#lgsw

A flashback, huh? Sure is on the nose. Chessie, just because someone tells you that people are worthless, doesn’t mean they are. Get a brain and some dignity. 

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When we first settled into the area of Los Gatos, California area, our first order of business was to find a tennis club.   We visited the Bay Club Courtside and Los Gatos Swim and Racquet Club.

Bay Club Courtside, Los Gatos, California has a lot to offer.  When you walk into the club it is beautiful.  There is a cafe on the opposite side of the reception area, where you can get a protein shake, coffee, meal, or an adult beverage.  It is impressive with great customer service.  The club immediately opened their doors to us.  They showed us the great fitness areas, indoor tennis courts, Spa, large locker rooms, resort like pool area, and beautifully designed tennis area, complete with a stadium tennis court.  We expressed our desire to play tennis and were looking for a great fit.   The facility gave us a same day pass to use the facility.  We walked up to the tennis pavilion.  We explained we were prospective members and that we would like to play tennis.  A member standing next to us said “you may not want to join this club, because it is difficult to get a court.”  We laughed but kept it at the back of our mind. It was a weekend day, late, hot afternoon, so we were easily able  to book a court.  We played tennis, and then walked around the grounds again.  It was a beautiful tennis facility, so we couldn’t wait to compare it to the Los Gatos Swim and Racquet Club.

We called the Los Gatos Swim and Racquet Club to make an appointment to tour the club which is located near the highway 17 and 85.    We walked into the club and were provided a tour.  They did say we can play tennis, but not on the same day.  We were anxious to join a club, so we were a little bummed.  On our tour we walked by two swimming pools, fitness area, on our way to the tennis area.  The tennis area has a very nice outdoor kitchen on a deck, which looked inviting.  The deck area over looked six tennis courts.  The teaching court, with 3 other courts were adjacent to the deck.  Events and schedules were posted outside the Pro Shop.  We went in and booked a court for the next day at the family oriented club.

The following day we played our singles game at the Los Gatos Swim and Racquet Club.  When we were playing, we  noticed matches going on the neighboring courts.  What was most intriguing was the crew of people on the top deck cheering their teammates on.   It made us want to be part of the experience.   Afterward we spoke to Lucille, the manager of the Pro Shop at the time, who told us that I could try one of the 4.0 ladies tennis clinics if there was a spot available. .  Luckily, the next day, I joined the 4.0 tennis clinic, which was run by the Director of Tennis, Vince Russo.  It was a great drill.  Vince and his staff always had a lesson plan for their tennis clinics.   We immediately felt at home.

While at the tennis clinic, one of the gals said to me, “Cynthia, do you see how nice it is today, blue sky, no clouds, mid 70s?”  I said, “yes, it is a gorgeous day!”  She said, “Cynthia, it’s like this everyday!”  When she said, that, I knew that I made the right choice to move to California, and I knew that I wanted to join Los Gatos Swim and Racquet Club.

For two years, we played tennis and made friends at the Los Gatos Swim and Racquet Club.  William went from a 3.0 to a 4.0 tennis player in a year!  I learned how to hit a dipper, thanks to Vince!  We were lucky enough to have been on several teams that advanced to USTA Districts and to Sectionals!  Besides the great tennis, we welcomed the opportunity to participate in the club’s tennis events, such as Wine Downs (Friday night tennis social), Team tennis, USTA matches, always ending in great social time afterwards, with some of the members firing up the grill!

Due to career and family, we moved back to New Jersey.    It was bittersweet and exciting because we would be close to family but hard to give up something that meant so much to us.

When the opportunity arises, we visit Los Gatos, California.  We usually stay at the San Jose Marriott , Campbell Marriott Courtyard, or close by the Hotel Valencia, Santa Row.

On our return visits, we love to play tennis at our old club,  hike the Los Gatos hilly trails, visit the Los Gatos Spa (for a massage and steam shower), dine and shop in the quaint downtown area, and visit our always welcoming dear friends from the Los Gatos Swim and Racquet Club!

Tennis and then Wine! Love my Los Gatos friends. Great Tennis!

Los Gatos Swim and Racquet Club

Los Gatos Swim and Racquet Club, The Pro Court.

Los Gatos Swim and Racquet Club, the Deck!

Los Gatos Swim and Racquet Club, the view from the Deck.

Hiking the Los Gatos Trail, Los Gatos, Ca

Hiking the Los Gatos Trail, Los Gatos, Ca

Hotel Valencia, Santana Row, Santa Clara, CA The Pool!

7th floor roof top bar, Hotel Valencia, Santana Row, Santa Clara, CA

Hotel Valencia, Santana Row, Santa Clara, CA

The V pillow, Hotel Valencia, Santana Row, Santa Clara, CA

I finished my fifth round of Whole30 yesterday.  I started pretty strong with my coffee choices, but ended having a dirty chai with non-compliant almond milk for all of my last week.  I have a lot going on and needed something, and I figure that was better than having a muffin or ice cream, or even tortilla chips.  Unfortunately, though, after studying yesterday my friend and I hit up an Indian restaurant during their buffet time and not only did I overeat, but I had naan, a dish with yogurt, and a dish with chickpea flour (unknowingly).  A huge Whole30 fail on day 30, but it’s all good.  I am planning to remain strict Monday-Thursday for the next couple weeks until my trip to Denver.  I’ll allow myself treats on Friday afternoons and Saturdays, but try to keep it to one area.  For instance, if I have dairy, I’ll try not to have grains.  Unless, of course, it’s an ice cream stuffed donut at The Parlor Ice Cream Puffs on Mother’s Day.  But, I am going to have a salad when we go out for dinner.  Damage control.  Harm-reduction.  

I have been studying super hard.  I purchased some flashcards from Amazon (with my Chase reward points) and started reviewing them while commuting.  There are hundreds, and they’re broken down for each area of the exam.  Good purchase.  I’m feeling hopeful, even though there is so much information to re-explore, re-learn, and re-absorb.  And I still have more than a month before my test date.

Work is becoming increasingly frustrating, and there is so much to do before the school year ends and I make my final departure.  I’m feeling conflicted, but I know it’s the right decision.  I’m ready to grow in new ways as a social worker, which is why I don’t mind taking this exam--it’s a challenge.  But, waiting to hear back from employers and wanting more interviews is anxiety-provoking.  I want a solid offer, soon.

Several random acts of kindness occurred in the past few days that, if only for a moment, restored my faith in humanity and spirituality.  I’m grateful.  It was needed.

So, I completed my first weekend of studying for my licensing exam.  I spent most of my time reading the ASWB Guide to Social Work Exams, looking up terminology, highlighting, and writing sticky notes.  This week, I’m going to photocopy the exam content outline and begin my studying with that.  Apparently, the KSAs are super important.  I have 7 more weeks to prepare, and it actually feels doable.  I will pass this exam the first time.  I will.  (Btw, studying at the café inside the church can be distracting, but it’s inspiring and lovely as well.  They’re closed on Saturdays, so I won’t have the distraction both days.)

On another note, I have another job interview tomorrow morning.  The school demographics are almost identical to my current position--which is both positive and negative.  Part of me wants to move away from this population, because the vicarious trauma can be quite taxing.  At the same time, I know this population, and I do a good job with them.  We shall see, considering that there are 3 other opportunities in my midst.  My heart is smiling. 

I have also started to reach out to my friends and socialize a bit more.  I don’t know if this is because my mood is becoming lighter or I am simply feeling nostalgic about possibly leaving CA in 3 months.  Wow, 3 months.  That’s like...tomorrow.  No matter the cause, it feels good.  I missed them.

Because I want to be in a good space for studying and taking my exam, I want to become and remain dedicated to a workout schedule.  This has been really hard for me lately.  I come home either too tired, unmotivated, or focused on other things.  Even weekend mornings are hard.  Yesterday and today, though, I managed to get some physical activity in before heading to the café.  We shall see what this week brings.

Today is day 16 of my current Whole30.  I’m halfway through.  I haven’t been 100% compliant, but I haven’t ventured off too far.  My falling off has included: non-compliant almond milk, barbecue sauce, potato salad (the mayonnaise), a small piece of chicken parmesan, mashed potatoes (the milk), breaded chicken, sweet potato fries, fried onions, and a ginger candy.  Wow, seeing it written down looks bad.  Okay, okay, I’m going to hold it together better for the last two weeks.  I plan to actually do 35 days anyway, because my 30th day is on a Sunday and my treat days are Friday evenings and Saturdays.  All good.  I simply have to be more careful when eating out and refrain from ordering lattes.  I can do it.

Today was a beautiful spring day here in Northern California.  I spent most of the morning and afternoon with a close friend walking, talking, laughing and eating.  We had a wonderful time together.  It has been awhile since I felt this connected to her.  So yes, it was a good time.

I am now officially registered to take my ASWB exam in about 9 weeks.  I plan to begin my serious studying next week, because tomorrow I will be spending time reviewing material for a job interview--one that I am more than qualified to perform, but will also need a refresher on some concepts and theories.

My first week of Whole30 round 5 has been good.  I’ve had minimal carbs, a completely non-compliant latte only once (but little shots of non-compliant almond milk twice), lots of vegetables, and some bananas.  I made a paleo 7-layer dip yesterday and an avocado-banana-chocolate pudding today.  The dip was especially good today after the layers marinated, and I can’t wait to have some pudding tomorrow after chilling in the refrigerator overnight.