My expereince writing the longest story of my life

Writing “Finding Happiness” was not easy for me to do. Initially, I knew the story was there. I’ve known Lyndsey for a little less than a year and I’ve gotten to know her fairly well. She’s talked with me before about some of the things she’s went through in the past, but nothing to the extent of what was in the story. Knowing what I had from past conversations, she was really an inspiration to me and the possibility of writing this story was a way for me to really showcase who she is and put her story into words.

The thought of asking her to let me write this story though was nerve-wracking. Despite being good friends, she is very private, especially when it comes to her negative experiences. I nearly didn’t want to write it just based on that fact. It didn’t want this story to come between our friendship. But I knew that the story had to be written if allowed so I asked her. Surprisingly she said that she would do it.

Then the questions came. I hit her with a lot of questions. Anything from the details of the sports she played growing up to the dark memories of her days in Greensboro to her reflections on things after moving to Iowa. Some answers were obviously easy to digest, but the dark memories were difficult. They answers were difficult for her, but they were also difficult to receive. Hearing about some of her worst experiences (things related to coaches, the alcohol, the depression) and her reflections, this story really got real for me. I tried to take the friend aspect out of it, but it was impossible. I feel like if I were to write any story with the gravity of this story, I’d almost have some sense of closeness and trust with that person. The friendship that already existed made this an emotional piece. I almost couldn’t take hearing some of the answers. It was a bit intense. I didn’t know how to respond. I was left speechless at points.

When I spoke with her mother and Mary, I was able to get a better understanding of Lyndsey. They shed some light on who she is, sides that I’ve never seen. They were great additions. The phone interviews were relatively laid back. Nothing to the extent of that with Lyndsey. I was laughing more than anything. Some parts I was surprised about, but they weren’t I was never completely speechless.

When it came to the writing process, I first transcribed all of my interviews which gave me nearly 30 pages of information. I printed it all out and went about cutting each piece of information and putting things into piles. As with most stories, especially the lengthier ones, I see them as a puzzle that I have to put together. This was unlike any puzzle I’ve ever done before. It took me a couple of days to get this process done. It was actually emotionally draining. Going back and constantly reading Lyndsey’s quotes really hit me hard. I actually got to a point where I just didn’t want to write the story. I felt like I had nothing left and I couldn’t live up to my expectations or do her story justice with what I would write. But Lyndsey never gives up, so how could I give up on writing a story about her? I couldn’t. So I went along with writing it.

I began writing the story the first week of November and sporadically worked on during the following weeks. Working on it straight through was not an option. For one, the story was just too long to write like that. And two, I kept hitting points where I had to stop. The section “Three Years of Questioning” took me a long time to do because of that. Everything was hitting me emotionally it was just very difficult to write a lot at one time.
When I was finally finished writing Lyndsey’s story, I had a sense of relief that it was done. I didn’t know if that was a good or bad thing. I was amazed at what I had accomplished. It was about a month and half’s work. It was a very long process which felt good to have it done, but emotionally, it was good to have it done because I don’t think I could’ve taken much more.

I was exhausted, but felt proud of what I had written. When the final draft was a done a few weeks later, the timeline for the entire project was nearly two months. I may have worked on it sporadically throughout that time frame, but looking back, it felt like I was constantly working it. Little by little, I was always getting pieces done. I don’t think I can measure the time put into this piece in hours. I would only be able to measure in days, adding all of the hours together.

Despite all the time I put in it, the emotional drain that I went through, the utter exhaustion of writing such a lengthy story, as I gave Lyndsey the final draft tonight, her reaction was validation enough. I began writing this story for this class, but I ended up writing it for her. Since she has yet to read it, I still don’t know what to think, but her smile said it all. She was initially happy with what she saw. And that’s all that mattered.

15 reasons to love sports

There’s all sorts of reasons to love sports, but here are 15. And by 15 I mean 1. The women who work in sports.

What man doesn’t love a woman who can loves sports? Something is seriously wrong with you if you don’t.

(Yeah I couldn’t limit this to 10. That would just be way too difficult. This was already difficult enough.)

15. Jaime Little

Unless you pay attention to action sports or motorsports, you most likely haven’t seen her. She’s currently ESPN’s pit reporter for NASCAR. Maybe I have a reason now to watch racing.

14. Jillian Reynolds (Barberie)

She doesn’t have much to do with sports aside from being known as the weather girl for NFL on FOX. I don’t really think it matters though.

13. Lindsay Soto

She won any Emmy in 2005 for best sports reporting so she’s got something else going for. It’s a shame that much of her work has been for FSN West and now she’s on the NFL Network, neither of which I get. Yeah I need to get satellite. I think it might now be worth it.

12. Ines Sainz

I don’t understand what she’s saying, but she’s a fútbol reporter in Mexico in when not modeling. What a combination.

11. Heidi Watney

Hosts the The Red Sox Report for NESN. I sure wish I lived in the Boston area so I could see more of her.

Apparently, she makes guys a little nervous on the air.

10. Jill Arrington

She may have only been with ESPN for one year, but that doesn’t mean she shouldn’t be on here. She apparently left for personal reasons. I wonder if it was because he knew she was being used as eye candy. Then again, she did pose for FHM.

9. Rachel Nichols

She can do it all for ESPN. And she’s got class when doing it. She’s quite possibly the best reporter on this list.

(edit: Megan Cabalka wants it known that Nichols is a moron who name drops far too often.)

8. Adriana Monsalve

Don’t know much, but she’s an anchor for ESPN Deportes. And I’m just wondering why ESPN doesn’t have women who look like her as SportsCenter anchors.

7. Lisa Dergan Podsednik

She USED to be on FOX sports. And she’s a former playmate. But what she sees in Scott Podsednik is beyond me. He played for the Brewers and White Sox. Can you find a bigger loser?

6. Bonnie Bernstein

Like Nichols, she seems to do a bit of everything for ESPN. And like Nichols, she looks good doing it, just a little better.

5. Michelle Beisner

I NEED to get the NFL Network NOW! I really don’t have anything else to say.

4. Maria Sansone

I don’t when the last time she has work for a sports network, but she has! And that’s all that matters. She’s currently the host for “Pop Tub Daily” featured on YouTube.

3. Charissa Thompson

She seems to be everywhere these days. FOX seems to work her pretty hard having her work different sports and showing off her versatility. Most notably, she’s a correspondent for The Best Damn Sports Show Period. That show is quality. She even works for the Big Ten Network, which I get so that’s good.

2. Ashley Russell

I’m…umm…speechless. I don’t know what say. The Big Ten Network did a good job hiring her. I’m still speechless. If you met her, you’d be speechless too.

1. Erin Andrews

Was there any doubt that she would be number one? She’s every red-blooded male’s perfect woman. Met her too and thought I had died and gone to heaven.
Just enjoy the tribute video to the one and only EA

And she's still single, making every college guy across America think that there's still a chance.

Happy birthday to me...and some famous athletes

So I’m bored and I’m turning 23 on Sunday so I got to wondering what famous athletes were also born on November 16. Here’s a few that I can hang my hat on and I SAY I CELEBRATE MY BIRTHDAY ON THE SAME DAY AS THEM.


Dwight Gooden: November 16, 1964

Despite the drug problems that many know of him for, he was one of the most feared pitchers in the game while in his prime. Dominant as a 19-year-old, “Doc” won 17 games and was the youngest All-Star selection in baseball history and was the 1984 NL Rookie of the Year. In his second season, his numbers were just sick, unheard of, whatever adjective you want to say for amazing. He led the National League with 24 wins, 268 strikeouts, a 1.53 ERA, 16 complete games, and 276 2/3 innings pitched. Obviously, he won the Cy Young that year. He went on to be a 4-time All-Star selection, all in the 80s with the Mets, and 3-time World Champion, once with the Mets and twice with the Yankees.


Terry Labonte: November 16, 1956

I’m not a fan of NASCAR. I’ve never really watched it, but when I have in the past, I do always remember hearing his name. He’s been at it for 30 years now. That’s one long career. In 1998 he was even named one of NASCAR’s 50 greatest drivers. That’s impressive, especially since he’s still racing a decade later.


Paul Scholes: November 16, 1974

I’m happy to see that I have a birthday with a world-class footballer. He’s one of the better players that England has developed in its football rich history. He’s a one club man, playing for Manchester United his entire career. I’m not happy about that, but he’s just good and is one of the more admired guys in the sport. He’s always done it the right way players across the globe respect him for that. Throughout his career, he’s made over 400 appearances and counting for Man U and 66 for England before retiring from the national side in 2004.


Amare Stoudemire: November 16, 1982

To think that this guy is only three years older than me is just mind boggling. He’s arguably one of the best players in the NBA. If it weren’t for microfracture surgery in 2005 causing him to miss the entire 05-06 season, he could be even better. Averaging just under a double-double in his career, he’s one the most feared big men in the league because of athleticism. Aside from Kevin Garnett and now Dwight Howard, big guys in the league have never been so athletically gifted. Since his career began in 2002, he’s a 3-time All-Star and won the Rookie of the Year award for his 02-03 campaign. Still only 25, it’s hard to imagine where he can take his game. I wonder how good he would have been if he started playing organized basketball before the age of 16?

Oklahoma St. vs. Texas Tech live blog

Let's take a look at what I've just learned.

1. The only team that can stop Graham Harrell is Graham Harrell. He needs to win the Heisman Trophy. The only way he doesn't is if he falls off of the face of the Earth.

2. Michael Crabtree is a better running mate than Sarah Palin. He's helping Harrell win the Heisman.

3. Mike Leach aka the Mad Scientist should be coach of the year. Who really saw Texas Tech being this good?

4. Texas Tech is definately better than Texas. Oklahoma State nearly beat them in Austin. Let's see how Tech does with a week off before heading to Norman.

5. Texas Tech should be #1 in the next BCS poll after Alabama needed OT to beat LSU.


10:15 Finally the blood-bath has ended and I'm exhausted. Somewhere Bob Knight is a happy man right now.

56-20 TTU

10:14 FIRST DOWN OSU. Haven't seen that in awhile. Too bad there's under 2 minutes left.

10:09 Screen to left and Woods tight-ropes down the sideline for a 16-yard gain and puts another touchdown on the board.

56-20 TTU I guess I was right earlier week. I thought this game would come down to the winner being the first to 50 and I was right. I just expected it to be a little closer than this.

10:05 Harrell's night is finally done. 40 of 50 for 456 and 6 TDs. Harrell for Heisman! It's now Taylor Pott's turn. I've heard that name somewhere before. I think he was on that show on ESPN with incoming freshmen football players. I think it's called Summer House or something like that.

10:02 It's another three and out for the Cowboys. When did Texas Tech learn how to play defense. I guess Mike Leach got creative this offseason. His team now has a rushing game and a defense to go along with his arial game. I'm not sure they can be stopped! That guy is a genius!

9:59 Red Raiders fumble again! They lose it again! I guess that's the only way their offense can be stopped. They need to lay it on the turf a few more times and OSU needs some quick strikes and we might have a game again.

No..no I don't think that is possible. They're down 29 with 6 minutes left.

9:58 Breaking bleachers and passing them up to get rid of them? Never heard of that one before but very intersting. Nice reporting Lisa.

9:55 OSU now punts after a three and out. That's just what they needed. Give it back to a team that doesn't know how to not score. This just keeps getting worse for Mike Gundy. Thankfully he's a man and will be able to handle the beating.

9:52 Commercials...commercial...How I'm really starting to hate you right now. This game needs to end quick because it's beginning to get painful to watch. I'm really starting to feel bad for the Cowboys. They're completely over-matched. And I thought they had a chance coming into the game. I guess NOW we all know Texas Tech IS FOR REAL.

9:47 Another touchdown run for Woods on a 13-yard scamper.

49-20 TTU This is just getting rediculous. The only thing that has stopped Tech is Tech. If it weren't for a fumble on the first possession they could be perfect!

9:44 And Tech is again past midfield. They just keep on rolling.

9:39 What a mistake! Robinson looking toward the endzone and it's picked off by a diving Macbath at the 4-yard-line. Robinson didn't have a receiver in the vicinity of that one.

9:34 The Cowboys are looking to score again. Robinson rushes across the Tech 40 and then finds Bryant inside the 20.

42-20 at the end of the third. State may be driving, but this isn't looking good for them. It's going to take a miracle for them to win this.

9:26 And it's Harrell to Crabtree again. High toss to the corner and Crabtree brings it down with one foot in.

42-20 TTU This game is as good as over. The Red Raiders offense just can't be stopped.

9:24 Screen pass taken inside the 20.

9:23 Deep ball to the endzone and it's in and out.

9:20 Tech looks to score again.

9:17 Hunter runs it up the middle for the touchdown.

35-20 TTU

9:15 Davis goes up and snatches it out of the air at the 10.

9:13 Robinson finds Bryany and he dashes down the right sideline to Tech's 39. They need some more big gains like that the rest of the way.

9:12 OSU starts at their own 24.

9:08 Harrell finds Crabtree on the slant and Tech has opened this thing up.

35-14 TTU OSU better sure up their defense cause there's no way they're going to come back if they can't stop 'em.

9:07 Raiders inside the 10.

9:02 It's a fumble! Pettigrew loses it at midfield. And the Raiders take over looking for more.

9:00 And the second half is underway.

28-14 Texas Tech at the half. Lucky for the OSU they get the ball to start the second half. They need to get back within one score.

8:38 Hail Mary and Bryant gets his hands on it. He nearly catches. He would have it weren't for his own man getting in his way!

8:36 Tech calls timeout after a completion to Dez Bryant. It was his FIRST of the game. That's just shocking since he's statistically better than Crabtree by a hair.

8:33 The ball is thrown deep to Bryant looking to respond but it's jarred loose.

8:30 Handoff to Woods for the touchdown with 47 seconds left in the half. This offense never ceases to amaze me.

28-14 TTU

8:28 Timeout Tech.

8:27 And Crabtree snares one out of the air to get the Raiders inside the 5.

8:26 Harrell scrambles but finds man open for 20 yard gain.

8:25 A simple pitch and catch to Crab at OSU's 40. How did he get wide open?! He's the best receiver in the country!

8:23 Tech starts at the 27. A short run and then a completion to Woods across the 40.

8:16 And Toston busts it in for the touchdown.

21-14 TTU Now let's see if if 'boys D can stop this Raider arial attack.

8:15 On 3rd and goal the receivers is knocked down. Pass interference! 1st and goal from the 2.

8:13 And Hunter picks up a hard earned first down at the 8.

8:11 Hunter and Pettigrew are doing it for the Cowboys now. They're at the 11.

8:09 Hunter breaks it outside and across the 50 down to Tech's 32. They're in business now.

8:07 Big play to Pettigrew across the 40.

8:06 OSU needs to counter.

8:03 Cowboys blitz...Harrell to Crabtree on a slant and he drags his man into the endzone for a 9-yard score.

21-7 TTU OSU better do something quick or this game is going to be over real soon.

Finally a break in the action. I'm getting hungry!

8:02 Woods picks up first down with a run on 2nd and 1.

8:01 Another third down completion to Morris.

8:00 Another completion to the 35. Back in OSU territory.

7:57 Start of quarter number 2! And TT picks up another first down.

7:54 Harrell is smacked in the head. No call??

7:53 Another big play to Morris for a first down. Crabtree follows up with another one.

7:49 And Tech holds AGAIN on third down, but Morris lets the punt get by him for a 71-yard kick to their own 3.

7:48 OSU calls time with the clock winding down on 3rd and 7.

7:46 OSU looks to respond.

7:45 Touchdown Tech! Harrell to the left to Morris who walks in.

14-7 TTU This game won't slow down!

7:44 Harrell scrambles and dumps it off to Woods who scampers for 22 to the 2.

7:42 Harrell plunges forward for a first down.

7:41 The review is in...incomplete pass.

7:39 A first down grab but a fumble! TT jumps on it, but it's under review.

7:36 Cheeky little left-handed toss by Harrell to the back who takes it for a first down. Then another first down to Crabtree. These guys just don't stop!

7:34 Whew. Finally a TV timeout. I can now catch my breath and get changed and start on my dinner.

7:32 The ball is batted down at the line on 3rd and 6. Pettigrew was wide open over the middle. OSU has to punt.

7:30 OSU is now up again.

7:26: Britton with a 16-yard over the shouler catch trying to stay in for the touchdown. Het gets one foot in before sliding out of bounds. What a touchdown grab!

7:25 Back to back first downs after a Crabtree catch and a screen to Batch. This team is responding well.

Harrel goes 5-5 with 51 yards on the drive. Wow!

7-7 This is going to be one high-flying game. Better buckle up.

7:24 Batch with huge run down the left side for a 38-yard gain. Tech has never been that big of running team until this year.

It's 7:22 and I've just gotten home from the Hawks game and Oklahoma St. has already scored on a 2-yard run, capitalizing on a Harrell fumble. They've just kicked off to Tech.

Swedish splash in Seattle

The Seattle Sounders don’t want to be another bottom feeding expansion team in MLS. They want to make an impact from the start.

That all started this week with the signing of Swedish star, Freddie Ljungberg.

There have been people on both sides of this move. He’s 31 and has been injury prone over the past few years. Some believe that’s why he and West Ham made an agreement to terminate his contract. Some say it’s a hefty price to pay a guy like that $2.5 million per season for two years with his kind of issues.

Then again, he did just captain Sweden in Euro 2008 over the summer and looked effective. He has been known to be a very intelligent player who works hard to keep his mind sharp. He already has MLS DVDs on their way so he can start preparing for next season.

Even if he has lost a step or two since his days as been a big shot with Arsenal, those smarts and a knack for being a gritty player and one who makes the right runs, the move may pay off. But that’s all up to his health.

With that being the being biggest negative, the other is his position. He’s always been a winger. Beckham’s a winger too and look how that’s turned out.

If Sounds FC is smart, they’d try out the $2.5 million veteran in the middle and see if he can create. Maybe even slot him behind a striker or two like what Chicago has done with Blanco. His leadership with the new franchise will be huge.

He may not have the most recognizable name to fans, but looks won’t hurt when it comes to getting women in the seats as a he’s a former Calvin Klein model. Let’s just hope that doesn’t mean he’s another Beckham who’s better at posing for pictures than he is on the pitch.

USMNT player to watch

Power. Strength. Intimidation. A beast in the middle of the defense.

At 6-foot-5 and about 215 pounds, Oguchi Onyewu, better known as Gooch, has the size that most every country in the world wishes they had in a center back. His physical presence is a bit scary for most attackers.

With his size, he plays a bit more like a linebacker or hard-hitting safety. It’s that aggressiveness that can also get him in trouble. Being overly aggressive has shown him his share of cards and he’s surely heard enough whistles to last him a lifetime, but not all have been deserved. He’s got a reputation as being too aggressive because of that size.

Harnessing it and staying smart is what he needs to do, especially if he wants to take his game to the next level. At only 26 and one World Cup under his belt, there’s not much doubt that he will lose starting spot over the next two years.

Since 2004 Onyewu has been playing for Standard Liége in Belgium with a half-season loan to Newcastle United in 2007. Accomplishing about all he can in Belgium, he has his sights set on a move to possibly the EPL or another top flight league during the summer after his current contract expires. Standard has already made it known that they want to re-sign him, but they know it will be almost impossible.

It’s a move that Gooch must make this summer to take his game to that next level. He needs the consistency. That will help him and the U.S. immensely when it comes to taking on the world’s best in two years.

Top Ten Best Footballers 21 and Under

10. Carlos Vela – 19, Mexico, Arsenal

He’s finally back in England after being on loan in Spain for two seasons. Breaking into the starting XI will be difficult with their crop of strikers, but their expectations are high. Along with dos Santos, there’s good reason for Mexico to have high aspirations for the future.

9. Theo Walcott – 19, England, Arsenal

Dubbed as England’s “Wonderkid, he’s made his mark throughout English program. In 2006, he became the youngest player ever to score for the England U-21s. That year, he also became the youngest player to make an appearance for Arsenal in European competition.



8. Anderson – 20, Brazil, Manchester United

A crafty midfielder with tremendous pace. A star-studded Man U lineup has made things difficult for him to break into the team’s starting XI.



7. Karim Benzema – 20, France, Olympique Lyonnnais

Had a breakout season last year with Lyon, scoring 26 goals and has started off strong in the 08-09 campaign. He’s quickly becoming a staple on the French national team.



6. Alexandre Pato – 19, Brazil, A.C. Milan

At 17, he was linked to a number of top clubs in Europe, but decided on A.C. Milan with a transfer fee of 22 million euros. Made his debut in January for the club and is expected to take over the team’s primary striker in the coming years.



5. Bojan Krkić – 18, Spain, Barcelona

The reason why Gio was allowed to leave for England. He’s a star in making with Barcelona, teaming up with Messi as the future of Barcelona’s attack. In 2008, became the youngest player to play for Spain’s national team in 70 years, at 17 years-old.



4. Giovanni dos Santos – 19, Mexico, Tottenham Hotspur

Just too many bodies in Barcelona allowed the promising Mexican star to leave for Tottenham during the summer. Last summer he finally broke into the first team in the Nou Camp and made 16 starts, showing why he is the future of Mexico’s national side.



3. Sergio Agüreo, 20, Argentina, Atlético Madrid

This kid just knows how to score. He became the highest paid player in Atlético’s history in 2006. Showed at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2006 how bright his future is as he captained the Argentine team to yet another U-20 trophy.



2. Cesc Fabregas – 21, Spain, Arsenal

A flat out playmaker in the midfield. It’s no wonder why he was starting for Arsenal when the 2004-2005 campaign kicked off. Finally had is coming out party at Euro 2008 where his play created a number of opportunities for Spain’s attack as they took home the title.



1. Lionel Messi – 21, Argentina, Barcelona

What he lacks in size he surely makes up for in all other areas. He’s arguably the best and most creative player in the world at the moment.