Wednesday, May 6, 2009
DONE!!!
As Final's week comes to a close, I dig deep to find that feeling of accomplishment. Nothing. Even though I am finished with tests and projects, blogs, papers, and quizzes, I do not feel "DONE." To take the a step further, I am done with college, graduating on Friday although I can not attend the ceremony because I will be in Grand Junction, CO competeing in the Regional tournament for tennis. So if I were to attend the ceremony, would I feel 'done'? Chances are NO! A friend pointed out, 'Maybe it's because you are still going to practice every day and playing tennis so since that hasn't ended yet you still feel like you are in the same routine." This is a great point. One that I had considered but never really paid too much attention to. Another fact is I am not moving out of my house so the huslte and bustle of packing, like I had experienced the past three years when school was out, just wasn't there this year. Perhaps it is the fact that tennis hasn't come to a close for me yet. Let's hope that this weekend doesn't end it either. Should we win two matches this weekend we proceed to Nationals in Florida!!! What a wonderful graduation present, I think!
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Commentary C.D. Review: Taylor Swift’s Fearless
“We all have fears and there are a lot of things we’re afraid of, but we jump anyway.”
Taylor Swift, an eighteen year old songwriting, guitar playing artist, seems to have definitely ‘jumped’ regardless of her fears. From performing at the young age of ten in every karaoke contest, festival and county fair that passed through her hometown of Wyomissing, Pennsylvania, to signing her very first record deal before she could even drive, Taylor has leaped head first to fulfill her dreams—she is the definition of fearless.
Upon its release on November 11, 2008, Fearless sold nearly 600,000 copies in only its first week. This savant, lyric-writing genius, with a gift for verse-chorus-bridge structure saw her sophomore record, in which she wrote almost every one of the thirteen songs, remain number one on Billboard’s Top 200 chart for eleven consecutive weeks. From this accomplishment, Taylor holds the longest reign at the number one spot on this all-genre chart.
After listening to her lyrics, one can picture themselves as a character in her musical story tales. Her music is written based on her own, real-life experiences. Rarely does she change anything about the situation or the people involved in the experience she retells through her lyrics. She paints a picture in her audience’s mind where they can truly relate to the situation the song’s character faces.
Though only eighteen, Taylor’s lyrics are words of wisdom, support, determination, power and confidence that, if you listen you would think were coming from a fifty-something year old who has long lived life—something of an 18 going on 50 affect I guess. She combines her passion for music, talent for writing and expertise at playing the guitar and belting her vocal cords to deliver her fans the absolute best music possible. It’s no wonder that in such a short time Taylor has scored four number one country singles from her two records.
Fearless currently has a hit single that put Taylor at number one in another realm. ‘Love Story’ made history as it hit number one on both the country and pop music charts. In this song, Taylor adds a twist to Shakespeare’s story of Romeo and Juliet giving her fans a more likable and desirable ending than what the literature gives its readers.
Her second number one on the Fearless record, ‘White Horse,’ is a slower, melodic tune of inspiring words that may help one get through a break up or get out of an unpleasant situation. It brings our fairy tale visions of love and relationships to the context of real life. We can dream about our princes and princesses but we must wake up and face reality; sometimes we have to tell our prince charmings it’s too late for you and your white horse to come around.
Based on the sounds and lyrics of Taylor’s eleven other songs on her triple platinum Fearless record, it would not be a surprise—at all—if she had a few more hit singles top the charts. As the youngest artist in history to win this year’s Album of the Year at the Academy of Country Music awards, it is evident Taylor took a jump, head first, Fearless.
Taylor Swift, an eighteen year old songwriting, guitar playing artist, seems to have definitely ‘jumped’ regardless of her fears. From performing at the young age of ten in every karaoke contest, festival and county fair that passed through her hometown of Wyomissing, Pennsylvania, to signing her very first record deal before she could even drive, Taylor has leaped head first to fulfill her dreams—she is the definition of fearless.
Upon its release on November 11, 2008, Fearless sold nearly 600,000 copies in only its first week. This savant, lyric-writing genius, with a gift for verse-chorus-bridge structure saw her sophomore record, in which she wrote almost every one of the thirteen songs, remain number one on Billboard’s Top 200 chart for eleven consecutive weeks. From this accomplishment, Taylor holds the longest reign at the number one spot on this all-genre chart.
After listening to her lyrics, one can picture themselves as a character in her musical story tales. Her music is written based on her own, real-life experiences. Rarely does she change anything about the situation or the people involved in the experience she retells through her lyrics. She paints a picture in her audience’s mind where they can truly relate to the situation the song’s character faces.
Though only eighteen, Taylor’s lyrics are words of wisdom, support, determination, power and confidence that, if you listen you would think were coming from a fifty-something year old who has long lived life—something of an 18 going on 50 affect I guess. She combines her passion for music, talent for writing and expertise at playing the guitar and belting her vocal cords to deliver her fans the absolute best music possible. It’s no wonder that in such a short time Taylor has scored four number one country singles from her two records.
Fearless currently has a hit single that put Taylor at number one in another realm. ‘Love Story’ made history as it hit number one on both the country and pop music charts. In this song, Taylor adds a twist to Shakespeare’s story of Romeo and Juliet giving her fans a more likable and desirable ending than what the literature gives its readers.
Her second number one on the Fearless record, ‘White Horse,’ is a slower, melodic tune of inspiring words that may help one get through a break up or get out of an unpleasant situation. It brings our fairy tale visions of love and relationships to the context of real life. We can dream about our princes and princesses but we must wake up and face reality; sometimes we have to tell our prince charmings it’s too late for you and your white horse to come around.
Based on the sounds and lyrics of Taylor’s eleven other songs on her triple platinum Fearless record, it would not be a surprise—at all—if she had a few more hit singles top the charts. As the youngest artist in history to win this year’s Album of the Year at the Academy of Country Music awards, it is evident Taylor took a jump, head first, Fearless.
Monday, April 27, 2009
RMAC CHAMPS!!!!!!!
WE DID IT!!! For the second year in a row, the UNK women's tennis team has captured the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference title. It was a very very cold Saturday morning. Drizzle floated down from the overcast sky and a small breeze was enough to send a cold chill up your spine. We began our warm-up with layers upon layers on our bodies. Knowing that soon we would be warm, we continued moving around to produce warmth throughout. Our poor but amazing fans sat through six-hour period of turning their heads to the left and then the right time after time again.
After doubles play, we were down 1-2. Cruising into singles, we soon tied the score with our number 3 player capturing a win. Just after losing our number 2 singles spot, our number 1 girl won as well as I at number 4! Only needing one more win to be the first to 5, our number 5 and 6 girls took the court. Before the 5 spot could finish, UNK's 6 girl clinched the match, crowning us RMAC Champs!
The level of excitement was rather low as our opponent's 6 girl lost the match on a double fault (missing two serves in a row), not the way we want to win! But when we were rewarded that shining plate, the excitement and joy finally set in.
Now we wait. We wait to hear whether we will host Regionals in Kearney or if we will have to travel to another site to compete. Should it be in Kearney, we need all the support we can get! If we receive the number 1 seed, we would advance to the finals and should we win that match, its off to FLORIDA for the sweet sixteen!!!
After doubles play, we were down 1-2. Cruising into singles, we soon tied the score with our number 3 player capturing a win. Just after losing our number 2 singles spot, our number 1 girl won as well as I at number 4! Only needing one more win to be the first to 5, our number 5 and 6 girls took the court. Before the 5 spot could finish, UNK's 6 girl clinched the match, crowning us RMAC Champs!
The level of excitement was rather low as our opponent's 6 girl lost the match on a double fault (missing two serves in a row), not the way we want to win! But when we were rewarded that shining plate, the excitement and joy finally set in.
Now we wait. We wait to hear whether we will host Regionals in Kearney or if we will have to travel to another site to compete. Should it be in Kearney, we need all the support we can get! If we receive the number 1 seed, we would advance to the finals and should we win that match, its off to FLORIDA for the sweet sixteen!!!
Friday, April 24, 2009
Heading to the Finals!!!
Sooooooooooooo PUMPED!!! Today we had a HUGE win!! First, we won our first round of tournament play 9-0. That was great but our next challenge was staring us in the eyes as we left the Gates tennis center and headed to Denver University's courts for our semifinals match against Montana Billings. After losing 4-5 to this team last weekend in Montana, we were out to get revenge. AND.....we pulled it off, this time defeating them 5-4! It came down to our final match and what a great victory she had. We sent Montana home with the feeling of defeat...ah yes, revenge is so so sweet! Our cheering section was so awesome and kept us pumped the entire time. Their support definitely helped carry us through!
Now, tomorrow we head to the heart of Denver, to play the Championship match at 8:00 am. The weather was absolutely perfect for the most part today. However, unfortunately tomorrow does not seem to be the same case. Rain, 41 degrees and isolated thunderstorms is what is in store for us tomorrow. We will use it to our advantage and hopefully bring home the plate! We are still unsure of who we play in the finals but it will either be Mesa, who we lost 4-5 to in the regular season match or Metro, who we have lost to once 4-5 and beat once 5-4. Either way it'll be a battle to the very end! Our adrenaline is up and we are fierce. By our wins today we secured our spot to compete at the regional tournament during finals week, so whether we come home with a win tomorrow or not, our season is still not over. We will continue working hard at practice and hitting the book for the next couple of weeks! What a great way to end my final year--it will only be sweeter with a big win attached onto it as well!!!
Now, tomorrow we head to the heart of Denver, to play the Championship match at 8:00 am. The weather was absolutely perfect for the most part today. However, unfortunately tomorrow does not seem to be the same case. Rain, 41 degrees and isolated thunderstorms is what is in store for us tomorrow. We will use it to our advantage and hopefully bring home the plate! We are still unsure of who we play in the finals but it will either be Mesa, who we lost 4-5 to in the regular season match or Metro, who we have lost to once 4-5 and beat once 5-4. Either way it'll be a battle to the very end! Our adrenaline is up and we are fierce. By our wins today we secured our spot to compete at the regional tournament during finals week, so whether we come home with a win tomorrow or not, our season is still not over. We will continue working hard at practice and hitting the book for the next couple of weeks! What a great way to end my final year--it will only be sweeter with a big win attached onto it as well!!!
Thursday, April 23, 2009
RMAC TIME!
As I miss class for yet the fourth Thursday in April, I promise that it is all for good reason! This weekend we are in Denver, CO for the Rockey Mountain Athletic Conference tennis tournament. We are contending for back to back titles. A Cinderella story as a matter of fact last year. We found ourselves seated 4th and rose to the occasion beating the number 1 seed in the semi final round. Then knocking off the number two team in the finals, but one match point. This year it looks as if we are in the same ranking. Crossing our fingers for another title, we hope to perform at our highest level and bring home the trophy (plate in our case!) The teams seeded ahead of us were all close matches between the two of us, only losing by one point to each of the teams ranked above us.
Tomorrow we head to the courts for our first round of match play. Our poise, footwork, timing, consistency, and many other factors will be key in our overall performance. With higher altitudes, we are required to play with special balls making them heavier with the light air. Stay posted for our results after tomorrow's matches. Hoping for a win at 8:00 should bring us to play later tomorrow afternoon as well. Wish us LUCK!!!!
Tomorrow we head to the courts for our first round of match play. Our poise, footwork, timing, consistency, and many other factors will be key in our overall performance. With higher altitudes, we are required to play with special balls making them heavier with the light air. Stay posted for our results after tomorrow's matches. Hoping for a win at 8:00 should bring us to play later tomorrow afternoon as well. Wish us LUCK!!!!
Column 3--Final
“I stole things…a lot.” “I was a bitch and I knew it.” “I started drinking when I was in seventh grade.”
Looking at her today, one never would have guessed such confessions would come from that mouth of hers. However, she wasn’t always that way growing up. One, life-changing event caused these imperfections at a young age but more so has helped her become that great person she is today, a strong-willed, big-hearted, outgoing, and caring individual who is occasionally stubborn and knows what she wants and just how to get it. But most of all to me, she’s my best friend.
Growing up in Arizona’s elite suburb of Scottsdale, McKenna lived a great life. She had a lot of friends, an overprotective big brother and two supportive and loving parents. It was summer year round in her world and that was just the way she liked it. One particular Saturday in February will remain in her mind for the rest of her life.
It was 1999, a warm February day in Arizona. A little convincing the night before had earned McKenna and her brother, Dan, the opportunity to spend the night at a friend’s house, an event of great deal when you are 12 and 15 years old.
Dan, a typical sports fanatic, teenage boy, rushed home from his night of fun, excited for a basketball date with his dad. Walking in the door and heading up to his room, he passed his father who seemed to be peacefully napping on the couch. When Dan returned to inform his dad that he was ready to go, he looked closer and realized his father was only a motionless, lifeless corpse. Home alone, Dan raced outside, dropped to his knees and began to pray.
When he was able to break from his overflow of emotion, he got on the phone and contacted his mother, Chirs, who was away in Colorado for the weekend. She took the next flight back to Arizona, but until she arrived home, Dan and McKenna would have to grow up too fast.
“When I got home that day, my Grandma hugged me and told me that my dad had had a heart attack. I knew in my mind that he was dead but I refused to believe it. Then, when my mom, Dan and I walked into the house to see him together it was unreal. It was the weirdest feeling, something I can’t explain. I saw him there but knew it wasn’t my dad anymore, his soul was gone,” McKenna said.
My best friend had lost one of her best friends that day. Jeff Irwin, a very well-known and likable person, suffered from drinking and drug abuse, which in the end got the best of him. An overdose of cocaine had taken over his body and caused his heart to fail.
Immediately after this tragedy, McKenna struggled. She stopped believing in God, started drinking often, began to steal and turned into someone she was not. The now threesome moved to Omaha, Nebraska where McKenna would search for that person she was deep inside. After an unpleasant morning due to a night of drinking, she decided this lifestyle had to go. “I thought to myself, ‘Why am I drinking when this is something that killed my dad?’”
McKenna cleaned up her act—big time. She didn’t have a sip of alcohol until her 21st birthday. She began believing in God again, the criminal in her ceased and she became the person she is today. “Yeah, that was a tough period to get through. But I strongly believe everything happens for a reason and the incident I went through and surpassed with my dad has helped me to be a better person in the end.”
Looking at her today, one never would have guessed such confessions would come from that mouth of hers. However, she wasn’t always that way growing up. One, life-changing event caused these imperfections at a young age but more so has helped her become that great person she is today, a strong-willed, big-hearted, outgoing, and caring individual who is occasionally stubborn and knows what she wants and just how to get it. But most of all to me, she’s my best friend.
Growing up in Arizona’s elite suburb of Scottsdale, McKenna lived a great life. She had a lot of friends, an overprotective big brother and two supportive and loving parents. It was summer year round in her world and that was just the way she liked it. One particular Saturday in February will remain in her mind for the rest of her life.
It was 1999, a warm February day in Arizona. A little convincing the night before had earned McKenna and her brother, Dan, the opportunity to spend the night at a friend’s house, an event of great deal when you are 12 and 15 years old.
Dan, a typical sports fanatic, teenage boy, rushed home from his night of fun, excited for a basketball date with his dad. Walking in the door and heading up to his room, he passed his father who seemed to be peacefully napping on the couch. When Dan returned to inform his dad that he was ready to go, he looked closer and realized his father was only a motionless, lifeless corpse. Home alone, Dan raced outside, dropped to his knees and began to pray.
When he was able to break from his overflow of emotion, he got on the phone and contacted his mother, Chirs, who was away in Colorado for the weekend. She took the next flight back to Arizona, but until she arrived home, Dan and McKenna would have to grow up too fast.
“When I got home that day, my Grandma hugged me and told me that my dad had had a heart attack. I knew in my mind that he was dead but I refused to believe it. Then, when my mom, Dan and I walked into the house to see him together it was unreal. It was the weirdest feeling, something I can’t explain. I saw him there but knew it wasn’t my dad anymore, his soul was gone,” McKenna said.
My best friend had lost one of her best friends that day. Jeff Irwin, a very well-known and likable person, suffered from drinking and drug abuse, which in the end got the best of him. An overdose of cocaine had taken over his body and caused his heart to fail.
Immediately after this tragedy, McKenna struggled. She stopped believing in God, started drinking often, began to steal and turned into someone she was not. The now threesome moved to Omaha, Nebraska where McKenna would search for that person she was deep inside. After an unpleasant morning due to a night of drinking, she decided this lifestyle had to go. “I thought to myself, ‘Why am I drinking when this is something that killed my dad?’”
McKenna cleaned up her act—big time. She didn’t have a sip of alcohol until her 21st birthday. She began believing in God again, the criminal in her ceased and she became the person she is today. “Yeah, that was a tough period to get through. But I strongly believe everything happens for a reason and the incident I went through and surpassed with my dad has helped me to be a better person in the end.”
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