Demo Work

One activity that I am involved in is community work for my church which is St. Joseph’s. Many of the projects we have done have been very rewarding. It makes me feel like I am making a difference in the world.

One of the first experiences that i had was in 2010. We went to an elderly ladies house to clean up her backyard. We raked her leaves, picked up dead branches, and tore down dead trees and weeds. It took us about 3 hours to do all of this. After we finished we went down to the High School and walked down the little trail behind the woods. While we were there, we decided that we would make the environment a better place. As we walked around, we picked up bottles and cans that were thrown in our path. We also picked up dead branches and bottles that had been discarded along the way. It was so sad to see how people abused this beautiful trail. At least we could make it a little prettier.

The next job we did was on Saturday, January 31^st. A group of friends and I did demo work, our job involved tearing down dry wall, roofing, parts of windows, and flooring. It seemed like it would be a lot of fun and we couldn’t wait to get started. Boy, we didn’t realize what we were in for.

As we began our job it became evident that we had a lot to do and that this would be a difficult job. As we continued the walls and roofing, we became covered in dirt and dust. We started working at 9 am and didn’t stop working until 1 pm with an hour break for lunch. Although it was a lot of work after we were done the area looked much better.

We enjoyed our community work and I can’t wait for our next project. Whether it helping the elderly or building or repairing things, we know that we are making a difference.

My Trip to Rome

In 2008 we went to Rome to visit my older brother Scott. He was a junior at Borromeo Seminary and was spending the entire fall semester studying Italian and completing seven theology courses.  This would be a great opportunity not only to visit my brother, whom I missed very much, but also an opportunity to see the wonders of Rome.  

 Getting ready for the trip was quite an experience.  I first had to pack some nice clothes because of the fancy restraunts and churches my family was planning on visiting. Then we had to pack our passports and plane tickets so we could get on the airplane.  When we arrived at the airport, we had to go through customs and metal detectors before entering the plane to make sure we had no weapons in our pockets or in our suitcases.  The plane flight took about 6 hours.  The plane had TV’s on the back of the seats and we were able to watch movies while traveling. Most of us watched Finding Nemo. 

When we arrived at Rome, we first went  to our hotel  (Westin Excelsior) and unpacked our stuff. Then we went to visit the Coliseum. The coliseum was where the Gladiators fought several thousand years ago.  It was built for them to train and fight to the death in. 

The next day we went and visited the Vatican. The Vatican is a giant Cathedral, and is the place where the Pope lives. They had caskets under the tabernacle with the Pope’s that have died a thousand years ago. They also had a staircase full of coins that visitors throw. 

The next morning we got up early and went to visit Trevy Fountain. The Trevy Fountain is a giant Fountain in Rome, with amazing statues coming out from under the water.

We ate at some fantastic places.  I love Italian food. Some of my favorite places we ate at were Abruzzi and Arul’s.  Abruzzi is a very fancy Italian restraunt in Rome.  In Rome you could not eat until 9:00pm. If you were early you had to wait, because the restraunts do not open for dinner until then.

This is by far the best trip I have ever taken.  If you ever get a change take a trip to Rome.

The band concert at Severance Hall

On Sunday, January 23rd the Avon Lake Concert and Symphonic Band were invited to play at Severance Hall. Playing at Severance is quite an honor, that’s where the Cleveland Orchestra Performs. Besides us there were three other bands, Bay Village, North Royalton and Orrville. The Case Western Reserve Symphonic Winds, a college band also participated.

Preparing for the concert was a lot of work. We were practicing Jackson Lake Overture and Valley Forge for almost three months. We wanted to make sure that we had a perfect performance. As the time grew nearer everyone was excited and very nervous. Finally Sunday had arrived. All of us had to meet at the High School by 11:00 AM even though we didn't perform until 3 PM. We had to arrive early so that we could hear the other bands. We were the third band to perform after Bay Village.

Walking into Severance Hall was quite an experience. Looking at all the designs and intricate details along the walls was very impressive. The staircase had a gold railing that went all the way up to the balcony on the second level. Besides the beautiful blue velvet chairs on the second floor, there were also private boxes that were purchased individually, by company’s or families. These boxes were something else. Each box had two rows of velvet chairs and a larger chair in the back row. I was lucky enough to get a peek at it. The boxes were closed off by curtains for more privacy.

Now we were ready to play. As we looked above we could see the beautiful ceiling that sparkled and reflected a beautiful leaf pattern. The entire interior of the hall is art deco with aluminum lights that ran along the stage. It was an awesome experience as we sat in the pit and began to perform.
We played very well and we were all so proud. The audience clapped so loud I couldn't believe it. We even got a standing ovation.

When we got back on the buses and headed home we were all so exhausted that most of us fell asleep. I will always remember that wonderful experience of a lifetime.

Trip To South Carolina

Dad and I planned our trip to South Carolina for seven months; we decided to go over Thanksgiving break. The place we are going to is where my Grandfather lives.

As we got closer to the date I begin getting ready for the trip. The first thing I decided I had to take was my trusty Ipod; if I didn't take it I would be music deprived. Since the weather was warm and we are near the beach I had to pack some cool tank tops and flip flops. When we get there my Grandfather always takes us to nice restraunts so I packed some pretty dresses. I knew the drive would take almost thirteen hours so I included my laptop so that I could watch movies and go on facebook to help the time pass.

Before I knew it, the time to leave had arrived. When I got home from school on Tuesday we packed the car and off we went. Dad and I decided to break the drive up into two days. After driving for eight hours, we spent the night in Charlotte North Carolina and stayed at Country Inn and Suites. We had a quick dinner at Wendy's and retired for the night. We were both exhausted.

The next day we got up at seven and had breakfast. Dad had coffee and a muffin while I had Fruit Loops. Only five more hours and we will get there. After getting there we visited for awhile and then went off to the beach. It was a beautiful day; seventy-five and sunny. Back home it was thirty and rainy.

Grandpa decided to make up a spaghetti dinner at home; it was delicious. We also had garlic bread and a salad. My dessert was the beach. Dad gave me the car keys and I strolled around watching the sunset. It was beautiful;  pink, red and orange. Behind the susnet were two dolphins; they were so cute.

The next day my cousins arrived; Cameron, William, and Laura. It was Thanksgiving when they got there. My cousin Laura and I went to the beach. We stayed at the beach from ten o' clock till noon. When we got back to Grandpa's we all got dressed to go to a Thanksgiving buffet at the Golf Club. I couldn't believe all the food there was to eat. Besides turkey and all the trimmings they also had prime rib,shrimp, cat fish, and crab. Oh my God, for dessert they had chocolate supreme cake, strawberry cheesecake, and chocolate coffee cake. I stuffed myself until I couldn't eat anymore.

After Dinner we all came home and headed for the beach except for Grandpa, he stayed home. We were at the beach until it got dark and then came home.

Unfortunately we left the next day. We left around noon and stopped in West Virginia for the night. The next morning we got up around eight o' clock and drove straight through to Avon Lake. I was exhausted when I got home. Once I was unpacked Mom, Dad, my brotherScott, and I went to the Winking Lizard for dinner.

It's hard to believe that the next day I had to go to school; getting into the swing of things was going to be difficult. However, I knew in a few weeks I'd be on Chrsitmas Break. I had ski trips to look forward to going on during vacation.

Most Memorable High School Memory

One of the most memorable experiences in high school was this years Homecoming Dance.

Part of the fun of this experience was getting ready for the dance. Dad and I went dress shopping searching for just the right outfit. We went to Great Northern and shopped at Macy's Department Store. The first dress I tried on was red but it was too short, although it was really pretty, I just didn't feel right in it. The second dress I tried on was pink and black but it was too itchy. The third dress was blue but it was just to childish. The dress I finally settled on was purple. It was just perfect. It was the right length, and it looked very good on me.

Now I had to get just the right eye shadow, that would match my dress. We went down to the makeup department and I found purple eye shadow that would go perfect with my dress. Since I had nice shoes and a black purse I was all set for the dance.

Before the dance a group of my girlfriends and I  had dinner at Las Cazulas in Avon Lake which is close to the High School. I had a chicken quesadilla, refriend beans,a taco, and mexican rice. To drink I had my favorite Mountain Dew. Most of my friends had the same thing.

Now it was time to go to the dance. Before I entered the gym my date met me at the door with beautiful red roses. I was very suprised and excited. The theme of the dance was Enchanted Seas, This idea was even reflected on our tickets which had a mermaid on it. At the enterance of the gym were black and white balloons which were the theme colors for the dance.  Around the walls were waves and symbols of the sea.

One of my favorite songs I danced to was "Like a G6". Its a fast dance with a good drum beat. After it was over I was exhausted.  Then my girlfriends and I danced to the popular songs "DJ's Got Us Falling In Love Again". It's a fun dance and we all acted silly like laying on the floor, crawling, and singing along with the music. The last dance of the night was a slow dance and all the couples began to get there partners and sway to the music. It was a great way to end the evening.

Lizzy's Ski Trip To New York

On Friday January 21st I spent an exciting weekend skiing in New York at Bristol Mountain with my Dad and my friend Freddie. We spent the first six hours getting there. Once we arrived we had to dress very warm because it was windy and only 13 degrees. I made sure that I had my super warm winter coat, mittens and my helmet, now I was ready to started. We got our tickets and off we went. The first time I went down the slope I wiped out. I had to get up and start over again. Guess what? After I started again I tumbled down the hill and ended up in the woods. This made me very frustrated. Then my friend Freddie nicknamed me Lizzy of the woods because that's where I spent most of my time.

Once we were done skiing, we had dinner at Cheap Charlies. I had parmesan chicken, Dad had prime rib, and Freddie also had prime rib. I took one look at the prime rib and wondered who could eat all that? However, Dad and Freddie  finished their plates. Even though I like having desserts I was just to full to even think about it.

On the next day my cousins came and  I enjoyed spending time with them. I had a better day and didn't spend most of my time in the woods. I really didn't want to leave but we had to shorten our trip and leave Saturday afternoon. The reason for our early departure was the Avon Lake Band, of which I am a member, was performing at Severence Hall on Sunday. This was also an awesome experience.

 We had so much fun skiing that we were planning a trip Whistler Mountain in British Columbia, Canada next year.  This will be a great adventure  because instead of driving we will be going on a plane.