Annie Dillard ~ Total Eclipse

I have to say, even though this story did not have the same depth in vocabulary as the other pieces we have read, I had a much harder time comprehending what was going on. The first few pages were full of details that I tried to pay attention to-- thinking they would come into play later in the story. I was wrong. I especially thought the clown picture would answer some question after a while but it never did. It was just a creepy picture in an insignificant hotel.

On the other hand, I enjoyed how she detailed the story. Even though the vocabulary wasn't as complex, the way she uses her words describes things just as vividly.

When she began to describe the total eclipse, I was again very confused. I thought that an eclipse was supposed to be an amazing act of nature. The way she described it made me never want to experience one! The whole time I kept thinking to myself, "horror movie!" I even wrote that in my annotations. It really turned horrific when the screams were brought into play: "From all the hills came screams. A piece of sky beside the crescent sun was detaching."

I was trying to get a grasp on if there may be some hidden message in her story, but I could not come to any conclusion. I believe this may have been just some scribbles of hers that were transformed into a story to share with the public. Some scribbles that may or may not have helped her get a grasp on reality.

"Talk of the Town"

While reading the article written by John Updike, I was captivated by the way he perceived New York during that time. His adjective choices created such a detailed picture in my mind that I felt I was in his place. What I realized once the article was finished was that I wasn't dwelling on what had happened that fateful day, but more on what was taking place afterwards. He seemed to switch back and forth from a gloomy state of mind to what I perceived as a hopeful outlook. Every time he would write something that might make the reader uneasy or sorrowful, an optimistic refutation would soon follow. For example, at the beginning of the second page Updike compares the explosions inside the buildings to a "nightmare ballet." This is his way of describing what he saw, while easing the tension that his audience already has built up from his earlier descriptions.

The article Susan Sontag wrote was a little more pessimistic than I hoped for, especially while portraying such a daunting time in history. This is the type of article that you either agree or completely disagree with. Sontag has a definite opinion and outlook on the events on September 9th, 2001, but even more about what occurred afterwards. Throughout the entire article she blames the media for giving America cookie-cutter sympathy. For example, repeating "our country is strong." That upset her the most because we know our country is strong, "but that's not all America has to be." I can understand where she was coming from while writing this article, but I believe at that point America was just looking in someone to believe in. It was a weakness we didn't know we had. People were scared and searching for answers. Sometimes even robotic responses can be just as comforting.

About Me

All my life I have been told to slow down and take some time to relax. Family and friends continuously tell me how busy I am. The thing is, that is how I like to live my life-- every day to the fullest. If I take too much time off I feel I missed out on an opportunity to do something great! That is why I keep busy by playing volleyball and working out to stay healthy. I believe there is always time to give to others, which is why I am an active volunteer.

Some people wonder why I dedicate so much of my life to volleyball. I respond with one simple answer every time: it makes me happy. Other student athletes will vouch for me when I say that sports bring people together and help keep you focused on what you want. Participating in a sport holds you to high standards which you need to reach in order to compete. Club volleyball is what had the most impact on my life. When I began playing in 8th grade I was shy, and had a little extra weight on my body. I began club ball by playing on the top team in my age group. The fact that I was selected to compete with girls that had already been playing for years showed me how much potential I really had. Throughout the years I became more confident in myself and realized how eating healthy and exercising can improve your life. I lost the weight and began to discover the person I really wanted to be. Beginning to play volleyball was one of the best choices I ever made.

If I hadn't become a volleyball player I truly believe I would have pursued some form of art. There are countless home videos of me dancing and singing in front of anyone who cared to listen. Instead of playing with barbies or playing dress up with my friends, I would convince them to create a dance number with me.
I may not dance as much now, but I sure love to sing. When I hear a song I know, don't count on listening to the artist's voice. No matter where I am, I will be singing along--with some volume.

After high school I plan on majoring in Kinesiology or Exercise Science. Kinesiology is the study of the body in motion. I wanted to go into this major because keeping my options open has always been important to me. I do not want to "pigeon-hole" myself into a certain career. By studying Kinesiology it is possible for me to go into Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Orthopedics, or Sports Medicine. As of this moment I can see myself working in a high school as an athletic trainer. I really want to be on the field with the athletes who are playing the game. Throughout my years of being a student-athlete I have come to appreciate those who helped me through my injuries. I would love to help people someday like those who have helped me.

I can't wait to see everybody when we come back to school in the fall. Senior year here we come!