I must admit it’s strange to see
You not with me
Come back and stay
I’ll never say
I thought I would some time ago
To see your glow
But I’ve moved on
And hope you’re gone
So I will say that if you’re here
Or even near
Please do not stay
Just go away
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
The Choice of a Lifetime (Draft)
It’s hard to understand at times; the fact that one moment can determine an entire life. A single second can determine anything and everything. A teenage girl driving in a car could lay down the foundation for the rest of her years on earth by answering an oh so urgent text message from her sweetheart boyfriend when an eighteen wheeler t-bones her because she just ran a red light and didn’t even realize it. Life itself is so incredibly precious. The scary part is, no one can avoid the risk life brings. We all have to make choices every day. Granted many of them lack the capability and power to alter a life but yet there are many that do contain that very power. But even though terrifying, choices make things interesting. Think of why we read books; to uncover the choices someone or something made. The Old Man and the Sea is no exception to this. In the book an old fisherman named Santiago is having difficulties catching a fish. In his day he was an excellent fisherman and very well known around his little village in Cuba, but now he cannot catch a single fish. Santiago has spent eighty-four days without catching anything. On the eighty-fifth day, though, he thankfully gets a bite. An enormous Marlin gets hooked on Santiago’s line. The great fish that weighed over one thousand pounds ends up passing away after a fight of a lifetime for Santiago. The Marlin’s choice to bite the line was obviously life changing for not only him but those around him. The choice to bite at the line killed him, put the old man stranded out at sea with little supplies and may have very easily drained the old man’s confidence enough that he could no longer obtain a sea living creature, to stop his career once and for all.
Generally, when a fish bites onto a hook, whether they know it or not, they are handing over their life. You would think they would be catious of this because most fish don’t like this idea and thus try to get away but fail relatively quickly. This marlin that Santiago caught was different. It spent three days of Santiago’s time trying to escape the grasp the hook had on him. “QUOTE” (The Old Man and the Sea. Pg.) one result of the Marlin biting the hook was his eventual death.
Another result of the marlin choosing to bite the line was stranding the old man out at sea with little supplies and no land in sight. “QUOTE” (The Old Man and the Sea. Pg.) Santiago being the old man that he was it was obviously dangerous for him to be in the middle of the Caribbean Sea alone on a small skiff. The Marlin had dragged him out to sea for days and Santiago was extremely tired. His hands were cut up and to face the facts there was a good chance he might not make it back to shore. Putting the old man’s life at risk was another result of the marlin’s choice.
Can you imagine not achieving a goal that has been simple and easy for what seems like forever? It would be like not being able to tie your shoe all of a sudden and not regaining the skill for eighty-four days. This is what Santiago had to go through in fishing. And it wasn’t such a random task as tying his shoe either, this was his lifestyle, his way to earn money; fishing was keeping him alive. And now when he finally ‘tied his shoe’ a big shark came and untied it before he could even check to see if he had done it right. “QUOTE” (The Old Man and the Sea. Pg.) The Marlin’s choice also lead to the possible end of Santiago’s career as a fisherman.
One small moment of greed or confusion, even natural stupidity can change everything. It was cause death to anyone involved with the incident. It can leave an innocent bystander stranded for their life. It can diminish something that was once great or simply untie a shoe. It really is a hard and cold concept, but every moment counts and there is nothing anyone can do about it.
Generally, when a fish bites onto a hook, whether they know it or not, they are handing over their life. You would think they would be catious of this because most fish don’t like this idea and thus try to get away but fail relatively quickly. This marlin that Santiago caught was different. It spent three days of Santiago’s time trying to escape the grasp the hook had on him. “QUOTE” (The Old Man and the Sea. Pg.) one result of the Marlin biting the hook was his eventual death.
Another result of the marlin choosing to bite the line was stranding the old man out at sea with little supplies and no land in sight. “QUOTE” (The Old Man and the Sea. Pg.) Santiago being the old man that he was it was obviously dangerous for him to be in the middle of the Caribbean Sea alone on a small skiff. The Marlin had dragged him out to sea for days and Santiago was extremely tired. His hands were cut up and to face the facts there was a good chance he might not make it back to shore. Putting the old man’s life at risk was another result of the marlin’s choice.
Can you imagine not achieving a goal that has been simple and easy for what seems like forever? It would be like not being able to tie your shoe all of a sudden and not regaining the skill for eighty-four days. This is what Santiago had to go through in fishing. And it wasn’t such a random task as tying his shoe either, this was his lifestyle, his way to earn money; fishing was keeping him alive. And now when he finally ‘tied his shoe’ a big shark came and untied it before he could even check to see if he had done it right. “QUOTE” (The Old Man and the Sea. Pg.) The Marlin’s choice also lead to the possible end of Santiago’s career as a fisherman.
One small moment of greed or confusion, even natural stupidity can change everything. It was cause death to anyone involved with the incident. It can leave an innocent bystander stranded for their life. It can diminish something that was once great or simply untie a shoe. It really is a hard and cold concept, but every moment counts and there is nothing anyone can do about it.
Monday, February 23, 2009
3rd Quarter Outside Reading Book Review
His Majesty’s Dragon by Naomi Novik. Random House Publishing Group Genre: Fantasy
In this Story, by Naomi Novik, a new twist is incorporated into the Napoleonic Wars. Not only will there be fighting through water and land now but air! Dragons have been tamed and trained to fight. Being the extraordinary advantage that they were dragons were incredibly valuable so you can be pretty sure in guessing the excitement from an English Ship’s Captain upon taking one from an enemy French ship out in the Atlantic. In the story the prize, as they call it, was actually a Dragon egg which they find out would soon hatch. The hatching was bad news as for a dragon can only have one master which it chooses upon hatching. This was unfortunate simply because everyone onboard the ship were seamen and knew nothing about dragons none the less owning and flying one other than a few books the ships surgeon had. In the end the hatchling, soon to be named Temeraire, chose the captain that had captured him, William Laurence. Temeraire and Laurence were soon sent to a training ground for dragons and aviators where the main part of the book takes place. Laurence must learn how to become an aviator and Temeraire must learn to fight so England may use their much needed assistance in the war.
“A completely authentic tale, brimming with… detail and richness [and] the impossible wonder of gilded fantasy.”
-Entertainment Weekly
I have read many books of the same genre as this and I must say in agreement with Entertainment Weekly the tale is completely authentic, but not only in plot. The writing style is unique having what I would describe as a slight resemblance to an older style much like how we know our founding fathers spoke and wrote. In many ways in combines what we see in modern writing and older writing. It takes a little time to get used to so you may read fluently but after the short period the novel is very intriguing.
“… he said at last, softly, knowing it was the only truth.” (Pg. 77)
In history class this year we studied World History. Obviously that covered one of the world’s greatest leaders Napoleon and his ever infamous war against the world. That created an immediate connection to the book with me. It certainly pulled me in. What kept me interested throughout the book was the extraordinary plot line and overall well developed writing skill. This novel contained action, drama, and touches of comedy all used appropriately to make one very good book to say the least.
In this Story, by Naomi Novik, a new twist is incorporated into the Napoleonic Wars. Not only will there be fighting through water and land now but air! Dragons have been tamed and trained to fight. Being the extraordinary advantage that they were dragons were incredibly valuable so you can be pretty sure in guessing the excitement from an English Ship’s Captain upon taking one from an enemy French ship out in the Atlantic. In the story the prize, as they call it, was actually a Dragon egg which they find out would soon hatch. The hatching was bad news as for a dragon can only have one master which it chooses upon hatching. This was unfortunate simply because everyone onboard the ship were seamen and knew nothing about dragons none the less owning and flying one other than a few books the ships surgeon had. In the end the hatchling, soon to be named Temeraire, chose the captain that had captured him, William Laurence. Temeraire and Laurence were soon sent to a training ground for dragons and aviators where the main part of the book takes place. Laurence must learn how to become an aviator and Temeraire must learn to fight so England may use their much needed assistance in the war.
“A completely authentic tale, brimming with… detail and richness [and] the impossible wonder of gilded fantasy.”
-Entertainment Weekly
I have read many books of the same genre as this and I must say in agreement with Entertainment Weekly the tale is completely authentic, but not only in plot. The writing style is unique having what I would describe as a slight resemblance to an older style much like how we know our founding fathers spoke and wrote. In many ways in combines what we see in modern writing and older writing. It takes a little time to get used to so you may read fluently but after the short period the novel is very intriguing.
“… he said at last, softly, knowing it was the only truth.” (Pg. 77)
In history class this year we studied World History. Obviously that covered one of the world’s greatest leaders Napoleon and his ever infamous war against the world. That created an immediate connection to the book with me. It certainly pulled me in. What kept me interested throughout the book was the extraordinary plot line and overall well developed writing skill. This novel contained action, drama, and touches of comedy all used appropriately to make one very good book to say the least.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Glory Days
Milton High School, August 30th: the first day of school. Jay Young was about to open the doors to the school with the marching band playing, guys reaching out hoping for a high five and not to mention girls screaming for him. He would just casually stroll in, with semblance like everything was normal for him, or for anyone. A freshman having sophomores, juniors and even seniors screaming for him. He was about to subjugate this entire school the moment he walked in. It was crazy, but it was about to happen.
He walked up to the school, glancing up at the sign reading MILTON HIGH SCHOOL. He chuckled. Big deal he thought. Jay was being recruited by the top colleges in the nation as an eighth grader. High school would be nothing. It was really just a waste of four years. He knew what would happen to him, first college then the pros. He could even pick his sport between football, basketball, or lacrosse. He checked how he looked in the glass doors. Perfect, as usual. Jay opened the doors slowly so he could look even cooler, but when he did no band was playing. Okay maybe that was a stretch he thought. No guys were begging for a high five. Oh I get it, they’re gonna go for the, oh big deal approach and hope I talk to them first like I’m their “equal” or something. Psh yeah right. He did hear screaming girls though, just not in his ear. Weird.
He turned the corner off the main entrance hallway toward his first class to the left and saw a massive crowd of screaming chicks moshing against the wall. After a couple seconds of staring he caught sight of a boy pushing his way through the crowd. The boy streaked down the hall when he got loose while about two hundred girls chased him.
Jay, quite pissed, turned the other way and started to storm off. He saw Randy Wagner, a senior he had been friends with forever. His family was very close to the football coach, and Randy was the star of the football team, not to mention the coach’s son.
“Yo Randy.” Jay shouted out.
“Hey Jay, what’s up buddy? You’re up in the big leagues now. Haha took ya long enough.”
“I’d hardly call this the big leagues Randy. It’s high school.”
“Well then big shot, we’ll see what you got at practice today.”
“Haha, you know it.” Jay walked away smiling. Picturing himself making that first big hit on someone while Randy’s jaw dropped in awe of how good Jay really was. The rest of the day went smoothly. Everywhere he went people recognized him. His confidence skyrocketed to normal after the shaky start to the day.
At football practice Jay was feeling nice in his new gear. They started off practice with a discussion and the coach introduced a new kid to the team and school system. His name was Jake. Jay thought he saw callow in his eyes. That kid from earlier, what a tool. First drill he’s gonna be on his back. In the first rep of the first drill Coach Wagner put Jay against Jake.
“Let’s welcome Jake to the team Jayson.” Coach Wagner winked.
This kid doesn’t even know. Haha, too bad. The boys stood five yards apart facing each other. It was a blocking drill. Each player would have to bring the other down. Haha, my time. This guy’s inept from hitting me. He’s goin down. This hit is gonna teach the whole team you don’t mess with me.Coach said down, Jay got down. Coach said set, Jake got set. The coach said go, and they both flew at each other. They hit-
What the- ahhhhh my head. Jay opened his eyes to the team staring at him. It took him a minute to realize he was on his back. That damn kid knocked me out.
It wouldn’t get better for poor Jay. Wagner told his parents he’d have a starting role on varsity for sure. Jake took it. Randy told all the girls how awesome Jay was. They liked Jake more. Jay had all the friends a guy could want. Jake was cooler. As the season progressed more and more things were falling out from under Jay. He got a D in Spanish. All the while Jake was rubbing it in on varsity as Jay watched from the sidelines. Jake would run by him after a big tackle and say “Yeah ‘member that Jay boy.” The kid also cheated on his girlfriend with the hottest girls in school somehow keeping it a secret. He talked crap about everyone calling some pudgy and weird, others tall and stupid. He would undermine everyone. He even twisted stories behind his friend’s backs. That’s what Jay saw. Everyone else seemed to see the most wonderful angel who had blessed Milton simply with his presence. It became too much. One day after practice as Jay was walking into the locker room to shower Jake came by and whispered in his ear “Hey big guy, what’s up?” something he said to everyone.
Jay didn’t allow himself to hear that though, he embellished the statement as “Hey Big Shot, What now?” Just another dig at Jay’s failed expectations amongst his peers and the whole school. Not hearing an answer Jake looked away confused and started to move away.
“Yo Jake.” Jay sneered through gritted teeth unable to control his anger brought on by Jake’s derisive comment. Jake turned around into a sucker punch that landed on his cheek whipping his head sideways causing a contusion where the fist hit. Randy, who was close by, ripped Jay away so Jake couldn’t retaliate, not that he was going to. Jay stormed off into the lockeroom causing a fracas as he went slamming lockers. See Jake was really a nice kid. Jake was just the better athlete and nicer to girls, and a better friend by not being so conceited and arrogant like Jay had always been.
Coach Wagner had no other option but to throw Jay off the team. The Young parents would concur latter with the decision. They had to abet with him so maybe next year Jay could play football. People didn’t look at Jay the same way anymore. He had no friends. Randy wouldn’t talk to him. Girls walked in the other direction when he came near. Jayson, after a long period of being aloof, slowly realized the monster he had become.
When basketball tryouts started, Jay took the court humbly. When he made JV as Jake started as the point guard on varsity he cheered on his teammate. Randy began to talk to him again, the guys started to see a new man, and girls saw a boy with a new self esteem. Not one full of self confidence, but of love and care. Jay made varsity lacrosse with Jake by his side. That year they won the state championship.
In the locker room above Jay’s locker hung a piece of paper reading one little altruistic phrase:
All is received, when all is given.
When Jay was kicked off the football team he realized what we all need to realize at one point: you cannot receive love without loving; you cannot receive trust without trusting; you cannot win without first accepting defeat. We all struggle; we all fall; we all stumble along our way. Sometimes it takes a big fall to help us reach the summit of our potential. Milton High School won ten state championships in Jay’s time. He never lost one after his freshman year, but it wasn’t Jay that made it happen. It was the teams that put up those banners.
He walked up to the school, glancing up at the sign reading MILTON HIGH SCHOOL. He chuckled. Big deal he thought. Jay was being recruited by the top colleges in the nation as an eighth grader. High school would be nothing. It was really just a waste of four years. He knew what would happen to him, first college then the pros. He could even pick his sport between football, basketball, or lacrosse. He checked how he looked in the glass doors. Perfect, as usual. Jay opened the doors slowly so he could look even cooler, but when he did no band was playing. Okay maybe that was a stretch he thought. No guys were begging for a high five. Oh I get it, they’re gonna go for the, oh big deal approach and hope I talk to them first like I’m their “equal” or something. Psh yeah right. He did hear screaming girls though, just not in his ear. Weird.
He turned the corner off the main entrance hallway toward his first class to the left and saw a massive crowd of screaming chicks moshing against the wall. After a couple seconds of staring he caught sight of a boy pushing his way through the crowd. The boy streaked down the hall when he got loose while about two hundred girls chased him.
Jay, quite pissed, turned the other way and started to storm off. He saw Randy Wagner, a senior he had been friends with forever. His family was very close to the football coach, and Randy was the star of the football team, not to mention the coach’s son.
“Yo Randy.” Jay shouted out.
“Hey Jay, what’s up buddy? You’re up in the big leagues now. Haha took ya long enough.”
“I’d hardly call this the big leagues Randy. It’s high school.”
“Well then big shot, we’ll see what you got at practice today.”
“Haha, you know it.” Jay walked away smiling. Picturing himself making that first big hit on someone while Randy’s jaw dropped in awe of how good Jay really was. The rest of the day went smoothly. Everywhere he went people recognized him. His confidence skyrocketed to normal after the shaky start to the day.
At football practice Jay was feeling nice in his new gear. They started off practice with a discussion and the coach introduced a new kid to the team and school system. His name was Jake. Jay thought he saw callow in his eyes. That kid from earlier, what a tool. First drill he’s gonna be on his back. In the first rep of the first drill Coach Wagner put Jay against Jake.
“Let’s welcome Jake to the team Jayson.” Coach Wagner winked.
This kid doesn’t even know. Haha, too bad. The boys stood five yards apart facing each other. It was a blocking drill. Each player would have to bring the other down. Haha, my time. This guy’s inept from hitting me. He’s goin down. This hit is gonna teach the whole team you don’t mess with me.Coach said down, Jay got down. Coach said set, Jake got set. The coach said go, and they both flew at each other. They hit-
What the- ahhhhh my head. Jay opened his eyes to the team staring at him. It took him a minute to realize he was on his back. That damn kid knocked me out.
It wouldn’t get better for poor Jay. Wagner told his parents he’d have a starting role on varsity for sure. Jake took it. Randy told all the girls how awesome Jay was. They liked Jake more. Jay had all the friends a guy could want. Jake was cooler. As the season progressed more and more things were falling out from under Jay. He got a D in Spanish. All the while Jake was rubbing it in on varsity as Jay watched from the sidelines. Jake would run by him after a big tackle and say “Yeah ‘member that Jay boy.” The kid also cheated on his girlfriend with the hottest girls in school somehow keeping it a secret. He talked crap about everyone calling some pudgy and weird, others tall and stupid. He would undermine everyone. He even twisted stories behind his friend’s backs. That’s what Jay saw. Everyone else seemed to see the most wonderful angel who had blessed Milton simply with his presence. It became too much. One day after practice as Jay was walking into the locker room to shower Jake came by and whispered in his ear “Hey big guy, what’s up?” something he said to everyone.
Jay didn’t allow himself to hear that though, he embellished the statement as “Hey Big Shot, What now?” Just another dig at Jay’s failed expectations amongst his peers and the whole school. Not hearing an answer Jake looked away confused and started to move away.
“Yo Jake.” Jay sneered through gritted teeth unable to control his anger brought on by Jake’s derisive comment. Jake turned around into a sucker punch that landed on his cheek whipping his head sideways causing a contusion where the fist hit. Randy, who was close by, ripped Jay away so Jake couldn’t retaliate, not that he was going to. Jay stormed off into the lockeroom causing a fracas as he went slamming lockers. See Jake was really a nice kid. Jake was just the better athlete and nicer to girls, and a better friend by not being so conceited and arrogant like Jay had always been.
Coach Wagner had no other option but to throw Jay off the team. The Young parents would concur latter with the decision. They had to abet with him so maybe next year Jay could play football. People didn’t look at Jay the same way anymore. He had no friends. Randy wouldn’t talk to him. Girls walked in the other direction when he came near. Jayson, after a long period of being aloof, slowly realized the monster he had become.
When basketball tryouts started, Jay took the court humbly. When he made JV as Jake started as the point guard on varsity he cheered on his teammate. Randy began to talk to him again, the guys started to see a new man, and girls saw a boy with a new self esteem. Not one full of self confidence, but of love and care. Jay made varsity lacrosse with Jake by his side. That year they won the state championship.
In the locker room above Jay’s locker hung a piece of paper reading one little altruistic phrase:
All is received, when all is given.
When Jay was kicked off the football team he realized what we all need to realize at one point: you cannot receive love without loving; you cannot receive trust without trusting; you cannot win without first accepting defeat. We all struggle; we all fall; we all stumble along our way. Sometimes it takes a big fall to help us reach the summit of our potential. Milton High School won ten state championships in Jay’s time. He never lost one after his freshman year, but it wasn’t Jay that made it happen. It was the teams that put up those banners.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Short Story Draft1
Milton High School, August 30th: the first day of school. Jay Young was about to open the doors to the school with the marching band playing, guys reaching out hoping for a high five and not to mention girls screaming for him. He would just casually stroll in, acting like it was a normal for him, or for anyone. A freshman having sophomores, juniors and even seniors screaming for him, it was crazy, but it was about to happen.
He walked up to the school, glancing up at the sign reading MILTON HIGH SCHOOL. He chuckled. Big deal he thought. Jay was being recruited by the top colleges in the nation as an eighth grader. High school would be nothing. It was really just a waste of four years. He knew what would happen to him, first college then the pros. He could even pick his sport, football, basketball, or lacrosse. He checked how he looked in the glass doors. Perfect, as usual. Jay opened the door slowly, so he could look even cooler, but when he did no band was playing. Okay maybe that was a stretch he thought. No guys were begging for a high five. Oh I get it, they’re gonna go for the, oh big deal approach and hope I talk to them first like I’m their “equal” or something. Psh yeah right. He did hear screaming girls though. Just not in his ear. Weird.
He turned the corner off the main entrance hallway toward his first class to the left and saw a massive crowd of screaming chicks moshing against the wall. After a couple seconds of staring he caught sight of a boy pushing his way through the crowd. The boy streaked down the hall when he got lose while about two hundred girls chanced him.
Jay, quite pissed, turned the other way and started to storm off. He saw Randy Wagner, a senior he had been friends with forever, since his family was so close to the football coach, and Randy was the star of the football team, not to mention the coaches son.
“Yo Randy.” Jay shout out.
“Hey Jay, what’s up buddy? You’re up in the big leagues now. Haha took ya long enough.”
“I’d hardly call this the big leagues Randy. It’s high school.”
“Well then big shot, we’ll see what you got at practice today.”
“Yes you will Randy. Yes you will.” Jay walked away smiling. Picturing himself making that first big hit on someone while Randy’s jaw dropped. The rest of the day went smooth. Everywhere he went people recognized him. His confidence skyrocketed to normal after the shaky start to the day.
At football practice Jay was feeling nice in his new gear. They started off practice with a discussion and the coach introduced a new kid to the team and school system Jake. That kid from earlier, what a tool. First drill he’s gonna be on his back. In the first rep of the first drill Coach Wagner put Jay against Jake.
“Let’s welcome Jake to the team Jayson.” Coach Wagner winked.
This kid doesn’t even know. Haha, too bad. The boys stood five yards apart facing each other. It was a blocking drill. Both players would have to bring the other down. Coach said down, Jay got down. Coach said set, Jake got set. The coach said go, and they both flew at each other. They hit-
What the- ahhhhh my head. Jay opened his eyes to the team staring at him. It took him a minute to realize he was on his back. That damn kid knocked me out.
It wouldn’t get better for poor Jay. Wagner told his parents he’d have a starting role on varsity for sure. Jake took it. Randy told all the girls how awesome Jay was. They liked Jake more. Jay had all the friends a guy could want. Jake was cooler. As the season progressed more and more things were falling out from under Jay. He got a D in Spanish. All the while Jake was rubbing it in on Varsity as Jay watched from the sidelines. Jake would run by him after a big tackle and say “Yeah member that Jay boy.” The kid also cheated on his three running relationships with even more girls somehow keeping it all secret and twisted stories behind his friend’s backs. That’s what Jay saw. Everyone else seemed to see the most wonderful angel who had blessed Milton simply with his presence. It became too much. One day after practice as Jay walked into the locker room to shower Jake came by and whispered in his ear “Hey big guy, what’s up?”
Jay didn’t allow himself to hear that though, he processed it as “Hey Big Shot, What now?” Just another dig at his failed expectations. Not hearing an answer Jake moved ahead.
“Yo Jake.” Jay exclaimed through gritted teeth. Jake turned around into a sucker punch that landed right on his nose. Randy, who was close by, ripped Jay away so Jake couldn’t retaliate, not that he was going to. See Jake was really a nice kid. Jake was just the better athlete and nicer to girls, and a better friend not being so conceded and arrogant like Jay.
Coach Wagner had no other option but to throw Jay off the team. People didn’t look at Jay the same way anymore. He had no friends, Randy wouldn’t even talk to him, and girls walked in the other direction when he came near. Jayson slowly realized the monster he was.
When basketball tryouts started Jay took the court humbly, and when he made JV as Jake started as the point guard he cheered on his teammate. Randy began to talk to him again, the guys started to see a new man, and girls saw a boy with a new self esteem. Not one full of self confidence, but of love and care. Jay made varsity lacrosse with Jake by his side. That year they won the state championship.
In the locker room above Jay’s locker hung a piece of paper reading one little phrase:
All is received, when all is given.
When Jay was kicked off the football team he realized what we all need to realize at one point, you cannot receive love without giving it, you cannot receive trust without trusting, and you cannot win without accepting defeat first. We all struggle; we all fall; we all stumble along our way. Sometimes it takes a big fall to help us reach the summit of our potential. Milton High School won ten state championships in Jay’s time. He never lost one after his freshman year. But it wasn’t Jay that made it happen. It was the team that put up those banners.
He walked up to the school, glancing up at the sign reading MILTON HIGH SCHOOL. He chuckled. Big deal he thought. Jay was being recruited by the top colleges in the nation as an eighth grader. High school would be nothing. It was really just a waste of four years. He knew what would happen to him, first college then the pros. He could even pick his sport, football, basketball, or lacrosse. He checked how he looked in the glass doors. Perfect, as usual. Jay opened the door slowly, so he could look even cooler, but when he did no band was playing. Okay maybe that was a stretch he thought. No guys were begging for a high five. Oh I get it, they’re gonna go for the, oh big deal approach and hope I talk to them first like I’m their “equal” or something. Psh yeah right. He did hear screaming girls though. Just not in his ear. Weird.
He turned the corner off the main entrance hallway toward his first class to the left and saw a massive crowd of screaming chicks moshing against the wall. After a couple seconds of staring he caught sight of a boy pushing his way through the crowd. The boy streaked down the hall when he got lose while about two hundred girls chanced him.
Jay, quite pissed, turned the other way and started to storm off. He saw Randy Wagner, a senior he had been friends with forever, since his family was so close to the football coach, and Randy was the star of the football team, not to mention the coaches son.
“Yo Randy.” Jay shout out.
“Hey Jay, what’s up buddy? You’re up in the big leagues now. Haha took ya long enough.”
“I’d hardly call this the big leagues Randy. It’s high school.”
“Well then big shot, we’ll see what you got at practice today.”
“Yes you will Randy. Yes you will.” Jay walked away smiling. Picturing himself making that first big hit on someone while Randy’s jaw dropped. The rest of the day went smooth. Everywhere he went people recognized him. His confidence skyrocketed to normal after the shaky start to the day.
At football practice Jay was feeling nice in his new gear. They started off practice with a discussion and the coach introduced a new kid to the team and school system Jake. That kid from earlier, what a tool. First drill he’s gonna be on his back. In the first rep of the first drill Coach Wagner put Jay against Jake.
“Let’s welcome Jake to the team Jayson.” Coach Wagner winked.
This kid doesn’t even know. Haha, too bad. The boys stood five yards apart facing each other. It was a blocking drill. Both players would have to bring the other down. Coach said down, Jay got down. Coach said set, Jake got set. The coach said go, and they both flew at each other. They hit-
What the- ahhhhh my head. Jay opened his eyes to the team staring at him. It took him a minute to realize he was on his back. That damn kid knocked me out.
It wouldn’t get better for poor Jay. Wagner told his parents he’d have a starting role on varsity for sure. Jake took it. Randy told all the girls how awesome Jay was. They liked Jake more. Jay had all the friends a guy could want. Jake was cooler. As the season progressed more and more things were falling out from under Jay. He got a D in Spanish. All the while Jake was rubbing it in on Varsity as Jay watched from the sidelines. Jake would run by him after a big tackle and say “Yeah member that Jay boy.” The kid also cheated on his three running relationships with even more girls somehow keeping it all secret and twisted stories behind his friend’s backs. That’s what Jay saw. Everyone else seemed to see the most wonderful angel who had blessed Milton simply with his presence. It became too much. One day after practice as Jay walked into the locker room to shower Jake came by and whispered in his ear “Hey big guy, what’s up?”
Jay didn’t allow himself to hear that though, he processed it as “Hey Big Shot, What now?” Just another dig at his failed expectations. Not hearing an answer Jake moved ahead.
“Yo Jake.” Jay exclaimed through gritted teeth. Jake turned around into a sucker punch that landed right on his nose. Randy, who was close by, ripped Jay away so Jake couldn’t retaliate, not that he was going to. See Jake was really a nice kid. Jake was just the better athlete and nicer to girls, and a better friend not being so conceded and arrogant like Jay.
Coach Wagner had no other option but to throw Jay off the team. People didn’t look at Jay the same way anymore. He had no friends, Randy wouldn’t even talk to him, and girls walked in the other direction when he came near. Jayson slowly realized the monster he was.
When basketball tryouts started Jay took the court humbly, and when he made JV as Jake started as the point guard he cheered on his teammate. Randy began to talk to him again, the guys started to see a new man, and girls saw a boy with a new self esteem. Not one full of self confidence, but of love and care. Jay made varsity lacrosse with Jake by his side. That year they won the state championship.
In the locker room above Jay’s locker hung a piece of paper reading one little phrase:
All is received, when all is given.
When Jay was kicked off the football team he realized what we all need to realize at one point, you cannot receive love without giving it, you cannot receive trust without trusting, and you cannot win without accepting defeat first. We all struggle; we all fall; we all stumble along our way. Sometimes it takes a big fall to help us reach the summit of our potential. Milton High School won ten state championships in Jay’s time. He never lost one after his freshman year. But it wasn’t Jay that made it happen. It was the team that put up those banners.
Monday, October 6, 2008
First Quarter Outside Reading Book Review
The Lake House by James Patterson. Little, Brown and Company, 2003. Genre: Murder Mystery
The Lake House takes place in the present across the US including the cities of Denver, Colorado and Washington D.C. Max, a girl who was genetically altered with wings knows a secret about her past that she is afraid to tell to the ones closest to her. She experienced horrible things as a child in an underground hospital called the school. She escaped from the school with five other kids like her. They lived with a veterinarian and her boyfriend who is an FBI agent for one year at the lake house before being exposed and brought home to their biological parents. Knowing that the school does not want them alive max takes her once family and flees to the vet, Frannie O’Neal’s house. They then go to the agent, Thomas ‘Kit’ Brennan’s house after trying to be killed. All the while, on the way and for some time later, trying to be murdered by a certain Dr. Ethan Kane, director of the once school.
“James Patterson knows where our deepest fears are buried…. There’s no stopping his imagination.” New York Times
James Patterson writes a book I can compare to the Harry Potter series where a person who has an ill brain that is not in touch with society tries to kill the main character. In this case it is Dr. Kane trying to kill Max and in the Harry Potter series it is Lord Voldemort trying to kill Harry Potter.
Since half the book follows Frannie O’Neal and the other half follows Dr. Kane there are different writing styles. When talking about Frannie the book is in first person. When talking about Dr. Kane the book is written in third person. James Patterson uses foreshadowing in his book constantly because the chapters switch from one point of view to another he hints at what the opposite person will be doing in the next chapter or what will happen upon returning to the current person. He also uses imagery while describing the scenery and does so with great detail. He gives you a wonderful picture of what is going on.
“A young and quite homely scrub nurse rounded the corner of the passageway and nodded her head deferentially as she approached him. She had a crush on Dr. Kane, and she wasn’t the only one.
“Doctor,” she said, “your still working.”
“Esther, you go home, now, please,” Ethan Kane said, pretending to be solicitous and caring, which couldn’t have been further from the truth. He considered the nurse inferior in every way, including the fact that she was female.”
James Patterson has a very captivating style of writing that drew me right in. This is the only book of his I have read but I will surely read more. The way he tells his story with very good and very bad experiences is amazing. He reminds us that everyone isn’t exactly nice in this world and that most people are at the same time. Something that is good for anyone every now and again.
The Lake House takes place in the present across the US including the cities of Denver, Colorado and Washington D.C. Max, a girl who was genetically altered with wings knows a secret about her past that she is afraid to tell to the ones closest to her. She experienced horrible things as a child in an underground hospital called the school. She escaped from the school with five other kids like her. They lived with a veterinarian and her boyfriend who is an FBI agent for one year at the lake house before being exposed and brought home to their biological parents. Knowing that the school does not want them alive max takes her once family and flees to the vet, Frannie O’Neal’s house. They then go to the agent, Thomas ‘Kit’ Brennan’s house after trying to be killed. All the while, on the way and for some time later, trying to be murdered by a certain Dr. Ethan Kane, director of the once school.
“James Patterson knows where our deepest fears are buried…. There’s no stopping his imagination.” New York Times
James Patterson writes a book I can compare to the Harry Potter series where a person who has an ill brain that is not in touch with society tries to kill the main character. In this case it is Dr. Kane trying to kill Max and in the Harry Potter series it is Lord Voldemort trying to kill Harry Potter.
Since half the book follows Frannie O’Neal and the other half follows Dr. Kane there are different writing styles. When talking about Frannie the book is in first person. When talking about Dr. Kane the book is written in third person. James Patterson uses foreshadowing in his book constantly because the chapters switch from one point of view to another he hints at what the opposite person will be doing in the next chapter or what will happen upon returning to the current person. He also uses imagery while describing the scenery and does so with great detail. He gives you a wonderful picture of what is going on.
“A young and quite homely scrub nurse rounded the corner of the passageway and nodded her head deferentially as she approached him. She had a crush on Dr. Kane, and she wasn’t the only one.
“Doctor,” she said, “your still working.”
“Esther, you go home, now, please,” Ethan Kane said, pretending to be solicitous and caring, which couldn’t have been further from the truth. He considered the nurse inferior in every way, including the fact that she was female.”
James Patterson has a very captivating style of writing that drew me right in. This is the only book of his I have read but I will surely read more. The way he tells his story with very good and very bad experiences is amazing. He reminds us that everyone isn’t exactly nice in this world and that most people are at the same time. Something that is good for anyone every now and again.
One Win, Two Cleats
10-15-08
What would you do if faced with the most brilliant moment you can imagine, or the most amazing object one could purchase? Which one would you take? Everyone has a different opinion about this. They would argue about this and that. Which one you choose simply depends on which you hold more valuable. If you’re more of a material person who loves funky gadgets and expensive items you will choose one while the person who loves the perfect view of nature or something that can not be bought would take the other.
I am meticulous as I tie them. First one, then the other making positive each one is fit to my liking. Once I am finished I take my stand. The ball sits there. Taunting me, telling me I won’t do it, I can’t do it. I rise to the challenge. I know where I want to place the ball on the goal, I don’t have to look. I just picture it. The top left corner of the goal is what my entire mind is thinking. In a burst of speed and power I slam the soccer ball. Cleat, with perfect precision Sends the ball to the back of the net, Passed the keepers inadequate attempt of a save.
My cleats are awesome. With a burnt orange, black and white exterior they look sick. They also have a tiger paw on them just like my high school mascot’s symbol. Their patterns are nasty and in my opinion are just about the best looking cleats that one can buy. Nike Total90, please Kelme Diablo, my cleat, is where it's at. Nothing comes close to them. They don’t just look amazing, but are a fine quality cleat. They stand up to my play and stay with me as I go. They fit perfectly and allow me to kick the ball with extreme accuracy and force.
The score is tied. Six seconds are on the clock. The ball is in my hands. One thing is on my mind, score. I can’t think of anything else and would not if I could. I dribble once, stop, fake a pass left, step back, jump, and shoot. The leather ball glides off my fingertips with just the right amount of backspin. I know what will happen when the ball leaves my hands. The question is, do they?
It’s the best moment that can happen to me, winning a big basketball game in the final seconds. There are so many moments in basketball like this and nothing in sports is better than sinking a three at the buzzer. It’s awesome just seeing one, but having it happen to you is simply perfect. Winning a big game is truly priceless.
When you take that shot it is like time is in slow motion. Everything moves slower, even you. As time winds down and you have the ball you take a quick look around, seeing if there is someone that has a better chance to take the shot. There never is. So, you make your move to trip up the defender, again something that always happens. Then you step back knowing what comes next as everyone shouts “SHOOT!” You face the basket jump and shoot, following the command of the fans. You are behind the three point line and for the third time this is something that always happens. Watching the shot you know it will either fall in or slip out. When it goes in and everyone goes crazy it is the most amazing moment that can happen to a person, me at least. You hope it never stops. Adrenaline is racing threw your body. Your team is huddled around you screaming your name as they praise you.
So how do you compare these things? Well, obviously, they both have something to do with sports. One soccer, one basketball, but both sports. I believe they have a different similarity though. They both bring me great happiness and joy. My cleats allow me to play a game I love and that moment wouldn’t happen if I didn’t play another game I love.
They connect me in a way that nothing else does. Of course, they do have major differences like being different sports and being completely different parts of different sports. One is a special moment, the other, equipment. Still I love them and could not live without them.
So, as I said in my introduction value is different for everyone. I think of value as a reminder of good. Something you value brings you happiness… in most cases. Like my cleats, they bring me happiness because I love soccer and could not play without them. Every time I see them I’m reminded of kicking a ball and knocking it around with friends. The good of happiness controls me. To me, that is value, a reminder of good.
What would you do if faced with the most brilliant moment you can imagine, or the most amazing object one could purchase? Which one would you take? Everyone has a different opinion about this. They would argue about this and that. Which one you choose simply depends on which you hold more valuable. If you’re more of a material person who loves funky gadgets and expensive items you will choose one while the person who loves the perfect view of nature or something that can not be bought would take the other.
I am meticulous as I tie them. First one, then the other making positive each one is fit to my liking. Once I am finished I take my stand. The ball sits there. Taunting me, telling me I won’t do it, I can’t do it. I rise to the challenge. I know where I want to place the ball on the goal, I don’t have to look. I just picture it. The top left corner of the goal is what my entire mind is thinking. In a burst of speed and power I slam the soccer ball. Cleat, with perfect precision Sends the ball to the back of the net, Passed the keepers inadequate attempt of a save.
My cleats are awesome. With a burnt orange, black and white exterior they look sick. They also have a tiger paw on them just like my high school mascot’s symbol. Their patterns are nasty and in my opinion are just about the best looking cleats that one can buy. Nike Total90, please Kelme Diablo, my cleat, is where it's at. Nothing comes close to them. They don’t just look amazing, but are a fine quality cleat. They stand up to my play and stay with me as I go. They fit perfectly and allow me to kick the ball with extreme accuracy and force.
The score is tied. Six seconds are on the clock. The ball is in my hands. One thing is on my mind, score. I can’t think of anything else and would not if I could. I dribble once, stop, fake a pass left, step back, jump, and shoot. The leather ball glides off my fingertips with just the right amount of backspin. I know what will happen when the ball leaves my hands. The question is, do they?
It’s the best moment that can happen to me, winning a big basketball game in the final seconds. There are so many moments in basketball like this and nothing in sports is better than sinking a three at the buzzer. It’s awesome just seeing one, but having it happen to you is simply perfect. Winning a big game is truly priceless.
When you take that shot it is like time is in slow motion. Everything moves slower, even you. As time winds down and you have the ball you take a quick look around, seeing if there is someone that has a better chance to take the shot. There never is. So, you make your move to trip up the defender, again something that always happens. Then you step back knowing what comes next as everyone shouts “SHOOT!” You face the basket jump and shoot, following the command of the fans. You are behind the three point line and for the third time this is something that always happens. Watching the shot you know it will either fall in or slip out. When it goes in and everyone goes crazy it is the most amazing moment that can happen to a person, me at least. You hope it never stops. Adrenaline is racing threw your body. Your team is huddled around you screaming your name as they praise you.
So how do you compare these things? Well, obviously, they both have something to do with sports. One soccer, one basketball, but both sports. I believe they have a different similarity though. They both bring me great happiness and joy. My cleats allow me to play a game I love and that moment wouldn’t happen if I didn’t play another game I love.
They connect me in a way that nothing else does. Of course, they do have major differences like being different sports and being completely different parts of different sports. One is a special moment, the other, equipment. Still I love them and could not live without them.
So, as I said in my introduction value is different for everyone. I think of value as a reminder of good. Something you value brings you happiness… in most cases. Like my cleats, they bring me happiness because I love soccer and could not play without them. Every time I see them I’m reminded of kicking a ball and knocking it around with friends. The good of happiness controls me. To me, that is value, a reminder of good.
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