The first tournament would be a company event, so that’s more of a fun game than the other. The next one would probably be a bit more serious considering that the participants will be regular club players. Anyway, we’re joining the latter for experience mostly; but that’s what we always say, maybe to take pressure out of the equation. I still need to learn more shots and improve my power and speed before I get satisfied with my badminton skills. Not that I’m trying to be an real athlete. I’ll stop when I find no more room for improvement, anyway.

We’ve been practicing for badminton and I can say that I’m going to miss the practice sessions. It took me out of work for several days but it was a welcome change, at least personally. If only it will go on for a long time, this is definitely the best quick weight loss solution. My friends are trying this new slimming coffee they discovered, but I think physical activity is still best.

A friend wondered what’s the deal about the shoes. We wondered about the outfit, too. And the racket on the left hand of the right-handed Russian. Well, I guess it’s just for pose. They’re trying to sell the shoes (which she helped design, I gather), not really the sport. Not even her sport – tennis. It’s a good thing they didn’t put a bag on her, though.

Well, I’ve been busy watching tennis, as this blog shows. Work also came in the middle. But now, I really need to go and get my game back. Especially because we’re playing on a tournament tonight! This is hoping I can still run and hit the shuttle, what with my heavy feet and heavier frame these days.

As if I haven’t said it enough, the thing I appreciate most about badminton is that I regularly see, and play with, people of all ages (10 up to 60 up). Last Wednesday, I was so amused, and a bit embarassed, with this particular matchup that sort of revealed how out of shape I am. I was partnered with a  lady who is about 50 years old; on the other  side of the net is a girl who is barely 15, partnered with another lady who is pushing 65. By the end of the game, I noticed that I was the one who is soaked in sweat and is having ragged breaths. All three looked mighty fine and ready to play the next set. More embarassing because I am an intermediate player, at the prime of life, who’s been playing for years. But I was very happy to see the older ones having the kind of stamina they have. My partner told me that she started training for badminton when her doctor recommended physical activity to counter body aches and hypertension.  I say she did very well.

See, in our home court – what we call our regular badminton place –  people there have formed a really tight group. In reality, in a sort of fragmented kind of way because it’s like a big family with several small cliques. But when there are special occassions, like birthdays and others, a lot of them are generous enough to share their joys with the entire court. Things like that usually happen on Saturday nights. Last Saturday was a blast! I arrived there around 6 pm and 1 hour into playing, dinner was announced. Lots of food for everyone, drinks, cake. and even alcohol (tequila and beer). Heck there was even a guy passing slices of apples around. The best part? There was a videoke machine for everyone to use. The court fee? Php80, play all you can. I’m sure those girls using badminton as a replacement for dietpills are not at all bothered that we had so much to eat.