Hey everyone!

I'm sorry I haven't written in a while. After Fed Cup I needed some down time so although I went directly to Florida (where I am training), I took a few days off and the rest of the week just hit one session easy. And to be honest, this week I didn't even think about writing. I've been sooo soooo exhausted from training! On Monday, I was already hoping it would be Friday (we have the weekends off). Trust me, I will never complain about being bored again! To not have anything to do, to just lie somewhere and rest is so appreciated right now.

Today is Friday and I'm just waiting for the day to be over so I can enjoy my weekend! (By sleeping in all day and lying on the couch exhausted). I am really a very lazy person, and physical exertion is my weak point. On the court its fine because my mind has a job to do, but fitness for fitness...ouch!!! Yes, I know, I can't really wrap my head around the idea of getting stronger, faster, blah blah while I'm doing it! I remember last year Alla and I were running around the facility we were training in and we had to do two laps in under 20 minutes. But to make that time, you had to go at a pretty fast pace. Alla told me before we started that its usually tough for her, and if it's tough for her, it is three times as tough for me! We were in about a minute and I was already gasping and telling her I was tired. She spent the next 20 minutes encouraging me, berating me, anything she could think of. She tried to tell me how I was going to be stronger, faster, make more money when I play better so I can buy a nice house, a nice car, I would look better so I can find a hot guy...well, I guess it semi-worked because I finished but I'm not sure if that run really helped her!

I tell the kids here not to follow my example because I cramp up in various places soon after doing exercises, especially core exercises. I also say some things I don't usually say when I'm really tired after an exercise or run. I remember last year training, I was always the last one in running (and most everything else in fitness too) and I compensated (in my head) by thinking that at least I could beat them on the court. They were 11.

On the court I'm trying to change some things in my game technically (that's the only point we've gotten so far) and I guess strategically will come later. So that's pretty tough too, because I'm not comfortable with it and I miss a lot and I hate missing!

I'm renting a room at one of the apartments the academy rents out which is pretty nice. Um, I must admit I spent an (undisclosed) amount of money the first two days trying to make my room and bathroom nice. All I have to say on that point is that even if money flowed like water, I would be on a desert, I'm spending so fast. I've refused to go shopping (for clothes and such, my favorite) because of these home shopping excursions. It doesn't help Super Target is right across the street. I mean, those aisles are totally luring you in!

To relax I have my green tea (I just started drinking tea this year and I found it really relaxes me), which I have quite a lot of because I need quite a lot of relaxation (a massage would be nice right now too), and usually I have a book but I bought five books and finished them all (I speed read, I can't help it, I normally finish a book in an hour), or watch TV or play a game on my computer. I may go to the other apartment where the boys have an XBox and if I can sneak in some time for Marvel Ultimate Alliance between their very competitive games of FIFA and Topspin, I will.

So that's pretty much all, folks, I'll update you if the "no pain, no gain" mantra has started working or backfired!!

I got an email during Fed Cup, but I didn't see it until now, but Brian writes: I was wondering if you feel like the team atmosphere of Fed Cup helps you with your individual tournament play regular tour events. Do you feel like the Fed Cup helps you improves/enhances your game? Additionally, what do you think of Nicole and Beatrice? Will they be going to college or turning pro like you did?

Hey Brian. I think that Fed Cup is a totally different atmosphere and pressure compared to regular tournaments. To be honest, so far, I haven't felt that Fed Cup has helped my individual play, or vice versa--I feel that if you are feeling good playing, you will enjoy and play well no matter where you play. Of course since Fed Cup is a lot more pressure (in my opinion, since you don't just have the pressure of yourself, you have the pressure of the team, the captain, the country, whether or not they expect it of you) that you may be better handling normal tournament situations.

About Nicole and Beatrice, we talked a bit, but I don't remember asking them if they had turned pro or wanted to. They are still young so have time to decide, and they are both great players so whatever they decide will be a good choice.

Cheers!