Seawolves lose perfect season in five set nail-biter, defeat Humboldt 3-0, CSUMB 3-1
After serving up a perfect 11-0 season, the No. 13 ranked Sonoma State Women’s Volleyball team faced their first loss against San Francisco State University and ended the weekend with a 13-1 record.
The Seawolves started off the week with a 3-0 win against the Humboldt State Lumberjacks on Wednesday, 25-8, 25-14, 25-14. Led by three service aces from senior Lindsay Brown (totaling five in the game), Sonoma State took the early lead in the first set.
With 12 kills and only two errors in 28 attacks, the girls reached a 19-3 lead before ending the round at 25-8. SSU kept the momentum up through the next two sets, dominating the Lumberjacks with 12 kills from senior Sarah Illingsworth and 10 from Ali Walker.
With 17 digs, sophomore Taylor Krenwinkel led the team, and Brown would set a season high 40 assists in a three set game. Humboldt State would be held to just 18 kills the entire match.
“Someone has to be more physical to beat us,” said head coach Bear Grassl.
The Seawolves won both sets 25-14 to keep an undefeated season at 11-0, while the Lumberjacks maintained a 5-6 (1-2 CCAA) record.
However, the team’s winning streak would come to an abrupt halt when they faced the SFSU Gators on Friday, losing 3-2 (24-26, 26-28, 25-22, 25-15, 13-15).
“They’re good defensively, they’re good attacking and they have fight and hustle,” said Grassl. “We definitely can beat them, they just happened to be better that night.”
In a five-set game that saw numerous ties and lead changes, the Seawolves were up against a constant battle for the lead.
Sonoma State bounded to an early 7-2 count in the first set; eventually reaching a 21-16 lead after three tie scores and two rebounds by the Gators. Despite having a lead close to the end of the set, SFSU bounced back with four kills from Beth Perkins for a 10-3 run to take over the lead, and the set 26-24.
“We would have liked to respond to pressure better,” said Grassl.
The second set was a close match between the two, with the win coming down to the number of kills produced. Freshman Ally Sather reached a career-high 25 kills on the night while junior Marianne Fox contributed 12. SFSU chased the Seawolves through most of the set until a kill from Kyle Lamet switched the momentum over to allow a 4-1 run to give the Gators the win at 28-24.
The third set saw a lot of back and forth action; neither team held more than a three run lead, tied six times and changed the lead 10 times. SSU held strong and won 25-22 to begin their short-lived comeback.
The Seawolves tied it up in the fourth set, with a much easier win compared to the previous rounds.
Four kills from Fox and Sather and three from Rikki Buckshnis and Brown allowed Sonoma State the early, and ending, lead at 25-15.
Errors plagued the Seawolves in the fifth and final set of the match, as SFSU took advantage of the mistakes to come out of the set, and the game, victorious, 13-15.
“It’s important to not panic because we lost one game, then change everything,” Grassl told the girls after the game. “We’ve been pretty successful, we’re still playing good volleyball.”
Brown had a season high 50 assists in the game, Taylor Krenwinkel had 22 digs, and Illingworth had five blocks.
History was made the next day as Brown made her 3,000th career assist in the second set against CSU Monterey Bay and ended the game with 3,021. Sather supplied a team high 23 kills, with seven from Illingworth and Devynne Johnson apiece and 46 of the team’s 51 assists came from Brown.
In the four-set victory, the Seawolves got off to a good start in a close set with the Otters to win 25-23, with 17 kills, five errors and 38 attacks.
The momentum ended as Sonoma State was unable to beat Monterey Bay in the second set to even the score at 1-1. The Otters produced multiple long run streaks to put them in position to win, 25-18.
The Seawolves then fought back and started out with an astonishing 12 point run in the third set. Four of those points were service aces made by Brown, and led to a 25-19 lead.
“This year’s roster is a lot like last years,” said Grassl. “Most of the starters are returning. We are playing a different style, we’re not as physical as last year.”
An easy victory in the fourth set gave the Seawolves the 3-1 lead to win the game and bounce back from a disheartening loss the previous night. Sonoma State retained the lead through the set and had a five point run to end at 25-17.
“Brown, Krenwinkel and Walker are the backbone of this team,” said Grassl. “They’re the glue that holds us together. About 70 percent of the balls we touch are handled by them.”
According to Grassl, sophomore Keala Peterson, who was injured last week during a block attempt against a competitive Cal State Los Angeles, will likely be able to return to play within the next week or two.
The Seawolves remain ranked at No. 13 with a 12-1 overall record, 4-1 in the CCAA.
They will face Cal Poly Pomona on Fri., Sept. 25 and Cal State San Bernadino on Sat., Sept. 26. The first serve for both games is scheduled for 7 p.m.
These games won’t be pushover wins for the Seawolves. Last year, San Bernadino played in the national championship game and are currently ranked at No. 2, and SSU hasn’t won against Pomona in at least ten years, according to Grassl.
“They’re both very good teams,” he commented on his opponents. “But we’re also prepared.”
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Saturdays in Rohnert Park are boring; bring back the pigskin
One of the biggest factors in my college decision was football. I wanted to be part of the college football culture: tailgates with your friends, painting faces, and screaming at the top of your lungs as you cheer on your school.
I grew up with football, and I wanted this to continue throughout college. As a die-hard University of Southern California Trojan fan, obviously USC was my first choice.
But with circumstances out of my control, my decision came down to the University of Nebraska and Sonoma State University.
Most of my desire to go to Nebraska was based on the football family within it, (plus a strong urge to distance myself from my parents) as well as their academic program.
It wasn’t until a tornado struck the town a week before I had to send in my acceptance letter that I thought about Sonoma State. Sure, it was a little closer to home, but that ended up working out for the best.
I have never regretted my decision, but it still annoys me every time I see a friend’s Facebook status that reads “At the game – Go [insert school name here]!”
I’m sure I’m not the only one who feels this way. I genuinely envy them, not just for the tailgates and team spirit, but for the lost hours watching the best kind of football there is.
Sonoma was fortunate enough to host a team in the school’s early years, with winning teams and legendary players. The first Sonoma State team hit the field in 1969, but all that remains is a t-shirt in the bookstore which reads “SSU Football: Undefeated since 1992.”
Even now, the only glimpse of seeing any Sonoma football star has disappeared with the retirement of Larry Allen, an offensive lineman for the San Francisco 49-ers.
However, due to increasing costs and Title IX, the team was dismantled. The scores weren’t horrible and the fans were there, but the money wasn’t.
The budget continues to be the largest deterrent in recreating SSU football’s former glory. A previous estimate stated that a football team would cost around $500,000 on average a year to run – not to mention the $10 million needed to rehabilitate the stadium to make it suitable to play in.
On top of that, Humboldt State is the only Division II football team in California. The team’s traveling costs would be off the charts.
Title IX would then force new women’s teams to be created, as there need to be an equal number of women’s and men’s players. A solid football program would require at least 80 players, meaning around four new women’s teams would have to be created.
I understand the reasons why the team was disbanded.
I understand that with the current state of the economy, more money cannot be spent to build around new team, or a stadium to hold them.
However, I still hope that one day this can change.
SSU is a fairly distant community. While the number of students suggests otherwise, and in the end everyone knows each other’s business, we still need to work at bringing everyone together.
What could be a more perfect way than by starting up football again?
Every Saturday, an entire stadium could be filled with students decked out in Sonoma blue and white, cheering on our school.
Maybe this won’t happen in the next decade or two, but someday, I’d like to take my kids to a game to watch my alma mater play.
I grew up with football, and I wanted this to continue throughout college. As a die-hard University of Southern California Trojan fan, obviously USC was my first choice.
But with circumstances out of my control, my decision came down to the University of Nebraska and Sonoma State University.
Most of my desire to go to Nebraska was based on the football family within it, (plus a strong urge to distance myself from my parents) as well as their academic program.
It wasn’t until a tornado struck the town a week before I had to send in my acceptance letter that I thought about Sonoma State. Sure, it was a little closer to home, but that ended up working out for the best.
I have never regretted my decision, but it still annoys me every time I see a friend’s Facebook status that reads “At the game – Go [insert school name here]!”
I’m sure I’m not the only one who feels this way. I genuinely envy them, not just for the tailgates and team spirit, but for the lost hours watching the best kind of football there is.
Sonoma was fortunate enough to host a team in the school’s early years, with winning teams and legendary players. The first Sonoma State team hit the field in 1969, but all that remains is a t-shirt in the bookstore which reads “SSU Football: Undefeated since 1992.”
Even now, the only glimpse of seeing any Sonoma football star has disappeared with the retirement of Larry Allen, an offensive lineman for the San Francisco 49-ers.
However, due to increasing costs and Title IX, the team was dismantled. The scores weren’t horrible and the fans were there, but the money wasn’t.
The budget continues to be the largest deterrent in recreating SSU football’s former glory. A previous estimate stated that a football team would cost around $500,000 on average a year to run – not to mention the $10 million needed to rehabilitate the stadium to make it suitable to play in.
On top of that, Humboldt State is the only Division II football team in California. The team’s traveling costs would be off the charts.
Title IX would then force new women’s teams to be created, as there need to be an equal number of women’s and men’s players. A solid football program would require at least 80 players, meaning around four new women’s teams would have to be created.
I understand the reasons why the team was disbanded.
I understand that with the current state of the economy, more money cannot be spent to build around new team, or a stadium to hold them.
However, I still hope that one day this can change.
SSU is a fairly distant community. While the number of students suggests otherwise, and in the end everyone knows each other’s business, we still need to work at bringing everyone together.
What could be a more perfect way than by starting up football again?
Every Saturday, an entire stadium could be filled with students decked out in Sonoma blue and white, cheering on our school.
Maybe this won’t happen in the next decade or two, but someday, I’d like to take my kids to a game to watch my alma mater play.
Volleyball sweeps up Seawolf Spike
It seemed like Sonoma State women’s volleyball could do no wrong in the Seawolf Spike season opener, dominating strong opposition to win all four games.
The Seawolves began the tournament with a quick battle against Notre Dame de Namur, Fri., Aug. 28, defeating them 3-0.
While the first set ran smoothly, with senior Lindsay Brown assisting on 10 of the Seawolves’ 15 kills to win 25-12, Notre Dame fought back in the second.
With nine ties and five lead changes, Sonoma State faced the fierce offense of Breanna Morales and Caitlin Torres, both with five kills that set.
Allyson Sather made an outstanding volleyball debut, leading the team with 11 kills with sophomore transfer Keala Peterson adding a close ten. Brown totaled 27 assists and Taylor Krenwinkel led with 11 digs.
Western Oregon would not go down quite as easily in Friday’s second game.
Sonoma State took control of the first two sets, with 25-16 and 25-10 victories, then lost in a close contest of 22-25 in the third, and finally ended the match with a 25-23 win.
Sather brought in 17 kills and Peterson contributed an additional 11.
Competition was the toughest in the Seawolves’ first game on Saturday against Dominican University, taking all five sets to determine the winner.
Though Sonoma State started out strong, dominating the Penguins 25-9, Dominican retaliated in the second and abrubtly quieted SSU’s cheers with a disheartening defeat of 16-25.
It then took 52 points between the two teams to declare a winner for the third set. The Seawolves maintained the lead for most of the set until a kill from Gabby Pecora evened the score out and allowed Dominican to steal the lead and win 27-25.
SSU came back and won the next two sets neccesary to claim victory over Dominican.
In their final match against Central Washington University, the Seawolves took off right from the start, only losing the lead once in the first set. It was a close round, with constant back and forth action, but Sonoma State prevailed with a 25-19 win.
From there, the domination continued as Sonoma State won the next two sets with ease.
Senior Lindsay Brown was named tournament MVP after the game. Brown accumulated 161 assists, 12 digs and 15 kills over the weekend.
The Seawolves remain undefeated and will travel to Washington for the CWU Invitational next weekend where they will face BYU-Hawaii, Seattle Pacific, Evergreen State and Western Washington.
SSU alum makes “monster” debut with the Oakland A’s
It’s not every day that someone makes their Major League Baseball debut with a double off the legendary Green Monster with all-star closer Jonathan Papelbon throwing fastballs at them.
For Sonoma State University alumnus Tommy Everidge however, this day was just the first of a promising career with the Oakland Athletics.
His hit landed a foot from the top of the Monster, scoring Jack Cust to help the A’s rally against the Red Sox and eventually win in extra innings, 9-8, on July 28.
A first baseman, Everidge was first drafted to the Athletics in the 10th round in 2004, just after graduating from SSU. He was sent to the minor leagues, where he spent five years earning awards for outstanding batting and waiting to be called up to the majors.
In 2008, he brought in another 22 homeruns and lead the league with 115 RBIs. His batting average against lefties translated into .364 in the majors.
Despite his impressive records, he had to fight for a position with the A’s. The battle to open 2009 came down to Nomar Garciaparra , Joe Dillon and Everidge. It was with a few injuries and a little bit of luck that he was able to play.
Since the first game, Everidge’s bat has become an advantage for Oakland.
Everidge hit his first MLB home-run against Kansas City Chief’s closer Joakim Soria; a 396 ft. shot to right center at the bottom of the ninth to lessen the Cheif’s lead to 12-4.
“It feels really good to get it out of the way,” Everidge told MLB.com.
The next blast came against the New York Yankees on Aug. 18. A long, left field shot would regain the lead for the A’s in the top of the second, but would be the last time anyone crossed the plate. Yankees won 7-2.
Everidge’s last game with the A’s was on Aug. 28 against the Seattle Mariners where he went 1-4 with just one strike-out.
According to the A’s website, he has been “reassigned” but still has a chance at playing in the majors again.
Everidge holds a .224 batting average with a .302 OBP. He has 27 hits, seven RBIs and 13 runs scored in 85 at bats.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
The Legalization of Marijuana
So by now everyone has heard of the attempt to legalize marijuana to bring in tax revenue. This is my response to this whole debate.
First off, I wonder if those who call marijuana a "harmful" drug and a "gateway to more dangerous drugs like cocaine or heroine" have ever actually smoked it, or hung around people who do. Marijuana, for the most part, is the most harmless drug of them all if you get straight down to immediate effects. According to erowid.com these are the effects:
mood lift, euphoria
laughter
relaxation, stress reduction
creative, philosophical or deep thinking : ideas flow more easily
increased appreciation of music. More aware of, deeper connection to music.
increased awareness of senses. (eating, drinking, smell)
change in experience of muscle fatigue. Pleasant body feel. Increase in body/mind connection.
pain relief (headaches, cramps)
boring tasks or entertainment can become more interesting or funny
general change in consciousness (as with many psychoactives)
increased appetite, snacky-ness
slowness (slow driving, talking)
change in vision such as sharpened colors or lights
closed-eye visuals (somewhat uncommon)
tiredness, sleepiness, lethargy
In all of this, no where do you find aggression or easy agitation. It is a peaceful drug and in more cases than none, it knocks the user on their ass, making them lazy and incapable of doing much else. Alcohol in large doses causes many to lash out and fight, say things they want to keep secret, and participate in actions they normally wouldn't and probably shouldn't. Driving under this influence is also extremely dangerous and causes more deaths than many others. Weed use does not produce these same effects and are relatively harmless.
While it does have an addicting nature, many find that they do not become completely dependent on it. Just like alcohol and tobacco, and even food, and any substance or action can become addicting. If addiction is a valid case for criminalization, then let's ban shopping, eating, exercising and countless other things. Just because some people are unable to handle drugs does not mean that others can't. Anything is ok in moderation.
I personally feel that marijuana is not a gateway drug towards more harmful ones. "Studies" have shown it is, but they are funded by anti-marijuana parties. Anyone who has ever experienced it first-hand would know that it's quite the opposite. Steady users are quite content to continue it's use, and in my experience if a stronger drug is necessary, shrooms are the drug of choice (I've never done them, just seen it happen).
I'm not advocating complete and total freedom if it's legalized. Rules will have to be implemented for its use. Age limits, driving laws, and public use laws will be necessary in order to maintain stability in our society. Distribution will also have to be watched, eliminating illegal drug cartels from the south and ensuring quality marijuana. An expert on CNBC said this will only further the illegal cocaine and heroin industries, but I feel that marijuana legalization would have no effect on it whatsoever.
More modest studies are showing that by legalizing weed we could earn $14 billion a year in taxes, and others are showing estimates in the 40 billion dollar zone. As we enter the inevitable, and quite possibly greatest depression the country as ever faced, we now realize the status quo is not working. Tax cuts to the rich are bullshit and do not encourage more spending. The unbelievable amount of money spent on the now futile war in Iraq is draining U.S. accounts and plummeting us further and further into debt. A new source of revenue that does not include overtaxing the already suffering middle and lower classes is necessary.
Not only would legalization create a new source of revenue, it would create stable, accepted jobs. People could work as dealers, or continue to keep a job lost due to use.
To end this long rant, we've seen with prohibition that criminalization does not work and leads to fighting and sending hundred (and in today's case, thousands) of people into prison. If we could earn $40 billion/year just by legalizing marijuana, I feel it would be worth it. It's a pretty harmless drug.
[Note: This opinion was not written because I am a frequent marijuana user. I admit I have used it in the past, but I do not like smoking it and will not in the future. I simply believe there are worse drugs out there and out time, money and effort should be spent on fighting those drugs.]
To see the CNBC debate, follow this link: http://www.cnbc.com/id/15840232?video=1010175323&play=1
First off, I wonder if those who call marijuana a "harmful" drug and a "gateway to more dangerous drugs like cocaine or heroine" have ever actually smoked it, or hung around people who do. Marijuana, for the most part, is the most harmless drug of them all if you get straight down to immediate effects. According to erowid.com these are the effects:
mood lift, euphoria
laughter
relaxation, stress reduction
creative, philosophical or deep thinking : ideas flow more easily
increased appreciation of music. More aware of, deeper connection to music.
increased awareness of senses. (eating, drinking, smell)
change in experience of muscle fatigue. Pleasant body feel. Increase in body/mind connection.
pain relief (headaches, cramps)
boring tasks or entertainment can become more interesting or funny
general change in consciousness (as with many psychoactives)
increased appetite, snacky-ness
slowness (slow driving, talking)
change in vision such as sharpened colors or lights
closed-eye visuals (somewhat uncommon)
tiredness, sleepiness, lethargy
In all of this, no where do you find aggression or easy agitation. It is a peaceful drug and in more cases than none, it knocks the user on their ass, making them lazy and incapable of doing much else. Alcohol in large doses causes many to lash out and fight, say things they want to keep secret, and participate in actions they normally wouldn't and probably shouldn't. Driving under this influence is also extremely dangerous and causes more deaths than many others. Weed use does not produce these same effects and are relatively harmless.
While it does have an addicting nature, many find that they do not become completely dependent on it. Just like alcohol and tobacco, and even food, and any substance or action can become addicting. If addiction is a valid case for criminalization, then let's ban shopping, eating, exercising and countless other things. Just because some people are unable to handle drugs does not mean that others can't. Anything is ok in moderation.
I personally feel that marijuana is not a gateway drug towards more harmful ones. "Studies" have shown it is, but they are funded by anti-marijuana parties. Anyone who has ever experienced it first-hand would know that it's quite the opposite. Steady users are quite content to continue it's use, and in my experience if a stronger drug is necessary, shrooms are the drug of choice (I've never done them, just seen it happen).
I'm not advocating complete and total freedom if it's legalized. Rules will have to be implemented for its use. Age limits, driving laws, and public use laws will be necessary in order to maintain stability in our society. Distribution will also have to be watched, eliminating illegal drug cartels from the south and ensuring quality marijuana. An expert on CNBC said this will only further the illegal cocaine and heroin industries, but I feel that marijuana legalization would have no effect on it whatsoever.
More modest studies are showing that by legalizing weed we could earn $14 billion a year in taxes, and others are showing estimates in the 40 billion dollar zone. As we enter the inevitable, and quite possibly greatest depression the country as ever faced, we now realize the status quo is not working. Tax cuts to the rich are bullshit and do not encourage more spending. The unbelievable amount of money spent on the now futile war in Iraq is draining U.S. accounts and plummeting us further and further into debt. A new source of revenue that does not include overtaxing the already suffering middle and lower classes is necessary.
Not only would legalization create a new source of revenue, it would create stable, accepted jobs. People could work as dealers, or continue to keep a job lost due to use.
To end this long rant, we've seen with prohibition that criminalization does not work and leads to fighting and sending hundred (and in today's case, thousands) of people into prison. If we could earn $40 billion/year just by legalizing marijuana, I feel it would be worth it. It's a pretty harmless drug.
[Note: This opinion was not written because I am a frequent marijuana user. I admit I have used it in the past, but I do not like smoking it and will not in the future. I simply believe there are worse drugs out there and out time, money and effort should be spent on fighting those drugs.]
To see the CNBC debate, follow this link: http://www.cnbc.com/id/15840232?video=1010175323&play=1
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Synchroblog #3
"The Season of Christmas"
Have favorite memory of any pastimes spending Christmas with the family? Want to give expressions or remarks about the season known to children for Santa Claus? Think about spending a day, or vacation or, special moments with family and friends. Think about the 25th day known as a tradition of being able to give unto others and not worry about receiving gifts back. You should talk about the season of Christmas. Whatever your heart desires, think carefully on what you think the meaning of Christmas is all about. Why is special about the winter time? Is there anything special about December besides just Christmas? It is up to you to talk about whatever you like about in any direction you want.
I think that as I get older, Christmas becomes less exciting and more just something that need to be done. I have to buy everyone presents, find a way to make it home, clean the house before everyone gets there. It’s pretty sad that this is the way that I view Christmas now. Putting up the lights and making sure the right cookies were made for Santa and the carrots were laid out for the reindeer, hanging the ornaments – one for each Christmas – and trying to find the perfect tree. That is what Christmas used to be. I remember mom forcing my sister and I into these ridiculous metallic light blue puff jackets that made me look like Frosty just so she could take a picture to put on a Christmas card. My sister and I gave her such hell for that. I tried to steal some of the cards so they wouldn’t get sent out to people, but mom just ordered new ones. That picture is now hanging on my wall at home, and it’s one of my favorites of my sis and me. I remember how Aimee and I would always stay at the Hilton on Christmas Eve with my grandparents and the “Hilton Santa” would leave us Beanie Babies. It was never the one we wanted so the sis and I would trade. I still laugh about it now, because it happened every time. I loved being there with the grandparents, especially when they covered our eyes as we walked back into our house so we couldn’t see the presents. Once we walked in and found Shaida sitting in the backyard. I was scared to death of that dog. I didn’t want her (Big mistake- that dog is the love of my life. I can’t see what I would do without her). Then after Dad was done playing Santa, and everything was cleaned up, Mom would make breakfast and start on the cooking. Dad would put batteries in all the new electronics, and we would have to start cleaning. The rest of the family would come over and start talking, looking at all the new presents.
So that was Christmas when I was little. Before I hit junior year of high school. Since then, especially now that I’m in college, it’s not like that anymore. I don’t have the money to buy presents, but everyone expects me to. My grandpa is no longer with us and we don’t stay with my grandma at the Hilton; Aimee and I fight too much for her. And now just getting home for the holidays is tough. Up until yesterday I had to work the day after. I’ll only be home for a few days. =[ But even when I am, the presents aren’t going to be the same because I wont want them [unless it’s a new car, I still want that] and everyone knows I don’t believe in Santa anymore. Dad doesn't do the lights the same way, and the candy-cane trees - my favorite thing in the world- are forgotten about. Cleaning up will be a bitch since mom will want the house absolutely spotless – that has never, and can never, happen-. I wont want to eat as much food because all of a sudden, I’m conscious of the weight, and then the whole family is eventually going to start talking about school and politics, the two things I don’t want to talk about on my vacation, and then I’ll end up going out with some friends that same night.
All sense of tradition and festivity is gone. I just want to be little again, and have one more amazing Christmas.
Have favorite memory of any pastimes spending Christmas with the family? Want to give expressions or remarks about the season known to children for Santa Claus? Think about spending a day, or vacation or, special moments with family and friends. Think about the 25th day known as a tradition of being able to give unto others and not worry about receiving gifts back. You should talk about the season of Christmas. Whatever your heart desires, think carefully on what you think the meaning of Christmas is all about. Why is special about the winter time? Is there anything special about December besides just Christmas? It is up to you to talk about whatever you like about in any direction you want.
I think that as I get older, Christmas becomes less exciting and more just something that need to be done. I have to buy everyone presents, find a way to make it home, clean the house before everyone gets there. It’s pretty sad that this is the way that I view Christmas now. Putting up the lights and making sure the right cookies were made for Santa and the carrots were laid out for the reindeer, hanging the ornaments – one for each Christmas – and trying to find the perfect tree. That is what Christmas used to be. I remember mom forcing my sister and I into these ridiculous metallic light blue puff jackets that made me look like Frosty just so she could take a picture to put on a Christmas card. My sister and I gave her such hell for that. I tried to steal some of the cards so they wouldn’t get sent out to people, but mom just ordered new ones. That picture is now hanging on my wall at home, and it’s one of my favorites of my sis and me. I remember how Aimee and I would always stay at the Hilton on Christmas Eve with my grandparents and the “Hilton Santa” would leave us Beanie Babies. It was never the one we wanted so the sis and I would trade. I still laugh about it now, because it happened every time. I loved being there with the grandparents, especially when they covered our eyes as we walked back into our house so we couldn’t see the presents. Once we walked in and found Shaida sitting in the backyard. I was scared to death of that dog. I didn’t want her (Big mistake- that dog is the love of my life. I can’t see what I would do without her). Then after Dad was done playing Santa, and everything was cleaned up, Mom would make breakfast and start on the cooking. Dad would put batteries in all the new electronics, and we would have to start cleaning. The rest of the family would come over and start talking, looking at all the new presents.
So that was Christmas when I was little. Before I hit junior year of high school. Since then, especially now that I’m in college, it’s not like that anymore. I don’t have the money to buy presents, but everyone expects me to. My grandpa is no longer with us and we don’t stay with my grandma at the Hilton; Aimee and I fight too much for her. And now just getting home for the holidays is tough. Up until yesterday I had to work the day after. I’ll only be home for a few days. =[ But even when I am, the presents aren’t going to be the same because I wont want them [unless it’s a new car, I still want that] and everyone knows I don’t believe in Santa anymore. Dad doesn't do the lights the same way, and the candy-cane trees - my favorite thing in the world- are forgotten about. Cleaning up will be a bitch since mom will want the house absolutely spotless – that has never, and can never, happen-. I wont want to eat as much food because all of a sudden, I’m conscious of the weight, and then the whole family is eventually going to start talking about school and politics, the two things I don’t want to talk about on my vacation, and then I’ll end up going out with some friends that same night.
All sense of tradition and festivity is gone. I just want to be little again, and have one more amazing Christmas.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
On Quitting
Josh Skillman wasn’t just one of the most attractive professors with the coolest accents I’ve ever had. I think that he may also be the wisest. Not only was he extremely relatable (mostly because he was still so young himself), but he had the power to drill in important points and recite from memory what I consider one of the greatest poems I’ve heard:
When things go wrong, as they sometimes will. When the road you're trudging seems all up hill. When funds are low and the debts are high. And you want to smile, but have to sigh. When care is pressing you down a bit, rest if you must, but don't you quit. Life is queer with its twists and turns. As every one of us sometimes learns. And many a failure turns about, and he might've won had he stuck it out: Don't give up though the pace seems slow - You may succeed with just another blow. Often the goal is nearer than it seems to a faint and faltering man. Often the struggle has given up when he might have captured the victor's cup, and he learned too late, when the night slipped down, how close he was to the golden crown. Success is failure turned inside out - The silver tint of the clouds of doubt. And you can never tell how close you are, it may be near when it seems so far: So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit - It's when things seem worst that you must not quit.
Don’t you quit.
I can’t ever quit. And this is both a negative and positive thing.
Let’s start off on the bright side. My perseverance gets me what I want. I keep thinking up new ways to find it. I’ll work my ass off to be the best. And if something goes wrong, I look for a way around it. With me, third time is the charm. It’s always in the third year of something. Took 3 years to become Editor in Chief of the high school paper, three years to be a starter on a club softball team, three years to find a successful study strategy. And now it looks like it is going to take 3 years to find my true friends. (This means I have one more year. I’ll explain later). Even though this may take a while, it will happen. Until then, I won’t stop working for it.
I’m a fighter. I don’t let anything go. I’m stubborn. I’ve learned this about myself, but I don’t want to change it. With the current situation I’m in, my mom says I need to just drop it and let this girl be the immature one, not to let her get to me; after all, it’s just stuff. Here’s the thing: it’s MY stuff. Stuff I love that I was nice enough to let her borrow. Why should I let her keep it? I’m not going to let that bitch win. I feel like the colonists in the Revolutionary War. Down in the beginning, but victorious in the end. Where would we be now if they chose to just abandon their cause and let the British win?
Quitting is hard. Not quitting is harder.
[Next topic: illegal immigration, and how to stop it (someone remind me to write on this)]
When things go wrong, as they sometimes will. When the road you're trudging seems all up hill. When funds are low and the debts are high. And you want to smile, but have to sigh. When care is pressing you down a bit, rest if you must, but don't you quit. Life is queer with its twists and turns. As every one of us sometimes learns. And many a failure turns about, and he might've won had he stuck it out: Don't give up though the pace seems slow - You may succeed with just another blow. Often the goal is nearer than it seems to a faint and faltering man. Often the struggle has given up when he might have captured the victor's cup, and he learned too late, when the night slipped down, how close he was to the golden crown. Success is failure turned inside out - The silver tint of the clouds of doubt. And you can never tell how close you are, it may be near when it seems so far: So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit - It's when things seem worst that you must not quit.
Don’t you quit.
I can’t ever quit. And this is both a negative and positive thing.
Let’s start off on the bright side. My perseverance gets me what I want. I keep thinking up new ways to find it. I’ll work my ass off to be the best. And if something goes wrong, I look for a way around it. With me, third time is the charm. It’s always in the third year of something. Took 3 years to become Editor in Chief of the high school paper, three years to be a starter on a club softball team, three years to find a successful study strategy. And now it looks like it is going to take 3 years to find my true friends. (This means I have one more year. I’ll explain later). Even though this may take a while, it will happen. Until then, I won’t stop working for it.
I’m a fighter. I don’t let anything go. I’m stubborn. I’ve learned this about myself, but I don’t want to change it. With the current situation I’m in, my mom says I need to just drop it and let this girl be the immature one, not to let her get to me; after all, it’s just stuff. Here’s the thing: it’s MY stuff. Stuff I love that I was nice enough to let her borrow. Why should I let her keep it? I’m not going to let that bitch win. I feel like the colonists in the Revolutionary War. Down in the beginning, but victorious in the end. Where would we be now if they chose to just abandon their cause and let the British win?
Quitting is hard. Not quitting is harder.
[Next topic: illegal immigration, and how to stop it (someone remind me to write on this)]
Monday, October 20, 2008
Synchroblog #2: On Happiness
The prompt for this month’s synchroblog is: "I'm usually in a good mood or being myself when..."
Have any of you ever seen me in a really good mood? I’m just curious. Because I don’t think I ever am. And according to a conversation I had with two old friends last night, I never do. Oh well. I guess I’m only myself when I’m around two kinds of people: my family and those I know I can trust, or random strangers that I will probably never see again.
With my family, I know that I can pretty much act like the biggest ditz in the world and it won’t faze them. That’s probably the one thing I can enjoy. When I was home for the summer it was a little different. I couldn’t tell them everything about me, but at least my personality could be what I wanted it to be. I figured they would love me no matter what, so I could talk about the most random things on the planet and they wouldn’t care. I would drive them up the wall, but they would still listen.
The same holds true for those friends that I know I can trust. And that number is very small. It’s pretty much Hayley, who has proven she’s an awesome friend that doesn’t let stupid things get in the way, Ryan, who I only really talk to online, Michael, because we are the coolest siblings in the entire world, and one other friend I can’t mention here (but things are kinda complicated in a good way with him). So yeah, 4 people outside my family who know the real me. Guess I’m only in a good mood a small percent of the time, because those are the only people I’m ever myself and truly happy around.
The random strangers, yeah those are the people I meet at raves. And I’m myself around them because they don’t give a fuck. They are the nicest and down to earth people I meet. I can act like me- and they get it. Hell, they even love it. I can be my serious self around Chesh, be “sensitive” with Rabbit, go crazy dancing around everyone else. It’s just amazing. The music puts me in the greatest mood, even more so than the people. It’s exhilarating, especially if I get killer sets from my favorite DJs that just make me want to keep dancing even though I’m completely exhausted and sore. At that point, although I can’t dance and I look retarded, I’m me. A HAPPY me.
I guess that last paragraph was kinda redundant, sorry for that. I’m sitting in the library and I’m a little distracted. And this Infected Mushroom song came on, which is awesome.
Best time to find me in a good mood and being myself: Right after I have finished an article and it has turned out to be one of my best. Nothing beats that. EVER. Maybe seeing it published, but it’s not quite as immediate. The sense of accomplishment lifts me up and turns me into this super-nice person. I never thought about this before, but no one has ever seen me when this happens, so they don’t comment and I forget about it.
Mmmk, so that answers this blog. Any questions?
As for posting links, I have no idea how to make it a link. So you get URLs =D
www.thissideoftomorrow.blogspot.com (Nathan)
www.daretodreamthinkdo.blogspot.com/ (Kelvin, creator)
Let me know if you want me to post your link.
Also, does anyone know how to become a follower?
Have any of you ever seen me in a really good mood? I’m just curious. Because I don’t think I ever am. And according to a conversation I had with two old friends last night, I never do. Oh well. I guess I’m only myself when I’m around two kinds of people: my family and those I know I can trust, or random strangers that I will probably never see again.
With my family, I know that I can pretty much act like the biggest ditz in the world and it won’t faze them. That’s probably the one thing I can enjoy. When I was home for the summer it was a little different. I couldn’t tell them everything about me, but at least my personality could be what I wanted it to be. I figured they would love me no matter what, so I could talk about the most random things on the planet and they wouldn’t care. I would drive them up the wall, but they would still listen.
The same holds true for those friends that I know I can trust. And that number is very small. It’s pretty much Hayley, who has proven she’s an awesome friend that doesn’t let stupid things get in the way, Ryan, who I only really talk to online, Michael, because we are the coolest siblings in the entire world, and one other friend I can’t mention here (but things are kinda complicated in a good way with him). So yeah, 4 people outside my family who know the real me. Guess I’m only in a good mood a small percent of the time, because those are the only people I’m ever myself and truly happy around.
The random strangers, yeah those are the people I meet at raves. And I’m myself around them because they don’t give a fuck. They are the nicest and down to earth people I meet. I can act like me- and they get it. Hell, they even love it. I can be my serious self around Chesh, be “sensitive” with Rabbit, go crazy dancing around everyone else. It’s just amazing. The music puts me in the greatest mood, even more so than the people. It’s exhilarating, especially if I get killer sets from my favorite DJs that just make me want to keep dancing even though I’m completely exhausted and sore. At that point, although I can’t dance and I look retarded, I’m me. A HAPPY me.
I guess that last paragraph was kinda redundant, sorry for that. I’m sitting in the library and I’m a little distracted. And this Infected Mushroom song came on, which is awesome.
Best time to find me in a good mood and being myself: Right after I have finished an article and it has turned out to be one of my best. Nothing beats that. EVER. Maybe seeing it published, but it’s not quite as immediate. The sense of accomplishment lifts me up and turns me into this super-nice person. I never thought about this before, but no one has ever seen me when this happens, so they don’t comment and I forget about it.
Mmmk, so that answers this blog. Any questions?
As for posting links, I have no idea how to make it a link. So you get URLs =D
www.thissideoftomorrow.blogspot.com (Nathan)
www.daretodreamthinkdo.blogspot.com/ (Kelvin, creator)
Let me know if you want me to post your link.
Also, does anyone know how to become a follower?
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Fear is no longer a Factor for me. -and- Something's missing.
So you thought you knew me. I thought I knew me. But did you ever think I would be a contestant on Fear Factor?
If you've ever been to Universal Studios Hollywood, you would know they have a show called Fear Factor Live, in which park guests can participate in stunts you normally see on the show. A friend of a friend wanted to audition, so I said I would too. I honestly didn't think I would make it, but I did.
As we were going through wardrobe, my nerves started to kick in. First off, they had us in this ridiculous spandex costume. It was snug in all the wrong places, and then the harness hurt my shoulder and was super tight around my stomach (but it made my boobs look bigger, so hey, its all good. Hahah =] ).
Walking out on stage was TERRIFYING! But I smiled for the crowd, waved to my friend in the stands and went to the platform where I had to hang from angled bars about 80 ft. in the air. I held on the longest; I think I was the only one who realized lifting your knees would make it easier. My friend was the first one to fall, and I almost dropped laughing.
Second stunt. Not so easy. I have to run across stage, stick my hand in a tank full of live eels, pull out a flag and attach it to a hook on a pole. But oh yeah, the platform underneath the pole is spinning. What a pain in the ass. I had to do that three times. Stunt wasn't over though. In typical Fear Factor fashion, something disgusting had to be consumed.
Fish guts, pig intestines and eyes, bugs, and sour milk blended into the most disgusting smoothie I've ever seen. I put that in my mouth and swallowed it. I nearly threw up after the first swallow. I didn't end up qualifying for the next round, where the last two contestants got shocked several times (which, you know, seems tame to devouring that horrendous smoothie).
But I tried, and just had fun with it. I never would have done anything like that before. Not many people can say they were contestants on Fear Factor.
-and-
Something's missing from my life.
How else can I explain Friday night.
It was fun, sure, but I don't want just that.
I want something more.
And there are only two people I want it with.
Both of them want absolutely nothing.
Gotta love love right?
If you've ever been to Universal Studios Hollywood, you would know they have a show called Fear Factor Live, in which park guests can participate in stunts you normally see on the show. A friend of a friend wanted to audition, so I said I would too. I honestly didn't think I would make it, but I did.
As we were going through wardrobe, my nerves started to kick in. First off, they had us in this ridiculous spandex costume. It was snug in all the wrong places, and then the harness hurt my shoulder and was super tight around my stomach (but it made my boobs look bigger, so hey, its all good. Hahah =] ).
Walking out on stage was TERRIFYING! But I smiled for the crowd, waved to my friend in the stands and went to the platform where I had to hang from angled bars about 80 ft. in the air. I held on the longest; I think I was the only one who realized lifting your knees would make it easier. My friend was the first one to fall, and I almost dropped laughing.
Second stunt. Not so easy. I have to run across stage, stick my hand in a tank full of live eels, pull out a flag and attach it to a hook on a pole. But oh yeah, the platform underneath the pole is spinning. What a pain in the ass. I had to do that three times. Stunt wasn't over though. In typical Fear Factor fashion, something disgusting had to be consumed.
Fish guts, pig intestines and eyes, bugs, and sour milk blended into the most disgusting smoothie I've ever seen. I put that in my mouth and swallowed it. I nearly threw up after the first swallow. I didn't end up qualifying for the next round, where the last two contestants got shocked several times (which, you know, seems tame to devouring that horrendous smoothie).
But I tried, and just had fun with it. I never would have done anything like that before. Not many people can say they were contestants on Fear Factor.
-and-
Something's missing from my life.
How else can I explain Friday night.
It was fun, sure, but I don't want just that.
I want something more.
And there are only two people I want it with.
Both of them want absolutely nothing.
Gotta love love right?
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
What A Wonderful World.
I had a revelation in English today. And that doesn’t happen very often. Actually it never happens; I’m usually bored to tears. My professor was discussing the ways we view the world and how out of touch we are with our senses. She made us close our eyes for a little while, and then open them. Poof! There was our reality. It was a weird concept for me to grasp at the time and I didn’t understand it. After a few minutes I started really looking at where I was. I sniffed the air, truly listened to her words and felt the touch of my skin on the desk.
You know how people describe an out of body experience? I had an IN body experience. And it’s something I’ve never felt before. I had never been this aware of who I am, what I am made of and where I am in the grand scheme of things.
It’s impossible for me to describe to you the feeling I had. I was infinitely more attentive and responsive to all my senses. Have any of you ever really used all five senses at once? And REALLY noticed what you’re feeling? Ever been AWARE and feeling touch, scent, taste, sight and hearing at once? Ever ponder about how all of our reality really takes place inside your mind – how the whole world is encapsulated in a 3 pound brain?
I know I never had before. I felt out of place in that small and stuffy classroom; no one else was feeling the intense sensation I was and I thought none of them ever would.
I was inspired. I brought out my markers and started coloring, something I never get to do but love more than anything in the world. Combining and counteracting colors in a tangle and swirl and it accurately captured my emotion. To you, it may look cheesy and juvenile, but to me it was a snapshot of perhaps one of the greatest moments in my life.
Class ended and I walked outside to be greeted by a bright sun, vibrant colors and a crisp breeze. I sat down in my spot by Ives Hall and did the same thing I did inside.
Oh my god.
I’d never believed in a higher power until that moment. I still don’t believe in a God, but there has to be something that created such a wonderful world. If you’re ever feeling down, or like the world is closing in on you, go outside. Relax, take a few deep breaths and then try to forget everything that was ever making you mad. Close your eyes for a minute, and when you open them, focus for a few seconds on every one of your senses. Now focus on all of them at once.
You might be surprised as to what you find.
I discovered that if I think positively, and know that I love myself and others love me, my body reacts in a nicer manner. I instantly felt better. The people around me were more understanding and perceptive. The world around me improved.
My thoughts can change the world; they create reality. I can choose to make it a happy place, or a negative one. But knowing this, why should I ever think horrible thoughts?
It’s people like Katie though, who really validate this discovery. She may be sore from running a marathon, but everything is peachy in her world. A Slurpee for a friend is no big deal and her reinforcement of the success of our project helped bring in a ton of money to help someone else. She doesn’t care about preserving the material things in life and the inside of her car is a memory of the great times she’s had. Thank you for the Slurpee and fun times today Katie, it helped to brighten my day.
So I’m over the ridiculousness of this one situation. It’s an insignificant matter. Who I am is not defined by one person I’m with.
I guess you could say I’m a free-spirit now (not a hippie, I’m too young to be called that), because that’s what everyone has called me today.
But you know what? I like it, and I’m happy.
The drawing from English:
You know how people describe an out of body experience? I had an IN body experience. And it’s something I’ve never felt before. I had never been this aware of who I am, what I am made of and where I am in the grand scheme of things.
It’s impossible for me to describe to you the feeling I had. I was infinitely more attentive and responsive to all my senses. Have any of you ever really used all five senses at once? And REALLY noticed what you’re feeling? Ever been AWARE and feeling touch, scent, taste, sight and hearing at once? Ever ponder about how all of our reality really takes place inside your mind – how the whole world is encapsulated in a 3 pound brain?
I know I never had before. I felt out of place in that small and stuffy classroom; no one else was feeling the intense sensation I was and I thought none of them ever would.
I was inspired. I brought out my markers and started coloring, something I never get to do but love more than anything in the world. Combining and counteracting colors in a tangle and swirl and it accurately captured my emotion. To you, it may look cheesy and juvenile, but to me it was a snapshot of perhaps one of the greatest moments in my life.
Class ended and I walked outside to be greeted by a bright sun, vibrant colors and a crisp breeze. I sat down in my spot by Ives Hall and did the same thing I did inside.
Oh my god.
I’d never believed in a higher power until that moment. I still don’t believe in a God, but there has to be something that created such a wonderful world. If you’re ever feeling down, or like the world is closing in on you, go outside. Relax, take a few deep breaths and then try to forget everything that was ever making you mad. Close your eyes for a minute, and when you open them, focus for a few seconds on every one of your senses. Now focus on all of them at once.
You might be surprised as to what you find.
I discovered that if I think positively, and know that I love myself and others love me, my body reacts in a nicer manner. I instantly felt better. The people around me were more understanding and perceptive. The world around me improved.
My thoughts can change the world; they create reality. I can choose to make it a happy place, or a negative one. But knowing this, why should I ever think horrible thoughts?
It’s people like Katie though, who really validate this discovery. She may be sore from running a marathon, but everything is peachy in her world. A Slurpee for a friend is no big deal and her reinforcement of the success of our project helped bring in a ton of money to help someone else. She doesn’t care about preserving the material things in life and the inside of her car is a memory of the great times she’s had. Thank you for the Slurpee and fun times today Katie, it helped to brighten my day.
So I’m over the ridiculousness of this one situation. It’s an insignificant matter. Who I am is not defined by one person I’m with.
I guess you could say I’m a free-spirit now (not a hippie, I’m too young to be called that), because that’s what everyone has called me today.
But you know what? I like it, and I’m happy.
The drawing from English:
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