Tochi's Hut

Today was the start of the 2007-2008 badminton season.  Went to the usual gym after work.  It was nice to see all the familiar faces again - some of whom I have not seen in over 2 years (D&D duo).   Some new faces as well! I was expecting the session to be packed today, but seems like half the people forgot about badminton today.

Played a couple mixed doubles matches.  Everyone was kind of rusty.  My service game was still on vacation.  So were my drop and slice shots.  Smashes were slowly coming back.  The only thing I could rely on consistently were my clears.  I was moving around the court fairly well and reaction timing was decent - managed to block most of the smashes and drives.  Ended up finishing 1-2.

Near the end, AR challenged me to a singles match.  I've played AR in numerous singles matches over the years, with him winning the majority of the games.   However, during the tournament last year, when it really mattered, I managed to pull off the upset victory.  AR has been trying to redeem himself every since.

Not being one who will back down from a challenge, I dutifully accepted.  Game up to 15.  I was totally in the zone for this match.  I controlled most of the game with effective clears, forcing him to run side to side.  When he was totally out of position, I'd send him a nice drop shot.  Simple, efficient and effective.  I just knew where the bird was going to be and was in perfect position to return most shots.  In the end, I came up on top 15-3!  UM!!!!  AR mentioned that I didn't get rusty over the summer break. lol.

After badminton, there was light rain outside.  Tochi Mobile needed to get some fuel.  Went to the gas station, got out and started pumping.  It was then that StormOfWrath, which had struck Grapes's pants earlier in the day, hit the gas station.  Sheets of torrential downpour swept sideways.  In 5 seconds, I was totally soaked!  It felt like I was coming out of a shower! WTF.  I never realized that it takes FOREVER to fill up a tank of gas!  I had to brace myself behind Tochi Mobile the entire time.

I jumped into the car afterwards, soaking wet.  For the first time in months, I turned on the HEAT, setting it to full-blast.  At least I now know that my heating system still works!  Decided not to risk driving on local streets, so took 407 ETR home.  Tochi Mobile weathered the storm quite well and I was home 10 minutes later.

In other car related news, earlier this week I took Tochi Mobile for its routine oil change.  The mechanic told me that both my right tires (front and rear) ate a nail.  I had noticed my right tires seemed to be deflated a bit a few days ago.  I had pumped them only a month ago.  I didn't really think too much about it at the time, but I should have suspected better.  They were apparently leaking very slowly.  The shop charged me $20 per tire to fix.  $3 for the gooey patch thing, $17 for labour.  Super expensive, but at least I did not have to get new tires.