This weekend went quickly, as if pictures were passing me by. It was too short and too busy with Company for me to really reflect on my happenings. Therefore, that’s what I’ll use this blog for: reflecting. My parents did come up from Long Island, along with my Uncle Paul from Tampa, Florida, and my brother came down from UAlbany with two of his suitemates. They all came to see the musical comedy of Company! HAZAH! Oh I was so happy to see my parents! They help me through so much! It was nice to see my uncle since I hardly EVER get to see him, and my bro, even though we’re about an hour away, I’ve missed him to pieces. Anyway, family is somewhat obligated to attend these productions (because they love you- right?) but Kyle’s suitemates didn’t have to take a bus here, but they did! Such kind people in this world!

Anyway, my bro Kyle came down from school at Albany on Friday evening with Godfred, his roommate from Ghana, and his suitemate Akeem. Akeem’s girlfriend, Angie, actually goes to SUNY New Paltz, and it was her birthday on Saturday! So after the show on Friday night, we all went to the diner (except Godfred who had to finish a paper and submit it electronically by midnight! He did it with 2 minutes to spare! HAHA!) At the diner we ordered some grub and at midnight sang Happy Birthday to Angie! It was so cute! Everyone at the diner chimed in and sang along with us.

Kyle and his alfredo at the diner. I asked him to stick all that pasta in his mouth for this picture…he hates when I make him re-cap what he just did for a photo op. Sorry Kyle. You know I just love to see how funny you are again and again.

(I took a video of us singing to Angie at the diner “Happy Birthday,” but I don’t think she’d want that up, so I omitted it.)

After that we didn’t really have any plans so we walked around town, grabbed some pizza at Gourmet, went into the Muddy Cup, and eventually went back to Lenape Hall to play Mad Gab. Mad Gab is this silly game where you have to say what’s on the card as quickly as possible. Then people have to guess what word or phrase you are trying to say.

Akeem Berry and Angie Alva reading the directions/showing us how to play Mad Gab.

Godfred Asa-Ntow and Kyle being goofy over the beach ball in Angie’s room.

On Saturday, I had a full day off (well until 6pm.) So my family and I went to get some lunch at McGillicuddy’s or what we like to call Cuddy’s. We all ordered different things. I remember ordering the veggie burger and really liking it. My mom wanted the 911 Chili, yadda yadda (I don’t know if you want to hear EVERYTHING we ate.) However, I do want to say that dessert was desired after the meal by my uncle. My Uncle Paul kept saying, “Eat a dessert, save a diabetic,” because well, HE’S diabetic, and he loves his sweets. Hopefully he originated that phrase, cuz I’m giving him credit for it. Haha. That was the first time I heard THAT one and well, it made me laugh, a lot! He wanted the oreo cheesecake, but they didn’t have it, so our waitress gave us a piece of pumpkin cheesecake and a humungo brownie to-go for freeee!! Golly gee how nice of her! Well, we made sure to leave her a nice tip.

Afterward we went up to Mohonk! I don’t normally get to go up there, because I’m a little busy bee down here on campus. We actually stopped at the “Minnewaska State Park Reserve.” They have many different reserves among the Shawangunk Mountain ranges so we stopped at Minnewaska and walked around. (Here’s the website for Minnewaska: http://nysparks.state.ny.us/parks/info.asp?parkID=78 and here’s the website for Mohonk Preserve: http://www.mohonkpreserve.org/)

That’s why I was really pleased my parents felt it was a nice idea to take the trip up. My Uncle Paul wanted to take some pictures up there of the autumn season, and I couldn’t be happier to do the same. I was somewhat tired, but I hung in there! Oh do I have some B-E-A-UTIFUL pictures for you guys! It was breathtaking up there; truly stunning. Let me show you what I mean.

Took a picture of my mom and bro through a branch of leaves. I thought it was artsy.

Map of Minnewaska State Preserve.

A view of the fam walking ahead. The path is illuminated.

More of that illuminated path through the outline of leaves.

Kyle looking DOWN below.

My uncle Paul and dad up top on a rock. Aw brothers.

Dad, Mom, me and Ky all on the rock smiling as if the sun wasn’t blinding us.

Pretending to fall off the rocks. “HELP ME!” I’m just squatting, no worries.

Kyle is really falling. Uh- I guess I have to stop taking pictures and help him. HAHA nahh Kyle just found a nice ledge to act out his fall.

Our view from up above. All the leaves are changing!!

Kyle being the monkey he is and climbing away the first opportunity he sees.

The path on the way back.

Beautiful red leaves right by the parking lot. I stood on a picnic table to get this shot.

We pulled over the car with a bunch of others and looked out below.

Then the drive back was crazy because the traffic was HORRENDOUS! It was alumni weekend and I guess that’s what caused it, but it took us about 45 minutes to get back from Mohonk, through town and to my residence hall. Normally it takes 10 to 20 minutes. I was worried I was going to be late for my 6pm call for the show! Ai Carumba! Well my dad just said to just sit back and enjoy the scenery as we inched along. I did for a little bit, because it was pretty, but eventually I just took a little snooze on my momma’s shoulder. Haha…I told you I was tired. Anyway, after that I kissed my fam goodbye and ran on over to McKenna Theatre to do our 3^rd performance of COMPANY, the musical comedy. If you haven’t gotten your tickets yet, you should oh you should! The final weekend is this Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday! You can check out my previous blog for more info. Anyway, I don’t want to seem like I’m bombarding you, so I’ll stop. It’s just always so rewarding to have people you know and love come see how much WORK was put into a production (from the tech, the design, and the theatrical aspect.) Anyway, enjoy the pictures, enjoy this chilly but refreshing weather, and enjoy the ones you’re with!

Goodbye! I don’t know about you, but I’m going to enjoy my day off from the show by hitting up the library and feeling accomplished with some of the BIG HW out of the way. Peace!

Last night was the first night of frost and I am so excited. The beginning of winter means the end of falling leaves, and the beginning of beautifully naked trees that move in the wind and hold snow in a dance against gravity. Th beginning of winter means the end of picnics, and the beginning of frosted over grass that crunches when you step on it and leaves our foot prints as tracks early in the morning. The beginning of the winter means big winter jackets, hoodies and sweaters, gloves and hats that keep your head extra warm when its freezing outside. The beginning of winter means snow boots and cold noses and cheeks, and hot cocoa all the time! Can you tell I’m excited about winter?! I cant wait for the beginning of snow!!