Charleston, SC!!!

So we are back in the great palmetto state!!!

I've really missed it down here. It's great to be back in Charleston.

We got here yesterday afternoon around 5 o'clock. We went out to eat at Bocci's - my favorite Italian restaurant here.

Today, we went to see Fort Sumter and spent time around "The Battery". It is beyond gorgeous there.

Tonight, we met up with one of my fellow Jersey friends who is transferring to College of Charleston! (We didn't know she was down here at the same time! What a small world.)

I'm excited to spend another full day here, and then we are off to Myrtle Beach. (I've never been there before.)

Peace and Love,

Amy

Family Party & 4th of July!

Hello all,

So, we had a family party at our house this past Saturday, July 2nd. It was AWESOME! It was so great to see the fellow Petrilli clan. :) It was a very gorgeous day out as well.

I also wanted to wish everyone a very Happy 4th of July!

Thanks to all of those brave men and women who fight to protect our great country every day. I am SO proud to be an American. I love this country with all my heart.

I'm thinking of all of those in the military and their families on this day and all days. God Bless America!

Happy to be FREE,

Amy

Owl City

So the other night, I went to see the great Owl City live at the Mann Center in Philly! The show was amazing! I just love them, really "him." "Him" = Adam Young. His voice is so unique…and SO beautiful. I’ve never heard a voice/sound like that in my entire life.

I love that guy. Everything about him. Adam Young is truly one of the most amazing guys ever. I’m serious.

Another thing, he is an awesome guy in real life. If you want to see/know why, definitely check out his blog ~ http://owlcityblog.com/ You will learn/discover everything you need to know.

I wish more guys in this world would be just like him! He says the most wonderful things about girls (& his future wife) in his blogs.

His faith is so inspiring as well. <— That’s one of the biggest reasons I love him. He's just awesome. :)

Summer So Far!

Hey guys!

So I finished the class I was taking this summer! It was great and I seriously cannot believe how fast it went. CRAZY!

My summer has been really busy - but good so far! It's been filled with swimming, going out to eat, going to the mall, going to the movies, errands, setting up my jobs - which start in July!, & etc. :)

Peace & Love,

Amy

Tumblr!

So my friend Brandon told me to get a tumblr! I LOVE IT. (Thanks Brandon!)

It's an awesome website. The best way to describe it is a "picture blog."

The link to my tumblr is http://amy4592.tumblr.com/. Check it out! I find some pretty awesome things on there and love to "reblog" some of them.

Summer has been great so far! Busy busy busy. But, it's been a lot of fun.

Blessings,

Amy

Oprah

‎”I’ve come to believe that each of us has a personal calling that’s as unique as a fingerprint - and that the best way to succeed is to discover what you love and then find a way to offer it to others in the form of service, working hard, and also allowing the energy of the universe to lead you.” ~ Oprah

Although I do not agree with some of Oprah’s opinions/choices, I LOVE who she is. I was able to learn so much more about her these past few days by watching her finale shows. She is truly one of the most inspirational and influential woman the world has ever known. I had NO idea that she did that much. I thank her for that. If I can be even a fraction as inspirational as she was, my life would be complete. She has changed the world.

Thank you Oprah for 25 wonderful years.

Start of Summer!

My summer has been off to a wonderful start!

It's been so busy so far which is great! I love having stuff to do all the time. I kinda go crazy if I don't. LOL!

The other day I went to eat at California Pizza Kitchen in Cherry Hill. I can honestly say that this place is one of my new favorite restaurants. IT. WAS. INCREDIBLE. After that, one of my friends from high school and I went to see Something Borrowed, which was an awesome movie. Go see it.

Today, my family and I went to spend the afternoon and night in Ocean City. Boy, have I missed it there. It was just so great to be back.

Until next time...

With Love,

Amy

Done with Freshman Year!

So, it's official. I just finished my freshman year of college! I CANNOT BELIEVE IT.

It was truly an amazing year. Deciding to go to Clemson was without a doubt one of the best decisions I have ever made. I can't even describe how much I love it there.

I grew so much as a person this year and am also extremely lucky to have met so many incredible people at Clemson. I miss them all already!

I'm one lucky girl.

This summer (so weird to say it's summer in early May!) has been off to a great start! As much as I do miss Clemson, it's wonderful to be home.

Blessings,

Amy

Updates!

Hey all!

Wow, first of all I just wanted to say that I CANNOT believe that it's already May. Where does the time go these days?!

Anyway, the month of April was very lovely. It flew by. I had a wonderful Easter here in Clemson and have been keeping myself extremely busy. It's been non-stop!

Last Friday was officially the last day of class and tomorrow begins "Finals Week"! I just can't believe it...

Today was my last Sunday (this year) at dcf, my "Clemson church." I am going to miss it there over the summer!

Peace and Love,

Amy

Still Love My Tigers!

So I went all the way back on my facebook to see what day I decided to come to Clemson. Yes, I know that this is crazy. But, I really wanted to know because I completely forgot!

Anyway, it was ONE year ago today, April 7th!!!

I remember the day very well. I "just felt" it. It is definitely difficult to describe. But boy was it the best decision I ever made. No regrets. =]

It's seriously so insane how fast time flies. I still cannot believe that it's already April of 2011.

Go Tigers,

Amy

My 19th!

Hey!

So yesterday was my 19th birthday! It feels like I was just celebrating my 18th. Crazy!

I had a really nice day! I got many birthday wishes in person (and on facebook) of course. =]

I also got absolutely gorgeous "Clemson" flowers and balloons from my parents. I absolutely love them. It was so special to get them. They are really gorgeous...I have a wonderful family. I really do.

Some of my closest friends and I went out to eat at my favorite Italian restaurant downtown called Brioso's. Gosh, that place is SO good. It was lovely.

Afterwards, we went back to one of my friend's room to celebrate some more for a little bit! She made me a huge and delicious cookie cake! Thank you, Anna! =]

Spring has sprung! This is definitely my favorite time of year.

Peace and Love,

Amy

It's Been FOREVER!

Hello all,

I just looked at my blog and realized that I haven't posted since my Fall Break. Gosh, that was a VERY LONG time ago. So much has happened since then, so I will be very general!

Shortly after my Fall Break, my dear grandmother (my mom's mom) passed away suddenly on November 8th. It was a devastating and a complete shock to all of us. But, she is in a better place now. I will always miss her. <3

I was home for my Thanksgiving Break (a few weeks later) and then my month long Winter Break (a few weeks after that)! I did so much during both breaks I can't even begin to list everything. They were both really good.

My second semester started in mid-January! It's been great. I must say that I do love this semester even more.

I cannot believe how fast time flies by. It's insane! I only have (not including this week) 4 more weeks of class and 5 more weeks until move-out day! It's so hard to believe that summer vacation is just around the corner.

Again, I will definitely try to post more often! It's nice to be back in the blogging world.

With Love,

Amy

Fall Break!

So, I have been on my Fall Break for the past few days! I flew in from Greenville, SC to Philly Friday night. Despite the fact that I was on a 48 seat plane, it was a very smooth flight!

After I greeted my parents, we all headed off to one of our favorite restaurants - Five Points Diner! It was so nice. Just like old times.

On Saturday morning, my mom and I got up and spent the day at In the Village. I got the works done! It felt great. Later, we went to pick up some good ole Wawa! Ah, how I missed it so much. After that, we went to see my grandparents! Then, I went out to eat at Friendly's with some high school friends!

On Sunday, I went to my "home" church! It was really nice to see everyone from MPC again. Then, we went off to visit with my grandparents again and later visited my sister and the kids! After all of this, we went back to the house to give out candy for Halloween! =]

On Monday, I decided to visit my high school! It was SO wonderful to see some of my favorite teachers, guidance counselor, and kids there! I missed them all so much.

All the Best,

Amy

Adventures in Greenville!

My friends and I went on an awesome adventure this past weekend!

We decided to spend the day in gorgeous Greenville, South Carolina! (It is so beautiful there.) I would totally love to live near there. They have a downtown filled with all kinds of cute shops, restaurants, ice cream places, and etc.

This past weekend was actually Greenville's annual fall festival called "Fall for Greenville." There were all kinds of tents set up with food and entertainment. It was really crowded, but so much fun to be there during this festival!

See my facebook for lots of awesome pictures! It was a wonderful day.

Much Love,

Amy

Homecoming Weekend!

So, this past weekend was HOMECOMING!

The weekend started off with a huge pep rally (with speakers, skits, bands, choirs, and etc.) in the Littlejohn Coliseum. It was called Tigerama! It was so much fun. Here is all of the information about the event: http://tigerama2010.com/

After Tigerama, there were awesome fireworks!

After the fireworks was Night of the Tiger. Also, there were all of the floats the sororities and fraternities worked on display on Bowman field. They were awesome! Definitely check out all of my pictures on Facebook.

Saturday was the Clemson vs. Miami game! Even though we lost, it was still so much fun! After the game, a group of us hung out together (in each other's dorms and around the campus). Later, we drove about 20 mins to Anderson to eat Fuddrucker's! We had SO much fun there.

This past weekend was just awesome. I will never forget it.

With Love & Peace,

Amy

Homecoming Build!

Today, I worked with Habitat for Humanity on the Homecoming Build! It was so much fun! It was a wonderful and fulfilling opportunity. I cannot wait to work on the house next year!

Here is information about the Homecoming Build:

"The Clemson University Campus Chapter of Habitat for Humanity completed its first Homecoming Build in 1994. Since then, we have gathered each fall on Bowman Field to build a home in the ten days prior to the Homecoming Celebration! In 2001, we organized a "Blitz Build," completing five homes, and in 2003, we spurred the building of the first ever Youth United home in partnership with D.W. Daniel High School in Central, SC."

"The Homecoming House Project on Bowman Field has become a standing tradition for Clemson Habitat. It requires the efforts of over 500 students and over 2100 hours of service to build a home in such a short period of time. The student volunteers cannot do it alone—strong community partnerships with the local affiliate (Pickens County Habitat for Humanity), businesses, government organizations, and citizens make this project a success every year. Having innumerable benefits, this highly publicized and recognizable event partners with Habitat family partners to build their home. It is an excellent opportunity to bring together the faculty and students of Clemson with their community and also with the homeowner."

Here is information about Habitat for Humanity:

"Founded in 1976 by Millard and Linda Fuller, Habitat for Humanity International is a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry dedicated to eliminating poverty housing. Habitat for Humanity challenges people of all faith traditions and cultural backgrounds to join in partnership with low-income families to improve the conditions in which they live. Through volunteer labor and the donation of both money and materials, Habitat for Humanity builds and renovates houses in partnership with homeowners families. Houses are sold at no profit to partner families, financed with affordable, no interest mortgages. Habitat is not a giveaway program, but is a partnership in which those who benefit from the program are involved in the work at various levels. Homeowner families invest hundreds of hours of their own labor "sweat equity" into the construction of their home. Sweat equity reduces the cost of the house and increases the pride of ownership among family members."

"The Clemson University Campus Chapter is officially chartered and recognized by the Campus Chapters' Department of Habitat for Humanity, International and is registered with Clemson University Student Government. We are affiliated with Pickens County Habitat for Humanity."

For more information on Habitat for Humanity International, please visit their website at http://www.habitat.org/.

Check out the Clemson University Habitat for Humanity website to see a live webcam of the build. I cannot believe how fast it all came together. http://people.clemson.edu/~habitat/

Blessings,

Amy

Clemson AFTERdark, Olive Garden, Shopping, & etc.

"One night. One campus. One movement." ~ Clemson AFTERdark was absolutely amazing! It was this past Thursday (in place of FCA). I cannot even put into words how awesome and moving it was. Here is the website for more information: http://www.whatsafterdark.com/

This past Friday night, a few friends and I went to Olive Garden for dinner. (They had never been to one before!) It was very delicious, as always. I am so glad that there is an Olive Garden only 20 mins from Clemson! One of my favorite quotes of the night: Monica: "That was a magical breadstick. I think I might cry." Ha-ha!

Afterwards we went to the local Target to pick up some things we all needed. (Snacks, shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothpaste, & etc.)

Last night, I met up with a friend to play some tennis! It was a great workout.

I hope that all is well!

Peace,

Amy

Rock For LIFE!

I am a member of Clemson University Students for Life! Students for Life is a national organization. 523 different colleges have this group nationwide. (I was SO happy when I saw that Clemson had one!)

"Clemson University Students for Life exists to organize and activate pro-life members of the University community and works to save lives that are threatened by induced abortion, euthanasia, and the destruction of human embryos for the purpose of research. Our members seek to promote respect for life at Clemson University and on a local, state, and national level by education on life issues, collaborating with other on common goals, and helping those in need so that life is a promising choice."

Yesterday, we participated in an event called the Rock for Life!

"Our next event will be a service project: helping run "Rock for Life" in Greenville, SC at Saint Joseph's School. This event is a pro-life rally on September 18 from 5:00-10:00 pm. It's designed for high schoolers in the Upstate SC area, complete with a band, speakers, and dinner. The organizers want Clemson students to help coordinate ice breakers, games, and help keep things running smoothly (plus, all Clemson volunteers get a free t-shirt!). They also hope that having pro-life college students at the event will have a positive impact on the high school students."

I cannot even begin to tell you how much fun I had there. We were there from about 4 - 10, and then went to get Frostys at a local Wendy's after! It was so wonderful to be surrounded by other people who believe that life is the greatest gift of all. Each child has a purpose and potential for LIFE! I love the people that I met at this event. I am truly looking forward to the next event/meeting with this great group of believers.

* The quotes above are from the Clemson University Students for Life website. *

For those interested in the pro-life movement, here are some websites that I receive emails/newsletters from:

http://www.studentsforlife.org/

http://www.40daysforlife.com/splash.cfm

For Life,

Amy

My First Clemson Football Game & Parents' Weekend!

Hey!

So, the game last week was AMAZING! I had SO MUCH FUN! The whole day was wonderful. In the morning, a group of us walked around the campus and checked out all of the people tailgating. 3:30 was kickoff! I cannot even begin to describe the amount of energy there was in the stadium. Check out my facebook for pictures and videos!

This weekend is Parents' Weekend. After my last class today, I met my parents in one of the cafeterias here! It is so great to see them after a while! They brought me some more clothes and things for my dorm. (Thanks!!!) I also showed them around the campus a little more. Later, we drove about 20 minutes to Anderson to go eat at Olive Garden.

I am here in the hotel right now writing this post. I wanted to stay with them so that we can spend more time together. Tomorrow is another gameday! I am so excited to show them the atmosphere here. GO TIGERS!

Peace,

Amy

Clemson!!!

Hey y'all! Greetings from the Palmetto State!

I have been meaning to post for a while! But, I've been so crazy busy lately!

So Clemson....IS AMAZING! I absolutely love it down here.

I have met so many really awesome people. Life in the South is just wonderful. It's a very different world. People here are relaxed, laid back, and simply take one thing at a time. They are also peaceful, slow, friendly, thoughtful, sweet, and tend to be very religious. Also, everything is basically closed on Sundays. These southerners live up the "holy day." I love that. I wish that people up North had that mentality as well. After all, it's the way it should be.

I am already involved in several clubs here as well! I am doing Habitat for Humanity, Students for Life, and FCA - Fellowship of Christian Athletes. I will definitely keep "all of y'all" updated on what I am doing in each club. (I do facebook a lot of what I do each day!) There is so much to do here.

I love the food here. The people who work around the campus (cafeteria workers, trash collectors, janitors & etc.) are also very sweet people! I have not encountered one miserable person yet.

I feel like I am able to be myself here. I (would like to think that I) was always a very laid back, chill person. It's nice to be surrounded by people who are similar. It's also very special to be surrounded by very conservative, Christian people. I love being in the "bible-belt." People here are not afraid to be religious. I feel that I have found the place I am meant to be in - the South.

I do miss my family A LOT! But, I am really looking forward to Parent's Weekend soon! That will definitely be tons of fun. I am also looking forward to coming home for Fall Break at the very end of October. =]

Well, the first home football game of the season is this Saturday, September 4th. I cannot even begin to tell y'all how excited I am for it!

I will definitely try to post more often!

With Love and Peace,

Amy

GO TIGERS!