I like California

It's nice to be in California. These first two tournaments are great to play because they are driving distance from my house. Having the ability and freedom to drive and have go home in between tournaments has been amazing. Some of my support/cheering squad has been able to come out to watch me play a match or two. Hooray for being close to home. I don't get this very often.

Now I'm in Rancho Mirage playing another 25K. I just finished the last round of qualifying. I haven't been playing my best tennis but it's been good enough to qualify again and make it into the main draw. My body has been feeling much better than last tournament. I got a new protein powder to drink before and after matches. It has been doing wonders for me. I think it's part magic! Each day I feel rested and refreshed from the previous day. Last week I could barely stand and run around when I got into the main draw. Drinking the protein shake has really helped me recover. Now, this won't make me play any better but I'm glad it's making me feel good!

Instead of focusing on the negatives like I mostly do, let's focus on some of the positives. I've been feeling refreshed each morning. That's a positive. I've been doing very well mentally.  Another positive. I absolutely know if I played these matches last year, I would have lost them. I've learned so much from last year and past experiences I went through. I'm mentally stronger and can push myself to a new place that I couldn't get to before. I'm focusing and forgetting about bad points, bad line calls, pressure situations, etc. I'm very proud of myself :)

I have a few aches and pains but nothing serious. My quads have been really tight. A little to tight to which I almost feel I'm about to cramp up. There are been a few points I play and if I have to push off real fast or bend really low and push out of the stance I can feel my quad scream a little at me. I've gone to the trainer and she has done a great job at rubbing them out. P.S. Love this trainer at this tournament. She actually goes deep when she massages you!

My shoulder has been doing very well this week. Last week it started to hurt quite a bit at the end. This week I haven't had to many problems with it. I'm still icing after every match, getting it worked on every day. There hasn't been any sharp pain when I serve which is fantastic. Only some tightness occurring after the match is finished and I've cooled down.

Stretch Stretch Stretch! Right everyone? ;)

My friend Nina and I have been staying at the same housing together. It's so great to stay with a friend at housing. You not only have a person you get a long with but it's also a friend. It makes being on the road a lot less lonely. The family is also wonderful and have two dogs to keep us company. One is pretty much the size of a bear and then other dog a lab. So great!


I'm off to bed. Time to get ready for my matches tomorrow.