Monday, November 30, 2009
KHOP IS HERE!
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Happy Mid-November!
The food in the cafeteria has gotten tiring. We're running somewhat low on Bevo Bucks and we're trying to budget ourselves because we've been spending too much. Or maybe that's not that case with you. If not, then I salute you. But if you're in this boat as well, I think the only thing we can do is rejoice and sing I'm on a Boat with the help of Andy Samberg and T-Pain. Maybe not so much rejoicing, but that's about all we can do at this point.
Let me assure you, you're not alone. I know it's not much of a consolation because it doesn't make the time go by any faster. Here's a couple of things I can suggest. You can take my suggestions into consideration or not. It's completely up to you. Here's a couple of de-stressers. Some of them are kind of silly-sounding, but whatevs.
- Do a pantry swap: if you're tired of the food that's in your closet, on your shelves, or stored in the drawers under your bed, see if any of your other friends are tired of theirs. Maybe they're tired of Mac and Cheese and you're tired of Chicken flavored Maruchan (ramen for those of you who don't live in a dorm room or for those of you who live under a rock). You might be surprised to find some foods that you like. Best of all, you won't dip into your dine in dollars or spend money on groceries.
- Color okay, so this one is kind of lame, but coloring actually helps to relieve stress. This may be complete b/s, but I think that it's so stress relieving because we like to control things in our environment, but as college students, we quickly learn that we can only control so much. So, coloring helps us keep order (staying in the lines, deciding what colors to use, shading, etc.). Okay so maybe that's a little farfetched, but it's fun and it's not really expensive to do. You can find coloring books for a dollar or two and a 64-pack of Crayola crayons (WITH the sharpener) will run you about 2.99 (not that I bought one last time I went to Target or anything).
- Movie Night Okay, so we all love movies. Here's a really cheap and fun way to spend an evening or just a few hours if you have time to kill. We have a buttload of movies up front at the desk. They're yours for a day with the swipe of an ID card. It's pretty magical, actually. Here's a spin on a classic movie night that will shake things up. Go to the desk and grab a movie (or if you happen to own a blockbuster on your bookshelf, take one of your favorites). Grab some friends and some headphones or a headphone splitter. if you've got portable speakers, I'd take that. Find a quiet spot on campus. Maybe try the turtle pond, the south mall, or hang out on the steps of the tower. It's better if it's later. Bring your laptop, pop in your movie, and bring some snacks if you wish. If done right, you'll have a pretty good time. It beats watching a movie on 2nd and a half, if you ask me.
- Frisbee they're really cheap, but really fun... and if you're not coordinated, then it's really funny to watch and/or attempt to play. Though it's a little intimidating to play on the South Mall in front of the tower, it's worth a shot. If you don't want to make a fool of yourself, you can try one of the parks near campus. There's a park off of whitis avenue kind of by the Villas. It's called Adams Park. It's by no means anything fancy, but it's kind of nice to just relax there. You'll find shirtless guys playing basketball on occasion, you can hear the kids playing on the playground at the school nearby, you can swing on the swingset or just chill with your friends. It's kind of nice on a cool afternoon.
- Sundeck okay, so we have a sundeck. I don't know how many of you have been up there. It's nothing fancy, but it's pretty nice. It's kind of relaxing on colder days. You get a cup of tea or coffee from Kin's Market, head up to the sun deck, have a seat, relax and maybe do some studying. There's patio furniture so you can work on your laptop. There's wi-fi there too. It's also a great spot to do some reading--away from distractions. It's pretty low-traffic and it's a good alternative to that TV room when all of the bookworms invade the study rooms. You know who I'm talkin' about.
- Board games we have a bunch up front at the desk. There's Taboo, Candyland, and Monopoly just to name a few. It's really fun to just chill out with your friends. It's less than cheap because it's FREE...and you can play for as little or as long as you'd like. You can play in teams, against a friend, or on your own, we won't judge.
Okay, so those are a few suggestions on what to do if you're low on cash, bored, or running out of groceries. I know I've been pretty bad about updating this thing and I apologize for that because it's my job to update this thing. So, from now on, you will be hearing from me more often. Good luck on your midterms!
Until I post again,
Karynna
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Been a while!
If you don't want to pass out candy but you'd still like to participate, there are plenty of other things you could do. Talk to your RA about wing decorating or decorating your door. The cutest door gets a special prize. More details soon. If you're not the most artsy fartsy person, that's totally okay. There will be a carnival in the north lounge at 6pm. If you'd like to volunteer with the cupcake walk, colouring, face painting, tattoos, ring toss, or haunted house making, you're more than welcome to stop by. If you plan on volunteering, set up begins at 5pm in the North Lounge!
Have a great one,
Karynna
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Congratulations to our New Officers!
Historian: Amanda (Mandie) Medina
Social Chair: Karynna Garcia
Treasurer: Julia Tamsma
Eco Rep: Kelsey Park
There is still an opening for Committee Chair. If you are interested, please submit the following information to kinsRHC@gmail.com: Name, UT EID, Major, Classification. Leadership Experience. Major goals for KRHC. Ideas for KRHC. Please submit this information by Monday, September 21st.
Also, if you are interested in becoming a more active member of the Kinsolving community, talk to your RA about becoming a wing representative. A wing representative (commonly referred to as a wing-rep) is a person who voices the opinions and/or concerns of their respective wing. A wing-rep also gets to vote on legislation regarding programs and events. It's a great way to start building up your college résumé! (Because being president of your high school Latin Club doesn't really count much anymore). Anyway, it's a great opportunity to get to know the people around you in the dorm. It's a great résumé starter. It looks great on an RA application (if you're considering becoming an RA). And it's a way to get you to open up. Everybody wins. There are also many incentives, but I'll save that for a later occasion.
Ki-week Update
Saturday, September 12, 2009
What is KRHC?
What We Do. The mission of the Kinsolving Residence Hall Council, known informally as KRHC, is to promote interest and involvement in the Kinsolving Residence Hall. Our involvement contributes to a stronger sense of community among residents. KRHC exists to support Resident Assistants, sponsor social and community activities, and coordinate with our parent organization, University Residence Hall Association, known informally as URHA, as well as manage hall expenses. In addition, we foster fun and spirit in the hall through programs for residents.
When and Where We Meet. Meetings are held every other Tuesday at 8pm in the Multi Purpose Room on the 2 ½ floor. If the location of the meeting changes, we will give plenty of prior notice.
How to Reach Us. Come to a KRHC meeting. Or, if it’s more urgent, email your concerns to KinsRHC@gmail.com
Thursday, September 10, 2009
IT'S GOOD TO BE BACK!
Okay so what the heck is Ki-week? I'm glad you asked!
Ki-week: (('kē-wēk))a week-long extravaganza brought to you by your RAs and KRHC. Every night there will be a fun event put on.
Sunday [09.13.09]---Know your Neighbor!
Enjoy a couple of rounds of speed friending with small snacks and refreshments. It’s a great way to meet new people in the Kinsolving community and meet lunch pals (for those of you who hate eating alone at the cafeteria in between classes). Come join the food, fun, and friendship! ;-)
Monday [09.14.09]--- iPhoto
Fill up those empty frames and decorate your bed shelf. Add more life to your room! Come decorate frames and pose for pictures with your roommate and/or best buds! Props for photos will be provided.
Tuesday [09.15.09]--- Wake Up, Kiwis!
Tired of cramming for that quiz tomorrow? Need a study break? Come join us for a late night pancake breakfast sponsored by your friendly neighborhood KRHC. Even if you’re doing absolutely nothing, come in your PJs and pick up your fluffy golden stack of deliciousness!
Wednesday [09.16.09]--- iSing
Like Cake Boss? Ace of Cakes? Be your own cupcake boss or Ace of Cupcakes and decorate your own. While you’re at it, join in singing your favorite tunes at Karaoke!
Thursday [09.17.09]--- S’mores & the City
Come make s’mores and watch the Sex & the City movie! Graham crackers, chocolate, marshmallows, and shoes!
Alright, second order of business: ELECTIONS.
Officer Positions Currently Open:
Treasurer, Historian, Eco-Rep, and Social Chair
Interested? Send an email to kinsrhc@gmail.com with the following:
-Name, Classification, major, UT EID, position of interest.
Please also include the following information:
-Past leadership experience, reasons/goals for running for the position, new ideas for the kinsolving Residence Hall Council
Our election will be held on Tuesday, September 15 on the 2 ½ floor in the Multi Purpose Room at our general meeting. The meeting will be held at 8:00pm. We will be serving Pluckers’ famous chicken wings! Make sure you BYOC (bring your own cup). Refreshments are awfully hard to drink without a cup!
Friday, April 24, 2009
Kinsolving End of Year Banquet Awards!
We'll be having our "banquet" (just a small recognition event really) during our last KRHC meeting next Tuesday April 28 8PM. Instead of having it in the MPR as usual, it'll be downstairs at the North Lounge. Free food as always!
Categories are...
For RAs: Friendliest// Most Approachable// Most Memorable Event// Evil Genius// Cutest Door Signs// BAMF!
For Residents: Best Roomie// Contagious Smile Award// Funniest// Smartest-Jill Nye// Coziest/Coolest Room// Best Wing Rep// Well Dressed// Busy Bee
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
URHA OTY Awards
- Resident Assistant
- How has this RA contributed to the lives of his/her residents?
- What programming has this RA done?
- How has the RA been involved with URHA and RHC?
- What else would you like to add?
- Hall
- What programming has this Hall done? Social, Educational, Diversity, Community Service, etc?
- How have RAs and RHCs worked together?
- Describe residents’ involvement. Do they attend programs? Have they put on their own programs?
- What else would you like to add?
- Residence Hall Council
- What programming has the RHC done? Has it done co-programming with other halls/RAs? Social, Educational, Diversity, Community Service, etc?
- How has the RHC improved from the previous year?
- How has the RHC impacted residents?
- What else would you like to add?
- RHC Officer Non-Senator
- How has this officer contributed to their RHC/URHA?
- How has this officer contributed to the quality of life in their hall?
- What sets this officer apart?
- What else would you like to add?
- RHC Officer Senator
- How has this Senator been involved with URHA?
- How has this Senator led their RHC?
- How has this Senator improved the quality of life in their hall?
- What else would you like to add?
- Student (non-RHC/Senator/RA)
- How has this resident displayed dedication to their hall?
- What sort of contribution had this resident made to their community?
- How has this resident interacted with their RA, RHC and URHA? Does he/she help with or attend programs?
- What makes this resident stand out?
- What else would you like to add?
- FYE
- How has this first-year student impacted their residence hall?
- What has made this student stand out?
- What has this first year student learned that he/she could share with other first-years?
- How has this student worked with their RHC, RA and URHA?
- What else would you like to add?
- Advisor
- How has this advisor helped their RHC?
- How has this advisor been involved with URHA?
- What sort of activities has this advisor been involved with?
- How has this advisor helped lead their RHC officers?
- What has this advisor done that sets him/her apart?
- What else would you like to add?
- Programs (Educational, Social, Community Service)
- Describe the details of the program: Name, location, number of attendees
- How has this program impacted the lives of residents?
- What did residents take away from this program?
- What else would you like to add?
- Spotlight
- What has this person done that is above and beyond the call of duty?
- How has this person been involved with URHA?
- What sort of hall activities does this person participate in?
- How has this person improved the quality of residents’ lives?
- What else would you like to add?
send bids to urha.webmaster@gmail.com :)
Let's honor them during the next and final KRHC meeting for this year. April 27 Tuesday.
Nominate a Kins Girl under the following categories:
RA
-Friendliest
-Most Approachable
-Most Memorable Event
-Evil Genius
-Cutest Door signs
-BAMF
Residents
-Best Roomie
-Contagious Smile Award
-Funniest
-Smartest
-Best Roommate
-Smartest Jill Nye
-Coziest/Coolest Room (sneak picture)
-Best Wing Rep
-Well Dressed
-Busy Bee (most involved)
E-mail us at kinsrhc@gmail.com with the nominee's and your names and room numbers, a picture if possible (especially with the coziest/coolest room category) and a few sentences describing why she's so great. :)
Good Luck!
KRHC <3
Friday, April 3, 2009
Floating
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Writing Contest Voting
I just wanted to let you girls know that the writing contest voting will be up through this Sunday.
Please vote for your favorite entries! (Just write 'vote' as a comment to make it count!)
Thank you!
Saturday, March 28, 2009
2009-2010 Elections!
So it has been less than 2 months(?) since the last elections for Spring 09, and we're holding new ones again for next academic year. All positions are open: president, vice-president, treasurer, secretary, social coordinator, publicity chairs (2), historian and conservation leader.
All elected officers will be required to attend the University Residence Hall Association's New Officer Training on 5 April 2009, Sunday from 2-5pm. The newly elected president and vice-president will also begin serving their roles as Kinsolving's URHA Senators by attending the URHA Meetings of academic year 2008-2009 starting on April 6. This year, they are held every Monday 8:30PM at LLB 113.
Please bring your candidacy form to the KRHC General Meeting on Tuesday night and e-mail them to us so we can send out the information to all residents and show your form on the projector during the meeting.
Candidacy Form.
KRHC Constitution.
Writing Contest Entry #4
Open Mic Night (KiWeek Event)
I see you've arrived at our Open Mic Night
Where proper decorum is shelved and creativity takes flight.
Because you're our first guest, we'll let you in on what's up!
Come here, and I'll let you peek at our bomb diggity line up.
The opening act'll be performed by a heep hawp star.
He's got the moves and the grooves -- the ladies drool from afar.
He pops and he locks in a flat-billed hat,
When I first saw him I thought, "I din't know a human body could do that!"
Next up -
Two girls dressed to impress from head to toe
From sun hats to heels...who could possibly want mo'?
Don't be fooled by the dainty exterior, they could save you from peril
While singing "Afternoon Delight" -- these she-versions of Will Ferrell.
Now may I please introduce to you Miss Samantha Perry?
This acoustic guitarist has been dusted by a fairy.
She can strum your pain away with her magical fingers...
Serenade you with a voice that makes only happiness linger.
In the mix we have a flautist from the Longhorn Band
She's so skilled - I know she'll be back by popular demand.
There's Jen the RA, Kinsolving's heelarious storyteller
You wouldn’t be bored if you two were trapped in a cellar.
There will be slam poetry -- AKA music in spoken form.
The poem'll say, "LIVE LIFE!" with a rhythm outside prose norms.
It'll peel your onion layers and touch you in your core.
Off the chair you'll jump, and "Carpe Diem!", you will roar.
Our finale act is one you should not, cannot miss.
This I can ensure, you’ve never seen costumes like this.
You don’t know what to expect till you turn on the rap.
That’s when they shake their cute booties and then vanish like *SNAP*.
Thanks! :)
Grace Lee
Writing Contest Entry #3
No, no. Not one of those squirrels that have the cool gliding feature. I'm talking about a squirrel that strangely decided to jump from one branch to another to grab an acorn.
I was sitting in class, carefully paying attention to the professor and diligently writing down her words verbatim. That's when I saw it.
A rather round squirrel was scurrying up the tree outside, hurrying at a speed only a small rodent can do, and rushed to the end of a branch that looked like it would break at the merest blow of the wind.
Fearing for the squirrel's life, my attention was arrested outside of the window. That's when the squirrel espied the gleaming golden acorn and prepared to jump.
BAM! There goes the branch, there goes the squirrel, and there goes the acorn. Happily down the throat of an accomplished squirrel into its rather empty stomach.
A very productive Tuesday.
Julie Chinn
Writing Contest Entry #2
Down with the Sickness.After somehow managing to escape almost every bug that has gone through our wing including stomach viruses and the flu, after kissing my grandmother goodbye yesterday, I came down with a cold. So, I'm sitting here in bed with a trashcan and an almost-empty box of Puffs Plus on my bedshelf. Yes, Kleenex, at this point will no longer do. Of course, my nose is actually in need... so I think it does deserve Puffs indeed. My angel of a roommate gave me some mucinex, which has helped a bit. I told the girls that if they chased me around the dorm with a can of Lysol that I wouldn't be offended. I wouldn't want to be the cause of the bug, even though Chloe's got a cold too. In other news, I was kind of sad to leave home. I don't think that the break was quite long enough. I feel like I've been bombarded with work and I was ready for a break. Unfortunately for me, most of my friends and family from back home had spring break either one week before or after mine. Lame. Mom took me grocery shopping at H-E-B. I can't tell you how excited I was to not pay 5.18 for a stupid Deli Wrap. Yes, it's $5.18 and I don't know what's sadder: the fact that the price hasn't stopped me from buying them or the fact that I actually know how much they are...probably the latter. Totally psyched for Coldplay. I can't wait. I think I'm still in denial... maybe it's because I still haven't printed my tickets. Hm, oh yeah! I'm pumped because since the beginning of lent, I've dropped about 5 pounds, which is beyond exciting. I'm pretty sure I gained some of that back today. Mom had her first taste of Kerbey's Queso. She loved it. We got back today and she rushed to the bathroom when I saw the sign for the Kinsolving blogger contest. I figured, why not? So, I guess this'll be my submission. Well, maybe this entry plus the link to the Spicy Chicken Wing Xanga. It hasn't been updated in a while, but that's not on me. I just didn't want to be the only one to update it anymore because it's for the entire wing, and I didn't want it to turn into the Karynna Show. This is why I made my own Xanga so that I could have a blog featuring yours truly. You know, I don't even know how many people read this thing, and that's alright. I guess it's more of a way of getting things out. I have to agree with the shrinks... it is therapeutic. Anyway, well my head is throbbing and I've got to Lysol everything to protect beloved Roomie. Haha. Well, it's been fun. Au Revoir! [karYnna] Wing blog by me: www.xanga.com/ Personal blog by me: www.xanga.com/karynnagarcia |
Writing Contest Entry #1
Sunday: a slap in the face, tea and advice.
It’s just an ordinary boring Sunday. My friend Bella comes over. She greets me with a kiss on the cheek and she says agitated “Why am I always afraid of everything? Why can’t I just do things that I want to do that I don’t have the courage to do?” while standing and walking around in circles. Then I say “Do you really want me to answer to that? Because you’re a coward, that’s why”. She turns to me with this furious look on her face and then I start to see everything in slow motion, her right hand slowly becomes bigger and bigger while approaching my face and then when I less expect it I am being slapped by a woman in my own apartment and it’s not even about a man.
People tend to get a little too defensive when they’re told the truth.
The truth is important, but apparently you have to learn how to present it to others.
I made tea. She apologized and was embarrassed about the soap opera drama. I told her not to worry about it. The good thing is she got everything off her chest and that I was able to give her advice without having to get hurt.
Don’t be afraid. Be you. Be free. Live. Life is wonderful. Don’t spend your life time worrying about what others will think. It’s your life and, as far as I know, there’s only one.
That's basically the summary of what I said to her. I just thought I’d share the story.
Have a great return from Spring Break and do the best you can at everything you do.
A.Z.
KRHC Elections: Conservation Leader
Conservation Leader: The Conservation Leader is specifically responsible for the following duties:
- Act as liaison between CEC EcoReps, KRHC, and other EcoReps residing in Kinsolving.
- Coordinate with CEC to execute the annual Kill-A-Watt energy challenge.
- Ensure that actions carried out by KRHC are ecologically friendly
- Must be an active member of the CEC EcoReps committee by the first KRHC meeting.
KRHC Elections: Social Coordinator
Social Coordinator: The Social Coordinator is specifically responsible for the following duties:
- Coordinate food arrangements for the General Meetings.
- Plan and execute Pajama-Rama for both the fall and spring semesters.
Universal Duties: Each officer must put on at least one program every semester that falls under one of the following categories: Social, Diversity, Educational, and/or Community Service; she must also plan and prepare her respective semester programs. In addition, attendance at each Executive and General Meeting is mandatory. For absence policy, see [KRHC Constitution Section III]
KRHC Elections: Publicity Chairs (2)
The Publicity Chair is specifically responsible for the following duties:
- Publicize programs and events organized by KRHC or by the Kinsolving Resident Assistants. (Once all programs are confirmed, the Publicity Chair must be given a three-day advance notice before beginning publicity of that particular program. If the request falls short of the three-day notice, the Publicity Chair will be contacted to inquire if publicity for the program can be done.)
- Co-Chair of KHOP for both the fall and spring semesters.
- A maximum of two people may claim this position.
Universal Duties: Each officer must put on at least one program every semester that falls under one of the following categories: Social, Diversity, Educational, and/or Community Service; she must also plan and prepare her respective semester programs. In addition, attendance at each Executive and General Meeting is mandatory. For absence policy, see [KRHC Constitution Section III]
KRHC Elections: Historian
The Historian is specifically responsible for the following duties:
- The Historian will take pictures at residence hall events and create the scrapbook for the “End of the Year” Banquet in the spring semester.
- Co-Chair of KHOP for both the fall and spring semesters.
Universal Duties: Each officer must put on at least one program every semester that falls under one of the following categories: Social, Diversity, Educational, and/or Community Service; she must also plan and prepare her respective semester programs. In addition, attendance at each Executive and General Meeting is mandatory. For absence policy, see [KRHC Constitution Section III]