I kicked the week off right with a first round singles win today.  I was able to come out on top 6-4 6-4 in a tough first round against Ben McLachlan (NZL).  That is New Zealand for those of you that do not know.  I felt pretty good about the way I played and was happy to get a couple of breaks, as he was serving pretty well.  I am up against Tyler Hochwalt (USA) in the second round of singles tomorrow at 11:00AM pacific time.  Doubles didn't start off quite as smooth as I would have hoped, but Jordan Cox and I were able to come out on top in the end.  We won 6-3 2-6 10-5.  I didn't play my best match by any means.  I am glad that we were able to get the job done and stay alive though.  Second round of doubles will be tomorrow afternoon not before 3:30PM against Michael McClune (USA) and Denis LaJola (USA).

     Let's move on to the less serious stuff.  Today I was done with everything involving tennis by around 1:30ish so I was looking for some afternoon entertainment.  I was in serious need of a haircut so I made that priority one.  I went straight from the courts to the nearest cheap hair cuttery (I know it isn't a word settle down).  They hooked me up with a pretty nice looking flat top.  I am not too picky when it comes to haircuts though.  I thought about asking to get the number six (Lebron James' number) shaved into the back of my head.  I figured that could wait until after they won the championship though.  Jordan Cox and I decided to go for a little bike ride around Chico after that.  We were headed to a place called One Mile.  It is a monster man made pool that a river flows through.  It is a pretty awesome idea I think.  It looks like a good time as well.  I didn't make the effort of jumping in today.  There is still plenty of time left for that and let me just tell you right now, "I ain't scurrd."  Anyways, we biked down there and hung out for a little bit.  We checked out the scenery, and I can tell you first hand that Chico has no shortage of interesting characters around.  The people watching was good if you know what I mean. 

     This evening was a good time as well.  The tournament put together a Taste of Chico deal at the club.  My housing family had a station up for their mexican restaurant so Jordan and I were able to sneak in for free.  They are really hooking us up this week.  We decided to volunteer to work at our housing's station to help serve some tacos.  They seemed to be a little short handed so we jumped in and got to work (below).  As you can probably see from the pictures we were enjoying ourselves.  That is Geoff in the picture with us.  He is out housing man for the week.  Sol is the name of his restaurant.  If you are ever in Chico, CA you better not miss out on the chance to eat there.  All the meals are made of pure happiness.  You think I am kidding, but it is a fact.  On a side not, don't judge my sweating.  I was a little nervous that is all.  It was nerve-racking work.  Tacos don't come easy. 

     That is about all I have for you guys in today's post.  I hope that you were somewhat entertained.  I will post again on Friday with some more good news hopefully.  I hope that you all had a blessed day.  I am off to get some much needed beauty rest for tomorrow's battle.  Thanks for reading along. 

All the best,

DB

     It was a great week in Sacramento.  I was able to squeeze out a couple of tight matches in the semifinals and finals to get my first professional singles title.  I am pretty excited about it.  It didn't come easy by any means.  I was really happy with the way that I fought all week long.  It came down to a couple of points here or there in multiple matches, and luckily I was able to tough it out.  I look forward to more tournament wins to come.  It has been a long journey to get this one.  The Journey isn't over yet though.  I have to say that It is nice to finally have a real positive stepping stone.  I feel pretty good about it.  I hope that I can keep this positive momentum going through the coming weeks.  This tournament will push my ranking into the 450's which is a nice hundred spot jump.  It is nice to keep things moving the right direction.  Also I would like to give a special shout out to the Ariza family (my housing family for the week) for taking such good care of me.  They really went above and beyond on their housing duties and I really appreciated everything.  Thanks for a great week guys!

     So now it is on to Chico, CA for tournament number two in the series.  Jordan Cox and I had a little bit of trouble picking up our rental car in the Sacramento airport this morning.  Luckily Jordan put the charm on early on to get the nice lady on our side.  After all the issues were sorted out, we ended up with a free upgrade.  We went from a Ford Focus to a Chevy Malibu.  I can't say it was much of an upgrade but an upgrade nonetheless.  Shortly after we made a quick pit stop at Jim Denny's Hamburger and Chili.  After I won the tournament I thought, "What better way to celebrate than by eating until I want to pass out?"  So I went online and discovered Jim Denny's which is home of the HUBCAP pancake (below).  There is a plate underneath there somewhere I promise.  At first I actually thought it would be a good time to try and destroy this monster. I thought wrong.  Midway through I realized I had no shot at doing it justice.  I could have pushed through, but since I am still in tournament time I decided to stop a little bit early.  I will include the after picture though (double below).  I love food.  What can I say?  It is hard not to being born and raised in the great state of Mississippi. 

     Back to what I was saying.  We finished the meal and hit the road for Chico, CA.  It was a roughly two-hour drive and a nice one at that.  Chico is a pretty nice little city from what I have seen so far.  The courts are a little bit quicker this week, which is nice.  There is a small college downtown area.  Also Jordan and I were lucky to get another great housing family this week.  The people seem really nice and they own a Mexican restaurant.  That in itself is way more than I could ever ask for.  Mexican food and I are like soul mates.  That is probably the easiest way to describe my feelings about it.  So overall things are beautiful on my side of the country. 

     I will be starting singles this week on Wednesday.  Jordan and I play our first round of doubles tomorrow afternoon not before 4:30PM.  I was pretty upset seeing this start-time, as the NBA finals are tomorrow night starting at 6:00PM.  You have to make some sacrifices in tennis though.  That is just a fact.  I find it hard to sacrifice my Lebron James time though.  It pains me, but I know it is something I might have to do on the odd occasion.  I hope you aren't taking me too seriously here.  Purely sarcasm.  I do love Lebron though.  That is real. 

     I look forward to updating you guys again on Wednesday.  Hopefully there will be some positive news to bring.  I meant to get pictures after I won the tournament last week, but I failed on that part like usual.  I figured pictures of pancakes were probably more important.  I can't be perfect every time out.  Anyways, I hope you guys enjoyed this update.  Feel free to comment and ask questions.  I am all ears.  Other than that, I hope you guys all had a blessed day.  Hotty Toddy. 

All the best,

Devin Britton