Addicted to badminton...

Having some time off to play in the courts actually gives me a sense of solitude. Ironic as it may seem, playing somehow forces me to think of myself alone and learn things the lighter way...

Since i had a complete abortion in 2004, I stopped involving myself in sports. From elementary days until after I gave birth to Shami, I had been playing volleyball to release stress from work and meet new people. I could not say I was a very good athlete, though, but it always felt like I could easily move inside the court like a pro. I feel I am light and sexy, even if I weigh almost 115 pounds now. When I was with Misys Manila, a colleague of mine invited me to play with her friends and even if I had no experience holding a racket, I found it interesting to try playing badminton. That was before I realized I was pregnant with my supposedly third baby.

Fortunately, now that Khristine is here with me in China, who is one of the best female badminton players I ever knew, I get to play again. I had to buy a not so expensive racket and some sportswear to complete my get-up. We usually play on Saturdays, and try to reserve courts two weekdays more every week. Most DCFS boys join us, plus Zahid and our boss, Geoff. The project manager of Equation in DCFS is also one great sports girl herself. I haven't seen such strong arms as hers in any other women ever. I avoid playing against her in courts. Hahaha. The longest time we were able to play was five hours, with around eight people shifting plays after every game of four. The most frustrating was when we reserved one court for only two hours while twelve players must have the chance to play more than once. Each game usually lasts 15 to 30 minutes.

The cost of courts here in the Hi-tech Development Zone in Xi'an is far more expensive than the courts we could rent in Makati in the Philippines. They look the same, though. Maybe, the heating expense is a big factor...

After badminton, we either go straight for dinner or play more at the recreation center of Digital China. The gym where we play badminton is just two blocks away from the DCFS Building. In the recreation area, you can either dance or play "sipa" (yes, Chinese people play "sipa" too), play billiards or table tennis. We can also go there at lunchtime during weekdays if we less prefer to take a short nap. Amazing!!!

I have to sleep early tonight to prepare for another busy weekend, included in my itinerary is my badminton session with the usual people from work.