Bop Along to the Beat by Kaitlyn B.

I find now in life, that I’m discovering what means most to me. Since we’re getting older and wiser, we are all finding out what we are more dependent over than other things. One thing I do know is that the value of everything I cherish differs. For example, my computer is much more valuable than my tart burner, but way less in value than my family. Some things you could put a price on while others will remain priceless.

***

I had an awful day. With loads of assigned homework, a bad test grade, spilling my lunch on me, and not to mention it was a bijillion degrees hot out, my Friday was not going as planned. As soon as I got home, I rushed upstairs and straight to my room, and I slammed the door behind me. Then I leaped up onto my bed and let out an enormous sigh. On the bridge of tears, I quickly grabbed my ipod and turned on my favorite song.

Suddenly, my problems began to dissolve away. I finally felt great. It was just me and no one else in this private get away paradise with not a worry or a care. Songs have a funny effect on me. My day could be going on dreadfully, and just hearing a good song makes my day.

My ipod nano is snowflake white on one side, and a gleaming mirror on the other. Its small and slender size is very convenient, making it attainable for me to bring anywhere. It’s like having your own personal DJ traveling with you wherever you go, play whatever song you wish, whenever you want to hear it.

***

The lights turn off and that’s my long awaiting cue. I run on stage, half ecstatic and half nervous, but ready to “show off”. The curtains lift up, the headlights blare like sunbeams, and the music starts up. Then I dance my heart and soul out.

I put all my energy in it, and I don’t give up. I occasionally look down at my feet to make sure they’re doing what I tell them to do and not being clumsy, but I love looking into the crowd, and I can’t help but smile. It’s like presenting a year long school project, but you’ve worked mentally and physically on it, for a chunk of your life with your best friends, who have the same interest as you do in making this the best dance combo yet.

I don’t know if it’s the pulsating music, the cheering crowd, the astonishing routine, or just being up there with friends that makes me love this. Its like I can’t resist to dance to the beat, I just can’t help it. It’s a passion truly worth dieing for.

***

I value my ipod and dancing for different and yet similar reasons. My ipod nano gives me a sweet escape to be alone and worry free. It’s like my ticket to a tropical get away. I got it as a birthday present from my parents about a year ago. It was two-hundred dollars then, but with newer ipods out like the ipod video nano, its value has probably decreased on the market. But I wouldn’t trade it for a new one.

My ipod also keeps me updated on loads of things. It has my reminders of upcoming events in it, pictures of me and my friends, and only the latest and greatest music. Its almost like I rely or depend on it, but it’s not like I’m obsessed to the point of vulnerability without it.

Dancing is a way that I can express my feelings and emotions without being mean in any way or form. When the music comes on, I find it easy to just bop along to the beat. Dancing is also a motivation for me. When I see dancers that are performing better than me and have mind-blowing routines, I want to be as good as them or learn that certain routine. It’s like a goal to constantly be striving for. Dancing takes hard work and patience just like school, but its like a year long project that you are devoted to.

Both my ipod and dancing let me be myself without caring or feeling stupid. The routines and music let me express who I am, music emotionally and dancing both mentally and physically. This might sound stupid, but when I hear or do these things, it’s like an emotion I can’t describe. Almost like I couldn’t be any happier or more free. I guess this is just a priceless outcome out of my two items that I don’t think I could live without.