No Need for a Scapegoat

I love this blog because it covers wonderful, fun, learning, and eventful days worth remembering in my life that I'll be sure to look back on. However, I want to post my article that I wrote about the Joe Paterno and Jerry Sandusky scandal taking place at Penn State University because I know we'll here about this in the future and I want to remember where I stood AS OF Nov. 16th with the information that is out NOW. So, here it goes. This article can also be found at www.spartanedge.com and my "The Damsel in Bliss" blog.

In light of the recent alleged child sex abuse events at Penn State University, Happy Valley has now found itself in a deep and torrential valley of mourning: trying to climb their way out by saving face. With this concept in mind, the University’s boards of trustees have fired the one person who was arguably the most recognizable face in Penn State University history, Joe Paterno, and made him out to be the scapegoat.

I’ll make it clear here now, that this is not a football, congressional or even college town gone-a-stray issue. This is about the innocence stolen from several children, who will live the results of what happened long past the day when the news coverage of this scandal dies out. This is about a man, Jerry Sandusky, who allegedly used his status as an assistant coach under Paterno, to lure young boys into sexual entrapment. This is about the lack of moral integrity from several adults stemming back to 2002, to follow through and do what is just rather than the bare minimum accepted by the law.

Here’s where I might get under your skin. Ready? Whether you’re the enraged parent, survivor of child sex abuse or you’ve made camp outside “Joepa’s” home rallying for him in support, the University has used Coach Paterno as a scapegoat and this is far from right. Notice I didn’t say this is completely wrong. This man has suffered a tarnished reputation, exile from his job of 60 years and has said himself that he wishes he had done more, yet the majority of attention has been focused on him, good or bad.

The light, this unfortunate light needs to shine on Jerry Sandusky and his alleged victims, rather than a legendary man, not just for amassing more wins than any other football coach, but for his humanitarian efforts and 60 years of service to a thriving Big Ten University. And all I see is media coverage on every major news channel and newspaper focusing on Joe Paterno. Whether it’s covering Paterno’s family history, video of PSU students rioting after the dismissal of their long-time coach, talk about Assistant Coach Mike McQueary being forced to miss the football game because of threats and now security at the football game will be increased…These. Are. Minute. Details.

I want the “Nancy Grace” uproars from the media dissecting and investigating what compels a human to commit these acts and how we as citizens can make sure we proactively fight against this atrocity to protect our children and make sure the public understands when and how to take the necessary steps to report such incidents. Ultimately, Paterno is responsible as the head coach and even more so when he was made aware of even one sexual incident under his watch. However, these are only speculations, assumptions, personal opinions as to how much Coach Paterno knew, while the courts hold a very convincing and conclusive 23 page document on how much Sandusky allegedly did according to eight victims and their families.

If confirmed news (from Joe Paterno himself would be ideal) surfaces that Joe Paterno knew about Sandusky’s crimes and actively tried to cover it up or ran with the, “out of sight out of mind” concept, then I’ll be happy to write a follow-up and tell you that Paterno’s many years of right don’t cancel out this particular wrong.

However, as of now, right now, Paterno has taken a majority of this child sexual abuse upon himself and his entire family with only speculations circulating, when Sandusky is the man who planted the seed, watered the situation with his continued alleged abuse and has now soiled an entire university and man’s unblemished legacy. Sandusky is one bad seed that when given the chance needs to take (if convicted) accountability for his actions that have not only deeply harmed children and their family’s but rippled; and has now affected Paterno, and an entire University. There is no need for a scapegoat when you have him…this should be the focus of our attention and the children who need our prayers.

Last Day in Australia: Palm Cove

Th next morning the only ones left in Cairns were the ones that were flying to New Zealand the next day or sailing to the Whitsundays Islands off the coast of Cairns. We decided to make the most of our last day and headed to Palm Cove beach south of Cairns.

On the 45 minute bus ride to the beach I sat near the front where this older drunk mean started rumbling to me about the Romans crucifying Jesus, how if I'm from California I should smoke and then he gave me a free bus pass for two stops. It was really awkward because I could barely hear the guy the whole time and he wanted me and my friend Brooke to come sit next to him...we stayed where we were.

The beach had golden sand, mountainous islands and a beautiful cove that wrapped around to the right of us. When we first got there though it was a little overcast and Adelle, Desiree and I grabbed some brunch at a cafe across the street.

As it cleared up we caught some sunshine and watched Ryan do his signature hand stands and a kite surfer out in the water.

After some time hanging out on the beach I jumped up and decided to break into a job down the curve of the beach. I put in my headphones, bumped some tunes on my iPod and ran barefoot where the waves broke on the shore and I never enjoyed a run more.

On my run back I gathered a few shells took in the crazy place where I was in the world and found my way back to my friends to head back.

Thanks for reading and I hope you're looking forward to my posts on New Zealand up next!

Love,

ME

Holloways Beach and Jello Wrestling?

After the wonderful time skydiving, we caught our 2 hour bus ride home and were hanging out in the hostel when there was a knock on our door. Outside the door I saw Zach and Brent and they said they had a surprise for us. When we looked to the left we saw JEAMIE DEACON!!

By chance Deacon happened to book the same hostel as us in Cairns and saw one of the athletes on the study abroad with us in the lobby and the rest is history! We decided to go out to Woolsheds to eat dinner with her as well as the cross country girls and Desiree.

The next day we went to Holloways Beach. The only problem was you couldn't go in the water because of jellyfish and alligators, but it was a beautiful day and we decided to lay out and get some sun. There was also a beach cafe right before you stepped through the palm trees and onto the beach.

The beach was pretty empty because it was Australia's winter time, but it was more like a San Diego winter where any day is still a good beach day.

After our day at the beach we headed back to our hostel where I met up with Deacon and we decided to go to our hostel's club because they were having a jelly wrestling competition.
We sat at a wooden beach with some of our friends from the study abroad group who hadn't flown out yet and also a guy from Perth, Australia and Ireland. The guy from Australia told us about for he last few years he's read about people's parachutes not opening a few times...glad we already skydived before hearing that one.
A few of the hostel's employees were walking around asking if anyone would like to participate in the competition and myself and a study abroad girl friend of mine decided that we weren't going to have any regrets.
We were given a free drink then told to sign a disclaimer that said the hostel was no responsible for any emotional, psychological, or physical damage or death...we signed :)

We were set to compete against 4 other girls and the objective (yes there is an objective) was to get the piece of rope tied on the other girl's opposite ankle in a best 2/3 matchup. After my friend and I both defeated 2 girls, we found ourselves facing each other in the championship round. We were 1-1 when I grabbed onto the rope around her ankle and through my hands up in the air for the win only to look at the rope and realize I had torn off her anklet she had bought a day prior. The crowd was cheering as we grew tired when she finally risked it for the biscuit and found the rope on my ankle. She won $100 and I won a $50 bar tab that I ended up using to hand out drinks like I owned the place to my friends.

We then had one last matchup to compete in, but this was different because they threw all six of us in the red jello and hid 2 bars of soap somewhere in there. It was every girl for themselves and that brought out the fight in everyone. My friend and I kind of teamed up and were tackling girls off one another and trying to knock girls out of the rink and it was definitely a knock down. Once the two soaps were found, but not by one girl because they kept changing hands and we were beating each other to give it up, they called the match and gave two of the other girls a chance to win the water rafting trip.

The night was a blast and one I'll always remember, but that darn jello was hard to get off. Thanks for reading and I'll be sure to post again soon!

Love,

ME

Skydiving Over Mission Beach, Australia!

Skydiving was one of those things I put on my bucket list because it looked gnarley, but something I felt like I’d never go out of my way to make sure I checked off. 

I said in an earlier post that when in the sky diving meeting with the other students who were seriously considering it, I was shaking a bit. The thing is, my coach and life mentor John Adams, who passed away after a horrible car accident on Aug. 9^th 2010,  said skydiving was one of those liberating things you just had to experience. He never wanted us to live in fear, feel the pressure of weakness and think failure in life was an option. He wanted us to be a badass, go big or go home and empty the tank and push the car to the gas station…bare foot..and uphill to get the job done. 

When I was on the tightrope of whether or not I’d walk out of the store with a free day that week or walk to the front desk and set the date to literally choose to jump out of a plane, well I didn’t have a choice. The song, “Just a Dream” by Nelly came on inside the store and the decision was made for me. This song was constantly playing around the time of the accident when I wanted to believe what had just happened was just that, a dream. The song played when I told my friends, when I found out John was passing away and when I just rather not have heard anyone speak at all. This song now plays on my ipod before every single game as I warm up around the field and when I’m on the last leg of a bike ride or run. 

The next morning we took a 2 hour bus ride to Mission Beach (South or Cairns) and paid for somebody to jump out of a plane with us. So far, Australia has no record of a commercial sky dive accident and has technology to release the parachute if God forbid something happened to your guy and he couldn’t release it once you hit a certain altitude. 

After a couple hours we watched our friends Hannah and Olivia land on the beach and soon came Alex and Ryan. The rest of the group (8) were filling the whole next flight up to 9,000 ft., but in the meantime we played spud on the beautiful beach. Our names were then called and we were strapped into our gear and I was interviewed by my guy about what the hell I was about to do. 

We all then boarded a bus with our parachutists and drove 20mins. To the mini airport where we got on an even smaller one engine plane and a clear door that would slide over our heads when we were ready to take the plunge. We were sititng on the laps of our parachutists as we climbed to 5,000 feet and I thought we must already be at 9,000. From that height we could see the islands off the coast, the coastline, banana fields and wild river making its way toward the ocean. 

To calm our nerves we all sang the fight song together as we were getting ready. I opted to go 3^rd because I didn’t want to go 1^st but I really didn’t want the anxiety to build and go last. Once the green light came on, the door slid up over our heads and I buckled it. 

Kelsey was the first to go and she disappeared immediately. We all gasped with excitement and disbelief as Desiree disappeard behind her and we were up 10 seconds later. 

My instructor and I slid into position. I had to put my legs outside the plane and tuck my legs under the plane. I then put my head against the parachutist’s chest with my goggles on and bowed my body. In a flash I was cutting through the air in a whirlwind of excitement so fast that I could barely keep my eyes open and I couldn’t find the breath to scream, whether it be out of excitement or plain paranoia. 

As we were free falling I looked into the camera showing the bracelelts of my friends who inspire me to attack life and was so happy to share the moment with them.

 I held onto my harness and then the parachute flew open and we were then gliding over the most beautiful coast with friends flying above and below me. I felt a little nausea(I wasn’nt feeling the best that day anway), but it didn’t distract from the amazing sites and feeling of bliss, liberation and freedom. 

My guy let me grab the reins and turn the chute so that we would do a downward spiral toward the sand below. We were sailing around for about 5 minutes before we touched down.

Some of our friends who landed before us decided it would be funny to draw a huge picture of a male body part in the sand where we would land.

As everyone landed we were all jumping with joy in celebration at what we had accomplished together. Hugs were going all around and tears of joy and utter shock. As we waited for photos and video to develop for some of us, Brent, Aj, Alex and I jumped in the warm ocean we just flew over and went bodysurfing. A perfect end to a thrilling day. 

Later that day, Brent and Zach knocked on our door and told Adelle and I to close our eyes because they had a surprise for us. It was…JEAMIE DEACON…AGAIN!! By the grace of God, Jeamie booked the same Hostel we did and happen to be there the same dates we were! We ended up going out to dinner to Woolshed’s with her, Desiree and the cross country girls. Thanks for reading and I’ll be sure to update you on more Aussie Goodness!!

LOVE,

ME

The Great Barrier Reef!

With the beauty this earth has to offer, theres good reasoning for the 7 wonders of the world to be more like 10 or is it 20 by now in m opinion. The Great Barrier Reef, however, its like a world all its own. After USA brought home a few wins last night in the clubs, we were ready to try our luck out at the reef.

We boarded the Reed Experience double decker boat at Marlin Wharf in Cairns, where we would take about an hour cruise out to the reef. As we boarded the ship we were handed a pair of fins, goggles, snorkel and wetsuit. Being the athletes we are, we jumped on the egg and bacon sandwiches they served for breakfast to jump start our day. 

We then headed to the upper deck and sprawled out on the cushioned seats and took in the warm sun and thin ozone layer that Australia lacked. The trip out to sea was smooth sailing with clear visibility in the water, lovely blue skies and a mountainous backdrop behind us.  

When we reached the reef, we put away the sunglasses and put on our goggles. We were given a quick tutorial on scuba diving procedures and then we were all permitted to go in the water to snorkel until our group was called to put on the scuba gear. 

The reef was nothing short of incredible. It was vibrant in color, diverse in plant, animal and terrain life. It dropped off at parts where you didn’t dare dive down to and other parts it rose to just beneath the surface, so close that my knee is still scraped up from trying to glide over the shallow coral. 

If you’ve ever seen Finding Nemo, we found most of the fish in the movie, but thankfully the sharks didn’t make a show. I made sure to bring my underwater camera, which I will hopefully be able to upload photos from soon once I develop the film back in the states. The parrot fish were my favorite because of their rich colors and shimmer when they wiggled by you.

Once Adelle, Julie, Bri and my group was called to scuba, we were suited up in heavy equpment while sitting down and given our regulator to practice breathing in and out of. We had to spit in our goggles (our enzymes keep them from fogging up) and hop into the water, where our instructor deflated our suits one by one and we sank underwater. As we held onto the underside of the boat, we went through the tests where we had to take the regulator out, take in water through our mouth, put the regulator back in and spit the water through the device by saying “TWO!” with a force.  Julie had to go back up because she had trouble breathing and then as a grou we linked arms and further deflated our suits to sink deep into the clear blue water. We had to continuously pop our ears, but the sound of only our breathing was soothing as we swam around in awe of the scenery.  Adelle and I took photos underwater and really enjoyed the scuba experience. 

We got out and took a break laying in the sun again as we traveled to a different portion of the reef. There we had the option to pay for another scuba dive experience go out and snorkel or take a tour snorkeling with a marine biologist later on. I opted to snorkel first and with that I had the opportunity to spot the most beautiful sea turtle that I must have followed around for 20 mins. A handful of us hovered over top of the turtle and would take turns diving near the turtle so the professional underwater photographer could get a picture. I saw the photographer scratching the turtles back so when I dove down I rubbed the turtle’s smooth shell and it was an amazing moment to be out in the wild with this guy in the environment we were in. 

On the smorkel tour I also had the opportunity to pet a giant clam. If you could hold your breath long enough, we were allowed to swim down and rub the inside of the clam’s mouth so it would slightly shake, then close as if catching pray swimming inside its big mouth. I felt like I was in a cartoon watching the clam move its overgrown shells. We also spotted the clownfish and their babies and they were very protective of their home but I got a great picture I think. 

As we boarded the boat we then had the chance to go out in a boat with a glass bottom so I can still show you guys some of the reef, but it won't be as colorful and clear as the photos I haven't developed.

As we were heading back we mostly fell asleep laying out in the sun on the top of the boat because the day was pretty draining. To top off the day at sea we also saw humpback whales surfacing and giving our boat some great entertainment.

Later that night our professors took us to a local pub called Woolshed to commemorate the trip with a private dinner, dessert and drinks as funny awards were handed out. 

There was obviously the award for best grades, but an award for “best alternative way to pay for a taxi” by barfing in it and also making “nice” with the most Australians were given out to other students.

 It was also Ladie’s Night so us girls were given free champagne the whole night as we listened to a live band play popular American 90’s music. 

Later on in the night there was a painted body competetion where two of our girls participated in by having the American flag painted on them as they danced across the tables to American music. 

One of our girls came in 2^nd place and won $50. Thanks for reading, I hope you’re ready for the next post on skydiving!!

LOVE,

ME

Cairns tour and the Party Bus!!

We landed in Cairns at 9am and were taken by vans to Gilligans Hostel. We took a quick tour around and were shown a man made pool/beach (picture to the right) where people could swim because the waters off the coast of Cairns had alligators and murky waters.

After the tour we camped out at the beach pool at our place and this guy named Bud came up to us promoting a party called The Party Bus Experience. We agreed and 11 of us paid the $30 for later that night.

 Adelle Desiree and I went on a run in the meantime. On the run we ran down the coast of Cairs where there was a boardwalk, bands playing for a large public laying out in the grass, a flea market and tropical palm trees.

We then had the skydiving meeting across the street and the promo videos definitely got me nervous. Then I heard the song “Just a Dream” by nelly that always reminds me of John and the Renegade gang and I decided I was going big. 

The start of the bus party was at Gilligans and I had one drink to toast the night. Then a few of the girls and guys in our group participated in this bubble gum competition on stage and then blow the biggest bubble possible. Our girls didn’t win but it was fun to watch.
They then took a big picture of the 250 people at the event and we were in the front row. The next pub was shenanagans two other 2 guys and 1 girl from our group did the competition at the next club. Brent and Olivia won a free bungee jump and wake boarding trip blowing up a big balloon and having it pop first.

At the next club we were taken to, The Mad Cow, one of our girls participated in the dance competetion. There was an American who did the ho-down, an Aussie who did break-dancing and then there was the Italian who did the strip tease. I was sitting in the front row on the floor with a bunch of others when the guy (mid-strip tease) walked toward me and handed me his shirt. I was laughing hysterically as he continued to dance and it was absouluety hilarious. 

Next up our very own American did the air guitar and was amazing. We were all cheering like crazy for her!

Next up was a kid dressed in a SpongeBob Squarepants outfit. He had to do a ballet rendition and for the finale he “attemped” a jump and landing splits. It looked quite painful, but he did come away with the win.

The last pub we were taken to, Adelle and I decided to participate in the competition. It was a two person competition of Simon Says. You needed somebody to be the knight and the other the lady, and since Adelle is stronger than me she offered to be the knight. In the picture to the left is Kelsey and Brooke in the competition.

 She had to catch me in her arms, jumping on her back, have me sit on her knee and fly into the wheel barrel postion. Of the 25 two person groups, it came down to the final five and Adelle and I were still in it. We were then eliminated during the super-speed round, but two of the guys in our group were still in it together for the final against a guy and girl Aussie group. We had USA chants going and our guys pulled out the win!!
 We went crazy jumping all over them and they won a free skydive and also sweat like they just ran a marathon in Michigan’s heat wave.

Our night commenced of singing the fight song on top of the double decker bus and we couldn’t have been happier. Thanks for reading, and I’m sorry for the delay in posts. Tune in for my next post on the great barrier reef!!