12.18.2012

The Winter Break Bucket List // by Kelsey


It's finally here, Winter Break! I've been looking forward to this since I got a little taste of being off of Stanford Time at Thanksgiving. Now I am home at last, and this time without any projects, papers, or final exams looming over my head. My entire family is home, which is quite a rare occurrence these days -- usually, my younger brother is busy with his countless extra curriculars and my older brother is on the East Coast at the Coast Guard Academy. With everyone under one roof, the holidays have officially begun at the Suggs house! The tree, garland, and lights are all ready for the 25th. Bring it on, Christmas.

Now, as exciting as all this is to me, I know that in a few days I'm going to find myself sitting on the couch, wondering what to do with myself. I've been going a million miles per hour, 24/7 pretty much since I was 5 -- dance lessons, piano lessons, softball and soccer, girl scouts... you name it, I did it -- I just don't know how to NOT be busy anymore. So, in order to preemptively rid myself of any "break boredom" I am making a bucket list of all the things I am going to do before heading back for another quarter at Stanford.

  1. Read a Book!  Now I know what you are thinking. Really, Kelsey? You want to read a book after you just spent the last 10 weeks thumbing through countless pages of HumBio? And the answer is yes! -- sort of. I can't remember the last time I read a book because I truly wanted to, because I enjoyed the story. It's always been motivated by my professors ensuring me that "This information will be on the final." I just want a read a book for me. I'm going to lay out in the sun (weather permitting) and get lost in some epic adventure.

  2.  See The Hobbit  This movie isn't particularly something I am looking forward to for the reasons you might think. I'm not obsessed with The Lord of the Rings trilogy, I don't want to be a hobbit or an elf or any of the other strange characters in the book. No, this story has more of a sentimental value to me. When I was younger, the first time I got really really sick, my dad began to read this book to me to help me fall asleep. It was just something small that he did but it made me feel so much better. In fact, I even pretended to be sick longer than I was so that he wouldn't stop! (Eventually he caught on, but don't worry he kept reading to me anyway!) I think it is only fitting that I now go see the movie with my dad (:

  3. Eat some REAL Mexican Food  I love you, NorCal, I do... but there's just no competition when it comes to selection of authentic Mexican food. SoCal wins EVERY time. The next chance I get, I am driving down to the coast, hitting up my favorite local spot and eating some delicious food down by the water. It's the best thing.

  4. Go Sailing  When I was younger, there was a youth sailing program out of a local harbor. I haven't really sailed since, and I miss it so much! My younger brother has joined a sailing team, and he, my older brother, and my dad all went out on the water the other day. Needless to say, I was very envious that they were out in the ocean while I was sitting in the airport terminal, waiting for my plane to arrive. It's going to be great to get back out there, pictures definitely to follow.

  5. Christmas!  Christmas morning at the Suggs house is one of my favorite things. We have a huge spread for breakfast: a fantastic casserole, cinnamon rolls, coffee and lattes, christmas cookies that we've baked, fruit salad... my mouth is watering just thinking about it! We put christmas music on in the background and sit around the tree, opening our gifts. After, my mom and I get started on the Christmas dinner. Get the oven ready for the turkey and the ham, make all the side dishes, and of course the desserts. Cheesecakes, pies, MORE Christmas cookies, hot cocoa and cider. YUM!

  6. Watch our football team kick some bootay!  As you probably know, Stanford's football team is now one of the nation's powerhouses. The program has come so far in the past years, and now we are headed to our third consecutive BCS bowl game. The best part? It's right in my backyard! This year's Rose Bowl will be played on January 1st in LA and I could not be more excited. A couple of girls from my sorority and I are going to spend New Years Eve in the city and then head over to the stadium to watch our boys beat the Wisconsin Badgers. Cassie is going to come too, which means I am going to laugh harder than I have since she graduated and left for Spain. In a nutshell? I CAN'T WAIT!!

 So there it is. My winter break bucket list for 2012. If the world does end in a few days, at least I'll have spent my last few days having a blast!

12.11.2012

Tis the Season // by Emily


I cannot wait for Christmas! Hands down my favorite holiday. It is not much of a competition because it is one of the few times a year where it is socially acceptable to eat your body weight in food, with Thanksgiving being a close second. I love it when my family is all together (which sadly is pretty rare nowadays) and with no school to be stressing about, the cold snuggle weather, and copious amounts of dessert that is on display around the house, it is not hard to understand why it is the most wonderful time of the year. I went home last week to help decorate our tree and it was UNREAL. Momma Dorst put on some apple cider; Elvis, Mariah Carey, and Frank Sinatra were singing Christmas carols in the background; Lindsay and I modeled around some itchy and festive sweaters; and slowly but surely our tree became cluttered and beautiful with dozens, if not hundreds, of ornaments. They ranged from janky homemade ornaments, to old school pictures, to pretty huge sparkly bulbs. Last night, some of the girls on our floor got together and had a nail polish party while watching Love Actually. Ashley painted my nails and it was the perfect study break. One more final to go and then Christmas vacation wahoooo ow ow yayayayay yeassss woot woot zomg yaaa budddyyy!!

11.28.2012

Going For It!! // by Annika


Exciting week here for Stanford Athletics. Last month, we received the Director’s Cup for the 18th straight year. You might wonder how we do it year after year.

This week might just give you an indication why we deserve such an award. We have Women’s Volleyball starting up their NCAA tournament as the number 2 seed. Women’s Soccer is going down to San Diego to go for their second straight championship. And football will be playing here at home for the PAC 12 Championship. Pretty amazing. Not to mention that everyone on campus is buckling down and preparing for finals just a couple weeks away.

I know a lot of us are close with the soccer team, and it is always inspiring to see another Stanford team go for a championship. I remember when I was away last year training for the Olympics, I still felt a great connection to not only our water polo team, but also to the other teams at Stanford. This great sense of athletic community is what brings the best out of Stanford athletes. Not only are you striving for your best for your team and your teammates, but also for what it means wear that Stanford jersey, or in our case swimsuit.

Win or lose, you always bleed cardinal red. Playing for each other. Playing for Stanford. Can’t wait to see our teams go for it!


Get Pumped for the weekend -- click here!




10.03.2012

The First Day // by Skylar


My first day at Stanford was full of starting cool classes, meeting interesting people, and dodging bikers pedaling frantically to a lecture. I tried my hardest not to get lost, but given my directionally challenged tendencies, I found myself lost in the main quad. It was an adventure trying to navigate through the hallways in search of my class...but another fun opportunity to explore our beautiful campus!

The First Day // by Maggie


On the first day of school, I was super excited and woke up way too early for a class that is literally 45 sec bike ride away. A little over anxious, I think so. I was going to my PWR class which is on Gender Politics, and I locked my bike next to Melena's and we went into the building. We spent a good 2 hours talking about how girls are awesome, but treated poorly through media, pretty much a feminist class. Anyway, Melena and I walked to our bikes, all excited that we are real Stanford students and I go to unlock my bike, and Melena and I just start laughing instantly. I had locked my bike lock around nothing, I basically just slipped it over my bike and it was just sitting there. It was a kind of in the moment type thing, but I think it really shows how much we, I, was looking forward to our FIRST DAY! WOO!

The First Day // by Gabby


My first day at Stanford was both very exciting and stressful. I was very excited to meet my professors and other people in my classes- I had been looking forward to this day for a while! Yet, I got lost quite a few times, and the fact that I had ten minutes between two classes didn't help my situation. My PWR 1 (writing) class and PoliSci lecture were both very interesting, but my Italian class didn't go so well... Since the Intro to Italian Language class was full, I signed up for an accelerated course as I took six years of Latin in high school. I thought I could manage, but when the instructor told the class to converse with each other in Italian I knew things were not going to go well. The other students spoke the language in a near perfect accent in a fast pace while I struggled to say even the simplest of words without awkward pauses. Apparently this class was not the one for me, but the great thing about Stanford is that the quarter system allows students to take a lot of different courses throughout the year. So, I'll just take the normal Italian next quarter! After a full day of classes and an eligibility meeting, my friend and I went to the Welcome Home Carnival where there were free carnival games, food trucks, and four hot air balloons! I had a good time :). My first day was great and I'm sure that it's just a minor reflection on how amazing these next four years will be.

The First Day // by Anna


For most people, their first day at Stanford is a very memorable moment for a variety of reasons. Some might remember their very first class and their first impression of a certain  faculty member or a funny conversation they had in the dining hall that day. But for me, my memorable moment is locking myself out of my room in nothing but a towel. After my run that night, I hopped in the shower and had the misfortune of letting the door click behind me. My roommate was out with most of our dorm at some organized freshmen event so I had no way of getting in my room. I ended up spending about an hour in a neighboring room discussing Canadian politics with some newly acquired friends.

The First Day // by Rachel


My first classes went pretty well. I got lost to my first class and walked in a few minutes late. I am really excited for my Psych 1 class. The prof was funny. What I'm excited about for that class is a requirement to participate in psychological studies. I have no idea what that will include. Psych is my biggest class, so walking into a 300 person class on the first day was a little unnerving.

My first few days have gone pretty well over all. Probably the most difficult thing has been finding classes. And getting lunch around classes. But overall, everything has been great so far!

The First Day // by Gurpreet


On the first day of school at Stanford, my roommate and I eagerly woke up in anticipation to start classes. We packed our bags (even took a picture for the scrapbooks) and headed off to class. I attended an introductory seminar with only eight students on the ‘Neurobiology of Pain’ as well as intro level chemistry with hundreds of other students. My first few days at Stanford have been an awesome adventure, besides already biking into a pole and getting lost numerous times; but that comes with being a freshman



Picture (left to right): Kate (roommate), Kierstyn (dorm mate), me!

9.10.2012

A Summer to Remember // by Kaley


I had the opportunity to spend the summer in Ecuador and the experience was one that I will never forget. I spent two months working in Quito (the capital) with a group of Stanford students who are now some of my closest friends. We worked with a couple of organizations, helping street-working kids and their families. I also had the chance to work at the Ecuadorian ministry of education as an intern in the science curriculum department. We had very full workdays between the ministry and the kids but found time to travel on the weekends. I got to see all parts of the country: the mountains, the jungles, the beaches, and the cities. Some highlights included climbing a mountain above the city at 15,000 ft, going swimming in the amazon, jumping into a 12-meter waterfall, exploring volcanic caves, and hiking into a volcanic crater-lake. I had some unforgettable adventures and learned so much about myself and about the country and all the people I met. I hope I get to go back to Ecuador and see all of South America when I’m finished with school. But for now I can’t wait to get started with the second half of my time at Stanford!

8.20.2012

Back to my Roots // by Jillian


This summer I have had the privilege and joy of spending an entire month in one of my most favorite places in the country…Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin. My dad grew up in Sheboygan, Wisconsin and his family spent their summers at their lake house in Elkhart. This lake means so much to me because it has so much rich family heritage and truly is beautiful. It all started in 1940 when my grandpa and grandma got married and grandma’s sister and grandpa’s brother got married. They all met on this lake and decided that they would keep the tradition going. So those two families plus my grandpa’s sister and her husband bought a plot of land on the lake and split it into three lots. This area is now called “Toyland” because my grandpa, his brother, and brother-in-law all worked at a toy company started by my great-great-grandfather in 1879. The toy company was sold and subsequently went out of business in the mid-70’s but now the toys are collected as antique items and any time my mom passes an antique store we HAVE to go in to see if there are any Garton toys.

The three houses share a pier so there are little kids and family members there 24/7. After the three families started reproducing, our family got larger and larger and eventually spilled over into additional houses. My family basically takes over this town because it is so small. So chances are, when I meet someone, I am most likely related to them in some way or another! Here's a view of the pier from the house.



I love hearing all of the stories that my dad tells me when he is here. He tells me about the history and memories that he has in this special place. His accent gets a little thicker, his smile gets a little bigger, and his laugh a little louder (I know, that’s hard to imagine). Even when he has told me a story about 20 times before…I sit and listen because I know that he is enjoying every minute of it, and so am I.

On top of the fact that I get to just be here, I am also doing an internship in the marketing department at Allen Edmonds, an American shoe company. I have learned so many things here; like, did you know that there are 212 steps in making one of their shoes? That’s crazy! I got to tour the factory and when they say made by hand, they actually mean made by hand. Currently, I am working on their 90th anniversary book and collecting 90 stories from customers. I get goose bumps every time I read one of their stories because these shoes aren’t just shoes; they represent family tradition, confidence, loyalty, and dedication. Everyone has a personal connection to these shoes and it is so cool reading about their loyalty to the company and seeing how a company that can make that kind of impact on customers operates from the inside. They truly do care about their customers. Oh, and their accents are PRETTY cool too. I try to replicate it, but it’s just not the same. BTW Howard Wolf, ’80 was instrumental in helping me secure this internship. He is the President of the Stanford Alumni Association and is just the best! You should all be members of SAA! The Alumni Association does good things for us even as undergraduates!

These four weeks have truly been a match made in heaven! The only problem is that I haven’t been able to fully enjoy the lake…as I can’t water ski, tube, canoe, swim, golf, or play tennis. I am 2 months out of my shoulder surgery and although I am progressing nicely, those activities are just too hard on my shoulder I haven’t been able to participate in any of the activities but that’s okay, because it doesn’t even matter. Just being here is worth it. I did go bowling though! Maybe I will just become a 190 bowler. I would totally love that.

Well I’m off to jump in the lake! Take care, everyone!

8.09.2012

Summer Haven // by Victoria


As a passionate bibliophile, appreciator of fine art, and admirer of expansive gardens, working at the Huntington Library this summer has been like spending a summer at Disneyland. From the acres of sunny gardens to the cool halls filled with some of the rarest artwork and manuscripts, the Huntington has provided an invaluable and enjoyable summer experience. For the past five weeks, I have had the wonderful opportunity of working at one of the four leading independent research libraries in the United States, and one of the most prestigious museums in the world. Beginning as a summer home for Henry E. Huntington, (one of the great 19th c railroad tycoons, like Leland Stanford!), the Huntington grew as a house for their growing collection of French furniture, rare books, and English portraits, it only became open to the public in 1928.

 Since then, upon its acres have been developed the only authentic Chinese garden in California, right next door to a uniquely beautiful Japanese garden. Within the original Huntington house stands Thomas Gainsborough's world-famous "Blue Boy" painting, one of forty-eight Gutenberg Bibles, a Chaucer manuscript, and some of the first printed folios of Shakespeare's plays. Within the building where I am working, the Munger Research Center, there some 5.6 million rare books, and over a million manuscripts.

 No big deal.

I'm like a kid in a candy store. Just downstairs from where I am working, scholars pour over priceless pages for academic research. Some of the greatest names in contemporary medieval studies have offices just down the hall. On my first day, I was taken to lunch with the leading expert on Thomas Gainsborough (an 18th century British artist) and had coffee with PhD students and some of the leading academic scholars. As an intern, I have been able to get a behind-the-scenes look at the museum. This past week, along with the other five interns, I was able to sit down and have a conversation with the President of the Huntington himself, Steve Koblick. Also, an art curator took us on a private tour of the Huntington house and art gallery. The Director of the Library himself also took us into the conservation room where we saw how the curators prepared and repaired the precious artifacts.

 For the next several weeks I will finish my job to helping the Director of Research (also an expert in early modern rural British history), Steve Hindle, organize his massive amounts of journals and books. The job isn't glamorous, but the environment is world-class and definitely worth it.

If you're interested to learn more or want to come visit me in this paradise, click here and see below!































(In Steve Hindle's office surrounded by his piles of journals!)


(A view of the back patio of the original Huntington house -- just gorgeous!)


 (... And the view from the patio is even better. The gardens stretch for miles!)































(One of the most well-known spots is the Shakespeare Rose Garden, just right outside, one of my favorite places, the tea room!)


 (A view of the Japanese garden)


 (A view of the Chinese garden. For both the Chinese and Japanese gardens, the Huntington hired actual Chinese and Japanese architects and designers to recreate an authentic experience. The result is unparalleled!)

5.24.2012

Looking Back on NCAAs // by Kelsey


This year's championship was such a different experience than last year's. Not only did I get to play back home in SoCal, but because my family and friends all live near San Diego, they came out to support in full force. Even some of my sorority sisters and friends from my dorm road-tripped down from Stanford to come cheer us on. Once I was in the water, though, it was all about sticking with my team. We were the center of so much speculation all year because of who on our team from last year was gone, but it was so great to look around me and know that each one of us had put in the time and the work for the past 9 or 10 months to become a championship team. From the first whistle, the only thing I felt was confidence--THAT was the best feeling all weekend. Not just hoping for a win, but knowing we would get one.

Looking Back on NCAAs // by Jillian


Everybody stepped up at different parts Of the year and none of our success was carried on one persons shoulders. When someone needed to step up, they did. As a team, everyone pitching in when they knew it was critical was an experience I won't forget. I felt on top of the world after we won. My favorite memory was being with my homie Pallavi the whole weekend. Love that girl.

Looking Back on NCAAs // by Victoria


Although winning this year has been just as stellar as the last, I think a significant part for me this year was the confidence that everyone had in themselves and each other. There were points in the game when I would look into the faces of my teammates and know that we had this.

Looking Back on NCAAs // by Ashley


Oh my goodness! Winning NCAA's is the greatest end to one of the most memorable years of my life. Before winning, I was so sad to become a sophomore because I didn't want to leave or forget freshman year. It has been such an exciting and ridiculously fun year, but going out with a bang such as winning a national championship is the ultimate icing (or cream cheese frosting) on the cake! I have been on many teams throughout my water polo career, yet I have never loved every single one of my teammates as much as I do. I know all of my other teammates feel this way, and I believe that is why we won. Let me tell you, winning is the best feeling. It makes ALL of your work worth it and it will keep me motivated for a long time.

Looking Back on NCAAs // by Alyssa


NCAAs this year were a true dream. Being able to come back to the pool where we lost the Championship game two years ago and to be able to play the same opponent was a cherry on top of this season for me. My favorite part of the weekend was seeing my teammates before the championship game and knowing that they would do anything in their power to ensure that we won. Just seeing the determination on their faces will be something that I will carry with me forever. I just want to say thank you to my amazing teammates for giving me the best Senior year anyone could ask for. Also thanks to all of the fans who have supported us throughout the season and to the families that have traveled to countless games to cheer us on. I love you all!!!

Looking Back on NCAAs // by Monica


This season has been incredible to say the least. In the Championship game, after Pallavi scored our 6th goal, I remember looking up at the game clock and seeing we had just over a minute left to play. That last minute of the game, playing nails defense with my team, was probably the most fun minute of water polo I've ever played. It was my last minute of collegiate water polo, last minute playing with this awesome team, last minute before winning a national championship.

Looking Back on NCAAs // by Catherine


My absolute favorite part of NCAAs was the moment right after Pallavi's goal in the finals. I screamed so hard no sound even came out and started crying all at the same time! It was the moment I knew we were going to win and I will never forget that amazing feeling and how proud I was of our team!!

4.25.2012

MPSF Tournament 2012


Come out and support your #1 Ranked Stanford Women's Water Polo team this weekend at Avery Aquatic Center in the MPSF Tournament!

 Games kick off Friday at 11 AM as Stanford takes on the University of Hawaii. For a full game schedule, click here.

To get pumped up, watch this cool video the team put together with the media department! Let's Go Card!

4.24.2012

The End of an Era // by Monica


Big Splash has historically been one of the more fun games of our season. It’s a big rivalry game, but what made it even more special this year was that is was the same night as our Senior Night! Before the game started, Cassie, Pallavi, Alyssa and I were introduced to the crowd as the four members of the SWWP senior class and each of us had a short bio read about what we’ve done at Stanford and what we plan to do next year. The coolest statistic announced was my class’s game record, 99-9 (which is now 101-9). I have to admit that I completely forgot about Senior Night while I was playing the game until the last few minutes of the game when JT subbed all four of us in to finish together our last home game.
After the game was over, our team and families went down to the Old Pro for dinner. At dinner we continued the tradition (that started my freshman year) of the freshmen class performance in honor of the seniors. The five freshman sang personalized lyrics about us to the tune of ‘Boyfriend,’ and Call Me Maybe.’ To make the night even better, Melissa, the fifth member of our class, was able to make it up here for the day!
Unlike other Senior Nights in the past, Cassie, Pallavi, Alyssa, and I are lucky because we didn’t have to say goodbye to playing games in Avery quite yet… because our MPSF tournament is this weekend at none other than our very own Avery Aquatic Center!! ((*Hint… You should be there*)) I’m looking forward to our real Senior Night, April 29th, the final day of MPSFs!

4.08.2012

Picture Perfect // by Kaitlyn


Fashion photography is one of my main hobbies. I absolutely love taking photos of people, I love the fact that everyone is diverse and beautiful in their own unique way. Over spring break I was lucky enough to find my camera again and revive this hobby, which I have long been deprived of. So this past Tuesday I begged Kaley to be my model and come out with me on a photo shoot for fun. We picked out clothing, make-up, scenes (taken here at Stanford at Roth, where Kaley lives). We thought it would only take us about an hour...but we were having so much fun, that 3 hours and 350 photos later we finished. Here are a few of my favorites, hope you enjoy! Also I hope this inspires everyone to remember that hobby that they love doing and revive it, it's spring, so be happy and do the things you love!



4.04.2012

Fun Facts // by Alexis


In honor of finishing finals, here is a list of "fun" facts I learned from each of my winter quarter classes:

Bio Lab- Yeast cultures grow best upside down

Physics- Double rainbows (all the way across the sky!) are caused by light reflecting twice inside raindrops (This guy thinks this is awesome! --> Double Rainbow)

Physics Lab- You can shine laser pointers through jello

Human Physiology- Mnemonic to remember the order of the respiratory system: No Place Like The Bay Area = Nose, Pharynx, Larynx, Trachea, Bronchiles, Alveoli

Community Health Psychology- "1 in every 4 childhood fatalities are caused by horseback riding." Now I understand why my parents never let me take up riding!

Can't wait to find out what new fun facts I pick up this quarter!!

source

3.29.2012

Paradise // by Kaley


So we got a little taste of paradise when we traveled to play the University of Hawaii this year. It was a sweet escape from the impending “dead week,” with finals right around the corner. We stayed on the Waikiki hotel strip and enjoyed some pretty incredible views from our balconies. Pallavi and I could see the elephants in the Honolulu zoo below our hotel!































Unfortunately, the weather was not favorable and we were unable to do much touring away from Waikiki. But we made the most of our stay and also got to spend some time inside studying, thanks to the rain. Before we left we saw some sunshine and a few of us got to get their “bronze on” while others enjoyed some time shopping.

Highlights for me (I think I speak for my teammates as well) included some really yummy food. Shave ice, crepes, yard-house pizza and salads…I definitely enjoyed all of the eating-out! Best of all we were invited to the home of our former teammate, Kim Hall, for a delicious home-cooked meal!!! It was great to catch up with her and her family again! I also took home a little piece of Hawaii…some Hawaiian cookie company shortbread cookies! They are my very favorite. And of course we came home with a win …overall I’d call it a successful trip.

3.13.2012

Dead Week Distractions // by Victoria


With dead week in full swing, finals around the corner, and rain on the horizon for this entire week, it’s been relatively easy to focus on work. JT and Suze are always conscientious of our commitment to academics so practices are shorter, but the intensity with which we play remains the same. I’ve been hunkering down at coffee shops in my spare time, to busily crank out papers (the life of a Religious Studies major!) and study for my Latin final. But just one thing remains in the way…
































Pinterest.

It’s the most ingenious website concept ever. (Okay, except Facebook.) So simple. A user posts a blog of their favorite food, dress, home décor, quote, or hairstyle, onto their blog website. From that blog, a user on Pinterest “pins” it to the Pinterest website and voila – you have hours upon hours of procrastination ready to waste time.

My favorite section, as you could guess being a water polo player, is food. From rocky road brownies to Chicago deep dish pizza (as shown above), the endless amount of recipes, food blogs, and photos is enough to distract me for a good hour or two. At the moment, it is the only thing standing in the way of my 10 page paper on John Calvin.

See below for some heavenly creations. 





2.17.2012

Wolf Sisters // by Cassie and Pallavi


Six moons and twelve suns ago, it was just a joke. Something we wore to make the others jealous. Something we wore to make the others laugh. Little did we know the stars would align and our paths would merge into one and our journey would commence. It was at the Stanford Powwow that our transformation began…

The Powwow occurs every year without fail, paying respect to the local Native American community as well as Stanford’s. We’re going to stop there because the history/awesomeness of the Powwow is another tale for another night.

This fateful afternoon, we were on a mission. We wanted wolf shirts; shirts that we could cut and turn into our own creations. We bought the beads and scissors – we just needed two t-shirts with howling wolves on them. The powwow was our chance.

Cassie: “Pallavi, what about these shirts?”

Pallavi: “They’re perfect… But wait, are we allowed to cut these? What if we upset the Native American spirits?”

The Indian (Pallavi) was onto something but we shrugged it off and kept walking to see if we could find anything else that caught our eye. Little did we know, our future was waiting a couple booths over. The sweaters were literally calling our names. The last two, and they fit perfectly.

Cassie insisted on buying the wolf shirts that we had passed up earlier but Pallavi was adamant that we would somehow be cursed if we cut them. So we decided to purchase the super fly wolf jackets.

Later that night we had a team-bonding event, and obviously, Salt and Pepper showed up in their new bomb jackets. Everything was fine until later that night Pallavi heard that Cassie was violently ill. (Take note that six moons and twelve suns ago was the week before the NCAA tournament last
year). Everyone was worried because Cass was really suffering. The next day (Monday) we had a lift and Cassie was still too sick to make it. After weights, Pallavi called Cassie to see if she was okay and while still on the phone with her, Pallavi got violently ill. In unison, we said “the wolf jackets.”

In that moment we realized we were in the process of a life-changing transformation: we were joining the wolf pack.

We left for NCAAs the Wednesday of that week. Somehow we had faith that the wolf pack would guide us and give us strength to play because we hadn’t eaten or practiced in three days. It turns out that the pack was there for us when we needed it the most, and on the Sunday of that week, exactly one
week after buying the wolf jackets, we won the National Championship

The wolf sisters, as our team so fondly calls us, realized that our illness was actually a cleansing process brought on by the wolf spirits to usher us into the clan. The jackets were the only common denominator that could explain the cleanse. We hadn’t eaten any of the same meals, been with any of the same people… it was just destiny. The Tale of Two Wolves, One Pack.

2.03.2012

Game Face // by Alyssa


This past weekend was extremely exciting because we played our first games of the season! Every year since I was a freshman my grandmother (Velma Cleasby) has been photographing our games. She is an amazing photographer and gets fun and entertaining photos of us playing. Since last weekend was our first chance to play as a team this season, she was there in full force with her camera. To get everyone excited about this weekend I have decided to post some photos of what is to come at the Stanford Invitational!!!! (We are SOOOOOOO attractive hahaha)





2.02.2012

Cardinal Pride! // by Ashley


I absolutely love my team. I couldn't ask to have better teammates at a better school...I am SO happy I chose Stanford.

This weekend we played in our first two games of the season, and my first two games of my college career! Our first game was against LMU and our second was against UC Davis. We won both which was awesome. But even better than that, I had so much fun playing the sport that I love with teammates who are my best friends and sisters. Looking back at them on the bench or watching them play in the water was super thrilling. One of my favorite parts of the weekend was when all of us freshmen realized we were all playing together at the same time! And then my mom Linda yelled from the stands "go freshmen!" It was cute.

Now its time to look ahead to this coming weekend to the Stanford Invite and get ready to kick some butt!!!

1.23.2012

Rainy Days // by Ashley


This weekend was great for Ashley Shelley Grossman. My dorm was on ski trip in Tahoe, so all the other athletes in my dorm and I had it all to ourselves!! It was so nice and quiet, I got SO much sleep and a lot of work done. Yippee! The only thing I didn't like about it was that the lights in the hallway kept turning off because they're motion sensors and nobody was walking past them! Anyway, it was pretty rainy this weekend so I made sure to stay dry with my hand dandy shower cap/bike seat protector... I know, I'm so cute ;) Think it will catch on??

1.22.2012

Winter Break // by Kate


Over the break I spent a lot of time with my family. Family dinners, family movie nights, Christmas shopping, etc. It was so nice to be home without the worry of schoolwork and to just relax for once! I took my brother to the gym/pool with me a few times... I thought it would be a good idea for him to get a good work out in! :) We spent Christmas with my stepmom Mary's side of the family in Laguna Beach and then had Christmas day at my house with my cousins from Colorado, my grandparents, and my aunt and uncles. It was so great to see everyone! After the Christmas festivities were over, I began to look forward to New Years Eve in Los Angeles with Jillian and one of our friends who was abroad in Florence, Italy last quarter. I was able to catch up with her and hear all her stories from the trip. Then it was New Years Day which meant it was time to travel to Arizona for the FIESTA BOWL!!!!! My dad, Mary, my aunt and uncle, Jillian, and two other girls that I live with (Liz and Hannah) joined me on this trip. We stayed in a house in Scottsdale, Arizona and spent the first night playing board games and jacuzzi-ing! Although the Bowl game ended in a tragic loss for our team, it was great to see all my friends and all the fans there supporting them. We spent one extra day in Arizona before Jillian and I journeyed back to Stanford to start the season! We're looking forward to working hard to prepare for our first games at the end of the month. Go Stanford!

Winter Break // by Monica


My winter break was full of family, friends, and food. Here's a recipe for one of
the winter treats my family had.

Easy Fudge:
In a sauce pan over low heat, melt 18oz of semi sweet chocolate chips with 14oz of
sweetened condensed milk. Remove from heat and stir in 1 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla extract (or peppermint extract to make peppermint flavored fudge!). Spread evenly into a wax paper lined 8x8 inch pan. Chill 2-3 hours or until firm. Turn onto cutting board and remove wax paper to cut into squares and enjoy!

Winter Break // by Alexis


After having survived a very stressful and jam-packed finals week, I went to Hawai’i with my family to enjoy some peaceful R&R. We were back home in time for New Years Eve, so I kicked off the New Year in my cowboy boots by going to a country dance bar. Despite my lack of line dancing knowledge, I had a ton of fun in this crash course to country.

The next morning, I flew out to Arizona to meet my freshman year roommate (an AZ local). We got dressed in our best Stanford swag and put our game-faces on to cheer on the Card in the Fiesta Bowl. Despite the close loss, this trip was still the best part of my break. After a whirlwind of a winter break, it was time to pack up my bags and head back to the Farm.

Winter Break // by Emily

This Christmas break I spent a lot of time with my family like most people. We had our annual Pride and Prejudice viewing (the A&E like 6 hr version, ya buddy) and the usual shenanigans such as christmas shopping, baking, and making gingerbread houses. My friends and I actually made these s'mores chocolate chip cookies from a recipe we found on Pinterest and they were all kinds of wonderful.






























On christmas eve, my family went to church at 9pm and they had a really crazy cool candelight vigil that looked something like this. It was unreal. For the rest of break my family worked on a ridiculously hard puzzle of Van Gogh's Starry Night and finished it a few days before break ended. I had a wondermous New Years Eve with friends in San Francisco and just made a bucket list with some of the other freshman of things we want to do before the school year ends!

Winter Break // by Pallavi


This winter break I was reminded of my unparalleled sleeping skills. I clocked in 12-14 hours of much needed sleep every night!! During my waking hours I spent time with family and friends, celebrated a birthday and topped my break off with an unforgettable adventure to Arizona to support our football team at the Fiesta Bowl! Break is fun and rejuvinating, but nothing is better then being back on The Farm!

Winter Break // by Kaitlyn


My New Years Resolutions for 2012:

Every year I write my new years resolutions down in my private journal, stashed away in a secret hiding spot for most of the year I hardly glance at them and pretty much every year forget about them until it is two days before New Years and I realize I haven't accomplished anything on my list. So this year I am trying something new, I am posting my New Years Resolutions for all of you to see making them more public in hopes that I might actually finish some if not most of them.

- Get good grades
- Win NCAAs
- Get a paying summer job
- Learn how to golf
- Read all of Chelsea Handler's books
- Start photography again
- Go to a concert
- Do 8 minute abs 4 times a week (click here for the video!)
- Keep my room clean
- travel to a new state
- learn how to cook
- visit the beach more often
- Go to a Giants game
- Visit more museums
- Keep in better touch with high school friends
- Get more sleep

Winter Break // by Kelsey


Coming back to SoCal for winter break is probably one of my favorite parts of the holidays. I get to spend time with everyone in my family, something that only happens this time of year. AND I get to go to my favorite Mexican places: Don Gustavo's, El Adobe, and of course Pedro's Tacos.

This year, after spending time at home I traveled to Arizona for New Year's Eve with some girls in my sorority, and we stayed for the Fiesta Bowl. Even though the seating in the student section was random, a bunch of us polo girls ended up sitting together which was SO much fun!




















The game was a heartbreaker, but the experience as a whole was definitely a positive one. Here's a video that I think sums it all up the best. My favorite quote is towards end when the commentator talks about how far the team has come. An 11-2 record used to be unattainable for Stanford Football, and now it is a "disappointment." Regardless of the outcome of that game, I know I speak for EVERY Stanford Football fan in saying that we are so proud of this team!!

Now that I'm a few weeks into Winter Quarter and football season is officially over, we are just about to start playing OUR games. I could not be more excited. We are all chomping at the bit to get some real competition going and begin what is going to be an EPIC season. Here we go girls!

Winter Break // by Alyssa


This past winter break was filled with a bunch of new experiences and lots of travel. Right after training camp I went to Tahoe with my family. My grandparents own a house at Northstar on the North Shore and we just recently renovated the house. Because we added on to the house we were able to fit the ENTIRE family into the house….. 15 people! Needless to say I got absolutely no alone time and was constantly interrupted during the skype sessions I tried to have. At one point I was talking to my boyfriend Tommy and my grandmother (Nonnie) came downstairs, stole my computer and proceeded to talk and introduce Tommy to the cousins. Luckily he was a good sport and totally went along with it, and it ended up being an amazing Christmas. Unfortunately there was no snow but it made it a lot easier to swim in the outside pool.

After Christmas, we headed back down the mountain to Marin. Kaitlyn and I spent all of the gift cards we had and a little bit of our own hard-earned money within a two-day shopping spree. Once I had spent all of my money it was time for me to head south to the land of the sun (Orange County). Tommy is from Mission Viejo and I was able to spend New Years with him and his family. I am proud to say that I learned how to play Hearts over Christmas and challenged Tommy, his brother, and Tommy’s roommate Mickey to a match…. And I won!!!!The next stop on my winter break journey was to Arizona for the Fiesta Bowl. It was my first time driving to Arizona and it was my first Bowl Game ever! On the day of the game, Stanford hosted a free concert for Stanford Students and Alumni. It was the first concert I have ever been to! I was able to be first row for Brett Michaels, LMFAO and Kesha. It was an amazing experience and I really look forward to going to more concerts in the future.
 





The game itself was exciting and the atmosphere was electric. I don’t think I have ever been in an indoor area with that many people. On the way back to socal from Arizona, Tommy and I stopped at
a small town at the edge of Arizona called Quartzsite. Amazingly we ran into Kelsey, Cassie and Ashley (literally in the middle of nowhere). What are the chances of that??? Then it was time to head back up to Stanford for training camp.

For training camp, Kelsey and I both stayed at a club family house in Los Altos. The Richards family was extremely kind and generous. Kelsey and I fully enjoyed the monster TV they had set up in the room we were staying in and we had an epic TV night where we watched the newest episode of Revenge. Other than that I just moved back into my sorority and I am excited to start winter quarter and to finally start our season!