Neighbors

I live in a small walk-up condominium block in a leafy Singapore neighborhood popular with expatriates. This morning when I was downstairs on my way to the local store to buy the morning newspapers, I spotted a neighbor of mine I haven't seen before without his shirt. He had tanned skin, blond hair and hunky muscles. He was a little far away when I spotted him and was gone in a flash. Saturday party. So that's one of my neighbors.

Searching for a pool in Singapore

I just moved back from the states to the equatorial island of Singapore due to the unfortunate loss of my job owing to the recession. My home is in the southwest-central part of the island (to be quite exact). I love the many beautiful big trees here. I don't think I can call anywhere else in Singapore home.

I've been swimming for the past couple of weeks or so at the public pool near my home. I'm not used to the number of people, the lack of lane lines, the stifling temperature and salinity of the water, and I didn't think I'd say this, but I miss the pools in Frederick. Today some lanes were blocked off halfway during my swim and I decided to get out rather than squeeze. I drove myself to the another pool somewhat farther away just to take a look but that didn't seem any better on a regular day.

Also, I need to get back to swimming better. I left Frederick with my stand-in coach saying I have a nice freestyle. I need to get back to being smooth with the stroke.

I think I'll stay with the first pool nearest my home and try to get better over there.

There's this nice-looking dude with the works who swims pretty well. He got lucky today swimming beside the only lane line, and so he stayed when I left. Maybe next time I can get lucky too.

I sat with my little baby nephew at the balcony tonight and looked outside for a while together. He can't talk coherently but can say some simple words badly. We pointed out cars, vans, taxis, trees, and said hallo and bye to whoever happened to come within view.

I'm still searching for a job. I was filling in an application form but had to put it aside halfway. I should continue that tomorrow and work a little harder maybe. Tonight I caught a little of Wimby tennis on a very choppy connection. I don't have sports cable TV here and don't think I'll get it soon, so this works for now.

My tennis article

I'm a recreational tennis player with a healthy amount of interest in tennis technique. Last night I picked up a racquet on a court again after a long time. I've also thought about writing a personal article on some techniques that need particular attention so that I may reach a consistent level of tennis.

It starts with the footwork. Take small, quick, smooth steps, get into the correct stance, posture and position, and bend the knees to reach low balls. Be sure to use the correct grip and achieve consistency by holding the neck of the racquet with the left arm and using it to help with grip changes. In the execution of the forehand and backhand, remember to get under the ball and follow through above the shoulders in a smooth, natural stroke. Release the racquet neck with the right timing when hitting the backhand to hit a smooth stroke. Toss the ball consistently by reaching to the sky with the tossing arm and hit the serve with some spin. Volley the ball by holding the wrist steady, keeping the eyes open and taking a shuffle or side step.

Going home

Haven't written for some time. I'm going home tomorrow. My visa to the US is expiring and I am saying goodbye for now. Goodbye to the swimming pools in Frederick and my friends here. I will see you in Singapore. Will write again.