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The Magic Ball and the US Open

I was so happy simply to be in NY with my 9 year old middle son to share our 3rd day at the US Open that the fact the we had only day “grounds passes” was more than enough and, more importantly, I thought, an appropriate way for a 9 year old to first experience the US Open. I set his expectations appropriately before leaving the hotel… outside courts, no MAJOR superstars and perhaps, if the lines permitted – a trip back into Armstrong or Grandstand like previous days. The key was – “NO Arthur Ashe” – “NO headliners” and there were plenty of headliners on the schedule that day. At $300+/ticket, I want him to appreciate the art of tennis more before he has that experience. He wasn’t thrilled about it (especially since our traveling companions had full access) but was still thrilled at the prospect of going and getting more autographs etc… Perfect!

Over the previous two days, my son had developed a real interest in the young players participating in the Junior Open Qualifier matches taking place just outside the US Open gates and I LOVED that. He even asked some of these fine young players for autographs (which thrilled them too) on that ridiculous, but fun, giant tennis ball that went everywhere with us. So, on Saturday, that’s where we started our adventure– watching a nicely mannered young American named Nate. Again, couldn’t be happier. Next we headed inside with the hopes of getting into Armstrong but “OUCH” the line was painfully long. No worries, off to the side courts, practice courts and Italian Ice carts. It was HIS day, HIS order of events… even if that meant a backwards lunch starting with Ben and Jerry’s ice cream. J As a mom of three boys, I was genuinely enjoying this unique one on one time with my middle child that most who know him believe was meant to be an only child but Whomever plans these things screwed up and placed him in between two competitive and insanely irritating (his words) brothers. So, when Matt said he wanted to stand in the painfully long line for Armstrong stadium, I winced and went to the line. We were in for a long wait but hey, if a nine year old boy can do it, so can I right? Ugg. We were SO close to getting into the stadium when all the magic started…. (I’m now convinced the magic was in that ridiculous ball I mentioned earlier).

A New York style voice came from over my shoulder that asked if we had “Armstrong tix” (that’s a reserved seat inside Armstrong that gives you a special line-less entrance). The question panicked me for a brief second (was I in the wrong line?) but before I knew it, I was holding two tix (each worth $160) for box seats inside Armstrong stadium. Very generous. How good were they? I had no idea. Quickly I texted our friends who were watching their own magic inside Ashe Stadium, the biggest and best stage for tennis in the world – Melanie (the young American) beating Sharapova. Once inside, and seated, I texted again…. “OMG – 5th row – awesome seats – watching Hass – super cute”. We exchanged texts between us – her with her son happily in nose bleed seats watching their magic and me and my son in awe of our close up view. Perfect end to a looong, perfect day. Not quite.

As we left Armstrong Stadium, my son relentlessly scoured the long line to find just the right kid to re-gift the tickets to – preferably at the back of the line. It gave me huge goosebumps to watch him pay forward the joy to a young girl and her dad who were in the back of the line desperate to watch Serina and Venis play doubles. We met our friends minutes later, exhausted and ready to head back to the city via the train. While on our way out of the tennis center, with our sons proudly holding their autographed balls (tennis balls), we heard another gentle voice in the VERY packed crowd ask us if we had tix to Ashe? A bit of info is needed here to fill out the picture… My “friend” is the head tennis coach at the University of Michigan and has not only watched these tournaments for years but actually played in them, knows an extraordinary amount of people who have played in them and attended more matches than she could ever count. She was READY to go home. The other 3 of us haven’t had all these experiences (I’m much more like the 9 and 11 year old here) so Ronni generously agreed, after this woman stated several times that these tickets were “pretty good seats”, to head inside for just a few games of Roddick vs Isner. This was a rare match between two Americans on the best tennis stadium in the world at the US Open. That’s gold to someone like me. Almost too tired to appreciate the generosity, we headed into the stadium with 4 tickets worth almost $1500. Crazy generous. It gets better.

Section 7, Row H, Seats 1, 2, 3 and 4. Didn’t mean much to me at the moment but in some way sounded pretty good. Definitely better than row Y or even P right? Eleven year old Max (Ronni’s son) quickly identified section 7 and we were given the green light to go down and started the journey to our seats. We continued to walk down and down some more. We hit the railing and stopped. Honestly, there was some real confusion for us. Seriously? No, Seriously? There they are. We are sitting in the front row. Last time I was in that stadium I sat in EXACTLY the opposite row. Is this karma? That time it was for Agassi’s final match and it was wonderful but this was wonderful in a completely different way. Unexpected, modest generosity from a complete stranger. A day that started with expectation management, and a focus on “attitude of gratitude” ended with a 5 set, tiebreaker match – between two extraordinary American athletes. Ronni even suggested we pretend that we were returning the players insane serves based on where we sat and how close we were to the base line.

Did I mention we were sitting next to the player box? My son Matt watched John Isner’s coach with great intensity and watched Roddick and Isner with genuine awe. A few games turned into a set, into a couple sets and then into a 5 set, full throttle tiebreaker with Isner pulling out a triumphant win. No dinner, no bathroom breaks, none of us moved. Difficult to watch either player lose. To watch a match from that perspective… such close proximity to the family, coach and players gave us all insight into the joy, heartache and commitment shared by all who dedicate themselves to the players success. More magic.

Thank you New York for hosting such a world class tournament… from the players, the genuinely helpful US Open workers and of course the generous and passionate attendees who brought magic to our day.

We're home (well... in CA)

Keith and Scott Kelley in Charlevoix - Summer 2006

I can't really begin this blog again without acknowledging Keith Kelley and his strong will and determination in fighting his battle with Cancer over this past year. We are so deeply saddened by his departure that it's difficult to even write these words. Our nephew and his family have our love, our support but mostly our admiration for the beautiful way they have managed through this insanely difficult journey. We love them all deeply and will always love and cherish Keith. He will always be our nephew and live on in our family.

Here is a link to his beautifully written blog - this is a record of Keith's journey for those who haven't been to his site before.

http://keithkelley.blogspot.com/

Our departure was quick. I'm probably still digesting the fact that this chapter in our lives - an exciting one at that - is finished. Google was remarkably supportive of John's desire to go back to the states and all the folks we've met while in India were - albeit sad, still very supportive and kind.

John's group at Google - those that worked for him and with him in this Indian office - had an outpouring of emotion at the announcement of his pending departure. I don't think they could have done more for him in his final week to show how much they care. I was astonished at the impact he had (according to them anyway) on their young professional lives. They professed immense respect and loyalty to John after only working for him, in some cases, just a matter of months.

Our departing journey to the airport in Delhi, India, consisted of two big cars. Not so much because of luggage but because our entire household was determined to see us off at the airport. Annan (houseboy), Deepok (mgr of houseboy), Jack (the cook) were all stuffed into another car with our luggage and a driver to get to the airport. Very sweet and kind of humorous. Our last day also included a visit to our driver's (Micky's) home to meet with his wife, mother, son, sister, brother in law and niece. It was a joy to see an authentic Indian household and they were more than generous hosts. Great for the boys and for us.

I'm not sure where this blog will go from here. This past week was full of emotions for us - some intensely sad moments, some happiness at the thought of coming home and then frankly, just a ton of hard work to wrap things up quickly. I'm still catching my breath which is hard to do on any given day with 3 darling boys at my side!

ps. I have updated the Picassa page with some recent pics.

Matt turns 7 - In India!

Taste and texture - that's the best way to describe my son Matt. He's always the most difficult to buy a present for because he just doesn't want very much. His wish list - whether from Santa or at his birthday usually consists of something to do with food and something to do with the art store (modeling clay, dough etc.). The great thing about this is that while Jack is emptying our wallets with his electronic and Lego requests, Matt costs us very little (in $$). On the other hand.... how do you make the day special or get him excited? Especially in India?

After talking with John, we decided to take the approach my mom used. Today became "Matt's Day". We made a list of the things he wanted to do, what he wanted to eat and put together an itinerary and menu. I was happy to follow. In my family, you got to pick your favorite foods (which is a pretty powerful thing when EVERYONE else has to eat whatever you choose), pick a gift under $10, decide what kind of cake and icing you wanted and then, the most exciting part, ... you got to choose one person you wanted to stay up with you as late as you could possibly stay up watching TV - no bedtime. My memories were of staying up until the weeeeee hours until someone finally carried me up to bed. Since my dad went to bed by 8, we were probably in bed by 10 but boy did it feel late. I think that same sense of power and control set in with Matt today and he had a fabulous day. As much as he wanted to stay up late, he quietly slipped into pj's and climbed into my bed as soon as we got home. It's 8pm.

His birthday list included:
Brunch at the Trident Hotel (yum, twist my arm)
Family Swim (I had to go to the pool but he gave me a pass on getting in the water)
Tennis with mom (twist my arm again!)
Brownie cake with icing (I actually found a brownie mix)
Go to a movie (Surfs Up - the surfing penguins - it was quite funny)

I've attached a couple pictures of our day but I hope it was memorable enough for Matt so that someday he can say - I remember turning 7 while living in India. That would be a great present for me.

ps - When I asked Matt what his favorite present or moment was - he said when he found a small purple tear shaped crystal on his plate at brunch. Jack helped me pick it out. Matt loves precious gems. He is my precious gem.

India - Phase 2

http://picasaweb.google.com/nkelley66/KelleySummerVacationInMichigan

Click on the link above if you are interested in seeing pics from our trip back to Michigan....

We are back!! No complaints about the trip with the boys - in truth, they are amazing travelers. I think limiting their Nintendo DS use to planes, trains and automobile rides over 1 hour was a brilliant parenting move and pays off in spades when it's travel time. They actually look forward to the ride! If my camera had been available on the plane, I would have posted a picture of Jack, finally asleep after 14 hours of travel (a true all nighter at the age of 9) with his DS still in hands (barely), his eyes closed and an open mouth. Matt was kind enough to gently remove the DS and turn it off to reserve any battery power that might still be left.

Our first day has been uneventful but totally OFF schedule. After going to bed at 1am, two boys were up at 6:30am while Jack slept until 4pm. Seriously - Jack slept for 15 hours. Now Matt and Owen are napping and Jack is wide awake. Will be an interesting night.

We have orientations, unpacking and some re-socializing to do over the next few days. I felt very sad this morning when John left for work - I felt kind of displaced. I'm feeling much better now.

All our help (servants) have enjoyed their US presents even though they are all made in this part of the world. Every tag says, Made in China or Made in Thailand. What the heck? Our houseboy immediately departed after Matt gave him his presents (gap jeans in a 28 waist, a RL polo shirt and an Adidas Mens Kit) so I was a bit confused as he quietly left. Had I insulted him? 30 minutes later he re-appeared wearing his new clothes and VERY excited to show me how nice he looked. He did look fabulous. I also think he was wearing the Adidas cologne and deodorant. Wonderful!

I am going to get back to blogging. Kind of missed it. I'm looking forward to blogging about my first monsoon season, my first visitors from the US and our experiences at the International School. Keep your fingers crossed I can find a soccer team for Jack!

3 days and counting...

Picture: Jack, Matt and Owen with their cousins checking out the perch they caught out on the lake with their Uncle Jim.

The boys and I are a bundle of emotions as we get close to our departure for India. John has been there since last weekend and seems to be eagerly awaiting our return but I won't lie - there is a part of me that wants to stay home. It's just a part.... the other part is anxious to get on with our adventure, get back with John and jump back into our lives as expats. I'm predicting tears from Jack because he has been thoroughly reminded of all the things he misses most - especially his friend Christian. In some strange way, I feel like those two are even tighter friends after being apart for 4 months. Much like I feel with my friends here, I don't think they missed a beat. My prediction with Matt and Owen is that they will be sad but the excitement of seeing their dad will outweigh any sadness. Matt is anxious about the new school but I don't think he realizes how quickly they will be starting school - that's a good thing. One issue at a time right?

The things I'm focusing on right now include...

1. getting the gifts together to bring back to folks in India (no pashminas!)
2. deciding what things we don't have there that we should bring with us (chocolate chips, brown sugar, white navy beans, cook books)
3. Simplifying what to bring back with us. Even then, it's A LOT of stuff.
4. Seeing as many friends and family and having as much fun as possible.
   

I know I shouldn't be anxious about the new school - but I am. It's still the drive for me. I have to get over it. I find myself thinking about it more than I should.

I'll keep you posted but I expect my next blog entry to be from India - Phase 2!

Favorite moments.... our trip home.

Crepes, Crossaints and Coffee - favorite Paris moments:

• In a brief moment of confusion, Owen folds his hands together as in prayer and says "Namaste" to the French waitress after she had said "Au revoir" to him.
• Jack walking the length of the boat as we cruise the Seine trying to take the perfect picture of the Eiffel Tower (he took the picture on this posting).
• Watching the boys faces and moods change as the lights of the Eiffel Tower illuminate (Jack was grouchy because it was very late and it started to rain AND we had no umbrella).
• Our daily trip to the open air cafe around the corner from our hotel for fresh bread, croissants, coffee and hot chocolate.
• Learning that all the young French girls camped outside our hotel were in fact NOT stalking John but were waiting on the several "French Idols" staying at our little hotel
• Sharing post midnight crepes with Jack (a crepe maniac) and Matt in a small crepier after visiting the Eiffel Tower in the rain.
• Walking, walking and more walking the streets of Paris - miles every day.
  
• Getting lost on the subway after JUST discussing with John how EASY the French subway is - joke on me.

Worst Paris moment:

• Saying goodbye to John at the airport in Paris and watching my son Jack use every ounce of energy to remain stoic while his lower lip trembled.
  

Best Michigan moments:

• Arriving at our home for the first time and being surprised that the boys just ran into the garage (not the house) and started riding bikes and playing outside - freely.
  
• Watching all my family and friends dig through the pile of pashminas, scarfs etc. that I brought home. I was surprised how some of the pashminas had real memories attached to them for me (where I bought them, how I haggled - or didn't etc.).
• Realizing I felt as if I've never left AA and knowing for the first time that Ann Arbor is really my home.
• Shopping with Christine, sleep-over's with cousins, canoe trips with uncles and bday parties with family. It's why we live in Michigan.
  
• Sharing my home with 2 twenty something young men. Ha!
• Seeing Northport for the first time. We had a wonderful time seeing a place that is special to great friends and is now also special to us.

Charlevoix:

• My first coffee on the porch of the rental cottage. Not as good as coffee on Ann and Don's porch but still a wonderful feeling.
• Watching Matt ride off on his bike for his first day at "intermediate gang". The independence he has here is an amazing contrast to his life in India.
• An unplanned evening at Annie and Papa's where just before we leave, Annie runs upstairs to get Shel Silverstein's Where the Sidewalk Ends and within seconds all 3 boys are cuddled up with her, in giggle fits and saying "again, again... read it again".
• Jack and Matt's arrival home from gang for lunch yelling "Hello??? anyone here???" while looking around for their dad. Once I said "upstairs" they burst into a sprint up the stairs yelling "Dad! Dad!" and in the midst of hugs got smothered in shaving cream (John had just arrived in Charlevoix and was shaving!).
• Matt walking in the door shivering and wet, arms folded across his chest after his first sailing regatta. His boat capsized. Matt wasn't happy.
• One week later when Matt advised me on tacking, jibing, knot tying and tipping as I went off for MY first sailing lesson. Matt was very happy.
• Giving Ann and Don their Indian Kurta outfits and watching them walk around the Belvedere looking beautiful and distinguished.
• Finding Jack outside on the lawn with the neighbor Lilly - both sitting in the grass with MacBooks in laps (both were outside in order to hook up to someone's unprotected wireless connection).
• Sailing, playing tennis, shooting off model rockets and sharing bonfires with our friends from CA (Tritschlers).

Looking forward to/Not looking forward to...

• One more week in Michigan before we head out to India. When I first got home I was telling people that I was kind of excited about returning to India because of the boys new school, planned excursions etc. but I'm feeling differently right now. Honestly, I'm getting anxious and feeling sad. We've had such a wonderful summer here in Michigan - it's hard to see it end. Jack's birthday celebration is tomorrow - his 9th birthday in Charlevoix - a bit of a tradition. I'll be heading back to India with a 9 year old, almost 7 year old and a 5 year old. Kind of flabbergasting to me. I know it's cliche - but - Life is Good.
• My sister LouAnn and my niece Hannah's visit to India in August. Gives me something really great to look forward to after we return.