I’ve been given training on creating storyboards, but at the same time I was asked this week to develop a Powerpoint deck that takes the form of describing Microsoft SQL Servers. The task was to demonstrate the new features of SQL Server Management within Powerpoint, while maintaining a visual appeal.

As a result, I was given Microsoft Office Powerpoint 2007 full version to install on my PC. Following this, I worked in conjunction with a colleague to come up with several designs. We took the material supplied to us from the client and read through the terminology to decide what could be demonstrated.

It was important to outline only the specific variations of content that the audience would feel is most important and find visually appealing. Therefore, my colleague and I came up with a wordlist for which we split up between the two of us and created graphics for.

It was at this point that I was introduced to what is known as the Graphics Library. A collection of copyrighted graphics provided by Microsoft in Flash vector format. These icons/graphics are used in pretty much every production that requires a graphic representation of Microsoft products – whether it was for static or dynamic (animation) graphics.

I was told about the limitation of this and how this doesn’t go down too well with our department. In other words we were limited to only using what Microsoft had provided for us. However, thankfully Powerpoint 2007 was bursting full of attractive effects – something I couldn’t wait to get hands on, to do.

I spent some time going through and learning Powerpoint 2007, as well as keeping on track with project status and letting colleagues know about the new features. As per usual, I found myself delving into the deep end, only to find that I picked up the software very quickly (adapted from the previous version of Powerpoint 2003).

Project Katmai was the name given to this set of Powerpoint decks. Some/All projects were given a codenames, as to distinguish between projects that may involve similar features/content in a completely different media environment.

I want to thank the team so far for devoting support in pointing out some new components of life related to work that I need to be well aware of.

One in particular – do what the client says!

Storyboards were flooding in this week.  I was given some opportunity to present my storyboarding skills, again using the Microsoft Learning graphics library (MSL lib). Storyboards all took place with Microsoft Word 2007 environment.

I was yet to do any work with in Flash development from these storyboards. However, I was told more this work would be heading my way once I got used to storyboarding.

I met some new colleagues this week, who were previously away the (on holiday). Again, they were very welcoming and polite.

Although Groove was finished I continued with 6453ae (part of the Groove), as the worst nightmare hit the team – it came back requiring debugging as there were mistakes previously.

However this was normal, as the client would always come back with parts they were not happy about. It wasn’t a case that they were not being happy with the result however, but more of a case of “can you change this instead of that,” which is a common cause expected from clients.

Nevertheless there were a plentiful number of creations waiting to be started/completed in VistaDell.
Storyboarding for course crse6155ae_01_03_01_ani01 (VistaDell) was completed and ready for animation. Further screenshot capturing was needed for several sims and converting PSD using Photoshop, ready to export out as individual edited PNGs.

Two more courses came into play that I wasn’t supposed to be on, but help was required – Longhorn Clinics and Longhorn Courses. Again, these courses were all from MSL – just different topics for eLearning.
The VistaDell was a partly from MSL, partly from Dell. MSL courses are all pretty much the same, except the detail in content is specific and needs attention to match the appropriate graphics.

Even though there were still demos and animations to complete, work was steadily on track. There are definitely times when the whole team panics, and sometimes I don’t realise how severe it can be, given that I’ve not been through the whole development cycle/process for managing a course.

From what I’ve gathered though, things get a bit tougher nearer the end of projects.

This week, I was mostly piled on with demos and animations, ready for the team to pick up on!

Argh it’s late here (11pm at the start of writing this) but it is the only time I have mananged to find to actually start telling everyone back at home what’s happening! Where do I start?

Before I start, I have to let you know, the Internet is not as developed as in the UK, so this is quite a slow connection. So this post might look a little long, but definitely is worth the read. I’ve even gone to the effort of using Microsoft Paint to resize some pictures I took on my camera!

It has been 8 days since I have been in Mauritius (MU) and it’s been fantastic. It is my first time here for those who I have not told. I arrived on Tuesday 9th of July at 2pm in the afternoon, after taking the flight from Heathrow Airport at 8pm. The flight did not leave until about 9:30pm.

The flight lasted about 12 hours and it was one long journey! While sitting on the plane waiting for it to move, I took a few pictures of people around me as it was a whole new experience for me. I was really excited to be actually sitting on a plane that was ready to launch above the high sky clouds. The pictures below show the start of my journey:

An image of inside the plane. I sat next to a window! Woo!

Another view in front of my seat, of the people on board!

Outside the window while waiting for the plane to take off!

So, that was the start of my journey. It was very exciting waiting (as strange as that sounds!). Given that I’ve taken the flight now, I’ve gained a little insight into what it was like in comparison to other flight people (like British Airways or Emirates), from other people’s perspective…

I’ve calculated using the reviews, that the flight’s service was given the big 6/10.

The only downside to travelling with Air Mauritius was the leg room! The food was satisfactory (better than what most other planes give apparently!) and the entertainment was definitely there (about 16 movies to choose from : ) ).

Other than that, the flight was great. I did arrive with a very annoying back pain though, which has taken a week to go (thankfully!).

The plane over France.

About half way through the journey, I took a shot of the plane over the Earth’s skies.

Anyway, for those wondering why I have been given the time off work and abandonned tennis coaching in the UK for 6 weeks – it is for the reason that both my brothers are getting married (and that I’ve finished University’s 2nd year). Here’s a quick shot of when I was landing in Mauritius:

Landing in Mauritius! (Got some more but will post later!)

This Sunday (22nd July) will be my middle brother’s (Afzal) big day, and the following week (1st August) will be my eldest brother’s (Naushad) big day. However, it is far more complicated than being just one day. There are several ceremonies spread over the weeks, as well as visiting many different families to celebrate the joyous occasion amongst them. And I tell you, that’s A LOT of family!

Talking of family – on the day that I arrived, I met up with some family that I have not met before. I’m not going to start saying who’s who! Trust me – it’s madness. Here’s some of my tiny cousins:

Nadia on a Bike that was broken.
She pedalled and pedalled but didn’t know why she wasn’t going anywhere!

Nadia’s sister, Zahra. So cute!

The above two I knew already. I’ve met them in the UK often. They are so cute! I can’t stop saying that! Haha.

Mehajabeen I’d not met before. She did not know me until I spoke French which forced me to dish out the French skills again! I must say, I impressed myself. Haha, the modesty!

Well anyway, it has been pretty much like that so far. Trekking up to families around MU while also taking pictures of the scenery. As most people said when I left, I was lucky to be leaving the bad weather there in the UK and coming to such a tropical island. Having mentioned that, it is actually Winter here and for nearly all MU’s that live here – 26 degrees celcius is cold for them : |. I could not believe that. Scorching for me! But that’s differences in life for you! So I will put it simply: The weather is awesome!

The balcony of my uncles house where I stayed the first week (sorry about the netting!).

A typical street in Rosehill. Rosehill is one of the many main cities in Mauritius.
Behind those mountains/hills is Port Louis (the capital of Mauritius).

Well I’ve spent an hour now typing this all up. The days for my brothers are coming ever so close. There’s lots of preperations happening, which have been left to my parents to sort out (thank them!).

Having lived with the parents at my Uncle’s place for the last week, I am now moving around living with other families instead. I am amazed. I really can’t believe this is my ethnic/home background. I really like this place! Especially my family. Everyone is just amazing!

In relation to the beginning of this post, I am now staying with Afzal (my middle brother) who has only just arrived (2 days ago). And today, his long known friend from Oxford University took time off his work (he’s a doctor – very difficult to get time off) to be present at his wedding this Sunday. He has just arrived today.

I have so much I could say about everyone here, individually – but that’d take hours to type up. I’ve said as much as I think I can, apart from two other people.

Shazia and Nadim are the only two people so far (my age) whom I’ve been conversing with about the real life of Mauritius. They’ve given a pretty cool insight into what happens throughout all times of the day. Nadim’s favourite words are “FAST!” and “What is your role?” Shazia is a laugh to be around! One of the nicest girl’s I’ve known for a while…

Shazia and Nadim : ).

Anyway! Tomorrow (which has now turned into today!), I am off to play tennis! With a tennis coach from France! At a private villa! With their own courts, swimming pool and and an over-seen beach that is 2 minutes away! EEK! Yay!

So where am I?

Boo! Me at Nadim’s place! The hat! I told you! It comes with me wherever I go!
(It was actually a little bit chilly that night : p).

Well guys! Thanks for reading! As I said, I got so many memories in my mind that’s happened over the last 8 days, but I can’t describe them in words!

Nevertheless, I will hopefully get back to you with more pictures and information about how the weddings went! Take care and hey… it’s not that bad! I hear weather is cheering up in the UK ; ).

I’ve quickly added a quake category. Check it out under the portfolio section. I’ll also post some general news about the game and my happenings, as I get more time.

Latest news on my side of things – we’re (myself and wandii) slowly (yes, it’s taken 4 years… : s ) but surely coming along with a new idea for the quakeworld movie we had planned a long time ago (check out QDI – TDD in the 3D animation section). As with previous productions (that never got finished) – we will be incorporating a fully vocal feature movie, with extra special effects from third party software, alongside traditional level editing, to preserve Qauke’s nature.

One further feature we are trying to get to grips with is the new camQuake. A feature that will be VERY useful for production.

It’s going to be a huge project, but something which will hopefully blow the quakeworld generation away! I can’t wait to release the first chapter. Definitely a feature to look out for!

It’s been three days since I’ve started at Content Master. Today was my forth day.

My first impressions of starting:

Amazing!

Content Master has really inspired me to begin a career into what I’m known to be good at – Multimedia.

Although I have not yet experienced much multimedia work as of yet, I have seen all the work I have yet to come. I have had my two day induction involving an introduction to every department in the building. There are so many people to know! And they are all so friendly!

There are about 50 employee’s in the converted 3 storey + one basement house that we work in. I am located on the ground floor alongside a team of four others. The members from left to right include the lovely Kerry (table-football genious?!), Robin (“pink?”) Liz (“Oh Bollocks!”), and James (“how many brothers you got? How many sisters?”).

Not forgetting the other multimedia team down in the newly constructed basement – We have (from left to right) Minty, Matt, Tom and Rich (closest).

Members of the team who are currently on holiday and who I have yet to meet include Tatiana, Keith and Sean.

So far, it’s been great meeting these people. They have welcomed me very much to the multimedia department and I’m beginning to understand more about the company every day, through their knowledge.

Today I finished my first multimedia practice production. It’s practice for what is to come in the near future – storyboarding a Writer’s work, followed by animating the storyboard in Flash and then synchronising the animation with a voice sound file.

It’s taken me two days to vaguely know my way around all the files on the huge database Content Master have. Their organisation is specific to the way their previous projects have run – and slowly but surely I am grasping the routines involved for these projects.

For those interested in the technical aspect of my job, we are each supplied with the following:

2 x 2.4ghz Pentium D Processor, 2 x Radeon x1550 Graphics Card, 1 x 24″ Dell widescreen flat panel, 2 x 21″ Dell flat panels, 160gb Hard-drive.

So to conclude this blog post about my first ever placement position, I’ve realised this choice has been some what of a wise decision. From what I’ve experienced in the last few days, I can safely say this WILL benefit me in the longrun!

I want to thank everyone for their support so far!

For now, I’ve been assigned my first project with Robin – Project Katmai – commencing next week. All projects are given codenames as these are products being released by clients which are still in beta (not yet released to the public).

Anyway, I leave you with Kerry. With a duck on her head.

Finally! I’m done!

Today is Tuesday (as it says in the post – duh!) – and I am finished. Second year university is over since yesterday. Tennis coaching is gradually coming to an end at CLC (at last! Getting tired of it). My work placement begins this Monday (Yay can’t wait to start!) and the trip to Mauritius for 6 weeks is only 3.5 weeks away ( . <– thedotsaysitall)!

It has been one hell of a ride to get here, given all my commitments – but here I am…

Over the last few posts/months/weeks/days/hours/minutes and even to this very second… I have been talking about how busy I have been. It’s such a relief to have finally reached a stage where I can be (slightly) relaxed. Although university is over, I for one thing, have plenty more on my plate.

I was talking to some university friends the other week. Many of my friends were saying how amazing I am at my Multimedia work (and I am not just saying that : P). To my surprise, they each said this individually without conferring with one-another. It was quite a unique situation to be proud of : ).

Nevertheless, to have heard many of the same positive comments about my work and myself, was an encouraging thought to keep me motivated. Then again… It was at the same time, quite a coincidence as everyone was desperately trying to finish off their assignments to hand in before the deadline – so maybe the comments to me were just a hint for something else ; ).

I seem to be pretty good at what I do though. I know for a fact I put in the work when it comes to completing assignments. However, I have realised my main drawback in completing work –

Doing things all in the last minute.

Many university students complain about how the university module guides do not explain the assignment brief thoroughly enough. Hence, as most of my friends did (and myself in fact (only for one module!)), the commencing of an assignment a week before the actual deadline was inevitable.

I am usually not that fussy about what it says in the module guide, yet obviously follow it to the best I can. Generally the end product is exactly what they ask for – as I tend to coincidentally include things which they request in the first place. I suppose that is just proof of showing how I have the mind of a multimedia designer (just about!). As I continue the development of the assignment, I realise problems and provide solutions to them to satisfy my own issues and that of the module guide.

Starting an assignment is the most difficult part of university work.

It literally is. If you don’t know what your opening sentence is going to be or you don’t know which part of the assignment to start first – it seriously de-motivates you to even pursue further research/interest in what they ask for.

In my point of view, I found this to be the case for a lot of the modules this year.

Looking back, I’ve calculated that it takes me an average of 2.5 weeks of university time, before I actually pratically begin what I’m suppose to do for the assignment (e.g. Design the structure for the interface of the design).

In other words, if the whole assignment took me 10 hours to complete, 2.5 hours would be spent just staring at the module guide, write one paragraph if it is an essay type question, or click the link to JUST open the software required to develop the idea I have in my mind! After familairising myself with the techniques of working, I have a fair idea of what I am doing. But whatever it may be – it’s so hard to get started.

Many of my friends were desperately asking me for help. One friend even offered me money (quite a bit in fact!), to help him complete his assignment in a few days! I did refuse of course, given that I was also in the situation of having to complete all my work! But it didn’t stop me from helping him and as a result, he completed his assignment in the end. It kind of shows the similarities of my friends (i.e. being under pressure and stressing), but moreover the differences, in comparison to me (i.e. “chilling” and getting down to solving it).

As I gradually overcame problems to do with assignments, everything became less stressful.

You know, I never thought I’d really experience stress. That’s such an understatement. Everyone experiences stress, but I don’t actually tell myself I do.

However, on this occasion – I think only once, did I say to my brother (when he was visiting home)

“I’m so stressed : (.”

In response he simply said what most other people would have said:

“That’s life! Deal with it.”

Anyway, what makes me deal with stress? I think it’s my determination to know what level of work I can achieve. But I know one thing which helps me most. Friends.

I have friends who are experts in the field of work I would like to evolve around. These friends really have the answers to questions I never thought could be. But also my university friends. They are the ones who struggle with problems which I know. Spilling these problems over to me only exercises my mindset, activating solutions that are known to me, which in turn faciliates the recognition of answers to these problems.

Cheating? No. They don’t give me the answer to the problem – they guide me to my problems and insist I resolve it myself. They give me examples of how it could be done – extra scenarios, problems and exercises. They tell me to do these first before I even begin my own idea. I struggle, fight and conquer. But winning the battle of success to one problem always results in more!

The result? An effective design learnt and developed by myself.

The only way to progress in life is to learn from your own mistakes.

Ah well, with time off – I have loads to say! But I’m going to stop it there for this post. I’ll do more either later tonight as a new entry, or… well… whenever you see another post!

Ciao.

P.S. I mentioned Zahra. I win.

It’s funny how I get influenced to update on my website.

I have so much to say. It’s unfair. I really want to talk – but I don’t have the time to tell people.

I tell people information about what has happened to me in the last few days, in person, yet sometimes the people I talk to seems so insignificant, given the amount of detail I go into. So I don’t feel motivated enough to want to talk to people.

But I talk to people for a reason – to get it out of my system and at least have someone else know about it (however they interprete/feel about it).

It’s funny how people try make it look like they are interested (however genuine it may be).

I lost my phone today.

The first time I’ve lost something important. I lost it and then found out it was stolen. the reason for this post – it’s the idea of items being stolen. Items that have been misplaced and located by a stranger – only to realise they have the opportunity to take it without other people realising, it actually doesn’t belong to them.

From the moment I realised, it got me thinking about the apparent “way of life” and how people persue this. It makes me feel even more sad to know there are people out there who do not have the decency to hand something as important as my mobile phone, to a more responsible person within the situation it was lost, i.e. the bus driver.

It’s funny how a silk-white pocket causes objects to slide around/out, especially as one makes their way up from being seated.

I was on the top deck, four chairs down the back on the bus, on the right-hand-side. Having only realised my phone was missing after I exited the bus doors, I immediately chased the bus down, only to find the next stop (and last) was the city centre.

As frantic as I was to catch up with this bus, I didn’t stop to take a breath. This in turn triggered a few more thoughts.

It’s funny how adrenaline levels increase given the realisation of something important.

The “stuff” inside yourself that says “Oi! Keep going… NOW!” I just didn’t stop – no matter how out of breath I felt – I just had to keep going.

A journey that would usually take a walk of 20 minutes took a 6 minute run. However, it wasn’t good enough. I literally stood at the stop and noticed everyone that was previously on the bus, had now exited. Barging in front of a 15 person queue to get to the entrance of the bus, I asked the driver if anyone had handed in a mobile telephone. A Polish type accent simply responded as “No, nono, sorry.” Reaching the top deck I continued searching the seat I sat at.

While those on the top deck watched me, a girl kindly asked what the issue was and helped by lending me her mobile phone to give my phone a call. Ringing and ringing, no one wanted to pick up. Yet, the sound of the ringing tone simply answered the question that the phone was still active and someone had it. With no other options available to me, I gave up. There was no other way I could get hold of this phone. No one picked up. No phone sound on the bus. All was gone.

(On an extra note… the girl that lended me her phone, I accidentally typed in my number wrong (missed one digit) and tried to cancel it (didn’t know the phone’s interface that well – so I was struggling a little).

By the time I started to type it again, an incoming call was happening, which looked like the number I mis-dialled. Anyway, it was very confusing, so her friend next to her then lent me her phone, while the original girl who lended me her phone, was looking at what number was calling her.

I was really confused at this moment and worried about what I should do. During the time of typing my number on her friend’s phone, I was thinking about what could be done to retrieve my phone, only to realise I was pacing up and down the bus (towards the stairs, to the bottom deck), which kind of made the situation worse – she thought I was trying to run off with her phone!

Having realised this I apologised, yet she too, knew I was not intentionally pacing up and down the bus, making it look as if I were going to run off with her phone. But it was just that moment which, again, came to mind, even in the given situation.

It’s funny how one situation leads to another if you’re not careful.

I thanked the two girls for their help – I felt a small glimmer of happiness for helping me).

I headed back to the real reason I travelled from Gloucester to Cheltenham that day. Taking me 15 minutes to walk to the Cheltenham Ladies College Sports Hall, I felt like everything was lost. Studpily enough, I even nearly got run over :S (the green light changed as I walked half way across the wide, 4 lane road).

I didn’t know what to do. Ahead of me was several hours of coaching. Something that I did not look forward to anymore. Upon arriving at the tennis courts, I was only 5 minutes late and the girl did not mind.

It’s funny how (my) mood swings change within seconds of realising something that was a part of your life, has now gone.

I spoke to a few of the other coaches there who were in the middle of their lessons, explaining my situation, while sounding very depressed. It was only fair they did not complain (or report to my boss) that I was late for my lesson.

It’s funny how when you turn up for your lesson, someone else is taking it for you (that one made me smile at least!)

So with first lesson accidentally taken by another coach, I had some time off. I decided to give my phone one more call. Within those 15 minutes of arriving at work, this last go at calling, gave a response in the form of the operator answer machine voice, that “your call cannot be connected. Please try again later.”

That was the end of that. No more getting through to that phone as it simply meant the guy had removed my sim card.

I gave my dad a call using one of the coaches mobile phones. He was disappointed that I had lost/had it stolen, however, was not as angry as I thought he’d be (he’s the type that would warn you about everything before you step out of the house door, e.g. “Make sure you don’t leave anything behind when you leave your seat.”)

While feeling glum about the whole situation, a happy thought clicked. I beleived I had (a few months ago) saved my contact list to my laptop. That is to say – I have most my numbers available. However, at the time of writing this post, I still have not found that saved file. I am starting to have doubts that I didn’t actually save it, but only remember using the list on my laptop. That will be further to my shame : (.

Well, as lessons went by, I seemed to be happier.

It’s funny how I have a job that requires me to be a certain mood, regardless of the situation.

But, by the time I finished all my lessons, the time was approaching 7:20pm (I started work from 3:30pm). As I was walking off to the nearest bus stop (15 minutes away), a random car beeped at me. It was my coach friends from Gloucester. They stopped and I briefly explained what a nightmare of a day I’ve had. They offered me a lift to the bus stop I needed to wait at, where I was intending to catch the 7:46pm bus back to Gloucester, only to read the next bus was on the hour (8:04pm to be exact).

While the stop was literally next to the restaurant my friends were going to dine at, I said my byes, arrived at the bus stop at 7:30pm, but realised at 7:46pm (which is when the bus was suppose to arrive) that it was a Bank Holiday Monday and the timetable follows a Sunday schedule. So I had to wait 40 minutes for the bus, given the traffic too (there was huge roadworks happening which put a lot of delay to traffic coming from 3 different directions).

It’s funny how a day seems to ping-pong from good moments to bad moments, more frequently on a bad day.

Well I got home by 8:30pm and immediately called my network providor (o2), to report my phone as being stolen.

I was amazed to find out that they blocked the sim card straight away (which had all my numbers on from what I can remember) and issued a block on the phone itself to bar any sim card that is put in the phone from making or receiving calls. This now meant the guy could not see my numbers any more (as he took the sim card out earlier anyway!).

And even further to my surprise, they said they would issue me a new pay-as-you-go sim card with the same number! That made me happy. To know the guy that took my phone would now be landed with a useless (small) brick and to have my number back without having to tell everyone “my number has changed.”

It’s funny how technology can cause actions to happen within seconds.

The only problem I’m left with now is finding out the numbers that were on the phone.

Now where did I save that file?

Well first thing is, the word pointless describes today perfectly… read on to find out why.

I got home about 5:45pm, logged into MSN Messenger, only to find a message from a friend (Kate) asking “how you doin?”

She asked, so I gave – only to find her words ending as “chill!” and ceased any further conversation with me.

But, in fact I am/was pretty chilled while explaining. It’s just funny how people interprete a mood given how much I talk about it in words, via MSN Messenger.

Nevertheless, here is today’s in a little more detail…

Today – a Wednesday, raring for yet again a Uni tennis match, playing as part of the University of Gloucestershire’s 1st team. As mentioned in previous posts under this category, I appreciate I have made it this far in terms of tennis standards. I am really happy I have an opportunity to play for the University of Gloucestershire (well any University would have been great should I not have gone to the UoG).

Taking that into account, I feel I’m at a standard where I can really push and show some real potential to, not just others, but most importantly, myself. I also realise this is a time for others who are part of the team to be in that frame of mind too.

So at the point of getting ready to play, the moment of truth where the last minute (I’m not sure why it’s the case) decision has to be made by the team captain, of who plays what match i.e. singles or doubles.

I don’t know what it was, but I just flowed with the decision made by Tim (at 2pm), only to realise at the last minute before everyone went to play (at 3pm), I should have actually brought forward my reasons for playing the singles match today rather than the doubles match.

Also, doubles was arranged to be played AFTER the singles matches. Tim assigned me and Chiefy, as he did the two weeks ago. So maybe, it was my “fault” for not raising the issue of me not feeling comfortable playing doubles twice in a row – although at the time I didn’t really take much notice of it – I hope you follow that!

Aside that, I did request at the VERY last second to the forth player (who is usually me or this other guy) (oh, and stupid timing really! Just as he is about to go on…), if I could take his position – the position I wanted to play – the singles match in other words.

Instead he gave the blunt answer of “No – I want to play it.” followed by walking on court. “Fair enough.” I thought. “Thanks for any consideration.” I added to myself. Maybe reiterating Tim’s decision would have been a little more considerate. “Oh well,” I thought.

—–

I was asked by the team captain to arrive promptly at 1:15pm the day before, via a text, ready for the match against Bristol (a REALLY strong team). My hopes were shooting through the roof as I couldn’t wait to play against this opposition, trying to prepare myself both mentally and physically with a game-plan of what I could potentially pull off.

Arriving at the tennis centre at 12:23pm, myself and Ash were discussing how the 2nd’s team were performing (the 2nd’s team for the University of Gloucestershire also had a match on the same day as us against Swansea. It was therefore organised, to play their matches a little earlier, so it would make time for the 1st’s team matches to be completed too).

As usual, Ash and I had a good conversation, including points which enlightened the 2nd’s team game-play, but also things I should be taking into consideration too, however petty it was!

So sitting around for a good hour before the rest of the 1st team appeared (1:17pm), I was already there, ate well before (cheese and onion toastie! Mmm!), well prepared and welcoming the rest of the gang, giving them feedback about how the 2nd’s team were doing.

As time passed, I and a few of the first team members managed to get a few hits as the 2nd’s team matches were well underway and mostly finished (around 1:45pm) – ready for the 1st’s team matches to commence. Apparently the opposition (Bristol) were suppose to arrive at 2pm. So things were going well… just another 15-20 minute to wait, for the opposition to arrive.

Having heard 15 minutes later during the time I was having a hit (at 2pm), the captain apparently had phoned the University of Gloucestershire (or Bristol themselves – can’t remember) a few days before today, to ask them to let the University of Bristol know to start at 2pm rather than 3pm (the original schedule) as that would give the 1st’s team more time to play their matches. With the opposition not arriving, Tim began to conclude they are coming at the original time of 3pm. Eek!

In other words, court availability was limited (we had the courts only till 4:30pm). So arriving at 3pm means 1 hour and 30 minutes to finish 4 singles matches and 2 doubles matches. Not going to happen. Heh.

So taking into account that I arrived nice and early (12:23pm), gave feedback to load of guys, spoke to a few coaches and gained some positive input, assissted in a tennis lesson with another coach, had a few good hits before – I had been at the centre for 2 hours 30 minutes. That takes us to 3pm.

So my time was being spent wondering around the tennis centre finding the odd task to kill time. Not THAT constructive really : \.

At 3pm I was on court, discussing my fustration in a tennis lesson Ash as he was giving a lesson to Trevor. It’s quite amazing the kind of shots you can hit when you’re seriously fustrated… Then again, I did have some sympathy left inside given that it was Trevor (a wheelchair champ!) on the other side trying his utmost to execute his serves according to the coaching tips Ash was giving him. Heh – yet another contrasting yet strange feeling…

Anyway, while he was finishing everything off, I realised the opposition had actually arrived (I was on court one (the other side of the centre to where the matches were playing), so I didn’t know that the opposition arrived until I saw them go on court). During the time I spent talking to Ash about how I hadn’t been picked to play the single’s matches – he too questioned it in the most suprising manner as to “why are you not playing THE singles!?”

This, I suppose made me more fustrated, as he was right. So I left Ash and Trev at it and moved over to the other courts where Tim was assigning courts to everyone to get started! So yeah, at this point, that’s where I asked the forth player, as he was just about to go on court.

His response just kind of flattened the whole situation out, to the thought of “Ok, I really can’t be arsed to do anything now. Kthxbye.” It wasn’t really his fault. Neither was it Tim’s. It’s the way things had to be I suppose.

Well either way, I spent way too much time wondering why Tim gave a reason/excuse on why he didn’t pick me rather than bringing up the matter with him. I did however have the guts to ask… which took some effort and nudging. I decided to ask because I wouldn’t get that opportunity to do so if the forth player went on court (plus Tim was already on court). This in turn would have probably lead to having another reason to blame myself for not asking, if I didn’t ask… lol confusing but I get it.

So yeah, pretty crappy day so far. From 12:23pm to 3pm I merely sat down doing bugger all. From 3pm onwards I felt pretty crap given that I didn’t get to play the singles. But then, a problem which was already anticipated earlier now was in action.

This also made the situation even worse as I realised wouldn’t get to play the doubles either!

Come 4pm (an hour after all four singles matches being played), the team were chucked off all four courts. Now, KNOWING that Bristol would woop us, was pretty much proven given that they wooped the 2nd’s team 10 – 0, two weeks ago.

The unfinished scores upon coming off at 4pm, were basically saying “UoG are going to lose”. Heh heh.

So what was this feeling? This feeling of being well annoyed and fustrated that I’ve spent a whole day doing nothing (and missing a very important lecture!)… Or a feeling of knowing the guilt guy number four had as he was losing – the guy who refused to let me play when asking? Knowing that he was seriously getting wooped and knowing that I’d recently (two days ago) beat him in a singles match (6-2). Knowing that I specifically told Tim this. It was like a half-way smile/grin fustrated sort of *Eeevil look* Mwahaha. Er… ye…

But at the same time, maybe a feeling of knowing that the captain was getting wooped and he was just giving excuses to abandon the match. Maybe knowing that he overheard the forth guys result and wondered “I wonder what happened if I had picked Z! He’d maybe have done better!” I can’t really say that though, for Tim has his reasons to pick his team. Plus it would have been the same if I played. We’d have to come off after an hour anyway… So I can’t complain really! They were just thoughts in the end.

Who knows – maybe if I played, I would have got wooped just like the current number four was (I think the score was 6-1, 0-1 to Harrikesh (the Bristol guy) at the time). But then again, given my performance recently I think I would have done much better.

But also, maybe it was the feeling of knowing the decisions made had really made the situation more stressful for the captain. Knowing how tough it was for him.

Maybe knowing that the discussion of this situation with Ash, was now making more sense! It was a prediction that we both knew was correct.

The guys would never have enough time to play the match and I’d just sit there knowing I wouldn’t even get a chance to play. But more to the point, I felt I should easily be at number four in the singles (given that I didn’t in the previous match too). Given that these are home grounds I would have enjoyed match at my fullest (as I’ve been playing on them for the last five years now!)

But either way, the guys at UoG would get completely dicked (as Ash put it) by Bristol (even if I was to play (well most likely)).

But still, that was not the attitude I had today. And Neither was it for the others I suppose. I realised I was well up for a singles match just as everyone else was. On the other hand, the guy I would have played (I found out his name to be Harrikesh), was a look-a-like of me! The long hair, the goty beard, the height! Nearly everything matched my looks (and even gameplay when I was watching him)!

But more-over it was another asian player (Hindu – I’m gathering from the name). Quite a rarity in this day and age in my opinion, i.e. someone who has actually continued to play tennis at university level and who is asian. When was the last time you saw one of those (exluding me : p)!

But I think that’s something I would understand more than others, given that I’ve hardly played any other asian players the same/better standard than me. But today, that was the opportunity! I would have loved to experience that. Especially at the age I am today.

Serious competition, in home environment, at university standard against an asian dude! *Sigh*

The more I think about it, the more I regret not being chosen to play singles : /.

Anyway, the time is now 4pm. Everyone had been thrown off court. I heard at this point though, Tim kind of “cheated” in making the situation lean more to our favour. He got so pissed off with his opponent during gameplay, he lied and said we had to come off at 4pm, when in fact we had until 4:30pm. Heh, nice work buddy ; ).

But, that’s a matter that should not have really influenced the situation that much! Therefore the four singles matches could have continued for another 30 minutes. Maybe they would have been completed by then given that Bristol were all one set up against UoG!

Either way, the opposition began to get REALLY shitty towards the UoG. They complained they should be finishing the matches (one even suggested to play outside! Wtf? Dude – “Look outside before you comment,” was the reaction of everyone. It was dark, raining plus NO flood-lights (which he probably didn’t know anyway)). That made loads of us laugh and the Bristol guy embarassed.

But the defensive side of the UoG kicks in, explaining that we had no more court time – but more over, Bristol were one hour late in arriving.

Using this as a comeback, Bristol continued to explain they did not receive the message to come at 2pm. Furthermore, the UoG was apparently entitled to claim the match as they were one hour late. Bristol kept arguing the fact of not finishing the matches in time, even if they did come at 2pm. But they couldn’t really say that. No one would really know.

Tim continued to get stressed and annoyed at two members of the opposition who were all over him, trying to claim the fact they would have won all the singles matches, given that all four singles that came off court (including Tim’s), were all one set down and nearing completion in the second set, in Bristol’s favour.

My reactions to this were merely to encourage Tim to re-play the matches at another day/time. I preferred not to get involved. Yet, it was the only logical explanation, suggested many times. Understandably, Bristol did not want to travel to Gloucester again, therefore Tim suggested that we (the UoG) would go to them. Still, Bristol felt “used” and did not want to come out of this without some sort of fight.

The point about re-playing the whole match seemed to be in slight agreement each time it was mentioned, but kept floating in the air, as if know one wanted to agree with it. Each team wanted to take advantage of their own situation. i.e. UoG had the excuse Bristol came late, while Bristol had the excuse that the matches would not have finished in time even if they started at 2pm.

About 15 minutes later everyone finally came to the conclusion to leave it up to BUSA to decide (duh!). Personally, I think BUSA will reply with the solution of re-playing (maybe home, but they might take into consideration the fact Bristol travelled to us for “nothing”). It only makes sense given the complaints from both teams.

It was clear in the end that both teams were in the wrong. To us, they were actually foreseen circumstances but were not addressed appropriately. The whole team knew there was going to be a dispute (well I knew) and that the courts issue would crop up. For some reason, why no one decided to act on this accordingly, which meant it was likely we would be playing Bristol again.

Nevertheless, everyone headed to the bar after the disputes, to drown the most random match to date with alcohol. It turned out pretty cool in the end. I have realised quite a lot about my personal feelings when it comes to tennis. Hopefully I can address them better next time!

Hey! Maybe I might have the chance to play the singles after all… Hehe : ]. Actually, better not get hopes up too high again. I might be sitting around for another 5 hours 45 minutes again. But today has been weird. I’ve had quite a few mood swings, but only to find it’s worked in my favour… I think?

So, yeah. Today was pointless for me. Get it? POINT-less… Hmm…

At last, my first Uni match won (second match played in total), against The University of the West of England (UWE). Just a quick note to self, to say that this is the very first competitive match I’ve won in a long time!

It was great match, partnering Chiefy (Keith Mabey) for the doubles. He was tired after his singles match (which he still won!), but to have a fresh new body in the game (me), it made things pretty slick and easy win for the both of us. Nevertheless we both pulled off some great shots!

Overall I dished out some awesome serves and played without making hardly any mistakes! The practice session I had with Ash (tennis coach) a few weeks back was very useful and definitely was a memorable, reflecting session for future performance (such as the Uni match). A huge difference! Woo!

We played at Bristol in a Next Generation Centre (loads of them are dotted around the UK). The surface was new to me too – carpet. Very bouncy, very bright (florescent orange!?), but more to the point, very reactive with spin – which I LOVE. Very bouncy, cushy surface to move about on too. I actually think it’s faster than a normal acrylic surface (indoor hardcourt).

However it didn’t take long to wipe them out. There were a few undisuputed points from both ends, which left all of us in question – but we just kept quiet about them all and continued.

Final score: Mens 1st Team won 7 – 3 against UWE, Ladies won 10 – 0 against Swansea and Mens 2nd Team lost 10 – 0 against Bristol (eek!).

I LOVED IT!

Ok, I’ve been promising myself since I got back to write a review of my first match for The University of Gloucestershire, against UWIC, played today (25th October). When I got home I set my MSN thought message name to:

The best day of my tennis life! I lost but Ahh! I loved it!

and after that, at least five different people (if not more) messaged me asking how I got on. It was at this point that I could not explain, as it was the most enjoyable experience I’ve had in a long time in a losing sort of way?! Read on to find out why.

Just as a quick reference, should you read this and find you are a sporting type of person, I’m sure you are aware that within a competitive environment, you are likely to witness some sort of nerves or choke from time to time.

For those who have been through that feeling (like stress), whether in a sporting situation or possibly the workplace – having it happen to you after five years of never feeling it, seriously makes you want to welcome more of it! What is “it”?

It – this is what you feel. You feel estatic, excited, fullfilled, determined, inquisitive, happy, smiley-facey-lots and questioned. You feel unknown, worried, frightened, irritated, quick-decision-making and pressurised. You feel strong, confident, ballistic, intelligent, fast-paced and mysterious. You feel everything within the time you set foot on the tennis court, until the time you set foot off it.

That is what it felt like for me. It was like everything hitting me in all directions. Several of those feelings at the same time, whilst others at particular points during the game.

So what was the game about?

It was a unforgettable battle against my opponent, named Josh. It’s been a while since I fought against an opponent who’s unknown to me. I was evidently nervous, but personally – I felt this didn’t show much in my performance. I look back at some of the shots I did and I’d estimate 40% of them I did not concentrate on. My attention span was very eratic.

However, the quality of the 60% that I did hit in court was of a high standard. Of that 60% I’d say 50% of them were of VERY high standards and the other 50% were simple shots just to get over the net.

I hit some very big shots today. My main weapon was my serve. Filed in at approximately 100+ mph (I’m only estimating – I didn’t get an actual speed, but from experience I kind of know what it’s like), and it seriously shook my opponent up! My first serve was very inconsistent however. I dealt a few pacey ones, (of which I can recall) – he only returned three of the nine I got in the court (that means I won nine points by just hitting first serves).

In total I must have done about 15 big, pacey serves. Therefore, six of them went out or in the net. This was throughout the whole game. This is also NOT the total number of first serves I hit out. I did too many double faults come to think of it (about 10), which accounts for two and a half games in terms of points! A stupid give away.

Consequently, my first serves slowly migrated back to a second serve (so I felt the need to deal two second serves at my opponent to ensure I actually started the point off and not do any more double faults). My second serve acts as an extremely consistent, and powerful weapon. I was very pleased when I resorted to two second serves all the time. I feel it’s like my backup plan should my serves go terribly wrong. They are just as good as my first serves, however my first serves are much faster.

My forehand, as usual, was the main shot used throughout the game. I hit most of them in the tennis court fast paced with LOADS of top-spin, although, a few sailed sky-high or at net-belt from time to time (choked! Eek). Nevertheless, I hit one of the most memorable shots ever done in my history of playing tennis:

A “crosscourt grass-cutter” from the right-hand-side of the court, after being pulled out wide. I was on the FAR left-hand-side of the court at the time, so I had to leg it across to the pressurised out-wide-right-hand-side position in order to return the ball. Very difficult in other words – but I made it.

The backhand I rarely used. I made plenty of mistakes on the backhand, yet resorting to going round the shots (or doing slice) made it a bit easier to return. It’s still usually classified as a choking/escape method should you go round a ball or do a defence slice. Possibly how I felt at the time, i.e. I just didn’t want to play a top-spin backhand. Hence, the inside-out forehands.

I did no volleying (oops?).

Finally, one other point I need to realise is the pace of the game. Although I enjoy fast paced games at the baseline, it’s more or less imperative to change rhythm at some point during gameplay. This could mean slowing down the opponent’s serve by chucking in a few apoligies via hand signals to say “wait there mate!” or actually tell them via talking, or if you want to keep more self-concious about yourself, merely show your back to the opponent indicating you’re sorting yourself out, before you actually want to return their serve.

It’s pretty much the same with every shot that comes at you. Use all the time you have, but be active! Something for me to remember – I just have to slow the game down from time to time! Play at the pace I want to play, not the one of your opponent.

Most of all though – I just loved it. And I want to do it again (which will be in two weeks! Yay!)

Overall, the men’s team lost all their matches. I played the singles match only. Three other team members played singles (four singles in total) and they too, lost, followed by two doubles (so a total of six matches), which they also lost! I’m not sure how the scoring system works when it comes to totalling up the scores.

However, final score: Mens lost 10 – 0, Ladies drew 5 – 5.