Writing this blog stirs up a bittersweet feeling for me...I'm excited to welcome summer, take some time to relax, and reflect about the past year of my life. But, at the same time, I hate to watch everyone packing up their rooms. I hate saying goodbye. So, my friends and I started saying "See ya later!" I guess it makes the whole process a bit more bearable.

This past year has been so incredible! That was made very clear at the Student Recognition Banquet. All of the hard work my friends and I put into Colleges Against Cancer paid off when we received the Club of the Year Award. We were so excited. I was also named Mercy Leader of the Year and next year's Student Government Association President. I have so many ideas and I can't wait to get started!!

So, as I say goodbye to another year, I want to wish all of you a very safe and enjoyable summer. Soak up the sun, relax, have fun!! Maybe I'll even see you at the Summer Visitation Day in July...

I'll be seeing you...

God Bless

Laura

Posted by Laura Deely at 5:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Hello all!! I can't believe that the last two weeks of school are here!! It feels like I just started my Junior year yeaterday...and now it's over. I cannot wait for summer though. I am ready for chillin' by the pool, getting a suntan, taking weekend trips with my friends and the beach...I guess I have to fit my summer job in there somewhere too. Haha!!

This past weekend, my boyfriend and I went to Luthersburg to spend time with his family and get in some last minute R&R before finals. It was anything but a relaxing weekend, but it was a lot of fun. We had a big birthday party Friday night for several of his family members, road the four-wheeler and went square dancing Saturday, and came home after church and lunch on Sunday. I was very worried about square dancing because John and I were first-timers. We ended up having a blast though...and boy is it a workout!!

Yesterday, Becky, Kate, Susan and I went to Ebensburg for a Hilary Clinton rally. We had the privilege of meeting former President Bill Clinton, shaking his hand and getting his autograph. To say that it was awesome, would be a complete understatement.

Well, I have a handful of papers to write and finals to study for. I hope you are able to get outside and enjoy the awesome weather!! Happy Earth Day!!

God Bless,

Laura

Posted by Laura Deely at 5:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

This past weekend, Mount Aloysius College celebrated its 5th Annual Relay For Life. I was so excited to see the turnout. The Colleges Against Cancer Committee did such an amazing job to make this Relay one that we'd never forget. I was thrilled to share the experience with my entire family. My grandparents and aunts came to celebrate as well. Let's just say that they made it very emotional.

We had so many different events take place: Paul Plays It All, Pie Your Favorite RA/Staff/ Faculty, Giant Twister, Extreme Musical Chairs, Ice Cream Eating Contest, Video Games, Comedians, DJs, a Bonfire, a concert and the Money Tree Game Show. I think everybody had an amazing time. I know I did!! It was great seeing all of our hard work come together for the 24-hour event.

It was a truly memorable experience and I am already getting started on plans for next year...haha! Well, I'm still trying to catch up on sleep from this past weekend and need to get some homework done. It's crunch time!! My Junior year is almost over...it's definitely a bittersweet feeling.

Laura

Posted by Laura Deely at 11:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Today, several of my fellow Colleges Against Cancer members and I attened a rally in Harrisburg. We spent the day at the capital talking to legislators about the Clean Indoor Air Bill. The bill simply states that it is illegal to smoke in restaurants, clubs, bars, etc. However, because of the extreme controversy that comes along with the bill, it is now in conference...which is not good. Many legislators are trying to add exemptions to the bill, saying that it would be okay to smoke in private establishments or casinos...the list goes on.

Students from all over Pennsylvania lobbied throughout the day and I believe that we truly made an impact. It was also nice to spend the day at the capital observing the beautiful art work and architecture. I know my friends and I had a lot of fun. It was nice to get away for a day to experience something new.

We are rapidly approaching Relay For Life so all of the final decorating and fundraising is being done. The event this year is going to be amazing. We have so much planned. I don't know if we will be able to cram it all in a 24 hour period!! Well, I better get to it. Take care!

Laura

Posted by Laura Deely at 10:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Since my friends and I had some down time in our schedules...I know, what is down time?...my family and I decided to hold another Taco Night. I had my group of friends come down to the Deely House and we spent the night relaxing and having a good time away from the stress of homework. The taco spread was delicious as always. We even had time to put in a movie. We watched Jeff Dunham: Spark of Insanity and definitely got in some serious laughs.

Afterwards, I took all of my friends to a spot in Altoona that my friends from high school and I discovered about a year ago. It's an area on the edge of a development that is covered in huge rocks and boulders. It has a path that cuts into the side of the cliff and takes you to the bottom. It was dark, so it made the excursion very interesting. Everybody had a great time and of couurse, I got some pictures.

Well I'm going to take off. I have a lot of work to get done.

Laura

Posted by Laura Deely at 6:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

For my Spring Break, I had the amazing opportunity to attend a service learning trip with several of my friends from MAC. We had a very early flight into Kingston, Jamaica where we then traveled to the mountains of Mandeville. No, we weren't heading to the coast for a week at the beach, soaking up the sun. We were staying at the St. John Bosco School for Boys. The school is run by the Sisters of Mercy and is for delinquent and orphaned boys. We had no idea what to expect when we got there, so you can imagine our surprise when we discovered that we would be staying in very accomodating guest houses and that our next door neighbors were a bunch of sheep!!

We spent the week helping with various projects: painting new beds for the dormitory, moving sandstone, and writing letters with the boys. Several students had the opportunity to work at the Caribbean School for the Deaf while others spent a few days at a medical clinic. It was incredibly rewarding to know that we were making a difference and helping the school.

The whole week, however, was not just work. We also got to spend a great deal of time playing in the play yard with the boys, taking in the Jamaican scenery, and even spent a day in Negril at the beach. I took so many pictures!!! I learned how to play cricket and made some new friends. My favorite part had to be the birthday party we attended for all of the boys born in January, February and March. This was the first chance we really had to interact with the boys. We celebrated with cake and ice cream and even played musical chairs.

It was truly a life changing experience and I hope to go back someday. It was definitely the best way to spend Spring Break.

Posted by Laura Deely at 4:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Right now, I'm sitting in our hotel room in Arlington, Virginia as Lindsey puts cornrows in my hair. We are leaving early in the morning for our service trip to Mandeville, Jamaica. A group of students from MAC is heading down there for a week to aid the St. John Bosco School of the deaf and a local health clinic. I have been looking forward to this trip since last summer!! The sheer fact that I get to go down with some of my best friends and experience something like this just blows my mind.

This will be my first time outside of the country, so I am excited and scared at the same time. This will also be the first time I have ever flown without my family...so I am very scared!! I don't like to fly at all. I like to keep my feet on the ground. Of course, that statement does contradict with my secret wish to go sky diving and bungee jumping...I guess they aren't secrets anymore. Haha :o)

I think this will be a very memorable way to spend my Spring Break and it will probably be the trip of a lifetime. I hope to learn a lot from the trip...I know that I will. I just wanted to wish all of you a safe and happy Spring Break!! Also, Happy St. Patrick's Day and Easter. I won't be checking back in until after the holiday.

God Bless!

Laura

Posted by Laura Deely at 5:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Today, we celebrated the 1st Annual Purple 101 here at MAC. To say that it was a success doesn't seem to do it justice. If you were on campus, you would notice that the statue of Saint Aloysius was even in the spirit of Purple 101. He was wearing a purple snow cap and scarf...he needed to stay warm somehow! Haha :o) Cosgrave Center was completely covered in purple streamers, balloons and banners advocating Relay For Life and honoring those who have fought cancer. We even got some media coverage so look for us in the local papers!!

The Colleges Against Cancer Chapter was in full recruitment mode and we were able to get several teams registered for the upcoming event as well as spread interest to many new students. I have a feeling that this Relay For Life will be the best yet!! The enthusiasm is spreading all over campus. It's definitely getting me pumped up!!

This weekend is going to be nice and relaxing because I will be going home for the first full weekend since Christmas break...yup that's right...I have been that busy!! I'm so excited to sleep in my room and spend some quality time with the whole family...including the dogs!!

Well, I have some things to get ready for tomorrow and a little bit of reading to finish up. I hope you guys all have a great weekend!!

Laura

Quote of the Day: "Remember the past, dream for the future, but live for today." -Unknown

Posted by Laura Deely at 10:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

This week is going to be sooo busy for me. I have so many projects and papers due for my classes on top of my meetings and club activities. College's Against Cancer is at it again and this Thursday, February 28th, we are joining college campuses across the nation for the first annual Purple 101. What is Purple 101, you ask? Purple 101 is the coolest new class. There are no homework assignments, papers, exams, etc. NONE!! Purple 101 is simply an explosion of PURPLE! We are getting the Mount Aloysius College community to dress in purple and join in some of the fun activities we will be hosting in Cosgrave during the day. The purpose of the day is to get the campus excited and educated about the upcoming Relay For Life event in April. It's coming up so quickly! We will be registering teams and recognizing loved ones who have lost or won their battles with cancer.

My Dad's birthday is also this week so I will be heading home on Wednesday to celebrate with my family. I haven't been home much this semester so I'm also hoping to head home this weekend for some downtime. I'll keep you updated on the usual campus events coming up. Try and stay warm in this winter weather!

Laura

Quote of the Day:""I can accept failure. Everyone fails at something. but I can't accept not trying." -Michael Jordan

Posted by Laura Deely at 8:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Hello All!

Yesterday was MAC’s belated Mardi Gras Bash! It is by far my favorite event on campus. Metz, our dining service, works in conjunction with numerous food and drink vendors and every year on Mardi Gras, the vendors visit campus for a one-day food extravaganza. They bring their latest products and we get to be the taste testers. After the taste testing has commenced, we fill out surveys and choose our top picks. If a product is voted for enough, there are chances it will show up on campus as a new addition to the Dining Hall and Snack Bar. How cool is that? My friends and I were big fans of the iced coffee and energy drinks!

Tonight are the Mounties final home basketball games of the season. We are playing Frostburg State. I’m looking forward to all of the halftime entertainment. Apparently, my friends on the Step Team have a great routine planned! It’s sad to see another basketball season come and go because it means I’m getting closer and closer to the end of my Junior year. :( The one good part about it is that it signals the end of the winter sports season. That can only mean one thing…Baseball season!! I am a big fan of the Mounties Baseball team, who opens their season at Shenandoah this weekend. I think I am also looking forward to the spring weather, wink wink!

Well I’m going to head to the game. I will catch up with you guys next week!

Laura

Quote of the Day: “There is no shortage of good days. It is good lives that are hard to come by.” –Annie Dillard

Posted by Laura Deely at 3:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Hey everybody! I’m back to the snow-covered mountains of Cresson, Pa. I miss the warm, sunny Florida weather already!! I’m glad to be back with my friends though. Things have definitely been busy for my week back. College’s Against Cancer is sponsoring a Valentine’s Day fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. We are selling candy grams for everybody to send to their friends and spread the love. Haha! We even created a “Kissing Booth” to sell them out of. Unfortunately, the only kissing being done is the eating of Hershey Kisses by all of us helping out during the day. :o)

This weekend is actually looking quite uneventful in my world. That’s a big change. I don’t know what I will do with myself. It looks like I will be getting a lot of homework done and hanging out with friends. One of our new favorite things to do is play Rockband. It’s kind of like Guitar Hero, but add in a set of drums and a microphone and you’ve got it! Talk about some seriously good times!! We love jammin’ out to the game and having our little get-togethers up in the Residence Hall!

Well, I better get back to some of this homework. The pile never seems to go down!

Laura

Quote of the Day: “I like pressure. If I am not on the edge of failure, I’m not being sufficiently challenged.” –Jewel

John Porter and I in the "Kissing Booth" (We are Co-Presidents for the College's Against Cancer
Club.)

My favorite band! John, Harrison, Lindsey, Becky and Kate

Posted by Laura Deely at 8:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Hey guys! I just wanted to check in real quick with you because I'll be checking out of PA for a couple of days. I'm going to Florida with my family for my sister's National High School Cheerleading competition. This is her senior year so it's our last cheerleading trip to Disney. We think they have a really good chance at placing again this year.

Things have definitely been crazy around here. We had the Name That Tune Game Show here this week and I won $100!! I was so excited!! Tonight, we are hosting a talent show for the campus. I hear there are some pretty awesome acts. Maybe you should check it out if you're in the neighborhood. This weekend, we are hosting Take A Kid to the Game Day for the basketball games. I hear the Funny T's will be making another appearence. Too bad I'll be missing it. Mickey will just have to keep me company. :o)

Well, I have to finish packing so enjoy your weekend. See you next week.

Laura

Posted by Laura Deely at 6:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Well, I think I am finally back in the swing of things. I have the first week of the Spring semester under my belt and I definitely have a full plate!! I'm taking 18 credits this semester, but so far, I love all of my classes. I'm also full swing into my clubs and organizations...big plans for the semester. I am going to Jamaica for Spring Break on a service trip so I will be fundraising for that. Relay For Life 2008 is just around the corner, so my fellow Colleges Against Cancer pals and I will be "coloring the campus purple" and making sure that everybody is getting ready for it. I am going snowboarding with my friends at the end of the week. (Pray for me!! I can't afford a broken arm or leg right now. LOL) The Spring Recognition Banquet and Semi-Formal need to be planned...the list just goes on!! But, you know that I love it.

I'm going to cut it short today and run some errands. It's my Mom's birthday this weekend so I'm going shopping for her present. I'll catch ya later!

Laura

Quote of the Day- "Truth is the only safe ground to stand upon." -Elizabeth Cady Stanton

Posted by Laura Deely at 7:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Last night, I took several of my friends home to the Deely casa for our routine Taco Fest. Since my freshman year, my parents have been putting together these amazing nights for my friends and I. They have pretty much adopted my friends here at MAC as their own children. All of my friends live several hours away, so the home cooking and family atmosphere is something they enjoy very much.

Taco Night was a little different this time because we initiated a new amigo. (I'm trying to stick with the Mexican theme...work with me). I just recently started dating my best friend John Marshall. He had the opportunity to meet my parents at the Powderpuff Football game, which we won by the way!! However, he still needed to meet my sister Shannon...and she is the one to impress. LOL!

The night was amazing, the food delicious and the company fabulous as always. I love the fact that my family keeps growing with each new friend I make up here. Before I know it, Taco Night is going to be too big for the Deely casa to handle!!

Well, I have a basketball game to get to. Tonight is our annual Community Night. The first 500 guests receive free basketball t-shirts and there are numerous prizes to give away including an mp3 player, dvd player, iTunes giftcard, etc. It's always a fun time! After the game, I'm going to hang out with my friends Ashley, Kirsti, Becky, Casey, Steph and Jess to play some Guitar Hero. I've never played it before and I have always wanted to. :o)

Laura

PS-Shannon did give John her "Little Sister Stamp of Approval!"

Continue reading "Taco Night" »

Posted by Laura Deely at 5:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Hey everybody!! I'm back from break and ready to take on these last few weeks of the semester. I was so thankful that I had the chance to chillax (chill and relax) over break. I also got to spend a lot of time with my family. I don't get to do that as much as I would like with my busy schedule. I especially love getting to spend time with my younger sister. She is a senior in high school, so our time together is very limited nowadays. Pretty soon she'll be getting into the crazy college world like me. I have so much faith in her though. I know that she will flourish once she gets there.

I found some great deals on Black Friday. I was up at the crack of dawn and ready to go. I ended up whimping out around noon though when we stopped at home to drop off all of the mornings findings. All I remember is sitting down on the couch...then everything after that is a blur. My parents continued shopping while my sister went to work in the Black Friday madness. Me...I slept the day away. I'll tell you what though, I feel so rejuvinated after this weekend!!

Well, time to get started on these last few weeks! Say a couple of extra prayers...I may need them. Haha

Laura

Quote of the day- "There are no gains without pains." -Benjamin Franklin

Posted by Laura Deely at 3:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I just wanted to stop by and wish everybody a very Happy Thanksgiving!!

The end of November is drawing near which means that the end of the semester is just right around the corner. I'm a few weeks away from having 5 semesters under my belt here at Mount Aloysius College. It's kind of hard to believe.

I'll be going home to spend the break with my family. I'm all set for the turkey dinner, football games and shopping!

Be safe and God Bless!

Laura

Quote of the day- "Challenges make you discover things about yourself that you never really knew. They're what make the instrument stretch...what make you go beyond the norm." -Cicely Tyson

Posted by Laura Deely at 3:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)