Spirits and Spikes Spangled Banner

This past weekend Texas Spirits and Texas Iron Spikes got together to celebrate our great country of America! With a theme of star spangled banner in mind, guys and girls alike came decked out in red, white, and blue. Most of the Spirits and Iron Spikes met up with their respective pledge classes before heading over to the event with everyone. In attendance were Spirits and Spikes of all ages ranging from the newest Weenies and Rookies to the Seniors graduating this spring. Both organizations had a great time meeting new people and enjoying each other's company.

Spirits Cheer On UT Rugby

Over the weekend, Texas Spirits supported the UT rugby team in their rivalry game against OU. A huge group of Spirits, including senior mentors, Ghost Council members, and our newest Weenies, flocked to the intramural fields to enjoy a neck and neck game and beautiful weather. The teams seemed equally matched, although OU held the lead in the second half. The huge crowd stayed true to our burnt orange with echoing cries of "Texas Fight." Texas came back in the end with three goals in a row to win the game 39-38! Although rugby games may not draw as much of a crowd as football or basketball games, I think I speak for my Spirit sisters when I say rugby is definitely a sport we'd frequent again. There was never a dull moment and there's nothing better than a riveting game with good friends.

Supporting Texas Lonestars' Project Princess

Thursday night, Texas Lonestars held a benefit concert for their philanthropy Project Princess. Texas Lonestars are the only spirit group to have their own self-started and self-run philanthrophy. Established in 2002, Project Princess helps send underprivileged high school girls to their prom by providing them with a dress, shoes, accessories, and more. This year's benefit concert featured Whiskey Myers, a Texas country band.

Texas Spirits purchased tickets and attended the concert to show their support for Texas Lonestars and Project Princess. Ashely McAdams could be found twirling away on the crowded dance floor! Meanwhile Weenies got in some early tailgating practice by playing cornhole. Julianne Perry even threw a bean bag in the cornhole! Texas Spirits had a great time at the concert and cannot wait until next year.

Weenie of the Week: Alyssa Pappas

Name: Alyssa Pappas

Hometown: San Antonio, TX

Major: Biology

How's life been as a Weenie so far?
Life as a Weenie has been so much more than I could have ever imagined! Everyone always told me I was about to make 25 new best friends, but I had no idea that was actually possible. And not just 25, but over 100! I have never felt so much love and support, not just in the realm of Spirits events, but in support from other Spirits in my classes as well. I am so overwhelmed and grateful.

What are you looking forward to most this semester?
I'm most looking forward to getting to know everyone in Spirits because I have already met girls with such amazing backgrounds and plans. Through this I already know I'm going to grow so much as a person. I'm also looking forward to all of the events, of course, because they sound like so much fun!

What would the title of your autobiography be?
Everything A, because it's the title of the blog I did this summer which is basically an autobiography, and I do so many random things and have so many hobbies. I don't think I could pick a title focus.

If you could hear what someone is thinking for a day, who would you choose?
I would probably choose Kate Middleton because she is pregnant with the royal baby and I'm dying to know if she has any weird cravings. But also she is so lovely and seems so genuinely nice so I'd like to channel some of that!

Congratulations, Alyssa! CIWY

Spirit of the Week: Alex Janecka

Name: Alex Janecka

Hometown: Austin, TX

Major: Human Development and Family Studies; Pre-Physician Assistant

Weenie Class: Spring 2010

Tell us about your work with Pancakes for Parkinson's.
Lindsey and I meet with the representatives from a number of other spirit groups and are known collectively as "Texas Round Table." Texas Spirits are in charge of PR and social media and so far we have been working on getting a logo done (thanks to the amazing Jacqui!) and creating banners for different areas around campus. Currently, Lindsey and I are working on planning a video to promote the Pancakes for Parkinson's day event and are expected to finish next week! Working with other spirit groups to promote such a big event is something I've never done before, and I'm glad I got to be a part of such a cool committee.

What is the best thing that you've gotten out of Spirits?
My best friends. I've formed amazing friendships I never would have without having joined this organization. My current roommates are like sisters to me and living in a house as much fun as this with Spirits that can share the same experiences as me has been beyond amazing.

What would be the theme song to your life?
"Dont Think Twice, It's Alright" - Bob Dylan

If you could give a piece of advice to one of the Weenies, what would it be?
LIVE WITH SPIRITS. It has been the most amazing thing living with girls that share the same things I do in Spirits. You're only in college once so why not live it up? And Spring Break with your Weenie class...it has to happen at least once. You will never have as many fun stories or bond more than you do when everyone's on vacation from school...just sayin'.

What's your favorite thing about your Ghoulfamily?
Besides the fact that we're astoundingly SEXY, my ghoulfam is unique. We are all really different but I think we each have a quirkiness about us that makes us wonderful as a whole. As the oldest grand grand granny in the family, it's inspiring to see how much everyone in my family has given to Spirits in their own way. I know everyone thinks their g-fam is the best...but mine really is.

Congratulations, Alex! CIWY

Weenie O'ahu

This past weekend was crazy for the new Weenies. They had a long list of a million things to do, but we are so proud of them for pulling through! In celebration for their new found Weeniehood, Tejas Club threw their bi-annual Weenie O'ahu party! Each semester Tejas Club and Texas Spirits throw this party to congratulate the new girls for being chosen to be a part of the new Weenie class. They are encouraged to invite any of their friends to attend and celebrate with them. Also in attendance are active Tejas and Spirits members. It is in front of all these people that the Weenies perform their Weenie dance - a dance choreographed by the Spirit Haunts (their Weenie moms)!

Spirit of the Week: Lauren Gray

Name: Lauren Gray

Hometown: Humble, TX

Major: English and UTeach

Weenie Class: Spring 2011

If you were a UT building, which would you be and why?
The Blanton Museum of Art! Whenever I am in need of inspiration or just want to take a break during a hectic week, it is my place of refuge.

Why English and UTeach?
I find comfort in the words and pages of a book. I believe that literature has a lot to teach us and that literacy is one of the keys to equality - if you can read and write, you have the ability to change the world. You just have to want to. I desire to be a teacher because we need more positive and influential people in the education system. I know one of the reasons I am a passionate and driven young woman today is because of the teachers who inspired me to break down the walls of the classroom and to see that you can learn a lot in school but even more through the experiences you have outside of it. I want every student to know they are important and that they can have a lasting impact on the future.

What is your favorite Spirits event or tradition?
Weenie Beanie! For you new Weenies, this is when your ghoulfriend/ghoulfamily is revealed. You get dressed up in a crazy costume and have to search for your match. I remember being so nervous to find out who my ghoulfriend would be. But when I saw Tori waiting for me in a silly jelly beans costume, I knew it would be okay. My ghoulfamily has been such a pivotal part of my time in Spirits. It gave me an opportunity to foster relationships outside of my Weenie class and make friendships and memories that will last forever. Plus, we're just awesome. Much love to you Maysie, Tori, Emily, Jordan, and Savannah. Can't wait for our new little jelly bean!

What is the best thing you have gotten out of Spirits?
So many things. Although I enjoy almost every part of Spirits, the part I will remember most is the frienship. Spirit events are fun because of the amazing young women in the organization. Between my pledge class (whaddup Spring '11!!!!!), my ghoulfamily, my mentors, and hundreds of other girls I have had the opportunity to meet, I have formed relationships that will stay with me forever.

What advice do you have for the new Spring 2013 Weenies?
The most common advice older Spirits give is to stay involved. At risk of being unoriginal, I'm going to say the same thing. Spirits will give to you what you put into it. Go to face painting at football games, volunteer at Micah 6, have dinner with your Weenie pal, get a mentor, be on an IM team. If you ever find yourself debating whether or not you want to do something or go to an event, just do it! You won't regret it.

Describe your ghoulfamily in 3 words.
Awesome. Alto. Trudy's.

Describe your pledge class in three words.
Breathtaking. Winsome. Spontaneous.

Congratulations, Lauren! CIWY

Introducing...Spring 2013 Weenies!

After weeks of recruitment events, Texas Spirits proudly presents our 26 newest Weenies!

Carissa Weber

Bea Scott

Alyssa Pappas

Christle Nwora

Dara Oke

Farah Mithani

Halleh Ghaemi

Gabby Garza

Jennifer Farar

KC Munoz

Karlie Cox

Julianne Perry

Kelsey Ni

Laurel Lunsford

Lindsey White

Lauren Chiappe

Montana Blair

Morgan Lundy

Madison McCorkle

Olivia Leitch

Mary Benson

Paige Kroll

Rachel Bennett

Shera Williamson

Hannah Ivancie

WELCOME TO THE TRADITION! CIWY

Spirit of the Week: Isabella Pereira

Name: Isabella Pereira

Hometown: Lake Jackson, TX

Major: Marketing

Weenie Class: Spring 2012

Isabella is not only beautiful, hilarious, and thoughtful, but she is full of love! Everyone knows her and we all really respect her. She isn't afraid to be her goofy self and we all look up to her for it!

What is your favorite thing about Texas Spirits?
My absolute favorite thing about Spirits is how incredibly diverse we are as a spirit group. Diversity means to stray away from the norm, to vary from the average and that's exactly what Spirits does. It differentiates itself in many different aspects from service to spirit to socials, Spirits has an unparalleled essence and to me the reason for this essence is first and foremost due to our members. Yes, we have lots of awesome traditions and events that are attributed to us and us alone, but it's the girls in this organization,; their personalities, their background, their culture, and their ideals that creates this ambience of acceptance, love, and sisterhood that colors my world a little bit brighter every day. I find it so amazing how so many different personalities can get along so well. Spirits has not only embraced my quirkiness with open arms, but has helped me to open my mind to new thoughts and ideas while giving me a new found sense of compassion and understanding for humankind.

What advice could you give to younger girls?
My advice to younger girls is simple. Stay involved with Spirits. Even when school is a little crazy, even when life is turning itself upside down, and even when you feel as if you can't remember the last time you showered because when times start to get rough, and there seems to be a giant black cloud that won't stop following you around and raining on your parade, you have about 150 girls that you can turn to who will open an umbrella over you with their smiles, their hugs, and their words, and you will realize that no matter what life throws your way, you will never be forced to fight those demons alone. OH and another tid bit to always remember ladies, as Coco Chanel said, "A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous!"

What is your favorite pillar of Texas Spirits?
That's a hard one; they're all so great! I would have to say "love." Cheesy, I know, but when all is said and done, love is what makes this world go round, and without it, none of the other pillars would exist!

Congrats Isabella! CIWY

Prospective Drag Paint

This past Sunday, Spring 2013 prospective members got to come out and participate in one of Texas Spirits' oldest traditions. Painting the drag is something that the Spirits have been doing since the 1950s. Today, Spirits paint windows on the Drag every Sunday night announcing upcoming sporting events, campus events, and more. Spirits are lucky enough to have formed great relationships with the business whose windows they paint. Potbelly Sandwich Shop, Swirll Frozen Yogurt, Smoothie King, University Federal Credit Union, and Goodall Wooten Dormitory are all excited to see Spirits painting their windows every Sunday. Prospective members got a chance to see what it's like to be part of one of the biggest traditions that sets Texas Spirits apart from any other student organization at UT.

Prospective Basketball Game: UT vs. TCU

On Saturday night, Texas Spirits invited all their Spring 2013 prospective members to come out to watch the Longhorns take on the Horned Frogs at the Frank Erwin Center. The Spirits covered just about the entire student section behind the hoop to watch the game. Prospective members got a chance to see what it's like to be a Texas Spirit and support all UT sports. The Longhorns dominated the Horned Frogs beating TCU 60-43!

Prospective Service Project: Waller Creek Cleanup

After being rained out last semester, prospective members and active Spirits returned to downtown Austin, Saturday, February 2, to clean up Waller Creek. Girls came dressed in their rain boots and work clothes ready to get down and dirty and give Waller Creek the attention it deserved.

It was awesome seeing the prospectives jump right in (literally). Girls with rain boots were crossing through the water to pick up trash on the other side of the creek. Some girls were even carrying other girls on their backs, if they did not have rain boots, in order to get across! Talk about team work. Everybody was having such a great time taking care of Waller Creek that even Rufus, Jules Bunch's dog, wanted to help out!

But no service project is complete without a lesson being learned. Sheena Mohebalian taught us all the importance of looking before you pick up trash with your hands. Thanks Sheena!

Anytime a large group of girls as beautiful and energetic as Texas Spirits get together to improve the Austin community, it does not go unnoticed. We couldn't have had a better group of girls, prospectives and actives alike, representing us. Thank you to the Waller Creek Conservancy for allowing us to do our part in beautifying Austin and a big thanks to all the prospectives who showed up and helped. There's nothing better than talking and laughing while at the same time serving your community with some of your best friends.