University of Connecticut ~ Luau Daze

Week 6

 



Here we are at week 6 already! A lot of preparatory work the past 6 weeks have gone into making this week possible. Not only did our Hawaiian Luau themed meal happen week 6, our half marathon also fell the weekend of week 6.

 

Preparation for our themed meal has been an ongoing process throughout our time here. The first week at UConn, we chose our theme and have been working and collaborating on that idea since. We have planned a menu with great help, ordered decorations, planned where everything should be placed on lines in the dining hall, helped to ensure all of the food was ordered and arrived, got creative with making pineapple palm trees, helped with staffing, created a show cake and many other tasks. 

 



The day of our themed meal came with excitement and nerves. We came in early to set up the final decorations and watch our theme and wonderful meal come to life. Nicole, Assistant Manager Pam Blume, our Director Carol Cronin and I passed out leis to each guest as they walked in the door. This immediately got them excited and into our theme. People seemed to love the atmosphere and the food, telling us through their joyous faces and also comment cards. 

 

Our lunch came to an end and we began to tear down our many decorations. Hawaii had officially left South Dining Hall. The next day, Nicole and I completed paperwork that needed to be done for our meal. After that, we hit the beach to relax after a long work week and to prepare for our long run.
 

Saturday after running errands, we traveled to Fairfield, CT (the city our half marathon took place in), ate delicious pasta from The Italian Kitchen and hit the sack early. The next morning, we were up at 6 AM and ready to run. We ate a quick breakfast and headed over to the beach the race started and finished on. At 8:15 AM we began our 13.1 miles! The course was beautiful, being in a residential area around the beautiful water. It was a cool day that was expecting rain, but luckily, it only drizzled. Nicole and I finished the race happy with our times and thrilled that we accomplished a goal we set for ourselves months before. We did it! 
 

After the race, we decided to stop in New Haven, CT and see the beautiful Yale University. Although tired, we walked around the enchanting campus in awe of its beauty.