I am always amazed when Julie and I compete in tennis tournaments, all of the people - including us - who spend so much time playing tennis and who travel, sometimes great distances, to compete against complete strangers for nothing but points in the rankings and some bragging rights. I remember feeling much the same when we did the same thing for the kids, traveling around the country for various competitions and events. 

In addition to the singles we played in this past weekend's tournament, Julie and I also played in the 6.0 Mixed Doubles division. In fact, it was the mixed doubles we really signed up for; we both entered the singles because, "we were going to be there anyway, might as well play more tennis." Neither of us is a strong singles player, but together we make a formidable mixed doubles team.

Julie first started playing tennis in her 40s. We've been tennis fans forever, and when our life situation allowed, she started taking lessons. From there she joined her club team, and then some USTA league play and World Team Tennis. I became her hitting partner, letting her practice what she had learned and teaching me along the way. She eventually encouraged me to join in the fun and be her mixed doubles partner, which evolved into me getting fully involved in the sport. Our date nights now consist primarily of playing tennis, and we love it.

A big part of what makes us successful as a team is that we recognize and understand each other's strengths and weaknesses in the game. I have the better top spin forehand and a decent backhand, she has a wicked slice and understands the doubles game. We communicate during the point ("yours", "mine", "switch", "stay", and the all important "duck"), and between points, sharing what we think, what we've learned or observed.

That, and we always remember and remind each other that we are there to have fun. And have fun we do. Beyond the court, we've made some great friends and have had many great adventures around the country (Topeka, San Diego, Scottsdale, Kansas City, Charleston). We're looking forward to many more years of fun on, and off, the court. And to never getting "old".

Cheers,