Over Spring Break, we became pickleball obsessed. So much that we played every single day and even bought our own equipment — which is big news for our family that never partakes in racket sports together….
We were first introduced to the sport at our resort in Mexico where they had a court. Pickleball is basically a small court tennis but played with a wiffleball type of ball.
One of my lifelong dreams is to be a ball girl for the US Open. Not as a joke or as a ‘maybe someday’ … but an actual ‘this is going to happen at some point’ dream. One of the prerequisites to be a US Open Ball Person is to volunteer at the Jana Hunsaker Wheelchair Tennis Tournament that takes places annually at Flushing Meadow (where the US Open is held). So, despite it being an incredibly busy time in the end of the school year rush, I signed up to volunteer (and even got two friends to join)! And I am so glad I did — truly a highlight of my week, month, and YEAR!
To say we were excited was an understatement. The three of us were giggling nonstop, before, during and after. Truly, a fun and highly enjoyable day. And we all want to do it again next year — this specific tournament as well as sign up to try out to be official Ball People at the US Open. I was a little unprepared and had to buy myself some tennis shoes — I only own running shoes (which scuff up the courts) — literally, they arrived the night before.
Happy (belated) Labor Day! Can’t believe how fast the summer flew by….the only thing that keeps me from being depressed with the change of seasons / responsibilities / obligations / reality / back to NYC, is the fact that I spent a big portion of last week at the US Open! And I will be there off and on this week, too (including today). Nothing better than to mourn the end-of-summer with some tennis, sunshine, and my Papa’s company (a huge tennis fanatic who comes every year for the 2 week tennis tournament. THANK GOODNESS — his presence in NYC makes the transition back that much easier. And yes, I am 35.) Here are some pictures of last week. (Not shown: my sweaty, smelly nastiness post hot matches, the night sessions, the gallons of water I consumed to stay hydrated, my hour long subway commutes, and the mother’s guilt I had for leaving the kids.)
Blue on blue on blue. Blue tri-fecta.
It’s my favorite time of year for sports in New York! Tennis has always been my favorite, so one of the biggest upsides of living here is being able to go to the U.S. Open. My father is here for two weeks and he has literally been to Flushing almost every day. For us, Friday night was the highlight. Enjoy the pics!
7 train. Amazingly quick on the express.
If you have two kids, your husband will do nice things for you (like carry your heavy handbag even if it makes him look incredibly girly)
Added treat: we got to see Andy Roddick play right after he announced that this U.S. Open would be his last tournament. The electricity in the crowd was amazing. He was clearly moved by it and played great.
Roddick. We had amazing seats. I have become good friends with the parents of one of my ex-students, and they invited us to their box. Thanks Valerie and Chris!
