Time is flying by! It is already the 4th week of a 14 week semester. WOW! I have been here for over a month now and it feels like move-in day was just yesterday. A lot has happened over the past few weeks. I have begun my second year in school, met some AMAZING friends, and have planned and carried out programs for a group of 40 wonderful people (a.k.a. my residents, better known as my friends). We have participated in many things and accomplished a lot already. The academic year is now in full swing, with my first quizzes and tests approaching. The fall colors are appearing and the crisp air has set in. Let's take a look at the last snippet of my fast-moving story...
Last Sunday we had two frisbockey games scheduled, both of which ended in the other teams forfeiting due to not having enough players show up. That was slightly disappointing, but we played for fun anyway. Sunday night I went to church (frisbockey in the morning) and we had Chris Hohnholt from the FRES Dept. come in to talk with residents about jobs in the department and getting involved in research.
This while past week has been rainy, and last no day escaped the wetness. Most days it rained in the morning, and then remained cloudy in the afternoons. This was nice because I have outdoor labs on Monday and Thursday afternoons. The temperature has also significantly changed. It is now generally a high of 55F and a low of around 38F.
On Monday I had a full day of classes and in the evening the FRES Dept. held a "Meet the Dean" event where the new dean of the Forestry Dept. talked to students and faculty about his vision for the Dept. There was pizza and it was an overall good presentation about where the school is headed in the future, including my remaining time here.
Tuesday was pretty boring. I had two evening meetings for reslife. One was to help take a look back on the training process and help on programming. The other was a weekly staff meeting.
Wednesday was an extremely busy day. I went from 8am-10pm, nonstop. Between a lab report, a paper, and WAM/USG meetings, my brain was in high gear. It was fun, near the end of my crazy day, to skype/call home and talk with Mary and Dad :)
Thursday was a fairly relaxing day. I turned in all the things I had been working on before. I also had my individual bi-meeting with my boss, which went well. Thursday evening I had an usher meeting at the church. Later that night a few of us gathered in my room and watched Despicable Me. It was a great evening with great friends.
Friday was quite relaxing, seeing as I had no class. I spend the day working on homework and odds-'n-ends. That afternoon I lead a program for my hall called a mushroom walk. I arranged to meet a professor from the FRES Dept. and have him show us different fungi and different characteristics. which are eatable, and which are poisonous.
This past weekend was also eventful. On Saturday a group of us went to watch the Parade of Nations. It is a parade which celebrates all of the different cultures at Michigan Tech. Afterward their is a festival in the Dee Stadium downtown where there is cultural food for sale. While most of my friends went up to the frisbockey games (which ended up being postponed) and the football game, a few of us went and got food for lunch. We then joined everyone to cheer Tech on in a victory! We ate lunch from Thailand, Mexico, Bangladesh, and India (just to name a few!). On Sunday I went to church and worked on homework.
This week has been fairly typical, if there is such a thing :) I had a quiz in Soil Science and gave a speech in Compositions. I also had a Statistics exam on Thursday. All went fairly well and I am pleased thus far! On Tuesday we had our first all reslife staff meeting. Wednesday I was able to skype home :) On Thursday for Forest Ecology lab we went to Twin Lakes, which was gorgeous! Thursday evening, after my exam, some friends and I walked downtown to the bridge and back. It was nice to let my brain clear after my exam. When we got back we watched Tangled.
Today was fairly relaxing. I had to finish up a Forest Ecology Lab Report from last week and finish a few odds n' ends. Tonight we are going to the animal shelter to walk dogs and pet cats.
This weekend will be fairly busy. Tomorrow I am helping with the Great Northern Adventure Race (GNAR) in the morning. In the afternoon I am attending a BBQ at the Vice President of Student Affairs' (Dr. Les Cook) house. Then in the evening there is a football game where we are trying to break the former record of number of people in our football stadium. We also have two frisbockey games.
The fall colors are spectacular at the moment and will be at peak sometime this week. I am looking forward to sharing all of my recent photos with you all and the ones of the fall colors! Have a wonderful weekend!
Love and Peace, Kyle
Friday, September 28, 2012
Saturday, September 15, 2012
Let the Good Times Roll!
Hello Family, Friends, and who ever else finds themselves reading my blog!
Welcome to Kyle's blog! For those of you who are new readers, this blog is a weekly (ish) posting of my doings and whatever that entails. Photos are in the link on the left and then categorized and sorted.
So, where did I leave off? Last Thursday we were just finishing the first week of classes. The first week went well. I changed up a few things, but have since gotten things straightened out.
Last Friday was a half-day. In the afternoon it was K-Day (Keweenaw Day). We all went out to McLain State Park to enjoy free food, visit tables of all the student organizations, and enjoy a day on the beach. We had wonderful weather to be at the beach and enjoyed the photo booth, swimming, and frisbee (among the more unusual, such as fencing!).
On Saturday we went to the football game on Sherman Field. We won 51-15! Lots of fun memories were made at this event :) Saturday evening we ordered pizza from dominoes because it was 50% off! (because of the football game).
On Sunday I went to church, we had house meeting, and we made laundry magnets after our meeting.
On Monday I had my full set of Monday classes, including my Soils Science Lab. We traveled south throughout the Keweenaw looking at different soil types and variations. Again, it is always nice to get off campus and explore, especially in such beautiful weather. Monday evening we went to the womens' soccer game at Sherman Field. They played our arch-rival, Northern Michigan University. We won 2-0! I know a few players on our team, so it was certainly fun to cheer them on. Also, a girl from my high school was there playing on Northern's team and another friend from high school was in the stands cheering. It was kinda fun to see them right here in Houghton. Many more fun memories occurred at this sporting event :)
On Tuesday we remembered the attacks on the Twin Towers, Pentagon, and the crash the occurred in PA. The 11th anniversary still conjures up many memories for everyone. I, too, will never forget that day in 3rd grade....Prayers will continue to go out to the victims and their family and friends as the anniversary is marked, year after year.
On Wednesday I had a full day of things to do. Preparing for the camping trip was heavily down on Wed. Wednesday evening I had my WAM and USG meetings. Wednesday night we had a practice fire drill. I got to put on my bright vest and use my light up baton :) Also Wed. evening, Jen arrived in Houghton! Jen was the RA of TreeHouse last year and is the fiance of my friend Dave. Jen came up to visit Dave (and see the rest of us, of course :)
On Thursday I was booked from 8am-10pm. I had many classes, a lab, and a few meetings. I had an Honors Institute Mtg. and a Frisbockey Meeting. We also had our first house movie night.
On Friday I had class from 8-10am and then I had the rest of the day to prepare for the camping trip. I paid the remainder of my student bill, dealt with the community recycling, went to Walmart to return refundable cans and buy food for the camp-out, and went to OAP to pick up all of the rented tents and sleeping bags (which there were a LOT of!). We were ready just in time and gathered at 5:30pm. We collected money, gathered all of our things, and packed up!
We took 6 cars and 26 people camping at Agate Beach, in Stanton Township, MI. We got there around 6:30pm and started a fire. Dinner was hot dogs over the fire and chips. We played frisbee, walked the beach, and witnessed a BEAUTIFUL sunset (see pics!). I really enjoyed bonding we my residents/friends :) We had s'mores for dessert. Some of us roasted potatoes, apples, and candy bars (butterfingers, crunch, etc.). We had lots of fun singing songs and telling stories. The camping trip as a whole was a wonderful bonding experience for everyone. We stayed up and star-gazed, which, in case you were wondering, is beautiful on a clear, dark night on Lake Superior.
This morning we all woke up at our own pace. We boiled water and had oatmeal and fruit. We enjoyed a small fire and packed up. We took our time and came back to campus around 11:30am. This afternoon we returned all the rented gear to OAP and I aired out my sleeping bag, tent, and blanket. I finished a little homework and then we went to eat dinner before our first frisbockey game. Frisbockey, for those who don't know, is a mix of Ultimate frisbee and and hockey (hence the name). You play Ultimate, with some variations, and then you have to get the frisbee in a net, like hockey. We played Excello this evening and lost 3-1. We tried hard and have two games tomorrow. As TreeHouse is known for, we take a fun and friendly approach to all competition and always act with good sportsmanship :)
Now I am here, uploading photos and writing this blog. I have more homework to do and paperwork to fill out. Tomorrow we have two frisbockey games, I am going to church, and I have homework to finish.
All and all the past week as been an amazing time getting to know new people and more about the ones I thought I knew before. I am excited for TreeHouse and the upcoming year and for classes. The camping trip (as camping normally does) cleared my mind, and has allowed me to re-enter campus with an open mind and willing attitude. The year ahead won't be easy, I know, but we must remember that oaks grow strong in contrary winds and that diamonds form under pressure.
Welcome to Kyle's blog! For those of you who are new readers, this blog is a weekly (ish) posting of my doings and whatever that entails. Photos are in the link on the left and then categorized and sorted.
So, where did I leave off? Last Thursday we were just finishing the first week of classes. The first week went well. I changed up a few things, but have since gotten things straightened out.
Last Friday was a half-day. In the afternoon it was K-Day (Keweenaw Day). We all went out to McLain State Park to enjoy free food, visit tables of all the student organizations, and enjoy a day on the beach. We had wonderful weather to be at the beach and enjoyed the photo booth, swimming, and frisbee (among the more unusual, such as fencing!).
On Saturday we went to the football game on Sherman Field. We won 51-15! Lots of fun memories were made at this event :) Saturday evening we ordered pizza from dominoes because it was 50% off! (because of the football game).
On Sunday I went to church, we had house meeting, and we made laundry magnets after our meeting.
On Monday I had my full set of Monday classes, including my Soils Science Lab. We traveled south throughout the Keweenaw looking at different soil types and variations. Again, it is always nice to get off campus and explore, especially in such beautiful weather. Monday evening we went to the womens' soccer game at Sherman Field. They played our arch-rival, Northern Michigan University. We won 2-0! I know a few players on our team, so it was certainly fun to cheer them on. Also, a girl from my high school was there playing on Northern's team and another friend from high school was in the stands cheering. It was kinda fun to see them right here in Houghton. Many more fun memories occurred at this sporting event :)
On Tuesday we remembered the attacks on the Twin Towers, Pentagon, and the crash the occurred in PA. The 11th anniversary still conjures up many memories for everyone. I, too, will never forget that day in 3rd grade....Prayers will continue to go out to the victims and their family and friends as the anniversary is marked, year after year.
On Wednesday I had a full day of things to do. Preparing for the camping trip was heavily down on Wed. Wednesday evening I had my WAM and USG meetings. Wednesday night we had a practice fire drill. I got to put on my bright vest and use my light up baton :) Also Wed. evening, Jen arrived in Houghton! Jen was the RA of TreeHouse last year and is the fiance of my friend Dave. Jen came up to visit Dave (and see the rest of us, of course :)
On Thursday I was booked from 8am-10pm. I had many classes, a lab, and a few meetings. I had an Honors Institute Mtg. and a Frisbockey Meeting. We also had our first house movie night.
On Friday I had class from 8-10am and then I had the rest of the day to prepare for the camping trip. I paid the remainder of my student bill, dealt with the community recycling, went to Walmart to return refundable cans and buy food for the camp-out, and went to OAP to pick up all of the rented tents and sleeping bags (which there were a LOT of!). We were ready just in time and gathered at 5:30pm. We collected money, gathered all of our things, and packed up!
We took 6 cars and 26 people camping at Agate Beach, in Stanton Township, MI. We got there around 6:30pm and started a fire. Dinner was hot dogs over the fire and chips. We played frisbee, walked the beach, and witnessed a BEAUTIFUL sunset (see pics!). I really enjoyed bonding we my residents/friends :) We had s'mores for dessert. Some of us roasted potatoes, apples, and candy bars (butterfingers, crunch, etc.). We had lots of fun singing songs and telling stories. The camping trip as a whole was a wonderful bonding experience for everyone. We stayed up and star-gazed, which, in case you were wondering, is beautiful on a clear, dark night on Lake Superior.
This morning we all woke up at our own pace. We boiled water and had oatmeal and fruit. We enjoyed a small fire and packed up. We took our time and came back to campus around 11:30am. This afternoon we returned all the rented gear to OAP and I aired out my sleeping bag, tent, and blanket. I finished a little homework and then we went to eat dinner before our first frisbockey game. Frisbockey, for those who don't know, is a mix of Ultimate frisbee and and hockey (hence the name). You play Ultimate, with some variations, and then you have to get the frisbee in a net, like hockey. We played Excello this evening and lost 3-1. We tried hard and have two games tomorrow. As TreeHouse is known for, we take a fun and friendly approach to all competition and always act with good sportsmanship :)
Now I am here, uploading photos and writing this blog. I have more homework to do and paperwork to fill out. Tomorrow we have two frisbockey games, I am going to church, and I have homework to finish.
All and all the past week as been an amazing time getting to know new people and more about the ones I thought I knew before. I am excited for TreeHouse and the upcoming year and for classes. The camping trip (as camping normally does) cleared my mind, and has allowed me to re-enter campus with an open mind and willing attitude. The year ahead won't be easy, I know, but we must remember that oaks grow strong in contrary winds and that diamonds form under pressure.
Thursday, September 6, 2012
3...2...1...GO!
The school year is upon us! September came out of nowhere and the school work started flowing. Before we get too far, let's take a few steps backwards in time.....
Last Friday I saw the illusionist, Craig Karges. I saw his performance last year as well and continue to be amazed. He was even able to pick up on the fact that my friend Anna was thinking of sheep...how weird!
On Saturday I walked downtown with many of my residents and participated in An Afternoon on the Town. We saw the different shops and stores of the Houghton area and got a few free things in the process :) It was a warm day, but spent with friends, it was bearable. Saturday evening a group of us went up to the football field, where Student Activities was showing the movie "Escanaba in the Moonlight." It was hilariously stupid :)
On Sunday a few of us went to church. After church we decided to go to the beach. We had planned on going up to Eagle Harbor area and Great Sand Bay, but that idea was tossed when we got to the car and it had a flat tire :( So, we put on the spare and we only went a short ways, to McLain State Park. We had a fabulous day playing on the beach. It was a wonderful way to relax before the school year started. See the pics! On Sunday evening we had our 2nd house meeting. We discussed rules and etiquette for living in close quarters.
Monday was labor day and the school held the annual schoolyard olympics. Houses compete in events such as sidewalk chalk drawings, tug-of-war, egg balance race, and water balloon toss, among others. We had fun playing outside for the majority of the day and bonding as a hall. Pictures coming soon! On Monday evening we had a baking program for TreeHouse. We made banana bread, bread pudding, and apple crisp. We also had a few residents make dishes of their own. It was great to have over 30 people participate (out of ~40). We all had a great time learning, teaching, and eating :)
Then, Tuesday arrived, as if it were Christmas morning. It was accompanied with one of those feelings where you aren't really sure it is happening until it hits you square in the face. It didn't really feel all that different than the past two weeks here, except now I had to go to class. Yikes! I almost forgot the whole reason I was here in the first place! After a wonderful wake-up call (reminding me that classes were starting), I have been doing well.
My classes this semester are as follows: World Cultures, Compositions, Forest Ecology (+ lab), Soil Science (+ lab), and Statistics. These total 18 credits.
All week there have been things going on for Welcome week, such as free binders, ice cream, and plants :)
On Tuesday I had my weekly staff meeting for HRL (Housing and Residential Life). On Wednesday I resumed having my WAM (Ways and Means Committee) and USG (Undergraduate Student Government) meetings.
Today I had my first lab for Forest Ecology. It felt nice to get out again and refresh on what we learned last year. I believe I am most excited for Forest Ecology, out of all my classes.
Just as this is a busy time of the year for me, I am sure it is for all of you too. Wishing you all the best on this beautiful September day!
In love and friendship, Kyle
Monday was labor day and the school held the annual schoolyard olympics. Houses compete in events such as sidewalk chalk drawings, tug-of-war, egg balance race, and water balloon toss, among others. We had fun playing outside for the majority of the day and bonding as a hall. Pictures coming soon! On Monday evening we had a baking program for TreeHouse. We made banana bread, bread pudding, and apple crisp. We also had a few residents make dishes of their own. It was great to have over 30 people participate (out of ~40). We all had a great time learning, teaching, and eating :)
Then, Tuesday arrived, as if it were Christmas morning. It was accompanied with one of those feelings where you aren't really sure it is happening until it hits you square in the face. It didn't really feel all that different than the past two weeks here, except now I had to go to class. Yikes! I almost forgot the whole reason I was here in the first place! After a wonderful wake-up call (reminding me that classes were starting), I have been doing well.
My classes this semester are as follows: World Cultures, Compositions, Forest Ecology (+ lab), Soil Science (+ lab), and Statistics. These total 18 credits.
All week there have been things going on for Welcome week, such as free binders, ice cream, and plants :)
On Tuesday I had my weekly staff meeting for HRL (Housing and Residential Life). On Wednesday I resumed having my WAM (Ways and Means Committee) and USG (Undergraduate Student Government) meetings.
Today I had my first lab for Forest Ecology. It felt nice to get out again and refresh on what we learned last year. I believe I am most excited for Forest Ecology, out of all my classes.
Just as this is a busy time of the year for me, I am sure it is for all of you too. Wishing you all the best on this beautiful September day!
In love and friendship, Kyle
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