From The US Open Until Now

I know it’s been a while – every time I start to write this, something comes up or my computer battery dies on the plane, figures. Anyways, before I forget THANK YOU to everyone for the birthday book. It is never easy having your birthday in the middle of a grand slam, the book was really thoughtful and the donation to ARF was amazing, thanks!

I finally got to celebrate my birthday last weekend in Vegas. I had gone to Los Angeles for the Ellen Show, and we just decided why not? I told my Mom I needed to practice for the charity poker event we’re hosting in December. Funny how they say “everything that happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas,” and then my friends tell me they read about things that didn’t even happen. It was nice to unwind after Davis Cup and gear up for the end of the season. Our hotel suite had a regulation size bowling alley literally in the room. With me, bowling is one of those sports I would never voluntarily get in the car and drive to an alley for but if it’s already there, somehow it is the best thing ever.

I’ve been training with Jimmy and my brother this week in California. It’s been great to have several days of intense training with him. Everyone at the Open kept on asking me what is the best piece of advice or lesson I’ve learned from Jimmy – I still can’t explain it, I’m learning so much, it’s really exciting. My next tournament is Vienna, I’m looking forward to taking the momentum of this week overseas.

And of course….

Butthead of the Week – Law breaking NFL athletes in general – Titan’s Haynesworth tore up the bare face of Dallas center Gurode with his cleat Sunday – and he wasn’t the only NFL player to make headlines this week for misconduct, DUI’s, drug charges, you name it. These guys are riding the gravy train, and still? Seriously, put away the guns, hire a driver, think twice before everything.

Self Chuck - I’ve been getting a lot of flack (mostly from girls I know) about my guest review in People Magazine. Apparently you ladies think you need to carry gigantic bags, but I stand by what I said earlier – a little ridiculous. I mean honestly, some of those bags would not pass the carry on test at an airport. If you are carrying a suitcase around and you can’t acknowledge it’s a tad big – wall!

Fine of the Week – Russian Baggage Claim – could be a little conspiracy theory but out of the 15 bags our team traveled with to Russia – 10 bags were lost. 10! Only James and I got our bags, so we were the goodwill for the team the first few days. Note for next time, carry on everything!