I have a need, a need for speed!

It’s the middle of winter and you know what that means? It is ski and snowboard season! When all of the other outside sports are done because of the snow, you still have the mountains to look forward to. Similar to the tips about taking the bus, most of these tips are self-explanatory, but they can still help you have a great time on the mountain.

On to the tips:

• If you're going to a pricier mountain, buy your tickets online for a discount.
• Start slow on the slopes to “get the rust” out before you start to go fast.
• Go with a buddy, especially if you want to ski through the woods.
• Wear a helmet. It protects your head and keeps you extra warm.
• Don't forget to put the safety bar down when getting on the chairlift.
• If you have a season pass, write down how many times you go on the back.
• Take a picture every time you go skiing to remember who you ski or snowboard with.
• When snowboarding, remember to put your bindings on the side of the run so other friends can move around you easily.
• Find a jacket that is easy to spot out so you can be spotted easily when split from your friends.
• Use chairlift time as a great bonding time to talk with the friend you took to ski with.

The tickets are usually cheaper when you buy online and who doesn't love to save some dough.

I always know how many times I went each season by the back of my pass.

So many friends and so many skiing adventures

Top Left: DJ Q and Suze, Top Right: Teresa and DJ Q

Bottom Left: Papa Q and DJ Q, Bottom Right: Candy and DJ Q

This year I have been able to ski so many times. As you could see from my Smuggs pass, I was able to go skiing six times this season. Along with skiing at Smuggs, my dad and I went to Stowe and Mad River Glen during Valentine’s Weekend. If you were in the Vermont area that weekend, you know that was the weekend of the big powder weekend which made for great skiing. The views were beautiful at both locations and made for a wonderful weekend with my dad.

This was the view from the top of the mountain, absolutely beautiful!

Along with skiing, I have been able to learn to snowboard this season. I had the opportunity to buy a snowboard this year and I have converted to the other side of winter mountain sports. Skiing and snowboarding are both wonderful sports to do. I cannot tell you what I enjoy doing more right now. They are both so different and challenging in their own ways. If you ever have the opportunity to go, you should try it since it is a good workout with spectacular views.

One Last thing:

This weekend starts the month of March, and with Easter being so late, Mardi Gras is going to start this week. Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday, is on March 4 and the annual Magic Hat Mardi Gras Parade is this Saturday. So if you are looking for something to do this weekend or you want to catch some beads, head on down to Burlington to watch the parade. It starts at 3 p.m. and goes through Main Street in Burlington, off of Church Street. If you want more details about the parade, go to Magic Hat’s Website here. Enjoy the day and the parade if you choose to go!

Keep SMCing,                                                                           

DJ Q

Shhh! We are in the Library

If you are anything like me, I enjoy going to the library where I know there will be a quiet place to work. Here at St. Mike’s, we have the fabulous Durick Library on campus. This is one of my favorite buildings on campus because of the big spaces it has and the quiet locations it provides to do all of my work. Here are some helpful tips for you to enjoy your library visit to its fullest.

On to the tips:

• Find that special spot that you can get your work done well in. As mentioned before, it is really important to find a great spot to work in.
• Go on adventures during break times. There is so much to explore in the library.
• Have a movie night with your friends; the library provides some really great movies. 
• If you ever need help with research, go to the research librarians at the front desk.
• Learn the dynamics of each floor. 1st floor you shouldn't say a word, 2nd floor is more of a talking floor, and the 3rd floor has some room for talking with most of it quiet.
• Read a children's book to get your mind out of all of the dense material for class.
• Need a snack but you didn't bring one and don't want to trudge to Alliot? Head on down to Durick’s Den in the basement of the library.
• If you forgot your laptop, fear not! There are numerous computers on each floor that you can use at any time.
• You can keep up with all of your favorite newspapers and magazines in the library. They have subscriptions to the Burlington Free Press, New York Times, Boston Globe, and many more.
• Sometime before you graduate make sure you check out the Special Collections room. It is often referred to as the ‘Beauty and the Beast Room.’ 

These are only the movies for A and B titles

You can get a snack or even do some work in the Durick's Den.

If you want to get in the Special Collections room, you need to have a librarian take you in. That's how special it is.

I have spent so much time at the library because my main focus while at St. Mike’s is to do well in my school work. The library has provided a very productive working location for me to work in. It may not be for everyone, but I love it so much. I go there almost every day, except Saturdays because Saturday’s a rugby day, or in the winter a skiing day.

The library is able to offer so many resources for students to use. There are the thousands of books in the library, millions of sources in online databases and unlimited possibilities on the WorldCat database. Not only are the books and resources fantastic, there are so many great tables and seats to use. Whatever you use the library for; it is a wonderful place to go on campus for work or pleasure.

Isn't the library absolutely beautiful.

There's a seat that most everyone will enjoy.

One last thing:

This past Monday was President’s Day which means that we get off school this Friday. Does that make any sense? Of course not! Anyway, to celebrate President’s Day, here are some fun facts about the day which you can find on this website by clicking here. It is a great holiday because we don’t have school, and some places don’t have to work, such as the Red Cross. Make sure to thank the presidents for doing such a great job at their job, they’re giving it their best shot at least. 

Keep SMCing,

DJ Q