Intramural Spring Soccer

This season, Texas Spirits joined with the Texas Wranglers to form an intramural indoor soccer team. The team featured a few seasoned veterans as well as some fresh faces. Spirits on the team included: Hook ‘Em Haunts Bridget Dunn and Caroline Suter, Andrea Chao, Rachel Sawyers, Hannah Roberts, Maya Brown, Ashley McAdams, Aly Starling, and Lane Follmar. 

The team was eager to return to playoffs again this year, and they did not disappoint. Finishing bracket play with 20 goals for and only 5 against, the team qualified for the playoffs. The team won their first three playoff games, advancing to the semifinal game where they played their hearts out, but they unfortunately lost 5-2 to the eventual intramural champion. Although the team was disappointed that they fell short of claiming the coveted intramural champion shirt, they are proud of their accomplishments and can’t wait to see what next season has in store for them. Congrats to these gals and guys on a great season!

Longhorn Run: Runners and Volunteers

The morning of Saturday, April 14^th marked the second annual Longhorn Run, and Texas Spirits found themselves involved as both participants and volunteers. Many Spirits chose to run and participate in either the 2-mile or 10K race. In addition to running, Spirits also volunteered and hosted a water station with the Texas Wranglers. There was competition to determine the “Most Spirited Water Station”, and it was no doubt that our water station was victorious! Dressed up as minions from Despicable Me with signs in hand, our station could be heard from blocks away cheering on runners at they passed. Congrats to all the girls who ran as well as our “spirited” volunteers at the water station!

Weenie Service Project

Traditionally, every Texas Spirits weenie class is assigned the task of setting up a service project. Service is one of our main pillars, and because of that we encourage every Spirit to really connect with one another while giving back to our community. While finding a venue for 25­eager young women to participate in all at once always proves a bit taxing, the Spring 2012 weenie class found the perfect place, The Austin Zoo.

The Austin Zoo is an Animal Sanctuary is a private, non-profit zoo that rescues animals providing them with a safe and caring environment. The girls helped cut up fruits and vegetables for animals, cleaned cages, help with laundry and by the end of the day were able to go into many different animal cages just to play! “…It was so funny watching each other freak out when some off the animals we were warned about being a ‘little grumpy’ came near! It started pouring rain but it didn't matter we were still out there having great time,” Anjali reported. Overall the Spring 2012 class had a blast getting to know more about each other and snapping some really great shots with some beautiful animals. The Austin Zoo really appreciated their good-sportsmanship and general love for service. These ladies make us so proud!

Spirit of the Week and Weenie of the Week: Ghoulfriend Pair Edition!

Give a big hello to two amazing ladies in Texas Spirits: Bailey Baker and Quynh Pham!

Bailey is a member of our newest active class of Fall 2011 (FA’11 y’a11) and weenie momma of Quynh! A Business & Textiles/Apparel major, Bailey is one of our finest window artists, undoubtedly winning her the honor of the Golden Bucket Award. While on the topic of awards, she should also win a trophy for her committed community volunteerism at more than seven amazing events that help serve Austin. To help fulfill another Spirits pillar, Bailey’s spirit and pride for our university runs deep as she has attended various basketball and baseball games this semester to cheer the Longhorns into victory.

What else makes Bailey unique?

-   Nickname: “Nighthawk”

-   Oddities: “I have an odd talent for writing in Times New Roman and PARALLEL PARKING (newfound skills) and a strange habit of driving like a gangster.”

-   Theme song of her life: “Ohhhh..... There's just no way I could pick a single song. I'd have to ask Girl Talk to mash up a whole playlist for me on that one.”

-   4 words that describe her: “Crafty, conscientious, consistent, and ridiculous.”

-   Favorite Spirit’s event: “Probably Band Jam because we all come together, look cute downtown, have some great little bands and everyone knows about it. It is a charitable event that sets us apart and that people actually love going to. I just love when we show ourselves off as an organization in fun ways like that. Oh but wait I loved DU... I'll be able to make a better decision after I've experienced all of our wonderful events at the end of the semester.”

Quynh is a member of the weenie class of Spring 2012 and boasts our other blog highlight Bailey Baker as her weenie momma! She’s the newest addition to their ghoul family’s long standing tradition of Milk & Cookies at Weenie Beanie. A Human Development and Family Sciences/Pre-Med major, Quynh is also a member of the Pre-Med Honor Society, Alpha Epsilon Delta. Like her momma, she too has led our organization in spirit at university athletic games and involvement in service events around Austin. She loves being part of the Spirit’s family because of all the “talented freaking hilarious beautiful women who are respected all around campus.” I believe I can speak for us all when I say that we are all excited to say that YOU, Quynh, exude this quote to its fullest!

What else makes Quynh unique?

- Nicknames: “Weenie mamas gave me Quam which was quite original. Then there's the typical Quynhie the Pooh, Quynhsterino, Quynhajmin, Quynhers, Bon Quy, Phamtastic... the list is endless.”
- Oddities: “Never have I ever shaved my legs... nor waxed or any other hair removal technique. BUT I swear, my legs as smooth as a baby's butt.”
- Theme song of her life: “Miracles Happen- Princess Diaries. I'm the biggest optimist you will ever meet, ever.”
- 4 words that describe her: “Quirky, adaptable, understanding, and thrill-seeker.”
- Favorite spirits event: “Destination Unknown. It was so much fun being able to get away from campus for a day. Wake boarding, trampolining, and laying out in the sun with great company, how much better can that get?”

Service Lately

Spring semester service projects are in full bloom. Dozens of opportunities have kept the Spirits busy and made a big impact around campus and the Austin community.  Early in the semester Spirits joined the American Red Cross in the East Mall for the spring blood drive. UT students were excited to donate, so much so that the first day alone the Red Cross surpassed their goal with thirty-one donations saving ninety plus lives. Two young ladies, Spring ’11 weenie, Lauren Gray and Spring ’12 weenie, Jordan Kohler were enthusiastic about donating. 

            “I think giving blood is one of the easiest ways to give back to the community. Just by giving an hour of your time, you can help save three lives. I loved that I got to be with fellow Spirits while donating, especially Jordan! It was her first time, and that made it extra special,” Lauren said. 

            Another exciting happening occurred on the opposite side of the tower as Spirits handed about baked treats in the West Mall for Make a Difference Monday. Fall ’11 weenie, Nicole Martinez enjoyed earning her service hours in such a hands on way.         

            “I love the smiles people can’t help but show when they realize they’re getting a little gift for free just because its a Monday,” Nicole said. 

            Make A Difference Monday takes place one Monday every month, and during the month of April, Spirits were handing out Easter candy. 

            Finally, Spirits had an exciting opportunity when Make-A-Wish, along with spring ’09 weenie, Emily Slattery, joined them at their weekly meeting for a presentation. The purpose was to link Spirits and Make-A-Wish more closely and see what sorts of impact their fundraising really makes.   

            “It was really a game-changer to see Make-A-Wish make the effort to show us how much we really do for them. It makes giving your time and raising funds so much easier when the impact you've made is clearly visible and moreover, close to home,” Fall ’10 weenie and Spirit Haunt, Dionne Dias said. 

            Make-A-Wish screened a video of a family who was granted a wish of a trip to Hawaii, talked about ways Spirits could get more involved by attending wish granting parties, and finally presented the $17,600 check for Make-A-Wish that Spirits raised from last year’s Band Jam.  

Destination Unknown

Texas Spirits got ready for the unknown on Saturday, March 31^st, excited for whatever our lovely Special Projects Haunts, Ari & Cynthia, had planned for Destination Unknown 2012. Bright and early on that beautiful sunny Saturday, Spirits and their dates piled onto the buses that would take us to our first destination of the day. Spirits anxiously awaited our arrival as we headed southbound down I-35.

After about half an hour of anticipation, our buses exit and arrive at Texas Ski Ranch! Spirits got to test the waters with wakeboarding, willing themselves not to wipe out. When they were done with the water, they could dry off by jumping in the indoor trampoline park or soak up some sun on the beach area. They could also choose to conquer some heights on the rock climbing wall or challenge some Spirits and their dates to a sand volleyball game.

Ari and Cynthia sure know how to work up an appetite! After spending the day in the sun, Spirits and their dates were ready to move on to part two of DU: DINNER! The Special Projects Haunts had a fiesta of food ready for us at Serrano’s. Once Spirits enjoyed a delicious enchilada buffet dinner, Ari and Cynthia spilled the beans on part three of our fun filled day: a bar tab at the Stage! Spirits danced the night away to the live band, ending our exciting day with the best way we know how.

All in all, Ari & Cynthia did a FANTASTIC job and delivered a wonderful Destination Unknown. Big thank you to Texas Ski Ranch, Serrano’s, and the Stage for having us and making our DU so great!

Life on Campus: Roommates During Weeniedom

A Guest Blog by Bailey Baker

One thing that all Spirits have in common is that we LOVE UT. But, do we always love living at UT? This is a problem that many freshmen and sophomore Weenies face because we have yet to make the best decision ever to live with other Texas Spirits. What happens when you’re less fortunate with your exciting potluck roommate adventure and don’t end up making best friends with them like me? What happens when your roommate regularly saves Ziploc baggies of dirt to eat as a study snack? What do you do when your roommate steals your beloved graphing calculator? Or worse… Your favourite Sharpie from your collection that was once complete with every single colour. How are you supposed to act when you’re studying with your boyfriend in your room while your roommate casually lounges around in her birthday suit? I mean… I can appreciate Anatomy, but not necessarily a roommate’s anatomy.

Dealing with crazy roommates can be tricky. You have to think about things like: Are they going to try murdering me? Should I hide my delicious jalapeño pretzels from her? Will she be staring at me again the next time I wake up? Needless to say, 99% of Weenies RUN at full speed into the arms of a sane (and awesome and beautiful and smart and funny and talented) Texas Spirit for the following year as a roommates.

Hold strong, sisters. The months leading up to the highly anticipated move-in with a fellow Texas Spirit can seem sooooooooo loooooooooooooong. Low and behold, only four weeks left of school ;) CIWY <3

Weenie of the Week: Anjali Sethi

Name: Anjali Sethi

Major: Human Development Family Science/Pre-Med

Weirdest Habit: I LOVE Special K strawberry cereal but I take out all of the strawberries. But I don't like normal special K. I only like the strawberry kind but WITHOUT the strawberries... don't judge. 

What are you looking forward to most your Weenie semester? I was so crazy excited to get a family and becoming close with my weenie sisters!! Now I just can't wait to become even closer with my amazing momma and gfam, but also to just keep spending time with my weenie sistas!! They're the most diverse group of girls and everyday I learn something new about them. There's never a dull moment and I'm so in love with all of them I'd do anything for them! Oh gosh I just LOVE EVERYTHING! I've totally found my 25 future bridesmaid (the whole 27 dresses story.. it's basically my life. IT'S HAPPENING.)

What would the title of your future memoir be? "I've got a pocket Full of Sunshine" (Seriously I'm always happy and I just wanna spread the joy and love!)

Anjali is an incredibly dedicated and enthusiastic Weenie!  She is constantly making a difference in the UT community with her Spirit sisters by dancing the night away at TexasThon,  spreading the love at Texas Exes face painting, cheering on the Longhorns at sporting events, and much more. Anjali's favorite thing about being a Weenie is experiencing the bond of love that holds Spirits together. She says, "I love all the love. Every girl is so incredible and so diverse and passionate and I love that! I love the tradition and all of the surprises and this beautiful family I've been blessed with!" Anjali "can't imagine anything better" then being a Weenie, and we can't imagine anyone more deserving of Weenie of the Week! Keep up the awesome work, Anjali!

Tap Out Spotlight: Ana Hernandez

Introducing another beautiful Spring 12 Tap-Out, Ana Hernandez! Ana is an Architectural Engineering student and a Spring 09 weenie (and you better believe she is always at WAM reppin’ her class with the impressive dance moves that make up their weenie dance).

When I asked Ana about her favorite Spring 09 memory, she told me she absolutely loved her Weenie Roast. Her favorite memories of that night include pitching tents successfully in the dark, making friendship bracelets, and playing hilarious rounds of Catch Phrase. “Plus,” Ana says “the seniors that I drove to boat party the weekend before brought me cookies (why they did so being a totally different story)!” When thinking about that night, Ana reflects on how much her friendship with Liana and Rachel has grown since then. Oh, the beauty of the entire Spirits experience.  

Ana Hernandez, Rachel Platis and Liana Putrino

Ana gave so much to Spirits and was even one of the Service Haunts on GC 11. Ana recalls that “anytime GC 11 was together, was a recipe for laughter, wise sayings and encouragement when you needed it.” Initiation with Nicole was her favorite memory, along with Band Jam, of course, and their all-nighters grading applications. The entire organization was blessed to have Ana as Service Haunt, along with her partner Nicole Dietze to guide us all year long and in the end, succeed in raising $17,600 for the Make-A-Wish foundation! Ana would like to say that she is so thankful to have gotten to know everyone on her GC and that she loves them all.

Ana Hernandez and Nicole Dietze – Service Haunts GC ‘11

Ana’s favorite Spirits tradition is Tap-In. “As I walked away from SRD this year, I looked back at the new Weenies taking their picture on the steps, complete with balloons, buckets, and big smiles. It is comforting to know that that will continue to happen each semester. Spirits as a whole is a tradition, and I'm glad to share it with all of you!” says Ana.

Ana tells me that she “will leave Spirits with the best friends a girl could ask for, the joy of knowing that we helped serve the community and the many adventures and memories that have made my college career as special as can be.” And as she leaves UT, we know Ana is destined for great things as she carries the pillars of Spirits into her future. We are very proud to say that Ana will be attending the University of Washington in Seattle to attain a Master’s in Structural Engineering (and she invites us all to visit)!

And for all of us current Spirits, Ana wants to share her wisdom: “if you ever find yourself drifting away from Spirits, spend some time with a Weenie or two. They will remind you of the excitement you once had and everything Spirits will continue to offer you.”

 Ghoulfamily love: Top: Ana, Korey Lehman, Dana Holmes

Bottom: Laura Bailey, Jac Mizeur, Alysse Fisher

WOW: Jessie Neuendorff

Meet Jessie Neuendorff, a past Weenie of the Week!

She’s a freshman Advertising major with a BDP in Ethics and Leadership. In the short time that she’s been in Spirits, she has already involved herself in Make a Difference Mondays, attended swim, tennis and spring football games, tabled for the blood drive, and been appointed Paint Princess. She’s also extended her generosity in donating candy to help fill eggs when we held an Easter egg hunt.  Outside of Texas Spirits, she’s a part of Communication Council, Ignite, and Freshman Leadership Organization. Jessie’s high involvement represents her heart to reach out wherever she can. It’s no surprise that she’s Weenie of the Week!

Want to learn more about Jessie?

Describe yourself in three words: Sing about it. (She’s an amazing vocalist. Is there anything this girl can’t do?!)

Weird Fact: I can speak in spoonerisms and will be glad to demonstrate. Look it up if you don't know what it is. I'm also a huge nerd and I get really excited when people start talking about learning. I'm a slight grammar freak. (No, she can clearly do everything.)

Favorite thing to do in Austin: Go hiking at greenbelt/running at town lake or visiting the food trailers. If there are two things I love, it's exercising and food. 

Favorite thing about Spirits: representing UT in the first and best UT women's spirit group with an amazingly diverse and awesome group of girls! I also love the Texas shorts more than you know.

Texas Spirits takes on South Korea

This semester we had to bid a temporary farewell to Hannah Waitt, a Spring 10 weenie, who is studying abroad in South Korea. Hannah is spending the semester writing her Plan II thesis on the differences between the Korean and American music industries, and whether the differences between eastern and western cultures are preventing Asian artists from breaking into the American market. Gathering research on her topic, Hannah gets to go to lots and lots of concerts!

In addition to her research, Hannah hopes to immerse herself in a new culture and learn a new perspective. “I really like it here mainly because everything is so incredibly different,” Hannah said. “Everything I do here is a new experience, so it has just been one big adventure.” 

One of the adventures that Hannah has been on so far was a surprisingly short 30-minute trip from where she is staying to one of the world’s most dangerous countries, North Korea. “I ‘checked in’ on Facebook in North Korea! Only like 6 other people had done that before so that made me feel special.” 

Being so far away, Hannah is surely missing a few things from Texas. Her number one craving? Tex- Mex! She also mentioned some of her favorite restaurants like Kerbey Lane, Hula hut and Austin’s Pizza to name just a few.

We are all excited for Hannah and her new experiences, but missing her all the same! We can’t wait to see you back in Austin! 

Signing off all the way from South Korea, Hannah said,
 “C. I. love and miss all my spooky sisters and W.ill see y'all sooner than Y.ou think!”

If you’d like to follow more of Hannah’s adventures, follow her blog linked here:

hannahwaitt.tumblr.com

Midnight Drag Wars: Spring 2012 Edition

Soon after Haunt Jaunt, late Sunday night, each class gathered at their assigned window and participated in Midnight Drag Paint Wars. Each class frantically came up with a creative idea and put their best painters forward as they competed for first place. In the end, it was the weenies of Spring 2012 who were victorious! Check out their window:

In a close second was Fall 2011, and in third place was Fall 2010. The tradition of Midnight Drag Paint Wars still continues, and the weenies continue to dominate!

Weenie of the Week: Maya Brown

Maya Brown is our beautiful WOW! A Psychology major here at UT (she can read your mind), Maya has acquired the nicknames Maya the Bee or Mayers. She has been dubbed Paint Princess of the week and participates in IM soccer with the Sprits and Wranglers team. She has also taken a part in Micah 6, serving the Austin homeless and Texas THON: it’s no wonder why she is our Weenie of the Week!

Wanna get to know more about her? Here are six fun facts:

- She has an incredible memory for dates. “I remember the birthday of the random kid I sat next to in third grade, my parent’s friend’s anniversaries, etc. It’s very odd.

- Her favorite thing about Spirits is the unique personalities and dynamics of the girls. “We all get along so well… and have so much fun together!”

-  Her favorite song would have to be “The World Keeps Turning” by Trevor Hall. “It’s about the cliché topic that life doesn’t stop for anyone, so enjoy it as much as you can!”

- If she could describe herself in four words: hardworking, goofy loyal and passionate.

- Who’s the lucky ghoulfamily that gets to boast about her? “I'm in the best family around! Jacquie Bontke is my lovely Ghoulfriend. I also have Jacqueline, Jocelyn, Leah, Jenna (who's studying abroad), Courtney, Courtney (yes there are two!), and Madison Dayton, who tapped out last semester, but I still see her.”

-  Her favorite Spirits event? She can’t decide on a favorite! 

Tap Out Spotlight: Taylor Foreman

Weenie Pals have a special relationship. Randomly paired, who’s to say that you would like this girl? For all you know, she could be, weird… Or something. Or she could be the cookies to your milk, the Salt to your Peppa. I think about Taylor Foreman, my Weenie Pal, and know that this is the case. We so obnoxiously took every opportunity to flaunt our “Weenie Pal”-ship that her absence will require some time for a personal attitude adjustment. Weenie or Tap Out, Weenie Pals are forever, just like the bond of love and kindness Spirits have. 

(L to R) Leah Spector, Taylor Foreman, Megan McKinney, Spring ’10 Weenies

Taylor filled a specific niche in her Spring ’10 weenie class. Her dancing at social events was always most highly anticipated and when in need of an athletic representative, her appointment was practically a given.  A transfer student from Whittier College in California, Taylor played basketball while in attendance. It’s funny to think that, had she not transferred, that her spirit would not have been in Texas to complete Spirits. It’s funny how these things always seem to work out.

Taylor Foreman is an inspiration in every sense of the word. Texas 4000 Ride Director for the upcoming summer, she plans on traveling from Austin to Alaska. Oh, right, on a bike! Daunting as it seems, Taylor is not phased. Talk with her for a couple of minutes and her motivation is clear, firey and obvious. She rides for those who can’t, and to find a cure for cancer, an amazingly selfless feat. Her leadership has always played a huge part in the Spirits dynamic, whether taking initiative in intramural sports or motivating her weenie class in the early morning hours of Relay for Life, that it is obvious that she was made for this role. 

Taylor brings an energy wherever she goes. It is compelling and undeniable. As she taps out, she will have her memories of Spirits, but even more so, she will be leaving the organization as an inspiration to those who had the privilege of knowing her. Good luck on your ride this summer, Weenie Pal, Alaska won’t know what hit it. 

Orange and White Game

This past Sunday, April 1^st, was the annual Orange and White Game at UT. This game is for the UT football program to show their fans what they have been working on and improving upon since the end of the fall football season. The Texas Spirits came to show their support in the grueling heat and cheered on both UT teams. Luckily, the girls cooled down with snow cones and ice cream in the Texas heat. This was the first football game that the Spring 2012 Weenies got to attend with Spirits and served as a preview for what is to come this fall. As always, Hook ‘Em, Horns!

Spring 2012 Haunt Jaunt

The Texas Spirits participated and competed in Haunt Jaunt on this past Sunday, March 25, 2012. The girls all came dressed to win – fall pledge classes wearing light colors and spring pledge classes wearing dark colors. This game of capture the flag took place on UT’s South mall right in front of the Tower at 10:00 pm. The event started out with each pledge class chanting, singing, and dancing to the cheer they made up their Weenie semester. And then the game began! The Texas Spirits are some competitive girls, so the game came down to which team had the right strategy and strong determination. After a few jailbreaks and a couple discovered flags and an hour later, the spring pledge classes turned out victorious! 

Congrats to Spring ’09, ’10, ’11, and ’12!

Tap Out Spotlight: Bernadette Creasey

    

What Pledge Class are you a part of?

Fall 2009

What is your favorite Spirits Memory?

Christmas mixer with Wranglers. Just about our entire weenie class was there and it was held the night after initiation and the night before initiation brunch. Best and funniest memories were made that night!

What is your favorite Spirits Event?

Destination Unknown, the anticipation of not knowing where you are going or what you are doing is loads of fun and we always had a great time!

What are your plans after college?

I plan on moving to Houston for my DREAM job, being a petroleum engineer ha

Words of Wisdom to Spirits?

I would tell them to enjoy it while it last because one day you will be old and graduating and no longer able to participate. Also, to get involved with as much as you can because it is what you make of it!

Words of Wisdom to Perspectives?

BE YOURSELF and just have fun!    

C I want to thank you all for the Wonderful memories Y