So I am taking the LSATs on June 8 at the University of Memphis at noon. I signed up about two weeks ago, and got a study booklet, like the ones you get for the ACT and SAT. I had one for the ACT and I did better on it by studying from it, so I figured why not do the same thing. Well it seems like the more I study, the worse I'm getting. The points they make are helpful, but every time I do a practice set, I miss more than half. Now, it has been a while since I've had math, but that's not too good. Maybe I'm putting too much pressure on myself or something. I really like the logic games though. I think that's a plus. I also think I like them because they call them games. Lol. I've gone through 2 of the 4 sections, and I have reading comprehension and writing section left. Neither of which I'm worried about because reading comprehension is standard on all tests, and writing is writing. I'll have to argue a point of view, which I did all through college as well as growing up, thanks to my father who everytime I would say somethign at dinner made me explain why I thought that. :)
Anyways... I just needed to blow off some steam. Enjoy this logic game I am placing below. Have a good Memorial Weekend!
Eigth albums are to be played at a party. Two of the albums are country--G and H, three of the albums are dance--J, K, and L, and three of the albums are folk--M, N, and P. The two country albums are to be played consecutively, the three dance albums are to be played consecutively, and the three folk albums are to be played consecutively. The following conditions apply:
- Each album is played exactly once
- The dance albums are played after the country albums or after the folk albums, but not after both.
- Album N is played before album P and album G is played before album H.
- No two albums are played at the same time.
1. Which of the following statements must be false?
(a) Album G is played first.
(b) Album G is played seventh.
(c) Album H is played second.
(d) Album H is played seventh.
(e) Album M is played third.
2. Which of the following could be true?
(a) Album G is played second.
(b) Album G is played eighth.
(c) Album K is played first.
(d) Album N is played second.
(e) Album N is played third.
3. Which of the following CANNOT be an accurate list of the albums that are played second, third, and fourth?
(a) N, M, J
(b) P, M, J
(c) N, P, K
(d) H, J, K
(e) H, K, L
4. If album P is played immediately before album M, then which one of the following statements could be true?
(a) Album P is played first.
(b) Album P is played sixth.
(c) Album M is played third.
(d) Album M is played seventh.
(e) Album M is played second.
5. If albums K and N are played consecutively, but not necessarily in that order, which of the following statements must be false?
(a) Album N is played before album M.
(b) Album J is played before album L.
(c) Album L is played before album J.
(d) Album M is played before album H.
(e) Album G is played before album K.
*Answers posted this weekend.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Saturday, May 16, 2009
A Week Ago Today...
So a week ago today I graduated from college. I have been an alumnae (?) of the university of Evansville for 1 week and an alumnae of Phi Mu for 3 weeks. I spent the week before graduation contemplating packing, and then doing so. My bestest cousin in the world and her son came to see me on the Thursday before graduation. After we put him to bed Erin, my best friend Stephanie, and myself went out for a night on the town. We went to Rira's and Irish pub and then headed to Fast Eddy's where we saw a few of my sorority sisters. Although we didn't plan on staying out late, it was 2am before we left. :)
Friday Erin and Gavin watched me pack the rest of my stuff away. That night around dinner time my family got into town where I got the biggest surprise. My mom called me and said she forgot which dorm was mine so could I come outside, and as I walked into the parking lot wondering just how forgetful my mom was I saw some people get out of my dad's car. It looked like my dad, but taller, and I was thinking "no way". Apparently I did this stop/go walk and said "what the crap?" but I don't remember that. :) One of my Uncles and Aunts came all the way from England to see me graduate! I was shocked! It was a great surprise though.
Saturday was graduation day. I had to be there at 12:30 where they started lining us up 45 minutes before we walked in. Once I figured out around where I would stand I walked around and saw a lot of my friends and teachers. Got pictures taken. Then we could hear drums playing, and the lines inched up. Finally it was our turn to walk in. It was very surreal and exciting. Because of the Swine Flu epidemic we all had little bottles of purell sitting on our seats with our programs. Lol. The ceremony was about 3 hours. Our commencment speaker was also not very good. It was all doom and gloom, you are all doomed, you are graduting during a receesion, you will all fail. Apparently from the sudience you could see all the graduates open their programs when he started talking. I finally got my turn to walk across stage. :) Then I got to sit through the other 400 students! After graduation, I opened my presents... I got a new laptop! Yay! It's kind of what I wanted... a lot! Then we packed my parent's and Uncle's cars with the stuff I had packed. That night we went to an amazing Italian resturaunt called Biaggi's.
The next day we headed home. 5 hours and two car accidents later (ones Chels and I saw) we made it home, unloaded my car, and then had dinner. :) Uncle Stephen and Aunt Lynne spent the weekend exploring Memphis and the surrounding area. I unpacked my clothes and such on Monday and then spent the rest of the week speculating where everything else would go. I've also been studying for the LSAT and GRE which I am taking June 8 and June 15 respectively. Friday night we all went to Texas de Brazil, paid for by Uncle Stephen. Then we walked around Beale St and along the river to see BBQ fest. Mom, dad, and Chels went home, and I stayed downtown with Uncle Stephen and Lynne and had a drink. It was so much fun. Uncle Stephen and Lynne left this morning, which was followed by my dad telling me I should unpack, so I unpacked one full box and some odds and ends. Tonight mom and I went to see Angels and Demons. It was really good.
Now Begins the summer. I have some more unpacking to do. I'll be coaching the Rhodes summer swim team with my mom again as well as working part time at Texas Roadhouse. Since I was not part of the luck 25% (possibly less) of my class to get a job, I've decided to take June to just relax. When July hits I will start actively looking for a job again. Perferably in Chicago or St. Louis, but we'll see. I'm goign to try to go see some people this summer, so that'll be nice too. :) Have a great summer everyone!
Friday Erin and Gavin watched me pack the rest of my stuff away. That night around dinner time my family got into town where I got the biggest surprise. My mom called me and said she forgot which dorm was mine so could I come outside, and as I walked into the parking lot wondering just how forgetful my mom was I saw some people get out of my dad's car. It looked like my dad, but taller, and I was thinking "no way". Apparently I did this stop/go walk and said "what the crap?" but I don't remember that. :) One of my Uncles and Aunts came all the way from England to see me graduate! I was shocked! It was a great surprise though.
Saturday was graduation day. I had to be there at 12:30 where they started lining us up 45 minutes before we walked in. Once I figured out around where I would stand I walked around and saw a lot of my friends and teachers. Got pictures taken. Then we could hear drums playing, and the lines inched up. Finally it was our turn to walk in. It was very surreal and exciting. Because of the Swine Flu epidemic we all had little bottles of purell sitting on our seats with our programs. Lol. The ceremony was about 3 hours. Our commencment speaker was also not very good. It was all doom and gloom, you are all doomed, you are graduting during a receesion, you will all fail. Apparently from the sudience you could see all the graduates open their programs when he started talking. I finally got my turn to walk across stage. :) Then I got to sit through the other 400 students! After graduation, I opened my presents... I got a new laptop! Yay! It's kind of what I wanted... a lot! Then we packed my parent's and Uncle's cars with the stuff I had packed. That night we went to an amazing Italian resturaunt called Biaggi's.
The next day we headed home. 5 hours and two car accidents later (ones Chels and I saw) we made it home, unloaded my car, and then had dinner. :) Uncle Stephen and Aunt Lynne spent the weekend exploring Memphis and the surrounding area. I unpacked my clothes and such on Monday and then spent the rest of the week speculating where everything else would go. I've also been studying for the LSAT and GRE which I am taking June 8 and June 15 respectively. Friday night we all went to Texas de Brazil, paid for by Uncle Stephen. Then we walked around Beale St and along the river to see BBQ fest. Mom, dad, and Chels went home, and I stayed downtown with Uncle Stephen and Lynne and had a drink. It was so much fun. Uncle Stephen and Lynne left this morning, which was followed by my dad telling me I should unpack, so I unpacked one full box and some odds and ends. Tonight mom and I went to see Angels and Demons. It was really good.
Now Begins the summer. I have some more unpacking to do. I'll be coaching the Rhodes summer swim team with my mom again as well as working part time at Texas Roadhouse. Since I was not part of the luck 25% (possibly less) of my class to get a job, I've decided to take June to just relax. When July hits I will start actively looking for a job again. Perferably in Chicago or St. Louis, but we'll see. I'm goign to try to go see some people this summer, so that'll be nice too. :) Have a great summer everyone!
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
3 more days....
So I've decided keeping up with a blog is harder than I thought... I never have enough motivation or time to write. Oh well. This summer I'll have more time probably.
So speaking of this summer... it starts in 3 days. That's right... I am finally graduating college and I am gradating in 3 days... on Saturday. I will graduate with my B.S. in Communications and a minor in Business Administration, with honors. I'm almost positive I completed my goal of graduating Cum Lade. :-D Since the economy is not doing so good, it is really hard to find a job. I have decided to take the summer off, and have one last summer vacation. I'll work as a swim coach at Rhodes in the morning and work at Texas Roadhouse in the evenings.
I will be taking the LSATs and GRE come June. I won't necessarily use those, but it's good to have options. I'm also thinking about getting my teaching certificate. I wouldn't mind doing that (then I might be able to help with softball wherever I end up :)) I wouldn't be a teacher forever, but maybe for a few years. Who knows, mybe I would love it... like most of the rest of the family. :-P Let's see we have 8 I believe (I'm counting the mom's that home school). Although, law school has always interested me and I've been told I should be a lawyer for a long time, so who knows. I have to get past the LSATs for that one first (and from the little I've read, that test scares me!)
Well that's an update on my life. It's pretty simple. Finishing off softball this week. Btw, on that note, the Varsity beat Castle last night 3 to 2. Just to give you an idea of how cool that is. Castle is like the number one school in the state for pretty much every sport, especially softball. The last time Mater Dei beat Castle was many many many years ago. There was lots of cheering, jumping up and down, and horn honking when we got back to school. We decided to have practice today though to bring them back down from their high and get them focused on the game on Thursday.
Graduation on Saturday! Erin and Gavin will be here tomorrow and parents and sister will be here on Friday, and they're going to come watch my softball game! :) Sunday I will leave Evansville. It's very sad, but for the next few days I'll be packing and saying good-bye. I seriously don't think it'll hit me until next August, when I don't go back to school. We'll see. Have a great rest of the week everyone!
So speaking of this summer... it starts in 3 days. That's right... I am finally graduating college and I am gradating in 3 days... on Saturday. I will graduate with my B.S. in Communications and a minor in Business Administration, with honors. I'm almost positive I completed my goal of graduating Cum Lade. :-D Since the economy is not doing so good, it is really hard to find a job. I have decided to take the summer off, and have one last summer vacation. I'll work as a swim coach at Rhodes in the morning and work at Texas Roadhouse in the evenings.
I will be taking the LSATs and GRE come June. I won't necessarily use those, but it's good to have options. I'm also thinking about getting my teaching certificate. I wouldn't mind doing that (then I might be able to help with softball wherever I end up :)) I wouldn't be a teacher forever, but maybe for a few years. Who knows, mybe I would love it... like most of the rest of the family. :-P Let's see we have 8 I believe (I'm counting the mom's that home school). Although, law school has always interested me and I've been told I should be a lawyer for a long time, so who knows. I have to get past the LSATs for that one first (and from the little I've read, that test scares me!)
Well that's an update on my life. It's pretty simple. Finishing off softball this week. Btw, on that note, the Varsity beat Castle last night 3 to 2. Just to give you an idea of how cool that is. Castle is like the number one school in the state for pretty much every sport, especially softball. The last time Mater Dei beat Castle was many many many years ago. There was lots of cheering, jumping up and down, and horn honking when we got back to school. We decided to have practice today though to bring them back down from their high and get them focused on the game on Thursday.
Graduation on Saturday! Erin and Gavin will be here tomorrow and parents and sister will be here on Friday, and they're going to come watch my softball game! :) Sunday I will leave Evansville. It's very sad, but for the next few days I'll be packing and saying good-bye. I seriously don't think it'll hit me until next August, when I don't go back to school. We'll see. Have a great rest of the week everyone!
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Formal 2009
Amanda and IThis past weekend was my last formal. Formal is like a prom for my sorority. :) I had the best time ever. My friend Scott flew into take me (he's from Canada). He flew in Wednesday night and hung out with me and my roommates. for the weekend. Thursday night was Phi Mu's last Floor Hockey game for the season. We were in the championship game playing Guess Who (PT Majors). This was the third year we faced them in the championship, we lost the last two games, so we went in planning to win! *Btw, for those of you who remember, floor hockey is how I broke my ankle two years ago, and my parents freak out every time I tell them I'm still playing, LOL. (love you mom)* Scott, who plays goalie for his team up in Canada enjoyed the game, he said he was surprised how agressive we were for girls, especially since we weren't wearing any pads. We ended up losing in regulation time 2-0. We were not happy. One of the girl's parents (Victoria) live about a half hour away so they come to all of our IM games, basketball, volleyball, floor hockey, etc... Well the past couple games, including thi one, they brought snacks... water, capri sun, granola bars, cookies. It was just like being back in softball when I was younger and there was a list of who's turn it was to bring snacks after the game. :) I love her parents... I think that rocks. :) After the game amanda, jesse, scott, and I went back to the apartment and watched a few movies.
Scott, me, Amanda, JesseFriday was the day of formal, and Scott cooked dinner the four of us: bacon-wrapped scallops in garlic butter, ceaser salad, and mashed potatoes... mmmmm. :) As far as dates go, I obviously took Scott, Amanda took Jesse (her boyfriend), and Emily, my other roommate, tooke her 2 sisters (she's s triplet). I've never seen Emily mad, but she let one of here sisters "trim" here hair, and the sister took too uch off, and Emily was so pissed! Formal was amazing. We got our senior slide show. There was lots of dancing and pictures (all of which are up on Facebook). After formal a bunch of us went out to a local club for some more dancing, until like 3 am. So much fun.
Emily (in the middle) and her two sistersSaturday morning I had to get up and go to a softball game. I had to be there at 9:30 am. We won though. It was our first game of the season and we won 4 to 2! It was a really exciting game. There were some stupid mistakes by our team, but they made some great plays as well. That night Scott took me on a date. We went and played mini golf, we went ice skating, he took me to dinner at the Roadhouse, we went out to Rira's irish Pub, and then came back and watched Twilight. It was one of the best dates I've ever been on. :) Sunday we just laid around and watched movies all day. It was fun. Monday he left and I started getting back into my normal routine (of course not for long, since I leave for home on Wed. :-D).
Scott and IAll in all, that was a good last for me (last formal that is). We all had fun, and I think the pics prove that. I'll put some up here. I'm really ready to go home for a while though. It's been a while because I really don't count that day in February. Btw... Happy Easter Everyone!
Seniors!
My pledge class (minus half) PC '05!
Greek Family!Little-Little (Deirdre), me, and Little (Porsche)
Scott and Amanda
Me and Jesse
I'm not really sure... we did this last year, so we decided to do it again. :)32 days and counting
Can you believe it? I will graduate in 32 days! I can't believe it, so there's no way other people believe it! It's starting to get into the home stretch here. The grad invited have been sent out, and I'm starting to get e-mails about farewell parties and such. The communications farewell party is April 28 at noon. Phi Mu's Senior Send-Off is I believe the Saturday before that. We're coming to the point where all my projects are beginning to be due. My senior sem project is due in two weeks... that's when we give our presentation. My mock trial will be in 2 weeks, my last set of commercials and my final video project are both due the last week of school (so about 3 weeks). I'm past the freaking out stage and to the point where I've decided it's not worth my time to freak. I'm still nervous, but I think I'm finally to the point where I'm just gonna let what happens happen. I'm leaving tomorrow night to go home for Easter Break... I'll get about 5 days at home (it's like another SB) and I plan to get caught up on some reading, and just in general relax before the big push for the last 3 weeks of school. When I come back from break, that week is Greek Week and the week ends in Sunset concert, which I'm volunteering for, and Bike Race on Saturday, Softball goes to about 3 or 4 games a week, IM softball begins, and as far as Phi Mu things go, we've got sisterhood retreat, 3D, passdown, our last formal meeting, and an initiation. Also, there's a couple of us planning on roadtripping down to Memphis the first weekend in May for Music Fest weekend. It look slike a busy last month of school, and it is, which is kind of bad because that means it'll fly by. Oh well... I plan to enjoy it while it lasts! :-D
Friday, March 27, 2009
Some random thoughts....
So i'm in a contemplative mood today. I've got two more shifts at the Roadhouse (at least for now) and i have some thoughts on people going out to eat, and some observances. First of all, and the big one... If you don't have the money to tip your server at least 15% then don't go out to eat. The old saying, Servers live and die by their tips is true. I make $2.13 an hour, I work about 21 hours a week, which should equal $84 every two weeks, but I claim my tips at the end of the night, and the governement takes taxes out of my paycheck for those. usually my paychecks are between $4 and $7.
Wednesday I got $8 on $96 and $0 on $27. I believe myself to be a pretty good server. I feel like I'm attentive, sometimes I'm scatterbrained and will occassionally forget something that a customer asks me for, but they usually remind me, I apologize, and I get it right away. I once got a crappy tip becuase the customer had to ask for a refill. I had three other tables, and because they had to ask me for a refill (at the end of their meal, after they were done, I might add) they only gave me like 5%. People who demand perfection of their servers will usually get disappointed. I try my hardest to be the best for my customers because ultimately they decide my future, which is a scary thought. Your livelihood depends on complete strangers and you being nice to them. I think that is kind of a lesson for life. The golden rule at it's finest, treat others as you would want to be treated.
How people treat their servers. That's a different story all together. I have my share of fun and nice customers. For example, last night a man and his wife came in and we kind of laughed and joked around, and when i ran his credit card I looked at the name (I try and call people by their names when I return their card, if i can pronounce it). His name was John Johns. When I asked him about it, he started laughing, which made me and his wife laugh. It was a good way to end the night, with a good laugh.
Also, last week, I had 4 guys come in from Louisville, they were in town on business, Jerry, Joey, Mike, and I forget the 4th. Anyways, They came in right as I got closed, so when I got done with my cloisng stuff (and even during) I just chatted with them. Well this week, they came in again, and I saw them as I was checking out, so After I clocked out I went over to say hey, and they were like, can we buy you a beer? so I chatted with them again. They came in again last night, also, right as I got off, so I sat and chatted with them. Customers like that, who are fun to hang with are so cool.
But what goes around comes around, and every once in a while you get those customers who you just want to strangle. You get those people who come in and think they are better than you because you are serving them. There's a saying in the industry, if you get a compliment, then you get a cheap tip. There are exceptions to the rule, but usually if someone is like, oh you were a great server we loved you, etc... they give you 10% or less, it's like they believe the compliment is part of your tip, or they feel guilty because they can't really tip that much. Then you get the people who hardley talk to you. Before you even greet them, they're already telling you what they want to drink and eat, or they're on the phone holding up a finger. If you go out to eat, stay off your phone... that's just as rude as talking on the phone at the dinner table at home!
My biggest pet peeve, although I don't get this as much in Evansville as I did in Memphis, but it still does happen every once in a while, happen during Sunday morning shifts. Now, I am a Christian, I have been all my life. At Texas Roadhouse, you have to be able to work a Sunday shift, either morning or afternoon, because no one wants to work them. Well I can't work the nigth shift, so I work the morning shift. Family, I love you, and I don't mean this to be offensive or mean in anyway, but churchgoers are the WORST cumtomers to have! I would say about 9 out of 10 churchgoers are 10% tippers, act like they're better than everyone else, and leave you little pamphlets that say "have you found God?" I'm sorry, but just because I work Sunday mornings does not mean I am a horrible person. Like I said, i don't get that as much in Evansville as I did in Memphis. In Memphis, you'd be lucky to walk out of a Sunday shift (morning or night) with more than $30 and less than 4 flyers. In Evansville, I can usually walk out of the morning shift with at least $50 and no flyers, so that's nice.
Those are just some of my thoughts on serving. Things I've noticed and stuff. I have a lot more as well actually, but I think I'll leave those for another day. Have a great Friday!
Wednesday I got $8 on $96 and $0 on $27. I believe myself to be a pretty good server. I feel like I'm attentive, sometimes I'm scatterbrained and will occassionally forget something that a customer asks me for, but they usually remind me, I apologize, and I get it right away. I once got a crappy tip becuase the customer had to ask for a refill. I had three other tables, and because they had to ask me for a refill (at the end of their meal, after they were done, I might add) they only gave me like 5%. People who demand perfection of their servers will usually get disappointed. I try my hardest to be the best for my customers because ultimately they decide my future, which is a scary thought. Your livelihood depends on complete strangers and you being nice to them. I think that is kind of a lesson for life. The golden rule at it's finest, treat others as you would want to be treated.
How people treat their servers. That's a different story all together. I have my share of fun and nice customers. For example, last night a man and his wife came in and we kind of laughed and joked around, and when i ran his credit card I looked at the name (I try and call people by their names when I return their card, if i can pronounce it). His name was John Johns. When I asked him about it, he started laughing, which made me and his wife laugh. It was a good way to end the night, with a good laugh.
Also, last week, I had 4 guys come in from Louisville, they were in town on business, Jerry, Joey, Mike, and I forget the 4th. Anyways, They came in right as I got closed, so when I got done with my cloisng stuff (and even during) I just chatted with them. Well this week, they came in again, and I saw them as I was checking out, so After I clocked out I went over to say hey, and they were like, can we buy you a beer? so I chatted with them again. They came in again last night, also, right as I got off, so I sat and chatted with them. Customers like that, who are fun to hang with are so cool.
But what goes around comes around, and every once in a while you get those customers who you just want to strangle. You get those people who come in and think they are better than you because you are serving them. There's a saying in the industry, if you get a compliment, then you get a cheap tip. There are exceptions to the rule, but usually if someone is like, oh you were a great server we loved you, etc... they give you 10% or less, it's like they believe the compliment is part of your tip, or they feel guilty because they can't really tip that much. Then you get the people who hardley talk to you. Before you even greet them, they're already telling you what they want to drink and eat, or they're on the phone holding up a finger. If you go out to eat, stay off your phone... that's just as rude as talking on the phone at the dinner table at home!
My biggest pet peeve, although I don't get this as much in Evansville as I did in Memphis, but it still does happen every once in a while, happen during Sunday morning shifts. Now, I am a Christian, I have been all my life. At Texas Roadhouse, you have to be able to work a Sunday shift, either morning or afternoon, because no one wants to work them. Well I can't work the nigth shift, so I work the morning shift. Family, I love you, and I don't mean this to be offensive or mean in anyway, but churchgoers are the WORST cumtomers to have! I would say about 9 out of 10 churchgoers are 10% tippers, act like they're better than everyone else, and leave you little pamphlets that say "have you found God?" I'm sorry, but just because I work Sunday mornings does not mean I am a horrible person. Like I said, i don't get that as much in Evansville as I did in Memphis. In Memphis, you'd be lucky to walk out of a Sunday shift (morning or night) with more than $30 and less than 4 flyers. In Evansville, I can usually walk out of the morning shift with at least $50 and no flyers, so that's nice.
Those are just some of my thoughts on serving. Things I've noticed and stuff. I have a lot more as well actually, but I think I'll leave those for another day. Have a great Friday!
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
retreat and stuff
So anyone who knows me, knows that softball is my favorite thing the entire world. When I was in my wreck and couldn't play anymore it literally tore my heart in two. I was miserable. When I came to college, and I found out there was a softball intramural, I of course wanted to play. i was kind of nervous because I hadn't thrown since my junior year, but I was able to throw the ball, not very well (obviously 2 years of not doing it will do that to you). I was so excited. The next year I wasn't able to play b/c I broke my ankle playing floor hockey. I was so mad. I told people to let me be catcher. I didn't have to run around for that, but apparently that's not allowed. Lol.
The reason I tell that story is because, now I can tell this story. Last year, when I was on executive board of my sorority, i found out that our chapter adviser was head coach of a local high school softball team. It was going to be her first year. I really wanted to see if I could help out, so I finally got up the courage to ask if she needed any help. The answer was yes! I got to be an assistant coach for Mater Dei High School Softball team. I got to coach first in JV games, and I had a blast. It was weird thought, because I was still pretty young, and I was used to playing, never coaching. I didn't speak up very much, just kind of observed. I knew all the players, but they didn't really know me. I had so much fun seeing this team do well though. The year before they had only won like 6 games. The won 15 games last year.
This year, I had planned to do it again, and so when Shelly asked, I was all over it. I did have to work this semester, so i couldn't attend all the practices. I attended maybe 2 a week starting in February. My last day at work is this Sunday, and after that I will be able to make most practices and games. We started practicing outside after I got back from Spring Break. That's when I met the other coaches. There's Shelly (who I already knew) the head Coach, Bill, the Assistant Varsity coach, Kyle, the head JV coach, and me, the assistant JV coach. This basically means I'm the lowest of the coaches, but I'm still a coach, so I don't care
This week is Mater Dei's Spring Break, and so they had a softball retreat. We went to Camp Ondessank in Ozark, IL and did some low ropes stuff and then stayed the night. We left around 9 am on Monday (I got to drive a huge van, it was like an 15 passenger with some seats missing, it was so weird), and got there a little before 11. We ate some lunch (PB&J and chips), then we headed out to the course. The first element they did was they all stood on a log and had to switch places so the weren't standing next to the same people. You couldn't touch the ground or else you had to start over. They got that pretty quickly. Next we moved to the wheel. They had to get everyone over a wheel (which turned) that was about 5 feet off the ground, and they had to stay connected the entire time. If they got disconnected, they had to start over. This one took a while for them to get. At one point we made them stop, and talk it out so everyone was on the same page. After that, they got it. It still took a while for them to do it, but they did it.
The last element the did was fun to watch. They had to get across a wire, that was about 6 in off the ground using only ropes hanging down, and once a rope was touched, it had to be continuously touched or else they would lose it. This one took a while as well, but only because people kept falling off, and they had to start over. Also, the juniors and seniors weren't allowed to talk during this time. After that, they sat in a circle and discussed the things they did that day and what they learned. Apparently last year they didn't get as much out of it, too many leaders and not enough people to step back. This year they enjoyed it a lot more.
After that we went back to the cabins, which they call tree houses. There's a picture below, but it's a cabin on stilts with one wall missing. It was interesting. Not what I was expecting at all. Of course the beds were very uncomfortable, so I didn't sleep that well, but it was great being outdoors. :) We had a campfire that night where we listened to stories, sang some songs (or therefore attempted to), and ate foil burgers, made s'mores, and roasted peeps. Lol. Of course the girls were up most of the night, and we left the next morning. Oh, and within the first 15 minutes of being there, one of girls got hurt. Kim Butts, one of our catchers, who is probably already out half the season because she is having rotater cuff issues. Anyways, she tripped (and not even overly tripped, she just kinda went down on one knee) and about 5 minutes later she came over and was like, I'm bleeding. Her leg was covered in blood, and she had a huge gash in her knee. It was so deep, it didn't bleed that much. She got to go to the hospital with Shelly and get internal and external stitches. So she had a good retreat.
I'm really excited about this season. We have a small team (only 19, minus two players, one for injury, one for grades, and so we're down to 17) so we probably won't be able to play a full JV schedule which stinks for the freshmen. Our first game is April 4, a week from Saturday (the morning after Phi Mu's formal) so that should be fun. Anyways, here's some pics form the retreat. Enjoy.
The reason I tell that story is because, now I can tell this story. Last year, when I was on executive board of my sorority, i found out that our chapter adviser was head coach of a local high school softball team. It was going to be her first year. I really wanted to see if I could help out, so I finally got up the courage to ask if she needed any help. The answer was yes! I got to be an assistant coach for Mater Dei High School Softball team. I got to coach first in JV games, and I had a blast. It was weird thought, because I was still pretty young, and I was used to playing, never coaching. I didn't speak up very much, just kind of observed. I knew all the players, but they didn't really know me. I had so much fun seeing this team do well though. The year before they had only won like 6 games. The won 15 games last year.
This year, I had planned to do it again, and so when Shelly asked, I was all over it. I did have to work this semester, so i couldn't attend all the practices. I attended maybe 2 a week starting in February. My last day at work is this Sunday, and after that I will be able to make most practices and games. We started practicing outside after I got back from Spring Break. That's when I met the other coaches. There's Shelly (who I already knew) the head Coach, Bill, the Assistant Varsity coach, Kyle, the head JV coach, and me, the assistant JV coach. This basically means I'm the lowest of the coaches, but I'm still a coach, so I don't care
This week is Mater Dei's Spring Break, and so they had a softball retreat. We went to Camp Ondessank in Ozark, IL and did some low ropes stuff and then stayed the night. We left around 9 am on Monday (I got to drive a huge van, it was like an 15 passenger with some seats missing, it was so weird), and got there a little before 11. We ate some lunch (PB&J and chips), then we headed out to the course. The first element they did was they all stood on a log and had to switch places so the weren't standing next to the same people. You couldn't touch the ground or else you had to start over. They got that pretty quickly. Next we moved to the wheel. They had to get everyone over a wheel (which turned) that was about 5 feet off the ground, and they had to stay connected the entire time. If they got disconnected, they had to start over. This one took a while for them to get. At one point we made them stop, and talk it out so everyone was on the same page. After that, they got it. It still took a while for them to do it, but they did it.
The last element the did was fun to watch. They had to get across a wire, that was about 6 in off the ground using only ropes hanging down, and once a rope was touched, it had to be continuously touched or else they would lose it. This one took a while as well, but only because people kept falling off, and they had to start over. Also, the juniors and seniors weren't allowed to talk during this time. After that, they sat in a circle and discussed the things they did that day and what they learned. Apparently last year they didn't get as much out of it, too many leaders and not enough people to step back. This year they enjoyed it a lot more.
After that we went back to the cabins, which they call tree houses. There's a picture below, but it's a cabin on stilts with one wall missing. It was interesting. Not what I was expecting at all. Of course the beds were very uncomfortable, so I didn't sleep that well, but it was great being outdoors. :) We had a campfire that night where we listened to stories, sang some songs (or therefore attempted to), and ate foil burgers, made s'mores, and roasted peeps. Lol. Of course the girls were up most of the night, and we left the next morning. Oh, and within the first 15 minutes of being there, one of girls got hurt. Kim Butts, one of our catchers, who is probably already out half the season because she is having rotater cuff issues. Anyways, she tripped (and not even overly tripped, she just kinda went down on one knee) and about 5 minutes later she came over and was like, I'm bleeding. Her leg was covered in blood, and she had a huge gash in her knee. It was so deep, it didn't bleed that much. She got to go to the hospital with Shelly and get internal and external stitches. So she had a good retreat.
I'm really excited about this season. We have a small team (only 19, minus two players, one for injury, one for grades, and so we're down to 17) so we probably won't be able to play a full JV schedule which stinks for the freshmen. Our first game is April 4, a week from Saturday (the morning after Phi Mu's formal) so that should be fun. Anyways, here's some pics form the retreat. Enjoy.
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