Junior/Senior Trip!

Wow, what a great weekend! No one wanted to come home on Sunday or go back to school on Monday - everyone had such a good time together during the 4 day trip to Plymouth Meeting, Lancaster, Philadelphia, and Villanova.

Close to 200 juniors, seniors, and faculty were served pizza before we departed UC after our half-day on Thursday. Taking only 2 hours to get there, we were able to check into our hotel rooms and chill out until our dinner cruise on the Spirit of Philadelphia! The cruise was sooooo nice.. there was a DJ, buffet, and a beautiful city skyline to enjoy! We all got to go onto the top deck and take pictures and view the sites. The night was full of great music and fun dancing - it was sad at it had to end so soon! But we all knew there was alot more fun to await us.

We got some free time afterwards to hang out, but not for too long - because our curfew for every night was 12 AM sharp! The floor supervisors came around to check that everyone who belonged in the room was there. On Friday, we had to get up early for breakfast and depart for Lancaster - the Amish country. During the day we saw an informational video and went on a guided bus tour of the country. Lots of cows and open land - let me tell you! Alot of people thought that this part was boring, and some tried to fall asleep. But I didn't think it was that bad. I liked how we stopped at a few little shops and farms to see how the Amish and Mennonites really live. That night we went to Hershey Park in the Dark! I've never been to Hershey before, so it was really fun for me. One of my friends doesn't like roller coasters so we took turns sitting out with her. At the end of the night we went to the Chocolate Factory and I bought a pack of Twizzlers for my parents!

The next day we were in Philly. We took tours of the Edgar Allan Poe House, the National Constitution Center, Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and Congress Hall. Then... at night (I think this was my favorite part!) we went to the Eastern State Penitentiary for the Terror Behind the Walls!! I see that sophomore blogger Megan went there and told you about her experience. I get scared sooo easily... but at the same time, I love being scared! So this was really fun for me. I walked with a big group, including Mrs. Thornton and Mr. Reagan!!! I never knew that Mr. Reagan was such a scary cat - it was so funny to watch him go through that haunted maze! Thank goodness one of my guy friends was there with me - he was the leader of the group, but made it really fun because he would make jokes and actually talk to the people who were scaring us. My heart was pounding so fast by the time we got out!!

Then on the last day, we visited Villanova University for 10:30 Mass and a tour. The campus was beautiful, and everyone there welcomed Union Catholic, so it was really nice. I had such a good time on the trip because I was able to bond with my friends, and even with classmates that I'm not that close with. I could put off school work for the majority of the weekend and just relax and enjoy the good times!!!

We have a fun filled week here at UC. Tuesday is our Fall Pep Rally (including a free blue and white tag day), Wednesday is a Club Period and Freshman Class Elections, and Friday is a regular tag day!! Woooo, do I love being a Viking.

I've got a lot to do these days so I better get going. I'll talk to you soon!

Busy, Busy, Busy!

As always, I have lots to tell you! October is such a fun-packed month. Last week, the seniors had their Day of Recollection. I had such a good time! We went to St. Joseph's Shrine to gather together in prayer, friendship, and memories. We didn't get back to school until around 5 o'clock. The peer ministry counselors who coordinated the day for us told us that it was our first "last" gathering together as the UC Class of '09! It was exciting but really sentimental at the same time. There were different group activities and discussions for us, as well as free time to spend with our fellow classmates.

Then on Thursday night, as one of my most important ambassador duties, I gave tours and welcomed students and families into UC for our Fall Open House. The school was packed!! It was great to talk to different kids and their families, and to show them what UC is all about. I had the busiest weekend too!! I had to work Friday and Saturday night until 11... I had to take the SAT's on Saturday morning...AND I performed with some past UC Alumni for this dance event in Hamilton, NJ at the Grounds for Sculpture. It was an interesting experience, and I'm really glad that the choreographer asked me to join her with 2 others to perform a modern dance that was site-specific.

We had a Pink and White Tag Day this week to honor and remember those with cancer. Little pink pins were also sold during lunch. Progress reports are going out, so that might be a wake up call to some people! Or, to others, it will reassure them they they're doing good, and encourage them to keep up the good work. I think I've been doing pretty alright... but there's always room for improvement. We'll see how I do!

I think the biggest event for me right now is that the spring musical auditions are on Friday!!!!!! You don't know how nervous I am..... I'll save the "PAC talk" for my next blog though. There's so much going on to look forward to - like college visits, the Junior/Senior Trip to Philly, and the Fall Pep Rally!! I just can't wait.

Hope everyone's having a great week! See Ya :-)