Tennis Anyone?

I have officially started taking tennis lessons. It's true. While I doubt anyone would associate me with the sport, I have decided I need to refine my skills, and join the greater Baltimore pastime. Seriously, everyone here plays tennis. And now, so do I.

I started four weeks ago. It was the first time I've held a racket in four years, and before that game, it was likely three years on top of that. It was also the first time I've worn a tennis skirt. I am certainly not a short skirt or short wearer, and that was probably the thing that gave me the most butterflies. I hate my legs, they are short, and old looking and generally awful. So strutting around in a tiny skirt is my nightmare. However, a tennis player needs to exude confidence, so I do the best I can to forget about the legs for an hour.

I'm actually not too bad. My back hand is stronger than my forehand, but I hit a lot of my backhands into the net when I get excited at the prospect of nailing the point. So excited that I miss the point.

I have no one to play with in between lessons, so I think it will be slow going, and I am certainly not ready to take anyone at the club on until I get better and stop sucking wind in between every volley. Since I don't do a ton of cardio, my lungs are bleeding out there every Saturday. I feel like I'm going to pass out on the court every five minutes or so. Sometimes I'll ask a question, just so I get some extra time to rest. I pulled the tie my shoe trick twice already, and I even commented how I have to pull my shorts down, just to get a few extra seconds. Pathetic? Maybe. Clever? Definitely. Two of my lessons fell on those 90 degree days we had, so I've excused myself for being out of shape. Pilates has done nothing to prepare me for the court. However, I'm on a mission. I need something to do when we win the lottery, the kiddies are in school, and I'm looking for fun in the afternoons. Gin and tonics only go so far.