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Class of 2012
Major: Marine Biology / Psychobiology
From: Scottsdale, AZ 

« January 2009 | Main | March 2009 »

February 22, 2009

Upcoming Events

Hey Everyone!!!

I hope your weekend went well! I had a great time! I hope everyone went to the basketball game to cheer on your Nor'Easters! It looked like a great turn out and the men won by about 20 points!

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(The boys team in a huddle)

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(Our Nasties)

Well, today I just want to talk about events that are coming up. Two in February and two in March. The two in February are in the same weekend, so you can go to one or both. The first is February 27th, the night the Kinsey Sticks will be performing over at the Biddeford Theater. It is free for UNE students. All you have to do is pick up a ticket at the box office. I hear it is supposed to be a really good time and if you go maybe you will see me there!!! The next day February 28th is "Lukewarm" which is a program to start getting ready for the spring! It is separated into for parts throughout the day and is held at different dorms. I'm really excited for airbrush tattoos and Karaoke! So, go to one of the events or all four, whichever you have time for!

The two in March are split up by Spring Break (12 more days!!!). The first is March 1st, Stress X, which I believe starts at 2pm. It will be a fun filled day with all sorts of activates to calm and relax you for the rest of the semester. They had a Stress X last semester and if you didn't go then, now is your chance! I was not able to attend, but I definitely plan on going to this event. There will be "build your own bears", the movie Bolt and many other things! Come and relieve yourself from a few hours of studying. After Spring Break is the Spring Semi on March 21st. I do not know the theme, but I will inform everyone as soon as I know (If you know it, comment and I will be sure to get the word out). It is sure to be a good time (at least I believe it will be). I love to dance and will surely be there!!!

Well, that’s all for now! As always if you want me to talk about something just post a comment and I will be sure to get to it in my next blog! I hope to see you guys at one of the events and if I don't I hope you have a good time anyway!!!

Merry Meet and Farewell for now!!!

February 19, 2009

Natural Remedies

Hiya Everyone!!!

Sorry I haven't posted yet this week! I have been sick all week and haven't gotten around to blogging. Fortunately, being sick gave me an idea to blog about: medicine. Though, I want to focus on things that are natural, not something you pick up at the drug store. I have found that they are less expensive and have a faster reaction then some other medication. I just want to talk about basic illnesses.

Let’s start with a sore throat. There are two remedies that I know of that I have personally used. The first is the remedy I learned when I was a child, gargling salt water. Take about a teaspoon of salt and mix with about 8oz of water. You should gargle this mixture several times a day. It helps wash away mucus and temporarily relieve the feeling of a sore throat. The second remedy I learned about a few years ago and prefer it over the previous remedy I just mentioned. The remedy is drinking lemon tea with honey. Simply make some lemon tea and flavor it with honey instead of sugar. Many people modify this slightly and instead make a mixture of lemon juice (available at the grocery store) and honey and take several teaspoons of the mixture throughout the day.

Now, onto headaches. Technically, I only have one remedy for headaches, but fortunately you don't need to take anything, all you need is some peace, quiet and comfort. First, get into a comfortable position that you can remain in for about 20 minutes (it doesn't matter if you are sitting or laying down). Next close your eyes and slow and deepen your breathing. I find this easiest by focusing only on my breathing, making sure I inhale the same amount of time I exhale. Next take one to two of your fingers (I use my index and middle finger) and begin lightly massaging your temples (I usually make circles, but do whatever is comfortable for you). For me this is soothing, allowing me to focus more on my breathing. Continue for about twenty minutes or until your headache is gone. You may feel likes it hard to move after this, but that is because your entire body has become relaxed (don't worry, it’s a good thing ^^) Now, I must remind you that you shouldn't open your eyes to check to see if twenty minutes have passed because that takes your focus of breathing and relaxing. If all goes correctly you will lose track of time (another sign you are completely relaxed).

The next three remedies revolve around stomach aches and nausea. I learned two when I was a child and have used them all my life. The other I learned a few years ago, around the same time I learned about the lemon and honey for a sore throat. The first, eating toast and crackers, is useful for mild stomach aches and nausea. All you really need to do is snack on toast (no butter or anything on it) or crackers (I prefer saltine crackers). This should settle your stomach. This seems to help me within 30 minutes or so. The second I find rather pleasant: peppermint. Now you can grab a piece of peppermint candy and suck on it or drink peppermint tea. Either will work, but one is definitely more convenient then the other. Try both and see which you like most. The final remedy may seem a bit unappealing, but it works every time and you WILL feel better after taking it. At home we always called it the "The Drink" because it is infamous in the family, mainly because of its horrible taste. But we all learned that things that are good for you (i.e. vegetable) or helpful to you (i.e. the drink) don't always taste good. For the drink you take about1/2 tsp. of baking soda and mix it into 3-4 oz of warm tap water. Go into the bathroom (I will explain in a minute) and drink the entire thing. Don’t stop in the middle, it just makes it worse when you need to finish the rest. Remember how I told you this will make you feel better? Well, I wasn't lying it will, but by drinking this you will have one of two outcomes. You will either drink it and start to feel better almost right away or you will throw up and feel better as soon as you are done hugging the porcelain god.

Well, that is all for now everyone!! I hope you can use those and that they are as useful to you as they have been for me. If I didn't talk about an illness you are concerned about you can go to http://www.earthclinic.com/ or http://www.pathlights.com/nr_encyclopedia/. They provide multiple remedies and feedback from people who have tried the suggested remedies. Also, if you need a natural remedy provider look up "Sacred Grove Apothecary". I first came in contact with them at a renaissance festival and ever since I have gone to them for my remedies. If you have a problem finding them post comment and I will try to get the word to them. If you don't feel these remedies are going to work don't be afraid to go to a doctor. A doctor will definitely be better in severe cases.

So, please comment and tell me what you think. Also share your natural remedies. As always if I haven't brought attention to something simply post a comment and I will be sure to add it into my next blog!!!

Merry Meet and Farewell for now!!!

February 11, 2009

RA Application

Hiya again Everyone!!!

So, in this blog I want to talk about things that RA applicants should be paying attention to and what is going to be happening the next few weeks. If you aren't an RA applicant, don't worry. You can still read this blog, learn about the process and contribute to potential discussions in the comments.

As all applicants know our paperwork was due last Friday, the same day we received our interview dates. There should have been at least 3 groups that have had their duty interviews and many should have had their RA interview as well. I was in a group last night for Duty interview and had a great time. For the interview I accompanied one of the RA's on a round and when the round was over the RA on duty interviewed me and I also received an opportunity to ask as many questions as I could about the job. Many of the questions I was asked concerned how I felt about the job and the people surrounding the job, as well as what I could contribute to the job. My interview was very comfortable and rewarding. I was interviewed by Sammy J, the RA of South 4th. She was very helpful in answering all of my questions and helped me learn about what to expect as an RA. If you have not had this interview yet I want to assure you it is very comfortable and informal. Don’t be afraid to ask questions because that is what they are there for. If you are worried you might not be able to ask questions or you might forget them then take some time to sit and think about some questions, then write them down. This way you can think them over, revise them and add to the list.

This Sunday is RA Group Processing Day from 1pm-4pm in the MPR's. I was informed that at this gathering we will be participating in various activities that will show how we interact and with others. We will be observed by the RA staff hosting the event. When I asked about the event I was told there would be serious and fun activities. So when you come on Sunday be ready to have fun and interact with the current staff and other RA applicants.

The other form of interviewing is a one-on-one RA interview with an area coordinator. Now, I do not have personal experience in this area because I have not had my interview yet. The only advice I could give is with other interviews I have had. I always go in comfortable and relaxed, showing my nerves make me feel like I don't look professional or serious about the position. In terms of what to wear I don't know what you would wear to this interview. Maybe something semi-casual to show you are relaxed yet can be serious. Whatever you go in make sure you are comfortable. And before you go into the interview make sure you know that you want to become an RA and are comfortable with what you are about to become involved in. You will feel ready and comfortable about the interview.

That's all I have for now! If you are an applicant make sure you look in your mail boxes March 4th to find out if you have been accepted as an RA. If any of you have had interviews please feel free to comment and start a discussion. If you have questions about anything please comment as well.
As always if you want me to bring attention to a certain topic please comment and I will be sure to add it into my next blog.

Merry Meet and Farewell for now!!!

February 8, 2009

Windward

Hiya Everyone!!!

So, I just got back from studying in Windward and I came to my mind that I haven't really ever talked about Windward Cafe. With that in mind I decided to talk about our rather new cafe.
As many of you know (or at least I hope you know) that Windward serves Starbucks coffee, lunches, smoothies and other tasty treats. The smoothies and many things from the same side of the Windward start at $3 and go up in price depending on the size and what you have added to it. I believe the coffee at the Starbuck's side is about the same price, just as if you were going to Starbuck's yourself. The lunches and snacks have an affordable price range, though I do not know what they are for sure. Be sure to check it out and try what they have to offer. Personally I enjoy the Pineapple Passion and anyone who likes a pina-colada taste I recommend it! ^^

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(Semi-secluded table)

Another reason to visit the Windward it for it comfortable study area in the back. They have big comfy chairs with a movable platform to allow you to set your food to snack on then use it later to do your homework. There are also table for people to sit at for a study group or something of the sort. I have never gone there to do my homework before today, but after just a few minutes I made a decision to visit the cafe more often. The chairs are very comfortable, the atmosphere is calm and the area is quiet. The sounds of the adjacent cafe and blenders doesn't travel far, they seemed distant and off away from my work space. I suggest if you are looking to get away from the annoying ruckus a dorm room may have then you might want to escape to the Windward Cafe.

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(comfy chairs at the cafe)

The Cafe is open Monday-Thursday from 8am-8pm, Friday 8am-3pm, Saturday 10am-6pm and Sundays 4pm-8pm. Be sure to stop by for a treat or for some peace and quiet to study. Hope you guys have a good week and be sure to check in soon!!! Don't forget to post comments!

Merry Meet and Farewell for now!!!

February 7, 2009

UNE Events

Hiya Everyone!!!

I want to take some time to talk about what has been going on at UNE and what is going to be happening within the next month.

The first event I want to talk about is the snow ball. Unfortunately, not many people attended the dance. For those that did it was a great time. Because there weren’t many people it was very comfortable and not crowded. People could dance where they wanted to without worrying about being crushed or pushed from where they were. Some new things added to the dance were the cookies, vegetable platter, and usual lemonade and water. They also had a raffle where you could win prizes, such as movie packages and the trivial pursuit game. I had a great time and I hope that others did as well.


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(My friends Maria and Stacey)

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(An example the number of people at the dance)

The next event occurred the next day, as I'm sure many of you know about, the Super Bowl. I know I was at one of the many parties and celebrations that were being held all over campus. The biggest of the parties was held in The Hang where there was a special menu for those that attended and the game was up on the big screen. I hope everyone had fun watching the game whether you watched it for the commercials, half-time show or you really wanted to watch super bowl history being made!

The most recent event was the UNE Lock-In/Out. For those that arrived early enough you could have received a blue shirt that said "I Got Lei'd at the Lock-In", a lei or many other things depending on where you went at the lock-in. Some of the entertainment at the lock-in was a mechanical surfboard where you could show off your balance skills, a race track and a bouncer. There were also competitions such as the weight lifting challenge and UNE Idol Finals, where in the latter there was a surprise proposal (and she did say yes ^^)!!!! The entertainment I found was the most interesting was The Adult Circus show, starring Chris Chelko & Michael DuBois. I am a sucker for juggling/magic/comedy shows and this show had it all! For all that attended you got to see so many different talents and were constantly impressed and baffled. I know that I will try to see them again.


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(The weight lifting challenge and bouncer in the background)

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(Micheal of the Adult Circus reading minds)

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(One of the final stunts)

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(Chris of the Adult Circus walking on glass)

Time for the events that are coming up, which actually starts tomorrow! There will be a movie, Role Models, in Alfond. There will be free pizza and wings served. Monday at Windward there will be free cookie decorating for all the valentines sweethearts as well as candy grams to support the class of 09. For all the RA applicants we had our applications due yesterday and will have interviews for the next two weeks as well as Group Processing day on the 15th. Good luck to all the applicants out there! Last but not least is the all-you-can-eat-pancake day at Applebee’s February 22nd. It is being hosted by the Surf Club as a fundraiser. The flyers have not gone up for it, but I wanted to get the word out about it as soon as possible and give everyone a heads up. You will need to purchase tickets from a surf club member or e-mail a member for more information. I will continue to give information and updates over the next few weeks.

Well, that is it for now. If I didn't mention something please post a comment and I will be sure to include information about it in my next blog. I hope everyone has a great day!

Merry Meet and Farewell for now!!!

February 4, 2009

First Experiences

Hello Everyone!

We are in the third week of school and only half way through the first full week! Since the few hours of flurries we had yesterday I have been jonesing for another snow day. You see my first snow day was just last week. I know it's hard to believe if you have lived here most, if not all of your life and have had multiple snow days. My childhood in Colorado had a number of big snow falls and blizzards, but never a snow day. In Arizona a snow day is out of the question, as I'm sure you can assume. We didn't have rain days, even though there was flooding on a number of occasions as well.

As I thought about this and yearned for another snow day I wanted to know what other first experiences other students have. So, comment and tell me some of your first experiences here, such as the first time to the ocean, or first snow fall. Don’t be afraid to share, there is a first for everything!

I hope your week goes well. You are going to be hearing more of me since I plan on doing at least 2 posts a week. Don't forget to comment!!!

Merry Meet and Farewell for now!!!

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