Questions & answers with coach Francis

When I first met Francis, I knew he would be one of the most genuine and kind-hearted people I'd get to know. His caring nature shines through both off and on the court. He has experience as a student, a competitor, and a teacher. He understands the power of positivity in his students, he encourages them without being harsh or negative. He grasps the concept that every student learns differently and is patient to answer questions. Most of all, he wants us to have fun, to breathe, to smile, and to enjoy and love the game of tennis as much as he does.

Here are the answers we’ve all been waiting for:

Questions:

1) Can you dance? 

Answer: Yes, only with a few drinks consumed.

2)  When was the first time you picked up a tennis racket?

Answer: If I can remember, 5 years old.

3)  Were you a natural at tennis?

Answer: Ask my mother (I guess I’ll have to get his mother’s number)

4)  Do you play other sports?

Answer: Yes, I play a variety of them: basketball, football, ski, ice hockey, pickle ball, spike ball and many more...

5)  Where have you travelled to and where is your favourite spot?

Answer: I’ve travelled to many destinations and hands down, my favourite spot is Grand Cayman Island Seven Mile Beach.

6)  Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Answer: I see myself still developing the next generation of players and hopeful to set up a school of sports for under privileged kids.

7)  What is the thing you love most about your job?

Answer: My colleagues and all the people I teach.

8)  What is your favourite tennis destination?

Answer: My favourite travel tennis destination is Melbourne Australia (Aussie Open)

9)  When did you meet Hassan and how did you come to join Tennis for Life?

Answer: I met Hassan 7 years ago and we talked about him starting his new venture (Tennis for Life). I asked him if there were any opportunities.

10) If you weren’t a Tennis Coach, what career would you have considered?

Answer: Automotive for sure with Lexus.

11) Do you dream about tennis? If yes, what is your weirdest tennis dream?

Answer: I think I dream about tennis often. I don’t recall a weird dream about the sport, they have been positive dreams.

12) Why tennis? Why not hockey or skiing? 

Answer: Tennis was introduced to me by my parents. Funny enough, I played competitive hockey and skied recreationally. I had to choose, and tennis was my passion.

13) What is your funniest memory on the court as a coach or a player?

Answer: There are too many funny moments, I have them daily.

14) What is your most memorable moment in tennis?

Answer: My most memorable moment would be playing with the Williams sisters and other former Grand Slam champions all from the United States.

15) What would you say to your 10-year-old self?

Answer: Francis, keep believing, stay on track, and work your butt off.

16) If you could meet a pro tennis player, who would it be and what would you say to them?

Answer: The pro I would like to meet is Roger Federer. I would say, “Do you want to rally?”

17) How many pairs of tennis shoes do you own?

Answer: Only 3 pairs, I wear runners on the regular when I coach.

18) What is your favourite tennis outfit?

Answer: I really like my Uniqlo one, but lately Lacoste.

19) Are you a cat or a dog person?

Answer: Dog person

20) Do you drink coffee or tea?

Answer: All about the tea!

21) What is your life moto?

Answer: Live in the moment.

22) What would you do if you couldn’t play tennis?

Answer: If I couldn’t play tennis, I would choose to be in another sport, specifically basketball.

23) Name 2 movie stars who share the same last name as you.

Answer: Rosie Perez and Kenda Perez

I had a lot fun writing this piece, learning about Coach, getting to know him better and understanding his goals. He truly has a heart of gold. 

Thank you to those who submitted questions and being a part of this process with me. Coach Francis, you have a huge fan base! Let's play!

Thank you for dropping into A Path Well Written, A Blog about Life, Travel and Lizisms. Be well. Avec amour - Liz

*Coach Francis teaches at Tennis for Life in Coquitlam, BC. If you're interested in playing tennis, contact them in the link below or call 604-939-0028.*

-www.tennisforlife.ca

This is Lia's year! She was born in the year of the Tiger.  Every 12 years the Chinese Zodiac makes a full circle. I can't believe it, time flew by, in a blink of an eye. It makes me feel a whirlwind of emotions...one step closer to retirement in Spain! Cross Fingers.

My parents had their traditions but never imposed them on my brothers and I. Sometimes I wish they had because then I may have created a more "authentic" set up.  Albeit, I wasn't too interested in anything Chinese growing up. I felt like I was in between worlds. I was far from being a traditional Chinese daughter, I'd always felt more North American than anything, more than my brothers anyways. In this stage of my life, I do feel the importance of traditions, so I've made some efforts to be more aware of Chinese celebrations. I have to give my bestie and my sister in law a shout out for reminding me about them. All our kids, Kiki, Lia, Kash and Jack love to try everything I put into my fusion display. I think my mom would have appreciated my efforts. Haha! I mean, the purpose of this tray is to make people happy fill their bellies with the foods they like.

Each of the items has a significance. From bottom going clockwise: dried persimmons is a symbol of good wishes, tangerines is believed to bring good luck and happiness, Next I put rice crackers because the kids love them. Sesame balls symbolizes happiness and laughter, which I love. Next, White Rabbit candies, I grew up eating those. To me, they taste like condensed milk...nom, nom, nom. 

On the outside are some almond cookies which is said to bring good fortune. The gigantic grapefruit looking thing is a Pomelo. The kids LOVE it! It's dryer than a grapefruit but has a similar taste, cut it open and separate the skin from the flesh and voila! They gobble it up pretty fast, I have to save some aside for me. Pomelo brings good luck to the household. To the left of the pomelo is a baked rice cake. My friend bakes one for us every year. Rice cake represents prosperity, the Chinese words translates as Nian is year and gao is higher/taller. Since fortune and prosperity is the focus of Chinese new year, a lot of the food represents that. The rectangular foil is a jello like snack, with taro and water chestnuts inside. Taro, a symbol of fortune and prosperity as I mentioned earlier. Water chestnut brings it all together, signifying family, unity and togetherness. 

One of the most important symbols of Chinese New Year is the red envelopes (hong bao). These money filled envelopes come in all types of designs, traditional ones, cartoon ones, and even customized ones. Red envelopes symbolizes good wishes and luck for the new year ahead. Who doesn't like to get a little extra cash? It's not the cash that matters, but the actual meaning behind the envelope! I had it all wrong! Hahaha!

I'm not an expert on Chinese New Year but I hope to learn a little more every year. Happy New Year everyone. May this year bring you happiness, laughter, good health and prosperity.

Thank you for dropping into A Path Well Written, A Blog about Life, Travel and Lizisms. Be well. Avec amour - Liz