JohnnyMac has a new racket

Combining hees love for thees racket as well as making a helluva racket, John McEnroe made both happen in thees District of Columbia, thees past July, "entertaining a stadium full of tennis fans when hees first-place New York Sportimes took on thees Washington Kastles." The NY Sportimes lost thees match [waaah!], but I'm sure McEnroe found some new rock fans after hearing hees guitar riffs (well,, he did study under Eric Clapton,, so..). Besides, thees poster does ask "who are the greatest players in tennis today," riiight?

Poster courtesy of Madame Lamb You can hear and see Johnny Mac play hees guitar on YouTube. Not bad, eh?!

Rafa Nadal to Aussie Open next month

Rich, over at Down the Line! got a jump on me on his Video Vault. He's running a reel on Rafa in Nike's 2009 Spring Collection that he'll be wearing at the Aussie Open next month. You know I hate those Nike nappies on him! I have nothing against Nike personally - they offer great products that suit other players just honkey-dorey. Rafa isn't one of them, tho. I'm trying to talk Rafa out of this gig, but he can be pretty bull-headed at times, so... but I'll see what I can do! Anyway, go have a look-see at Down the Line! for Rafa's fashion show. Just don't tell me what ya think about Rafa's bod enclothed in them, fair?

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas everyone! Are you broke yet? Did you blow all your hard-earned dough and not get a gift from that one special person? I hate that! Guess what?!? I still have all my moolah. I just got out of prison, er, I mean the hellhole. They put me in that box. I did solitary, too. I just got out - so I didn't go Christmas shopping. And, guess what? It feels good, man. Instead, I get to loll around tomorrow thinking about what Christmas means to me.. instead of tearing open paper-crap only to find the same ol' bone they gave me last year! hmmm... less see now.. I got me 5 bones.. and.. 3.. rattles. I think the rattles were for the kid. The kid got my bones. I hate that kid. Just kidding. I don't hate anyone. I mean, what would Jesus do? Jesus would say 'Peace be with you'. That means all of us ought to live in peace. Everybody helping everybody else. Hate's bad for you. Badder than not getting any presents under the tree. Just kidding. What could be badder than not getting any presents under the tree? That's right!!! Not having a tree! I got me a tree. See!? And, if you'll notice, there's no gifts under the tree. But.. Don't cry for me, Argentina! Even if there's no bone under the tree.. I can still eat the Christmas bulbs! Just kidding. I'm not that stupid. I meant, I'll eat the tinsel. Ho! Ho! Ho! No, I don't need any gifts under the tree to celebrate the birth of Jesus. His birth is written in my heart. I'm a Christian dog, just like my Bro, Rascal. Rascal is a practicing, praying Christian furkid. We go to church together when we can. And, yes, we know there are dogs in heaven. We love Jesus because He loves all creation. Trixie and me and some of our friends went to Rafa's Christmas Party tonight. Photo by EllenJo on Flickr Photo by Flinschrod on Flickr At his party, Rafa presented me with a gift as soon as we were able to slip away from his guests. We went out on the veranda and stood near the railing holding paws hands. Our eyes locked for what seemed like an eternity; the spell broken only as he slid his gift into my paws. I didn't open it there; I was afraid someone might see me unwrapping his gift and then *POW* all those dern light bulbs start going off..soooo.. I just quickly licked his cheek and we went back inside to dance. the. tango. And tangle we did. Then the rumba. I had to kick off my heels. The samba dislocated my hips; that was the end of our dancing. Where that ended, drinking began. First I sipped some milk out of my slipper.. and eventually wound up gulping all the rummed-up egg nog I could find in the house. O, Lordy. That was a mistake. After several hours, I had to call it "a night" and Ruffie summoned the limo to take me and my honchos back to the hacienda. I was a fright to see, they tell me. By the way, do I look fat in this outfit?!? Photo by Whitogreen on Flickr The last straw was when some big ol' fat, bearded guy swooped me up in his arms as I was about to relieve myself under his chair, I guess,, .. and I swear he had me ina choke hold,, swearing under his breath, calling me a ho. But I really don't remember too much about that last hour at the party, but Rafa called me this morning to tell me he loved the pic of me on Santa's lap. Ho! Ho! Ho! Photo by Byron Raphael on Flickr I hope you're better behaved than me and don't you dare drink and drive. Have a good one, All.

You Won't Believe What Happened to MI..!!!

O, the trauma! O, the humilitation! The hor-rors! O, that dirty, dirty box! Bwaaaaaaarrr! OMG! My friends. My furfriends. My poor, poor, bruised pysche! Thank gawd for Trixie. Trixie.. Trixie.. my good and faithful *gasp* Trixie! I'm in your debt. (I will find a way to pay it.. believe me. The thought of you holding anything over me,, is, well,, *retch*) Okay. Okay! You want to know what happened. (omg,, the trauma,,) Halloween. It happened on Halloween night,, walking back to my digs. I was snatched by the Animal Catcher *ack* and slammed into a box into the back of a van!

Photo by PD Cagliastro on Flickr I couldn't breath! I couldn't think! I couldn't move! I could pee tho,, and did. Right there in the box,, in the corner,, I thought I'd get that over with before the black electric cord interroga.. treatment.

I don't know how long I was in that frickin dern box before I was thrown into th.. th.. that cage. I was so inconsolable because the cage was dirty - and it smelled, too. I'm sure it's an old technique to make you puke so they can blame that on you, too! Thus, necessitating another round of beatings.. (/sarcasm)

I was blindfolded and moved to another facility. I was so,, so scared. Trembling, too!

I don't know how long I was imprisoned in this dreadful hellhole before Trixie found out who had snatched me and where they threw me into the brig. She got a band of brothers (BOB) together to bust me out! Kewl. They were cute, too.

I felt like a fool when Trixie told me I had to put on a stupid camouflage outfit because my BOB was coming in on an Onassis barge. They were taking advantage *rolling eyes* of the waterway running through the dogpound hellhole I was hostage to *bwarrr*

All this time nobody knew where I was: not my family, not my friends, and especially, not my Ruffie! I missed his matches and he missed my adoration - I'm positive of this!

What!?! You don't believe me?!?

Happy Halloween! I heart Rafa Nadal! \o/ Vamos!

Oh yeah, that bolt out of the blue yesterday? That brill plan I came up with? Heh. I'm just going to the party as myself - ta da! We can all play nice Today and have a lot of fun! Don't be mean. Don't go trick or treatin' without supervision. Check your candy before eating it. Chao for now, simpaticos.. I heart Rafa!

Halloween (costume) Hunting Grounds

Photo by Pat Flinschrod on Flickr I don't know what possessed me to invite Trixie to go Halloween costume hunting with me today. I must have eaten Stupid for breakfast. I'm thinking maybe I should've just asked Rafa what he was gonna wear and I'd try to find something complimentary. But nooooooo, I just had to get that grrl on the phone and convince her this was how she wanted to spend her Thursday afternoon. One shop after another. One costume after another. Her initial reaction was not very favorable. Me: Trixie, what you say - I go as a car model draped all over this keen-o

Dodge Mach XX wearing nothing but a necklace? Rrrrow..

Trixie: That's not gonna fly, Chich. Literally. [omg, what is she doing?] Me: Okay, then how 'bout this? I think this'll fly.. Photo by Missing Link Products Trixie: *groan* No.. no.. I don't think Rafa's ready for that, Chich. *rolls eyes* Me: Gawd, Trix, you're a hard one to please! I don't have all day to do this, so chill! [ok..ok.. no need to ruffle any feathers over this turkey, ok? ] Me: How's this, Trixie?

Photo by DogTime

Trixie: Hey now, I like this little number, Contessa, only one thing's not all together right about it.. and..

Me: It's missing a halo, right? Trixie: Ahhhh, no, you're missing that one gene - for being a perfect angel. So, nope, that's not gonna work for you, either, sorry, Chich. Me: Wow. That's cold. *blink* *blink* Me: Vell, I kuld go as zee boot-i-ful

ballereena zat I ahm,

Mizzy Tawf!

Trixie: Well, yes, I suppose you could do that.

But then you might be expected to perform,

Mz Bowlegs, hmmmmm..?

Hey, I know what! Maybe I could just fix up my hair a little different and jump out of a pumpkin cake!

Yes, that's it! That's the ticket! hee hee

Photo by Foundsh*t

By this time, Trixie was totally fed up with my pursuit of the perfect Halloween costume. I didn't want to disappoint Rafa by coming up with nothing in the way of a party outfit. *schlump* And I felt bad about disappointing Trixie. But not that bad. So we left the last store and rode back to my place in silence. Then, out of the blue, an idea came gurgling up from the depths - and I knew I had a plan. *snort*

Photo by LoveLaughterFriendship

Hellooooooween and Me and My Busy Butt

I have been all over Hail's Half Acre looking for a Hellooooooween pahty costume and can't find squat! But - the good news is: Rafa flew past France's Florent Serra 6-2, 6-4, today, showing Serra what it really looks like to be attacked, hee hee, and won the opening set in less than 30 minutes. You rock, Rafa, sweetie. Vamos! And - so what? - Serra rallied un poquito in the 2nd set- ha! - waste not (your only break point) want not, dropped serve, and Rafa shows his prowess by winning once again! He's off to the 3rd round- yippee! So, tell me. Do I look too fat as a geisha? Photo by mydaily on Webshots Don't lie to me, now...

Rafa Nadal is playing Ernests Gulbis match NOW!

Hey, y'all, turn on your TV to the Tennis Channel and grab your seat (hee hee ;) and popcorn cuz Rafa's first match against Ernests Gulbis at the Madrid Master Series tournament just started! And Rafa's lookin' good.. real good..uh ha..uh ha. I just came in from a run, not lookin' so femi fresh or dolled-up the way I like to be seen, so don't look at me, k?.. Just taking a sec before getting into the shower to remind everyone that now is the TIME to get hunkered down for a great match..!! Nos vemos en un poco,.. muchachos!

No, I am NOT the Beverly Hills Chihuahua!

So.. now I have humanoids coming up to me on the street saying, "OMG! You..you're.. that,.. um,..cute little Beverly thingee, ahhhh,.. mmm.. whatshername, Chlaw!... Right? NOoo-oh!? I mean ...Chloe! Right!!??" So.. NO. I am the prettiest chihuahua in these parts.. but I'm no Chloe.. sahrrry.. I'm Contessa ChiChi and unlike the chic chi, I have my act together. And, I have Rafa in my life.. and, a life, I might add, too full for being mistaken for a Chloe chica, if you don't mind! Yes. I've seen the flick. What?! What did I think of it? [eeeeek!] Okay, I confess, I saw some trailers.. that's it. Yahh, okey-dokey.. you're welcome.

Whirlwind weeks with Ruffie!

Okay, okay..(pant,pant)..it's been weeks since you've heard from me! So sorry, sorry, sorry! Time's gone by in a blur! I've been so busy going from one event to the next - all culminating in Today's celebration of the opening of the Tennis Master Series event in Madrid and its accompanying spectacular ceremony for Rafa's amazing, supercalifragilistic 2008 season as Numero Uno tennis player in the world!! (swoon) ATP president, Etienne De Villers will present Rafa with the "trophy that will forever remind him of his spectacular achievement as the new best tennis player in the world!" The Mutua Masters Series Madrid starts tomorrow and will finish at the finals next Sunday the 19th - so don't forget to send all your air-love and support to Rafa during the week! Pleeeeeese! I've been on holiday; Rafa said just the other day that, "I'm feeling great physically, that week of holidays I just had helped me out a lot as well and I trust I will be ready for my debut. I will give 100% as I usually do at every tournament." If you've forgotten, last year's tournament was a stunning upset! Roger Federer was #1 seed with Rafa as #2 but my Rafa lost to David Nalbandian in the quarterfinals, which stunned all. This year, Rafa is ready to win! And remember, Rafa is "in" for the year-end championship in Shanghai! Who knows, my fellow chichis, we might see a Rafa/Federer finish at Shanghai! Yesterday, Rafa took time from training to attend clothing line, Hugo Boss, event where Rafa was handed a check for 20.8114 euros for his humanitarian efforts through his Rafa Nadal Foundation which was unveiled this past February! (My Ruffie has a big heart!) Rafa Nadal Foundation helps kids with disabilities and kids in third world countries - which is great! (We could be one, too, before too long!) It's taking a while for some projects to get off the ground due to Rafa's busy schedule, but hey, he's committed to its success so it's gonna happen big..:) Earlier, Rafa was victorious over American Andy Roddick which propels Spain into the Davis Cup final. He played an almost perfect game! Even Rafa was shocked by some of the winners he played (but I'm not..:) I'm so proud of my Rafa for this big win for his country! Next stop for the Spaniards will be against Argentina, who will host the final for the David Cup Title from Nov. 21-23rd. Now Rafa has a chance to lead his country to a 3rd Davis Cup crown and the first since 2004. See? Now you see why my Rafa wears the Top Tennis crown, si? I luv my Rafa. You know you do, too. Just say it! Go ahead - don't be shy. Say it!?! [echoing from the backdrop] Si! Si! We luuuuuuv you, Raaaaaaaaaaaafaaaaaaaa! VAMOS!!!! Before I go, here's a pic of me at the beach with Rafa. Eat your heart out: Ahhhhhhhh, life c'est si bon!

Rafa is all right with it..

OH, noooooooooo. It didn't work out for Rafa today. My heart is heavy for him, but it also swells in pride for how gracious a man is Rafa. He has this to say about his loss it not working in his favor today. He acknowledges Murray's rightful win as a "better" player today. And - there's always a "tomorrow" win for my Rafa! God bless Rafa. Don't forget - he's still #1 ! Now, off to some private moments..

Rafa Nadal Match is in Progress!

My Rafa is playing his match against Andy Murray - right now! So please -

1. Say a prayer for Rafa to win.
2. Say a prayer for me if he doesn't.

Rafa Nadal vs. Marty Fish tonight

Ha! Rafa, you will win this match! Trust me. I know this - because no fish has ever won a tennis match - ever! Now, see? I have put your mind at peace, no? Now - go out there and win this match.. for me. Wrrrrrrrrow!

Rafael Nadal wins 2008 Prince of Asturias Award for Sports!

Big celebration tonight for me and Rafa! He's just won the 2008 Prince of Asturias Award for Sports as announced today in Oviedo!

"The Prince of Asturias Foundation’s statutes establish that the aim of the Awards is to acknowledge and extol ‘scientific, technical, cultural, social and humanistic work carried out by individuals, groups or institutions worldwide’. Consonant with this spirit, the Prince of Asturias Award for Sports ‘will be bestowed upon the individual, group or institution whose lives are not only examples to others, but who have also reached new heights in mankind's struggle for excellence, and who have contributed by their efforts to perfecting, nurturing, promoting and disseminating sport’."

Not only is Rafa the #1 tennis player in the world, but he's also considered the best Spanish player of all time! But we I knew this all along! Rafa is the best and the strongest of all the athletes in the world today! We'll be going out tonight to our favorite restaurant. Salmon, pasta, spinach and whine is on the menu. L-oo-k! I'm modeling my outfit for tonight. Do you like it?!

Ask Rafa Nadal a question on his Times Online blog

Today's Question for Rafa: where did I leave my warrior? At last year's Masters Cup in Shanghai, Xian type warrior statues were made for players, including Rafa.

YOU GO, RAFA NADAL!!

Ruffie! You DID it! I knew you could - and would!

World's #1 tennis champ Rafa Nadal off to the U.S. Open!

My head is spinning like a top! No, wait. I'm on Life's merry-go-round spinning faster and faster. If I let go - I will be propelled into the Universe like a rocket! Someone better tack my paw down on the ground - just don't tether my dreams! I pray for my Rafa to win his 3rd Grand Slam tournament this season. He will achieve his dream of winning the U.S. Open. I will keep the vision of his victory alive in my mind and in my heart every day until the anticipation becomes realization. Don't forget that you can catch him on the TimesOnline blog where he'll be blogging the day-to-day happenings & events while he's at the U.S. Open. Give him the luv!

Rafael Nadal - Exemplary Aspiration for all Young Athletes

Rafael Nadal quote from his awesome website: "..the support I got from the rest of the Spanish team was amazing.

"Although they don't know it, it was thanks to them that I somehow found the energy and mental strength to get the gold medal. I would not have been able to manage this from a hotel, however luxurious it was. The feeling at the end on the podium was indescribable. I am very happy to have made it to Olympic champion.

"The Olympic Games are very special. I know in tennis the grand slams are a little bit more important. But here you only have one chance every four years. For sportsmen, the Olympic Games are more important than anything. I feel like I win for all my country. That's more special, no? I win for a lot of people, not only for me."

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Contessa ChiChi opines, it's words like that which make Rafa a great sportsman and even greater human being. He's a man of grace and humility - always giving credit, thanks, and acknowledgment to others for their contributions to his success. It's why we love Rafael Nadal and want him to succeed far beyond his wildest dreams! He's the reason why we'll continue to watch him play great tennis. He'll be the reason for our growing and undying enthusiasm for the sport! He'll be the reason for many young people turning their interest and efforts to tennis. Nadal will serve as the exemplary aspiration for many young athletes for years to come!

The My #1 and Only Rafael Nadal

I'm so excited! My Rafa turned "The One" and Only tennis champion of the whole world today! As in #1 !! Yes! The whole world rejoices at the astounding achievements of my Rafa, my sweetie-pie! [I's so excited I make beeline for front yard bush. Back in a sec.] So - I get a twofer today in excitement! It's my mama's birthday, too! Happy Birthday, Mama-mia! And Happy #1 and Only mia caro, Rafa babee! When I saw Rafa right after the match he gave me a sweet kiss on my cheek as I ran my paws through his beautiful mane hair that I love to brush so much. *swoon*