What makes a person an all-rounder? Apart from his/her physical shape that is. When people talk about people being an ‘all-rounder’ , it usually means that the person has a myriad of talents. And, usually, parents would want their kids to be an ‘all-rounder’. Won’t you? Parents always feel that it’s better for kids to be good in sports, academics, music, arts…the works. For what reason, I haven’t got a clue. I am still searching for the right answer.

Did you know that Federer can to some extent be considered as an ‘all-rounder’? Would you believe it if I told you that he plays the piano? He also plays golf, squash…and of course, tennis. But, I am not sure if he’s artistic or not. I can pretty much assume he was a pretty good student in school.

I wonder what his life would have been like if he was a master at a musical instrument instead of a tennis racquet? I mean what if he played many musical instruments like piano, violin or a tenor sax instead of tennis, squash or golf? For one thing, I wouldn’t be such a fan because I wouldn’t have heard of him. Secondly, we will not get the same Federer in the tennis circuit if he was missing.

So, yeah, better Federer be the Federer that he is now compared to Federer the soprano or something.

We had Fedal for quite a few years, and now, we apparently have RaFole. Trust these guys to come up with highly ingenius concoction. Sounds like they’ve created a new drag or something…hahha

Anyway, did anyone watch the ultimate match last Sunday? Are you still thinking about the missed backhand by Nadal? Are you still wondering how Nadal lost and Nole won? Is anyone still wonder where Federer was when the match was played? Did anyone NOT watch the match that lasted almost 6 hours?

To tell you the truth : the match – for the most part – lacked quality. Really it did (not have quality tennis). It had the usual drama of Nole scrimping, praying, and all. It had the moments of Nadal coming back from the brink of defeats. It lasted till the wee hours of the morning but had it been a Fedal match, it would’ve made all the difference. Think about the Wimbledon final between Federer and Nadal, and you’ll know what I mean.

The one last Sunday just didn’t have that little extra. That extra which Federer and Nadal brings on court. Just better tennis, better quality and just about better everything.

Perhaps it could be because the tennis world is still coming to grips with Djokovic being World No 1 and a tennis contention. I mean, it’s not surprising to me because a couple of years back when Nadal was trying to break through, Federer sided Djokovic for being the Next World No 1 and not Nadal. In fact, it was Federer who saw what Djokovic was capable of, not any of us. He mentioned that after one of his many GS wins, I just can’t remember which one. Nevertheless, it was the great GOAT who first predicted Nole to take over the throne. And he’s right. The person that Fed can’t beat, Nole can and quite easily too.

If it was a Fed and Nole final, I can bet you that Fed would’ve won. It’s one of those things. It’s a threesome those urm..3. Funny but true.

So, I wouldn’t really remember much about the match in Australia. There was in effect nothing to shout about. I may be biased but the semi-final between Fed and Nadal should have been the final. Now THAT — would have been a match to remember.

There is no love lost between these two. In fact, will not ever be forgiven if they thought Rafa and Rog are a gay couple..hehhe. I bet neither would be sending each other Valentine Gifts – “here, a valentine gift for your sweetie!” Nope, they will likely be plotting each other’s murder, on court that is. How to mutilate each other’s serve, how to trash each other’s forehand, how to chop each other’s backhand.

The one advantage Rafa has over Roger is his forehand. Roger has a forehand too but against Rog’s, Rafa’s forehand is lethal. That’s the clear benefit of a leftie playing a one-handed-backhand righty. It’s not a very fair advantage but an advantage nevertheless, whether anyone likes it or not.

But, you know, apparently, Rog has a few new tricks up his sleeve. Some adjustments he made to suit his aging self. Especially when playing the youngsters. Like it or not, you have to improvise, change, adapt, suit. No way are you going to get around doing the same things over and over again. When it’s time to change, it’s time for a change.

So, we shall watch the battle tomorrow. I had hoped it’d be today but doesn’t look like it. I have to watch Djokovic and Murray maul their opponents. I hope they make it quick so I can get on with the day’s programme..hehehe .

My in laws are finally home from their 2 month long vacation. Left the house, left the dog, left their car to be with family. We took the liberty of going to the house everyday to feed the dog, and to make sure he’s ok. No, we didn’t just dump a whole bunch of food outside for him for the whole week. Nope, we didn’t. We went in, wash the porch while he’s having his meal, rinse his bowl and refilled his water..every single time.

But, that little activity is now over for us because they are home. The only problem is — they have no connection to the outside world what so ever. Their car battery won’t start, phone lines gone wonky, no internet connection, the Astro is also out. It’s like living in the primitive world only to be surrounded by modernity. You feel so isolated from the world without connection. Don’t you think?

Anyway, I hope the phone company’ll come soon to get the lines repaired. We’ve been calling them, going to the office personally to lodge a complaint — personally. Yet, it’s been several days now and nothing has been done. Are we experiencing bad service or what? Once the phone lines gets repaired, I will get hubby to buy the business phone systems. Something more reliable for the old folks.

Should I just change this site to a tennis site instead? I mean, I will be talking about tennis for the next month at least.

Nah…I think not. I won’t know what else to write except talking about Rafa’s awesome bod!! hahaha. Incidentally, check this out :

Yes, truly was spectacular but unfortunately, we didn’t get our monies’ worth and almost got our camera lens confiscated! I’ll tell you what happened :

If it’s your first time at any tennis Grand Slam tournament, like we were, read the rules. They will plaster it all over the court. We were scheduled to watch Nadal play Ferrer on Australia Day for a spot in the semis. And there were a whole bunch of rules like what you can bring, what size lens etc…For whatever reason, I am sure it must be a good one. Oh and dont even bother with the tripod because it won’t be allowed in.

So, I thought, with my Nikon 70-300 I had the best lens in the house!! Next to the pro-photographers of course. Also, I was very tempted to bring along my tripod. I am glad I didn’t because during bags-checkin (yes, you’ve gotta open up your bags and let them rummage through your personals before letting you pass through), they told me I couldn’t bring in my lens. I could keep it in the lockers that they provided at the park. Can you believe it? WHat if I had a 70-200 which is way larger than my zoom? Doesn’t make sense but anyway, we just walked away for a bit until hubby had the most brilliant of all brilliant idea. He suggested to hide the lens in his pants pocket. He was wearing those cargo pants with huge pockets on the sides?

We went in through different lanes, and when the lady asked where my lens was (cos my camera body looked pretty crazy without a lens strapped in), I had to act fast and told her it’s in locked away and that I was told not to bring in. Seeing the crowd, she let me go without asking for the locker chit. And, I went through.

Phew! That was indeed a close one. But, hubby told me not to walk around with my camera just in case someone reported me bringing in “illegal” goods. So, I had to take pictures right where we sat. Which was not too bad but not so good for taking pictures cos I always get the sides. And the players walked out from the direction of where we were seated so I only snapped their backs instead.

Despite the lackluster performance by Rafa, it was a good experience inside Rod Laver arena. It was spectacular to say the least. I know, it’s nothing compared to Center Court at WImbledon or even Philippe Chatrier at ROland Garros, still..it was impressive.

We had every intention of going to the French Open next year but looks like, our trip to ROland Garros will have to wait a couple more years. We simply cannot afford the tickets currently. We will have to postpone it till a little later.

So, anyway, just a little pic to bring you to 2012..heheh…Can’t wait for the OZ Open to begin!

For starters, I shall caps all first letters of my post title. LOL!! Is that even a resolution, you ask?

The thing is — I have given up on resolutions or coming up with any; even one. DOn’t want that hassle of being bound by something unrealistic that because of my situation, I cannot fulfill. WHat a load of crap!  Many moms or SAHM do it. Yeah, I know, many people are capable of so many more things but I am the lazier version. My long-time ambition is to sleep and eat and just hang. So, being a mom just doesn’t not permit me to hang up my socks. I’ve got to roll with it.

Having said that, I am pretty sure I can afford some form of a resolution-type list. I can have, say…5 items on said list that I know I can pretty much tackle. One of them would be to feel less stress. Take it easy. Live life as if it were your last. Then, I’d probably add yoga onto that list. If so, I’d better add an addendum list to it called “shopping list”…hahahah. Well, if I am going to be doing yoga, I would definitely need some nice yoga clothes and yoga mats at yogadirect.com, don’t you think so?

See..I already 2 on that list. It wasn’t that difficult was it? I will go back to think of 3 more and then, I will be done.

The first thing that comes to mind is the movie – 2012. Have you seen it? It’s scary especially when we are approaching 2012 in like…3 days’ time. So, exactly when in 2012 will..you know..the world gets..urm..you know?

OK, cut the crap (or at least I hope it’s crap and not some prophecy). I can’t help but to think of next year already because the first quarter will be quite a challenge for us and not to mention, the months flying at lightning speed. Soon, we’ll see March and don’t even know what hit us.

We have got lots and i mean LOTS to do next month. We are pacing ourselves but can’t go any slower because time waits for no man (or woman). I have to get the sofa in, walls painted, bathroom done, backyard done, wardrobe done and kitchen done. Can you see that we have our plates full and don’t even talk about ordering the floral arrangement! I simply cannot imagine. CANNOT.

OK, better get cracking if I want to at least fulfill half of that wish-list.