Live From Tucson

It is Sunday and I am still in Tucson. Unfortunately, my team is not playing in the finals today. We ended up 0-4 for the weekend, but it was much, much closer than our record indicates. We actually lost 11 of 12 tiebreakers here which was the difference in us being 0-4 and 4-0 and possibly playing on today. Those tiebreakers are so heartbreaking and really killed us this weekend, but I guess it all evened out because we won more of our fair share at areas and sectionals.

Our first match was against Southern California. We lost 3-2, losing three third-set tiebreakers. It was so close, but we just couldn't pull it out. The second match we lost 4-1, and once again, lost two third-set tiebreakers. We really didn't know how to feel. On the one hand, we had lost, but on the other hand, we were so close and easily could have been 2-0.

On Saturday morning, we lost to Florida 4-1, losing two third-set tiebreakers, another match 7-6, 7-6 and another 6-4, 6-4. It was so close, and of course today, Florida is playing for the championship as we speak. It could have been us, but I digress (win your tiebreakers and it would have been us). In our final match on Saturday, we lost 4-1 and lost another third-set tiebreaker. It was tough being so close and not being able to win the big match, but then again, we were so close and that was pretty exciting. In my heart, I know that if Shannon and Sharon were here, we would have been playing on Sunday.

As for me...I went 0-2, which I pretty much expected having to play singles. I just wasn't consistent enough or in good enough shape. It was in the 90s and I ran out of gas in both matches. In the first match, I played a pusher, which was my worst nightmare coming here. I could do nothing with the ball as there was no pace on it. It was a disaster from the start. I lost the first set 6-2, but rebounded in the second set and was actually up 5-4 before I fell apart and lost 7-5. Very disappointing to say the least.

On Saturday, I had a much better match and just played my game. I hit some pretty amazing shots, as well as some pretty awful shots. Almost every game went to multiple deuces, but I just could not win the big point and fell 6-4, 6-4. Looking back, I did not embarrass myself which was my goal, but deep down, I probably should have won both matches. I just wasn't mentally tough when I needed to be. That is the big difference between singles and doubles. I need someone out there to talk to and keep me in the match. With singles, I was on an island with myself (I wouldn't wish that on anyone).

It has been a fun experience and I am glad I got to be here with my friends. The weather was great. The Players Party was x-rated (I will have photos to follow when I get home.) and the experience was one I will always have. Honestly though, being here one time is enough and I will be fine if I never make it again.

You can read my politically correct blog (I am a PR person after all and was writing it for the USTA) from the tournament at http://www.usta.com/sitecore/content/USTA/Global/Leagues_and_Tournaments/Adults/News/35/Lisa_Blog.aspx.

Yesterday was Reagan's third birthday. Yes, I am the worst mom in the whole world as I missed it yet again. I did keep up the tradition of not being there for Reagan's birthday - in fact, the only birthday I have been at of hers was when she was born. Someone told me yesterday that kids do not remember anything before the age of 5 so hopefully she is not scarred for life.

Andrew's grandma came to celebrate with them once again which was nice. Andrew had planned on Reagan opening all of her presents with Great Grandma Jan there, but Reagan had her own ideas. With all of her birthday presents on the table, Andrew needed to take the dog out for a bathroom break and left Reagan upstairs in her bed watching Strawberry Shortcake (yet again). I guess when Andrew was gone (not even 5 minutes), Reagan came downstairs and climbed up on the kitchen table and opened all of her presents! When Andrew walked in, Reagan was playing with her new princess video game. Hilarious! I am sorry I missed that.

I need to get back to work, but when I return, I will post a ton of photos of Strawberry from Halloween, as well as my trip to Tucson.

Gotta "go, go, go,"
Reagan's mom