Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Tennis


Another mid-life adventure I’m having is learning how to play tennis. My first “real” lesson was a year ago and I love it!

My friend Robin asked me if I’d be interested in taking the lessons while the kids were in school during the 2008-2009 school year. Without hesitation, I hopped on board. She’s the friend that also assembled a group of moms for the horseback riding lessons. When our friends and relatives express surprise at our new interests, we laugh and say that we’re having our mid-life crisis together. “Next…golf!”

Monday was my first lesson of this 8-week session. I headed out appearing legitimate, donned in my new tennis skirt. Seven more girls (some stay-at-home moms; others employed part time or flex-time) met to practice and play together. Under the guidance of our teacher, we tried to get our skills back to where we left off in the spring. I had wanted to play during the summer so that I would have come back noticeably better, but opportunities were few. I hope to make up for it this fall by playing in between lessons and by using the Tennis Tutor that is owned by the neighborhood association.

What I’m learning from doing these sports is that the body is capable of doing more than we think it can do. I think I’ve mentioned this before, but if you didn’t catch it, I’m fifty-one. “Aghhhhh!!!”

To those of you who have gotten a little sedentary, you don’t need to jump on a horse; just try a walk to the corner and back. Or, pull out your bike and ride to the corner and back. Play ping pong. Fly a kite. My seventy-six year old mother has a Wii.

To those of you who thrive on physical activity – great! I’m working on being like you. Recently, I spoke to a neighbor as he walked his dog, and he told me he is eighty-eight years old. Let’s all stay in the game as he obviously has.

Any tennis players out there?

12 comments:

Midlife Roadtripper said...

I tried tap dancing a few years back. Wasn't my thing, but I'm glad I endured a year of lessons. Now I swim. Glad you enjoy it. Makes it so much more fun.

Anonymous said...

Tennis is too brutal for me!
Posted anonymously

Sharon said...

Hi Anita,
Thanks so much for commenting on my blog! I LOVED your comment! If I didn't have so many darn expenses I would LOVE to be a kept woman forever...
I'm actually in two phases of motherhood...my two older daughters are 23 and 20, one out of college looking for a job, the other in her third year of college,

Then two in 7th and 8th grade. Life can certainly get hectic, but I've found the kids to be WAY more expensive as they get older!

Unfortunately, I don't play tennis, but I'm up for a golf match???

Dorraine said...

Good for you, Anita! Tennis is great exercise.

I happen to love the game and look forward to sparking it back up again once the weather cools.

I'm thinking about taking up belly dancing. I like the tinkle tinkle of the jewelry.:)

I'll let you know how that goes.

Anita said...

Wow SHARON, two stacks of college bills, and two more to go! And two kids who are just beginning the teen years! I'm glad you have a sense of humor. :)

Anita said...

MIDLIFE JOBHUNTER, I don't know about tap dancing either, but ballroom dancing might be fun. hmmm...
I think I will eventually swim for exercise too. Maybe in a few years when I can carve out even MORE time for ME! :)

Anita said...

DORRAINE...that's right, you're in Texas where you're not yet feeling fall. Enjoy the courts when you get out there.
Belly dancing??? Hadn't thought of that one! :) I think you should do it!

Anita said...

ANONYMOUS, Tennis can be brutal - especially when you're a beginner playing with a stronger player. I never have my back turned when my doubles partner is serving. Seen a few people get the ball whacked into the backs of their heads or elsewhere. Yikes!

Cheryl Wooten said...

Tennis is the sport for a lifetime. I'm 44 and have played for the last 15 years. During that time I've been beat by a 75 year old lady in singles. My philosophy is that you're only as old as you think you are, so don't think about it! Yay Tennis! Yay Anita!

Anita said...

CLW, Thanks for the tennis boost - I need it! I have a lesson tomorrow after having missed a week and today I was not "feeling it." But your enthusiam for the game reminds me of how much I like it, so I'll be there, racket in hand and ready to hit!

I hope we'll both be playing at 75 and beating some young'un!

the mom said...

You seem more active than me. I've also planned to take horseback riding lessons, but later when the girls are older. They are not allowed to do it now, so I better wait too.
Tennis lessons, I love it! We end every lesson with a mini game, which I love. I've been competitive all my life, even proffesionally, as a croupier.

Anita said...

THE MOM, I am only able to be more active now because all my children are in school. Still, even when the last one went to school, I did not immediately do things that interested me. It took a few years to feel that it was okay to change my life a little.
I like playing games the second half of my lessons, too!