Notes from the Red Bird House

Yesterday a friend asked me what I'd buy first after winning the lottery. My response? New luggage. And really, by new luggage, I probably mean a really kick ass backpack. Does this mean that I'm planning to take up backpacking, camping, or hiking? Hell, no. It means I'm taking up travel. You see, the moral of my 'what would you buy story' is this - I'd spend the next full year after winning the lottery following the women's pro tennis tour (WTA, to the initiated) around the world. To do this, I'd need new luggage at best, a kick ass new backpack at worst, depending on how I planned to travel. And given that I've never been one to indulge in unnecessary indulgences, I don't think I'll be flying first class and staying in multi-star accommodations. The way I see it, hopping trains, planes, buses, and other forms of public transportation might be easier with a backpack than with a nice set of rolling luggage. Of course, I might change it up m...

I spent the last three days at the BNP Paribas Open (aka Indian Wells). Even though I grew up in Southern California and the tournament has been huge for veritably forever, this was my first trip. It will not be my last. I truly couldn't imagine having a better time. When I arrived on the scene Tuesday morning at 9:30am, I was a novice. I got up to speed pretty quickly, but I've made a short list (in the form of one of my Top Ten Lists) of  'take-aways' that I'll try to remember for next year. ** The weather was hotter than normal so some items may not apply every year ** 1. When in the EZ Bake Oven that is Stadium 1, remember to cover your knees and your elbows. Don't ask, just do. P.S. The seats can get really, really, really hot. Sit carefully. 2. Buy tickets on the West side of the stadium for all Day Sessions. As the sun tracks across the sky, shade will arrive. Shade is good. Reference #1 above. 3. Watching tennis from the end-zone is best. No ...

Me: Nice match. (THE) Samantha Stosur: Thanks. I suppose I should be thankful for what I got and I am. I am. I am. I promise I am. My first day ever at the BNP Paribas Open (aka Indian Wells) was perfect. I loved it from beginning to end. That it ended with my favorite player winning and walking not three feet from me (close enough for me to touch her or get a body part signed. I did neither. Creeeeepy. Even for me). I have to say it ranks right up there with the time I peed (in a stall) next to Steffi Graf back in 1990 at the Virgina Slims of San Diego. Up 'til tonight, THAT was my best brush with tennis greatness and my ultimate pro tennis fan experience. Truly, it doesn't get much better than peeing next to the eventual champion right before her final match. Today, though, was special in its own way. While Samantha Stosur isn't quite Steffi Graf, she is the reason why I'm here in Palm Springs on my Spring Break baking in the sun watching pro tennis. Yes, she...