OFFLINE Jenna Lo Castro-off line

Sweet music to my ears

So my mom came up this past Saturday. It was the first time I've seen her since summer and because I'm not going home for fall break, she decided to come up from Pittsburgh. I love visits from my mom, although they are a rarity. She brought me a ton of food plus some winter clothes for the inevitable Cleveland weather.  After showing her around the apartment (which was just a white, barren box last time she was here) we went out to Chagrin Falls to one of my favorite little Italian restaurants. It's called "Joey's" and if you haven't been there, I suggest taking a visit. Plus the falls across the street make the perfect "dessert."

At night, I went to the Cleveland Orchestra down at Severance Hall. The tickets were given to me by Dr. Patrick Rombalski, the vice president of student affairs. The guy is amazing and he's always looking to help students out when he can. So, initially I thought the seats we had were going to be horrible (no offense, Dr. Rombalski) because they were balcony. Boy, was I wrong. We were right in the center of the house--honestly the best seats there. The Orchestra ended  up playing Mozart and Tchaikovsky as well as some pieces from a contemporary composer. Now, I know you're thinking, "Ugh, that must have been so boring" but honestly, it was so enjoyable. The Orchestra is world reknown and has this ability to just move people in their seats. And take it from someone who has no musical talent at all.  It's one of the reasons I love Carroll. Knowing that downtown Cleveland is so close and filled with all kinds of cultural and adventurous things to do is a perk.

P.s.--Homecoming is this weekend. I'm so pumped! 

A good birthday celebration

This past weekend was truly relaxing. Yesterday a few of the roomies and I went for a dip at the Johnson Natatorium—Carroll’s swimming pool. Public swim is always a good way to relax and hang out with friends. My one roommate is a former swimmer so she swam some hard core laps. The rest of us hung out in the other pool used for divers. The diving boards are a blast and I think the life guard on duty got a kick out of our ridiculous jumps and attempts at “synchronized swimming.”

We then all went out to Buca di Beppo’s (an Italian restaurant on Mayfield Road) for my one roommate’s birthday. It was unusual that all six of us were able to go considering our schedules are all so different. I was glad though we could make it for her birthday. The whole room ended up singing “Happy Birthday” to her. Needless to say, I think we embarrassed her enough to last her the whole year.

Homecoming is around the corner!

Fall is definitely in the air, as the temperature didn't even break 70 degrees today. For the most part, students were in hoodies and jeans. A saw a few brave souls though playing frisbee out on the Quad wearing T-shirts and shorts--a last attempt to pretend that summer is still here.

With cold weather in effect though, it's a clear sign that Homecoming is on it's way. In just a few short weeks, the campus will be buzzing. I noticed that they have already starting having nominations for the court during the lunchtime hour in the atrium.

In retrospect, my favorite events have been the parade and football game. For the parade, any group or organization can create a float. There's tons of prizes and the whole day is filled with food, music, and festivities. A lot of people enjoy going to the dance as well. This year, it will be at the Cleveland Botanical Gardens--which is a stellar place (If you've never been there, I suggest taking a day trip!) to be having a dance. The great thing about Homecoming weekend is that students, parents, and alumni all attend the events. There's a special aura about the campus during that weekend.  

Footprints for Fatima

Today, JCU hosted the Footsteps for Fatima 5K race. The event helped raise money for helping to feed those in need in the Cleveland area. Although I had to wake up super early on my day off from classes, the race was definitely worth running. There wasn't a cloud in the sky as students, faculty, and community members showed up for the race and 1-mile fun walk. I was actually really surprised by the amount of people from the community who ran to show their support. There was a DJ plus, tons of food for the runners, as well as awards.  I think it's great that Student Union plans events like this one. It's another way for people to connect and socialize who may not on a normal basis.