Set Phasers To Love Me! [April's Footblog (PSU)]

[Cass]

Woo! Can't wait to shred with you! This is gonna be HUGE


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[krustykrakk]

Hey! Hi! Gotta eats lots of bokonooli in order to get better at spam.

[bluevampire101]

Cassy: I cannot wait to kick with you either! It's gonna be a lot of fun and great!

Ben: ...yes. Green things.! Also, happy six months! Yay for kick! We kick kick on our six kicks anniversary shenango.


Today we kicked! Ben, Ivan, Ryan, Kat, Aidan, Khoa, me. Prep for JAMPS! HYPE!
HIGHLIGHT: I hit Drifter (strong side) for the first time! Yay! Twice in a row! That was exciting.
We practiced competition circle. I did not do well.
GOAL for JAMPS: Gross people out with Dragon>Doof wrap.
I'm hoping I do well in Intermediates, but I also know that I'm competing against good people, but I will not be ashamed on how poorly I do because at least I will compete. Practice makes perfect, eh?
I also tried to hit Whirl today. I think I got close, but did not hit it today. Next time. Yay!
Kick! Kick is exciting. Kick is fun.
Live, breath, eat, play, kick.

T-Minus 12 Days Til Jamps!

[Ryan_Morris]

"In their tongue, she is Doofakiin -- Dragon Doof! FUS ROH DOOF!"

[anhkhoashevakt]

"In their tongue, she is Doofakiin -- Dragon Doof! FUS ROH DOOF!"

or DovahDoof xD

Those dragon doof wraps of yours are getting nastier and nastier April! Keep going strong! 1 and a half weeks more to go until you can induce dentary depression (jaw dropping) to everyone involved, including me hehe.

[krustykrakk]

Kick! Kick is exciting. Kick is fun.
Live, breath, eat, play, kick.

T-Minus 12 Days Til Jamps!

Yais. Jamps will be super awesome greatness.

Also, we have now been together for over six months. This, this, this make meh happeh

[bluevampire101]

Ryan: I didn't get the reference at first, but I had it explained to me... The name is starting to sound better and better.

Khoa: I also like that name And thanks! I hope it's at least entertaining for people

Ben: Yes <3


Anywho, JAMPS IS COMING UP. I had a session today with Ben and Ivan. Ivan was working on the stitching the last prize bag I believe, whilst giving advice. (Thanks Ivan!). And I was a bit late to the session because of public transportation, and in the time, Ben mostly tired himself out with drilling and the sort. So, it was mostly me kicking when I got there. It was a lot of fun, and if I must say, one of my better sessions yet.
Highlights:
Working on Drifters; Footing strong side Drifter a couple of times
Footing strong side Whirl
Hitting ss Mirage bs for the first time
Hitting Illusion bs for the first time
Attempting to set out of Doof
Legover b2b x5

So, I'm really excited for Jamps And kick in general. I had a lot of fun today and wish I could have kicked longer, but my body wasn't really having it. I even ate a sizable amount of food afterwards without really feeling full at a decent rate (people who have seen me eat will be surprised - and yes, it was more than just half my food; it was two whole taco salads and a slice of red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting).

But anyway. JAMPS! T-Minus: 8 Days!
Practically ONE WEEK! I'm excited for the competitions (for the fun of it and the amazement), as well as being able to meet and kick with everyone. This would be like... a year that I've come to know freestyle footbag now. Yay!

[bluevampire101]

I had a session today with Ben, Ryan, and Marc. Prep for Jamps! Yay!
I feel like I didn't do that well, but I guess I did hit Osisx3, and some good strings.
My legs were really tired... But yeah. Trying to be ready for Jamps

It's exciting!
I'm also making some 32-panels as prizes. They'll probably be 2nd place instead of the 14-panels (which would probably be moved to 3rd place).
Jamps: T-Minus: 5 Days!
It'll be a fun, fun, jolly time.

[bluevampire101]

Yay! Jamps was even more fun than I could have imagined! I got to meet some pretty cool, great, awesome people! (included: Jim Penske except that was since Wednesday, Johnny Suderman, Erik Chan, Adam Greenwood, Alex Venis, Dante Diotallevi, Mathieu Gauthier, Ianek Regimbald, Mac DeBoer, Aaron Price, Nathan Bonslaver, Chrissy Fryer, and Tristan) This is as well as see some old faces - people I've already met (you all know who you are).

On Friday, people started to roll in. Around 8PM, those of us who were already there kicked at the main gym of Rec Hall, then we went back to shredhaus to eat pizza and hang out. It wasn't until late that some of us realized that the Canadians wouldn't be able to get in touch with us through their mobile. Thankfully Cassy found the way to shredhaus (second address) and then got to Ben's place safely.

On Saturday, we had all of the competitions. I competed for the first time in Intermediate Circle, as well as Requests. I got out on the first round of both, but I'm glad I got the experience. In Intermediate Circles, I was competing against Ryan and Aidan, and they played well. Open Circle was a lot of fun to watch. Requests was also fun to watch, especially towards the end. It was nice to be challenged to try the links since I don't normally think of creative or many links to try and hit. I will definitely try those sort of links as drills and try to put them in my game. Kicking with everyone in general was fun and I'm glad that I had the experience.
Thank you Ivan for putting it all together!



Saturday night, the party, was very enjoyable. I cannot even really describe in words. I handed out Apple Streusel Bars to everyone who wanted/accepted one. I played Cards Against Humanity for a bit. I talked a lot with lots of people, but actually more-so listened and observed the party and just hung out. I ended up knocking out around 2AM, after most of the party-ers left, besides those staying at Ben's.



On Sunday (today), we kicked outside. It was nice and sunny. Some people went hiking/geocaching in the morning. The Montreal Crew (Matheiu, Dante, and Ianek) had to head out early and didn't get to kick with the rest of us at Old Main. Today was more of a casual kick. There was a females circle for a time (Cassy, Chrissy, Kat, and myself). There was some net going on. I got to talk more with some people I hadn't had the opportunity to before. Aaaand yeah.



TL;DR: PSU Jamps IV was a lot of fun and if you weren't there, you should have been. Try to make it to the next one and you'll maybe see the kinds of things you missed out on.

[bluevampire101]

Had a short, short session by myself today. I tried some new things, as well as worked on the basics. I found out the hard way that I was very fatigued still from Jamps.
By new things, I don't quite mean new tricks, but new links for me. (near/far Toe/Inside>Clipper, tried to beat my Osis record, worked on ATWs/Orbits, Toe Stalls and Magic Hop)

I am thinking of writing up another reflection post, ideally after my daytime nap that is much needed, especially after such a long and fun weekend.

[krustykrakk]

It's great that you took the initiative to kick by yourself today, that's a hard thing to do for most people. The things you practiced were also awesome. Keep up those solo sessions! That's seriously how you not only maintain a skill level but also how you get even better!

[F[uns]tylin' Eclectic]

Keep up the good work Your game is seriously progressing. Try to understand how your body is doing the tricks too, instead of just letting your body figure out how to do them. That was my error a while ago and I thought you might be doing the same thing that I did. But I was surprised at your game last weekend. Killer stuff. Good control. Flow.

Keep kicking it solo. Best way to get better and you don't have to worry about hitting stuff for anyone but yourself.

[bluevampire101]

Ben: Yeah! I mean, I wish I could have kicked longer, but my legs were/are dead.

Nick: Thanks! I'm not sure what you mean by "Try to understand how your body is doing the tricks too, instead of just letting your body figure out how to do them," though. Will have to talk about that some time.


DISCLAIMER: This is going to another one of those reflection posts.

I'm still excited about PSU Jamps. It passed (RIP), but I still had a lot of fun and am still processing all that has happened. I enjoy reading everyone's write-ups because there are so many different perspectives on it. I suppose I could have written as much as some others, but I didn't want to have a lot of complaining or irrational thoughts come out from the overall BEST JAMPS EVER (as of now).

I was glad that I got to meet people. People that I've been wanting to meet, people I didn't know about (much) that ended up being awesome. At Jamps, there was Johnny Suderman ( who ended up being super cool, nice, and other descriptive words - thanks for the cereal! and coming down in general), Cassy Taylor (who I met at East Coasts, but it was cool to hang out more this time around - thanks for bringing everyone down! You're awesome!), Jim Penske (it was awesome to practically spend a week with this guy - I didn't know what to expect, but I liked what I saw [talking about the tricks he hits, get your minds out of the gutter]), Dante Diotallevi (I heard stories about this guy, but wasn't sure what to expect - he ended up being really nice and a cool guy to talk to! Philosophy!), Mathieu Gauthier (I didn't get to talk to him much, but it's awesome that he came down and kicks everyday, and is really good - 2nd place! Congrats!), Ianek Regimbald (wow, the guy who created circles and came up with badges and all that - WOW. I didn't get to talk to him much, but he seemed really nice; thanks for the help about the dragon>doof wrap before comps!), aaaand more.
There were also people I'd already met before, and it was awesome to see them all again! NYFA crew (boats!, Drew, Mikie, Alyssa, Tristan), Michigan (nice to meet Mac/Mike! and see Anton again, and Vince, and meet Vince's co-worker, Josh), PSU peeps (nice to meet Jeremy finally! wish I could have seen your purple car, Nick, Nadiah), and everyone else I might have missed!

As for tricks that I've been wanting to hit, my game progressing since the last reflection post:
I said that I wanted to hit Doof, Illusion, Drifter, Osis, Swirl, etc. and I actually have hit some of these tricks at least on one side so far, which is cool. (I recently learned that the PSU club had been looking at Osis in a different way than others, and how most people actually hit Osis - Thanks Jim!).

Towards the new year (2014), or at least around that time, I noticed that I made a lot of improvements. I was learning Osis at that time, as well as Swirl (ss). In more recent times, I hit Illusion bs, and ss Mirage bs. That was exciting. Although improvements seem slow, I think I'm fine with where I'm heading. Ever since 2014 hit, I felt like I've been increasingly passionate about footbag. I know that I've only been kicking for about 8-9 months, but I want to be really good! And I realize that it takes time to get as good as those who are BAP'd or even just really good. I suppose, Open.
I'm giving myself (around) 3 years (when I'm ~23) to get really good! I will be on my way to the top!

Anywho, looking back on past posts, it seems kind of silly how I used to type... Or still type. Reading with a kiddish impression. Oh, the days where I was just starting.

New Year's Resolutions check-up:
Legover x20 - wow, I'm about 1/4 of the way there, it'll be there soon!
Osis x10 - I've only had 3 before, but I think I'll also get there!
I've hit Illusion bs! Now I just need to do both in a string! (That'll definitely be there soon).
Pickups are getting easier! I'm liking Guay.
Anywho, I've been picking at the list once in a while, but I think it's more exciting to randomly notice that I can check something off my list rather than focus solely on it.

In other words, people have been saying that I'm improving quickly. I wouldn't necessarily say that, but I would agree that I make strides. I'm not like Jim Penske, Vasek Klouda, Kat, or Nathan Bonslaver ( ) but I'm making my own way.
I shall only compare myself to myself and make the best progress I can make.
Soon enough, I'll be hitting Little Apple, Big Apple, DOD, Ripstein, and the likes!

Yayyyy footbag!


TL;DR: I like footbag.

[bluevampire101]

Yay! Today I kicked with Ivan, Ryan, Marc, and Ben, and Khoa for a bit at the end. Birthday kick! Cool!

Thanks to Marc, I hit Infinity on one side today! It was also a nice day, though a bit windy, overall. Yay kick! Yay birthday!
Aside from that, I hit the usual kicks, BUT my legs/feet did start clicking with ss Mirage and Pickup from Clipper and Osis.

I can't wait to kick more! The rest for my legs have been nice, but I'm itching for a kicking.

[krustykrakk]

Kick is great and all, but how was your special day!?

[bluevampire101]

Ben: My birthday was very, very good! I celebrated it with you!

For my birthday, Ben and I went to the little town over from Penn State (Lemont), and got cupcakes (I got Red Velvet, he got PB&Chocolate). We also checked out an art exhibit which was based on making art with all recycled material. The theme was: On The Edge.

There were some really cool pieces. Like, the one you can see in the back next to mirror - a peacock, made from recycle bins painted, as well as some cardboard and a phone cable for claws. It was interesting to see how artists came up with their idea of "On The Edge."
After that, Ben and I went to a place called Kamrai Thai and Sushi. It was some good stuff. We got Thai Iced Coffees, Grilled Edomame, Fried Gyoza, and Sushi.

And yeah! As for my actual birthday, I went to one class (I only have one on Mondays and Fridays), then eventually went and kicked with everyone, which was cool. Hit a new trick! (see post above for more details about kick).


Today, I also kicked! Outside of Old Main. Marc, Ryan, and Ben showed up, and Khoa later on, towards the end of my kick. Today marks 1-year for me having met most of the people who were in PSUFC since last year. So, I am pretty sure I met Derek, Khoa, Ivan, Ryan, Ben, and Marc (probably...)... and Nick(?) a whole year ago. Wednesday Workshop day! Outside of the HUB. Some jugglers were there, 4 square was played at the end. Fun times.

Anywho, for today, I had some good strings. I hit Mirage BSOS with Legover b2b and Pickup (almost b2b) in a single string, which was cool. I hadn't really done that kind of thing much. I also feel like I am making progress with weak side Drifter. Soon! And hopefully the same with strong side Whirl and other tricks. I am motivated to get better! Yay!
*excitement*

[F[uns]tylin' Eclectic]

Awesome string with the Mirage BSOS and other stuff. It's good to try to push yourself to do that sort of thing. Footbag takes a good balance of playing in your comfort zone but also pushing yourself a little. Keep pushing your limit. Also, instead of just doing a motion for a trick, feel what every part of your body is doing to make you successfully complete the motion. You'll get more consistent if you think like this, rather than just thinking of a, say, Mirage as only a Mirage.

Analyse > Critique *rpt

[bluevampire101]

Nick: Thanks! Yeah! I think I understand what you mean now. I think I do that, subconsciously, so I need to make it more conscious more often, but yeah! I took your advice on Saturday (will describe more below).


SO, I have kicked for three days straight now! Awesome! It was a bunch of fun. I made great strides!

Friday: We kicked outside the HUB around 3 o'clock. Ben and I had just eaten, and I was (am) sick. That wasn't a good combination. I didn't join any circle(s), but I occasionally kicked by myself off to the side. I made attempts at weak side Drifter. I felt I was close. I decided that Saturday would be the day I would hit it.

Saturday: Ben and I went to our usual hangout spot - Webster's Cafe. It was their 2nd anniversary celebration and they were giving prizes out like crazy. Awesome! Free stuff just for hanging out. I ended up winning a free tote bag filled with a free CD and an empty bag (for coffee that I can fill at any time). Ben ended up winning $15 worth of Stax of Trax (records/vinyl) gift certificate.
After that, we went to the session (ended up being a little late) at Old Main. Kat and Ivan were already there. Shortly after we arrived, Khoa also showed up. I worked on trying to hit weak side Drifter because today was the day. I said that I wouldn't join the circle until I hit it. I worked and worked and worked, but would only foot it. I took a moment, thought about Nick's advice, and ghosted the motion. I thought about curling my toes for most of the motion, then decided to take at least one more attempt. First, I tried and it hit my leg, so that didn't count for a real attempt. But after, I did it. I did it! And I guess Ivan looked up right at the moment that I hit it, so that was cool! Yeah! Weak side Drifter, check! (So I believe I finished that New Year's Resolution of hitting Drifter bs, but now to eventually get Drifter BSOS).
Now, I got to join the circle, and soon after, Kat hit Drifter BSOS. Awesome! Drifters all around! At some point in the circle, I might have had my best string to date, which I think only Khoa really saw. It was a decent (tiltless-ish..?) string that incorporated Osis, Pickup BSOS, Clipper>op Clipper, and some other good stuff (probably strong side Legover, perhaps a strong side Mirage). I wasn't really thinking about it, but it felt good. That was exciting.
Afterwards, we played 4-square and that was pretty fun. And later that night, we had a movie night at Shredhaus. We watched Anchorman 2, and there was homemade dark chocolate cake (made by Ben) with homemade buttercream frosting (made by yours truly), and ice cream (black cherry and brownie something something thanks to Ivan), which was awesome! I had gotten candles that had flames coordinated with the color of the candles (so there was white, red, blue, orange, green, and purple flames).

Sunday: That's today! Ben and I went to Webster's again before kick. We got a really good brunch item, "Matt's Special," which was practically like Eggs Benedict with a twist (the egg was fried rather than poached, there was sweet pepper, bacon, hollandaise sauce topped with sprouts). It was delicious!
Then we headed to the session early, outside of Old Main. I decided to try Whirl for some reason today. I've had a feeling I'd been close, so I mind as well give it a try. After multiple attempts, I hit it, and stated, "I think I hit Whirl...?" To which, people were like, "You think?" So, I tried a couple more times and made sure I knew I hit it, which I did! Ben saw it! So that was cool. Then I circled up, and wasn't really hitting anything. Ryan ended up helping me with some advice for my Butterfly/Butterflies. So, thanks Ryan! And thanks for pushing me to keep kicking, even though I was tired (same with Ben!). Later on, I randomly tried weak side Infinity and hit it! So that was cool. Aaaand then I thought I would try Dimwalk even though I'm not good at Pixies (because I was in a circle with Ben and Khoa and they were doing Pixie stuff). I ended up hitting Pixie Toe, and footing a weird Pixie Zipper thing (attempt at Dimwalk, but it turned out to be Pixie Butterfly ending on Toe on the ground).


So, TL;DR: This was a good weekend for me.
Highlights:
Drifter weak side
strong side Whirl
weak side Infinity
Pixie Toe
A decent string

[krustykrakk]

That pixie zipper was really reaally cool. Also, your pixie toe was looking mighty great for how few times I've seen you attempt pixies! Props on your big weekend, I can't wait to play with you again!

[bluevampire101]

Ben: Thanks! I have no idea how I did it. And thanks! Yeah! Kick! I want to kick and improve and kick and improve kick!

Stumbled across this on Kevin Hogan's blog:

Don't sweat it anus

This is one of the funniest things I've ever read on this forum

No worries Poohlini

Boy, was I glad to see that. Just thought I would bring that up again. Fun stuff... Fun community. You guys are great.

So, the school year is almost over. Lead shot should be arriving for me sometime soon. I am hoping to be stitching more over the summer. I just need to solidify templates or something, and also gathering tools. Other than that, I should be in business (this is said loosely). I like stitching though (if you haven't seen any of the bags I've made yet, you should check out the forum/topic of Bags You've Made in Equipment - pg. 448).