Winter Is Here!!

Well, I think it's safe to say that winter is here. It's been snowing on campus for the past day. This morning when I looked at Copper Mountain's website, it said that they had received 7 inches of snow in the past 24 hours and another 3 inches the day before that.

Now that winter is here, I thought I'd take a few minutes to remind you of a couple winter driving tips. These come from the Colorado Department of Transportation website.

• Always keep the top half of your gas tank full. It can give you better traction and gives you a bigger margin of error if you get stuck and have to keep the engine running periodically to keep warm.
• Carry water, a flashlight, a shovel, and some non-perishable food. Winterize your vehicle's safety kit by including extra blankets, sand to help gain traction in the event you become stuck on ice or snow, jumper cables, and an ice scraper.
• Be sure you have good tires. The Colorado State Patrol recommends at least 1/8 of an inch tread depth.
• In poor visibility or even whiteout conditions, don't drive faster than you can see ahead.

If you're planning on coming here next semester, I'm guessing that you have probably already applied. If you haven't, now would probably be an excellent time to apply.

Things that you'll want to be sure to bring

• Lotion and chapstick... the air is incredibly dry up here, which results in your skin being very dry.
• Dishes and easy to prepare food... when you decide at midnight that you're hungry, you'll be thankful that you are able to make yourself food. Steal some old pots and pans from home, it'll making cooking on the weekends easier and it's a lot cheaper to bring them from home than to buy them at Safeway when you get here.
• A water bottle... it's really easy to get dehydrated at high altitudes. I can easily drink 5 Nalgenes of water within a day. Yes, they have water fountains here, but professors only have so much tolerance for you getting up in the middle of class to get a drink of water. You also will not accomplish much when you're studying if you get up every 5 minutes for a drink of water.
• A swimsuit and gym clothes... the college puts on free gym and pool nights.
• A snow shovel, winter boots, and winter clothes... You probably already thought of the winter clothes. Winter boots are helpful when there is a foot of snow covering campus (like, right now) and you have class (wearing soaking wet shoes for 2 or 3 hours isn't exactly fun). Also, if you have the great fortune of sliding off the road, a shovel and boots will be helpful in getting yourself out.
• Quarters... it costs $2.50 for one load wash&dry- quarters go fast, so bring lots of them.
• Cleaning supplies... aka a broom and/or mop, multi-purpose cleaner, and a rag. You'll realize that you only have so much tolerance for dirtyness.
• Toilet paper... each room has it's own bathroom, but you have to provide your own toilet paper.

Things that you may think you need, but really don't

• Your entire closet... There are clothes that I brought that I have yet to wear even once. You also will not need every pair of shoes that you own (well, if you're a guy you might... but that's beside the point)
• Lots of dress clothes... maybe bring one set, but that's it. Also, make sure that it is something that will not require ironing.
• A ton of school supplies (like notebooks)... The teachers expect your homework to be typed. Also, a lot of them give you notes that are already printed out. I brought a notebook for every class, and I've probably only used half of them. A couple of pencils are always a nice touch though- Cyrus (math teacher) doesn't appreciate people who write in pen and scribble their answers out a million times. A nice, big, fat eraser also works well for when you realized that you did the entire problem wrong on a test.

Hopefully the above lists helped you out a little if you are trying to figure out what to pack.

Leadville Walking Tour

"Not only is Leadville the highest incorporated city in the U.S., it is also one of Colorado’s largest historic districts.

Leadville, Colorado is a National Historic Landmark District consisting of over 70 square blocks and was designated by Congress in 1966. It’s a beautiful and interesting area for a short walk anytime of year. This is a brief peek into the history of some of district’s more interesting buildings."

Yesterday, I was sitting in my room wondering what I could possibly do to entertain myself for the day while Erin climbed a mountain, Marea went shopping, and many of my other friends worked on homework. I started off by reading the blogs from the other campus. One blog was about going to the animal shelter and taking a dog for a walk. That sounded like a cool idea, but I didn't really feel like doing it by myself. Then I decided I'd go to the park, but I didn't know where the park was, so I attempted to look it up online. Somehow, the Historic Walking Tour of Leadville, Colorado appeared in the search results. Since I had nothing better to do, I wrote down the buildings and addresses, drove to 10th Street, parked my car, and began walking.

The first stop was Ice Palace Park... I never did find it. The Ice Palace isn't actually in existance anymore. However, when I mentioned it at dinner, after people made sure that I realized that it no longer existed, Jeremiah was getting creative and decided we should build a little tiny ice castle and attempt to get people to drive to Leadville to see it.

Then I walked to Healy House which was easy to find, partly because it was still in existance and partly because I had a better address for it.

Then it was off to the Heritage Museum. They had some sweet old machinery to look at outside. At one time it was the Carnegie Library.

The 4th stop on my walk was the National Mining Hall of Fame & Museum. In my opinion, it looked a lot like a school. This museum was actually open (the others were closed for the winter) but I wasn't interested enough in mining history to pay the admission fee.

Leadville City Hall was the 5th stop on the walk.

After that, it was off to the Deleware Hotel.

Next on the tour was Annunciation Church. The "Avalanche Danger" sign added a little humor to the walk, but considering the height of the building and the fact that their roof was rather sloped, it is probably an important sign when there is more snow around.

On my way to looking for the Iron Building, which was the next stop on the tour, I found a nice little park tucked in between the Columbine Cafe and Pueblo Bank and Trust. The park consists of several benches, two little rocking zebras, and a rock with holes in it whose purpose I am unsure of. The public restroom there was even warm and maintained. Then I went on a search for the Iron Building and the Tabor Home, neither of which I found.

After that I stopped at American National Bank, which was the 10th stop on the walk. American National Bank is the building that is currently Sawatch Backcountry (sorry... I couldn't get the pictures to rotate)

After that, I looked for the Breene Block (Scarlet Lounge) and the Hyman Block. I did not find either of these places.

The 13th stop was the Tabor Opera House.

After the Tabor Opera House, I walked past the Silver Dollar. Then I attempted to find George's Episcopal church before proceeding to Western Hardware. Western Hardware is no longer Western Hardware- it is now an antique mall.

The Lake County Courthouse was the 17th stop on the tour.

For lunch I stopped at a wonderful little place called International Gourmet Coffee (and Snacks, Smoothies, and Ice Cream). The food was amazing and the prices were good. I may just have to enjoy lunch there more often, because I'm beginning to tire of Subway every weekend. (The college only serves breakfast and dinner on weekends, which means that you're on your own for lunch).

Davis Drug and the Tabor Grand Hotel were the 18th and 19th stops on the tour, neither of which I found. While looking for them, I discovered that it's a state law in Colorado that you cannot smoke within 15 feet of the doorway to a building.

The 20th stop on the tour, which was also the last stop on the tour was the Old Church.

I walked past this on the way back to my car, so I thought I'd take a picture of it cause I thought it looked cool.

This concludes my picture tour of Harrison Avenue in Leadville, Colorado. It occupied two hours on a Saturday afternoon and cost nothing. It also allowed me to enjoy some fresh mountain air (if only it was more oxygen-dense, lol). Walking around and enjoying beautiful scenery was also a welcome change from my normal Saturday routine of either messing around on facebook or watching movies.

Until Friday or Saturday, you'll have to survive without me because I'll be in Conneticut visiting my grandparents for Thanksgiving. Goodybye until next time.

Life in the Dorms

Yes, I told you'd I'd post pictures last Sunday, but then my camera went MIA. Also, I don't have pictures of the mini-golf tournament because I was not aware of it while it was going on.

On Monday, in Introduction to Ski Area Operations, two people from Adaptive Adventures came in to talk to us about adaptive skiing. After their presentation, I had enough information to complete my final paper which I wrote about adaptive snowsports. Monday night was swim night.

Tuesday we learned about caring for pediatric patients in Outdoor Emergency Care. Then in Technical Math we took a practice test.

On Wednesday, we learned about hazards and equipment operation in Heavy Equipment Operations lecture. I think the pictures were the most amusing part of the lecture- some of them looked incredibly stupid. Wednesday's gym night consisted of 6 students plus Sarah and Brett playing volleyball. Brett then tried to recruit us to join student government because there aren't enough members in student government to vote on spending our money right now. Assuming that student government gets enough voting members, next semester we may have free gym nights, free pool nights, free ice skating nights, and the occasional free bowling night.

Thursday we learned about caring for adaptive patients in Outdoor Emergency Care. Then in Technical Math we were given a take home test that is due Tuesday by the end of class.

The dorms are starting to empty out as people leave for Thanksgiving break. Some people are priviledged enough to not have class on Monday and Tuesday, and others made reservations without consulting their class schedules (or they consulted their class schedule and then ignored it anyway).

Tonight Erin, Marea, Randi, and I are going to have a girl's night. I'm not sure what exactly we are doing, but it may involve doing hair and nails, eating junk food and popcorn, and dying my hair. In a college with an overwhelming number of guys, girl's night is a necessity... although we have somehow survived up until now without one.

Well, I'm being summoned for girl's night now, so I'll have to finish this later. Bye!

PS: You should vote in the poll, if you haven't already :)

Leadville Learn to Ski Program and SOS Outreach

Ok... now time for a little bit of promotion... it's for a good cause though, I promise. Plus, as a blogger I feel obligated to inform you of events in the Leadville area. Also, I told the lady in charge of the Leadville Learn to Ski Program that I would help promote the following events/programs.

The Leadville Learn to Ski Program will enable 50 local 2nd graders to spend 5 days at Vail learning how to ski. They are hosting an enchilada dinner this Thursday from 5:30 to 8:00pm at West Park Elementary. In conjunction with the dinner, they will be having a silent auction and talent show. Parents will also have the opportunity to enroll their 2nd grader in the program. Ticket prices are $10 for adults and $5 for kids (4 and under are free). Auction items include accommodations at various resort hotels, lift tickets, ski/snowboard equipment, museum tickets, sleigh rides, gift certificates to restaurants, and gift certificates to local stores.

If you are busy on Thursday night or just aren't into the idea of enchiladas, you have another opportunity to help out the Leadville Learn to Ski Program. Wednesday, December 10th, is "High Mountain Pies" night from 5-9pm. All proceeds and tips from pizzas ordered that night will be donated to the Leadville Learn to Ski Program.

Another non-profit that I want to briefly inform you about is the SOS Outreach. SOS's core values are courage, discipline, integrity, wisdom, and compassion. They have a Diversity Program, a Learn to Ride Program, a University Program, and a Junior Sherpa Program. They also have a Volunteer Program.
The Diversity Program provides inner-city youth in Denver an opportunity to be introduced to skiing and snowboarding at Vail Resorts. Participants are provided with instruction, equipment rental, lift tickets, and appropriate clothing.
The Learn to Ride Program includes 5 days of instruction, emphasis on the core values, equipment, clothing, and lift tickets, character development curriculum, and the ability to enroll in the University Program after successful completion of the LTR program. The LTR program is offered at 29 ski areas throughout the nation.
The University Program is a 4 year program that provides 5 days of riding each year with a mentor, emphasis on the core values, a curriculum focused on community service and life skills, and goal setting with your mentor. Equipment, lift tickets, and clothing are provided.
The Junior Sherpa Program pairs University program graduates with a Sherpa (mentor). The Sherpa and the Junior Sherpa then work together to mentor 1st and 2nd year University Program participants.
The Volunteer Program is for the adults that want to give their time, talents, energy, and love for youth and snowsports. Participants are trained to help serve youth. Training sessions focus on teaching skills to youth to mentor them in a positive, life impacting way.

I strongly believe in the purpose of both of these causes. Snowboarding has made a huge difference in my life and I believe that it can make a difference in other people’s lives too. Back in South Dakota, I worked with several groups at my local ski hill that provided under-privileged youth the opportunity to learn how to ski and snowboard. Seeing the excitement on those kids’ faces was what fueled my passion to instruct, even when it was bitter cold and I had 10 kids that were so excited to snowboard that they couldn’t focus their attention on me for more than 30 seconds at a time.

snowboarding and Colorado Mountain College

I'm afraid that I did one run too many at Copper yesterday. Before I get into that though, I have a brief rant to express:

First of all, I have a problem with neither "gapers" nor ski racers. I do however have a problem with "gapers" and racers who run into people with absolutely no warning at all. "Gapers" may not be the most talented people on the mountain, but I think that they are capable of yelling a simple "WATCH OUT!” If you have enough skill to race, then you probably have enough skill to avoid me, and I know you have enough skill to yell "WATCH OUT". Yes, I am part of the problem because I'm a snowboarder and I don't have eyes in the back of my head, but if I'm downhill from you, I have the right of way. And if you must hit me, can't you at least stop long enough to make sure that I'm still alive before continuing to race down the trail?
Second of all... I see absolutely no reason as to why you must stop in the MIDDLE of the trail to use your cell phone. I will praise you on the fact that you at least stopped, rather than continuing to travel down the trail while not paying the least bit of attention to anyone else. But really, can't calling or texting someone wait until you get to the bottom of the hill? Or at least until you have moved to the side of the trail?
The SLOW PATROL... I have mixed emotions on them... I understand that skier/rider speed needs to be controlled, but can't I go slightly faster than Granny Speed? Please, please please! And if you insist that I go Granny Speed, shouldn't the ski racers have to go Granny Speed also?
Last, but not least, if you go out-of-bounds and get yelled at by the ski patrol, you have no reason to yell back at the ski patrol. Yes, there is a nice soft 2 inch layer of snow covering the rocks under the lift, but the "CLOSED" ropes are up for a reason. Also, if you tell the ski patrol something like "Well... I didn't see the 'CLOSED' sign" you sound like an idiot because there are closed signs approximately every 10 feet along with orange marking tape tied at regular intervals along the rope.

Ok, that is the end of my rant... back to why I think I took one run too many... I'd had a perfect day of approximately 5 minute laps on the Excellarator lift at Copper Mountain. At 3:30 they closed the Excellarator lift, so I went to the bottom of the American Eagle lift figuring that I'd call it the end of the day. Well, my friends Jeremiah, Joel, and Weston were down there, so I figured I'd take a run with them. About 2/3rds of the way down the hill, I had the great fortune of flying over a bump and landing on my tailbone. While my tailbone is just fine, I’ve decided that I will try to avoid menacing bumps in the snow that have the intent of throwing my through the air.

Ok... enough about me... time for some blogging about Colorado Mountain College. The CMC student and staff blogs have made news on a national advertising and marketing blog which I think is awesome. Apparently we're "inimitable". In case you are wondering what "inimitable" means (neither Erin nor I knew); dictionary.com defines it as "Not capable of being imitated, copied, or counterfeited; beyond imitation; surpassingly excellent; matchless; unrivaled; exceptional; unique;”

If you attend a residential campus of CMC and are in need of some Chapstick, the bloggers will be handing out iFilm CMC Chapstick during lunch sometime in the next week or so. Don't just steal our Chapstick though... at least go look at the info for iFilm CMC.


Last Tuesday, Curt (one of the Ski Area Operations professors) helped me pre-register for my classes for next semester. Pre-registration guarantees your spot in classes, assuming that you pay by December 12th. In order to live in the dorms, you have to maintain at least 12 credits of course work.

My official (16-credit) schedule for next semester is:
Monday
*Ropeway Operations lecture
*Events Management
*Public Speaking
Wednesday
*Trail Grooming Operations lecture
*Ski Patrol Operations lecture
Other
*Snowsports promotions (weekend in Steamboat)
*Intro to Food and Beverage Management (online)

I'm quite excited about this schedule... the only problem is that I will have excess free time... see, originally, I was going to join the alpine snowboard program at Copper Mountain, but then I decided against that... Now I'm considering getting a snowboard instructing job someplace, possibly at Copper Mountain... and as much as my parents might like the idea of me spending tons and tons of time on my studies, I'm not quite that dedicated.


We now have 2 1/2 weeks of classes left and then a week of finals. Heavy Equipment Operations is the only class that I'm really concerned about, but I have confidence that I can pull it up once I find someone to re-explain the stuff to me. Outdoor Emergency Care is a class that I'm slightly concerned about because the tests keep gaining more and more points, but between attending study sessions, doing my workbook, reading the book (actually reading your textbook... what a novel idea), and using the online study materials, I'm sure I'll do fine on these last 2 tests. I did really well on the last practical and apparently exhibited great leadership as the "leader" of the rescue, so I'm stoked... I definitely can't take all of the credit though because good leadership doesn't get you anywhere if your minions don't their stuff.

There is currently a contest going for which floor can build the best mini-golf course. The courses will be judged on Sunday night.

In Intro to SAO on Monday, a guest speaker is coming in to talk about adaptive snowsports. Hopefully their talk will give me enough information to be able to write the last ½ page of my final paper. Then I can make my PowerPoint to present to the class. In case you are in Intro to SAO and don’t have a grasp of the deadlines, we are presenting our presentations on November 24th and December 1st. Our final paper is due at 5pm on December 1st.

In Outdoor Emergency Care, we have a test next Tuesday. Then I imagine we will be reviewing and practicing for our final test.

In Technical Math, we are learning about functions and matrices. Due to people leaving at various times for break, we are being given our test on Thursday and it is due by 5pm on Tuesday.

In Heavy Equipment Operations, I believe we are still learning about hydraulic systems.

This week in PC Applications, we are having a test on Excel and then starting a unit on Microsoft Access.

Monday night is pool night and Wednesday night is gym night again.

More and more rooms are beginning to be adorned with Christmas lights. Yes, it's not even Thanksgiving yet, but considering that we are all headed home two weeks after Thanksgiving, I think we have an excuse to decorate early. Last night, a fellow student said that he might just leave his Christmas lights up for the rest of the year because he likes the light that they provide his room. I thought he was crazy. Today, I hung up lights in my own room, and after plugging them in and turning off the overhead light, I enjoyed them for approximately 5 seconds before they began flashing erratically. Now they are functioning normally after I moved the "flasher" bulb to a different location on the light string, and I have a beautiful array of blue, yellow, green, and red lights lighting my computer screen.

Tomorrow, after locating my camera, I will post pictures from Copper and pictures of the mini golf courses that the 3 floors have been constructing.

An eventful week

Well, we never got 18 inches of snow last week.

As far as classes go, Wednesday we learned about hydraulic systems in Heavy Equipment Operations. On Thursday we learned how to remove helmets in Outdoor Emergency Care. In Technical Math we are still working on our assignment on functions. Last Thursday we finished our PC Applications chapter on Excel and this week we have a test and then we learn how to use Microsoft Access.

Wednesday night I went swimming. Normally, swimming is fairly uneventful, but not this past week. I was enjoying the warmth of the hottub and I may have spent just a tad bit too much time in it. I don't think sitting in the sauna for a couple of minutes helped either. However, after drinking a couple bottles of water, I was fine, and I plan to attend again next week, but I think I'll spend slightly more time in the pool. Swimming night is on Thursday and gym night is on Wednesday this week, I believe.

Thursday night me and two of my friends squashed onto my bed, burrowed under a pile of blankets, and watched a movie.

Friday I went snowboarding at Copper Mountain because it was opening day. Apparently my chairlift unloading skills are still a bit rusty because I stood up too soon while unloading the lift and ended up falling and getting a concussion. Two or three runs after that I called it quits and went back to the dorms and slept. Later that night, I went to Breckenridge to go ice skating. I hadn't ice skated in quite a few years, and it definately showed. I started off by trying to hold myself up with the wall, but the wall wasn't much to hold onto, so then I resorted to using this little walker that they had, which worked quite well. Eventually I ditched the walker and sort of stayed up on my own.

Saturday, I spent the day doing math homework, deciding what classes I want to take next semester, and booking airline tickets for Thanksgiving. I'm pretty excited about my prospective schedule for next semester. It involves only taking classes on Mondays and Wednesdays, and possibly a weekend class and an online class.

Sunday I cleaned my room and worked on some more homework.

Today in Intro to Ski Area Operations, a graduate of the SAO program came in to talk to us about avalanches. Then I went snowboarding at Copper Mountain, came back to the dorms, had dinner, and have been studying OEC for the test tomorrow for about the last 3 hours. Next week in Intro to SAO, we are learning about adaptive skiing. Then we start presenting our research papers (in powerpoint format). While at Copper, one of the ski patrollers informed me that they're expecting to get about 4 inches of snow tonight. Unfortunately, I won't be going back to Copper until Friday. Oh well, school must come before snowboarding. Earlier this evening, I had the opportunity to look out my window and watch big, fat snowflakes fall. I love watching snow fall, in fact, I love snow in general. The only time I don’t like snow is when I’m trying to drive home from someplace and/or I’m in the ditch.

I should probably get to sleep now to rest up for tomorrow's OEC test. Goodbye until next time. It'd be sweet if you left a comment. I also created a new poll the other day, and it'd be awesome if you voted in it.

Where to start?

Ok... now that we have all recovered from staring at tv and computer screens for the last couple of hours, and then reacting when the results were announced... I will give you a short little update of life in Leadville.

Well, the election has been a pretty big deal around here lately. About a month ago, there was a lady here helping people to register to vote. A lot of us are from out of state, and not everyone got an absentee ballot in time, but apparently they were still allowed to vote for the President in Colorado. Since then, we've had professors telling us to get out and vote, and fellow students who told us to get out to vote, some of them being a little more opinionated then others. Tonight, I opted for watching the election on the internet, but a lot of people were watching downstairs. When they announced the results, I could hear the screaming from the 1st floor loud and clear in my 2nd floor room. Apparently the news didn't travel through the ENTIRE dorm initially, because there is still the occasional scream. I just realized that tonight is $2 bowling night (as is every Tuesday). I kind of doubt that the bowling alley had too many college student customers, based on the volume of the initial scream from downstairs.


Ok... now onto less stressful issues. Last night the college sponsored an open gym. I was happy to see more girls there this week. Evidently my spreading the word to other girls helped. 2 rounds of volleyball were played- I was on the winning team once and the losing team the other time. A lot of people also played basketball and lifted weights.

Tomorrow is Heavy Equipment Ops. Afterwards, there is an OEC study sesh that I definately plan on attending for the sake of my grade. Then I'll probably do a little homework before eating dinner and going to free pool night.

Thursday I have OEC again, then tech math, and then PC Apps.

Friday is the opening day of Copper Mountain. I'm sure it'll be packed, but me and a few other students who have passes there are going to make an appearance anyway. I've heard that Keystone and Breck are also opening this weekend.


It is rumored that we are going to get up to 18 inches of snow sometime in the next couple of days. The teachers act like they hate it when it snows during class because no one pays attention, but I know that the vast majority of them love it because it means skiing, snowboarding, snow shoeing, and better snow making. Plus, there's just something magical about watching snow fall. Not to mention the rail sessions in back of the dorm and the snow ball fights that I'm sure will occur.

Hopefully it doesn't snow too much tonight because my roommate and a few other people are going camping. As much as they love snow, I'm not sure they'd appreciate waking up to a foot of it surrounding their tent.

And now that they're predicting so much snow, I'm definately going to speed up the winter boot and snow shovel buying quest. Why oh why didn't I bring them out here with me? Colorado definately does not have a shortage of snow, lol.

The college is doing a canned food drive next Wednesday. Open gym is also next Wednesday night and free pool night is next Thursday.

Thanksgiving break is coming up and students are allowed to stay in the dorms, but Wednesday breakfast through Sunday lunch, you're on your own. It sounds like the dorms are clearing out pretty well, but I'm sure there's a few people sticking around.

Registration for spring classes was previously starting in December, but now it's starting next Monday (the 10th). I'm likely taking a pretty light course load next semester because I took 20 credits this semester, and theres only so many classes offered to 1st year SAO students during the spring semester. I don't think I'll mind having a light load too much, after all, it means more time for snowboarding. :)

Now that the screaming has subsided for the most part, I'm going to venture downstairs to check my mail before going to sleep. Until next time, drive safe because it seems like I've been hearing about more and more car accidents lately.

Update

Correction: gym night is tonight and pool night is on Wednesday... I believe I switched them around in my last blog.

In Intro to SAO this morning, we learned about what Vail is doing to increase environmental sustainability. Next week we are supposed to learn about avalanche awareness and the week after we are going to learn about adaptive skiing. I'm excited for the lecture on adaptive skiing because I'm doing my final paper on adaptive skiing, and I think the lecture might provide me with the little bit of information that I need in order to get my last page written.

Tomorrow in Outdoor Emergency Care, we are supposed to learn about "Assessment and Care of Bone and Joint Injuries". On Thursday we will be learning about "Head and Spine Injuries". Next Tuesday we are having a test. I just looked at my syllabus, and it says that tomorrow's lab is "Open Lab", so I guess I'll find out what we are doing in Lab tomorrow when I get there.

In Technical Math, we just started a new chapter on functions.

Last week, in Heavy Equipment Operations, we had a test over power trains. This week we are going to learn about "EOT: Dozer- Dirt Moving, demolition, etc. Special Topics for Ski Areas".

In PC Apps, I believe that we are learning about Microsoft Excel this week.


I'm pretty sure that all of the 2nd year students have left to do their co-ops now. They'll be back in April to cram in a few more classes before graduating in May.

Thanksgiving break is in 3 1/2 weeks and a lot of people are getting pretty excited.

I don't know about everyone else, but I'm making myself sit down in these next few days and get all of my homework done and catch up on studying that I've maybe neglected a tiny bit more than I should of, because I know that once Copper is open, I won't feel like sitting in my room and doing homework while everyone else is out snowboarding.

Open Gyms, Dancing, and Pool Tournaments

Wednesday night the college sponsored a free open gym at the middle school. This gave students the opportunity to spend 3 hours running, lifting weights, and playing basketball and vollyball. Free weekly pool and open gym nights are now official, check the signs in the dorms for dates. Thursday night there was a Halloween dance. There were approximately 20 students that attended. Marea and Patrick were the winners of the costume contest. Marea was dressed as a flapper and Patrick was dressed as Paul Raushke (one of the SAO professors). Other costumes included a witch, a pirate, Princess Peach, Curt Bender (the other SAO professor), Mario, 2 Greek gods, a cowboy, and a UPS delivery man. The Joker from Batman also made a brief appearance. Friday was Halloween. Various staff members dressed up for the day. A couple of people went trick-or-treating. A few of us had a "scary movie" night in a fellow student's room.

Today was the CMC Student-Faculty Double Elimination pool tournament. The entry requirement was 1 canned food item. Student government is apparently going to match the canned food contributions. There were 12 participants. There were a few surprises in the game, one of them being that one of the school's better pool players received his 2nd elimination about halfway through the tournament. Another upset involved a student sinking the 8-ball and then scratching, so he lost by default. The championship game was played between Curt and Patrick. Patrick had already beaten Curt once during today's tournament, so it wasn't a huge surprise when Patrick beat Curt again.
Garrett (student) placed 3rd and recieved a tshirt and DVD. Curt (faculty) placed 2nd and received a thsirt and pool cue. Patrick (student), who placed 1st and received a tshirt and pool cut, managed to go undefeated for the entire tournament.

Tournament prizes

The 2nd year SAO students are now leaving for their work experience co-ops and they won't be back until April-ish. Us 1st year SAO students are being encouraged to start thinking about where we might want to work next year as an A, B, C, and D plan. We are also starting to look into classes for next semester even though registration doesn't open for another month. Our professors have been giving us gentle reminders that if we don't like what we are studying, it's OK to admit that and pursue something else.

Monday is another free pool night.

Wednesday is free open gym.

Friday is when I've heard that Copper Mountain is going to open for the season.

Until next time, hope for more snow- it was 51 yesterday (Halloween). Someone said that a cold front is supposed to come in on Monday and I hope they are right.