#495- AUSOPEN 2014 Recap

Australian Tennis season is over and that means time to get back to routine (?) <-- if that even existed. Sometimes I really marvel at how quickly I've immersed myself in this sport (like really), I used to hate it because it took up television time robbing me of those kiddy shows that use to air in the afternoon and so I would always criticise the sport and players by saying that they're just hitting a fuzzy green ball back and forth. Gosh so much has changed ever since I started watching it in 2007 and how I've done a complete 180, stingy old me even forks out plenty of money to watch it in person and without regrets I might add. I've decided that I'm off to Melbourne again next year for the tennis so it'll be expression of interest for those that want to buy tickets with me.

Onto the recap:

I think many diehard fans of the sport would agree with me when I say that this year's grand slam was a bit of an oddball, as anyone should know the women's side has never really been consistent. The only bankable person really (to be brutally honest) is Serena Williams and even at that she has her inconsistencies so I guess it was expected that we had an unexpected finalist from Slovakia who might I mention smells the ball prior to serving- not sure if that is a way to filter out the bad balls from the good. The silver lining out of the past two weeks was that Li Na won her maiden Australian Open after 2 attempts at the trophy (Chinese pride), so happy for her and yes definitely one of the funniest acceptable speeches ever. Apart from the soaring temperatures that had ball kids being ushered off court as they were collapsing on court (poor kids, not even getting paid it's all voluntary), the weather also delivered rain, thunder, the lot. To top that off, the men's draw had to also contend with a loaded top half with just about all the big names on that side except for my beloved Nole and Ferrer- who has yet to develop a substantial fan base despite his number 3 ranking. I won't really discuss the results because you should know my stance but I must say that I am so glad that I didn't go to Melbourne this year; if I had paid for the men's final I honestly think I would've tried to sell it prior to the day because in reality it never ended up being a 'men's final' so to say. I guess part of that goes towards Nadal's sudden injury that hampering his movement and hence performance but it just added to the list of negatives from this year's Open including their horrid management of broadcasts- Channel 7 really needs to get it through their thick skull that not everyone is dying to watch an Australian on t.v. (who else bets that this will be the case for Winter Olympics). Another thing that was really disappointing was the crowd, this is probably most prominent in the men's final probably really only that match but who on earth instigated a booing for Nadal, I mean he's a 13-time Grand Slam champion and world no.1 (as much as I would like someone else to covet that spot), it is so hard for them to show him a little respect for one thing he is no Tomic (thank god) so yeah it was just sad to see that happen.

#494 - You never know

So I have aged once more and it was a decent low-key affair - I'm so lucky to be valued and there are people who care about me. Anyway I came in for work and the first thing that comes out of K's mouth was not exactly pleasant. It was an oxymoron - that day was supposed to be a celebration but yet the news K relayed to me was the exact opposite.

I just stood there stupefied because I didn't know how to react and because I didn't believe it. You hear about it but you never expect it to occur to someone you know and are familiar with. Felt awful because other people expressed 'appropriate' reactions whereas me, well, I just felt horrible deep down but I just couldn't show my true feelings even though I'm not heartless. I do care. And I fear that people judge me and view me as a cold person for reacting the way I did. And for not going yesterday. Why do bad things always happen to good people? Hate the fact that there are so many unworthy people out there - case in point right here, I am appalled and disgusted at how unjust the world is.

#493- Quack and it's gone!

Last year the Duck graced Sydney Harbour this year Parramatta River is a far cry from the crowds and picturesque scenery that the city boasts. You only have to look at the clarity of the water to tell that the Duck is much more suited to a different scenery. If the organisers really wanted the destination to be Parramatta River then it should have been on Church St where you get more foot traffic. But unfortunately the duck has already departed.

A bit of a disjointed post today. First is a story that I was meant to tell right after Christmas Eve but never got around to. Basically, Christmas-New Years at my household is always marked by hard labour or my mum's exploitation of my free time and that means fixing up the garden. So I was out in the front yard trying to salvage our front lawn in thongs and after walking for a few minutes a piece of grass sliced my toe. I use the word 'slice' loosely here, it's not really a paper cut style slice because I did bleed quite a bit so everyone BEWARE GRASS IS DEADLY.

The other thing that I wanted to mention is about Tourism Australia- just so my voice is heard. So in 2012, Tourism Australia brought Rainie Yang and Show Luo down under as ambassadors- I know right I was like pulling out my hair in shock when I found out and you know the worst thing of all is that they never mention this to like anyone. I only find out like months later when I read reports written on the day they visited Australia. Last year then brought Nicky Wu in October to act as the ambassador to promote Australia. O M G why is Tourism Australia so inconsiderate, can they not appeal to the Chinese community in Australia I mean nowadays isn't interstate travelling on the rise. So Tourism Australia, next time you decide to enlist another Chinese/Taiwanese celebrity please let me know, please advertise in on Facebook or some news outlet and let their fans know the details PLEASE!!!! Also if possible people who have an amazing following on Weibo include Zhao Wei (Vicki Zhao), Lin Xin Ru (Ruby Lin), Su You Peng (Alec Su), Liu Shi Shi (Ceclia Liu), Hu Ge, Lin Yi Chen (Ariel Lin), Jane Zhang, Della Ding,

And this list hasn't been really modified much since tennis is on which reminds me ADJE NOLE!!!!!! PRAYING FOR YOUR VICTORY SO DO ME PROUD!!!! Update of holiday watch list:

1. Bu Bu Jing Xin- 35 episodes watched 3 times
2. Legend of Condor Heroes 2008- 50 episodes
3. Return of Condor Heroes 2006- 41 episodes
4. Lan Ling Wang- 46 episodes
5. Heavenly Sword and Dragon Sabre 2003- 40 episodes
6. Rewatch so I can recap Huan Zhu Ge Ge 2- 48 episodes (started)
7. Chinese Paladin- 34 episodes (started)
8. Chinese Paladin 3- 38 episodes
9. Treasure Venture- 20 episodes
10. Seven of the Sky- 39 episodes
11. Xuan Sword 3 Legend-Rift of the Sky- 31 episode
12. Mulan- Chinese Movie
13. Sweet Assassins- Taiwanese Movie

Ongoing: Empress Ki (Korean 50 episodes)
2014 Release: Bu Bu Jing Qing, Xin Yue Chuan Qi, Yun Zhong Ge, China's Got Talent

#492 - I spy rubber duck

#491- Summering Down Under

I'm sure the heatwave is taking its toll on everyone some more than others particularly those in Melbourne and South Australia. What is even worse is that despite the 40 degree heat, it is still deemed suitable for play at the Australian Open because the humidity is not high enough- one of the many reasons why I feel for the players this year. Another reason is the enforcement of the time penalty, whilst at times I felt it was justified, other times it really felt too harsh and when I went to the Open last year I can guarantee you that you really don't notice the time between points. And since I'm critiquing those behind the Open, I might as well mention how stupid the schedulers are for giving two Australians more priority than the four-time defending champion Novak Djokovic, are they out of their minds!!!!! As if anyone will be tuning into the tennis during primetime if all you're going to show is pathetic tennis, it's just sad to see them talk up all the Australians because it just makes me want to see them crash and burn even more. Take the Bernard Tomic v Rafael Nadal match last night, not being a scornful bitch but I'm not surprised at the result, from what I gathered of his character having watched him in the last two years I'd bet that yes he may have been slightly injured but it shouldn't have been serious enough to impair his ability to see through the match. I mean considering everyone was going on and on about this match up I really feel for the people who bought tickets to see this match considering they waited at least 2 hours to see it as the match prior to it ended up turning into a 5 set match with the person prevailing not being Hewitt (YAY). So imagine waiting 2hours to watch a match that has been discussed for 5 days only to see less than an hour's worth of play. To add insult to injury, tomorrow will be the second time for as long as I can remember that Federer has been scheduled to play at Hisense Arena instead of the main Rod Laver Arena, fortunately last year his opponent has to withdraw and he was given a walk over so he didn't have to set foot there (shudder) but it really seems as though the schedulers are giving any consideration to the crowds and viewership that Federer attracts. My god, he's a 17-time grand slam champion with a legion of fans, not sure if I'm a 'fan' strictly speaking but I do harbour enormous respect for his attitude and play. That said, scheduling must be difficult considering Federer, Nadal and Murray are all in the top half of the draw but screw Murray if you dump him back in Hisense (where he belongs quite frankly) I don't think anyone would really make a fuss.

End of rant

In other news I've updated my third blog http://bittershzggrecaps.blogspot.com.au with the latest recap, fingers crossed I can write a recap a week (not a high goal but it is certainly hard to achieve)

#490 - Sweet dreams

#489- Lan Ling Wang

I'm back... temporarily. Hey guys just finished a 46 episode drama, perhaps it's becoming a habit of mine to finish a drama and then blog right after it have my title being the title of the drama. But with Australian Open starting soon I do believe that it will be time for me to neglect dramas in favour of tennis. I guess I won't be interacting with civilisation any time soon but that's okay contrary to what others might think I love being a hermit at home just simply enjoy watching stuff by myself (anyone is welcome to accompany my marathons). On LLW related news, apparently Ariel Lin is engaged, so happy for her, been loving her ever since ISWAK days back in the early days of high school and watching her grow as an actress and getting recognition. woooo may you find happiness Ariel!!!!

I'll leave you with guys with the OST of Lan Ling Wang, ahh Chinese dramas are so good right now when will I find the time during uni?

OST for this drama is quite limited but it's so good

Update of holiday watch list:

1. Bu Bu Jing Xin- 35 episodes watched 3 times
2. Legend of Condor Heroes 2008- 50 episodes
3. Return of Condor Heroes 2006- 41 episodes
4. Lan Ling Wang- 46 episodes
5. Heavenly Sword and Dragon Sabre 2003- 40 episodes
6. Rewatch so I can recap Huan Zhu Ge Ge 2- 48 episodes
7. Chinese Paladin- 34 episodes (started)
8. Chinese Paladin 3- 38 episodes
9. Treasure Venture- 20 episodes
10. Seven of the Sky- 39 episodes
11. Xuan Sword 3 Legend-Rift of the Sky- 31 episode
12. Mulan- Chinese Movie
13. Sweet Assassins- Taiwanese Movie

Ongoing: Empress Ki (Korean 50 episodes)
2014 Release: Bu Bu Jing Qing, Xin Yue Chuan Qi, Yun Zhong Ge, China's Got Talent