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

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Yesterday, MAC celebrated National Great American Smoke-Out Day. This is a day when schools and businesses all around the country try to be smoke-free for a day and raise awareness to the use and effects of tobacco. Our Colleges Against Cancer chapter was in charge of the event.

We passed out many informative pamplets, cold turkey kits for anybody willing to quit smoking, personalized "life saver" candies for those who don't smoke, etc. We had some great demonstrations for those wanting to learn what it's like to have smokers' lungs...trust me, it's not fun. I couldn't breath at all! We also had a contest to give away PA-SWAT backpacks. (Pennsylvania Students Working Against Tobacco).

Overall, the event was another success for Colleges Against Cancer. I'm so proud of the group of students and staff I have the opportunity to work with. I don't think some of them realize the impact they are having on our great community.

Well, I'm off to powderpuff football practice. Tomorrow is our annual game and my team is pumped!! We need to hold onto our winning record. This weekend is also our Coaches vs. Cancer basketball tournament. All of the proceeds from the weekend are donated to the American Cancer Society. We will also be holding our Relay For Life kickoff throughout the weekend, so teams can sign up for the event which will be held April 11th and 12th.

Talk about a busy weekend!!!

Laura

Quote of the day- "Imagination rules the world." -Napolean Bonaparte

Posted by Laura Deely at 2:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Lets get ready to rummmmmmmble!!! Music starts to play, fans start to cheer, the 2007-2008 Mounties basketball teams make their way onto the newly renovated court. This can only mean one thing...BASKETBALL SEASON!!! For those of you who still aren't very familiar with Mount Aloysius College, it is important to understand that basketball season around here is very, very big. :o)

Mountie Madness is the kickoff to basketball season. It allows all of the students, faculty, staff and community to catch a glimpse of the upcoming season. Both the men's and women's teams are introduced and play exhibition games. Included in the night's festivities are a slam dunk contest and a 3-point shootout. There are also an array of prizes that are given away, including a trip and the chance to win $10,000!!!

I went to the event with a couple of my friends to support our fellow Mounties. We had a blast getting together and putting off our homework for a couple of hours. That's always fun. :o) I also got a free t-shirt!! Each of the basketball players threw a t-shirt into the audience as they were introduced and I caught the one that Brittany Fairman tossed out. I am always willing to add another MAC t-shirt to my wardrobe. One of these days I'll have to count how many I have...the number may be quite shocking.

Well I best be going...I am going to be working late at Gonzaga's MAC Shack tonight. This is our on campus snack bar. Have a great day!!

Laura

Quote of the day- "Years from now, you may not remember the tests you did poorly on, but you will remember the friends you were with when you weren't studying."

Christine and I at Mountie Madness

John and I cheering on the Mounties

Posted by Laura Deely at 7:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

This weekend, Sue Brugh took my friend Lindsey Bobb and I to a Women in Athletic Careers Seminar in Pittsburgh, Pa. I have never really thought about a career in athletics, however, because I am heading toward a career in Student Affairs, this workshop was the perfect place for me. Young women throughout the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference were given the opportunity to meet some amazing pioneer women who paved the way in athletics for women like myself. Many of these extraordinary women were not permitted to participate in collegiate-level athletics many years ago. But, because of them, women all over the world participate at the collegiate level today.

I was given the opportunity to meet many young women that I have participated in athletic events with as well as other athletes. I made a couple of new friends and some great contacts for the future. I also learned about some amazing internships, leadership conferences and opportunities to work in the NCAA. Overall, I'd have to say it was an incredible, eye-opening experience. I'd like to thank Sue Brugh for allowing me the opportunity to meet so many empowering women.

Well, tonight is my best friend Becky's birthday and we are going to go celebrate. Try to stay warm in this approaching winter weather!!

Laura

Quote of the day: "If you really want something, you can figure out how to make it happen." -Cher

The couch in Lindsey and my awesome hotel room. I loved this thing!!

Posted by Laura Deely at 10:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Wow!! November is shaping up to be incredibly busy...here we go again. Monday started with a new addition to the campus thanks to the Food Focus Committee. After much thought and deliberation, it was decided that we would run a two-week trial of extended snack bar hours. This would create an opportunity for students to answer their growling stomachs from 8-10pm by picking up some munchies on campus rather than venturing off campus. The week has been great so far and tonight was our best night yet. My schedule has been extra busy because I have been working at the snack bar with my friend Kaitlyn. It's amazing when new opportunities like this arise on campus...especially if it is something you have been working toward since your freshman year. I hope it continues to go well, but I have no doubts.

This weekend I will be attending a Winning Careers in Athletics Seminar for Women in Pittsburgh, Pa. I will be going with my friend Lindsey and the Director of Student Involvement and Leadership, Sue Brugh. Mrs. Brugh asked me if I would be interested because she knows about my carrer goals to work in Student Affairs. As part of Student Affairs, I would work very closely with the athletic department and would therefore, very much benefit from this conference. It sounds very interesting and I cannot wait to see what's in store for us.

Well time for me to get in some homework...catch ya later!!

Laura

Quote of the Day-"Nothing in life is to be feared. It is only to be understood." Marie Curie

Posted by Laura Deely at 11:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)