Don't miss NBA legends at SFA Wednesday!

Hello! I hope everyone had a great weekend and paid attention to how much money they are spending.

If you haven’t already heard the buzz about Jay Harris coming to Nacogdoches next week, let me fill you in.

Thanks to new SFA’s sports marketing professor, Mark Williams, the office of multicultural affairs, the athletic department and Campus Recreation have teamed up to put on an unbelievable event for SFA students.

Jay Harris is an NBA legend and current top ESPN anchor. He, along with NBA legends Robert Reid and Kevin Loder will be AT SFA, Wednesday, February 23.

At 3:30 p.m. Harris will be hosting a meet and greet for students in the Rec Center Meeting Room.

At 5 p.m. tailgating will begin at Lumberjack Alley in honor of Harris and the Lumberjack Basketball game. It’s ‘Stache Night so the first 100 fans get an exclusive Danny Kaspar ‘Stache t-shirt. The first 500 fans get ‘Stache rally towels and the first 1000 fans will receive free fake mustaches. If this doesn’t make sense to you take a look at SFA Basketball Head Coach, Danny Kaspar.

At 6 p.m. there will be a Pep Rally at Lumberjack Alley featuring Spirit Teams, the Roaring Buzz Saw Band and more! Jay Harris, Robert Reid, Kevin Loder and Tony Cornish Jr. WILL BE THERE to learn SFA traditions including the fight song.

At 7:00 p.m. a panel discussion will begin in the BPSC Grand Ballroom.

Featured in the event are the following incredible people:

Marc Williams

Global Sports Marketer, SFA instructor

Jay Harris

ESPN Sports Center Anchor

Robert Reid

Houston Rocket legend

Kevin Loder

NBA legend, VP of National Basketball Retired Players Association Houston Chapter

The panel discussion will be hosted by ESPN’s Tony Cornish Jr.

In other words: THIS IS HUGE FOR SFA! I am so proud to be a Lumberjack.

Just thought I’d keep you in the loop!

YOUR inside connection to Campus Rec- Steph

Empowerment Tip #14: Empower yourself FINANCIALLY, by paying attention.

Need is reality for some people and a complaint for others. What is need?

According to the Merriam Webster Dictionary need is the lack of something; a condition requiring supply or relief. Need is directly related to poverty. Wow, just let that soak in.

I consider myself far from impoverished but how often do we tell a friend how much we need money?

I think there is a real problem when we can't admit that we need guidance with our finances how we spend and where we spend.

I was eating lunch with a group of friends and were discussing how much money has changed in our lives. As a child, I saved all of my money and was reluctant to let even a dollar go to an "unworthy" cause.

But since a plastic card is the new dollar bill how much do I actually think before swiping my card at Walmart? Chili's? or Victoria's Secret?

I can't see my account, I can't see my money disappearing at the moment that card is swiped.

The real issue was pointed out by SFA junior, Martika Hamilton, when she said, "I need to prioritize more." She pointed out the reality that what she's spending isn't real to her, because she can't see it.

Money has become intangible to our society.

If you can't touch it or handle it how can you remember what you spent? There was no physical transfer of your money. The only interaction was the swipe of a card. And electronic deduction from your account, thats a scary thought.

It's not that there isn't a way to stretch your money; we just aren't paying attention to where it's being spent.

If money was a picture it would be a collage of education, transportation, family, health, food, bills, everything. These are what money represents in our lives.

To make a long story short, consumerism is like a disease but you don't have to be a host to this disease.

Think about what you spend, consider your credit and debit card as precious as the five dollars you owned as a child. Prioritize your spending.

As a college student I realize there are events on campus all the time that I can attend to save money, yet still have fun. Almost all on campus events have free food, the movies on campus only cost a dollar and if I'm really looking to make some money this summer why not invest in the lifeguard program at the Student Rec Center. The possibilities are almost endless.

There are numerous other examples of potential activities at:

http://www.sfasu.edu/308.asp

http://www.sfasu.edu/campusrec/83.asp

Explore your financial possibilities!

Just grindin' the ax- Liza

Become a Campus Rec Lifeguard!

Wow! There is nothing like a snow day in East Texas! I apologize for Friday’s lack of Empowerment Tip. I assume that your day off of school (and work in some cases) was as pleasant as mine.

It’s been snowing in Nacogdoches but once that summer heat hits there’s no turning back. Due to the recent highly apparent decline in temperature, the thought of summer probably hasn’t yet crossed your mind. I wanted to remind you that it is coming, and now’s the time to prepare for it.

If you’re taking classes and staying in Nac this summer, you might be stressing about finding a place to work. Ideally you picture a social job that is flexible with your school schedule, right?

Have you ever thought about becoming a lifeguard? Maybe you have but quickly brushed it aside thinking you weren’t qualified.

That’s the great thing about your Student Rec Center here at SFA. You may not currently be qualified for a position, but Campus Rec wants to help get you there by developing your professional skills.

Friday, February 11 Campus Rec Aquatics is offering an interest meeting that will tell you everything you need to know about becoming a lifeguard. They will make sure you are aware of the trainings that will be offered this semester so when the summer comes, you’ll be ready to jump in. Literally.

I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait to walk outside and NOT have to scrape ice off of my windshield. I thought it wasn’t supposed to snow in Texas!

Have a great rest of the week and make sure to attend the Campus Rec Lifeguard Interest Meeting Friday, February 11 at 5 p.m. in the Rec Center Meeting Room.

YOUR inside connection to Campus Rec- Steph

Steel away and Pack in, with Campus Rec this Sunday.

What kind of fan are you?

A Pittsburgh Steelers kind of fan?

Or a Green Bay Packers kind of fan?

If you don’t already know who your team is, this is definitely the time decide. Because Four days from now the epic super bowl battle will commence.

This year the annual super bowl will be held in Dallas, Texas. The Steelers and Packers will compete for American football glory and considering the Steelers have appeared three times in the past six years, this will be quite a battle for the Packers.

As for me, I can’t really say I know who I’m rooting for. I’ll probably be looking to see whose jerseys look the best that day.

Luckily the super bowl is one of those events where the entire country sits down on a Sunday evening and is drawn into a football game. Whether you are a dedicated football viewer or someone who watches other people watch football, the super bowl is an all-inclusive event. There is the football for fans, and the advertisements for those of us poser fans.

Needless to say it has become more than a sporting event, it is an experience.

With that having been said, you should know that the two SFA super powers will be joining forces Feb. 6, 2011 for the American super bowl experience.

Campus Recreation and Student Activities Association (SAA) will be hosting a super bowl party at 5:30 in the Student Recreation Center. There will be food, drinks, games and prizes.

So come enjoy an American pastime with us and get excited for this years kickoff!

Just Grindin’ the Ax- Liza

Empowerment Tip #13: Empower yourself EMOTIONALLY by having a healthy routine.

Every year marks a fresh beginning. I’m sure you’ve been asked about New Year’s resolutions, how you feel about entering the year of 2011, how will this year change you physically and emotionally.

But how can you realistically change habits? We feel this pressure as a society to undergo radical transformation starting in January every year. But what if your new years resolution became a lifestyle? What if you weren’t making a meaningless declaration, but instating a routine?

If your everyday routine could reflect the good intentions of a New Year’s resolution, you’d be a powerhouse physically and emotionally.

As a college student, I know each semester presents an opportunity to set the tone for the next four months of life. In the same way as an employee and a person the New Year presents an opportunity to make and break habits.

“Do one thing every day that scares you,” said Eleanor Roosevelt.

Although the former First Lady probably wasn’t referencing lifestyle changes, her meaning is clear, be daring!

This year create your habits intentionally.

Walk everyday with your dog, take vitamins, eat breakfast, find a creative hobby or outlet, meet new people, get outside and camp, rock climb or take a fitness class here at the Student Recreation Center.

Our Group X Schedule this semester presents a plethora of fun and empowering classes that could become part of your routine during 2011.

All of the Group X instructors are dedicated and excited to teach fitness classes and would love to have you as a participant in their class.

So find part of your new routine on our Spring Group X Schedule!

(*) Refers to a class that is advanced.

Monday Classes Times Room Locations
Indoor Cycling 7:30 – 8:15am Cycling Studio
H.I.T. (High Intensity Training) 4:15 – 5:00pm MP1
Pilates 4:00 – 5:00pm MP2
Toned to the Bone 5:30 – 6:15pm MP2
*Indoor Cycling 6:00 – 6:45pm Cycling Studio
Zumba 6:30 – 7:30pm MP1
Groove and Grind 8:00 – 9:00pm MP1
Yoga 8:00 – 9:00pm MP2

Tuesday Classes Times Room Locations
Yoga 7:30 – 8:30am MP2
Abs for Lunch 12:30 – 1:00pm MP1
*Athletic Conditioning 5:00 – 6:00pm MP1
Abs Blast 5:30 – 6:00pm MP2
*Boot Camp 6:15 – 7:15pm MP1
Turbo Kick 6:15 – 7:15pm MP2
Trim N’ Tone 7:30 – 8:30pm MP1
Yoga 8:00 – 9:00pm MP2

Wednesday Classes Times Room Locations
Indoor Cycling 7:30 – 8:15am Cycling Studio
Pilates 4:00 – 5:00pm MP2
Toned to the Bone 5:30 – 6:15pm MP2
*Indoor Cycling 6:00 – 6:45pm Cycling Studio
Zumba 6:30 – 7:30pm MP1
*Trim N’ Tone 6:30 – 7:30pm MP2
Yoga 8:00 – 9:00pm MP2

Thursday Classes Times Room Locations
Yoga 7:30 – 8:30am MP2
Abs for Lunch 12:30 – 1:00pm MP1
*Athletic Conditioning 5:00 – 6:00pm MP1
Vertical Challenge 5:00 – 6:15pm Rock Wall
Abs Blast 5:30 – 6:00pm MP2
*Boot Camp 6:15 – 7:15pm MP1
Turbo Kick 6:15 – 7:15pm MP2

Friday Classes Times Room Locations
Zumba 1:00 – 2:00pm MP1

There are no classes on Saturday and Sundays.

So, try new things!

But above all this year, don’t forget to laugh everyday. Laughter is an asset in life.

Just Grindin’ the Axe - Liza

Giving back with Blood.

Commit for life and come to the Blood Drive at the Student Recreation Center that’s approaching next week, February 1 and 2 with the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center. Oddly enough every time a blood drive is held the real challenge is not facilitating it but getting people to feel comfortable donating.

As a freshman, I made the mistake of putting my real e-mail and phone number on a signup sheet with the Regional Gulf Coast Blood Center. Since then, the blood center will call and ask me to donate blood at least every 6 months. I’ve learned to screen every call from them. Nevertheless, they continue to leave me cheerful reminders on my voicemail, encouraging me to make blood donation a lifelong habit.

While I fear the phone calls, I can’t help but be impressed by their persistence. And reconsider my intense dislike of giving blood.

Entire jobs are created just to coordinate blood drives. A friend of mine, Nick Moy, is one such employee. He adores his job and I can’t blame him. Everyday he is helping save someone’s life.

The American Red Cross has statistically found that every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood.

Wow, that is incredible to think about! While you read this there were two to six people who needed blood.

Another statistic provided by the American Red Cross that motivates me to give blood is; more than 1 million new people are diagnosed with cancer each year. Most of them will require blood transfusions, sometimes daily, during their chemotherapy treatment.

Although these statistics initially made me feel guilt and pressure to give blood, the facts remain, donation is a necessary evil.

So, what are the reasons people won’t give blood?

After asking a random group of people why they will or will not give blood the responses I received were incredibly unified. Generally, people give blood to help others and save lives. Yet, the fear of needles and the idea that their lifeblood is flowing out of them into a plastic bag keep many people from donating.

And although most responses were unified, there are always the unexpected responses. Two such responses were from SFA senior, Raul Davila, said, “I would donate because it’s a way to help someone other than yourself. And it gives me a reason to eat ice cream.” Campus Rec Fitness and Wellness Graduate Assistant, Michael Ryan, said, “I’ll use any excuse to get free juice and cookies.”

So whatever logic, blood donation is one aspect of giving to be seriously considered.

So, be ready on February 1 and 2 between 10a.m. and 4p.m. for the Campus Recreation Blood drive, in the Rec Center Meeting Room. Walk in’s are welcome or you could be an overachiever and sign up in advance in the Rec Center Lobby or online at www.giveblood.com.

And what could be better than a complimentary t-shirt to thank you for your donation!

Just grindin’ the ax - Liza

What's YOUR New Year's resolution?

It’s that time again: New Year’s resolutions. Do you make one, or ride into the New Year free of inhabitations?

I have to admit I didn’t come up with one until today as I was walking to my first class of the semester. I decided not to fight for parking spots this time around. It’s my eighth semester at SFA and I’ve had about enough of the morning parking battlefield. This morning I opted on the commuter lot as a first option.

I figure on the days I don’t have time to work out (which happens to be most days) parking in the commuter lot and then making the long hike to the communication building will make up for it. I feel like I will also be a much more peaceful person as a result. The only major adjustment will be time, but I can sacrifice a few minutes in the morning for peace and harmony.

I made a hypothesis that the New Year’s resolutions of my peers revolve around physical health. It’s cliché, but the fact is most of us could stand to make some improvements.

The result? After conducting a verbal survey at the Rec, my hypothesis can be deemed a fact. Excuse the lingo- I am currently enrolled in my last science core credit and am trying to get back in the swing of things. But the truth is whether it’s exercising more, eating better or not excessively socializing, college students want to be healthier.

Fortunately for you, Campus Recreation is at your service.

This semester is cram packed with Group Exercise classes, Intramural, Sport Clubs and Outdoor Pursuits events, as well Wellness services to help you recover from it all.

Here’s some of what’s coming up:

Men’s and women’s basketball starts next week and registration ENDS TOMORROW. So get your team together and send a representative to the Rec tomorrow, January 20 from 11 p.m. - 4 p.m. to sign up.

For all you runners out there looking for a challenge, come ask a Fitness Assistant about Race Across Texas anytime from now until February 7.

Outdoor Pursuits is hosting Paintball in the Piney Woods Saturday, February 12. The registration deadline is February 7, so if you’re interested in a messy, wild day of fun get on it!

Friday, the Rec will introduce its new blogger, Liza Mac Donald. Mac Donald is a current Campus Rec Administration Office employee who will be spending some time this semester interning with us in Promotions. One of her duties as an intern will be collaborating with me on the blog. We are very pleased about this addition to our team and are expecting exciting things from her!

YOUR inside connection to Campus Rec- Steph