These are the Days...

Hello Everyone!

I know, I know, it has been 20 days since the last post. Looks like my new years resolution is already broken :) Also, before I go too far, be sure to check out http://kyleyarusso.com if you haven't already! Here's the low-down on the last three weeks!

I enjoyed the first full week of January at home. I got a lot of things done that I have been needing and waiting to do for quite some time. I got my haircut, had a dentist appointment, ran errands, worked on photo projects, and spent time reading. I also helped both of my grandmas with using their new ipads, which they are hopefully reading this on :) It was a pretty relaxing week overall. I also went over and spent time with the Logans, which is always fun. On the Friday before returning we had a nice family get-together with the Millers, eating at Donatelli's and playing board games. Early on Saturday Jan 12th my friends Sophia and Adam met at my house and Sophia's parents graciously drove us back to Tech. It was nice to be back in Houghton, and best of all, see friends. On Sunday I went to church and then I had Staff Training in the afternoon. We had a few meetings and then went bowling  and ate food at the Mineshaft. It was really great to be back and spend time with each other as staff. PS - I bowled a 144! Sunday evening we had  mandatory hall meeting. I will also mention that my Grandma Yarusso was in the hospital for intestinal blockage soon after getting back to Florida after Christmas. She had surgery and is recovering at her home in FL. Please pray for speedy recovery.

The first week of classes went well. My classes are as follows; Intro to GIS (Geographical Information Systems), Biometrics and Data Analysis, Institutions, US Environmental History, and Orientation to Legal Careers. GIS is a software program that allows you to work with maps, similar to google maps & google earth, for environmental purposes. Biometrics is applying statistics to ecology related jobs and is a very practical course. Institutions looks at the formation and existence of institutions and is a pure social science class. US Environmental History is just as it sounds :) Orientation to Legal Careers is an intro to law course and we are learning about court cases and how to apply to law school. All in all, my classes seem to be going well thus far!

In the non-academic world lots of things are in the works. Winter Carnival month-long statues are underway and things are starting to form around campus. Also, special events for Winter Carnival are starting, with sign-ups complete and TreeHouse signed up to participate in a lot of fun activities, including curling, ice bowling, ice fishing, skiing, snowboarding, broomball tournament, snow volleyball, and human dogsled. Should be interesting!

And, it wouldn't be a complete blog without mentioning broomball! The first Friday back we had our first broomball game and we won 4-0! The team played great and I am looking forward to a good season. TreeHouse has three teams, the Whomping Willows (that's the team I'm on), Team Tsuga, and The Honey Badgers. Be sure to follow us all! Last Friday there was also a coffeehouse, which was great as usual.

Last Saturday was a relaxing day. I enjoyed a morning workout, watched some broomball, did some homework and went to a hockey game. Unfortunately the Huskies tied Bemidji State, 2-2. Better then a loss I guess! Sunday I went to church and then bummed around town with friends. Our afternoon shenanigans included Walmart, McDonalds, Swifts Hardware, The Surplus Outlet, Down Wind Sports, and Dunhams. When we returned we went to the gym and I ran my longest (in a while) consecutive distance of just over 6 miles. I also ran my fastest mile in a while at 6min 35sec. That evening I had a great time hanging out with friends. Sunday evening I went to a perspective staff gathering where I answered questions regarding the job and role of a Program Assistant and helped fellow students decide if they should apply to become one.

Up to this point I have failed to mention the three feet of snow on the ground or the extremely cold temperatures :) Yes folks, except for one day, it has been snowing since the Saturday I got back after break. We have had over two feet fall since then, accumulating to over three feet of snow on the ground! It truly is a winter wonderland up here and we are certainly using it to our advantage. Snowboarding, Skiing, snowshoeing, snowmen, and snowball fights are in our daily conversations. On Monday, MLK day (which we had off) we went sledding! It was well below zero and the wind chills were flirting with minus 30 degrees F! But, we braved the cold and went anyway. We had a great time!

This past week has been busy. Tuesday I had a full day of class and then broomball! Unfortunately we lost. But, you win some and you lose some. Wednesday was busy with classes, an interview for working for residential life next year, and meetings. Although I won't be on campus in the fall I am still applying to work for housing and res. life for next year. If an RA or PA leaves half way through next year I would like the opportunity to replace them. In order to do that I have to go through the hiring process now. Thursday was more relaxing. Thursday night I went running and then some friends and I ordered pizza and it was movie night. Yesterday was also fairly laid back. I did some homework, went to the game room and played air hockey and ping pong, and went to see a comedian, Pete Lee. He was pretty funny! It was a good way to end the week. Today looks to be pretty good. Doing homework this morning, possibly snowshoeing this afternoon, and broomball games tonight!

I truly hope all is well wherever you find yourself this Saturday morning. Wishing you a happy day and wonderful week!