" factor itself is discussed at length as Dr. Joe Vigil sits in observance of a Leadville Trail 100 race outlined in the book.  I became even more enthralled at this point since Coach Rodgers and I have discussed the "it" factor as it pertains to Kohawk Tennis on numerous occasions.  Is "it" inherent?  Can "it" be taught?  At one point, we even conjectured that one must have grown up with siblings to have some semblance of the notion.  (and I take measures to ensure Emmie has "siblings" in her life)

I will let you read the book to acquire insight into Dr. Vigil's own assessment of the "it" factor.  Intriguing to say the least!

Ok.  8:30 PM and as stated, 184 pages into the book.  Could no longer resist the urge/itch.  Intent on running barefoot myself.  With a sleeping child, darkness around me and the cold, decided my best option would be the treadmill.  A treadmill/fitness equipment (even a circular track for that matter) rebuts the "child at play" concept, but my options were limited.  In fact, if any indication of how little I use the treadmill that I have, the weight was still set at 220 (those who know me well, understand the implication).

Started at a walking pace, and with book in hand.  Form was abysmal.....in part because was trying to read at the same time.....and in part because was doing what have been trained to do....heel to toe.  As the book alludes to, your heel exists only to support you when upright and idle.  Still not sure whether walking falls into the category of upright & idle, or in motion?  Would be difficult to walk in a non heel to toe fashion?  Nonetheless, cranked up the conveyor belt and ran my first two barefoot miles!

Those experienced barefoot runners have "marvelous elasticity" in their feet.  I quickly felt my toes spreading to grip.  Lacking on the elasticity front myself, a burning sensation set in at the mid-point.  Surged forward despite, fully expecting there to be cracks in the skin upon completion.....after all, embracing pain, rather than fearing it, allows for growth!  See visions of myself playing barefoot tennis in the future.  At the least, Coach needn't worry about my marking his courts (except with maybe blood).

In sum, rather enjoyed the endeavor.  Upward and onward.  After I finish Born to Run.  ;)

Lastly, just as many of the concepts within Fit for Life fall back on common sense (why would humans drink cow's milk?), the minimalist shoe craze does the same.  In conjunction with simple engineering, I will leave you with the following thought/question: Why would you support an arch?

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Thanksgiving!

Laura's family welcomed Shade (New Mexico) and Tamara (California) to their home for Thanksgiving! I will let the fact that they are drinking Dr. Pepper slide since it was a Holiday.....and I had my own fair share.


Kroll with his nephew.....


I cooked a turkey for the first time; most difficult part proved to be finding the giblet bag.  Had my parents, brother and Aunt Verla over for Thanksgiving dinner.  

5 Coe alums joined me Saturday evening to hang out, including tennis players Megan Fiala ('10) and Tom Jennings ('08).  Watched football.  Re-created the Egg Challenge observed on Master Chef.....Tom was hungry.





Monday, November 26, 2012

Monday HC Nonsense

A brief compilation of random brain activity during the world-wide Tennis Off-Season

.....Hope each and all of you enjoyed a tremendous Thanksgiving Holiday!

.....Welcome back to a Monday full of work, classes and reality!

.....Final couple of weeks of class activity for the semester here at Coe.

.....Over 60 High School Seniors have committed to play Tennis at NCAA D3 schools.

.....Weather (fog)  delayed departures for many of the Coe Tennis players traveling for Thanksgiving. Still making airport runs today.

.....Weather was strange: I went hiking on Thanksgiving Day in 65 degrees weather and shorts. Friday, I hiked in sub-30 degrees, 25mph winds, snow flurries, and 4 layers, gloves and hat. Such is the nature of November in the Midwest.
  Cox Hollow Lake in Governor Dodge SP, near Dodgeville, WI. Site of the 2012 Turkey Hike

.....Rankings Preview:  Once again, weekly Central Region rankings will be posted during the 2013 Tennis Season beginning on February 25th. This year, ALL 98 Central Region Men's teams will be ranked and 50 of the 106 Women's teams.

.....Baseball's Winter Meetings will take place in Nashville, TN December 3rd-6th. What will your favorite team do this off season?

.....On the Pro Tennis scene: only the ATP Challenger Tour Finals are left. Play begins in Sao Paulo, Brazil today. No Americans in singles.

 

Thursday, November 22, 2012

Madeline Grace Louis!


Congratulations to the Louis family on the birth of their daughter, Madeline Grace.  Mitch ('97) sent a picture to Coach Rodgers with the following:
Hope you're ready to coach a second generation of Louis's!

Madeline Grace can't wait to make her first trip to CR and learn all about proper tennis because her daddy clearly can't teach her that!

Monday, November 19, 2012

Recycle!

Rarely find myself watching television.....let alone commercials on the television.  This ad caught my attention though (since Mount Rainier was featured!).

Trying to figure out how the concept possibly passed muster amongst high level marketing execs when the much simpler solution to saving the planet would be............ding, ding, ding.......to not dispose of recyclable pizza boxes!

I do award the marketing team partial credit for jumping on the green bandwagon, but sincerely doubt whether it is an ingrained philosophy of the company.  Better luck next time.

Davis Cup Musings for a Monday

.....Davis Cup is a Big Deal. Except in the US of A.

.....for those of us who are hardcore tennis fans, the Davis Cup Final is an opportunity to view the top players in an unusual setting. Playing for their Country. As veterans of high school and college teams know only too well, playing for a Team is so very unlike playing for one's self. Others, teammates and entire countries, are counting on your performance. Unnerving!

.....and as such, a great opportunity to watch the best players in the world do what we have all done....CHOKE!

.....but NOT David Ferrer. An inspiring match yesterday against the accomplished(World #6) Tomas Berdych. Recap here:  http://www.tennis.com/news/2012/11/davis-cup-final-ferrer-d-berdych/40160/#.UKo7B64lPAk

.....Ferrer evens the Tie at 2-2, setting up the dramatic 5th rubber of Nicolas Almagro(#11) of Spain against Radek Stepanek (#31). Yes, the fate of nation's rested on the racquet skills of the second singles players from both Espana and the Czech Republic. Recap:  http://www.tennis.com/news/2012/11/davis-cup-final-stepanek-d-almagro/40162/#.UKo8Mq4lPAk

....What else is great about Davis Cup?
         a) Doubles is huge!!!! The middle day consists of one match. Doubles. In the Final we were presented with the newly-minted ATP Tour 2012 Champions, Marc Lopez and Marcel Granollers against Radek Stepanek, world #4 ranked doubles player, and Tomas Berdych, who sported an 11-1 Davis Cup doubles record. Good match! Recap here:  http://www.changeovertennis.com/how-the-match-was-won-czech-republic-d-spain-davis-cup-doubles/

        b) Best Three of Five Sets. Best format. Ever. Truest test of mental and physical stamina. And skill!

         c) Home Court.....the Home squad gets to select the surface....Which, when you play Spain, you Don't select red clay.....unless you have a death wish! The O2 arena in Prague was outfitted with a nice indoor surface which gave off so much glare on TV, I wondered why the spectators were not wearing sunglasses. Fast!

.....now the sad news....no more meaningful tennis in 2012. Here's to 2013 and the new year on the pro circuits!

.....55 days until Men's practice begins. Good.

......been very nice here in Cedar Rapids. Will finish today with a snapshot of the Cedar River and Mays Island from downtown.

And, as always, get outside more!
 
 

Thursday, November 15, 2012

Picture of the Week

Captured while walking part of the Cedar Valley Nature Trail:


Year End Championships and Other Thoughts


The professional tennis season came to a close this past week the top 8 players in the world meeting for the Year End Championships at London’s O2 Arena. Since this is my last chance to talk about professional tennis until next year, I decided to dedicate this post to my thoughts on the Year End Event rather than go with my first idea, Why Alexander Hamilton is better than Thomas Jefferson. 

Suck it Jefferson! Who's on the $10?

Player of the year:
At the end of every athletic season everyone wants to know who had the best year. Tennis is no different. Virtually the whole season we hear talk of who is having the best year. I’m going to try something a little different and look at some facts before making a decision. Bear with me. For the first time since ­2003 four different men won grandslams this year. Australia went to Djokovic, The French Open went to Nadal, Wimbledon went to Federer, and the Open went to Murray. Obviously, Nadal is not in contention because of his injury status, which leaves Federer, Djokovic, and Murray. I’ll try to set aside my dislike of Murray and give an objective opinion here.

It’s still not Murray. He did win the Olympics and the US Open but ZERO Masters tournaments. Fed won Wimbledon and ­­three Masters tournaments and reached Year End Finals, beating Murray along the way. And finally, Djokovic made 3 slam finals (better than anyone else), won ­­3 Masters tournaments and finished the year by winning in London.  His record is also 75-12 compared to 56-16 for Murray and 71-12 for Federer. Given these numbers, it seems the player of the year was Djokovic. If you’re a Murray supporter and think he should take home the honors because of his Olympic and US Open performance, remember this is Player of the Year, not Player of a Good Summer Stretch Culminating in the US Open. Also, if you’re a Murray supporter, you’re dead to me.

Scheduling:
Before talking about the actual tournament let’s go over the concern that is always voiced after the US Open wraps up: the tennis season is too long. I go back and forth on this one, and I think it really depends on where you are ranked. Look at Fed’s playing schedule. He plays in January then takes a month off and comes back for Rotterdam and Dubai, takes a week off then plays Indian Wells and Miami in March. He then has another month off before he begins a significant stretch starting with Madrid in May and ending with Wimbledon in July. His usual six week break until Cincinnati in August was interrupted by the Olympics this year but that’s once every four years. Federer then plays Cincinnati and the US Open before taking another chunk of time off before playing Shanghai in October and the Year End Championships in November.

 I can’t say that’s really too much playing. Federer’s pattern of calendar play goes something like this: play a few tournaments, take a month off, repeat. Now, it is much different for guys who aren’t at the top of the rankings. They play every week because they really have to. No tournament, no paycheck. Federer makes money sitting at home playing with the kids because he has so many endorsement deals. You can bet most tennis players don’t have that luxury, so even if you could legitimately shorten the tennis season, I’m not sure how many of the players would actually support that proposition when it came down to it.

He just made $1 million for eating that candy

Year End Tournament.
If they did make the year shorter maybe it would result in better tennis at the Year End Masters. Federer and Djokovic looked ready to go, but nearly everyone else looked happy to just be there. Tsonga was checked out before it started, Tipsarevic was overmatched, Ferrer was… well he was just fine but that’s Ferrer.  It almost felt like the All-Star Game or the Pro-Bowl where the goal is to be selected to go there, not to play great once there.  Federer’s match with Murray was interesting: Fed got down quickly but steadied himself and was able to win the set. Once the first set was over, Murray was done. He looked checked out mentally and physically. I know the first set was close throughout, but you can look to the point where Federer clawed back for a hold when he was already down one break as the moment when the mule threw Tony as my high school math teacher always told us (usually when he said that, it was referring to our utter lack of competence in anything using numbers). Murray was blown out in the second set so bad that Federer brought back the ol’ chip and charge and Murray couldn’t stop it.

Stadium Entrances:
One of my favorite parts about the Year End Championships is the players get to have a big entrance through smoke with music blaring in the background. While most players act like this is a big nuisance and want to just play tennis, I think they should embrace the moment and really live it up during their entrances. Play to the crowd, do a dance, rip some shirts Hulk Hogan style; that way the crowd knows you’re ready to bring it! 

Hulkamania! WOOO BROTHA!

I’ve spent and inordinate amount of time thinking about proper entrance music. From baseball, to basketball, to pro wrestling – that’s right, pro wrestling - ; the proper entrance sets the mood for what’s to come. I’ve thought about this much too in depth for way too much of my life. I used to dream about what my pro wrestling entrance music would be (Ray mysterio you’re still the greatest), but since I’m no longer in the third grade I’ve tailored my entrance music dream for tennis.

It's still real to me!

A good entrance can set the mood for a great match, or a poor entrance can send the audience to the bathroom in droves. Don’t just take my word for it; let us not forget what Shakespeare said in one of his most inspiring passages from King Henry V, “we few, we happy few, we band of brothers. For he today that sheds his blood with me, Shall be my brother. And Thou needest a great entrance, set to rocking music!”

At this point you’re probably dying to know what music would be pouring forth into your virgin ears as I triumphantly enter the O2 Arena. And no, I’m not speaking hypothetically – Coach Rodgers, we have precious little time to make me a world class tennis player so I can realize my dream of entering raucous arenas to some sick music. My guess is it will be tough but we should have everything figured out by next week. I feel my biggest obstacle will be deciding on only one song. One option is All I Do Is Win by DJ Khaled. I would go with this song because it describes what I will most likely be doing: winning (am I right!). Another option is Can’t be touched by Roy Jones Jr. This was my anthem during my college playing days. Before winning the ITA, me and my doubles partner probably gave ourselves minor hearing damage while getting pumped to this song. My top option right now is Darth Vader’s theme music from Star Wars. If you don’t immediately year this music playing in your head, you’ve been living in a world devoid of sound for 30 years. Picture this: the O2 Arena is quiet, the crowd is electric with anticipation, smoke begins filling the entrance area. Then, the music starts. That unmistakable score starts playing as I enter wearing all black; my opponent, the announcers, the crowd: we all know what’s coming.

When I said wearing all black, I really meant it

That would be an entrance we could all get behind. I would watch that even if Oregon was playing…okay I would flip back and forth but only because they’re both awesome.

Championship Match:
During the final match, Federer got out to a quick lead aganist Djokovic, but then realized he was winning easily and promptly put an end to that foolishness. He gave up the lead and the first set went to a tiebreaker where Federer found himself down 5-6. The next point Federer was in control and had a shot to approach on but inexplicably hit it right to Djokovic’s forehand. I believe Federer did this for a reason and that was to illustrate a point I made about him a few weeks ago. I said the whole reason we watch Federer play is in the hope that he will pull out one of his impossible shots that make us all question the laws of physics. After hitting an awful approach, Djokovic pounced on the pass which Federer barely touch, Djokovic then raced to the net for the put-away. The ball went past Federer who was in poor position with the wrong grip. At this point I knew the point and the set were over. You simply cannot hit that ball back. Sure enough, Federer wasn’t able to do anything with the ball and lost the point

Wait, no he didn’t! Federer ran to the ball and with his back to the net, using a continental grip, hit one of the sickest angles you’ll ever see! SFkhagsdlkhsdglsd…sorry, I still freak out a little bit just thinking about that shot. I don’t know what happened next. There were other points and sets I’m sure, and Federer must have achieved sweet, sweet victory. I never got around to checking the final score.

What’s that? Federer lost? Oh God.


Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Sweet Potatoes!

Conversation with Emmie yesterday:

Emmie:  Mom, they're making french fries on TV (I had the FoodNetwork on).  I love french fries.  They are my favorite.  Why don't you like french fries?

Kris:  I like french fries.

Emmie:  No, not the orange ones.  Why don't you like the yellow ones?

Thus, the topic of the week is sweet potatoes.  For starters, a sidekick to pumpkin (my favorite SuperFood).  As such, lowers the risk of various cancers, promotes youthful/healthy skin, amongst other benefits.

A recipe to put on the Thanksgiving Day table, INSTEAD of the usual mashed potatoes:

Chili-Spiced Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Two bonus SuperSpices within...cinnamon and chili powder!
(I'd replace the brown sugar with honey, or agave nectar)

Which looks more appealing to you?

A.
OR 
B.         



Workout!

Curtis and Noah doing extra offseason workouts on Tuesday. They dispensed with the usual ladder work and stepped up to pulling sleds. Now all they need are sledgehammers and tires to flip and they'll be ready for spring season.




Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Kroll Report 10

The only thing standing between me and home is a week. The weeks of college are flying by, all of which are filled with class, exams, papers, reflections, studying, tennis, getting swoll, and a number of other things. This week ahead should be fairly easy going other than registration later in the week. I have already wrapped up the last of my school observation hours for my education class and gave one of two major presentations for my media class. 

I was looking ahead at all my class schedules and the possibility of me losing my mind after Thanksgiving break is very high. I have a 15-20 page research paper and 15 minute presentation in December, an hour long group presentation the week following Thanksgiving, and then finals. I will truly experience what it is like to be in college after break...thankfully winter break is only a couple weeks later. 

As of right now though, I'm just trying to get through this week. My Thanksgiving is going to be awesome. I am returning to work Black Friday at Banana Republic Factory Store which I'm sure will be nothing short of crazy. I also have numerous appointments set up with different people to take advantage of my being home. I also plan to spend as much time as possible with my niece and nephew, who starred in Kroll Report 9. 

I also am excited about eating at all the local restaurants in Castle Rock. There is one place in particular called Wingin' It that I have been craving ever since the caf tried to serve me wings. 

Honestly, there is an insane amount of things to be excited about. It will certainly be nice to see all my family members as well as my friends from back home. 

I'm going to try and enjoy every single moment because even though I'll be back in like three weeks, the spring semester doesn't bring any opportunities to go home. Haha, that will be interesting to see how I hold up for that. 

Anyway, here's to going home!!! AHHH!!

Monday, November 12, 2012

Studying!

Without direct observation, I wouldn't constitute this as work.  In reality, their banter quite educational (and at times, humorous/entertainment).  More often than not, two steps ahead of the actual commentators.


Monday HC Musings

Your weekly dosage of ramblings, rants, and randomness

.....quote from my Dad: "Fed is amazing"! Well, yes he is. Watched him versus Andy Murray(Brad's favorite player to not watch) yesterday in the London semi-finals. After four games, I had written the Day off as "Murray too good. Is this the End for Fed?" But Mr Federer scratched out some service holds while he was seeking his normal "A" game, and then made the adjustment of taking the ball earlier, especially on his BH and the rest is History!

.....Tennis Lessons by Mr Federer: Practice your Serve. When all else is scratchy, and lousy, your Service Game can keep you in the match until you figure it out. Or your opponent falls out of his Tree. To a Certain, Unnamed, former Student who now plays for a Big 10 school, "Are you reading this?"

.....Football Sunday
         The NCAA Selection Show revealed that your undefeated 10-0 Kohawks play at Clark Field Saturday, November 17th, vs #17 Elmhurst College. Good! And the Weather looks to be close to 50 degrees. Nice.
         CFL vs NFL? Saskatchewan played Calgary in the Canadian Football League West Semifinals. Calgary won with a 68yd TD pass from former Hawkeye QB Drew Tate. I will say CFL FB is very entertaining....and yes, Brad, that white stuff piled around the Calgary field was indeed snow.
          NFL Football? Haven't watched much. Tried to watch last night, but knowing how passionate Coach Murphy is about the Bears, I limited my viewing as when I watched, the Bears kept fumbling or throwing interceptions. Likely a grumpy day in the Tennis Office at K College. 

.....On Food
         Not generally my place, or inclination, to dispense with nutritional nuggets. Got a couple of requests from other "aging" athletes, so here goes. 
         The following worked out well for me.

          Eat healthy with a plan and discipline, yet indulge occasionally your "weaknesses".

         Follow an Eating Clock. Fruits and vegetables before noon. No food after 8pm

        Limit "mixing" of foods. This makes it easier for your stomach to digest. 

         Eat small servings. Eat often.

.....A Few Pics to share

from a recent urban hike


 The Tennis Center in Aurora, Iowa



    Diego had a long day and a Good Hike! Rest Time!

Sunday, November 11, 2012

Weekend Pictures

Tennis player tailgate before Coe's final regular season football game.  Hosted by Tom & Shelly Galbraith; a sincere Thank You to the two of them!  Coe finished the season undefeated, and is currently ranked #10 in the country (Football Recap).






This was also the 3rd week of Saturday morning kids' clinics.  The players serve on a voluntary basis as a fundraiser for our program; they have done a great job.


Friday, November 9, 2012

Adventure!

At some point this Fall, I learned that Laura and Diannah each had a driver's permit, but not a license. Still questioning how ONE makes it through high school without the coveted driver's license (aka "freedom"), let alone TWO!  Diannah did say they she used to ride her bike to the Sonic as an escape.

Nonetheless, not for me to judge.  Rather, I quickly assumed my role as a coach in their lives and took it upon myself to lead them to the "Promise Land".


Driving lesson #1 took place over Fall Break.  As Mark referred to in Kroll Report 6, the driving lesson itself was successful.  Granted, Mark almost got ran over.....but not by Laura or Diannah, and through no fault of his own.

Lesson #2 took place yesterday.  Emmie and I met the girls at Coe after their Strength & Conditioning session with Brad.  Coach had also made his way down to the courts to distribute Nike apparel that arrived earlier in the day.  Thus, I present you with the Picture of the Week:


On tap for the adventure were two necessary stops:
1.  The Cedar Valley Humane Society - To drop off a donation for $117.50, raised from Change for Change via the Kohawk Tennis Fitness, Fun & Philanthropy Community Event.
2.  Newbo Market - Recently opened Downtown and comparable to an upscale Farmer's Market.  Housed in a warehouse so accessible/open year-round.  Consider it a small dose of heaven.  Fresh baked bread, wine merchants, the smell of popcorn.....what more could you ask for?

Emmie gets popcorn too....caramel corn, root beer flavored and cheddar!
Ironically, BOTH Diannah and Laura began their time at the wheel by revving the gas with the car still in park.  "Ooops, other one."  Did we not retain anything from Lesson #1?  Admit that my blood pressure rose each time, and I seriously questioned the endeavor.

Despite the rocky start, both of them were great!  To humor myself, I randomly requested that we stop for gas.  Handed them a credit card and stayed put.  Jordan, there for moral support (mine), enjoyed watching the undertaking from the backseat.  "Do they know how to open the door to the gas tank.  Do you have a button?"  Several confused looks later, and together, they figured it out!!


Agreed that our next adventure would be to Sam's Club for soft pretzels.  Interstate driving!  Emmie wants to go to "100 places" with them.  Jordan texted Trent that they will be acquiring one of the dogs from the Humane Society, Laura planned to call her Mom to inform her of the same and Emmie asked me why we can't have 3 dogs?  

Additional pictures: