Wednesday, September 09, 2009

My One Goal-Free Activity

Our weekend was fun and uneventful so I won't bore you with the details. It's always nice to get out of the big bad city and let the kids run amok. I think our friends are still our friends despite our slightly rambunctious children. And, my favorite British word of the weekend, which I once knew but somehow forgot, was "nutter" as in, "That guy is such a nutter."

I've been a little busier than normal because I've loaded myself down with extra-curricular activities. I've got:

1. 4 children
2. Book club
3. Piano
4. Photography (it's time to finally learn how to use the camera I got for Christmas last year)
5. Running
6. Tennis

I'm a goal-oriented person; all of my activities are done with some end-point in mind. For example, I want my kids grow up to be normal, contributing members of society. I hope I can someday play piano in front of people (other than these people). I would like to take nice photos of my family and the cool places we visit at some point. I enjoy competing in running races and bettering my times, and, by reading lots of different kinds of books I hope to broaden my horizons.

The exception to this rule is tennis.

Now, I've been taking tennis lessons off and on over the last 6 1/2 years. The last time I played regularly was my first year in Small Town, Mexico. So, that was 4 years ago. I'm taking it up once again. I have one group lesson with Ballerina Girl and a couple of other ladies, and one private lesson each week.

I have no aspirations in tennis. I'm not even really interested in tennis. The US Open? I get bored watching it. I don't know who the tennis players are, past or present (well, except for Venus and Serena. But I don't know who's older or a better player, I only know their names). To be honest, I don't even really know how to score tennis. Games? Matches? Advantage? Whatever.

I just like taking lessons.

Oh, and I love the clothes.

I like having the instructor hit balls back and forth with me. If I can learn hit the ball a little harder and aim a little better, I'll be happy. That's it; that's as far as I want to take tennis in my life. I don't really want to even learn to serve because that would make me more prepared to play in an actual game with other people.

What has this taught me about myself? I have learned that, it may be possible, that because I have no goals related to tennis, I completely enjoy it. I love going to my lessons, wearing the cute clothes, and feeling like I've gotten a good workout, with no strings attached.

This realization is kind of freaking me out; now I'm thinking I should have some more goal-free activities-maybe I'd be happier. :)

8 comments:

Fabiola said...

WOW!!! You are busy!!!
I always liked the idea of playing tennis, but since I don't see really well (I need my glasses all the time), I gave up after six months and I miss almost all the balls : )

Fabiola

Ballerina Girl said...

The clothes are the best part ;)...
and I absolutely love hanging out with you!!!

BG

Janice said...

I have a love affair with tennis but you wouldn't know it by my crappy skills. BTW: I ran five miles on Saturday in just under an hour. I'm getting there.

Kari said...

Yes, Gabriela, you ABSOLUTELY need activities like that! No strings attached! Hmmm...makes me wonder what mine are? Anyway. The kids are back in school so I hit the elliptical machine again. Whether it's to get a workout, or just to watch an old episode of "24"--does it really matter...?

Abby said...

Tennis skirts are probably my favorite item of clothing to wear.

I really want to take tennis lessons again (haven't since I was about 13). I've always said that as soon as we have a little extra money for it, I'm going to start lessons. For now I just play with Matt:)

andalucy said...

I so love how you listed your 4 kids as one of those pesky extra-curricular activities you've loaded yourself with. Like you just suddenly decided to take that on, or something. :-)

That's so great that tennis is that fun, carefree activity for you! I wonder if I have anything like that in my life. I'll have to think about it. And I agree that the clothes are great.

Janet said...

I'm with you. I have always said I would take lessons once the kids are ALL in school so I can learn just a little more than hitting the ball back and forth.

Glad your trip was fun! :)

Anonymous said...

This is probably the funniest blog I've ever read (outside of a family I frequent and which I am not counting as bloggin following because it is full of inside jokes and personal inuendos). I laughed out loud.
Nice work.