Today was my first official day of working at my new job. I was really nervous this morning but once I got there I was okay. I tried not think about my nerves this morning. I rode the trax to work. It was nice. I got to read a book while travelling to work. And trax stopped right at the stadium so all I have to do is hop off and walk across the parking lot. lol. Today I worked from 2-6pm. I am answering phones right now. The questions were pretty easy to answer. There was only one guy, a Crimson Club member, who was getting frustrated with me and I him. So the other guy helped him. And he just ended up transferring him up to the Crimson Club people anyway. They know more about the club because they are the ones who handle all of that stuff. But yeah, the rest of the day was nice. I work again for a few hours on Wednesday and most of the day on Saturday. There is a football game on Saturday. The Utes play Washington State. It's our first PAC-12 home game. I was tired after work so I actually took a nap on the train coming home.
When I got home and ate some dinner and then headed off to FHE. It was a stake activity this week. They had a movie in the park. We watched 'Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark'. That's the best one I think. It was fun. We had a group of us sitting together. CJ, our cousin, found us too. He sat with us. There was a pretty random group sitting with us. Friends of friends and the such. It was great. Everyone was cheering and whooping at the good parts. It was really fun watching a movie with the whole stake. I hope they do that again. Next time I'm bringing more blankets. I did get a little cold at the end.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Conferences and Food
I was planning on going to the all day event that our stake was having for the Women's Conference that happened today. But last night I was just so tired that I decided not to. I turned off my alarms and slept in this morning.
When I woke up I weeded the front yard and put some jars in the dishwasher. We have been canning our apples that we got from our trees. When Dad and Brian got home from their motorcycle drive we started canning those. I only helped for an hour or so because I had to go change.
My stake had dinner before the Women's Conference tonight. It was good. They had baked potatoes with chili and other topping, salad, and rolls. The Women's Conference was really good. I really liked President Dieter F. Uchtdorf's talk. He is so funny.
After that was over I went to the pet store and got Satine some food. I think she's happy to have a full belly.
When I woke up I weeded the front yard and put some jars in the dishwasher. We have been canning our apples that we got from our trees. When Dad and Brian got home from their motorcycle drive we started canning those. I only helped for an hour or so because I had to go change.
My stake had dinner before the Women's Conference tonight. It was good. They had baked potatoes with chili and other topping, salad, and rolls. The Women's Conference was really good. I really liked President Dieter F. Uchtdorf's talk. He is so funny.
After that was over I went to the pet store and got Satine some food. I think she's happy to have a full belly.
Saturday Songs: Good Life
Good Life
by OneRepublic
Woke up in London yesterday
Found myself in the city near Piccadilly
Don't really know how I got here
I got some pictures on my phone
New names and numbers that I don't know
Address to places like Abbey Road
Day turns to night, night turns to whatever we want
We're young enough to say
Oh, this has gotta be the good life
This has gotta be the good life
This could really be a good life, good life
I say, Oh, got this feeling that you can't fight
Like this city is on fire tonight
This could really be a good life, a good, good life
To my friends in New York, I say hello
My friends in L.A. they don't know
Where I've been for the past few years or so
Paris to China to Colorado
Sometimes there's airplanes I can' t jump out
Sometimes there's bullshit that don't work now
We are God of stories, but please tell me
What there is to complain about?
When you're happy like a fool, let it take you over
When everything is out you gotta take it in
Oh, this has gotta be the good life
This has gotta be the good life
This could really be a good life, good life
I say, Oh, got this feeling that you can't fight
Like this city is on fire tonight
This could really be a good life, a good, good life
Oh, a good, good life, yeah
Hopelessly
I feel like there might be something that I'll miss
Hopelessly
I feel like the window closes oh so quick
Hopelessly
I'm taking a mental picture of you now
'Cause hopelessly
The hope is we have so much to feel good about
Oh, this has gotta be the good life
This has gotta be the good life
This could really be a good life, good life
I say, Oh, got this feeling that you can't fight
Like this city is on fire tonight
This could really be a good life, a good, good life
Oh yeah, good, good life, good life, oh, this is
To my friends in New York, I say hello
My friends in L.A. they don't know
Where I've been for the past few years or so
Paris to China to Colorado
Sometimes there's airplanes I can't jump out
Sometimes there's bullshit that don't work now
We are God of stories but please tell me
What there is to complain about?
Found myself in the city near Piccadilly
Don't really know how I got here
I got some pictures on my phone
New names and numbers that I don't know
Address to places like Abbey Road
Day turns to night, night turns to whatever we want
We're young enough to say
Oh, this has gotta be the good life
This has gotta be the good life
This could really be a good life, good life
I say, Oh, got this feeling that you can't fight
Like this city is on fire tonight
This could really be a good life, a good, good life
To my friends in New York, I say hello
My friends in L.A. they don't know
Where I've been for the past few years or so
Paris to China to Colorado
Sometimes there's airplanes I can' t jump out
Sometimes there's bullshit that don't work now
We are God of stories, but please tell me
What there is to complain about?
When you're happy like a fool, let it take you over
When everything is out you gotta take it in
Oh, this has gotta be the good life
This has gotta be the good life
This could really be a good life, good life
I say, Oh, got this feeling that you can't fight
Like this city is on fire tonight
This could really be a good life, a good, good life
Oh, a good, good life, yeah
Hopelessly
I feel like there might be something that I'll miss
Hopelessly
I feel like the window closes oh so quick
Hopelessly
I'm taking a mental picture of you now
'Cause hopelessly
The hope is we have so much to feel good about
Oh, this has gotta be the good life
This has gotta be the good life
This could really be a good life, good life
I say, Oh, got this feeling that you can't fight
Like this city is on fire tonight
This could really be a good life, a good, good life
Oh yeah, good, good life, good life, oh, this is
To my friends in New York, I say hello
My friends in L.A. they don't know
Where I've been for the past few years or so
Paris to China to Colorado
Sometimes there's airplanes I can't jump out
Sometimes there's bullshit that don't work now
We are God of stories but please tell me
What there is to complain about?
* * * * *
I love this song. The first lines remind me of my trips to London and it makes me happy. It has a really catchy tune too.
Friday, September 23, 2011
Satine Goes to Kindergarten
Satine and I went on a field trip to Challenger School this afternoon. As I mentioned the other day, Joe invited Satine and I to his class so the kids could learn more about snakes by actually seeing one. Joe talked with the other teachers and I guess they asked if I could come to their classes as well. So I went to show off Satine to three kindergarten classes. (I think they were all kindergarten classes.) I had a lot of fun. Little kids are great. I told about Satine and some general python facts. And then they got to ask me questions. If I left anything out they were sure to ask about it. A random question I got was "What happens if a bee stings the snake?" I have no clue as to how to answer that one. I told him bees don't sting snakes very often. But it is an interesting question. Then after they didn't have anymore questions they got to come up one by one and touch Satine if they wanted. (I advised the teachers to have the kids wash their hands afterward.) There was only two or three students in total who just wanted to look at her and not touch her. Since Satine still has shed-skin on her neck the kids got to see what it looks like when snakes shed. The rest of her body is pretty normal in color. I got the impression that everyone really liked seeing and touching a live snake. I had fun showing her to a bunch of five/six/seven year olds. Satine was her really sweet self for the the kids. I wasn't sure if she was gonna be scared of the groups or not. I figured I was there and she knows me so she felt comfortable. She only curled up once or twice, usually when I first walked into the class. She did go in my hair, which is down, once. The kids thought that was great. They didn't know why she would do that. I told her she looking for food or a dark place to sleep. Since she is a nocturnal snake she usually sleeps during the day and hunts at night. Because she is hungry when we went to the school she was flicking her tongue out and wanting to explore. It was great. The kids liked seeing her tongue. I was at the school for about an hour but it was really fun.
And now I am ready to feed Satine tonight and she can fully shed next week. I waited to feed her until after we went to the school. I wanted her to be snake-like and not digesting her food. It's not a good idea to hold her after she eats because she needs time to digest her food. I usually just wait until she has pooped. Then I know I can hold her without messing anything up. But I also don't handle her much when she is shedding. I let her try and shed all the skin herself.
And now I am ready to feed Satine tonight and she can fully shed next week. I waited to feed her until after we went to the school. I wanted her to be snake-like and not digesting her food. It's not a good idea to hold her after she eats because she needs time to digest her food. I usually just wait until she has pooped. Then I know I can hold her without messing anything up. But I also don't handle her much when she is shedding. I let her try and shed all the skin herself.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
To Shoot or Not To Shoot
Today Ammon took me gun shooting. I have never been before. It was interesting. I am glad I have gone at least once now. I have pictures ...
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| Ammon putting the target up. |
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| Me shooting. |
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| The Target. I did pretty good for my first time. I even got some of my shots in the center. |
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| We went up by Utah Lake. It was pretty. |
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Busy Week
I have a busy week this week.
Yesterday I went to the hospital to drop off a volunteer form. That will be nice if I can start volunteering there. It will help fill my day with something good. I also got a hold of Mike at the University of Utah. I set up an appointment to speak with him today.
So today I went to that appointment/interview to learn more about the job that I applied for. It's a cashier position for the ticket office. He gave me the job and I figured he would. When we talked yesterday it seemed like today he just wanted to tell me everything to see if I am still interested. Which I am. The job isn't much. Part-time working events and maybe some other shifts. Also it's minimum wage for now. I'll get a raise most likely in six months. I go in tomorrow for training and Mike will schedule me in to start work next week. So I now work at the University of Utah ticket office working at the Stadium.
Tomorrow, as stated, I go to training for an hour in the afternoon. But in the morning Ammon is taking me shooting. I have never been before and I thought I'd better go at least once. We'll see if I like it. I'll make sure I get some photos.
Thursday night I am going ice skating with some friends. That will be fun. I haven't been skating in a while.
And on Friday I am possibly bringing Satine to a kindergarten class that my friend, Joe, helps with. I told Joe I could even feed her there too, if the teacher thinks the kids would like that. He still has to get back to me about it all. But that will be interesting. Apparently the kids are learning about reptiles in science. The teacher asked Joe if he knew anyone with a snake who would be willing to show-and-tell. :) So if that is a go I have to think about how I'm going to transport her to the school. I think I'll bring her whole tank and feed her in there. I don't feed her in there most of the time but it'll be fine this once.
Saturday is the Women's Conference for church and my stake is making an all day event of it. We are going to a rope course and doing stuff like that. It'll be fun. They are also serving dinner before the Conference.
Yesterday I went to the hospital to drop off a volunteer form. That will be nice if I can start volunteering there. It will help fill my day with something good. I also got a hold of Mike at the University of Utah. I set up an appointment to speak with him today.
So today I went to that appointment/interview to learn more about the job that I applied for. It's a cashier position for the ticket office. He gave me the job and I figured he would. When we talked yesterday it seemed like today he just wanted to tell me everything to see if I am still interested. Which I am. The job isn't much. Part-time working events and maybe some other shifts. Also it's minimum wage for now. I'll get a raise most likely in six months. I go in tomorrow for training and Mike will schedule me in to start work next week. So I now work at the University of Utah ticket office working at the Stadium.
Tomorrow, as stated, I go to training for an hour in the afternoon. But in the morning Ammon is taking me shooting. I have never been before and I thought I'd better go at least once. We'll see if I like it. I'll make sure I get some photos.
Thursday night I am going ice skating with some friends. That will be fun. I haven't been skating in a while.
And on Friday I am possibly bringing Satine to a kindergarten class that my friend, Joe, helps with. I told Joe I could even feed her there too, if the teacher thinks the kids would like that. He still has to get back to me about it all. But that will be interesting. Apparently the kids are learning about reptiles in science. The teacher asked Joe if he knew anyone with a snake who would be willing to show-and-tell. :) So if that is a go I have to think about how I'm going to transport her to the school. I think I'll bring her whole tank and feed her in there. I don't feed her in there most of the time but it'll be fine this once.
Saturday is the Women's Conference for church and my stake is making an all day event of it. We are going to a rope course and doing stuff like that. It'll be fun. They are also serving dinner before the Conference.
Update: Joe called me around 8:30pm tonight and told me he talked with his co-teacher and the supervisor and they are both excited about it but he needs to get approval from the curriculum person. He hopes to talk to them tomorrow so I'll know more then.
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Saturday Songs: Italia
Italia
La mia musica e per te immenso amore mio
questa melodia nasce dentro me sempre piu
la nostalgia che ho di te amore e dolce terra mia.
... translation ...
My music is for you great love of mine
this song makes me feel more and more
the nostalgia I have for you beloved and sweet land (country) of mine.
by Chris Botti feat. Andrea Bocelli
E passione forte che mi fa soffrire per amore
Ogni volta che io mi allontano so
che noi ci apparteniamo ancora un po di piu.
La strada dove io bambino restero
Dentro a questi sogni di musica
Libero di vivere la vita che vorrei.
Ogni volta che io mi allontano so
che noi ci apparteniamo ancora un po di piu.
La strada dove io bambino restero
Dentro a questi sogni di musica
Libero di vivere la vita che vorrei.
La mia musica e per te immenso amore mio
questa melodia nasce dentro me sempre piu
la nostalgia che ho di te amore e dolce terra mia.
... translation ...
It's strong passion that makes me suffer for love
Each time I go away I know
that we belong to each other a little more.
The way I'll always stay (be) a child
Inside these dreams about music
Free to live the life that I want.
Each time I go away I know
that we belong to each other a little more.
The way I'll always stay (be) a child
Inside these dreams about music
Free to live the life that I want.
My music is for you great love of mine
this song makes me feel more and more
the nostalgia I have for you beloved and sweet land (country) of mine.
* * * * *
I LOVE this song. Chris Botti is brillant and I love listening to him play his trumpet. Add David Foster on piano and Andrea Bocelli singing and it's an awesome song. This whole CD (of the same name) is gorgeous. I particularly love the last sing. Chris' version of 'Nessun Dorma' is awesome!
The video audio is really quiet but I can't find a better version of this video. So I'm adding a bland one that has better sound too.
PS - Sorry about the fuzzy noises in the last video. It's a weird thing. Maybe I'll remake that video too someday.
PPS - If you play both videos at the SAME time but watch the first video it works well. But I'm still remaking this video someday. lol.
PPS - If you play both videos at the SAME time but watch the first video it works well. But I'm still remaking this video someday. lol.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Tangent about Medicine
Today my throat hasn't been so sore. But it's still bad and I know why now. I have a cold. It didn't feel like a cold earlier this week. But today it does. I have a runny nose and it's running down my throat not out my nose. lol. So I have been taking lots of Sudafed to help with the nasal congestion. And I've still been drinking lots of liquids. It kind of sucks because today my ears have been plugged but it feels like it reaches from my ear down my jaw to my lymph nodes. Especially on my right side. That's the side that hurts the most. And I have been sneezing a lot today. I hurts really bad to sneeze. My whole head feels like it's going to implode and it really hurts my throat. So not cool. At about 10pm I took some night time liquid cold medicine. I thought we had the nice pills but we only had daytime pills not nighttime ones. I need night time ones tonight. So I had to drink 2 Tbs of nasty green medicine. I have never like liquid medicine. I prefer pills. I can take them with water and I don't taste anything. Easy as pie. But with liquid stuff. I have to get a glass of water ready, or even juice so it flavored, and pour the medicine out on a spoon, or into those little cups. Then I take a deep breath, drink as much medicine as I can in one gulp, usually half of it, take a drink of juice, then drink the rest of the medicine, then drink the rest of my juice. And I try to do that quickly so I don't gag or think about the medicine. They make them nasty flavors. And grape ... Oh my gosh. I'd rather be miserable without the medicine then have to even smell that flavored medicine, let alone drink it. That's the nastiest flavor cold medicines come in. I HATE grape flavored medicine. lol. Yeah. So today, not that great. I really hope that was the worst of it because I really I'm done with this whole being sick thing. And it's mid September. Who the heck gets a cold when it's an average of 75°F outside? I do I guess. lol.
Hollow Book #1
Pre-Script Note: I have had this book done for a few weeks now. And today I realized I haven't shared it yet. :)
I have wanted to hollow out a book for years. Seriously, I have a few books that I got for free from my high school library with that intention in mind. I have read some of them first. One of them is about Marie Antoinette and I actually really like that one. So it stays whole. But there are others that get to be gutted and turned into a hollow books.
...
Since my book used to be a library book it had that pocket that the old system used glued to the front jacket page. So to make my book look pretty I cut the pocket so it laid more flat and then simply glued the first page to the front cover. I did the same to the back so that it looks uniform. Plus I didn't really like the grey pages on the ends anyways. lol.
I got the idea for the bottom of the book from the same flickr photo as before. It uses little pieces of paper from the pages that I took out. But looking at that collection of pictures gives me some fun ideas for the second book. Like finishing with scrapbook paper. I liked the raw sides so all I did was glue those together but leave them as is.
Right now I keep my flash drives and memory cards in the first book. I suppose I'll think of something for the second one after I make it.
I have wanted to hollow out a book for years. Seriously, I have a few books that I got for free from my high school library with that intention in mind. I have read some of them first. One of them is about Marie Antoinette and I actually really like that one. So it stays whole. But there are others that get to be gutted and turned into a hollow books.
I found a tutorial online that is hilarious. They have lots of pictures (it being a photo tutorial that would be expected) and after reading it I really wanted to finally make that book. So using Mod Podge instead of glue/water I started that hollow book the same day. Over the next several days of working a little bit here and there I finished my first one.
With this first book I just made one compartment since it is a smaller book. With the next book I will be making two compartments since it's a little bigger. I found this photo on Flickr and I thought it was an awesome idea to have two compartments. I don't know what I'm going to keep in these books or even where I want to put the book itself. lol. But I love this first one. I can't wait to make the second one. :)
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Since my book used to be a library book it had that pocket that the old system used glued to the front jacket page. So to make my book look pretty I cut the pocket so it laid more flat and then simply glued the first page to the front cover. I did the same to the back so that it looks uniform. Plus I didn't really like the grey pages on the ends anyways. lol.
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| Before: Ugly grey pages and old check-out library pocket. |
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| The bottom of the book covered in book pages. |
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| My SD cards in the book. Isn't it pretty. You can also the after effect of gluing that page to the front. |
...
Some Tips and Extras for Making a Hallow Book
- Use a sharp x-acto knife or even a box cutter. It makes cutting the pages easier.
- Cut the corners crisply. It helps getting the pages out easier and keeps it looking crisp on the inside.
- Mod Podge works wonderfully but I'm sure the glue/water concoction would work great. Just make sure it's not too watery so as not to warp the pages.
- You can leave the pages plain after you cut them or decorate. You could use colored paper and line the inside. Or use bits of the pages you cut out. (Which is what I did.) Or even line the inside with fabric or felt.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Being Sick Is Not Fun
Yesterday I wasn't feeling well at all. I woke up coughing in the morning because of a sore throat. And I was cold and tired all day. I also had various degrees of a headache too. It was not a very nice day. Near the end of church I was actually a little dizzy too. I ended up crashing and going to sleep around 9:30pm. I was so out of it. Today I woke up around 8:15am to go walking with Lauren and I still had a sore throat. I have been coughing randomly all day. But I have been trying to drink lots of water. (I did that yesterday too.) Today I didn't feel so lousy. I only had a sore throat. I wore a scarf pretty much the whole day to try and keep my neck warm. I always find that if my throat is sore like this, a warm neck helps it so I don't cough. But that's probably the singer in me warning against damaging anything too. I did it in high school. I still do it now. If it's still there tomorrow I'll definitely make some hot drink concoction and pray that this sore throat goes away soon. It hurts to eat anything because of the inflamed esophagus. lol.
Today I watched the men's final of the US Open. (See here.) It was so much fun! But I didn't get the outcome I wanted. But it was still a really great match and I wish them both nice recoveries.
I finished that match a little after Steven left for FHE and I had planned on borrowing a car and driving over myself. But Ammon actually came by to see if I wanted a ride. He watched the US Open too. But he didn't pause for dinner like I did. lol. But he came by because he saw Steven and Brian at FHE and not me. So he figured I was just finishing the match. And came to get me. It was very nice of him. And I thank him for thinking of me. :)
After FHE a few friends came back to our house and we watched 'G.I. Joe: Rise of the Cobra'. It's the second time I have seen it. I still think it is good. I LOVE Christopher Eccleston in this movie. He is evil and gets to wear dark suits. lol. And I just love his accent. It's so lovely. After the movie we had ice cream. It was yummy. (And was nice and cold for my throat.)
And now I'm coughing a lot over here. So time for water and bed. Maybe I'll suck on a peppermint for a bit.
Today I watched the men's final of the US Open. (See here.) It was so much fun! But I didn't get the outcome I wanted. But it was still a really great match and I wish them both nice recoveries.
I finished that match a little after Steven left for FHE and I had planned on borrowing a car and driving over myself. But Ammon actually came by to see if I wanted a ride. He watched the US Open too. But he didn't pause for dinner like I did. lol. But he came by because he saw Steven and Brian at FHE and not me. So he figured I was just finishing the match. And came to get me. It was very nice of him. And I thank him for thinking of me. :)
After FHE a few friends came back to our house and we watched 'G.I. Joe: Rise of the Cobra'. It's the second time I have seen it. I still think it is good. I LOVE Christopher Eccleston in this movie. He is evil and gets to wear dark suits. lol. And I just love his accent. It's so lovely. After the movie we had ice cream. It was yummy. (And was nice and cold for my throat.)
And now I'm coughing a lot over here. So time for water and bed. Maybe I'll suck on a peppermint for a bit.
Monday, September 12, 2011
US Open Men's Final
For the fourth year in a row the Men's Final of the US Open is pushed to Monday. Because of all this rain in NYC it doesn't get to end on Sunday like it should. They really need to think seriously about getting a roof there at Arthur Ashe Stadium. I would really help eliminate most of these rain delays.
Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal are playing a repeat of last year's US Open final. Hopefully, we get the same results.
Here's another play-by-play of sorts as I watch the match ... I'm watching it online because I like the commentators and I know I won't get commercials. lol. It's is on CBS Sports if you ever want to watch the semi-finals and finals of tennis on tv. I do that for the other three Majors. But the US Open I can watch online for the whole two weeks.
Novak Djokovic, the world's current number one player, vs. Rafael Nadal, defending US Open Champion and currently number two in the world. ... I am rooting for Rafa ... Can Rafa win his first match against Novak this year? Or is Novak going to completely run away with his greatness this year? If they go to five sets it'll be the first time they have gone to five sets against each other. That would certainly make it interesting. I think it'll be four sets with Rafa winning. Novak has that foot/toe thing that could bother him. It looked to bother him a tiny but the other day. Rafa, to my knowledge, is in fit form right now. Who will win? I really don't know. I have hopes but I really don't know. If Rafa wins it'll be his second US Open. If Novak wins it'll be his frist US Open.
And so we begin ... Coin is tossed ... Rafa elects to serve first.
First set, ready, play. Some long, good rallies for the first point. The Commentators think Rafa is doing opposite of how he should be playing. Just give him a minute. Rafa thinks out there. He'll evaluate and change if he feels he needs to. A little bit of a slip there for Rafa but he gets the point. 5 mins, 1-0, Rafa holds serve. Novak to serve. I am loving these long rallies. I haven't seen much of that in the US Open that I have watched this year. Break point for Rafa. Can he get it? Yes, he can. 11 mins, 2-0, Rafa. Rafa to serve. Can he hold his own serve? So far, no. 0-40, Novak. And now Rafa is on the board. 15-40. 30-40. And Novak breaks serve. 16 mins, 2-1, Novak. Novak to serve. 0-15. 0-30. Ace for Novak. 15-30. Long rally and Rafa gets it. 15-40. Break point. And ... Novak saves. 30-40. Break point #2. And Rafa hit it out. Now it's 40-40, deuce. Shadows have reached the court now. Wow. Great stuff from Rafa. Raced to the net and got the point. Advantage Rafa. Break point #3. Deuce #2, 40-40. Advantage for Novak. And deuce #4, 40-40. Advantage for Novak. Some great tennis going on right here. And Novak holds his serve. 28 mins, 2-2. Now Rafa to serve. 15-0. 15-15. 15-30. Must be windy down on the court. You can hear it in the mics. Maybe that's why the wobbly tennis. Ooh, Novak challenges the call. Called out. And it was in. 30-30. Shadows are at mid court. And it's windy. Woah! That was an awesome rally. Rafa gets it. 40-30. Can Rafa hold serve right here? Nope. Deuce, 40-40. Come on, Rafa. Advantage for Novak. Break point. And Novak forces Rafa off court and then slams that ball to the other side. So he breaks Rafa's serve and gets the point. 36 mins, 3-2, Novak. Novak to serve. 15-0. And the singles court is completely engulfed in shadow now. Novak moving to the net. 30-0. Novak moving again but he hits it into the net. 30-15. 30-30. 40-30. And Rafa breaks it to deuce, 40-40. Advantage for Novak. And Rafa hits it out. 44 mins, 4-2, Novak. Rafa to serve. That was a beautiful drop shot from Novak for the point. 0-15. Woah Rafa. Approaching the umpire. Talking in Spanish arguing the call with him. Wow. Novak. Playing great. 0-40. Novak with break point chance. Nope. Rafa gets on the board. 15-40. Break point #2. Rafa saves it. 30-40. Break point #3. A nice volley and then Rafa hits it to the net. So Novak wins that. 49 mins, 5-2, Novak. And Novak will serve for the set. Can he get the first set? Or will Rafa keep it going? 15-0. 30-0. Rafa muttering to himself. That's right. Get in this match. 40-0. 53 mins, 6-2, Novak. Rafa is not thinking clearly in this match. Hopefully during this changeover he we regroup and come back with a vengeance.
Set two. Positive energy from Rafa, always running to his place from the change over. Rafa to serve first. 15-0. (Be quiet, people in the stadium. Please and thank you.) 30-0. 40-0. Novak's turn to mutter to himself. And Novak forces Rafa wide. 40-15. And then Novak hits the ball to the net. 59 mins, 1-0, Rafa. Novak to serve. Court all the way in shadow now. No more sun problems down on the court for them. Nice long rally. But Rafa gets it. 0-15. Novak had the right idea but the lob was long. 0-30. And Novak hits it out. 0-40. Can Rafa get it all? No. This is a repeat. 15-40. Rafa can still win it. Nope. That shot was long. 30-40. Break point #3. And Rafa gets it. With a "Vamos" energy too. Yes. 1 hr 6 mins, 2-0, Rafa. Rafa serves. 0-15. Oh man. That was a fun rally. 0-30. Ohs and Ahs from the crowd and me. Great rally. Lots of running and deep shots from both players. 21 shots long. 15-30. 30-30. Woah. That was close. Rafa challenging the in call. It was in but really close. 30-40. And after that long rally, Novak hots it into the net. 27 shot rally, and the longest of the match so far. Deuce, 40-40. Advantage for Rafa. Deuce #2, 40-40. Novak hits it out. Advantage for Rafa. The crowd is really into this match. Chattering everywhere. Deuce again. #3, 40-40. (Shhh! Yes, I shush the tv to shush the crowd. lol.) Advantage for Rafa. Deuce #4, 40-40. Advantage for Novak. Break point #2. Ooh. nice rally. Deuce #5, 40-40. Advantage for Novak. Break point #3. This game is over 11 mins long so far. Break point #4. And Novak hits it to the net. Deuce #6, 40-40. Advantage for Novak. Break point #4. (Shut up, crowd!) Deuce #7, 40-40. Advantage for Novak. Break point #5. Wow. Great stuff from Rafa. Deuce #8, 40-40. Over 15 mins so far for the game. Double fault for Rafa. He challenges but it is out. Advantage for Novak. Rafa complaining about all the noise. Shut up people! Let them play! Great volley right there from both players. But Rafa hits it to the net. 1 hr 24 mins, 2-1, Rafa. Shirt change for Rafa in the changeover. Whoo hoo. ;) Now we go again. Novak serving. (Lot of chattering from the crowd. They haven't been this loud the whole tournament. Thank you, umpire. Tell them to be quiet.) 40-0, Novak so far. And he runs with it. 1 hr 29 mins, 2-2. Now Rafa serving. Long rally with Rafa making the mistake. 0-15. 0-30. 15-30. 15-40. That was just not an overall good game from Rafa. 1 hr 32 mins, 3-2, Novak. Hmm ... Rafa talking to the umpire. About what I don't know. Rafa really needs to get in this match or Novak will run away with this Open. So Novak to serve. 15-0. Nice try, Novak, but no go. 15-15. 15-30. 30-30. Rafa hit it long. 40-30. (This umpire is on this game. Time violation for each player now.) 1 hr 38 mins, 4-2, Novak. Rafa serving. 15-0. 30-0. Come on, Rafa. Stop hitting those shots into the net, Rafa. You're better then that. 30-15. 40-15. Let do this, Rafa. You need this game. Grr. Novak is too good with his deep shots. 40-30. Nice drop shot from Novak. Deuce, 40-40. Advantage for Novak. Break point. And Novak hits it long. Deuce #2, 40-40. Novak hits to the net. Advantage for Rafa. Ugh! Rafa hits to the net. Deuce #3, 40-40. And Novak hits to the net. Advantage for Rafa. Stop do hitting the ball to the net. Deuce #4, 40-40. Novak to the net. Advantage for Rafa. And Rafa gets it. 1 hr 48 mins, 4-3, still Novak's set so far. These fans need to quiet down during play. I know that's the atmosphere of NY but come on, let them play tennis! Novak to serve. 0-15. 15-15. 30-15. 30-30. 40-30. Deuce, 40-40. Nice rally by Rafa. Advantage for Rafa. Break point. Nice shot by Rafa.1 hr 55 mins, 4-4. Rafa serves. Rafa challenges the out call. It is out. And he is out of challenges. Not good. 0-15. 0-30. 15-30 15-40. 1 hr 59, 5-4, Novak. He serves for the second set. And Novak hit it long and out. 0-15. Nice set up and drop shot from Novak. 15-15. Out from Rafa. 30-15. Into the net from Rafa. 40-15. And Novak takes the set. 2 hrs 4 mins 6-4.
Third set. Can Rafa come back from two sets down to win this match? Not the way he is playing right now. Novak is playing great. Another shirt change for the players. And we start the third set with Rafa serving. And Novak hits that long rally shot into the net. 15-0. Nice rally. 30-0. I do agree with the commentators, Rafa needs to figure out his first serve because right now it isn't working overall for him. 30-0, 40-0. And Rafa gets the first game of the third set. 2 9 1-0, Rafa. Novak to serve. 15-0. Ace for Novak. 30-0. Ace again. His fifth of the match. 40-0. 2 hrs 12 mins, 1-1. Rafa to serve. 15-0. Yeah, the sip is gone from Rafa. (I like these commentators. lol. I'll steal their words.) That was a fun rally. But Novak moved around Rafa. He was totally in command of that point. 15-15. 30-15. 30-30. 30-40. Rafa is not happy. You can see the tension when he walks to get his towel. 2 hrs 16 mins, 2-1, Novak. Novak serving. 15-0. (I was really hoping this would be a great match. But Novak is running away with this match. He is playing so well.) 15-15. 15-30. And Novak hits it into the net. 15-40. Novak makes ace #6. 30-40. That ball was right in the corner. Nice, Novak. 40-40. Advantage for Rafa. Yes! 2 hrs 24 mins, 2-2. Come on, Rafa. Stay in this. Rafa to serve. Nice shot, Novak. Really nice set up and placement for the win. 0-15. 15-15. 30-15. 30-30. That was a great, long rally, 27 shots. 40-30. Rafa holding serve so far. And hit is it into the net. Stop it. Deuce, 40-40. Rafa is getting visibly frustrated. It's so unlike him. And Novak hits it into the net. Advantage for Rafa. Deuce #2, 40-40. Advantage for Novak. Break point. Deuce #3 40-40. Drop shot from Novak. Run, Rafa! Nope. He can't get that. Advantage for Novak. Break point #2. That was in. Keep going. And That was out. 2 hrs 35 mins, 3-2, Novak. Novak to serve. (Wow. Great sunsets in NYC.) 0-15. 0-30. 0-40. And Rafa gets that game straight. 2 hrs 40 mins, 3-3. Rafa serving. 15-0. 30-0. 40-0. And Novak gets on the board. 40-15. And Rafa holds his serve. 2 hrs 44 mins, 4-3, Rafa. Novak's turn for an on camera shirt change. I think it's his first change of the match. Novak to serve. (Wow. Nice sunset.) 0-15. Novak challenging the out call. And he is wrong. 15-15. Oh, nice shot, Rafa. 15-30. 30-30. Ball was called in. Rafa challenging. And he is right. It was really out. 30-40. Break point for Rafa. That was a great rally! Lots of great shots. 31 shots. Longest of the match. Deuce, 40-40. Advantage for Novak. Deuce #2, 40-40. Advantage for Novak. And Novak gets it. 2 hrs 56 mins, 4-4. Rafa to serve. 15-0. Oh, I thought that was an ace. But it was out. 30-0. 30-15. 40-15. Come on, hold serve, Rafa. Good. 2 hrs 59 mins, 5-4, Rafa. Novak to serve. Can he hold serve or will Rafa take this set? 0-15. 15-15. Go, go. Nice! Rafa hits an overhead for the win. 15-30. 30-30. 40-30. Nice ace, Novak. 3 hrs 5 mins, 5-5. Rafa serving. Come on Rafa. Be aggressive. Nice hustle, Rafa, but no go. 0-15. That was sweet. Nice shots from both guys. 15-15. 15-30. Nice! First ace from Rafa at 118 mph. 30-30. Good. Maybe he serves are getting faster. That will help Rafa. And that rally. Great. 30-40. Break point. And Novak gets it. 3 hrs 10 mins, 6-5, Novak. Novak will serve for the match. Will the pressure get to him right now? 0-15. (I almost want this match to be over. This match is painful for me as a fan of Rafa to watch.) 15-15. Novak challenging an out call. It was out. Second serve. Go. Go. Wow. Great rally! Rafa gets it. 15-30. And then Rafa misses it. 30-30. (This is nail biter tennis right here.) You had that Novak. What are you doing? 30-40. Break point. And Rafa gets it. Yes! We go to a tiebreak for the third set! 1-0, Rafa. 2-0, Rafa. 2-1, Rafa. 3-1, Rafa. Challenge from Rafa. And he gets it. 4-1, Rafa. 5-1, Rafa. Yes. Rafa is running with this tiebreak. His is playing awesome. 5-2, Rafa. 5-3, Rafa. Come on, Rafa. Yeah. 6-3, Rafa. Come on, Rafa. Set Point. Go. (Shh!) And Rafa gets the third set in 3 hrs 28 mins, 7-6, Rafa. And in the changeover Novak gets his lower back worked from the doctor/trainer. Is it bothering him enough to cost him the match?
Fourth set. Novak to serve. 15-0. 15-15. 15-30. 30-30. 40-30. Novak doing strecthes trying to keep that back from bothering him. Nice rally from Rafa. Deuce, 40-40. Advantage for Novak. Yet he doesn't look like he is all there physically anymore. Limping and grabbing his back. And Rafa sees that. So he is going to work Novak. Deuce #2, 40-40. Advantage for Novak. And 3 hrs 39 mins, 1-0, Novak. The trainer is called from Novak. And he uses his medical time out. His back is really bothering him. Taking some pills. Getting worked from the doctor/trainer. It is a muscle strain in his lower back. One minute left of time out. 11 seconds. Time over. Go, play. Be great, Novak. Rafa to serve. 15-0. 15-15.15-30. 15-40. 30-40. Novak is not turning very much. And the ball broke Novak's raket string. Crazy. You don't see that very often, if ever. Advantage for Novak. Deuce, 40-40. Advantage for Novak. Come on, Rafa. Novak is injured and I have no idea what you are doing. Deuce #3, 40-40. Advantage for Novak. 3 hrs 52 mins, 2-0, Novak. Now can he serve with his back all jacked up? 15-0. 30-0. Stop messing up, Rafa. Ooh, nice volley and hustle from Rafa. But Novak gets it. 40-0. 40-15. And 3 hrs 55 mins, 3-0. And here is the doctor/trainer again. Is he just gonna be here at every changeover now? lol. Proof that Novak is hurting. Rafa to serve. 15-0. 30-0. 40-0. 40-15. Rafa still serving slowly for him. Where is his real serve? 4 hrs, 3-1, Novak. Novak to serve. 15-0. Now Novak is serving slow. Probably because of the strain. 30-0. 40-0. 4 hrs 2 mins, 4-1. Rafa serving. Nice return from Novak. 0-15. 0-30. 40-0. Rafa is not moving toward these returns. They both just so out of this. 4 hrs 6 mins, 5-1, Novak. So again Novak serving for the match. 15-0. 30-0. That was a nice return from Rafa. 30-15. 30-30. 40-30. Can Novak get the championship point right here? Yes he can! Novak takes the fourth set. 4 hrs 10 mins, 6-1, Novak.
So Novak Djokovic wins his first US Open to top off his awesome 2011 year. Both players exhausted and hurting in the end. So in 4 hours and 10 minutes. Novak Djokovic def. Rafael Nadal. 6-2, 6-4, 7-6, 6-1.
Novak has had an awesome year this year. He only lost two matches. That is unheard of and, like Rafa said, probably not repeatable.
And Novak gets $1.8 million for winning this US Open but he gets $2.3 million in total. I believe he gets a new Mercedes-Benz car too. And of course the trophy.
And the official stats ...
Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal are playing a repeat of last year's US Open final. Hopefully, we get the same results.
It was love again at the 2010 US Open, where 712,976 impassioned tennis fans swarmed the grounds of the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center during the two weeks of tournament play to see history in the making. Spain's Rafael Nadal finally broke through at the Grand Slam event that had presented him the largest challenge of his career, capturing the men's singles title over Serbia's Novak Djokovic in four sets, 6-4, 5-7, 6-4, 6-2. At age 24, the top-seeded Nadal became the youngest player to complete the career Grand Slam in the Open Era. (Source.)But we'll have to watch and see.
Here's another play-by-play of sorts as I watch the match ... I'm watching it online because I like the commentators and I know I won't get commercials. lol. It's is on CBS Sports if you ever want to watch the semi-finals and finals of tennis on tv. I do that for the other three Majors. But the US Open I can watch online for the whole two weeks.
Novak Djokovic, the world's current number one player, vs. Rafael Nadal, defending US Open Champion and currently number two in the world. ... I am rooting for Rafa ... Can Rafa win his first match against Novak this year? Or is Novak going to completely run away with his greatness this year? If they go to five sets it'll be the first time they have gone to five sets against each other. That would certainly make it interesting. I think it'll be four sets with Rafa winning. Novak has that foot/toe thing that could bother him. It looked to bother him a tiny but the other day. Rafa, to my knowledge, is in fit form right now. Who will win? I really don't know. I have hopes but I really don't know. If Rafa wins it'll be his second US Open. If Novak wins it'll be his frist US Open.
And so we begin ... Coin is tossed ... Rafa elects to serve first.
First set, ready, play. Some long, good rallies for the first point. The Commentators think Rafa is doing opposite of how he should be playing. Just give him a minute. Rafa thinks out there. He'll evaluate and change if he feels he needs to. A little bit of a slip there for Rafa but he gets the point. 5 mins, 1-0, Rafa holds serve. Novak to serve. I am loving these long rallies. I haven't seen much of that in the US Open that I have watched this year. Break point for Rafa. Can he get it? Yes, he can. 11 mins, 2-0, Rafa. Rafa to serve. Can he hold his own serve? So far, no. 0-40, Novak. And now Rafa is on the board. 15-40. 30-40. And Novak breaks serve. 16 mins, 2-1, Novak. Novak to serve. 0-15. 0-30. Ace for Novak. 15-30. Long rally and Rafa gets it. 15-40. Break point. And ... Novak saves. 30-40. Break point #2. And Rafa hit it out. Now it's 40-40, deuce. Shadows have reached the court now. Wow. Great stuff from Rafa. Raced to the net and got the point. Advantage Rafa. Break point #3. Deuce #2, 40-40. Advantage for Novak. And deuce #4, 40-40. Advantage for Novak. Some great tennis going on right here. And Novak holds his serve. 28 mins, 2-2. Now Rafa to serve. 15-0. 15-15. 15-30. Must be windy down on the court. You can hear it in the mics. Maybe that's why the wobbly tennis. Ooh, Novak challenges the call. Called out. And it was in. 30-30. Shadows are at mid court. And it's windy. Woah! That was an awesome rally. Rafa gets it. 40-30. Can Rafa hold serve right here? Nope. Deuce, 40-40. Come on, Rafa. Advantage for Novak. Break point. And Novak forces Rafa off court and then slams that ball to the other side. So he breaks Rafa's serve and gets the point. 36 mins, 3-2, Novak. Novak to serve. 15-0. And the singles court is completely engulfed in shadow now. Novak moving to the net. 30-0. Novak moving again but he hits it into the net. 30-15. 30-30. 40-30. And Rafa breaks it to deuce, 40-40. Advantage for Novak. And Rafa hits it out. 44 mins, 4-2, Novak. Rafa to serve. That was a beautiful drop shot from Novak for the point. 0-15. Woah Rafa. Approaching the umpire. Talking in Spanish arguing the call with him. Wow. Novak. Playing great. 0-40. Novak with break point chance. Nope. Rafa gets on the board. 15-40. Break point #2. Rafa saves it. 30-40. Break point #3. A nice volley and then Rafa hits it to the net. So Novak wins that. 49 mins, 5-2, Novak. And Novak will serve for the set. Can he get the first set? Or will Rafa keep it going? 15-0. 30-0. Rafa muttering to himself. That's right. Get in this match. 40-0. 53 mins, 6-2, Novak. Rafa is not thinking clearly in this match. Hopefully during this changeover he we regroup and come back with a vengeance.
Set two. Positive energy from Rafa, always running to his place from the change over. Rafa to serve first. 15-0. (Be quiet, people in the stadium. Please and thank you.) 30-0. 40-0. Novak's turn to mutter to himself. And Novak forces Rafa wide. 40-15. And then Novak hits the ball to the net. 59 mins, 1-0, Rafa. Novak to serve. Court all the way in shadow now. No more sun problems down on the court for them. Nice long rally. But Rafa gets it. 0-15. Novak had the right idea but the lob was long. 0-30. And Novak hits it out. 0-40. Can Rafa get it all? No. This is a repeat. 15-40. Rafa can still win it. Nope. That shot was long. 30-40. Break point #3. And Rafa gets it. With a "Vamos" energy too. Yes. 1 hr 6 mins, 2-0, Rafa. Rafa serves. 0-15. Oh man. That was a fun rally. 0-30. Ohs and Ahs from the crowd and me. Great rally. Lots of running and deep shots from both players. 21 shots long. 15-30. 30-30. Woah. That was close. Rafa challenging the in call. It was in but really close. 30-40. And after that long rally, Novak hots it into the net. 27 shot rally, and the longest of the match so far. Deuce, 40-40. Advantage for Rafa. Deuce #2, 40-40. Novak hits it out. Advantage for Rafa. The crowd is really into this match. Chattering everywhere. Deuce again. #3, 40-40. (Shhh! Yes, I shush the tv to shush the crowd. lol.) Advantage for Rafa. Deuce #4, 40-40. Advantage for Novak. Break point #2. Ooh. nice rally. Deuce #5, 40-40. Advantage for Novak. Break point #3. This game is over 11 mins long so far. Break point #4. And Novak hits it to the net. Deuce #6, 40-40. Advantage for Novak. Break point #4. (Shut up, crowd!) Deuce #7, 40-40. Advantage for Novak. Break point #5. Wow. Great stuff from Rafa. Deuce #8, 40-40. Over 15 mins so far for the game. Double fault for Rafa. He challenges but it is out. Advantage for Novak. Rafa complaining about all the noise. Shut up people! Let them play! Great volley right there from both players. But Rafa hits it to the net. 1 hr 24 mins, 2-1, Rafa. Shirt change for Rafa in the changeover. Whoo hoo. ;) Now we go again. Novak serving. (Lot of chattering from the crowd. They haven't been this loud the whole tournament. Thank you, umpire. Tell them to be quiet.) 40-0, Novak so far. And he runs with it. 1 hr 29 mins, 2-2. Now Rafa serving. Long rally with Rafa making the mistake. 0-15. 0-30. 15-30. 15-40. That was just not an overall good game from Rafa. 1 hr 32 mins, 3-2, Novak. Hmm ... Rafa talking to the umpire. About what I don't know. Rafa really needs to get in this match or Novak will run away with this Open. So Novak to serve. 15-0. Nice try, Novak, but no go. 15-15. 15-30. 30-30. Rafa hit it long. 40-30. (This umpire is on this game. Time violation for each player now.) 1 hr 38 mins, 4-2, Novak. Rafa serving. 15-0. 30-0. Come on, Rafa. Stop hitting those shots into the net, Rafa. You're better then that. 30-15. 40-15. Let do this, Rafa. You need this game. Grr. Novak is too good with his deep shots. 40-30. Nice drop shot from Novak. Deuce, 40-40. Advantage for Novak. Break point. And Novak hits it long. Deuce #2, 40-40. Novak hits to the net. Advantage for Rafa. Ugh! Rafa hits to the net. Deuce #3, 40-40. And Novak hits to the net. Advantage for Rafa. Stop do hitting the ball to the net. Deuce #4, 40-40. Novak to the net. Advantage for Rafa. And Rafa gets it. 1 hr 48 mins, 4-3, still Novak's set so far. These fans need to quiet down during play. I know that's the atmosphere of NY but come on, let them play tennis! Novak to serve. 0-15. 15-15. 30-15. 30-30. 40-30. Deuce, 40-40. Nice rally by Rafa. Advantage for Rafa. Break point. Nice shot by Rafa.1 hr 55 mins, 4-4. Rafa serves. Rafa challenges the out call. It is out. And he is out of challenges. Not good. 0-15. 0-30. 15-30 15-40. 1 hr 59, 5-4, Novak. He serves for the second set. And Novak hit it long and out. 0-15. Nice set up and drop shot from Novak. 15-15. Out from Rafa. 30-15. Into the net from Rafa. 40-15. And Novak takes the set. 2 hrs 4 mins 6-4.
Third set. Can Rafa come back from two sets down to win this match? Not the way he is playing right now. Novak is playing great. Another shirt change for the players. And we start the third set with Rafa serving. And Novak hits that long rally shot into the net. 15-0. Nice rally. 30-0. I do agree with the commentators, Rafa needs to figure out his first serve because right now it isn't working overall for him. 30-0, 40-0. And Rafa gets the first game of the third set. 2 9 1-0, Rafa. Novak to serve. 15-0. Ace for Novak. 30-0. Ace again. His fifth of the match. 40-0. 2 hrs 12 mins, 1-1. Rafa to serve. 15-0. Yeah, the sip is gone from Rafa. (I like these commentators. lol. I'll steal their words.) That was a fun rally. But Novak moved around Rafa. He was totally in command of that point. 15-15. 30-15. 30-30. 30-40. Rafa is not happy. You can see the tension when he walks to get his towel. 2 hrs 16 mins, 2-1, Novak. Novak serving. 15-0. (I was really hoping this would be a great match. But Novak is running away with this match. He is playing so well.) 15-15. 15-30. And Novak hits it into the net. 15-40. Novak makes ace #6. 30-40. That ball was right in the corner. Nice, Novak. 40-40. Advantage for Rafa. Yes! 2 hrs 24 mins, 2-2. Come on, Rafa. Stay in this. Rafa to serve. Nice shot, Novak. Really nice set up and placement for the win. 0-15. 15-15. 30-15. 30-30. That was a great, long rally, 27 shots. 40-30. Rafa holding serve so far. And hit is it into the net. Stop it. Deuce, 40-40. Rafa is getting visibly frustrated. It's so unlike him. And Novak hits it into the net. Advantage for Rafa. Deuce #2, 40-40. Advantage for Novak. Break point. Deuce #3 40-40. Drop shot from Novak. Run, Rafa! Nope. He can't get that. Advantage for Novak. Break point #2. That was in. Keep going. And That was out. 2 hrs 35 mins, 3-2, Novak. Novak to serve. (Wow. Great sunsets in NYC.) 0-15. 0-30. 0-40. And Rafa gets that game straight. 2 hrs 40 mins, 3-3. Rafa serving. 15-0. 30-0. 40-0. And Novak gets on the board. 40-15. And Rafa holds his serve. 2 hrs 44 mins, 4-3, Rafa. Novak's turn for an on camera shirt change. I think it's his first change of the match. Novak to serve. (Wow. Nice sunset.) 0-15. Novak challenging the out call. And he is wrong. 15-15. Oh, nice shot, Rafa. 15-30. 30-30. Ball was called in. Rafa challenging. And he is right. It was really out. 30-40. Break point for Rafa. That was a great rally! Lots of great shots. 31 shots. Longest of the match. Deuce, 40-40. Advantage for Novak. Deuce #2, 40-40. Advantage for Novak. And Novak gets it. 2 hrs 56 mins, 4-4. Rafa to serve. 15-0. Oh, I thought that was an ace. But it was out. 30-0. 30-15. 40-15. Come on, hold serve, Rafa. Good. 2 hrs 59 mins, 5-4, Rafa. Novak to serve. Can he hold serve or will Rafa take this set? 0-15. 15-15. Go, go. Nice! Rafa hits an overhead for the win. 15-30. 30-30. 40-30. Nice ace, Novak. 3 hrs 5 mins, 5-5. Rafa serving. Come on Rafa. Be aggressive. Nice hustle, Rafa, but no go. 0-15. That was sweet. Nice shots from both guys. 15-15. 15-30. Nice! First ace from Rafa at 118 mph. 30-30. Good. Maybe he serves are getting faster. That will help Rafa. And that rally. Great. 30-40. Break point. And Novak gets it. 3 hrs 10 mins, 6-5, Novak. Novak will serve for the match. Will the pressure get to him right now? 0-15. (I almost want this match to be over. This match is painful for me as a fan of Rafa to watch.) 15-15. Novak challenging an out call. It was out. Second serve. Go. Go. Wow. Great rally! Rafa gets it. 15-30. And then Rafa misses it. 30-30. (This is nail biter tennis right here.) You had that Novak. What are you doing? 30-40. Break point. And Rafa gets it. Yes! We go to a tiebreak for the third set! 1-0, Rafa. 2-0, Rafa. 2-1, Rafa. 3-1, Rafa. Challenge from Rafa. And he gets it. 4-1, Rafa. 5-1, Rafa. Yes. Rafa is running with this tiebreak. His is playing awesome. 5-2, Rafa. 5-3, Rafa. Come on, Rafa. Yeah. 6-3, Rafa. Come on, Rafa. Set Point. Go. (Shh!) And Rafa gets the third set in 3 hrs 28 mins, 7-6, Rafa. And in the changeover Novak gets his lower back worked from the doctor/trainer. Is it bothering him enough to cost him the match?
Fourth set. Novak to serve. 15-0. 15-15. 15-30. 30-30. 40-30. Novak doing strecthes trying to keep that back from bothering him. Nice rally from Rafa. Deuce, 40-40. Advantage for Novak. Yet he doesn't look like he is all there physically anymore. Limping and grabbing his back. And Rafa sees that. So he is going to work Novak. Deuce #2, 40-40. Advantage for Novak. And 3 hrs 39 mins, 1-0, Novak. The trainer is called from Novak. And he uses his medical time out. His back is really bothering him. Taking some pills. Getting worked from the doctor/trainer. It is a muscle strain in his lower back. One minute left of time out. 11 seconds. Time over. Go, play. Be great, Novak. Rafa to serve. 15-0. 15-15.15-30. 15-40. 30-40. Novak is not turning very much. And the ball broke Novak's raket string. Crazy. You don't see that very often, if ever. Advantage for Novak. Deuce, 40-40. Advantage for Novak. Come on, Rafa. Novak is injured and I have no idea what you are doing. Deuce #3, 40-40. Advantage for Novak. 3 hrs 52 mins, 2-0, Novak. Now can he serve with his back all jacked up? 15-0. 30-0. Stop messing up, Rafa. Ooh, nice volley and hustle from Rafa. But Novak gets it. 40-0. 40-15. And 3 hrs 55 mins, 3-0. And here is the doctor/trainer again. Is he just gonna be here at every changeover now? lol. Proof that Novak is hurting. Rafa to serve. 15-0. 30-0. 40-0. 40-15. Rafa still serving slowly for him. Where is his real serve? 4 hrs, 3-1, Novak. Novak to serve. 15-0. Now Novak is serving slow. Probably because of the strain. 30-0. 40-0. 4 hrs 2 mins, 4-1. Rafa serving. Nice return from Novak. 0-15. 0-30. 40-0. Rafa is not moving toward these returns. They both just so out of this. 4 hrs 6 mins, 5-1, Novak. So again Novak serving for the match. 15-0. 30-0. That was a nice return from Rafa. 30-15. 30-30. 40-30. Can Novak get the championship point right here? Yes he can! Novak takes the fourth set. 4 hrs 10 mins, 6-1, Novak.
So Novak Djokovic wins his first US Open to top off his awesome 2011 year. Both players exhausted and hurting in the end. So in 4 hours and 10 minutes. Novak Djokovic def. Rafael Nadal. 6-2, 6-4, 7-6, 6-1.
Novak has had an awesome year this year. He only lost two matches. That is unheard of and, like Rafa said, probably not repeatable.
And Novak gets $1.8 million for winning this US Open but he gets $2.3 million in total. I believe he gets a new Mercedes-Benz car too. And of course the trophy.
And the official stats ...
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| 2011 US Open Men's Singles champion Novak Djokovic and finalist Rafael Nadal. Photo by: Philip Hall/USTA |
Sunday, September 11, 2011
US Open Super Saturday (and Friday)
Yesterday I went and saw 'Captain America' with Ammon. That's a good movie. I liked Nick Fury at the end. I'm looking forward to 'The Avengers' movie next year. We went to Arby's afterward and that was really tasty. I had a Mtn. Dew to drink and it was really, really tasty.
After Ammon dropped me off at home I started to watch yesterday's tennis matches. During the second match (Nadal's) the player stopped working on me. And because it was the end of the broadcast day I couldn't open it rewind like I normally could if it was still going. It was frustrating. After that we just watched random stuff on YouTube. It was great.
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Today I was planning on watching the Men's semi-final matches. I woke up a little late so I was expecting the first match, between Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, to be well under way. But it was raining and they had a delay. So I actually got to watch the matches live today. That was fun. The second semi was between Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray.
How about a play-by-play of sorts ... my commentary while I watched the matches ...
The first match started an hour late because of that slight rain delay. Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic were in full form and playing wonderfully. In the beginning both men were even. 1-1, 2-2, 3-2, Roger's favor. Lots of aces and one-two punches. Not a lot of long rallies. It was very interesting. I was rooting for Roger, because I always root for him, but the crowd didn't quite know who they were fully supporting yet. So it was very quiet in the crowd in the beginning. (Random comment, I thought Roger looked wonderful in his red shirt. The other matches I have seen him play in he wore grey. I liked him in red. He looks great. But a lot of his tennis matches he wears dark colors. Except for Wimbledon when they all wear mostly white. But yeah. Anyways ...) 27 mins into the match and they are still even. 4-4. The server has gotten the point so far in the match. Interesting. 35 mins, still even, 5-5. At 42 mins it's 6-6 so they go to a tiebreak. Tiebreak went 7-6 in Roger's at 55 mins. So Roger Federer gets the first set. So into the second set we go. 1 hr 9 mins Roger breaks Novak and gets his point. lol. Making the second set 2-1 in Roger's favor. He serves next. And Roger holds his own. 3-1 at the 1 hr 15 mins. (Ooh, someone fainted in the crowd. Sty hydrated, people. Stop distracting my match. And play on ...) 1 hr 20 mins 3-2, Roger's favor. 1 hr 25 mins, Novak breaks Roger's serve to make the score 3-3. They are even again. lol. 1 hr 29 mins, 4-3, Roger's favor, with Roger to serve. And he gets it. 5-3, Roger. 1 hr 37, 5-4, Roger's favor, Roger to serve. If he gets this point he gets the second set. And Roger does it. 1 hr 41 mins, 6-4, Roger gets the second set. Alright, Roger. One more set and you're in the finals. Novak serves first. 1-0, Novak. 1hr 54 mins, 2-0, Novak's favor. Now new balls with Novak to serve. 1 hr 57min, 3-0, Novak's doing good in this set. And a little bit later at 2 hrs 7 mins, Novak is still the set victor, 4-1. At 2 hrs 10 mins 4-2, Novak's favor. Roger is coming back in the set. But Novak still winning in the set, 2 hrs 13 mins, 5-2. Now 5-3, still Novak's favor. And at 2 hrs 23 mins, Novak takes the third set, 6-3. So we go to four sets. At 2 hrs 34 mins it's 2-1, Novak's favor. Novak to serve. Roger is not doing well. He isn't moving out on the court. Is it just hot and he is conserving energy? Come on, Roger, get in the set. Finish it. Don't go to five sets. Although that would be entertaining for tennis. At 2 hrs 40 mins, 4-1, still Novak's favor. 2 hrs 44 mins, 5-1, Novak. Come on, Roger. He needs some adrenalin rush or something. Gah! Roger! He's tired. The heat and that first set are getting to him. Something is. He has errors galore and he is moving like himself. 2 hrs 50 mins, 5-2, Novak's favor. I'd almost just say, Roger give him the set and win the last set. But at the same time that's too much of a risk for Roger. So stick it out and try and get the fourth set? Or concede it and win the fifth set? Either way that man needs energy. (lol. The commentators agree with me. Concede the fourth. Win the fifth. Go, Roger!) And at 2 hrs 57 mins Novak takes the fourth set, 6-3. So into the last and fifth set this match goes. It's some really good tennis going on here. But if Roger doesn't dig deep and find some energy he isn't going to make it. There was a flicker of some at the end of that set so maybe he found some. 3 hrs 1 min, 1-0, Roger's favor. That's good. Now the fans are really supporting this match as a whole but I think they want to see Roger win. 3 hrs 6 mins, 1-1. 2-2. It's like the first set again. Roger, Novak, Roger, Novak. lol. But both player's with less energy. 3 hrs 18 mins, 3-2, Roger's favor. Novak's serve to come. 3 hrs 24 mins 3-3. 3 hrs 25 mins, 4-3, Roger. Novak to serve. It's just like the first set. There is the Roger I know. Go Roger! Serving for the match, Roger. *bite nails* This is intense. Match points lost for Roger. 3 hrs 36 mins, 5-4, Roger. So we play on. Novak to serve next. 3 hrs 41 mins, 5-5. Gah! This is crazy. Come on, Roger! No! 3 hrs 46 mins, 6-5, Novak. With Novak to serve. If Roger gets this point it will force a tiebreak. If Novak gets the point he wins the match. Come on, Roger! *sends him happy thoughts* NO!!!! I wanted ROGER TO WIN NOT YOU!! Gahh!! *sigh* So at 3 hours and 51 minutes, five sets, Novak Djokovic wins the match. Novak Djokovic def. Roger Federer, 6-7, 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, 7-5. That was a crazy match to watch! Take a look at the stats ...
And now we get to watch the second semi-final of the day. Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray. I am of course rooting for my second favorite player, Rafa. He is the favorite to win this match so we'll see if Andy gives him any contest in this match. Alrighty. Let's get this show started. Andy serving first. 3 mins, Andy gets it, 1-0. 8 mins, 1-1. 17 mins, 2-1, Andy's favor. But already he, Andy, is getting frustrated with the way he is playing. And I agree with the commentators that that is the reason he isn't in the top three. Roger, Rafa, and Novak are so calm and collected when they play that they when matches with it. Among other things. But, yeah, Andy Murray's emotions during the game get the better of him some of the time. Anyways ... 22 mins, 2-2. 25 mins, 3-2, Andy's favor. Rafa to serve next. 36 mins, 3-3. Andy still being vocal and feisty with his emotions. Wow. Okay, calm down, Andy. Rafa just needs to keep calm and let Andy implode on himself and he, Rafa, has got this whole game wrapped up nicely. lol. (I shouldn't laugh but I do.) Andy does play good tennis but he needs to keep his head. 41 mins, 4-3, Rafa. Andy is still talking to himself in the change-over. Calm down.You're making me nervous. On the flip-side ... Go Rafa. Gets this guy out quickly. Please. And Rafa serves. 46 mins, 5-3, Rafa. Andy to serve. Again, commentators talking about Andy's emotions. And I had a thought... That's why I don't like watching him play. He gets angry easily. I am not a fan. I LOVE the calmness that Roger and Rafa bring to their games. At 49 mins, 5-4, Rafa. And Rafa to serve for the set. Go, Rafa. 55 mins, 6-4, Rafa gets the first set. On to the second set we go. Andy serving. He still talking and being frustrated with his playing. 1 hr 3 mins, 1-0, Andy. I love how Rafa is so calm out there. Man of no negative emotions ever. He is at the ready and set to play while Andy fumes on the other side of the court. Rafa is calm, he has a strategy and he can win this. And easily if Andy stays angry at his own game. 1 hr 13 mins, 1-1. Andy is very frustrated still. Andy to serve. (Wow. They just showed shots of the sunset there in NY and it is gorgeous.) 1 hr 17 mins, 2-1, Andy's favor. That was a great shot for the win from Andy. Hopefully that will help him calm down. Rafa serve now. And Andy still talking and being frustrated. Dude! Stop it! It's annoying. (Wow. More sunset shots.) 1 hrs 22 mins, 2-2, Rafa wins it with his first ace. Beautiful. Now Andy serving. Andy's game really falls apart when he is angry. His head isn't in the game. I have seen it in the past and I see it now. I know he can play better then this. (Yes, exactly! I agree with the commentator. Andy's frustration fits are childish. And it is sucking the life out of the audience. It's really hard to support a guy who is down on his game and himself.) 1 hrs 27 mins, 3-2, Rafa. Rafa to serve. 1 hrs 32 mins, 4-2, Rafa. Now Andy to serve. Rafa is playing some great shots in this match. Andy really needs some positive support, from his box, from the fans. He is not going to make it if he doesn't get his head in the game. I mean, Andy is playing okay tennis but Rafa is playing better. Rafa just made another great shot. 1 hr 40 mins, 5-2, Rafa. Rafa serving for the second set. And with a few aces Rafa gets the second set, 6-2, 1 hr 44 mins. So we go to the third set. Hopefully, this is the last set and Rafa can just take it quickly. I am really tired of watching Andy Murray implode on himself. Negative energy galore around that guy. I can only imagine the tension in the stadium right now. Murray to start serve in the third set. Hey, look at that. Andy got it. 1 hr 48 mins, 1-0, Andy. Now Rafa serves. Rafa made a great shot. Then Andy made a wonderful shot to win the point. 1 hr 54 mins, 2-0, Andy. Andy serves. Hmm ... Now Andy is playing good tennis. Not great but good. The rallies are getting longer. 1 hr 59 min 2-1, Rafa. And Rafa will be serving. Rafa is just the better player right now. 2 hrs 7 mins, 2-2. (... And here I take a giant pause from watching the game so I can make dinner and then go to a wedding reception. ... and I'm back ...) So in 2 hrs 11 min, we're in the third set, 3-2 Andy's favor at the moment. Rafa to serve. Some great points here. Really great rallies. 2 hrs 17 mins 3-3. 2 hrs 21 mins, 4-3, Andy. Rafa to serve. So Andy may still have frustration issues but he is playing some amazing shots. I think that is helping him get in this match. You know, I speak too soon. lol. Something happens every time I think Andy is okay and then he yells at himself. 2 hrs 27 mins, 5-3, Andy. Now his fans are getting behind him. Whatever. Come on, Rafa. Ooh, set point for Andy. And Rafa starts talking to himself. Positive things I'm sure. lol. Rafa is great. He saved two set points. But couldn't win in the end. Andy takes the third set in 2 hrs 33 mins, 6-3. So we go into a fourth set. Rafa serving first. Ooh. Some awesome shots from Rafa. A couple of aces. A beautiful drop shot was in there. 2 hrs 39 mins, 1-0, Rafa. Andy serves. Andy is really playing great now. He's completely different. Great shots. 2 hrs 42 mins, 1-1. Rafa to serve. Ooh, nice hustle, Rafa. And Andy comes up to bring it to deuce from 40-love in favor of Rafa. But Rafa prevails. 2 hrs 52 mins, 2-1, Rafa. Now Andy to serve. Back and forth volleys. 3 deuces. Andy changes his wristbands in the middle of a point. Odd. But, 3 hrs 3 mins. 3-1, Rafa. Now Rafa to serve. And he holds his set. 3 hrs 8 mins, 4-1, Rafa. Now Andy to serve. Wow. Rafa breaking Andy's serve with some great shots. He is so pumped at some of these shots. It's adorable. But Andy comes back to deuce it. Now Andy's back is hurt. This man is falling apart. (Really. Frustration and wardrobe problems.) But Andy gets the point in the end. 3 hrs 16 mins, 4-2, Rafa. Rafa to serve. 3 hrs 20 mins, 5-2, Rafa. Now he just needs to break Andy's serve and he'll win the match. And here we go. Andy serving. Let's break it down. 15-0, Rafa. 30-0, Rafa. 40-0, Rafa. Match point right here. And Rafa does it! He is in the final match! Yay!! So 3 hours 24 minutes, four sets, Rafael Nadal wins this match. (Rafa is so adorable in his interviews. Always gracious and all smiles. I love that he gave his condolences to the families and victims of 9/11. I wonder if he will try and go to Ground Zero like he does every year while he is here. Anyways ...) Rafael Nadal def. Andy Murray, 6-4, 6-2, 3-6, 6-2. Take a look at these stats ...
I was rooting for a Federer/Nadal final on Monday. But that didn't happen. It turned into a Djokovic/Nadal match. It should be a great final on Monday. Both Rafa and Novak are great players. Novak has won over Rafa all year long this year. But Rafa is the defending US Open Champion. So it'll be fun to see who the crowd rallies behind. I'll be rooting for Rafa too win his second US Open.
Something different about the court today, The painted 9/11/01 on the court across from the chair umpire. It wasn't there until today. I like that the US Open is paying their respects in a small, visual way to the ten year anniversary of 9/11.
After Ammon dropped me off at home I started to watch yesterday's tennis matches. During the second match (Nadal's) the player stopped working on me. And because it was the end of the broadcast day I couldn't open it rewind like I normally could if it was still going. It was frustrating. After that we just watched random stuff on YouTube. It was great.
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Today I was planning on watching the Men's semi-final matches. I woke up a little late so I was expecting the first match, between Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, to be well under way. But it was raining and they had a delay. So I actually got to watch the matches live today. That was fun. The second semi was between Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray.
How about a play-by-play of sorts ... my commentary while I watched the matches ...
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| Roger Federer's day match outfit. |
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| Sunset during the Nadal/Murray match. So pretty. |
And now we get to watch the second semi-final of the day. Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray. I am of course rooting for my second favorite player, Rafa. He is the favorite to win this match so we'll see if Andy gives him any contest in this match. Alrighty. Let's get this show started. Andy serving first. 3 mins, Andy gets it, 1-0. 8 mins, 1-1. 17 mins, 2-1, Andy's favor. But already he, Andy, is getting frustrated with the way he is playing. And I agree with the commentators that that is the reason he isn't in the top three. Roger, Rafa, and Novak are so calm and collected when they play that they when matches with it. Among other things. But, yeah, Andy Murray's emotions during the game get the better of him some of the time. Anyways ... 22 mins, 2-2. 25 mins, 3-2, Andy's favor. Rafa to serve next. 36 mins, 3-3. Andy still being vocal and feisty with his emotions. Wow. Okay, calm down, Andy. Rafa just needs to keep calm and let Andy implode on himself and he, Rafa, has got this whole game wrapped up nicely. lol. (I shouldn't laugh but I do.) Andy does play good tennis but he needs to keep his head. 41 mins, 4-3, Rafa. Andy is still talking to himself in the change-over. Calm down.You're making me nervous. On the flip-side ... Go Rafa. Gets this guy out quickly. Please. And Rafa serves. 46 mins, 5-3, Rafa. Andy to serve. Again, commentators talking about Andy's emotions. And I had a thought... That's why I don't like watching him play. He gets angry easily. I am not a fan. I LOVE the calmness that Roger and Rafa bring to their games. At 49 mins, 5-4, Rafa. And Rafa to serve for the set. Go, Rafa. 55 mins, 6-4, Rafa gets the first set. On to the second set we go. Andy serving. He still talking and being frustrated with his playing. 1 hr 3 mins, 1-0, Andy. I love how Rafa is so calm out there. Man of no negative emotions ever. He is at the ready and set to play while Andy fumes on the other side of the court. Rafa is calm, he has a strategy and he can win this. And easily if Andy stays angry at his own game. 1 hr 13 mins, 1-1. Andy is very frustrated still. Andy to serve. (Wow. They just showed shots of the sunset there in NY and it is gorgeous.) 1 hr 17 mins, 2-1, Andy's favor. That was a great shot for the win from Andy. Hopefully that will help him calm down. Rafa serve now. And Andy still talking and being frustrated. Dude! Stop it! It's annoying. (Wow. More sunset shots.) 1 hrs 22 mins, 2-2, Rafa wins it with his first ace. Beautiful. Now Andy serving. Andy's game really falls apart when he is angry. His head isn't in the game. I have seen it in the past and I see it now. I know he can play better then this. (Yes, exactly! I agree with the commentator. Andy's frustration fits are childish. And it is sucking the life out of the audience. It's really hard to support a guy who is down on his game and himself.) 1 hrs 27 mins, 3-2, Rafa. Rafa to serve. 1 hrs 32 mins, 4-2, Rafa. Now Andy to serve. Rafa is playing some great shots in this match. Andy really needs some positive support, from his box, from the fans. He is not going to make it if he doesn't get his head in the game. I mean, Andy is playing okay tennis but Rafa is playing better. Rafa just made another great shot. 1 hr 40 mins, 5-2, Rafa. Rafa serving for the second set. And with a few aces Rafa gets the second set, 6-2, 1 hr 44 mins. So we go to the third set. Hopefully, this is the last set and Rafa can just take it quickly. I am really tired of watching Andy Murray implode on himself. Negative energy galore around that guy. I can only imagine the tension in the stadium right now. Murray to start serve in the third set. Hey, look at that. Andy got it. 1 hr 48 mins, 1-0, Andy. Now Rafa serves. Rafa made a great shot. Then Andy made a wonderful shot to win the point. 1 hr 54 mins, 2-0, Andy. Andy serves. Hmm ... Now Andy is playing good tennis. Not great but good. The rallies are getting longer. 1 hr 59 min 2-1, Rafa. And Rafa will be serving. Rafa is just the better player right now. 2 hrs 7 mins, 2-2. (... And here I take a giant pause from watching the game so I can make dinner and then go to a wedding reception. ... and I'm back ...) So in 2 hrs 11 min, we're in the third set, 3-2 Andy's favor at the moment. Rafa to serve. Some great points here. Really great rallies. 2 hrs 17 mins 3-3. 2 hrs 21 mins, 4-3, Andy. Rafa to serve. So Andy may still have frustration issues but he is playing some amazing shots. I think that is helping him get in this match. You know, I speak too soon. lol. Something happens every time I think Andy is okay and then he yells at himself. 2 hrs 27 mins, 5-3, Andy. Now his fans are getting behind him. Whatever. Come on, Rafa. Ooh, set point for Andy. And Rafa starts talking to himself. Positive things I'm sure. lol. Rafa is great. He saved two set points. But couldn't win in the end. Andy takes the third set in 2 hrs 33 mins, 6-3. So we go into a fourth set. Rafa serving first. Ooh. Some awesome shots from Rafa. A couple of aces. A beautiful drop shot was in there. 2 hrs 39 mins, 1-0, Rafa. Andy serves. Andy is really playing great now. He's completely different. Great shots. 2 hrs 42 mins, 1-1. Rafa to serve. Ooh, nice hustle, Rafa. And Andy comes up to bring it to deuce from 40-love in favor of Rafa. But Rafa prevails. 2 hrs 52 mins, 2-1, Rafa. Now Andy to serve. Back and forth volleys. 3 deuces. Andy changes his wristbands in the middle of a point. Odd. But, 3 hrs 3 mins. 3-1, Rafa. Now Rafa to serve. And he holds his set. 3 hrs 8 mins, 4-1, Rafa. Now Andy to serve. Wow. Rafa breaking Andy's serve with some great shots. He is so pumped at some of these shots. It's adorable. But Andy comes back to deuce it. Now Andy's back is hurt. This man is falling apart. (Really. Frustration and wardrobe problems.) But Andy gets the point in the end. 3 hrs 16 mins, 4-2, Rafa. Rafa to serve. 3 hrs 20 mins, 5-2, Rafa. Now he just needs to break Andy's serve and he'll win the match. And here we go. Andy serving. Let's break it down. 15-0, Rafa. 30-0, Rafa. 40-0, Rafa. Match point right here. And Rafa does it! He is in the final match! Yay!! So 3 hours 24 minutes, four sets, Rafael Nadal wins this match. (Rafa is so adorable in his interviews. Always gracious and all smiles. I love that he gave his condolences to the families and victims of 9/11. I wonder if he will try and go to Ground Zero like he does every year while he is here. Anyways ...) Rafael Nadal def. Andy Murray, 6-4, 6-2, 3-6, 6-2. Take a look at these stats ...
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| More sunset. Isn't it gorgeous? |
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| And last shot of the sunset during the Nadal/Murray match. So pretty. |
I was rooting for a Federer/Nadal final on Monday. But that didn't happen. It turned into a Djokovic/Nadal match. It should be a great final on Monday. Both Rafa and Novak are great players. Novak has won over Rafa all year long this year. But Rafa is the defending US Open Champion. So it'll be fun to see who the crowd rallies behind. I'll be rooting for Rafa too win his second US Open.
Something different about the court today, The painted 9/11/01 on the court across from the chair umpire. It wasn't there until today. I like that the US Open is paying their respects in a small, visual way to the ten year anniversary of 9/11.
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| Painted 9/11/01 date to the right. |
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| Singing of the Star Spangled banner before the prime-time night match. Also shows the 9/11/01 date to the right. |
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Saturday Songs: Dream A Dream
Dream A Dream
By Charlotte Church feat. Billy Gilman
When the night is still
And the sea is calm
Lonely shadow, you fall upon me
Lay by my side
Fear not tonight
Lonely shadow, you’ll find a new light
Dream a dream
And see through angel’s eyes
A place where we can fly away
Ride with me upon a shining star,
Above the moonlit sky
We will find Elysium
And the sea is calm
Lonely shadow, you fall upon me
Lay by my side
Fear not tonight
Lonely shadow, you’ll find a new light
Dream a dream
And see through angel’s eyes
A place where we can fly away
Ride with me upon a shining star,
Above the moonlit sky
We will find Elysium
Hear the nightingale
Sing a lullaby
Lonely shadow, you’ll find a new light
Dawn will be kind,
All will be bright,
Lonely shadow, rise from the darkness
Dream a dream
And see through Angels' eyes
A place where we can fly away
Ride with me upon a shining star
Above the moonlit sky once more
Dream a dream
And see through Angels' eyes
A place where we can fly away
Dream a dream
And see through Angels' eyes
A place where we can fly away
Elysium
Sing a lullaby
Lonely shadow, you’ll find a new light
Dawn will be kind,
All will be bright,
Lonely shadow, rise from the darkness
Dream a dream
And see through Angels' eyes
A place where we can fly away
Ride with me upon a shining star
Above the moonlit sky once more
Dream a dream
And see through Angels' eyes
A place where we can fly away
Dream a dream
And see through Angels' eyes
A place where we can fly away
Elysium
Elysium
* * * * *
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Tennis Day
I got to watch Rafael Nadal win his match this morning. And then I watched the Serbs play each other. Novak Djokovic won that because his friend retired with a thigh injury. And then I got to watch Roger Federer win his match. They had an hour-ish rain delay in the middle of that. It made me angry. I think this whole Open is a very wet one. I can't remember them having so much rain delays. It's nice that they are having the Men's final on Monday and not Sunday. It gives them more of an even chance. I had some problems with the computer before/after I went shopping with Mom but I'm glad it all worked out. I wouldn't have been able to see Roger play otherwise. Right now I'm falling asleep. I am pretty sure the tennis racket to ball to court combo lulled me to sleep. I love that the commentators don't talk much. On ESPN I remember that they would talk all the time and it distracted me from the match. It was very annoying. Just one more reason why I LOVE the official US Open commentators. They are awesome!
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Today and Tennis Wishes
Today I didn't do much at all. I slept. I helped harvest our garden. Steven, Brian, and I watched 'Terminator Salvation' this afternoon. And this evening Brian and I watched 'Rudy'. I wished I could have watched tennis. I should have done my laundry. But I guess I'll have to make sure I do that tomorrow. I need to watch some tennis matches tomorrow. New York City got a lot of rain today so the US Open suspended all of today's matches until tomorrow. That is actually really good for Rafael Nadal. He had an unfortunate cramping incident on Sunday. With this extra day he should be all recovered and ready to play. But also with the shuffling of matches to fit two days worth of matches in Rafa and Roger Federer get to play on the same day. Yay for me! I get to watch my two favorite tennis players within hours of each other. I hope they both make it far. I love watching them play. I watched Roger's match last night. It was really quick but fun to watch. I love watching that man play. He is so fluid and awesome.
Monday, September 5, 2011
Bear Lake Weekend
This weekend my family headed to Bear Lake for the long weekend. It was really fun.
Friday - We headed out from our house in the afternoon. We got to the lake in the evening. If I remember right we did go out on the lake for an hour or two that evening. (But I really don't remember. lol.) My brothers and I decided to sleep outside up in the loft. It was interesting. I was sleeping on the air mattress so it wasn't uncomfortable. I just got a little cold. lol. And that night I got woken up a couple of times from Fred. He is an owl I named. Seriously, he was really loud hooting in the rafters a few dozen feet from us. And every once in a while (when I was awake) I would hear Fred get quiet and then wings winging who knows where. Then he would start hooting again. It was fun.
Saturday - That day was pretty typical at the lake. We got up at 6:30am to get on the lake early with the calm water. There was lots of boating and playing in the water that day. Then fun thing about Saturday was that we went to a pizza place in Garden City that has giant (!!!) pizzas. We went last year and wanted to go again this time too. It was just as good and giant this time. lol. On Saturday night our cousin, Caleb, joined us in the loft. (BTW, Brian named the loft Manvilla. lol. So we were calling it that all weekend.) It was kind of odd because I went to bed earlier then they did and I was pretty much totally out of it when they came up. And they were talking loud and they woke me up. I was still sort of out of it listening to my mp3 player when Brian said something about his cracker, which he was eating, having cheese in them. For some reason that was really funny to me and I started laughing. It was also this night that I actually named Fred.
Sunday - We went to church on Sunday. It was really fun because they have special schedules for the busy weekends of Bear Lake. Two sacrament meetings instead of one. It was also crazy packed when we went. I suspected that the other meetings and rooms were packed too. It was really fun. Laura Berg, another cousin, came up for the day on Sunday. She could stay or come earlier because she has school and work but it was fun to see her for a little while. I went to bed that night around 10pm that night. While I'm camping I like to drown out the noise and listen to my mp3 player. I usually put it in sleep mode so it will turn off after a certain amount of time. Apparently that didn't get set right on Sunday night because I woke up around 2am with Josh Groban singing in my ear. It was really mice to have that man singing to me but really odd because I knew that it should have turned off hours before that. lol. I turned off at that point and went quickly back to sleep. (No Fred that night. Actually Fred only came that first night.)
Monday - My brothers sort of woke me up at around 8am. But I wasn't ready to wake up yet so I turned my mp3 player and covered my head from the sunlight and sort of went back to sleep for a couple of hours. It was cloudy at the lake all day. In the distance it looked like rain. But it didn't rain at Bear Lake. We boated and skiied until the boat ran out or gas. lol. It was around 2:30pm when that happen so we were planning on leaving soon anyway. We packed up and made sure the lodge and cabins where we were staying were clean. We left at about 4pm. We had dinner at Arby's in Evanston, WY. And we got home around 7pm.
I wanted to shower since I hadn't really showered all weekend. Just swam in lake water and showered on Sunday before church. It was nice to be home with my own shampoo and lots of hot water. I felt so much better after showering. lol. Nice and clean. After I showered I checked the US Open schedule and saw that Roger Federer's match was starting soon. So I watched that. Yes, I get to watch the US Open. That is one thing I love about it. I can stream it live on their website. I can even pause it if I need to. I have done that in the past so I can eat dinner with my family and still not miss anything.
I am really tired so after the match I am going to go to bed. I'll just unpack tomorrow.
Friday - We headed out from our house in the afternoon. We got to the lake in the evening. If I remember right we did go out on the lake for an hour or two that evening. (But I really don't remember. lol.) My brothers and I decided to sleep outside up in the loft. It was interesting. I was sleeping on the air mattress so it wasn't uncomfortable. I just got a little cold. lol. And that night I got woken up a couple of times from Fred. He is an owl I named. Seriously, he was really loud hooting in the rafters a few dozen feet from us. And every once in a while (when I was awake) I would hear Fred get quiet and then wings winging who knows where. Then he would start hooting again. It was fun.
Saturday - That day was pretty typical at the lake. We got up at 6:30am to get on the lake early with the calm water. There was lots of boating and playing in the water that day. Then fun thing about Saturday was that we went to a pizza place in Garden City that has giant (!!!) pizzas. We went last year and wanted to go again this time too. It was just as good and giant this time. lol. On Saturday night our cousin, Caleb, joined us in the loft. (BTW, Brian named the loft Manvilla. lol. So we were calling it that all weekend.) It was kind of odd because I went to bed earlier then they did and I was pretty much totally out of it when they came up. And they were talking loud and they woke me up. I was still sort of out of it listening to my mp3 player when Brian said something about his cracker, which he was eating, having cheese in them. For some reason that was really funny to me and I started laughing. It was also this night that I actually named Fred.
Sunday - We went to church on Sunday. It was really fun because they have special schedules for the busy weekends of Bear Lake. Two sacrament meetings instead of one. It was also crazy packed when we went. I suspected that the other meetings and rooms were packed too. It was really fun. Laura Berg, another cousin, came up for the day on Sunday. She could stay or come earlier because she has school and work but it was fun to see her for a little while. I went to bed that night around 10pm that night. While I'm camping I like to drown out the noise and listen to my mp3 player. I usually put it in sleep mode so it will turn off after a certain amount of time. Apparently that didn't get set right on Sunday night because I woke up around 2am with Josh Groban singing in my ear. It was really mice to have that man singing to me but really odd because I knew that it should have turned off hours before that. lol. I turned off at that point and went quickly back to sleep. (No Fred that night. Actually Fred only came that first night.)
Monday - My brothers sort of woke me up at around 8am. But I wasn't ready to wake up yet so I turned my mp3 player and covered my head from the sunlight and sort of went back to sleep for a couple of hours. It was cloudy at the lake all day. In the distance it looked like rain. But it didn't rain at Bear Lake. We boated and skiied until the boat ran out or gas. lol. It was around 2:30pm when that happen so we were planning on leaving soon anyway. We packed up and made sure the lodge and cabins where we were staying were clean. We left at about 4pm. We had dinner at Arby's in Evanston, WY. And we got home around 7pm.
I wanted to shower since I hadn't really showered all weekend. Just swam in lake water and showered on Sunday before church. It was nice to be home with my own shampoo and lots of hot water. I felt so much better after showering. lol. Nice and clean. After I showered I checked the US Open schedule and saw that Roger Federer's match was starting soon. So I watched that. Yes, I get to watch the US Open. That is one thing I love about it. I can stream it live on their website. I can even pause it if I need to. I have done that in the past so I can eat dinner with my family and still not miss anything.
I am really tired so after the match I am going to go to bed. I'll just unpack tomorrow.
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Saturday Songs: Celebrity
Celebrity
by Brad Paisley
Someday I'm gonna be famous,
Do I have talent, well, no.
These days you don't really need it,
Thanks to reality shows
Can't wait to date a supermodel,
Can't wait to sue my dad.
Can't wait to wreck a Ferrari
On my way to rehab ...
Cause when you're a celebrity
It's adios reality
You can act just like a fool
People think you're cool
Just 'cause your on TV.
I can throw major fits
When my latte isn't just how I like it
They say I've gone insane,
I'll blame it on the fame,
And the pressures that it goes with
Being a celebrity
I get to cry to Barbara Walters,
When things don't go my way.
I'll get community service
No matter which law I break.
I'll make the supermarket tabloids,
They'll write some awful stuff
But the more they run my name down,
The more my price goes up!
Cause when you're a celebrity,
It's adios reality.
No matter what you do,
People think you're cool,
Just 'cause you're on TV.
I can fall in and out of love,
Have marriages that barely last a month.
When they go down the drain
I'll blame it on fame
And say it's just so tough.
Being a celebrity
So let's hitch up the wagons and head out west
To the land of fun in the sun
We'll be real world bachelors
Jackass Millionaires
Hey, Hey, Hollywood
Here we come!
Yeah, when you're a celebrity
It's adios reality
No matter what you do,
People think you're cool,
Just 'cause you're on t.v.
Being a Celebrity
Yeah Celebrity!
Oh yeah
Where's my coffee?
Do I have talent, well, no.
These days you don't really need it,
Thanks to reality shows
Can't wait to date a supermodel,
Can't wait to sue my dad.
Can't wait to wreck a Ferrari
On my way to rehab ...
Cause when you're a celebrity
It's adios reality
You can act just like a fool
People think you're cool
Just 'cause your on TV.
I can throw major fits
When my latte isn't just how I like it
They say I've gone insane,
I'll blame it on the fame,
And the pressures that it goes with
Being a celebrity
I get to cry to Barbara Walters,
When things don't go my way.
I'll get community service
No matter which law I break.
I'll make the supermarket tabloids,
They'll write some awful stuff
But the more they run my name down,
The more my price goes up!
Cause when you're a celebrity,
It's adios reality.
No matter what you do,
People think you're cool,
Just 'cause you're on TV.
I can fall in and out of love,
Have marriages that barely last a month.
When they go down the drain
I'll blame it on fame
And say it's just so tough.
Being a celebrity
So let's hitch up the wagons and head out west
To the land of fun in the sun
We'll be real world bachelors
Jackass Millionaires
Hey, Hey, Hollywood
Here we come!
Yeah, when you're a celebrity
It's adios reality
No matter what you do,
People think you're cool,
Just 'cause you're on t.v.
Being a Celebrity
Yeah Celebrity!
Oh yeah
Where's my coffee?
* * * * *
I love Brad. He writes the funniest songs. And this music video ... pure genius! lol.
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