Mom and I entering the famous Louvre on a rainy, dark Monday in Paris!! The best part of all was being less than 5 feet from the Mona Lisa!!! I can't wait to tell you more when I get home!Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Famous Louvre Entrance
Mom and I entering the famous Louvre on a rainy, dark Monday in Paris!! The best part of all was being less than 5 feet from the Mona Lisa!!! I can't wait to tell you more when I get home!
Paris Time
Sorry I haven't written much, but that is because we are having such a great time and enjoying every minute of our european adventure. Paris is even more beautiful than I've heard or read about!!!! We started our time off in Paris with a bang, except the weather was rainy and no taxis to be found....fortunately we had arranged for the tour guide we hired to meet us at the hotel and bused it over to the Louvre!! We saw all of the famous works and I was five feet away from the Mona Lisa....very awesome. After that we proceeded to see as much of Paris as we could see in a two hour span. Then, we crashed into bed as we have been every moment along the way. Then, yesterday we went to the Eiffel Tower and saw everything Paris has to offer from a bird's eye view...what a great experience!!! Then, off to the D'Orsay museum to see Impressionist art!!! Today, we went to the Pompidou Centre for a brief, but informative lesson on modern art. Then, the rest of the day was spent visiting places with beautiful views of this magical city and running around non-stop. Tomorrow is sadly the last day of the trip. Hope you have enjoyed my updates....!!!
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Greenwich
Me at the Pier in Greenwich after a 1 hour boat ride on City Cruises out of Westminster dock. It was well worth it. Enjoy the photo!!Paris...The City of Lights
Today, we arrived in Paris via train from Waterloo Station in London. The trip took three hours but we had very comfortable seats and decent food. Then, we were taken around the city and saw all of the awesome sights this metropolis has to offer. First, this place is definitely not as friendly as London as it is hard to get used to the language (my mom thought she was ordering shrimp with ketchup but when they brought it to her the shrimp still had its eyes and she shrieked....very funny!) Now, back to London.
We finished off with a visit on the London Eye, which gave us a bird's eye view of the London skyline. The cool part was that after 5 days in London, I actually knew what buildings I was looking at. Then, we went to Greenwich and I had one wheel in the Eastern Hemisphere and one in the Western Hemisphere. It was cool! But it was a huge hill my mom and cousin had to push me up to see this awesome place. The last thing I did was hang out with my cousin Noah and friend Joyce, both of whom are studying over here....we had a great time visiting the bars late at night (haha).
Signing off.
We finished off with a visit on the London Eye, which gave us a bird's eye view of the London skyline. The cool part was that after 5 days in London, I actually knew what buildings I was looking at. Then, we went to Greenwich and I had one wheel in the Eastern Hemisphere and one in the Western Hemisphere. It was cool! But it was a huge hill my mom and cousin had to push me up to see this awesome place. The last thing I did was hang out with my cousin Noah and friend Joyce, both of whom are studying over here....we had a great time visiting the bars late at night (haha).
Signing off.
Saturday, October 27, 2007
One more day in London
Hey all,
Europe is amazing! I am loving every second of it. Yesterday was St. Paul's Cathedral which was absolutely beautiful. Also, we saw the tower of london, which was cool. The weather isn't too bad--a little cold and gray but not awful. Lord of the rings the musical is a must see if you get the chance. My guess is it will be in america soon. Lots more to tell later, but have to go now. Talk to ya later.
Europe is amazing! I am loving every second of it. Yesterday was St. Paul's Cathedral which was absolutely beautiful. Also, we saw the tower of london, which was cool. The weather isn't too bad--a little cold and gray but not awful. Lord of the rings the musical is a must see if you get the chance. My guess is it will be in america soon. Lots more to tell later, but have to go now. Talk to ya later.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Buckingham Palace
Mom and I with Buckingham Palace in the background. We attended the Changing of the Guard ceremony from 11:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Wednesday, October 24! It was extremely cold, but well worth it. I hope you get to experience it one day.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Day 2 in London
Greetings from Marble Arch in London!!!
The Arsenal football game was an absolute blast as the stadium is extremely new and plush. I came dresses in full Arsenal gear and braved the cold (it was near 32 degrees F) to watch a 7-0 victory by the Gunners of Arsenal. Many Arsenal fans, but also a lot of haters. It's hilarious how crazy these fans are. By the time we got back and prepared for bed it was past midnight London time and we all dropped like flies into bed (travelling all night is very exhausting). We awakened this morning at 9:45 a.m. and rushed like madmen over to Buckingham Palace to view the changing of the guard ceremony at 11:30 a.m. The british police allowed us to go see the ceremony from five feet away the main gate. It was great to see and hear some Beatle music played during the guard ceremony. From there, we saw the stage coaches from the changing of the guard at the Crowne Plaza hotel. Westminster Abbey was next and it was delightful to see such an old place still living as a working church. It was cool walking over people's tombs and I got chills walking around such an old place. Before coming to Westminster, we actually saw new scotland yard, the churchill museum and war rooms. The last two big things were the National Gallery where we saw outstanding art from many different periods...the Monet pieces, Degas, Rembrandt and others were absolutely AWESOME!!!! Final touch to the day was a visit to Parliament...got to go and see some debating in the house of commons and the house of lords...it was a jam-packed second day and tomorrow is my birthday. Can't wait to tell you more exciting news!!!
The Arsenal football game was an absolute blast as the stadium is extremely new and plush. I came dresses in full Arsenal gear and braved the cold (it was near 32 degrees F) to watch a 7-0 victory by the Gunners of Arsenal. Many Arsenal fans, but also a lot of haters. It's hilarious how crazy these fans are. By the time we got back and prepared for bed it was past midnight London time and we all dropped like flies into bed (travelling all night is very exhausting). We awakened this morning at 9:45 a.m. and rushed like madmen over to Buckingham Palace to view the changing of the guard ceremony at 11:30 a.m. The british police allowed us to go see the ceremony from five feet away the main gate. It was great to see and hear some Beatle music played during the guard ceremony. From there, we saw the stage coaches from the changing of the guard at the Crowne Plaza hotel. Westminster Abbey was next and it was delightful to see such an old place still living as a working church. It was cool walking over people's tombs and I got chills walking around such an old place. Before coming to Westminster, we actually saw new scotland yard, the churchill museum and war rooms. The last two big things were the National Gallery where we saw outstanding art from many different periods...the Monet pieces, Degas, Rembrandt and others were absolutely AWESOME!!!! Final touch to the day was a visit to Parliament...got to go and see some debating in the house of commons and the house of lords...it was a jam-packed second day and tomorrow is my birthday. Can't wait to tell you more exciting news!!!
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Greetings from over the pond
Hey Everyone!
I arrived safely in London at 9 a.m. local time...4 a.m. Cincy time....and am a bit lacking in the sleep department. Very difficult sleeping on the plane, but managed to get a few hours. Arrived at the hotel at about 11:30 a.m. after a long cab ride. It is in the mid-50s with plenty of sunshine and great panoramic views of the city. Our hotel is near the Hyde Park area and is quite lovely (to borrow a favorite word of the Brits). Tonight, I am going to watch Arsenal soccer at Emirates Stadium against Slavia Prague at 7:45. My cousin Noah from S.F. is here studying abroad and is joining us for the match. I must be going now. Tomorrow promises to be awesome with a visit to Westminster Abbey, the changing of the guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace, an afternoon stroll and a visit to Parliament to check out some debates. Love and miss everyone!!
I arrived safely in London at 9 a.m. local time...4 a.m. Cincy time....and am a bit lacking in the sleep department. Very difficult sleeping on the plane, but managed to get a few hours. Arrived at the hotel at about 11:30 a.m. after a long cab ride. It is in the mid-50s with plenty of sunshine and great panoramic views of the city. Our hotel is near the Hyde Park area and is quite lovely (to borrow a favorite word of the Brits). Tonight, I am going to watch Arsenal soccer at Emirates Stadium against Slavia Prague at 7:45. My cousin Noah from S.F. is here studying abroad and is joining us for the match. I must be going now. Tomorrow promises to be awesome with a visit to Westminster Abbey, the changing of the guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace, an afternoon stroll and a visit to Parliament to check out some debates. Love and miss everyone!!
Thursday, September 27, 2007
UC lands top-notch QB for 2008
Demetrius Jones is coming to UC in the fall of 2008 to play football for the Bearcats!!
Read about this exciting news at:
http://700wlw.com/pages/localSports.html?feed=121849&article=2714190
Read about this exciting news at:
http://700wlw.com/pages/localSports.html?feed=121849&article=2714190
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
My best Community Press article so far this summer!!
Bulldogs battle Ursuline, cancer in match
BY JEFF ELKUS EASTERNHILLS@COMMUNITYPRESS.COM
The St. Ursula Bulldogs took the volleyball court against fierce rival Ursuline in a matchup of Girls Greater Cincinnati League powerhouses on Sept. 11, as both teams took part in their first annual "Volley for the Cure" game.
Although St. Ursula took the contest in five games, the match was hardly the most important thing for both sides.
"You dream about that as a player to play in a game with over 1,000 people here tonight," said head coach Julie Perry of Fairfax.
One of Perry's players, junior outside hitter Courtney Gagnon, from Western Hills, lost her mother, Ann, to cancer last season after a 10-year battle.
"This year we dedicated the match to Courtney's mom," Perry said. Hanging in the gym during the match was a sign which read, "Tonight we play for Ann Gagnon."
In addition, much of the crowd donned pink T-shirts sold by all of the players on the freshman, junior varsity and varsity teams. A raffle was also held for donated items such as a television and iPod.
"It was really neat because we challenged them to sell so many T-shirts and they came out and sold tons of T-shirts - more than we ever expected," Perry said.
According to Perry, the fans were amazing and didn't stop yelling all night as Courtney hit the last ball of the night, capping off the physical confrontation.
"It was our way of giving back to the community. What was so cool about it was that the whole school got involved," Perry said.
Playing in front of such a large crowd was exciting for the team and Perry realized just how far the impact of breast cancer reaches.
"It just touches so many lives. Mrs. Gagnon taught us how to live and she would get out of the hospital and come to Courtney's games."
The first "Volley for the Cure" match was more successful than anyone every imagined and Perry commends the effort it took to get there.
"You start something and little do you know how much of a snowball effect it could have and how now even the colleges in Ohio are doing this," said Perry.
Purcell Marian stepped into a gym adorned in pink from head to toe-pink on the basketball hoops, pink draped from the ceiling, pink on the scoreboard... pink everywhere.
The "Volley for the Cure" event tends to have that effect. The fight to help find a cure for cancer by raising money for breast cancer research took place Sept. 11 as Roger Bacon battled the Cavaliers in a GGCL contest.
"We had a good turnout at Purcell Marian. The girls loved it; it is for a great cause and it was good experience for both teams," said head coach Dan Wanstrath from Silverton.
The event was one of the first in the Cincinnati area along with St. Ursula, with more to come later this month and the beginning of October.
The selling of "Volley for the Cure" T-shirts is now a staple at every one of the matches that are a part of the now state-wide community program. However, the girls on the Purcell Marian team took it a step further and promoted the event themselves. They posted flyers everywhere at school and even on their cars and promoted it during morning announcements.
"It speaks volumes of my seniors and their wanting to be leaders and doing everything they can to help people out," Wanstrath said.
More than 400 people poured into the gym, easily eclipsing the average attendance of 75 people per match.
"The high school is well known for their involvement in the community around here-this even extends it more with the whole high school," Wanstrath said.
Purcell Marian dropped the match to their rival, but as Wanstrath said, the match was secondary on this night.
"It (the event) showed that the two schools can put aside their rivalries and come together for a greater cause and both teams played hard volleyball and they showed the fans a good time," Wanstrath said.
The Cavaliers did have a member of their athletic community personally impacted by breast cancer.
Athletic Director Tom Stickley's mother and sister are survivors of breast cancer, making the match even more meaningful. Wanstrath felt like the event made the girls extra excited for their game since they had a chance to make a difference.
"It helps expose the girls to the realization of breast cancer and there needs to be change and research money is needed to help find a cure for this," said Wanstrath.
BY JEFF ELKUS EASTERNHILLS@COMMUNITYPRESS.COM
The St. Ursula Bulldogs took the volleyball court against fierce rival Ursuline in a matchup of Girls Greater Cincinnati League powerhouses on Sept. 11, as both teams took part in their first annual "Volley for the Cure" game.
Although St. Ursula took the contest in five games, the match was hardly the most important thing for both sides.
"You dream about that as a player to play in a game with over 1,000 people here tonight," said head coach Julie Perry of Fairfax.
One of Perry's players, junior outside hitter Courtney Gagnon, from Western Hills, lost her mother, Ann, to cancer last season after a 10-year battle.
"This year we dedicated the match to Courtney's mom," Perry said. Hanging in the gym during the match was a sign which read, "Tonight we play for Ann Gagnon."
In addition, much of the crowd donned pink T-shirts sold by all of the players on the freshman, junior varsity and varsity teams. A raffle was also held for donated items such as a television and iPod.
"It was really neat because we challenged them to sell so many T-shirts and they came out and sold tons of T-shirts - more than we ever expected," Perry said.
According to Perry, the fans were amazing and didn't stop yelling all night as Courtney hit the last ball of the night, capping off the physical confrontation.
"It was our way of giving back to the community. What was so cool about it was that the whole school got involved," Perry said.
Playing in front of such a large crowd was exciting for the team and Perry realized just how far the impact of breast cancer reaches.
"It just touches so many lives. Mrs. Gagnon taught us how to live and she would get out of the hospital and come to Courtney's games."
The first "Volley for the Cure" match was more successful than anyone every imagined and Perry commends the effort it took to get there.
"You start something and little do you know how much of a snowball effect it could have and how now even the colleges in Ohio are doing this," said Perry.
Purcell Marian stepped into a gym adorned in pink from head to toe-pink on the basketball hoops, pink draped from the ceiling, pink on the scoreboard... pink everywhere.
The "Volley for the Cure" event tends to have that effect. The fight to help find a cure for cancer by raising money for breast cancer research took place Sept. 11 as Roger Bacon battled the Cavaliers in a GGCL contest.
"We had a good turnout at Purcell Marian. The girls loved it; it is for a great cause and it was good experience for both teams," said head coach Dan Wanstrath from Silverton.
The event was one of the first in the Cincinnati area along with St. Ursula, with more to come later this month and the beginning of October.
The selling of "Volley for the Cure" T-shirts is now a staple at every one of the matches that are a part of the now state-wide community program. However, the girls on the Purcell Marian team took it a step further and promoted the event themselves. They posted flyers everywhere at school and even on their cars and promoted it during morning announcements.
"It speaks volumes of my seniors and their wanting to be leaders and doing everything they can to help people out," Wanstrath said.
More than 400 people poured into the gym, easily eclipsing the average attendance of 75 people per match.
"The high school is well known for their involvement in the community around here-this even extends it more with the whole high school," Wanstrath said.
Purcell Marian dropped the match to their rival, but as Wanstrath said, the match was secondary on this night.
"It (the event) showed that the two schools can put aside their rivalries and come together for a greater cause and both teams played hard volleyball and they showed the fans a good time," Wanstrath said.
The Cavaliers did have a member of their athletic community personally impacted by breast cancer.
Athletic Director Tom Stickley's mother and sister are survivors of breast cancer, making the match even more meaningful. Wanstrath felt like the event made the girls extra excited for their game since they had a chance to make a difference.
"It helps expose the girls to the realization of breast cancer and there needs to be change and research money is needed to help find a cure for this," said Wanstrath.
More Poetry Alphabet Soup
A few more poems....
This one is sad, sorry:
Dying a Lonely Death
It sneaks up on you like a snake in the grass
Slithering under your skin without you knowing
Searching for its prey wherever it can be found
Leaving you no choice but to search for an answer
That doesn’t seem to exist.
The method of destruction is swift and without warning
Preparing you for a battle that cannot be won
And time goes as swiftly as the clock on the wall
Waiting for us to give up and exit the game of life.
Death beckons each day as the dark clouds loom overhead
Cutting short a life that holds such promise
Without giving you a chance to say goodbye to those around you
And planning your future the way it chooses.
Lifted up into heaven on a soft, feathery bed
With nothing above or below you
Solidifies your fat and shuts the door
Upon a dream that never got started.
Underneath the sky the people rejoice
And move on with their busy lives
Leaving the dead to go their separate way
Forgetting who they are and where they’re going.
In honor of Fall:
Fall
The leaves rustling in the distance
And the warm browns and bright oranges
That are seen from the windowsill in the bedroom
Provide light into an otherwise drab world
That has yet to recover from the Summer drought
Which removed life from the sunflowers.
The nights now bring a cold breeze
Causing the clouds to dissipate
And forming colorful bands of undeniable beauty
That refused to be separated until Old Man Winter
Sweeps in to destroy the wondrous plant life
And the leaves stop crackling under the steps of people
Who have lived a thousand years.
Enjoy these!
This one is sad, sorry:
Dying a Lonely Death
It sneaks up on you like a snake in the grass
Slithering under your skin without you knowing
Searching for its prey wherever it can be found
Leaving you no choice but to search for an answer
That doesn’t seem to exist.
The method of destruction is swift and without warning
Preparing you for a battle that cannot be won
And time goes as swiftly as the clock on the wall
Waiting for us to give up and exit the game of life.
Death beckons each day as the dark clouds loom overhead
Cutting short a life that holds such promise
Without giving you a chance to say goodbye to those around you
And planning your future the way it chooses.
Lifted up into heaven on a soft, feathery bed
With nothing above or below you
Solidifies your fat and shuts the door
Upon a dream that never got started.
Underneath the sky the people rejoice
And move on with their busy lives
Leaving the dead to go their separate way
Forgetting who they are and where they’re going.
In honor of Fall:
Fall
The leaves rustling in the distance
And the warm browns and bright oranges
That are seen from the windowsill in the bedroom
Provide light into an otherwise drab world
That has yet to recover from the Summer drought
Which removed life from the sunflowers.
The nights now bring a cold breeze
Causing the clouds to dissipate
And forming colorful bands of undeniable beauty
That refused to be separated until Old Man Winter
Sweeps in to destroy the wondrous plant life
And the leaves stop crackling under the steps of people
Who have lived a thousand years.
Enjoy these!
Thursday, September 20, 2007
More Community Press Articles
Check out my newest additions of sports articles for the Community Press!!
A few of my favorite things...
Check out the new song by Carrie Underwood called "So Small"--you will thank me later.
Also, THE OFFICE and HEROES return to TV next week, so I'll be giving you my take on Jim and Pam and save the cheerleader save the world updates...inside jokes for you that follow that sort of thing.
Also, THE OFFICE and HEROES return to TV next week, so I'll be giving you my take on Jim and Pam and save the cheerleader save the world updates...inside jokes for you that follow that sort of thing.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
New Community Press Articles Online!
Check the Community Press link posted on the bottom of the page to search for my articles about Cross Country. Once on the website look for a drop-down menu of all the different newspapers, click on Eastern Hills Journal, Forest Hills Journal, Community Journal Clermont and Community Journal North Clermont. Those are the papers I write for. Next week, look for articles about golf and girls volleyball. Enjoy.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Poetry Bowl of Soup
Here's a couple of poems to wet your appetite!! Because of a friend's urging (you know who you are) I decided that more people need to be introduced to my poetry, not because I'm self-loathing but because I would like each of you to respond to the poem and tell me how it speaks to you. Have fun.
Angels & Prayers
I keep reaching for the stars
Yet I wind up coming up short each time
It’s not something I can control
I have given myself to God
And am ready to accept the fate he has bestowed
I feel the strength inside of me to want to make the leap
It’s just that I’m not sure I can float on high
I have transgressed in more ways than one
Yet my own two feet are firmly planted
Movement is not an option
Heaven or hell is beneath either door
The only question is which one do I deserve
Have I been the best person I can be?
I answer that question without thinking
And believe that the best is yet to come
I haven’t realized my destiny yet but soon I shall be redeemed
I give myself to you
Unto all eternity may my spirit live on
Reaching the stars is something I can now do
And the first poem I ever wrote:
Waves and Crashes
Life goes on with a series of waves and crashes
Like the ocean far off in the distance
Seeking more than can be found
In a vacuum of space that cannot be quantified
Finding a path that leads to nowhere
Where nothing stands in my way
And all roads lead to the promise land.
Discovering my inner self is a constant struggle
With no wind at my back and no courage to stand up—
For my beliefs and my troubles—
But the waves and crashes
Still enter my mind and leave an impression behind.
Angels & Prayers
I keep reaching for the stars
Yet I wind up coming up short each time
It’s not something I can control
I have given myself to God
And am ready to accept the fate he has bestowed
I feel the strength inside of me to want to make the leap
It’s just that I’m not sure I can float on high
I have transgressed in more ways than one
Yet my own two feet are firmly planted
Movement is not an option
Heaven or hell is beneath either door
The only question is which one do I deserve
Have I been the best person I can be?
I answer that question without thinking
And believe that the best is yet to come
I haven’t realized my destiny yet but soon I shall be redeemed
I give myself to you
Unto all eternity may my spirit live on
Reaching the stars is something I can now do
And the first poem I ever wrote:
Waves and Crashes
Life goes on with a series of waves and crashes
Like the ocean far off in the distance
Seeking more than can be found
In a vacuum of space that cannot be quantified
Finding a path that leads to nowhere
Where nothing stands in my way
And all roads lead to the promise land.
Discovering my inner self is a constant struggle
With no wind at my back and no courage to stand up—
For my beliefs and my troubles—
But the waves and crashes
Still enter my mind and leave an impression behind.
Sports of all sorts
For those of you interested in hearing about my life on a regular basis, without having to leave a message and have me not return it for days on end here's the solution...a blog. For my first post, I want to encourage all of you to stop by on a weekly basis as I will try and update my blog at least once a week. Here you can find details about my latest sports adventures, my poetry writing and you can view all of my latest articles written for the Community Press (which comes out every Wednesday in select neighborhooods of Cincy). For now, that's what you can find. Oh yeah, I'll keep you updated about the job search that is never-ending. Enjoy!
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