Visit (II)

Whether it be the official event in the fall or the thrown-together celebration in the spring, there are very few legitimate reasons to miss an Alumni Weekend at Marist.

To me, alumni weekend means revisiting my alma mater, remembering all of the things I miss about it so much, but also appreciating that my Marist “glory days” are over. As much as I miss Marist, it’s true that by graduation time, you’re ready to leave, no matter how much fun those four years in the Hudson Valley were.

Which is why Homecoming Weekend and Spring Alumni Weekend are so great. You can visit your favorite spots, see your favorite people and hang out in your favorite place, all without classes, papers and other college-related responsibilties.

Here are some highlights from my most recent trip to Marist, and last of the year:

I’ve never met a pizza roll from Coco’s that I didn’t like.

Mahoney’s was an obvious stop on our tour. Really, there are few places I’d rather be to scope out townies and see my favorite DJ, PJ.

The wind was too fierce for a walk on the Walkway bridge, but we still stopped down by the river to see the sights, and wonder what ever possessed us to jump into the icy waters.

Is there any other college in this nation that gives you such great photo opportunities?

And then, of course, there is the brand-new Hancock center…

But more on that beauty later…

Visit (I)

One of the many great things about joining Greek life at Marist, or any college, is that your connection to your sisters keeps you connected to Marist on a personal level, even years after you graduate.

And, of course, it gives you an excuse to come visit from time to time for sorority-related events.

Here are some highlights from my weekend with my sisters. Knowing I would be returning to Marist the following weekend for S.A.W. (read about it here), we didn’t visit all of our favorites, but still hit up plenty of hot spots.

Sure, you can get two-for-one-margaritas at most Chili’s restaurants, but when you’re surrounded by friends who have traveled from more than three different states, the ‘rita tastes that much sweeter.

Strolling by my old home was somewhat sad. A three room apartment in North Jersey is no comparison to the luxurious life I lived in the Fulton townhouses.

Pizza straight from the oven at Pleasant Ridge III. And yes, that is a saucy piece of Chicken/Bacon/Ranch on the right.

Riding in Phatz’s cab never got it’s own bucket list entry, but I did write about “The Man, the Myth, the Phatz” for my senior Narrative Journalism final.

Even though PJ the DJ and karaoke were missing, we still had a ton of fun at Darby O’Gills.

Happy to Be of Service

My friend and fellow ’10 blogger Kristen Domonell posted a photo of her blog’s search engine statistics and it inspired me to look at what terms all of you are using to land yourselves on this glorious (and sadly, out of date) bucket list blog.

The top terms (click to make them larger and easier to read):

These all seem pretty normal right? New Paltz, bars, party related things; all items that have appeared on this gloriously wonderful blog. Bruised wrist is somewhat alarming, but maybe someone was doing a project.

(Although Gina, either you’re Googling yourself way too much or somebody is seriously creeping on you. Numbers like that are kind of like a rash; you’re going to want to get it checked out before it gets too serious.)

Here are some less popular favorites. I’m shocked that people were searching for these things:

I really have no comment other than to say that I did not enter these keywords into any of my posts. Someone was pretty determined to find what s/he was looking for.  Happy bucket listing!

Become the Paparazzi.

Hey Marist students, were you watching the news this summer? Or, at the very least, scanning the gossip blogs?

If so, you’ll know that the nearby village of Rhinebeck was the venue of former first daughter Chelsea Clinton’s wedding on July 31st. The streets were filled with tabloid paparazzi, and locals lined the village with well wishes for the bride as their small town was suddenly thrust into the spotlight.

Aside from former President Clinton and his Secretary of State wife Hilary, celebrity spottings included Vera Wang and Ted Danson. (If you’re unlike me, and hate Nick at Nite reruns, Ted Danson was on the TV show “Cheers” in the 90s).

So here is the first challenge — where in Rhinebeck would a Marist student want to visit? Guests are said to have stayed in the Beekman Arms in, situated right on Route 9. My graduation dinner was at the Foster’s Coach House Tavern and is definitely a great place to grab a bite to eat. I’m also certain that there is tons of browsing and window shopping to be done as the village is filled with small, unique and privately owned shops.

But what else? Where have you been, where do you want to go? Let me know.

Until next time!

Keep on Trucking

It’s been a while since I’ve submitted another bucket list idea. Truth is, something terrible has happened. Are you sitting down? This might hurt a little…

I’ve graduated.

Now that the shock and the sadness have subsided (at least they have a little) and I’m actively seeking employment, I thought my days of bucket listing were behind me. But they aren’t — I’ve been doing some Albany Bucket Listing on my personal blog. But I can’t help but think of all the things I didn’t do when at Marist. And the purpose of this blog, this capping project, was to get out there and do absolutely everything.

So, I’ve got a challenge for all of you students who are luckily still enrolled at Marist. I’m going to suggest some ideas that I haven’t done. And you’re going to do them. And then you are going to tell me all about it, so that when I return for whatever reason, I have an itinerary to follow. And if you’re an alum like me, and you’ve already done it, you’re going to tell me all about it. Just leave it all in the comments.

Enjoy your adventures!

Have So Much Fun That You Forget to Post.

All right, with no update since February I’ve definitely conquered that one.

I’ll be sharing some bucket list wisdom over the weekend; for now, get off the computer and enjoy the beautiful weather. After all, Marist is at it’s finest in the springtime.

Get a Mulligan.

I’d like to issue a disclaimer prior to describing this adventure: There is nothing wrong with sharing a beer or two with friends on a Sunday. Especially in a nearly empty bar. And especially after falling on your face in front of strangers a few hours before hand.

And especially when it’s Spanish Night!

A friend of mine bartends at this quaint little place called Mulligan’s Irish House. I’d been there once before on graduation weekend of 2009 and had a great time, so when I got the call to attend the Sunday night ritual of “Spanish Night,” I knew the bucket list would benefit from the experience.

A view behind the bar at Mulligan's.

A perk of Mulligan's? They have Guiness on tap, enough of a draw for any authentic Irish patrons like Riley.

Though it wasn’t very crowded, the night was definitely filled with Spanish flavor – mainly because of the karaoke. I’d never experienced anything quite like it before; the song selections were entirely in Spanish! Although I am a karaoke superstar, I didn’t dare butcher the language anymore than I normally do when I attempt to say words like “bano” in everyday life. But those who did sing knew the language well, and watching them perform was nice background to the conversation between me and my friends.

On any night, Mulligan’s has a pool table, board games and a dart board for entertainment. And right next to the dartboard is perhaps my favorite part of the small, cozy pub – a fireplace. And it’s not just for decoration; the staff keeps the fire burning all night.

We spent a fair amount of time playing darts as Spanish karaoke was sung in the background.

Speaking of the staff, they are some of the friendliest bartenders I have ever met in my life. Granted, I know one of them (if you go, tip Sarah well!) but even so, it was easy to strike up a conversation with those we had just met.

And though the bar wasn’t crowded, it seemed like the perfect atmosphere to bring a group of your friends – whether large or small – and share in some brews and good conversation without having to shout over obnoxious music or rubbing against random townies.

Mulligan’s Irish House
2146 Hackensack Rd
Poughkeepsie
845.486.9044

Plenty of parking, but be sure to designate a driver, as it’s not close to campus and not a popular cab destination. You must be 21+ to drink!

Slip and Fall.

Here I am at the start of my ice skating experience. See how happy I look? I’ve got a nice smile, sunglasses perched a top my head as I lace up my newly rented skates.

Photo by Alyssa Bradt

But readers, heed my warning: this bucket list activity is not advised for the clumsy, uncoordinated and/or those with lack of balance.

If you want proof, just check the massive bruise on my wrist.

Not the best quality, but I'm bruised just below the thumb all the way down my wrist.

However, even if you’re like me and lack any form of grace, you can still have a good time ice skating. Just to get the shame out of the way, I’ll let you know that I fell. Well, actually I slipped. And I went down, face first. After that, I’m trading in my skates for those nifty shoes they wear on the Olympic curling team. But anyway…

Ice skating is a nice nostalgia experience. We’ve all been when we were younger, when slipping and falling was cute rather than pride-damaging. And for a mere $10 (only $7 if you’ve got your own skates), Marist students can take a five minute drive to the McCann Ice Arena at the Mid Hudson Civic Center and glide along the ice (of, if you’re me, it’s more like a glide-and-stop, glide-and-stop).

Photo by Alyssa Bradt

Photo by Alyssa Bradt

Hours for open skate at the arena vary, but on Saturdays and Sundays it runs from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. That’s just enough time to get all of your post-Olympic ambition out before getting completely tired and bored with the activity.

I’m being a bit harsh, and that’s mainly because I fell. Once I fell, I didn’t enjoy myself that much. My only salvation was my fellow bucket lister Alyssa, who is a former Empire State Game Champion in Ice Skating. As I sat and allowed my hand – and pride – to recover, she did some spins in the middle of the rink and kept me entertained.

I’m not sure that this is an activity that requires repeat visits. Once was enough for me. However, I did see some fellow skaters on dates (including, unfortunately, some middle school PDA. Gross). I’m not sure that I’d want a date to see me fall in the manner I did, but if you’re into holding hands and traveling in circles for extended periods of time, definitely visit the ice rink.

And, if all else fails, some men’s hockey teams practice/play games at the conclusion of open skate, and there are plenty of spaces to sit and watch the action unfold.

McCann Ice Arena
The Mid Hudson Civic Center
14 Civic Center Plaza

The arena is right off of Market St. in Poughkeepsie. There is municipal parking right across the street, which is usually free on the weekends!

Shout About Anatomy

Last year, for the first time in my life, I saw a production of Eve Ensler’s “Vagina Monologues.”

I don’t know that I’ve ever felt more uncomfortable in my life. I was standing at the side of the crowded Cabaret, next to an old guy friend, watching my female classmates moan and yell “VAGINA!” onstage. They were great, but at the time I thought it was a little too much. Especially one skit, which attempted to reclaim a certain “C” word.

Flash forward a year, and I’m a completely different person. Why should I be so afraid of sexuality? Why was I fidgety and uncomfortable.

The obvious rule of thumb here is if you can’t beat ‘em, yell vagina right along with them.

And so, despite lack of any theater experience, I found myself sitting in the music department’s hallway, reading over a monologue called “Vagina Workshop” and preparing for my first ever audition.

Photo by Chelsea Murray

Chelsea and Kelly came to audition, too!

I went in, read the monologue, and felt great about it. The directors asked me to read something additional — a monologue I remembered well from my initial viewing of the show. Here’s a hint: It brings back that “C” word.

I let loose. I yelled the word. Really loud. It felt good. Really good.

And now, I’ll be performing that very monologue on March 25th and 26th.

So now that I can cross that item off the bucket list, I feel really empowered. Yet, I also feel intimidated as I add another item: Get an audience to believe in the word CUNT.

I think I can do it.

Fail Miserably in Public.

What do you get when you throw a sheet of fabric, a DJ and a projector screen on the stage in the Cabaret?

Photo Courtesy of Riley Eckert

Well, you get a game show, obviously.

After spending a few hours at Noah’s for happy hour, my friends and I ventured to the Cabaret to take part in SPC’s “Finish the Lyric” game show. Though it wasn’t televised, the event mimicked the FOX game show  “Don’t Forget the Lyric,” hosted by Wayne Brady and canceled last year.

The format was simple. The DJ/host called up willing contestants and gave them a screen with musical categories. After choosing your category, two options appeared. Contestants could choose one of the options and would have to finish the randomized blank lyrics of their chosen song. If contestants sang the correct lyrics, they moved on. The top prize was $50 to Best Buy.

You’d think that a karaoke wonder such as myself would be a shoe in for victory at a game like “Finish the Lyric,” but if you think that you’re wrong. Here’s why:

1. I didn’t get to choose the song/genre/artist or anything like that. The format of the game went as follows: we were given categories, and once we selected categories we were given song choices. The category “Duets” was our ultimate downfall.
2. When singing karaoke, the words are always in front of you. Such a concept defeats the purpose of a game called “Finish the Lyric”
3. “Endless Love” is a crappy love song anyway. Who would even want to know the words to it.

All right, all right, I’m a little bitter. But when every other contestant was getting categories such as “Boybands” or “Britney,” it’s hard to not be a little peeved when our options were “Duets,” “Disco” and “Motown.” But, to prove I learned something from this experience, here are the lyrics we messed up, from the second verse of “Endless Love”:

“Two hearts / Two hearts that beat as one / OUR lives have just begun”

And not

“Two hearts / Two hearts that beat as one / TWO lives have just begun”

Personally, I think the second makes more sense, but either way my partner and I each received 5 dollar gift cards to Best Buy – a small consolation for making fools of ourselves in front of a small crowd in the Cabaret.

I hope that SPC does more fun game show events in the future. I missed their Pop Culture Trivia Challenge last semester, so I’m crossing my fingers for some form of game show so that I may redeem myself in the eyes of the Marist student body.

But if all else fails, I still have karaoke.