Friday, August 29, 2008

Turning 25: An Important Halfway Point

Welcome to the Quarter Century Club. It's about damn time. If you think 25 is rough, just think about who will be turning 26 soon! You're officially OLD! I say to myself it only happens once each year. Book the train and pack your gear.Your destination seems unknown, as you sit there, all alone.

By the 25th birthday most people expect to have accomplished something with their lives. There’s only five more years until that big three-O and the average person usually hopes that they are well on their way by their 25th year. They’ll have settled into a place of their own, a job and may even be starting a family all ready. Some new twenty-five year olds might be thinking that they want their party to be a little more grown-up, a little more sensible around this time.

Of course that’s fairly normal. After all the 25th birthday is an important milestone signifying stability and foundation. Even the music channel, MTV celebrated its 25th year of existence in 2006. So what is this all hoopla about turning 25? Am I gonaa hit a jackpot worth 25 million dollars; some kind of wings or some license to flirt with handsome men?

Well well its all about me feeling happy and waiting for all the surprises to come my way. I had a wish list of things to do before I turn 25 like doing exceptional in my field of work, getting a tattoo, pierce my ear, bank balance to look good etc etc.But now it seems like things are going to be tricky. As I am here in this new kingdom, married and without a job in my field; celebrating my 25 birthday without my folks but with the man I love. But I am sure as time passes and I blow off some more candles I would accomplish all of my wish list.

So here’s hoping all dreams to come true as I blow off my birthday candles with loads of luck and wishes.

Thursday, August 28, 2008

A Night to Talk About

It’s a night to talk about; it’s a night to remember. It’s a night were the moon was at its best. A walk in the stadium, an occurrence to memorize. I always as a toddler wanted to experience a genuine match from a stadium. I would be in awe what the feeling would be experiencing the whole situation. Gigantic stadium jam-packed with fans, fans cheering, players playing their heart out and the commentator doing his job. It would be a moment to be captured.

26 Aug 2008 is the day and year where I get to experience live US Open Tennis Match.
People pay colossal amount of money to get tickets. I am all excited as the day approaches. Fully clad in my best outfit, matching bags, belt, shoes I run off for work. As I am physically at work and doing my job but mentally I was preparing myself for the twilight. Finally at 4 pm I manage to call it a day and head myself towards to train station to NY.

As soon as I reach NY Penn station I see most of the horde heading for the US Open match. Now the crowd excites me and I am all for it. Questions juggling my head. I seat myself in the LLIR train to the final destination. To my surprise I could see massive collection of people clothed in sports wear heading towards the stadium.

The weather was perfect. As we reached the stadium at 7 pm. The match was about to begin. Just in time. I saw beautifully manicured Progressive Field. The night was striking filled with excitement, fear, laughter, applaud, anxiety, emotions. 4 people decently clad in a uniform and are ready for a march. The match commenced with US National Anthem followed by people marching with the flag.
From a tennis fan's perspective, this tournament is a joy to attend. If you were looking for familiar names, then perhaps this was the event for you, although Venus Williams, Maximo, Roger Frederer, kept the crowds coming.
Then there are the surprise stories and hidden gems that might be lost amongst the chaos of a larger event. Here are a few of the enjoyable players that I had a chance to see.
Another aspect that made this tournament so enjoyable was the smaller size of the event. Everything was right where you needed it and all the courts were in the same vicinity. From the top of Center Court, I could swivel around and see the other Court along with courts 1 and 2. It made viewing much easier and made it seem like I was in several spots at once. After I saw Frederer and Maximo play we walked out of the main stadium leisurely walking towards the exit and there we spot Leander Peas. One of India’s optimum Tennis player. We headed towards the court and could see him play doubles closely. It was enjoyable to root for a player from your own country.
It has certainly been a pleasure to meet so many talented and respectful players this week

Finally I got the tickets for free. Met the greatest players. My experience in this event was nothing short of amazing and I truly look forward to returning again next year.