Ghoul Friend Kidnap!

Bright and early on the morning of April 19, 2011, the Weenies successfully "kidnapped" their Ghoul Friends as well as the members of Ghost Council 2011. After weeks of planning how to navigate the ins and outs of getting into West Campus apartment complexes and on-campus dorms and deciding who was going to pick up who, the Spring 2011 Weenies were able to pick up their targets for the early morning breakfast. Unfortunately, not everyone was able to attend since some of our Texas Spirits sleep harder than others.

As tradition goes, Ghoul Friends and Ghost Council members were dressed up in a variety of outfits all in the theme of a variety of singers and music performers. Costumes included artists like the rock band Kiss, Lady Gaga, Sandy from Grease, and Lil Wayne.

After getting as dolled up as one can at 5:00 a.m., Weenies drove their Ghoul Friends and GC Members to Cafe Java for pancakes, bacon, and eggs. All in all, the event was a blast, however unexpected it may have been - what better way to start your day off than with a Spirits-filled-breakfast?! Great job Weenies, you're now another step closer to Initiation.

PSEUDO HAUNT JAUNT

On the night of April 3, something dark was lurking in the shadows of Clark field. Covered in war paint and accompanied by the Tejas boys, the Weenies attacked with water balloons galore. Unsuspecting of this mastermind prank, everyone took cover in the dorm foyer, behind trees and bushes and whatever they could find. Nicely played, Weenies, nicely played.

After getting pranked by the Weenies, Texas Spirits got down to Pseudo Haunt Jaunt business. For those that don't know, Pseudo Haunt Jaunt is the Spring version of the Haunt Jaunt that takes place in the fall. Divided into fall vs. spring classes, Texas Spirits took over the field for an intense game of capture the flag. After much line-crossing, jail-breaking and failed flag-searching attempts, a massive assault occurred on both sides with spring sneaking the flag out from under fall’s noses and taking the victory. Ultimately, Spring prevailed but not without a fierce fight from the Fall classes - way to go Spring! 

Above, Weenie Emily Murray reveals the determination to dominate this epic battle of Fall vs. Spring. 

Intramural Indoor Soccer

On Tuesday, April 19, the Texas Spirits and Wranglers co-ed indoor soccer team competed in a match against team “Finishing on Top.”  The Texas Spirits and Wranglers came out victorious, winning 7-5 which moves them on to the quarterfinal round which will be played this Thursday!

Texas Spirits on our team include Hook ‘em Haunts Andrea Chao and Gabe Dobbins, as well as Caroline Suter, Shannon Funke, Jessica Cox, Christine Laramy, and Maysie Ocera.  Stand out players from the Spirits team include girls that also play for the UT Women's Club Soccer team who placed second in Nationals last semester—Caroline and Shannon.  Unfortunately, during Tuesday's game Caroline was injured, so we’re all hoping she will be good to go by Thursday for the quarterfinals!  The game will be on Thursday, April 21^st at 8:30 PM versus Team “Kevin Promised Me A Shirt.”  Come out and support your fellow Spirits and Texas Wranglers!

Forty Acres Fest

Texas Spirits participated in the annual Forty Acres Fest on April 2. Going from noon to five, Forty Acres Fest is a campus wide festival featuring unique booths put together by over 200 student organizations. There is also a stage for live entertainment throughout the day which included various bands, performances by the Ransom Notes, and Giggle Pants improv this year. The free event allows students to showcase their creativity and diversity. After attending the event, Texas Spirit JI Ari Rios commented on the event saying “it was a festival for the entire Austin community, it was very family based.” 

Texas Spirits set up next to the Texas Iron Spikes and had a table featuring Texas-themed baked goods and a Face Painting Booth. All of the proceeds raised will go towards the Make-A-Wish Foundation. To inspire Spirits to bake for the sale, a Ghoul Family competition was created offering prizes to the families who showed the Best Creativity, Best Looking, and Best Selling in baking their goodies. 

While the day time festival provides for a fun, out of the ordinary activity for many students and members of the Austin community, the main draw for Forty Acres Fest occurs after the festival is over beginning around seven or eight when a big name artist performs a free show right on the tower steps. This year's performer was Big Boi, which brought in thousands of students including many Texas Spirits. Texas Spirits are always proud to be a part of Forty Acres Fest.

Tap-Out Spotlight!

Miss Kristin Adams, a Public Relations major with a focus in business and the Spanish language, is a member of the Fall ’08 Weenie class and intends on graduating in December of 2011.

Kristin found her calling in the music industry, participating two consecutive years as an intern at Austin’s increasingly renowned extravaganza known as SXSW. In the future she hopes to continue her stay within the SXSW Corporation. She has proven her networking and public relations skills by previously serving on the Band Jam committee by helping land bands that please of the ears of many, encouraging them to invest in the charitable cause of Make-A- Wish foundation.

Kristin is a true Austinite, loyal to her eccentric, laid back roots. She would want to relay important advice to her fellow Spirit sisters that she has learned throughout her years as a Spirit and as a student: “No matter what, things are always changing and will never be the same. The best thing you can do is appreciate those moments, the good and the bad.”

Her favorite Spirits event would have to be Tejas Slip n’ Slide, which isn’t surprising since Kristin always takes advantage of the outdoors, getting’ muddy and playing in the sun. Krisitn cherishes the times she has with her friends, taking mental pictures of the memories that have shaped her college career and the woman that she has become.

Kristin’s favorite Spirit memory would have to be the moment she headed to her first tailgating event as a Texas Spirit. Walking in her cowboy boots, feeling the burnt orange scarf around her neck, she was excited to be recognized as a part of a legendary UT organization.

Her final tribute to her Spirit sister is “to take advantage of the time you are here, it goes by quickly.” As for now, Kristin will look forward to her trip abroad to Santander, Spain., and as always, is taking life in one-step at time. 

Texas Spirits Parents Day

Texas Spirits and their families gathered on a perfectly sunny Saturday afternoon on April 9th for Parents' Day. The families mingled, enjoyed music, and ate a delicous barbeque lunch at Scholz Biergarten. Spirits and their families teamed up to face off in a game of Family Feud. 

Fall '10 Weenies Hilary Elrod and Ari Rios and Families

Chief Haunt Katie Koehler and Family

Together teams brainstormed to think of the most popular answers to fun Family Feud questions. Team Chao & Waitt (Andrea Chao's and Hannah Waitt's families) and Team Young & Bacon (Katelyn Young & Kelcey Bacon's families) competed in a final battle for the Championship title. In the end, Katelyn Young's family was reigned Family Feud champions! Overall, it was wonderful day with Texas Spirits & their families. A big thank you to all the families that spent the day with us! We appreciate everything you do for us and loved having y'all visit!

Spring '10 Weenies Andrea Chao and Hannah Waitt and Families

Spirit & Weenie of the Week

This week's Spirit of the Week was:

Jenna Fahle! Below is her bio.... 

Name: Jenna Fahle

Hometown: Houston, Tx

Major: Nutrition, Business Honors Program, Marketing 

Thing you can't go a day without: Laughter

Song you wish would start playing through the walls as you enter a room: I can't choose one! Be My Baby by the Ronettes or Shining Star by Earth Wind & Fire

Animal you would want to be: Keyboard Cat! check it out here 

Favorite male actor: Well, I did have a huge crush on John Stamos back in my middle-school days

One word to describe Texas Spirits: Unique! 

Next time you see me ask about: Here comes my organization plug...Ask me about Slow Food Texas! The club educates UT students about sustainable food, farming, and eating. We love food! Or just check us out here

And-a-now, it's a time-a-for-a, Weenie of the week!

Chelsea Demel!

Name: Chelsea Demel

Hometown: Austin J

Major: Business- Supply Chain Management

Thing you can't go a day without: Its a tie between spell check and an ego waffle (I have to eat one every morning or i'll get cranky) 

Song you wish would start playing through the walls as you enter a room: Wear My Ring- Bart Crow Band  “Said little angel with the bottle, I don't love you anymore...”

Animal you feel you most resemble/would want to be: penguin or nemo (a clown fish)

Favorite male actor: Robert Pattinson

One word to describe Texas Spirits: LOVE

Next time you see me ask about: My obsession with sushi, then ask me on a sushi date!

UT Relay for Life

Texas…Fight! Cancer…Sucks!

Saturday, April 9^th, Texas Spirits participated in Relay for Life, an event to raise awareness and money for the fight against Cancer. At 7 o’ clock there was a kick off ceremony with guest speakers. One woman shared a story about her grandfather and dad losing the battle against cancer but also about her two brothers who beat cancer. Other speakers in attendance included a doctor who talked about the research he is doing to find a cure for cancer. Before the relay began, there was a victory lap for cancer survivors of all different ages. Next, all Relay for Life attendees got to walk in the first lap with their team holding up their team flag to resemble a united cause. 

Throughout the night, there were lots of activities to participate in to help keep the energy up when trying to stay up all night walking. Texas Spirits' contribution to the activities was with a face painting stand. Different bands and performers also participated including a Latin dance team and an improv group. 

A very moving and touching part of the evening was a ceremony when luminary bags were all lit in unison, each of which represented someone affected by cancer. Texas Spirit Active and Fall '08 Weenie Lindsey Mitchell said, “Participating in Relay for Life and hearing everyone's stories motivated me even more to help with the fight against cancer. It affects so many people and you are never going to know what it really means until you or someone you know has to battle cancer. By fundraising and relaying for those who are affected by cancer, I hope that more and more advances will be made and that one day there will be a cure for cancer.”


A group of Texas Spirit seniors created a team and attended this year's Relay for Life as their senior service project. Their participation helped the event to be a huge success. 

Texas Spirits Boat Party... better late than never!

On Thursday, March 24, Spirits actives and their dates boarded two barges on Lake Travis for a night of dancing and fun. In keeping with the spring tradition, Spring ’11 Weenies drove actives to the Lake Travis destination instead of getting to attend the festivities on the boat. While waiting for their actives to return to shore, the Weenies went to dinner at The Oasis, also on Lake Travis for some pledge class bonding.

Weenies at the Oasis

Special Project Haunt and Spring ’10 Weenie Nancy Tan was pleased with how the event played out. “I was happy with boat party overall. From the feedback I got, everyone had a lot of fun and said it was their favorite event so far!”

Amanda Chavira, 2010 Special Projects Haunt and Spring ’09 Weenie, agreed that the party was a success. “Boat party is definitely one of my favorite Spirits events because of the venue! It’s not every day that you get to have a party on a boat,” said Chavira. “If it weren’t for Spirits I definitely wouldn’t have the opportunity to attend one during my college years. Nancy and Gaby did an awesome job!”

Above: Amanda Chavira featured in center with her Ghoul Family

The following Tuesday, actives got the chance to vote for best dressed, best dressed date, cutest couple, best dancer, most attractive date, and most photogenic. The winners are as follows:

Best Dressed:

Beth Zimmerman

Best Dressed Dates:

Andrew Gonzales (Leslie Walker's date) and

& Jonathan Holdforth (Beth Zimmerman's date)

Cutest Couple:

Katie Koehler & Taylor Ortiz

Best Dancer:

Callie Conti

Most Attractive Date:

"Ghada's Date!"

Most Photogenic:

Megan McKinney (left)

Orange and White Scrimmage

On Sunday, April 3, Texas Spirits attended the spring football showcase, the Orange and White Scrimmage, to support and see the upcoming year’s Longhorn football team at DKR stadium. With thousands in attendance, the weather was great, the fans loud and the team showing off some serious talent.

Colt McCoy, the former Texas quarterback, was also there to sign fans autographs and support his brother, Case McCoy, now one of UT's current quarterbacks.

The game concluded with the orange team pulling out a strong win of 27-7 over the white team. After the game, many fans stayed around to watch a special viewing of Toy Story 3 on the big screen.

Spirit and Weenie of the Week!

Congratulations to the following two Texas Spirits who have contributed so much to our organization, especially in the past week!

Spirit of the Week: Simone Schroeder

Hometown: Los Alamitos, California
Major: International Relations & Global Studies
Thing you can't go a day without: My iPhone ... and I ALWAYS need my daily dose of Spring '10.
Song you wish would start playing through the walls as you enter a room: Rihanna S&M "Cause I may be bad... but I'm perfectly good at it."
Animal you feel you most resemble/would want to be: I've never been compared to an animal... But I guess living the life of dog would be nice.  Everyone loves you, and you get to eat, sleep, and play all day.
Favorite male actor: Colin Firth
One word to describe Texas Spirits: Swag
Next time you see me, ask me about Foursquare... get it for your phones if you don't have it, people!
A little somethin' extra: I'm studying abroad next year for a year in Freiburg, Germany.  Please don't forget about me :)

Thanks for all your help at our Forty Acres Fest bake sale...it was a huge success! Aside from her contributions at Forty Acres Fest, this semester Simone has already done almost 17 hours of service, has gone to over four games, has participated in the Blog Committee, and the Alumni Database Committee. Great job Simone!

Weenie of the Week: Emily Murray

Hometown: Houston, TX
Major: Pre-nursing
Thing you can't go a day without: Taking a nap!!
Song you wish would start playing through the walls as you enter a room: Buzzin’ by Mann ft. 50 Cent
Animal you feel you most resemble/would want to be: Want to be a monkey
Favorite male actor: Will Ferrell
One word to describe Texas Spirits: Amazing J
Next time you see me, ask about CAMP STAR TRAILS!!!!!!!!!

Emily spent almost her entire weekend with Texas Spirits. She volunteered at Micah 6, helped with the Forty Acres Fest bake sale, and attended Sunday's tennis match. Lucky girl! Thanks for all of your hard work!

Tejas Slip-n-Slide

What better way to spend a sunny, Friday afternoon than at a Tejas Slip n Slide?! Texas Spirits and the men of Tejas came together to enjoy the sun and kick off the weekend with slip n slide, frisbee, and volleyball. 

Everyone raced to slide into the refreshing (and somewhat questionably murky) water at the end of the slide. Nobody could ask for better weather, company, or a fun-filled afternoon. Special thanks to Tejas for hosting this awesome afternoon and continuing this fun tradition!

Tap-Out Spotlight!

Our Tap-out spotlight of the week truly has a family in Texas Spirits. Lauren Davis is a Fall 2007 Weenie who was proud to see both her cousin and her younger twin-sisters become Weenies in Fall 2009, “I love it that they are able to share in the same activities and organization that helped me feel at home at UT.”

Lauren is an Architectual Engineering major with an interest in sustainable design and environmental engineering, she is looking forward to graduate school and has been involved in her education through the Architectual Engineering Institute and on the Architectural Undergraduate Advisory Board.

Lauren loves the sense of place she was able to find at such a large school by becoming a Texas Spirit, “I was worried about getting lost in swarm of students and only being a small voice among the crowd at football games. Getting into spirits made me feel like I wasn’t just one tiny person ,every summer I looked forward to the first fall football game for the chance to reunite”

Her advice to younger Spirits? “Don't blink! My time in spirits has FLOWN by and I can't believe that this is actually my last semester. Stay as involved as possible, stay just as involved when you are a senior as you were during your weenie semester! Also, take pictures cause there are going to be moments you will have wish you caught on camera!”

Spirit and Weenie of the Week!

This week’s Spirit of the Week are the girls of 4509 Avenue B!

These ladies have not only been very active in Spirits their senior year, but have also graciously hosted many events for the Weenies at their home such as PJ Rama and Senior/ Weenie Movie night. Featured in this blog are two of the roommates, Gloria Chan and Melanie Torre:

Name: Gloria Chan

Hometown: San Antonio, TX & Canada :)

Majors: Business Honors Program & Corporate Finance

Thing you can't go a day without: Sarcasm, friends & laughs (and maybe not following directions since you only asked for one thing...)

Song you wish would start playing through the walls as you enter a room: That's a tie between "Let It Rock" by Kevin Rudoff & Lil' Wayne and "Eye of the Tiger" by Survivor

Animal you feel you most resemble/would want to be: Perhaps a bear...because they eat fish and I have an unhealthy obession with sushi

Favorite male actor: Jon Hamm from Mad Men

One word to describe Texas Spirits: Ballin'

Next time you see me ask about: what I should ask you about! I'm pretty sure I'd rather learn about your life than talk your head off with my endless anectdotes that only I find amusing & notable :)



Melanie Torre's Profile:

Name: Melanie Torre

Hometown: North Richland Hills, TX

Major: Broadcast News

Thing you can't go a day without: wanting sushi

Song you wish would start playing through the walls as you enter a room: Soldier by Destiny's Child, please.

Animal you feel you most resemble/would want to be: an Empress Cat (n: a small domesticated feline belonging to royalty)

Favorite male actor: Ian Harding (EZRA FITZ! !)

One word to describe Texas Spirits: soulmates

Next time you see me ask about: THE ghoulfamily

And last but not least is our Weenie of the Week, Jules Bunch!

Name: Jules Bunch

Hometown: Waxahachie, Texas

Major: Photojournalism

Thing you can't go a day without: Music

Song you wish would start playing through the walls as you enter a room: Can't Touch This

Animal you feel you most resemble/would want to be: My son, Rufus. He's a Great Pyrenees, and arguably the most affectionate puppy on the planet. You cannot be in a bad mood then he is snuggling with you :-)

Favorite male actor: Nick Jonas (Okay... I realize "actor" is a bit of an overstatement, but I still love him)

One word to describe Texas Spirits: Classy

Next time you see me ask about: I'm studying abroad this summer in Prague!

Keep up the good work girls!