To go to Let’s way a two fold idea: 1) They are MUCH cheaper than Century, where I bowled youth when I lived there, and 2) They will be hosting provincials so I wanted to check out the lanes. With just two games and no actual tournament pattern put down, it really wasn’t a good practice in words of getting a leg up on anyone, but it still was good to get a little used to it again. More so the approach, pins and ball return. The importance in these things can be pretty big when you are a skilled bowler. Approaches (the wood you walk on up to where you throw the ball) can have a different feeling and can (and will) affect the way you slide, resulting in the way you throw the ball. If it’s not what you’re used to (ie. too sticky or too slippery), it can throw your entire game off. For the pins, I was looking at the way they bounce around when they are hit. Some pins can be “heavy” and not really do you any favors, but some pins can fly all over the place and help knock down any stray pins. The biggest thing is seeing where in the pocket you need to hit to get a strike. At some places, you need to be exact, right in the head pin. At others, you tap just a part of it and they’ll all go flying. So this can also help or debilitate your game. Finally with the ball return, it’s placement on the lane, or off the lane can make a difference. At Let’s it’s on the actually approach, which could be unnerving for someone coming from Gateway in Edmonton. where ours are off the lanes. So at least for me, it feel uncomfortable having to step on the lane to get my ball, and sometimes it’s even an obstacle if you have to stand right beside it. So at least I got to experience those things once again, to be a little fresh in my mind for provincials – should I qualify.

So back in Edmonton, the first day of league, I wasn’t sure if I still had my game or not. Fingers crossed that I did. And hurrah, I did! I averaged 210 for 4, with a big 248 in the last game. That pesky third game always gets me because I can’t adjust quickly enough. So solution now: Hopefully I remember at the beginning to make the changes I usually end up making, but to do it much sooner. This could save me and finally get another 600 series, and push me even closer to a 700 series!

So now my average is back at 193, it had “dipped” to 192 because of the last week during exams, and the stress of studying had definitely affected me. I was just surprised that it hadn’t come sooner! So I was okay with the way I bowled, considering the circumstances.

Next up is CTF zones on Sunday. This takes the house qualifiers in Edmonton and pits them against each other. The top 4-5 players will make through to provincials. I believe for senior girls it will be 4, as it’s usually the same girls who go every year. Last year I unfortunately just didn’t have it together at all and didn’t qualify for provincials; the first time in an extremely long time. It was very, very disappointing, so I’m not putting too much pressure on myself, and making sure my body is ready to go. The real challenge will be provincials, but gotta take it one step at a time.

So hopefully next time I post I have good news!

Jan 5: 204 200 189 245 (2 weeks off for the holidays)

My goal was to be there for only an hour and a bit, because I had wasted my day after my exam so I wanted at least a little bit of studying done, but that wasn’t going to happen if I spared. Oh well. I’m even starting to think that sparing is better practice than actual practice. I’m not in need of any particular practice, I’ve been bowling very well for that last month and a half so it’s not like I really need time on my own, outside of a game. Plus games are more fun.

It’s almost boring now, recounting my scores, because it’s become normal when I average over 200, and now I get mad if I don’t. It’s a funny thing. Ridiculously, I was mad over a 242 game… I lost my focus on the 6th frame and pulled the ball, resulting in an 8 count. And then  I missed the spare. Who knows what could have happened? Every shot before that was perfect. I really feel that 300 coming though, I’m hoping to bag it sometime this year; preferably at provincials.. that would be sick!! Even if I don’t, just to shoot another 290 or above would be great.

I plan on posting about my “secret to my success”, and really, it’s not huge but I feel like I could end up going into great depth, so I’m saving it for when I actually have time to do it & actually feel like it.

Next Saturday is the last league morning before the holidays, and third week of qualifying for YBC (my second week). I’m also going to talk to Dan about a new ball. He got excited when I told him yesterday that I wanted a new one. So we’ll see what he says, and if I’ll actually get one. I won’t be practicing Monday or sparing, since I have 2 exams the last day, and I;m sure I’ll be feeling the need to cram, even though I’m setting myself up nicely to not have to do that, but I might head out Tuesday evening; especially if I might have a ball drilled for me! Plus, after exams, why not?

Scores from last night: 212 211 242 194 (trying to get all 200s!!!) 215 average
Fun fact: My average for Monday nights is 219, my highest ever. BUT it’s only over 12 games so there’s no use really reading into that. And my youth average may have jumped up to 193 now! (Now THAT we can read into, and is my highest youth average ever. Previously [when it was stable, over many games] it would have been 185.)

So oddly I wasn’t 100% in the mood for going (thanks exams) but I also didn’t really give anything else any thought. I almost feel like I’m going through the days without even taking anything in. I study and that’s about all I focus on.. So I didn’t know what to expect of the day.

Overall I did great, averaging 212. But the last two games were a bit disappointing, I hate to say. I started off so strong, going 237 & 227, looking like I could strike all day. But then I hit the transition in game 3 and struggled to adjust. So a 185 for a transition game isn’t bad, but I hate that I had to take an entire game to make the right change. But at least I did find it in the last frame, so that I could continue on to game 4 and shoot a 198.

My focus today was pretty shoddy, so thankfully the line that held for the first two games gave me a pretty good margin for error, but then in game 4 where I was shooting (closed down angle, middle of the lane to use the oil so my ball wouldn’t over hook) it had less so I had to buckle down a bit harder. Next week will be interesting because I will be full on exam brain, which could be a problem – focus wise. So we’ll see!

In other news 4 Steps to Stardom (YBC tournament) qualifying began last weekend, which I missed so I wanted to have a good first 4 games of qualifying. I saw the scores from last week and they weren’t too great so that was good for me; though it doesn’t really matter, top 3 qualify and I usually qualify 2nd or 3rd and never really have to worry about making it in.

CTF qualifying is done for the most part, there’s just a few people who missed a few weeks so they just got all their games in today. I qualified in 1st; I’ve never done that here in Edmonton! My main competition, Chelsey, struggled through qualifying but made it in, thankfully. You can only be as good as your competition! Plus, if I struggle in zones or provincials I need someone else to rely on (as well as my teammate Carla, who can bring it when she needs to) to make a run at provincials over the other top senior girl in the province; of whom I’ll just say we would all love to beat.

I also got my cheque for “winning” the girls handicapped division at City Singles last weekend and I also get a shirt! Woo! But it’ll probably be black.. I have too many black shirts!! Oh well haha

I’m planning on talking to Dan, our proshop guy, on Monday (if I can tear myself away from studying) about getting a new ball. It’s getting close to replacing my 3 year old Invasion. It still works great in league, but once it comes to tournaments I might benefit from a new ball that has some extra finish on it. I’ll see what he says and go from there. Not even sure if I need a new one, I just really want one!

I started off well enough, even though I struggled a bit in the first game. I managed a good 205 though and thought I’d be good for the day. I was totally wrong and hit a really bad pair after that. I shot a 128 and I think that took a hit to my confidence, as well as my focus. For the rest of the day I was not paying enough attention to what my ball was doing, or to how I was throwing it. I knew I wasn’t being very consistent, but I couldn’t tune into why. So I struggle for a long time, and ended up physically and mentally exhausted by the end.

It was a tough day for everyone really, so I shouldn’t feel too bad. And like I had said, I came into it just wanting the experience, not to make money. I made the mistake though, looking at what places cash, and saw that the winners in scratch & handicap each would win just under 150 bucks. Put on the pressure.. So that was a bad call, it probably played a factor, being in the very back of my mind.

So starting the day I was in 1st for scratch by probably a good 70 pins or so, and only down by 2 for handicap. I was hoping for a consistent day like yesterday. But clearly that wasn’t in the cards for me. At one point, I had dropped to 2nd in scratch and 3rd in handicap. By the 5th game of the day, I was still sitting there, and seemingly no chance to move up.

At the end of the tournament, I was disappointed and just wanted to leave. My ride for the day and friend Ty (and YBC teammate) finished up very strong so we were waiting to see if he made the jump into first for handicap. He did! And congrats to him, he’s been great this year! His parents then asked if I wanted to look. No, of course I didn’t, why take a look at failure, or see how many pins I was out? Sometimes it hurts worse if it’s just by a little (I beat a girl by 1 pin once and she was just absolutely devastated). So I told then to look and they told me I was in second for handicap; which meant I cashed!! The reason being that the girl who took first for scratch, also took first for handicap, but you can only cash in one event. So that meant the next in line for handicap would cash. So yay me!! Still not sure it happened.. I didn’t take a look at any totals but I’m just glad I was able to hang in that last game (216), which clearly did the trick.

So now that’s about $70 bucks in my pocket (got my entry fee back)/in the bank. Not sure if it’ll be in scholarship funds (probably because it’s for youth and if it was cash, that would be considered gambling..) but either way it’s money that I need!

So finding that out after a long, rough day definitely put a smile on my face and made me feel better. It hurt that I went from such confidence and great scores, to quite the opposite, but once again I was able to learn from it; and I have to admit that was the goal. So I can’t feel bad about it.

So things to work on/learn about:

1. What to do when my ball has too much hook (ie. what kind of shape should I look for/what kind of line to use)
2. Find different lines outside of the 10 board
3. Practice on different patterns!!

What I learnt/what was reinforced:

1. Strengthened my mental game
2. Never give up, you never know what will happen
3. Don’t get cocky
4. Physical part of the game is quite solid now

At the end of the day it would have been nice to have had someone there to just watch and then to debrief after, talking about how to improve off this, and what I did well, but at the same time, they would have been interjecting and I wouldn’t have had to rely on myself; which I think is super critical now for my development. When you’re younger/at a certain stage, coach input if important, or else how are you going to learn the basics? But now, knowing the basics, you can’t improve upon and be able to perform on your own if your coach is always telling you what to do. And I’m not talking bs either because I’ve actually had a few classes that speak to this!

So I have the confidence now that I can make most adjustments & figure most things out on my own, but when it comes to the important tournaments, ie. zones and then provincials, I know I’ll have coaches around to give me the extra help I’ll need to get to the next level. And that’s all what it’s about, improving and getting to the next step.

All in all, I’m starting to feel good about this weekend, even if the scores were, let’t say, less than stellar. And who doesn’t feel good about making a little money??

Scores: 205 128 155 169 156 216 for 172 average.
Overall 199 average for 12 with a league average of 191.. Yeah I really have no place to be complaining… :p

I was right in that the pattern was different than usual, but it was still fairly similar. A lot more oil on the lanes than usual, since my line held up pretty much the entire day.

I unfortunately got paired up with 2 people I’m not big fans of, but it was a good test for my mental game I suppose.

So the setup of this tournament:
12 games. First 6 at Gateway, next 6 at Ed’s. Adult & youth divisions, split up male & female. Being in the youth league, I’m in the youth category. Top 2 will probably cash, especially since there are only 5 of us girls. Not sure how the adults will cash out, probably top 3 since there are more of them. There’s also scratch & handicap categories.

With my first 2 frames, I was already dreading the day. Because of the different lane conditions, I wasn’t able to find a good line right away (something I need to get better at) and so I opened with two 8 splits. I finally managed to mark in the 3rd and then find a line in the 4th and finished up with a good 216. So with that first game under my belt I was feeling better about my bowling.

The first three or so games I used my Vivid, because it is a much more aggressive ball than my got to Invasion, and with more oil I needed something that would either mix up the pins a bit more or get to the pocket easier. I usually don’t use it because on less oil it becomes a “belly” ball (big arc) and I can’t control it. It worked pretty well for the time I used it and shot 198 & 175.

There was some transition in the lanes coming to the end of the third game and I just wasn’t throwing the ball that well for whatever reason, and ended up with a crappy 175. I changed to my Invasion in the last frame and it worked so I decided to stick to it for the next one. This was very smart of me, I was proud to think of it, to test a line with a new ball in the last frame. I wasn’t going to save or break the game by any means, so may as well set up for the next one, without really wasting any frames for trial and error.

The next three games were huge. Started with a modest 218, and I say modest because wait for my next few words… I followed up with my 2nd highest game ever, a 279! The only strike I missed was a 9/ in the 4th frame because of a slippery thumb that disabled the ball from coming off my fingers as well as it needed to (it was still a good shot and left a ringing 10 pin because I didn’t get the right roll on the ball). I followed that up with my 3rd highest score ever, a 267! Just a 9/ to start and then a 9/ in the tenth or something. I never thought I’d be able to shoot 2 high scores like that back to back. When I shot my 290 a few weeks ago, I had followed up with a dismal, embarrassing 128 or something.

All in all I went +153 (1200 would be considered even for 6 games [200 average], and I went 1353) for a 226 average. Not a shabby day!! Best tournament day I’ve bowled to date! So now it’s at Ed’s tomorrow and hopefully I can keep it up. I’m most likely in 1st for scratch, 2nd for handicap. It would be unreal if I could sweep it! I’m unsure again how it’ll go, being a different center that I only bowl in once a year, so hopefully I can do what I did today – rally back if it takes a bit to find a line.

So even though I bowled really well today, I’ve noticed a few things I have to practice. Different lines and adjusting for different looks; like to create more angle. Hopefully I can get to practice on some different patterns as well at some point in the early new year, and continuing on to zones & provincials, since these shots will be a bit more challenging.

I’m proud of myself for today, thankful for the support of my bowling friends and hopefully I can keep it going tomorrow! Unfortunately an earlier start (10am) so I’ll have to find a way to wake up!

Well these last few weeks have turned into a month or so, so I’m comfortable saying that I have hit a new level! I spared last Monday, the 19 (?), and had a brand new high series..!!! 903 for 4 games, 226 average!! I was beyond stoked. Then I followed up on Saturday with a 201 average, and I’ll still take it. My league average is now sitting at 190 (191 after last week) so I’m happy with anything at or even around average. Saturday marked the first time in awhile that I shot a single game below average, only by 5 pins though so it was really nothing to worry about.

I had excitedly told my coach Ted about my big night on Monday, and he looked only mildly impressed. He told me not to let it get to my head. Hmm.. well thanks, I know, but I was looking for approval (this is becoming an issue, not the time or place for this but it is something to notice). I already knew this because we are using an easy house shot (the pattern of oil on the lanes). But my argument to this is, if it’s so easy why isn’t everyone else shooting the lights out?? So I’ve clearly worked out quite a few kinks, to go from being all over the place, averaging 175 once week, to 195 the next week, just to balance out at 185, to averaging upwards of 200 weekly.. I would call that a significant jump, and there’s hardly a way that can solely be contributed to easy conditions.

At any rate, I know that I do have to keep the conditions in mind, and be able to not expect too much (or anything at all would probably be best) when it comes to important tournies, like zones coming up in February. So in order to get a head start on this mental aspect, I’m entering a weekend long tournament, City Singles. 6 games Saturday at one house, and 6 games the next at another. This combines 2 big factors for lane conditions that are hard to control & adjust to. Firstly, every alley has lanes that react differently, no matter what. What matters is by how much and how can you adjust to it. This results from different materials used to the overall different environments of the alleys (hot vs warm, levels of humidity, etc). Secondly, the oil on the lanes is going to be different than what I’m used to. That’s a tournament for you. So I’ll be challenged by this as well as what I mentioned before.

Now, yes, I can make some money, and of course I’ll be aiming to do that in the youth division (maybe challenge the adults as well??), but at the end of the day, what I’m looking for from this tournament is to gear my mental game to tournaments and prep for those critical ones coming in the new year. And when I say critical.. they are the only reason I bowl youth, and take it so seriously (with the right mix of fun of course). So to set a numerical bar, I think I might be happy with a 180 average, just because I have to idea what to expect. If the conditions are tougher than I could forsee, I may average lower, but as long as everyone else does too, I’m fine with that. Now to set a physical bar, standings wise.. For youth I’d like to see myself place 2nd or 3rd, depending on who shows up. Also, if they don’t split by genre, then I could see myself sitting more around 5th.. boys are and always will be better; for the most part. They have a physical/physiological advantage, and there’s nothing I can do about that.

So my mind is prepping and now  just have to figure out how I’ll be getting to the second venue with nearly 60 pounds in bowling balls in tow.. I’m really looking forward to it and I’m sure it’ll be a lot of fun!

193 212 185 213

Unfortunately it’s been a rough semester and I honestly haven’t found myself too passionate with my classes; excluding growth and development (PEDS 307) which I really enjoy, mostly due to the awesome prof! What has also detracted from my sharing about more school related things is that I become forgetful, or down right lazy. I hate to say it, but we all face it right? And really, at the end of a 8 hour day at school, there are other things I’d rather focus on. So my bad thinking I could do this, maybe it was a tad of a lofty goal.

However, I will still try to get back to doing what I started with in the next semester. I am actually extremely pumped for some of my classes (even though I can’t stand school at the moment) so maybe I’ll be willing to share more on these classes!

On another hand this space has been great for sharing my bowling stories. Clearly I don’t need to tell anyone reading this blog that I take it 100% seriously and is my #1 passion in life. I like to be able to share that with people who may not know too much about the sport, and maybe it’ll encourage them to go out and shoot some games. At the end of it all, my education is about promoting sport and healthy lifestyles; is it not?
As sort of a side note I will note that I also like to document my bowling thoughts and activities here because I really love to share this stuff but I don’t want to seem like I’m bragging (when it comes to great scores) on facebook or twitter, and besides my mom, my no one really cares either way. So it makes me happy to share in this space.

How did I manage it? Fantastically! Well besides game three which is actually kind of embarssing, but in a second you’ll see why I can’t be too concerned about it.

First game I shot a 215 and beat the A bowler (the best bowler/the anchor) of the team I was sparing on. Next game, beat her again. I beat everyone in the alley this game; no lie. TWO HUNDRED AND FREAKING NINTEY!!!! That’s a 9/ and then 11 strikes in a row! The most I had gotten in a row was 8 or something like that I my highest game was a 268 or something. So I was STOKED to say the least that I managed this.

ESPECIALLY after the tournament. I was so tired going into league Monday night, I wasn’t sure what to expect.. Then I followed up with a lousy 138 (the nerves and changing conditions caught up to me) but then made up for it with a 233.

So I’d say I had a fantastic night, and even more proof that I could keep a calm head if I were to ever have a chance at 300. Just hopefully next time I can keep it going and not have a score differential of ~160 pins..

Then to follow that up, I averaged 206 in youth league this morning! So I think it’s safe to say I’ve figured out league; I know how to shoot on a house shot. Now I need the challenge of different conditions. Zones and provincials will not be on fluff shots like this, so I need to get more tournament action going.

So I’ve decided to enter City Singles, Dec 1 & 2. 6 games sat at Gateway (my house) then 6 games sun at Ed’s. Totally manageable game wise. I’ve never done this one before, and it’s mostly an adult tourney, even though there’s a youth division. So I’m not sure how they split it up, but you pay ~70 bucks for lineage and prize money. Even if I don’t cash, that’s a decent price to get some valuable tourney action.

Unfortunately all the big youth ones that count (ie zones and provincials) come after xmas, where I’ll be taking 3 weeks off from bowling… That could be detrimental, so I’m hoping I can get out when I’m home, even if it is with crappy balls, on crappy, dried out lanes. Better than nothing right??

Anyways, just bottom line is, I’m thrilled with my development so far and I’m proud at what I have already accomplished in personal goals. That’s really what I love about this game. There’s so much to it, and every day is a challenge to better yourself.

Most Strikes – Paul Hill of Complete Financial Planning (FSB team) with 7 strikes across both games

Highest Individual Score – Andrew Whelpton of Stephen Rimmer LLP Solicitors with 299 across both games

Highest Team Score – Stephen Rimmer LLP Solicitors with 892 totalled across both games..

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Well done to the winners – you get to keep the trophies for a year!

The Irish cider flowed freely last night at Strike Bowling in Melbourne Central accompanied by 10 pin bowling, billiards and games of Skirmish keeping the happy punters entertained throughout the night. The competition was spirited as the various clubs and bars competed for the ultimate prize; bragging rights at the next function and probably a shout at the bar by the less fortunate!

We were terrible, and still getting to know each other, and damn, we had fun. And now I love bowling. It’s so simple (especially with the automated scoring machines they have now) and a great way to catch up with friends. You can talk and bowl at the same time. Really. Especially if you don’t care about your score. That probably explains one of the reasons for its rise in popularity in the 1950s, when America moved to the suburbs after WWII. Another reason bowling alleys started popping up all over: the advent of the automatic pin-setter.   

Last Saturday night, Tim and I went bowling with some friends. Despite a crowded alley gearing up for Galactic bowling, we enjoyed ourselves. (Galactic bowling = teenagers in skinny jeans, loud Top 40 music, and funky lighting. I find these less than optimal conditions). When we got to the bowling alley, the lanes were dead, so we decided to pop into the attached bar and get something to eat first. Thanks to some sloth-like service, by the time we finished eating, we had to stand in line for half an hour to get a lane. Unusual. This gave us only an hour to bowl before they kicked us out and opened up to the Galactic masses.

We decided to roll anyway, because a little bowling is better than no bowling at all. Having a short window of bowling time turned out for the best. Because….we all stunk. Badly. Like squint at the scoreboard during the eighth frame and wonder if you’re going to break 100. Which should have been embarrassing, but really didn’t matter because we were all equally awful. And because it felt so darn good to bowl again.

My bowling ball, aka the Tootsie Pop.

Once upon a time, before my husband and I got married, we used to go bowling every Sunday morning as part of the Greater Boston Rock ‘n Roll Hangover League. Which isn’t really a league at all–it’s primarily an excuse for a bunch of musicians, recording artists and other social degenerates to get together and drink on Sundays. It ruled.

Cake details:

Cake flavour: Chocolate

Cake icing: buttercream & fondant (bowling pins)

Go out stay in, I choose the easy comfy decision.  But when I don’t, something good or at least interesting happens.  For example, last week I had dinner with a friend (totally normal) went home and realized that I was supposed to meet a friend at a pub at 9… sigh it was cold, a little late and I had to work in the morning.  I so very much wanted to bail, and anyone else and I  would have but he was leaving and I hadn’t got to see him yet.  So I sucked it up and went, and had a great time talking to my friend and a couple of other people there.  Met some new people and had some fun and engaging conversation .

This past weekend, I jumped out of the zone feet first.   And some ridiculous-ness  ensued as any of you who are on my Facebook have seen snippets of in my status updates.  I ended up taking the train out to Zhong Li to have dinner, drinks and bowling with some people.   I hate the train… generally speaking I avoid all forms of public transit, for a multitude of reasons.  But worst of all, I never  (have to) take the train so the whole experience ends up being really stressful.  Trying to find the right platform, train etc…. is it going the right way?  Was that your stop?  Crap is this the right train.  I end up feeling all lost and unsure, which I hate.

So why the heck did I go?  Couldn’t find anything to do in Taipei?  Nah I actually had a couple of people ask me to do things, but I was invited out to Zhong Li by a friend who I thought was cute.. lol cute wins every time.  The train stressed me out, but me I need to relax about these kinds of things anyway.  Got to Zhong Li and was just so happy to be off the train I didn’t even mind the rain.  Turns out Scott has a couple of friends staying with him that just moved to Taiwan, who btw are super nice and cool.  I spent most of the night chatting with them, yay.

After dinner we all went out bowling and drinking, sigh there was some horrible drinking game with the bowling and I of course was losing.. lol.  I suck at bowling but I definitely get better as the booze flows.   After Bowling we went to a bar, pet a puppy on the way.. drink drink drink… well suddenly I noticed the time and was like…. um.. how are we getting back to Taipei?  Scott then informs me it’s cool we can all stay at his place, this get his the sidyways eyes… um your apartment is also in Taipei so this helps us how?  Turns out he has two places, one in Taipei and one in Zhong Li.   More drinking ensues…

We ended up copping a squat on the floor of the bar and playing spin the bottle.  Side note this was my first game of spin the bottle ever, and I was so excited!!  It was probably the tamest game of spin the bottle ever played (thank christ or I prolly would have chickened out!!)  I’m assuming it was so tame because we made the boys do what ever it was that we did… and they were just not up for tonguing each other lol.

We all ended up going to Scott’s to sleep, I was going to crash on the couch but the guy on the air mattress (who was from Belize, yet another reason to not like that place) suggested I crash on it to as there was lots of room.  I had been hanging out with American guys all night and I just wasn’t in Latin American Dude safety mode.   Totally my bad there, sigh I flopped on the air mattress  and nigh on passed out, but as soon as Trent went to bed and turned on the lights… the battle began.  Buddy, started slow put his arm over me.. slowly moving to around on my stomach.  Normally I would have just said… um wtf you doing .. don’t touch me.  But I was super tired and drunk and an arm on my stomach wasn’t that big of a deal,  besides it was a little cold.  Well everytime I didn’t resist aka i was passed out or asleep dude went for the gold under the clothes.  I moved his hand away like 34 times…. finally I was so pissed off I elbowed his hard and told him to leave me alone.  Down I go and I just wake up to him pawing me again.. now I can’t even go back to sleep … I’m all stressed and annoyed.  Pushed him and his wandering arm away again… rolled away from him.  Fucking arm came back and started to rub my hip and butt… that was enough I got up took my stuff and left!  Off to catch a nice and early train back to Taipei if I couldn’t sleep, might as well not sleep at my own house .

THEN When I was on the Train I was telling Tracey about the silliness of the night before and some dude freaked out at me… grr..long story short I went fully postal… he backed down when he saw the crazy in my eyes.  Finally got home chatted with Tracey for a while, then played some games with Casey then I called some other friends.

I actually called a few people, it’s always luck of the draw who I actually catch on the phone.  First I got gabs on the phone in Hong Kong (it’s hella cheap calling Hong Kong on skype ) told her of my follies and then she told me about the police busting her school and her getting this terrible scary letter that said if she was caught at a school that didn’t have their ducks (or permits) in a row then should would have to pay a $38000 cad plus face two years in jail… JESUS.. and all because her work didn’t have their permits correct.  How the hell is an employee meant to know that? All you can do is ask and you boss will just tell you don’t worry it’s all taken care of.  Anyway had a great chat and catch up…

Then I called Becky and she was actually around, we had a GREAT talk.. lots of yay yay totally’s going on.  I miss a lot of my friends, they are all so awesome Anyway after a couple of hours gabbing away with the girls then I went to play some games with my friend Tarra.  Suddenly, although not surprisingly, I crashed and burned around 7.. barely made it home and passed out fully dressed on my bed fingers on my laptop trying to type… woke up at 1030 and though, well screw it I’ll just go to bed for keeps.. slept till 9 the next day!

In the end I had all kinds of fun stories  and interesting memories under my belt.  tralalala

Here is the score-sheet of the day…

• ALEXY
• AMIT
• VISHAL
• PANDIT (Ravi)
• PAVAN
• VIVEK
• CVS (me !!)

All Credit for the awesome FUN goes to ALEXY i suppose. Coz he was the one who had planned this for ages…

The score-sheet doesn’t tell the whole story though. If the laughs we had and the joy we felt were added to it, all of us wud hav easily crossed 1000 by the end of the 10th round.

SPECIAL Thanks to the guys who bowled my 1st Three rounds and enabled me to hit an “EVEN-100″ right at the end of the 10th round.

To anyone who hasn’t tried out bowling yet,
i wud definitely recommend giving it a try atleast once.
(Trust me, Its NOT as difficult as it looks.)

__________________________

What’s Bowling??… Read here OR Watch Below

__________________________

Special Screening of “3-Idiots”

AFTERMATH: The story doesn’t end there. Totally “HIGH” on FUN alone,
we then had dinner in a nearby restaurant (whose name i forgot), where
“V” saw the “3-Idiots” in action i.e. ‘P”, “P” & “C”…

These were a bit warm when I put them on.

Yup they're warm.

Of course, I picked a pink ball.

My first roll was a STRIKE, Mars said “it’s gonna be a good game”. After a few more frames my Dad called me “gutter rider”. Yup I was the “gutter queen” even Mildred beat me a couple times. But it was so much fun. My arm was sore the next day, along with my back. I was the only one feeling the pain – weak! 

M-A’s Bowling Style 

Standing back, gearing up to walk towards the lane (far left corner)

Slam or drop or roll the ball and hope it coasts down the middle of the lane for a strike!

The stance - we all know where this ball is headed - yup a STRIKE

Mildred’s Bowling Technique 

Visualize the strike

Lean in - don't hurt yourself now

The sisters roll together 

3 ... 2 ... 1 ... bowl

Imtae’s Bowling Ways 

Warm Ups

With my Dad's coaching he was starting to get the ball to curve down the lane - good job.

Celebrating a strike?

Mars sat out this time. She would have beat us if she played.

The Pro’s Way 

He means business

One crazy ball

Check out his form

And the winner is NOT M-A J-C …I didn’t even break 100 this time around 

Afterwards around 2am-ish we went to Timmy’s for coffee. My Dad got an ice cap, it didn’t matter that it was Dec 23 in Winnipeg 

Brain Freeze - ouch!

On the slopes outside the White House gangs of treeplanters are still at work.  They have been at it all the time I’ve been here and seem to be getting gradually closer.  The saplings they are planting are taller than the workers, some are at least 6 ft. in height and there are hundreds of them on this hill alone.  Overall there must be thousands of new trees being planted.  An operation like this in Britain would cost a fortune.  This isn’t the green-welly brigade, as I have seen that and every other colour amongst them.  They have no mechanical aids, not even wheelbarrows, everything is carried on their shoulders.  The spades have long handles but no cross-pieces at the end of the shaft which must make digging into the ground quite difficult; if the soil was clay it would be really heavy work.

Receive a phone call in the afternoon and I am invited out to go 10-pin bowling with some of the other Foreign Teachers.  We meet at the gate, the only person missing is the teacher who was supposed to be taking us.  This weekend is Qing Min, the Tomb Sweeping Festival, possibly that is why he isn’t here.  Earlier I had seen small groups of people at the burial ground just outside the campus amongst all the shiny objects and symbols placed there.  The teachers stand around on the bridge over the Lianxi River outside the gate, waiting for something to happen – the river stinks with piles of rotting garbage thrown in from the market stalls.  While waiting we are approached by a group of [over-]enthusiastic school-girls who have spotted us and want to ask us all the routine questions –  name, where from, favourite food, favourite sport, do you like China, etc.  Our guide doesn’t show up so we decide to take a chance and find our own way there.  One or two of the group can speak some basic Chinese so we can get by. 

After arriving at the bowling alley we spend half an hour or more sorting out with the staff what we want and then set ourselves up on two of the lanes.  For the first game the losers pay for dinner, the second game the losers pay for the drinks at dinner.  The scoring mechanism is past its prime and starts giving incorrect results immediately so we write down the scores as we go along.  The lanes have also seen better dayso we see some amazing strikes [and misses]. We lose the first game but win the second. 

At a restaurant we meet up with one or two other teachers and some visitors from Dalian who have completed their contracts and are touring before returning to the US.  During the course of the meal various items of news are exchanged; one interesting little snippet concerns the previous President of the college at Dalian – he was executed last year for corruption, he stole 3 million yuan from the college treasury.  After dinner we spend another happy half-hour sorting out the bill and then return home.