Tuesday, April 30, 2013

There is always the trough. You start something new–a project, hobby, sport–and ride high for a bit. Call it beginner’s luck. But then the well runs dry, giving way to the grim realities of the situation, and persistence, rather than talent, suddenly becomes a more important commodity. I find myself in just such a valley tonight for eBay and tennis, my two recent endeavors, and I commit these thoughts to digital paper to remember–to remember why I’m doing all this, for starters, and also to chronicle any solutions I may find.

In my stint as an eBay merchant, I’ve learned two things so far. First, no news is excellent news, from a customer service perspective. Second, an auction is only truly over when the package arrives. My inaugural round included five listings: four for my own lots, and one for a buddy. The one for my buddy was a seamless transaction, thankfully. I haven’t fared as well. My most expensive lot arrived with broken items, despite a 45-minute packing job. Photos of the mangled merchandise were furnished, and I should be covered by the insurance I bought. Part of me is skeptical about the whole affair, but the customer is always right, so goes the maxim, and I’ve preemptively refunded him. I’ve got to say, though, my townhouse is a hell of a lot cleaner, after just one wave of auctions, and if it means having to deal with man-children, so be it.

For tennis, I’ve learned precisely nothing so far, and I’ve found I’m happiest when I set my expectations very, very low. Let’s set aside service, groundstrokes, forehands, general contact with the ball, backhands, and other such contrivances. With a third session under my belt, I don’t feel like I’m dying anymore! And if that isn’t tacit endorsement of exercise, I don’t know what is. My lungs always feel great afterward, which should come as no surprise, considering breathing is the only skill I’m crushing, courtside. You could call me a seasoned veteran of air intake.