Making Monster Masks at Longhorn Halloween

What's better than the Frank Erwin Center filled with costume-covered families, buckets of candy, and the good 'ole Halloween Spirit? Not much, I'd say. On Sunday, October 28, the University of Texas hosted Longhorn Halloween, an event put on to give children a safe place to trick-or-treat and have some Halloween fun. Texas Spirits set up shop and hosted a booth where children could come make monster masks. The Spirits that showed up to volunteer helped children use glitter glue, markers, and foam stickers on their masks. The masks ranged from incredibly cute to pretty scary. Much fun was had by all, and the smiles on the children as they made their very own mask were glowing. Longhorn Halloween continues to be an annual event and Spirits is definitely glad to have been a part of it this year!

Weenie of the Week: Kira Hamilton

Name: Kira Hamilton

Hometown: Austin, TX

Major: Education

What does being a Texas Spirit mean to you?

To me being a Texas Spirit means being part of something bigger than myself. I love the fact that this is the oldest organization at UT and has so many traditions that have been passed down over the years. The sisterhood and family aspect of this organization too is just so strong because of the long running traditions. I am so proud to be part of this organization and can't wait to do more in it!

What's your favorite thing about being a Weenie?

My favorite thing about being a Weenie is meeting so many amazing people. I love all my Fall 2013 Weenies so much and am so happy to have a second family at UT. I also love meeting the other girls in Spirits! This is such a diverse group of women who have had so many different experiences and I love getting to talk with them about random things.

What's your favorite holiday and why?

My favorite holiday is Christmas. I love the cold weather, the hot chocolate, the music, the decorations, the time off, and of course the amazing Christmas sweaters. Basically, I'm all about the Christmas season!

Tell us about what else you're involved in on campus and/or some cool experiences you've had here at UT.

I am in two other clubs on campus: Headliners and Teachers of Tomorrow. In Headliners, we bring entertainers to campus. For Forty Acres Fest last year we brought Chiddy Bang which was super cool and we were able to run the whole show. For a music nerd like me, it was awesome to do the behind the scenes of a show. It's great because I'm obsessed with music and this is a super laid back club where we talk about music every week for an hour and work the shows of the entertainers from top to bottom. I am an officer in Teachers of Tomorrow too. This club allows education majors to hear from current teachers, learn more about the education program at UT, and help with elementary schools near UT.

ACL, Fun Fun Fun Fest, or SXSW?

ACL for me. I love being outside and seeing how many people come to the festival all in one place. Also I love that I can walk on the grass at Zilker instead of the streets of downtown. I have never fully done Fun Fun Fun Fest or SXSW (mainly just free or cheap shows) but I would love to at some point.

Congratulations, Kira! CIWY

Spirit of the Week: Hannah Roberts

Name: Hannah Roberts

Hometown: Sugarland, TX

Major: Public Relations

Weenie Class: Spring 2012

What does being a Texas Spirit mean to you?

Great way to become involved at UT. I love the traditions and the fact it has been around for 72 years. Also I love how many different aspects there is to it - being able to work with Make-A-Wish and St. Louise House, attend all these different sporting events, play IM sports, go to all the events on campus, you get to do everything from being apart of just one organization.

What was your most memorable moment during your Weenie semester?

I went to a Weenie delirious with a funny story and told everyone what happened and people died laughing. They could not believe what had happened to me. It was an interesting meeting.

What's your favorite holiday and why?

Christmas because I love that it brings the family together, especially now that my brother and I are getting older and live in different cities.

Tell us what else you're involved in on campus and/or some cool experiences you've had here at UT.

My coolest experience would be my first college football game. I transferred here during the spring of my sophomore year and I thought it was crazy how excited everyone was but now I understand. Game days here at UT are like nothing I have ever experienced.

ACL, Fun Fun Fun Fest, or SXSW?

I've never been to any but would love to go to ACL one year.

Congratulations, Hannah! CIWY

Weenie of the Week: Abz Zeitler

Name: Abz Zeitler

Hometown: Valparaiso, IN

Major: Public Relations

What's your favorite place in Austin and why?

It's a tie between South Congress (because of Hopdoddy) and the bridge at Town Lake (because of the gorgeous view).

What are you most looking forward to during your Weenie semester?

The special bond that our Weenie class is going to have by the end of the semester. I feel like we're already a family.

What are you going to dress up as for Halloween?

Corn... #Indiana

What's the coolest trip you've ever been on?

Spain! I watched them win the Eurocup two summers ago!

Congratulations, Abz! CIWY

Spirit of the Week: Emily Poston

Name: Emily Poston

Hometown: Austin, TX

Major: Civil Engineering

Weenie Class: Fall 2011

What's your favorite place in Austin and why?

My favorite place in Austin is definitely Trudy's. If you've eaten there, you know why I love it. Shout out to my Ghoulfam that supports my love of Trudy's and always lets us go there for all of our hang outs.

What's your favorite memory of being a Texas Spirit?

My favorite memory of being a Texas Spirit is more like a collection of memories. I cherish all the time that I've gotten to spend with my amazing Ghoulfamily and wonderful Weenie sisters. If I had to choose though, I guess I would say that my favorite memory is from PJ Rama my Weenie semester. It was such a fun night getting to know the girls in my pledge class, plus some really funny things happened that I don't think I can repeat.

What are you going to dress up as for Halloween?

I haven't decided on my Halloween costume yet, but Severus Snape is always a good back up.

What's the coolest trip you've ever been on?

Last summer I went with my best friends to London. It was the most fun I've ever had in my life.

What advice do you have for the new Weenies?

My advice to the new Weenies would be to take advantage of all the cool things Spirits has going on. It goes by so fast and I wish I could go back to my Weenie semester and do absolutely everything.

Congratulations, Emily! CIWY

Annual Torchlight Parade and Rally

The Torchlight Parade and Rally has been a Texas tradition since 1916. It is an event held every year before the Texas vs. OU game. On October 9, 2013, Texas Spirits joined in with many of the other spirit organizations to carry torchlights through a parade down Guadalupe Street led by the Longhorn Band. The parade ran from the communication school all the way to the front of the Tower where the fans, cheerleaders, and band helped pump up the football team. Tons of Spirits and Weenies joined in the fun. Mac Brown and the football players were all excited for the upcoming rivalry game. The Torchlight Parade and Rally continues to be a fun tradition full of spirit.

Weenie of the Week: Morgan Neustein

Name: Morgan Neustein

Hometown: San Diego, CA

Major: Pre-Med

What's your favorite thing about being a Weenie so far?

My favorite thing is definitely getting to know my Weenie sisters. It's only been a couple weeks but I am already smitten :)

If you had to pick between having someone narrate your life or having a soundtrack to your life, which would you choose and why?

I would probably pick the soundtrack... It would definitely include lots of Jack Johnson, John Mayer, and Vampire Weekend!

What's the #1 thing on your Austin Bucket List?

I honestly don't know about that many Austin-y things, but on my world wide bucket list is to run a marathon, visit the Ben & Jerry's factory, make it through a real winter, and create the world's greatest chocolate chip cookie.

Tell us about some cool things you've done on campus. What other organizations are you involved in?

I just transferred from Communications to Natural Sciences. I was pretty involved in communication clubs like Comm Council, but am starting to join clubs that are more relevant to my major and career aspirations. 

What are you most looking forward to this semester?

I am really looking forward to Weenie Beanie! And Thanksgiving - seeing the fam and eating good food - what's not to love?

Congratulations, Morgan! CIWY

Spirit of the Week: Laurel Lunsford

Name: Laurel Lunsford

Hometown: Lake Jackson, TX

Major: Studio Art & Advertising

Weenie Class: Spring 2013

What's your favorite Texas Spirit memory?

Weenie Roast. Getting to be completely ratchet and share feelings/eat everything with great Weenie sisters was amazing. The spontaneous fire was a great touch as well haha.

What's your favorite place in Austin?

Probably South Congress, before the food trucks moved. I love just walking up and down that area, looking in the cute little shops, the puppies, and Hopdoddy. Just can't go wrong.

Describe yourself in three words.

Quality awkward faces

Where do you see yourself in five years?

I want to do the World Race, which is a mission trip to 11 countries in 11 months, sometime after I graduate. So either doing that or potentially working in an ad agency somewhere exciting.

What advice would you give to the new Weenies?

Any opportunity you have to hang out with your sisters or other Spirits, take it! These are some of the most incredible people I've ever met, and they're some of my best friends! I feel so privileged just to be associated with them! Definitely take the time to get to know as many as possible and really bond.

Weenie of the Week: Audrey Nguyen

Name: Audrey Nguyen

Hometown: Houston, TX

Major: Philosophy and Plant Biology

Tell us about the cool things you've done while at UT.

I'm currently a fundraising and event planning intern with the UT Micro Farm. I've been DJing with KVRX since January 2013. I have a specialty show where I select a new piece of art each week, spanning across all mediums, and create a playlist based off of it, giving musicality to different themes, interpretations, etc. of the work! Tune in Monday nights and Tuesday mornings from midnight to 1am to hear me surfin' FM waves on 91.7 KVRX Austin!

How does it feel being a Weenie? I know it's only been a week, but tell us about your experience ever since Tap In!

I already love everyone I've met so much! I had a blast at PJRama. My Weenie sisters have golden souls. I'm so excited to get to know them, and the JIs and Actives better! Weenie O'ahu was a blast. I can't wait to start volunteering with Spirits and to participate in more drag paints!

What are you most looking forward to this semester? (Spirits related, school related, personal goal related, etc.)

ACL and Fun Fun Fun Fest, getting on that yoga grind (I'm talking about 6:00 a.m. yoga at least twice a week), being a Texas Spirit Weenie, and working on achieving the trifecta - good grades, enough sleep, and a bumpin' social life.

You're stranded on an island for the rest of your life. Name five things you would have to have with you.

Yoga mat, my Moleskin and Pilot G2 07S (not 05S or 09S!), iPod, all of my philosophy books, and a telescope.

Congratulations, Audrey! CIWY

Spirit of the Week: Sami Griffel

Name: Sami Griffel

Hometown: Ponte Vedra Beach, FL

Major: Marketing, Textiles and Apparel minor

Weenie Class: Fall 2011

What is your favorite Spirits memory, so far?

Looking back on it, I most appreciate all the love and support I got from the organization (especially my Weenie class) when I was studying abroad in France! I was going through a really transitional time in my life and it felt so amazing to be getting so much Spirits love even though I was thousands of miles away. It definitely helped me feel more confident to step out of my comfort zone knowing that I had so much support back home! I love you guys!

If you could invite  five people to a dinner, who would they be?

Charles Bukowski to bring the booze, Mitch Hedberg to bring the laughs, John Darnielle (of The Mountain Goats) to play music, Alexander McQueen to design my dress, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt to be my date.

What is your favorite place in Austin and why?

Honestly, my bed. My spirit animal is a sloth so I'm all about the lazy days at home taking afternoon naps and refreshing the Reddit homepage a million times. But when I have the unusual urge to actually do something, I love to go to see live music at the venues on Red River (RIP Emo's).

What are three words that describe you?

So zany lol

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Living the glamorous life in New York City, i.e. working crazy hours for slave wages in the fashion industry but keeping myself in denial about it with a bottle of white wine.

What advice do you have for the new Weenie class?

Always, ALWAYS, do your Weenie dance when it comes on in da club. Even when none of your Weenie sisters are around. There is no excuse.

Congratulations, Sami! CIWY

Weenie O'ahu

Bust out the leis and hula skirts: it's Weenie O'ahu time. Our 26 beautiful new Weenies arrived at the Tejas house Saturday night for our semesterly celebration to nothing but cheers and love. The house was packed, music was blaring, and the dance floor was hoppin', making this a party a rainstorm couldn't even stop. Makeshift slip and slides entertained as everyone eagerly awaited the Fall 2013 Weenie dance. Coordinated by our Spirit Haunts, Maggie and Marilyn, the traditional dance was to "Gas Pedal" by Sage the Gemini, and everyone counted down the minutes to that anticipated moment. Finally, the clock struck midnight. The Weenies descended upon their stage on the Tejas porch, while the rest of us cheered from the lawn, forgetting about the pouring rain. The music began, and we all saw dance moves that channeled Beyoncé and Shakira. You had to be there to see it, but take it from us - the Weenies' dance was on point!

"I thought it was an amazing way to welcome the new Weenies into the organization and shower us with love," said Fall 2013 Weenie Kiki Nicholas. "It was also a good way for people from other organizations to meet us! I also loved that we could invite our friends who were not in the organization so they could see the amazing group of girls I'm so lucky to call my sisters and new family."

From there on, they hit the dance floor with their fellow Weenie sisters, Actives, and friends, both new and old. Weenie O'ahu topped off a busy and unforgettable first weekend for our 26 newest faces, and marked the beginning of an incredible Weenie semester.

Welcome to the tradition, Weenies!
C I hope Fall 2013 danced the night away W Y

Also, special thanks to The Tejas Club for hosting another great Weenie O'ahu and to our Special Projects Haunts, Ashley and Sierra, for helping to make this a fabulous time as usual.