The Beginning

‘Twas the badminton that started this friendship you see blogged before you. It was a shared love for this sport that brought Rachel and I to Trinity-Bellwoods park in the summer of last year to play a tourney organized by a mutual friend. Rachel drank wine, I had a thirst for victory that no booze could quench. Not even tequila. Rachel and I were introduced, shared small pleasantries, then found ourselves on opposing teams. We faced each other across the badminton net and traded witty remarks as we fought savagely for court superiority. I instantly liked Rachel but have never been good at turning acquaintances into friends, I assumed we would see each other again at the park as badminton was meant to be a weekly event that would last all summer. Luckily Rachel is better than me at facilitating friendship (this is the only thing though). She messaged me on Facebook, determined to set a date for a re-match. I love it when people can write clever and grammatically correct emails, a rarity it seems. Rachel was a master at this and I was immediately impressed and intrigued.

Rachel Kagan July 5 at 12:02pm

Hi Kathryn,


We met at badminton last week during what I'm sure you'll agree was a v. tense badminton match. Dan and I have since exchanged some competitively-spirited messages regarding that big win so I am proposing a rematch. Obviously this can’t happen without you and your badminton moxie. Will you be there? Am I taking this too seriously? (Probably).


Rachel



Kathryn Rawson July 5 at 12:29pm
Hi Rachel,



There is no such thing as 'too seriously' in the world of badminton. though it pains me greatly to turn down a racquet-related challenge, I can't make it tomorrow night. But I will project my moxie-infused spirit to the court to rustle leaves and blow shuttlecocks awry.



I do apologize for my absence.



Yours in sport,


Kathryn

Rachel Kagan July 5 at 1:32pm
Dear Kathryn, while I don’t want to accept your apology - since this is a major blow to the World of Badminton - I’ll have to as I hate to be difficult (at least until I know you better). Hopefully we can shuttlecock-duel again soon, minus the part of the game where I throw my racquet to the ground in a fit of unsportsmanship fury.


Our rematch is now officially on hold as Dan also can't make it.


Until we cross raquets again,


Rachel

Kathryn Rawson July 5 at 3:01pm
Your unsportsmanlike fury is one of your best qualities. I mean, as far as I can tell. I am glad our re-match is on hold until we can all be in attendance. We have to make it a real match up, with psychologically threatening outfits, team names and severe punishment for the losers. I will make copies of our rules and laminate them.

Kathryn