Semi-Final Match Tomorrow

I have my semi-final match tomorrow morning against Steve. I’m still sore from the Pleasanton Singles Tournament I played last Saturday, so I’m not feeling especially confident. When Steve’s on he’s deadly. We played two weeks ago and I beat him 15-9, 15-12, but I was on and not sore. I may have to bring several different strategies to the court tomorrow and see what works. I played a very slow game against Steve two weeks ago and that helped me. In the second game I was behind 7-12 and increased my intensity. The key will be to control the game, control the tempo and let Steve make the mistakes. Brian gave me good advice when playing Steve. Pass, pass, pass, no pinch shots or splats unless they’re putaways. I’ll think about the various serves I’ll bring. I’ll need to change things up with him. The important thing is to conserve energy and not get burned out too quickly. Keep the rallies short. Put the shots away. We’ll see what happens.

Rewrites

I'm still revising the last chapter of Julia Milan. I came up with a revised ending that might be fine for the time being. It's no masterpiece, but I can certainly see why I needed a stronger concluding chapter. This draft has a lot more emotional substance and doesn't feel so mechanical, at least I hope that's the case.

Woke up at 4:30 this morning and made it to the gym by 5:10. Dorian and I played four games together, winning three. I was off though, and worry that I may not be at top performance this Friday morning when I play my final match with Steve. It's for the number one seed and I really want to beat him. I'm not in great shape though and my eating patterns have totally deteriorated. I have two weeks to get back in the swing of things. I have three weekend matches coming up and having hit the weights in months. Not good.

First things first...the rewrite.

Happy New Year

January 2 already. Unreal. I feel as though time is spinning out of control. Then again, I always feel that way. Life is so busy these days, too busy actually. I never have enough time to get anything done. My new year's resolution is to not complain about how little time I have. I'm under the impression that I'm constantly being shortchanged on the number of hours I'm given each day. Wrong. I'm given 24, just like everyone else.

I can't believe Christmas is over. It flew by. I'm revising the last two chapters of my Julia Milan book and they're taking more time than I'd like. But I think my ending is much stronger. Funny how rewriting makes things better.

I spent the past several days with Alice and we had so much fun together. I adore her. She's so easy to be with and wonderful and kind. She loves beating me in Wii tennis. I'll allow her that thrill for a little while longer...than it will be time to practice and beat her.

On Wednesday we saw "Becoming Julia Morgan" at the Berkeley City Club, on Friday we saw "The Wizard of Oz" at the Paramount Theater, on Saturday we saw "The King's Speech" in the AMC in San Francisco, and last night we saw "Black Swan" at the Balboa Theater.

I spent all day yesterday and today working on chapter 14. Why haven't I accomplished more? Ugh!

Busy

I just bought Richard Yates’s biography “A Tragic Honesty.” I’ve been meaning to read it for some time. This will motivate me to read my collection of his work. I love his writing so much. His voice is similar to mine. Whenever I forget what good writing is supposed to sound like, I can always refer to him.

Richard Russo is another writer I should be reading. He’s so smooth and effortless.

In the meantime, I’m plowing through all the YA series books I have piled up at home.

Dexter Issues: It’s season 5 of Dexter, which means the writers have to think way outside the box to come up with new material for their characters. All-in-all, season five is pretty good, but a few things feel familiar, like Dexter using someone else to help him kill. We saw that in season 3 with (Jimmie Smits). Also, (Angel’s wife) feels unbelievable now and inconsistent. She used to stand for something, but throws Deb under the bus. I’m not sure I believe that. And poor Angel caught in the middle. Their relationship may need to come to an end. I’m bored with it.

Peter Weller is great as a lowlife ex-cop who investigates Dexter. Deb and (guy)’s relationship can any anytime now. I’m on episode 10, three more to go. I have lots to catch up on!

End of the Year

This has been a productive year for me. I learned about sending query letters out. I discovered QueryTracker.net. I found a job. I’m dating again. I have little freetime (unfortunately) but have paid down my debts. I’m learning all about YA lit. It’s definitely been a year of change.

I hope things happen with my book in 2011. It’s the year of the rabbit and that’s good news for me. I was born in the year of the rabbit, so the roof might come off for me in ’11.

I can’t believe it’ll be ten years since 9/11. What a difference a decade makes. Wow. Google and Facebook are taking over the world. I think this is okay, considering neither company manufacturers bombs or advanced weapons systems (that we know of).

New Rewrites

I received some feedback from the agency that enjoyed my book. I plan to revise the last two chapters. I have a good idea what I'll add and change. I start this week after a few days of brainstorming. I'm looking forward to what I come up with.

Doubles Results

Dorian and I took second in last week's doubles tournament. We played well, considering D's had a bum knee for several months. He won't be playing again any time soon. I think he may need surgery. Steve and Tyrone took the championship. Throughout the week, I played poorly and haven't had my typical killer edge on the court. I lost some games this week, and in the doubles tournament in San Ramon this weekend my play was subpar with two new partners. Oh well, better luck next time.

Yesterday, I attended a party Alice put together for her biking club. They don't bike much anymore, but still get together for dinner. They're a delightful group with two natural comedians, Sam and Kalvin. Very pleasant people.