Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Jamaican Holiday

Jamaican Me Crazy





In a recent trip to Montego Bay Jamaica, we stayed at a beautiful villa, Endless Summer.  An unexpected treat in mid June with my family from Indiana.  These family members of mine needed some fun in the sun and just relaxing by a pool.  Rum drinks flowing and the weather was fabulous.   However, after relaxing by the pool a couple of days, it was time to stretch the legs and see what else there was to do in Jamaica.  Here are some of the highlights:                                                          







1.)  Half-Moon Resort:  This unique Resort has hosted and entertained many a celebrity and influential people.  The Cedar Bar looks like a page out of past.  Just a few yards from the shoreline, this bar can serve up some delicious cocktails to watch the sunset.  Also, the beach and water activities were included with villa rental.  My husband and I took advantage of the kayaks and were able to paddle out to obtain a breathtaking view of the lush coastline.  The Half-Moon also had a plethora of well-kept tennis courts.  We enjoyed a few sets of tennis, and after we were through, we grabbed ourselves a mango from the mango tree next to the courts for a little post-tennis nutrition.  http://halfmoon.rockresorts.com/discover/tennis-squash-


2.)  May Field Falls:  This is an out of the way falls but well worth the trip.    We took an extremely long (not in distance, just slow and treacherous) bus ride.  Winding roads, pot holes and interesting terrain. I was beginning to think that we were never going to get there.  But after picking up an interesting Rastafarian woman to guide us to our destination, my husband saw a tiny sign taped to a tree… May Fields Falls this way!! Yay~ thank goodness cause this whole excursion was Jamaican me Crazy!!!!  To my surprise we were greeted by the most lovely ladies who provide us a fabulous lunch. Yummy curry chicken, red beans and Red Stripe, of course.  Next we were introduced to the most fun, silly guides that were going to tour us throughout the falls.  We had so much fun.  We were the only people there.  It was late in the day, due to our indecisiveness and the crazy bus ride, so we were the last group to traverse the falls.  But that just made it all the more perfect.  Diving, jumping, swimming throughout the falls as our guides snapped pictures of us.  So much fun.



3.) Scotchy's:  What a wonderful Jamaican treat. Authentic Jamaican jerk food cooked over pimento tree wood.  The  atmosphere was fun and lively watching the soccer from the bar with some of the locals.  Enjoyed another red stripe light with some jerk chicken and pork with rice and peas.  Yum Yum.  Scotchy's is named after the scotch bonnet pepper it uses in its awesome bbq sauce.  Scotchy's was definitely a crowd favorite with our group.








4.) Rose Hall:  Ghost Tour:  The Candle Light Rose Hall Ghost Tour....Super fun, and not too cheesy.  I was genuinely scared a couple of time in a haunted house sort of way.  I love beautiful old arcitecture and history,  It is always fun when you get to mix the two together.  The ghost tour provided an informative history of the plantation and Jamaica.  The white witch was quite an interesting plantation mistress, who had no problem eliminating her spouses one right after the next.



5.) Don't hold your breathe trying to find some delicious chardonnay in Montego Bay. It won't happen. The grocery stores have a very limited selection.  You'll have to settle for some rum punch or Red Stripe.  I did decide to switch to the Red Stripe Light for a more refreshing change.






Sunday, August 24, 2014

Dealing with Cranky Pants


Cranky Pants ;)

Last season I was playing a ladies doubles match...  It was a foggy, misty morning at a beautiful club outside of Orlando.  A nice cool day to have great match but ooooooh no, I quickly recognized the ladies that we are about to play.  One of them a lovely woman but her partner... not so much.  I could tell it was her by the permanent scowl on her face ...oh yeah she's the one who enjoys a smoke break in between the first and second set.  Let me tell you, anything that could go wrong in this match... went wrong.  This lady accused me of foot fault on serve and volley, she called me for a verbal let, she accused me of crossing over the net on a mid court volley.  She said I was making bad line calls, but worst accusation of all was... she said I was having too much fun, like having fun was against USTA rules somehow.  That's was it~ I couldn't take anymore I called her cranky pants and told her to lighten up.  We ended up winning the match in two sets woot woot~ and I gave Miss cranky pants a big hug and told her if she thinks I have too much fun durning this tennis match she should come to my next holiday party.  :)




Top 5 Strategies for Dealing with Cranky Pants!!!

1. Don't react!  Some players use confrontation to get in your head.  This is a tactical strategy for some players.  Just remain focused on what you came there to do... beat this opponent!

2. If discussion or arguing begins and it pertains to you~ let your partner handle it. (in doubles)  The person who the anger is directed to should remain calm and quiet if at all possible.  Just breathe wait for the next dust to settle, it always does.

3. Manage to keep your mind free from doubts.  You know what kind of player and person you are. So don't your opponent steal your confidence ~No matter how rude or mean they are being.

4. Recognize your own body language. Treat people the way you want to be treated... just like our Mom's used to say.   Kill your opponent with kindness and let your shots speak for themselves. 

5. Smile and have fun.  Life is too short to not enjoy every minute of your tennis matches.

5 1/2. Laugh at lunch while talking all about that cranky pants.  :)

Tuesday, August 5, 2014

Let it Rain- Summer Tennis




Why I Hate Ladies Summer Night League






It's just too hot, during the day, to play tennis in the summer (I live in Orlando)…  So, I always think... "ok I'll play evening tennis."  Not a good idea.  I will NEVER and I mean NEVER, EVER, EVER sign up for summer evening tennis again.  It rains every Thursday evening in Orlando.  Not until about 6:00-6:30, or perhaps right at 7:00 just as you arrive to the courts.  It ruins my whole day.  Waiting all day, watching the weather, hoping it won't rain, can't get on with my evening either way.  Then as it gets closer just hoping it would hurry up and rain so I do not have to get dressed.  Then as soon as I change my clothes and head to my car…. IT RAINS!!!!!   ARGGGHHHHHH!!!  Or worse than that is when I'm half way to the courts and receive a text, (which I can't read cause I'm driving), saying…. rain out~ sorry ladies.  Which I already knew was going to happen, thanks to my radar app that I have been staring at since 3:30 pm.  DOUBLE  ARGGGGHHHHHH!!!!!








Top 5 Things to Beat the Summer Tennis Rain Showers…..


1. Do not watch the weather~ just wait for the ridiculously late cancelation phone call.

2. Never get dressed before 6:15... perhaps even 6:30.

3. Plan your day as if you are NOT playing tennis that evening.

4. Make a great dinner for your family, odds are you will be joining them.

5. Have a glass of wine (or beer) at 5:30, either way it makes the entire evening better!
  
5 1/2.  If you already made it to the courts and it has started to rain… go ahead and have drinks with your friends~ enjoy the evening off !!!  





Bring on the Fall Season!!!

Thursday, April 3, 2014

Sassy Girl Wine Reccomendation

2011 KIRKLAND SIGNATURE SONOMA CHARDONNAY 


I'm always looking for an affordable chardonnay that I can enjoy on a weekly/daily basis.  And certainly husband is always urging me to find something gentler on the wallet.  He is the butt of all my best buddies jokes... "another cheap chardonnay, really???"  But truly this one is really, really good.  This is a wonderful choice to serve for a large party, when you don't want to break the bank on wine. 

I do not typically like a fruity chardonnay. I prefer a much more buttery one.  The reason I like this one...must be in the finish.  My nose normally does not detect the pear, grapefruit lemon as stated in the Costco Wine Blog,  but me and my sassy friends are always colliding with that buttery finish.  Yum Yum and Cheap Cheap.   Happy husband and extremely happy me :)  Run out and buy a case~ I know I am.









Review from... Costco Wine Blog

"A pretty middle of the road wine, but not a bad value at only $6.99, especially if you're looking for an everyday white to accompany dinner. It's been a while since we've reviewed one of these Kirkland Chardonnay (last vintage was 2008) and I was hoping for maybe a bit more.  But then again...$6.99...

This is more of a fruity Chardonnay, which I typically prefer, but it seemed a little caught in the middle of what it wanted to be.  The nose kicks off tropical fruit and glides you in with some pear, grapefruit and lemon, but towards the finish the fruit collides with a bit of vanilla, butter and oak and it didn't pull through for me.  

With the right meal, I can drink this no problem.  On its own, its flaws become more noticeable.  I'd pay a dollar or two more for a different bottle.

CostcoWineBlog.com Rating: 85 Points
*KirklandWine*

Costco item number: 514007"

Wednesday, April 2, 2014

Sassy Girl Martina Hingis Wins Miami Doubles

Martina Hingis, Sassy Girl of the Month


 wins Miami doubles title with Sabine Lisicki

"Its very exciting" Hingis says after winning first title since 2007.  "When you convert the match point, you're like, 'Yes, we did it!'' It's amazing."  Hingis reflects after doubles match with Sabine Lisicki.  


I'm a super excited doubles fan, and it is super fun to watch 33 year old Hingis, who has officially retired from tennis twice – once in 2003 due to nagging hip and ankle injuries, and again in 2007, come back and play at such a high level.  That's why Sassy Girl Tennis has chosen Hingis a Sassy Girl Player of the Month.  Awesome.  woot woot.  ;)


We are hoping Hingis continues with her doubles play, she states "Two weeks ago if you asked me, it probably would be a completely different answer from today.
"Last week, I was not sure if I want to put myself out there like this and lose first, second round.
"Now, after this victory, definitely things change. I would be very happy to continue to play some more doubles."  Excited to see that happen.  

Sassy Girl Tennis has followed Hingis throughout her career and partnerships with Tonic.   Who created a comfortable, fashionable ladies line that can be intermixed with your everyday yoga wear as well.   All us Sassy girls out there need to look good and play well.  It's nice to see collections to help us incorporate pieces that do just that.  http://tennis-speak.blogspot.com/2013/03/martina-hingis-and-tonic-team-up-to.html



Excited to see what Hingis will do next.  





Friday, November 8, 2013

Maria Kirilenko~ Gisele's Sassy Tennis Girl of the Month


Gisele's Sassy Girl of the Month


Maria Kirilenko




It doesn't get any sassier than this... Maria Kirilenko posing for for Glamour Russia, wearing dresses by Alexander Terekhov and Chapurin and shoes by Giuseppe Zanotti Design and Gianvito Rossi. You can see the interview in Russian Glamour. www.glamour.ru/celebrity/glam_blog/581680/#1 



Maria tweets....
Season is off, holidays begin!!! No rackets, no shoes, only heels and #glamour mag #happy #love"




You go girl!!  

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Top 5 strategies to win with any partner.

Win With Any Partner


Don't be mad at your captain, isn't this team tennis?  The same old adage stands true today...  there is no "I" in team.  Don't get me wrong, I do understand the importance of a good established partnership.  But once someone is experienced enough at playing club doubles, shouldn't you know your own strengths and weakness?  Shouldn't you be able to figure out how to win with whom ever you are placed with for that day?  Some of my most favorite wins in ladies club doubles tennis comes from playing with someone who has completely taken me out of my comfort zone.  Being able to figure out what to do, not know ing what to expect and having to work it out gives me a full sense of accomplishment, probably even more than winning with my regular partner against a team we are expected to beat.   Of course, you are not going to win them all.  But a winning attitude and team spirit is what really matters.  


1. Know your Strengths!!!  It's good to know your own personal strengths before going into a match.  Really really really get to know your own game.  It's great to have a balanced tennis game, with little weakness but to own your strenghts and be able to compliment your partners game by knowing what those strengths are.  It's not just hey "I prefer the ad side."    It's knowing hey "I'm good at coming into the net"  Figure out a way with your new partner to get yourself to the net.  "Hey I prefer grounding it out from the back."  "I need someone to help me out at the net."  

2. Know your Weaknesses! 
Conversely, everyone needs to understand their weaknesses.  It could be you have no net game, or you have no strategy.  Or you have weak ground strokes.  Know this!  Tell your partner your weakness, find a way to compliment both players game.

3. Figure out partners strengths and weakness~ for all of the same reasons for numbers 1 and 2

4. Have FUN and stay Positive~   It is just a friendly match meant for exercise, camaraderie, competition in our forties and fifties.  Having a positive attitude not only help you play better it will also help your partner.  I've had days where I have had the worst negative attitude.  If I could turn it, it is likely that I turned my match around.  Body language says it all.

5. Play like you have nothing to lose.  There is no money to be won at the end of the day.  Maybe you have the medal key chain to add to your bag.  But really... go out swinging in every match.  It may not be your favorite person to play with, but I bet they love tennis.  And there is fun in that.  You just might win, any partnership is beatable at any time.  

Remember, playing with a different partner sometimes can be a new interesting challenge that helps develop your problem solving skills.  These skills can translate over to your regular partnership and make it even stronger.