Hey all, long time no update. Summer really did keep me busy and on my toes, but what do you know, here I am to start classes once more in only a few days. After finishing up the two weeks of Nike Camp back down on Claremont, I managed to land myself a research position in the physical medicine and rehabilitation department at the Veterans Hospital in Palo Alto. It was my first experience of working full-time and just feeling out the entire workplace environment. We were trying to conduct studies mainly on war veterans who had experienced brain injuries in the line of duty, so I really learned a lot about certain aspects of neuroscience and research basics. Outside of the "textbook material," the real education that I thought I benefited most from was experiencing how to work with co-workers and trying the best I could to help the team be successful in their studies.

One of the studies I had the opportunity to work on was one involving a driving simulator. My efforts were mostly put towards constructing and programing driving courses for the subjects, so we could collect data on patients' driving skills with the eventual goal of having these brain injured patients confident enough to get back on the roads on their own. With that, I got an shot at learning some computer programming, something that I had not really encountered much of before this summer. Anyhoo, that's pretty much the jiff of it. Here are some fun shots my supervisor took of us working with the simulator. Oh, and thanks a bunch to everyone who volunteered or are volunteering for the ERP study!

Apart from the hospital work, I tried my best to work to keep myself ready for the upcoming tennis season at Claremont. Unfortunately, I had injured my arm a bit towards the middle of summer, so I had to stay away from the game for a bit, so I spent a lot of time doing the entire cross training deal. I had been planning on running in an event for the annual Chronicle Marathon in San Francisco because last year, I participated in the 5k, which was a lot of fun. I promised myself that I would eventually try to work my way up from the 5k to run in the full marathon event. The next step was the team relay event, where the marathon course is divided up into four sections for four different runners on their respective team. Okay, so... we ended up not having enough people for our team, lol. Then, I figured I'd give the half marathon a go. It turned out, good ol' Dustin was planning to run in the full marathon event, which is 26.2 miles, so I even had a training partner! He ran a few trails with me at Rancho and boy, it's great up there. Some of the trails there are a lot of fun to run through and challenge yourself with, not to mention some of the views of the city you can get a shot at seeing. I sneaked my camera up to snap a few from one of the trails, check them out:

The first time up especially, I thought it was amazing to see the area from a completely different perspective. Anyways, leading up to the event, we're talking and out of no where, I somehow managed to convince myself that I should just go for it all and run the full marathon course, lol. And there you go... that's how I ended up running in my first  marathon this summer. It was definitely a priceless, but painful experience, hah... but something I am planning on doing again next summer! Congratulations to Dustin who finished in a flaming time of 3:09! Major props to the speed demon. Here we are together after we both finished with some of his friends in San Francisco the day of the race.

And after all that, here I am in back in my dorm room. At the start of the summer, I never imagined things would have turned out like they did, but it was all a really great time. Oh and in addition to everything, a group of us got ourselves into bowling every week. For all of you guys, I'm expecting a 200+ score out of one of you before the summer ends! Alrighty, time to call it a night and get some rest. Best of luck to those starting school again and for those still on vacation... let the fun continue on!

Quite a while with no update. I'm still trying to work on it. I'll try my best. Anyhoo, a lot to catch up on it looks like. I headed back down to Claremont for a couple weeks to help with a Nike tennis camp that we had there. The group of us did our best to work with the campers on improving their game, but of course, have a fun time doing it. We had quite a time ourselves goofing around certain parts of the way... might I mention, my penguin score still stands at whatever that was .  The weather was great and it was a great time all in all. I would definitely be willing to do it all again in the coming years if the opportunity remains. I'm not sure if I can go through another two weeks of this "Senor Chow"-ness that you guys were instilling in these kids. Lol, I still can't believe the song and "Chow Jumps"... totally uncalled for, hahah. During all this though, everyone seemed to finally finish up with school for the year. I missed being back with all you guys and just for Jeff, a late happy birthday for you, as I couldn't make the occasion. Summer has just started... more fun to come!

Heyyy it's Evan... after a little hairstyling that is. Like the bit going straight up don't you?

Or whoops, I forgot to mention that just before I left I got a chance to go check out an airshow with a group of buddies for the day over at Moffett Field. We all got to check out a whole ton of plane exhibits and watch some fly out there, which was awesome. I was able to get a few clips of some maneuvers they did for us, so if you'd like, I'd be glad to send them to whoever is interested. Those fly-by's were incredibly loud, heh. And as for that one time they did one when we weren't looking out for it, that wasn't too cool... or lol, yeah it was. Anyways, here's a good shot I was able to get during one of the demonstrations.

A pretty sight flying in formation and everything.

Alrighty well, so I get back home and pretty much for now, I just got started working in Palo Alto doing some volunteer research for the VA hospital. Come and have lunch sometime or something, or I don't know, but we might need some test subjects!  So far it's been an awesome experience of course and hopefully I can find some way to contribute at least. For now it almost feels like I'm being babysat by these people with PhD's and MD's and those with both, heh.  Apart from that, still teaching the tennis in the evenings and doing the stringing at home in the spare time. Weekdays are surely a huge challenge, but it surely makes me a lot more appreciative of these weekends.

Ever get the feeling that the years have finally started to have an effect on you? I know it's not right saying the, "Dang, I feel like I'm old" at this age, but sometimes I can already feel it. I can't just go out onto the tennis court and start ripping balls like I used to... really have to go through the warm-up routine each time and now everything seems to break the body down after a few grueling sessions. I see the younger kids just go out there and keep on telling me that they're fine and I can't help to think that was what I was like only a few years ago. That and I seem to need the sleep so much more now a days. Just a couple years back goodness sakes, heh, I wouldn't say the best time in school I have had, but how different I feel now compared to then. Just a lesson for the younger ones for now. Things unfortunately catch up with you sooner or later... just "watch your six."

Speaking of sleep, time to get some, hahah. Good night all... more to come hopefully soon.

Hello hello all. I hope summer has been treating those who are on vacation well and for those who are still working it at the end of the academic year, good luck and stick things out for a few more weeks. Summer isn't the same with all you guys and we can't wait until you guys can join those of us who are out for some good times. I'm glad that I'll be able to see some of you this holiday weekend though. Welcome home!

Ever since being back, not all too much has been going on. I had sort of uncovered my parents' plot to take over my bedroom, which was a bit disconcerting, heh. Besides that, I think I've just been catching up from sleep that I missed, mostly during the first semester I guess. I had the opportunity to go in and talk to a few religion classes of ready-to-graduate seniors about the entire first year college experience type of thing. It felt pretty good sharing some of the issues I personally ran into and other students I'm sure did also. Hopefully they all got a good intro from those of us who came back and best of luck to them next year. Otherwise, the time visiting administrators and teachers from past years was really nice too. Perhaps another stop on by will be in order before they all get out for summer.

How they managed to get this picture like this is rather incredible. I don't remember seeing the trees like that ever, heh, but nevertheless, a very nice campus it really is wouldn't you say?

Tennis has been part of almost all of these days. Practices are definitely a lot different from those from college, but they can be just as effective, if not more. It's all about what you put into it isn't it? All in all though, the students in our little corner of West Valley College have been quite impressive I must admit. Props to all you guys. I actually wanted to bring up how I really like the added "competitive edge" a lot of you have started to develop. Keep on working and believing... it takes you further than one might first imagine. I can't wait until the summer months start up and I get the opportunity to work with all of you. I'm really looking forward to working with them in the summer as much as I can. Maybe by then you guys can get a bit closer to getting a baseline game off me or something. Right now it seems like two of you at once isn't even enough . Just ask Emerson, hah.

We'll give you some faster wheels this summer, too. Learn it from Kenji, a true samurai of course.

Anyone else looking for summer jobs this late in the game, too? Medical/hospital opportunities? Search with me! So far things haven't been all too successful. I guess I'll keep on trying for a while longer. It's difficult to find a position somewhere with minimal experience on the job and then, the entire situation with only being able to work during the summer months. On top of that, doing this this late in the year was a BIG mistake. But anyways, we'll see how things go and let me know if you know of anyone that might need assistance in the medical field, please! Anything!!!

Alrighty, I haven't done this for a while and sort of miss some of your "unique" responses (yeah Dan, I'm talking about you... Charlize Theron). So here it goes...

Question: With the French Open going these couple weeks. Who are your picks for the eventual men's and women's champions? (And if anyone says Charlize Theron... I don't know what in the heck I'll do. Yeah, I'm talking to you Dan)

In such a busy school year with so many things that needed to be done and addressed, I need to remind myself of the small things in life that add together to mean so much. I'd just like to share a letter I wrote to myself at the completion of the Senior Retreat during my senior year at St. Francis. At this retreat, we remained silent and in solitude for several days allowing us to examine ourselves, our lives, or anything that we felt needed attention. I am not strictly religious, but I feel my education from Catholic schools all these years has really helped me to look more deeply at life. Perhaps my thoughts in this letter can have some sort of positive impact on your own...


Dear Eric,
The day is April 4, 2003. Today marks the end of the Senior Directed Silent Retreat. I have come to become aware of the many things one might forget as a result of the busy and fast pace of each day. I would like to share some of these with you in reminder:

1. Work - The reason I work so hard is because I make the willing decision to do so every time. If I weren't so willing, I wouldn't be doing it.

2. Sun - The warmth of the sun is incredibly enlightening and refreshing. The room here was somewhat cold, but as I put myself in the sun's light, I am re-energized.

3. Noise - As I reflected by myself, a truck pulled up below the room. It and the workers caused a commotion and I was tempted to request that they leave, but it was then when I realized that everyday life is filled with similar commotion and many times more of it. It was hard enough to focus with that single truck. How difficult it must be to keep the right frame of mind away from this silent retreat. We are around so much it seems as if we go back to it every chance we get. We try to block out the silence and pay attention to noise that is so disturbing, distracting, and disruptive. The sound of silence is always present, yet it is the one we never hear.

4. Beauty - From the room and now from the deck of the meeting circle, I have truly found beauty in my surroundings. Air has never seemed so fresh, sunlight never so warm, and the clouds never so delicate. Perhaps God speaks through all too many ways.

5. Nature - Opening the window and remaining silent has given me a chance to discover how active all the animals, plants, and nature is around us. Humans are also a part of this worldwide community, but it seems like we try to do so much in the time we have and disturb so many of the other things around us.

6. Wind - The gusts are cold, but I feel renewed by the wind. We are unaware of its presence until it hits us, bringing new sensation and energy into our bodies.

7. Uniqueness - Every sound, image, person, animal or thing is unique. The link that brings everything is God's love. It is understood by everyone and is a special way that everything is joined as one.


God, thank you for dreams.
Please bless us in our struggle to live them out.
Give us the courage to share them with others,
as if we work together, our minds will have no doubt.
God, thank you for the sun.
It overcomes the cold and darkness and provides energy and enlightenment.
Encourage us to experience it each day,
so one won't ever forget and ask where it went.
God, thank you for beauty.
Your image is in everything that we see.
You speak freely to us through nature.
So let us listen closely and find answers to our every need.


Through this retreat, I have discovered new light in my heart. I hope this letter a year later may bring back some of the incredible memories. Continue to live these messages out in your life. Good luck and peace be with you...

A blast from the past,
Eric N. Chow (4/4/2003)


*Portions needed to be taken out in order to protect the secrecy of the retreat for future participants. For those who had the chance to experience this retreat, I hope you remember the aspects of this special event... and for those who have not yet, "You really ought to go!"

*St. Francis Senior Directed Silent Retreat - April 2003

My goodness it has really been a while. I've been telling myself to write up some updates, but with certain things going on, I've never really pulled through... until now that is. Anyways, the last month has been quite interesting to say the least. Most of it has been filled by classes/work along with tennis. Seeing how things have changed from the previous semester, I think things have changed for the better. The work load has been a lot lighter, there has definitely been more opportunities to be with friends, just overall, a heck of a lot less stressful, which is a wonderful thing. For everyone on break right now back home, I wish I could be back with you guys in the bay area. I do miss all of you horribly and will for sure be glad to see you guys in the late spring/start of summer after finishing up here in Claremont. I hope you guys all enjoy the time off and being away from the studying routine. Also, not being back home and practicing with all the students back at West Valley... I wish I could be there. As well as things may be going where I'm at, being home is no comparison.

This past week has been our spring break. I spent most of the time here on campus, but the men's team had the opportunity to head over to Indian Wells to watch some of the professionals light it up, as well as compete in some college matches ourselves. We played Whitman and Colgate, which was great, despite the loss to Colgate in the afternoon. The professional matches were awesome to watch... but, not only that, we were all issued player credentials, so we had access to basically everything the "real" professionals had access to also. We got to meet a whole ton of pros, coaches, officials, trainers, including Henman, Roddick, Coria, Blake, Paul Annacone, Brad Gilbert, and tons of others. In fact, Gilbert and Roddick sort of had dinner with the team one night and one of our players challenged Roddick to a game of "pop-a-shot" basketball at the restaurant we were at. I do have footage of this, but since I can't really post it, if you'd like to see it, just let me know and I'll send it on over. It was great though. It's an incredible feeling just being around the players, coaches, people who really make the game what it really is today. I mean, it's hard to imagine a sport where there aren't professionals/professional teams. Also, thanks to all the parents who came out to support us and also some of the players on the women's team who made it out to Palm Springs. It was really a great time.

As for the team right now, we are on route to be league champions after our defeat of the Redland Bulldogs yesterday morning.  Might I add that the women's team is also in the sole first place position at the moment! Claremont tennis is definitely going well this year and we're hoping to finish strong! We're gonna be headed into some tough matches with a lot of top ranked national teams including, UC Santa Cruz, Williams, Trinity, and Gustavus Adolphus Colleges. Keep up with our results on our websites! Anyways, I'd best get back to the studying. I wish all of you the absolute best!

Here we are together at the courts before starting up our matches.

A photo taken of the crowd the night Agassi played Coria. A great match it was!

Another of the night Roddick played Escude. Roddick won that one, but later lost to Henman.

Yeah, so with our player privileges and everything, we parked where the players had their cars. The first time we pulled into our space, Guga Kuerten ended up parking next to us and chatted for a while. Heh, craziness for sure!

One of our players playing the "pop-a-shot" against Roddick. What a choke Feldhausen...