We are all so blessed. Have you heard?

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation; because by Him everything was created, in heaven and on earth, the visible and the invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities all things have been created through Him and for Him.
He is before all things, and by Him all things hold together. He is also the head of the body, the church; He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He might come to have first place in everything. For God was pleased (to have) all his fullness dwell in Him, and through Him reconcile everything to Himself by making peace through the blood of His cross whether things on earth or things in heaven.
Colossians 1:15-20

Photo courtsey of Bippity Boppity Boo

I hope you and yours had a very Merry Christmas. I surely did. This year we, in Dalton, GA, had a white Christmas. I know many of you have been worried about the lack of snow in my life, but I want to be the first to tell you that we had at least 4 inches of snow here. My brother, Frank, and I even built a snowman. I also got to catch up with some neighbors over snow. It was a balmy 29 degrees today, so everything is still here. Ripon, WI I’m so ready for you (high on my birthday will be 24, but whatev. I got this).

First snowman, check. Acting like a five year old, check and check.

Neighbor bestie is now and Alpha Delt as well. Hooray!

On another note, my big diamond sister (that’s the equivalent of a “big sister”, but because I am a consultant for an international sorority, I must use correct terminology) and really close friend, Erin, called last night and told me that she got engaged to her college beau, Hunter. I’m so happy for y’all!

Pic circa one week after I became an Alpha Delt myself. Love this lady so much!

12 Days of "LCing"

Sorry about my lack of blogging lately. I've been busy relaxing and enjoying my lovely time off.

Here goes my rendition of the "12 Days of Christmas" (tis the season!):

On the first day of LCing, my sorority gave to me…. one giant gift basket (Thanks for that Zeta Chi!)

On the second day of LCing, my sorority gave to me two days off a month (and two awesome Senior Consultants @Jackiemills and @ashleyehrman).

On the third day of LCing, my sorority gave to me….three different sporting events (Football: TCU, Basketball: K-State and KU).



Jayhawks game with my Tau sisters



Wildcats game with my Alpha Eta sisters



On the fourth day of LCing, my sorority gave to me….four weeks off for Christmas.

 

How about a trip to the GA Aquarium?



On the fifth day of LCing, my sorority gave to me….five gals in Dallas (took a trip to Dallas with some of my faves from Gamma Upsilon)

There's always time for a photo op

On the sixth day of LCing, my sorority gave to me….six visits in January: Epsilon Omega Jacksonville State, Gamma Delta University of Miami, Delta Pi Ripon College (Wisconsin- #1 mission: build a snowman on my birthday), Delta Mu Sam Houston State University, District Leadership Conference for District V in Tulsa, and Delta Nu Southeastern Missouri State University.

On the seventh day of LCing, my sorority gave to me….seven sisters of the suitcase.

One unexplainable bond.

On the eighth day of LCing, my sorority gave to me….eight meeting no shows. These make me sad, but I don’t think I’ve had more than 8 which is great!

On the ninth day of LCing, my sorority gave to me….nine missed meals. These also make me sad. Please remember to feed me. (don’t worry, I didn’t starve. I just go creative.)

On the tenth day of LCing, my sorority gave to me….ten states to visit as an LC as of Decmeber (GA, FL, AR, MO, TX, AL, DE, SC, VA, and KS)

On the eleventh day of LCing, my sorority (well actually I gave to myself) gave to me….eleven collegiate tumblers (I’m collecting tervis tumblers from each school I visit).

On the twelfth day of LCing, my sorority (and other questioning people) gave to me...twelve questions relating to what my job actually is.

Merry Christmas y'all!

"Change The Way You See, Not the Way You Look!"-Operation Beautiful

I would like to start by saying that no, I am not a fashionista by any means. I watched Project Runway for 3 straight seasons, and still don’t really understand how black and brown match. I don’t buy trendy items. I buy practical clothes that I can wear for years, and yes, I might be wearing some things that I wore in high school. PTL, they still fit.

As many of you know, last night was the Annual Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. 60 minutes of scantly dressed women, flaunting their almost flawless bodies. Why is that we want to watch this? Yes, I admit that I had it on in the background to see what the fuss was all about. I am impressed that all of thoes women had the confidence to walkt down the runway in such a small outfit (if you can call lingerie an outfit) As I was watching, I was also on Facebook. My newsfeed was updating rapidly with statuses from “VS Fashion Show♥ ...and let me tell you, it is just making me LOVE my post-baby bod! *gag me*” to “is watching my annual winter workout motivation”. Who got to set the precedent for how we, as women, view ourselves?

I travel from campus to campus for my job working with real women. I can’t tell you the number of times I hear women express their dissatisfaction with their bodies. I used to be constantly worried about my body too, and still linger at the image in the mirror some days. Also, I danced for 16 years, constantly wearing tights and leotards that were practically just a second layer of skin. Every curve was on showcase every time I stepped on the dance floor in a room surrounded by mirrors. I luckily learned from an early age that as long as you have a healthy diet and exercise regularly the number on the scale doesn’t matter, but what about the way you look in a mirror?

I know I have blogged about this before, but with the VS Fashion Show last night, Operation Beautiful has come back to my attention. This summer I was eating breakfast with the International President of Alpha Delta Pi, Mrs. Claire Brown Gwaltney, and the Today show was on (naturally). This particular morning they were doing a segment on Operation Beautiful, and she and I were intrigued. Here is its mission statement:

The goal of the Operation Beautiful website is to end negative self-talk or “Fat Talk.” If this little blog only does one productive thing, I hope it helps readers realize how truly toxic negative self-talk is — it hurts you emotionally, spiritually, and physically.

Through my own experiences fighting Fat Talk, I’ve realized the power behind an anonymous act such as Operation Beautiful. When I post a note, I’m saying, “I CHOOSE to be positive!”I began Operation Beautiful by leaving positive messages on the mirrors of public restrooms — at work, at the gym, at the grocery store. I scribble down whatever comes to mind — "You are beautiful!" or "You are amazing just the way you are!" My personal goal is to leave as many Operation Beautiful notes as I can. Maybe some people read them and just smile, but I bet some people are truly touched by the effort of a random stranger.



What a positive way to help women of all sizes and shap

es have a positive body image! My consultant sisters and I have tried to put as many post-it notes in sorority houses and in dorms as we possibly can. The mirror is the most brutally honest place, and how much better would you feel if there was a post-it note on your mirror that said you are beautiful. Try it out. Visit Operation Beautiful for more stories and experiences of women who have done just that and changed the way they viewed themselves and the way they viewed others. I’m not here saying that I never worry about the way I look because I do. I’m here saying we all do it, but we can all work together to not change the way we look but change the way we see ourselves. I challenge all of you to take off the "VS Fashion Show Goggles" and view yourselves in a positive light. I can speak for myself when I say I know it will be challenging but see what a difference seeing differently can make.

4 Months and 14 Schools Later

“All journeys have secret destinations of which the traveler is unaware.” – Martin Buber
The above quote sums up my travels. Yes, I love my job, and I thoroughly enjoy the work I’m doing for Alpha Delts everywhere. I’m growing as a person and becoming more and more independent not to mention learning a lot about my country in the meantime. I didn’t, however, anticipate the adventures that I would encounter during my travels, ie. the unplanned fun.

Here I am on my last visit on the semester. Who knew time flew this quickly (yes, yes. You all told me it would, but again, I have to learn things for myself). I have had a wonderful semester, and I look forward to an equally (if not more) exciting 2nd semester starting in January. To celebrate this momentous occasion, I have decided to make a top ten list. First a recap of the schools I have visited:

1. Zeta Iota chapter, Georgia College and State University -Milledgeville, GA

2. Zeta Omega chapter, University of Central Florida-Orlando, FL

3. Delta Delta chapter, University of Arkansas-Fayetteville, AR

4. Theta Alpha chapter, Northwest Missouri State University-Maryville, MO

5. Gamma Chi chapter, Texas Christian University-Ft. Worth, TX

6. Theta Kappa chapter, Florida Atlantic University-Boca Raton, FL

7. Eta chapter, University of Alabama-Tuscaloosa, AL

8. Theta Delta chapter, University of Delaware-Newark, DE

9. Zeta Chi chapter, Baylor University-Waco, TX

10. Gamma Upsilon chapter, North Texas University-Denton, TX

11. Eta Phi chapter, Furman University-Greenville, SC

12. Theta Zeta chapter, Washington and Lee University-Lexington, VA

13. Alpha Eta chapter, Kansas State University-Manhattan, KS

14. Tau chapter, University of Kansas-Lawrence, KS

15. Gamma Upsilon chapter, North Texas University-Denton, TX

Top Ten Unplanned Fun

10. Having my first marshmallow fluff and PB sandwich- Gamma Upsilon

9. Going to my first college pep rally-Delta Delta

8. Running across Baylor’s football field in the pouring rain-Zeta Chi

7. Going to the beach with Jenni and trying to have a conference call on the beach to make the other consultants jealous. Too bad that didn’t work. We were told no one could hear us from all of the wind, but hey, we were on the beach for 30 minutes.-Theta Kappa

6. Watching Beauty and the Beast on the big screen-Theta Delta

5. Going to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter-Zeta Omega

4. Learning to “frat lap”-Zeta Iota

3. Going to football & basketball games-Gamma Chi (go FROGS!), Alpha Eta (go WILDCATS!), Tau (go JAYHAWKS!)

2. Started training for the Disney Half Marathon which means I have logged several miles running through all of the beautiful campuses. Favorite so far: the beautiful W&L

1. I have met so many amazing peopl this past year: chapter women, my consultant sisters, a pretty sweet boss, International officers, and more. I can’t wait to see what adventures lay ahead for me next semester.

Thank you for supporting me through this little adventure!

 Visual Aids:





Me and the TCU Horned Frog




Me and Jenni at Theta Kappa-Dream Team




Go Wildcats! K-State Basketball




Don't tell Alpha Eta that I went to a KU game. That was there only stipulation about me leaving.




In front of Tau's house all decorated for Christmas. I'll ignore the fact that this picture was taken before Thanksgiving.



The Art of Letter Writing

Have you ever been surprised  finding an unexpected letter in the mail addressed to you?

As a young girl, my brothers and I always raced to the mailbox after school to get the mail. Looking back, it’s quite funny that that’s what we decided to fight about, who was getting the mail. Now, I don’t want to get the mail as much because of the possibility of bills and the dreaded junk mail.

Every now and again, I open the mailbox to find a letter, not in a stiff white envelope, and I get quite giddy with excitement. I love getting mail no, this is not a PSA trying to get y’all to send me mail, but I love the unexpected card or note that is address to me and only me. Not some letter that 35,000 other people also got that same day. It means so much to me to think that someone sat down and thought about me long enough to write a note.

I also love to send mail because I like to sit and just for a few minutes think solely about one person and tell them why I’m thankful they are in my life. I just don’t think we’re telling each other that enough these days. We get so caught up in our every day lives, but we forget to let others know how much they mean to us. Yes, it could be in the form of a phone call, but don’t you ever want to just say something without a response? I do. An e-mail might work, but really, that is instantaneous and easy to do and often times the sincerity is lost in cyber space. Also, though my handwriting isn’t the greatest in the world, it’s mine and unique to me. By sending a letter, I am also sending apart of me. I write letters when I need an outlet. Especially with traveling, it helps me to feel closer to the person to whom I am writing. That’s why I write.

Call me old fashion, but I like sending and receiving mail that doesn’t require a repayment and isn’t sent pre-paid sorted. I think that sending letters is becoming a lost art, and I would hate to see that happen. Take 5 minute or longer, right now, and write a letter to someone who has meant a lot to you. I tell you this, it will brighten their day when they, too, race or slightly drag themselves, let's be honest to the mailbox hoping to find something special address to them.

The beautiful bell tower at Furman University.
Since my last post, I've been to Furman University (Greenville, SC), Washington & Lee University (Lexington, VA), and am now at Kansas State University (Manhattan, KS). I only have one more stop (Kansas University) until I'm home for Thanksgiving!!

An athlete cannot run with money in his pockets. He must run with hope in his heart and dreams in his head. ~Emil Zatopek

 Sports. How did they become such an integral part of our lives? Here we are after the second game of the 106th World Series. Way to go Giants! I just happen to be in Texas for the first two games, and while I will not be pulling for the Rangers when the day ends, I’m an NL girl through and through, I am still excited to be surrounded by fans who have never had an appearance in the World Series. I absolutely love how sports bring people together just like this huge event. I’ll be sure to keep my cheers to myself until I’m safely back in the neutral zone of good ole SC!

Sports have always been a huge part of my life, so I thought I’d share with you my journey around the athletic arena because I am who I am right now thanks to the exposure to sports that I got at a young age.

Glory Days

As early as age 3, my mom said that she threw me into the pool, and I began my 15 year swimming streak. My older brothers swam for the Carpet Capital Aquatics Club, Makos, so I was always cheering for them as they swam those 25 yrs. sometimes 50 whole yards. Yes, as a three year old, I admired my brothers and wanted to be just like them I’m still admiring them today, just not for the sports they play. Which brings me to my next and possibly most beneficial move, my parents enrolled me in ballet well “creative movement” class at age 4. I will always be thankful for that because it began my 15 years as a ballerina. I thoroughly loved it minus years 12-13, when I really wasn’t a fan, and it helped me to develop my poise and grace go ahead and laugh, yes, I know I’m not always the most graceful person, but imagine what it might be had I not had such an extensive training in ballet!. 13 years in the Nutcracker? Nuff said.



I'd say 3rd Grade



 Somewhere in there I had an extensive softball stint which ended after my sophomore year of high school when the other girls were playing year round and being competitive. I never said I wanted to be competitive. I just wanted to have fun, but apparently that mantra can’t get ya through your high school career. I would like to say though that when I ended my career on the diamond, I was starting…in right field, but still it was a start. Pretty much a pro by age 15, but not competitive enough to continue, sorry ‘bout it.



Another extensive rather not career that I had was one in soccer. I believe it was second grade that I was in my second year of said career, and they put me in the goal. Now, would you put me in the goal? No. I would obviously get bored. Yes, I have a lot of energy that’s how you say that. Well, since I wasn’t getting to play, basically, I decided to pick daisies on the side on the field and stuff them in the pocket of my hoodie. Needless to say, I didn’t last long.

Gold and the awkard stage

Now junior high and high school were my years to shine! I was on the junior high golf team in 7th grade, so yes, I do know the game well. Now, do I play well? That’s just another story in itself, but at least I know what par and boggie mean. As you can imagine, that sport was just too slow for me, so the next year I moved to tennis, much more my speed. That lasted until my junior year of high school.

Abby, Me, Katie before my 1st 1/2

Here we are, I’m 22 years old, and what am I doing? Running. I absolutely love running. It’s not such the spectator sport, but my family is still supporting me in my athletic endeavors. I ran my first half marathon in March, and my parents were there at the finish line to cheer me on. I’m gearing up to start training for my next race, the Disney Princess Half Marathon with my consultant sister, Megan! I couldn’t be more excited!

Rockin the knee socks in Middle School

While I do miss the team sports because of the camaraderie I guess I can’t really take a team on the road with me either, I am loving life on the run hee hee, get it?. Being apart of a team, helped me to learn to socialize and to support others for a common good. My parents helped me to figure out what interested me by exposing me to all sorts of sports, and for that, I am very thankful. Now was I ever an all-star at any of them? Probably not, but I know how to play and hold my own, and most importantly, I had fun, and really is there anything else to it? For me, no.

I apologize for the length and the lack of a swimming, soccer, and tennis picture. You'll have to ask the mother for those. Thanks momsky for providing the pics!

Aww Brother!

Sibling relationships - and 80 percent of Americans have at least one - outlast marriages, survive the death of parents, resurface after quarrels that would sink any friendship. They flourish in a thousand incarnations of closeness and distance, warmth, loyalty and distrust. ~Erica E. Goode, "The Secret World of Siblings," U.S. News & World Report, 10 January 1994

I was just thinking the other day how most of my posts have been about my travels getting to know my sisters around the country, and some of you may not know that I have 3 wonderful brothers whom I love and adore. I think the quote above is perfect and ever so true.

In the past two days, I have talked to all three of my brothers, and that, my friends, happens once in a blue moon. I wish we could all talk more often, but of course, we are all terribly busy. That is why I appreciate each and every time we do get the chance to catch up.

I love when people ask me if I have siblings because frankly, I love talking about my brothers; however, I get the same response every time: “Whoa, so you’re the only girl.” Yep. I am. Then they proceed to ask: “Well how was it growing up with three brothers?” I always say I loved it. It is a childhood spent with them that I am the easy-going, roll with the punches kinda gal that I am today. In all honestly, there was never a dull moment at my house growing up. While I never had anyone with which to share clothes, minus those special years during the nineties when I thought I was a boy and dressed as such, growing up, and now still, I feel like my brothers bring out a different aspect of myself when I am around them. Here are their profiles:

My oldest brother, Andy, and I were never really close growing up. He is seven years older than I am and went to high school out of state, and at that time, I wasn’t the cool sister that I clearly am now; however, our relationship began to grow when I realized that he knew a little bit more about life than I did. He is brilliant, and sometimes that brilliance was intimidating, but I didn’t let that stop me. I learned how to communicate with him, and he helped me to develop my love for math and science. I thought it was so cool that I had the same math/science teacher that he did, and we still share that relationship today. He also introduced me to Space Camp. That’s right. I’ve been twice. I love listening to him talk about space. He is absolutely enthralled. I can’t wait to stand with him when he marries his beautiful bride in March. I’m so happy for them!

Brother #1 Toured DC with me, such a sport for doing the tourist-ie thing!

Next on the family tree, Frank yes, it is pronounced Fry-k. Who argues the most? Us. Who butts heads the most? Us. If we could be on opposing teams, we would be, but at the end of the game, we’d be the ones hugging it out, thankful we had the opportunity to play each other. That’s my relationship with Frank. He has helped me to truly appreciate all things sports. Well, I don’t think he shares my love for baseball, but football? You betcha. You may or may not know, Frankie, is the head equipment manager for the Valdosta State University Blazers, and He. Loves. His. Job. Frank is the one who puts 110% into everything he does. Can’t wait to see what he does after December. So prouda you!

Brother #2 at Trivia Night prior to my travels with the Alpha Delts. For the record, my team won!

On to brother #3: Thomas, T, Little Brother. Let’s just say our relationship is building. Growing up, I enjoyed dressing him up, playing Barbies with him, and teaching him my recital dance moves. He’s going to kill me if he reads this, huh. I think this probably put a strain on our friendship as we got older. I just didn’t understand why he didn’t want to play dolls with me anymore after age 8. What else was he suppose to do? C’mon, now. I talked to Thomas yesterday, just to check-in and see how he was doing. He was depositing his first check from his new job at Outback. Good work, T! He is slowly learning that school is really important and that my parents aren’t the bad guys. I tried to be a good big sister and tell him all of these things, but I guess that’s just one of those things you have to learn on your own. I’m so glad he’s learning now. I can’t wait to see this new and improved little brother of mine when I go home for Thanksgiving.

So how do these guys make me, me? Well did you notice how different they all are? I am so lucky to have three amazing brothers, who are all in fact, quite different. I get along with each of them, and I know they’ll always be there for me no matter what. Let’s face it. They are stuck with me, and they are really the only ones plus the parentals who have to put up with my constant nagging phones calls, sweet little messages, and constant iloveyous, even if it drives them up the walls. Let’s be honest. I wouldn’t be me without these 3!

My favorite family tradition. Sleeping on the steps on Christmas Morn. Please note the picture at the top of the steps: aren't we adorable??

Fall: An Annual Tradition

October gave a party;

The leaves by hundreds came -

The Chestnuts, Oaks, and Maples,

And leaves of every name.

The Sunshine spread a carpet,

And everything was grand,

Miss Weather led the dancing,

Professor Wind the band.

George Cooper October's Party.

Fall. It is my absolute favorite time of the year. I love the richness and beauty of each and every day.

During my visits, I often go running around campus. It’s a great way to see the campus, and it helps to keep me somewhat in shape. I love running in the fall especially. Not only are the temperatures more conducive to physical activity of choice, but the season just makes running much more enjoyable. Some days, I leave my ipod behind and just soak up the sights and sounds of the season. The crunching of leaves beneath my feet; the flight of a single leaf to the ground; the sound of acorns falling from the trees; and sometimes light rain drops on my head. I love fall.

Beautiful fall tree at the University of Delaware: where fall comes a little earlier.

This week I have had the opportunity to experience several of Baylor’s Homecoming traditions, and I love traditions. My bucket list, in fact, includes: start a tradition. Even though they weren’t mine, I really enjoyed being a part of this year’s 101st Baylor Homecoming. This morning I watched a parade of floats put together by student organizations, and they were magnificent. I was thoroughly impressed see pics below. I also went to the Homecoming football game this afternoon; however, after three lone plays, the game was suspended due to inclement weather. It didn’t really look like it was going to storm, so we stayed in place. Not ten minutes later did we watch sheets of rain approach the panicked stadium. As the rain entered the playing field, we knew we were toast rather, soaked. We ran down the bleachers ducking ahh, what I would have given for some webbed feet today in between the floods of people and floods of, well, water and across the field to the not nearest exit. I can now say I’ve been on the Baylor football field. It was an exciting mind you, wet adventure. Needless to say, I didn’t stay for the game in fear that I might end up with hypothermia. What a day!

My two favorite floats

Pi Kappa Phi's Float: How the Big 12 Was Won         

Alpha Delta Pi's Float: We're Not in Kansas Anymore

            

Laughter

Laughter is the sensation of feeling good all over and showing it principally in one place. ~Josh Billings

I.love.laughing. There’s no question about it.
After spending a fabulous 5 days in the northeast visiting the University of Delaware, I headed back to Atlanta to be reunited with my consultant sisters and our fabulous boss, Duran Durant. What an anticipated trip! Immediately upon our arrival, we picked right back up where we left off this summer. We had a great weekend catching up and sharing our travel stories thus far.

Me and my Theta Delta sisters at the RMH of Wilmington, DE

On Saturday, I got to see my parents for breakfast which was fabulous. We ate the Corner Café in Buckhead. I highly recommend the oatmeal. They brought me some much needed winter clothes. My sundresses just weren’t cutting it in Delaware; however, they work perfectly now that I’m in Texas visiting Baylor, but it’s nice to have some warm clothes for my upcoming visits. It was so great to see my mom so happy. If you haven’t heard, she began teaching a Pre-K class last week, and she is almost giddy with excitement about this opportunity!

Sunday was another great, fun-filled day! I attended a chapel service with my dear friends, the Lansings. So blessed! The consultants and I then learned all about the world of expansion, ie. what it takes to start a chapter on a campus. It’s all very well planned, and I look forward to the opportunity of being apart of a colonization of a new chapter. How fun! Afterwards, I went to my very first Blue Angels air show with Kenneth. He is working on his pilot’s license, so he knew all about the show. I had so many questions, but I spared him several. It was a very cool experience. Even though I’ve never seen a show before Sunday, I have been to the Blue Angels museum in Pensacola before. Never know when those Middle School Mystery Trips will come in handy (Thanks JR!)! After the air show, I met up with Tricia for Fro Yo. Again, I love this stuff! So light, so fit, so fabulous! Then Duran Durant had all of the consultants over to her house for a FIESTA! No, literally, a fiesta complete with all things Mexican. If you know me at all, you know that I absolutely love Mexican food, so of course, I was excited. Now, here is where I realized how much I love to laugh. We sat around the coffee table eating together and telling story after story and just cracking up. What an incredible night with 7 incredible women. I am so blessed!

Goal of weekend: take a full group pic. Fail, but I love this one!

A slight glimpse of the fantastic show!

Where to now? I arrived in Waco, TX on Monday. I’m here for their Homecoming week, and my, oh my am I excited! They are feverishly working on their float as we speak (yes, I should be helping, but I felt a need to update y’all on my life). The events for the week include: Pigskin (a song and dance type thing put on by groups from Greek life), a bonfire, a PARADE, and a FOOTBALL GAME!! As you can tell, I’m not sure for which I am more excited, but I can’t wait for either!!

After a great week at Baylor, I’ll jet set again. This time I’ll stay in Texas and go to the University of North Texas, and then off to Furman. That’s right! I’m going to Greenville, and fancy that, I have two days off before I visit Furman, so I will be staying with Katie and hopefully the crew will come down! After Furman, I head up to Washington and Lee . I love VA, so this will be great! It’s then off to Kansas to go to Kansas State and the University of Kansas. Ahh I will be able to say, “Toto, we ARE in Kansas.” That is if I come across a small pup named Toto of course. Otherwise, I promise to refrain from saying anything. Then it’s back to Georgia for my favorite holiday, Thanksgiving! This year I have so much to be thankful for, and I can’t wait to spend time with the fam!

Until next time, my friends!

God's Coffee

A group of alumni, highly established in their careers, got together to visit their old university professor. Conversation soon turned into complaints about stress in work and life.

Offering his guests coffee, the professor went to the kitchen and returned with a large pot of coffee and an assortment of cups - porcelain, plastic, glass, crystal, some plain looking, some expensive, some exquisite - telling them to help themselves to the coffee.

When all the students had a cup of coffee in hand, the professor said:

"If you noticed, all the nice looking expensive cups were taken up, leaving behind the plain and cheap ones. While it is normal for you to want only the best for yourselves, that is the source of your problems and stress.

Be assured that the cup itself adds no quality to the coffee. In most cases it is just more expensive and in some cases even hides what we drink.

What all of you really wanted was coffee, not the cup, but you consciously went for the best cups... And then you began eyeing each other's cups.

Now consider this: Life is the coffee; the jobs, money and position in society are the cups. They are just tools to hold and contain Life, and the type of cup we have does not define, nor change the quality of Life we live.

Sometimes, by concentrating only on the cup, we fail to enjoy the coffee God has provided us."

God brews the coffee, not the cups.......... Enjoy your coffee!

"The happiest people don't have the best of everything. They just make the best of everything."

Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God.
Author unknown

Note: the above story is about God, and I think it’s a great analogy/lesson, but for all intents and purposes of this post, I will be referencing “coffee” in the sorority cup.

So here in the Sorority world, I must be honest: we’re all working towards the same goal. I had a conversation this past weekend over the Alabama/Florida game with a gentleman who worked this past year creating a strategic plan for the National Panhellenic Conference (the governing body for 26 (Inter) National Sororities). Of course, once he said that I knew this wasn’t going to be the typical “What do you do? Oh I work for my sorority. Oh, I seee (when really they have no idea what I do)” conversations. He got it. He knew that what I was doing was important. I expressed to him my dislike for having the “What do you do…” conversation. He then asked me “Well what do you do?” I said, “I work to improve the retention, recruiting, and leadership aspects of my sorority.” He then said, “Well what is a sorority?” Funny, because this man just spent essentially a year working with 26 of them, shouldn’t he know what once was? To humor him I said, “Well, to me, a sorority is more than a club. The sisterhood and the Ritual that is within the sorority is why I do what I do. I believe that as an organization we can create leaders and promote service and well-being to our members. Through my sorority, I was given the opportunity to become a leader. Would I have found that else where? Maybe, but I found it here. I found a group of women who shared the same values as I did.” He said, “Exactly, and that’s why you do what you do because you believe in it.” He told me that he wanted to work to create a plan for improving NPC’s involvement in the community. Why did he want to do this you say? Because he is a huge advocate for non-profits. He sees the potential in the NPC organization, so he accepted the challenge to improve the service aspect of the group. I see the potential in the women of the chapters that I visit, so I have chosen to take this job. This, my friends, will become the new conversation I have with people when they ask me what I do. Poor fellas don’t know what they are about to get into when they open that "simple" conversation. So long days of the “What do you do? Oh I work for my sorority. Oh, I seee (when really they have no idea what I do)” conversations.

My most favorite part of this job (and maybe this is just real life) are the people with whom I come in contact. I have met some of the most interesting people who have taken the time to talk to me. From the lady from Columbia (South America) who humored me and asked if I was from Columbia too after I spoke with her in Spanish (I don’t know how see couldn’t tell that my accent was not native) to the 7 other Consultants who have become some of my closest friends, I have met some truly amazing people who have left an everlasting footprint on my life, and for that, I am eternally grateful.

God has given me an opportunity to live my life (drink my “coffee”) out in a non-traditional way for a year, and I love that my “coffee cup” is just a little bit different from the normal mug.

Recharging The Batteries

I'd like to begin by apologizing for my lack of blogs lately. I have been ever so busy, but I hope I still have some dear followers who haven't yet given up on me!

First order of business, HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOLLY!!!!

What does it take to recharge your batteries? For me, it’s a couple things. Here we go:

My last days off were at the beginning of September. I went to South Carolina for my Katie’s engagement party, aka first real reunion of my group since we graduated. Bliss. I mingled with friends both new and old for a whole night and basked in the moment. The next day we went to the BIG game!! It was one of the few times I’ve ever done a REAL tailgate, and thanks to the Hopkins family, we tailgated in fine style. For what, you might ask? My Blue Hose were facing the (Clemson) Tigers at Death Valley. Now, you might think it’s interesting, as I did, to know that a former PC football coach gave the name “Death Valley” to the Tigers many years ago, and here we were once more in the same location that deserved the same name. I won’t sit here and tell you that it was a terrible game because that’s not so. The first half, yes, was terrible, but if we only kept score the second half of the game, my Blue Hose would have come out on top! Too bad there are two halves to that game. Since it was an afternoon game, we finished fairly early in the evening. I decided to surprise the Pops for his birthday. I borrowed Tricia’s car and drove all the way to Dalton that night. Surprise Daddy-o! In the morning, I was so glad to get to go to church with my parents. Of course, I love going for Spiritual growth, but the 6 little girls (young ladies) that are always there with open arms definitely make it extra worth it. I have watched these girls grow up, one of which is now in high school, and I absolutely cannot believe it! They truly have been such a blessing in my life. I miss them terribly.

Words cannot describe how much I loved this!

After taking two days to recharge my batteries with family and friends, I headed off to the Lonestar State. I flew into the Dallas/Ft. Worth airport and knew that what I had heard about Texas was true, everything is bigger in Texas. That airport is a trip and a half! I didn’t run into trouble until I left Texas, but it was big nonetheless. I am proud to say I got the “Jetsetter” Badge on Foursquare when I arrived in Dallas. Guess I do in fact do a little jet-setting in job. I arrived at TCU and met my sisters at Gamma Chi. I love this chapter and met such amazing women! I learned to play beach volleyball too thanks to these ladies. No, don’t ask. I’m not any good. I’ll stick to running. They were able to get me a ticket to the TCU/Baylor football game, and I was in “Frog” heaven! :D Football in Texas….again, they do things bigger in Texas, especially football! Needless to say, I had a blast. The Horned Frogs destroyed the Baylor Bears. I have to be nice because I will be visiting Baylor this month. No worries, I’m sure their performance on the field is not a reflection of their ADPi chapter.

Gooooo Frogs!

After a full week with my sisters at TCU, I headed back to the East Coast to Florida Atlantic University, Theta Kappa chapter. Wow, what an awesome experience this has been. Another consultant, Jenni, and I were here for their VERY FIRST Formal Recruitment. They did an amazing job. So well, in fact, they DOUBLED their chapter. I am so proud of them! I really enjoyed working with Jenni as well! I’m glad she was here because I don’t think I would have made it during those 4:30-5:00 AM nights. That’s right, my friends, I stayed up until 4:30 or 5 three of the four nights of Recruitment. During the week, we clocked about 80 hours. Too bad we aren’t paid by the hour, though! I have loved my time here in South Florida. I have even made it to the beach, for 30 minutes, but still. I am leaving Sunday to go to Eta chapter at the University of Alabama. I’ll just be right next door to my state! Until next time...remember to take time to recharge your batteries too!

Recap: To recharge my batteries, I need:
Friends, Family, Church, Football, and exercise (ok, this wasn’t included, but it’s a must EVERY DAY!)

I just keep going and going and going...like this guy. Yes, I have cool shades too.

Endings That Turned Into New Beginnings

Here's what I've done in the past year (briefly summarized, of course):
• Hosted my first Daltonians visit me at PC-such a fun weekend with Katie and Jenn!
• Went to my first South Carolina state fair: enjoyed some funnel cake with Katie! Yumm!
• Visited my brother in DC for New Years after spending Christmas with my family in Richmond: yes, my family might be complex, but I love all the time I get to spend with them!
• Went to my first Georgetown basketball game with Kristen: GO HOYAS!
• Sang along with my best friends at a Jason Aldean concert in Greenville
• Started my student teaching in 3rd grade at Joanna-Woodson Elementary: a huge accomplishment for me and where I found my passion for teaching!
• Turned 22: good thing I was surrounded by my best friends because I don’t know how I’d get past that one without them all going through it too!
• Ran my first 10K with Katie in preparation for our race!
• Decided to train and complete my first Half Marathon: that is probably the biggest accomplishment of the past year. I not only set a goal and exceeded my expectations, but I also found a love for running!
• On the same day that I finished my race, I found out that I’m going to have a first sister (in-law)! Congrats Andy! March 21, 2010
• Took my first trip to Vanderbilt and went to a Vandy basketball game: yes, I love college sports!
• Spent an entire week at the beach with my best friends: so many memories made on those beaches!
• After working so hard for 4 years, I graduated from PC (go BLUE HOSE!): saying good-bye was hard, but I was ready for my next adventure. I was so lucky to have my family (extended too!) there to celebrate with me!
• I got to opportunity to be a counselor at Camp Greystone. Such a rewarding experience! I’m glad I get to share that place with so many special people!!
• Took a road trip to visit Andy and Deidre in DC and got to go to their Engagement party! Can’t wait for the big day!!
• Fell in love with Spin class! Got my mom hooked too!!
• Got a surprise beach trip with my besties from home!
• Went to Leadership Seminar and met my consultant sisters, and life hasn’t been the same since!
• Took my first airboat ride in the Everglades with Brady!
• Attended my first friend’s wedding: Congrats Cabe!
• Best friend, Katie, got engaged!
• Started the most amazing job I could ever imagine (see previous posts!)!
Needless to say, it has been a whirlwind of a year. I am so blessed to have been surrounded by such wonderful friends and family. Several endings. Even more beginnings. I think this year as shown me that while some great things may end, there are even more amazing opportunities waiting for me around the corner. I have learned more about and done more for myself in this past year than I have in all 22 years of my life. I have stregthened my Faith as a result of this past year, and I am beyond thankful for that opportunity and all of the people who have helped me realize that I needed to do that. I am so happy with where I am in life right now. I cannot wait to see what the Lord has in store for me for the rest of the year .

One last thing, I like my eggs scrambled, Runaway Bride.

I Have Been Changed for the Better

For Good-Wicked

(Glinda) I've heard it said

That people come into our lives for a reason

Bringing something we must learn

And we are led

To those who help us most to grow

If we let them

And we help them in return

Well, I don't know if I believe that's true

But I know I'm who I am today

Because I knew you

Like a comet pulled from orbit

As it passes a sun

Like a stream that meets a boulder

Halfway through the wood

Who can say if I've been changed for the better?

But because I knew you

I have been changed for good

(Elphaba) It well may be

That we will never meet again

In this lifetime

So let me say before we part

So much of me

Is made of what I learned from you

You'll be with me

Like a handprint on my heart

And now whatever way our stories end

I know you have re-written mine

By being my friend...

Who knew that I would hear this song and immediately reflect on the past year of my life? As I continued listening to the lyrics, I knew this song would be the theme song of my year of travels. I have and am going to continue to meet people this year that will change me.They will help me to better myself.  Every new experience is an opportunity to better my best. I can only grow from every obstacle that I face. I have been blessed with the greatest friends and family in the world and now with a close circle of consultant sisters, and I know that I would not be who I am right now had I not met those people.

So what have I been doing of late? I know you all have been anxiously awaiting my post, and I’m sorry to have left you hanging for so long.

The stunning house of Zeta Omega at University of Central Florida

I finished up a fabulous visit at the Zeta Omega chapter of Alpha Delta Pi at the University of Central Florida on Saturday with a fabulous Bid Day. The women of Zeta Omega got a WONDERFUL Alpha class. The New members ran all the way home, something I have never seen before. It was insane, but I loved all of the excitement. I was treated to a lovely Bid Day dinner at the Gaylord Palms Resort, and after two trips to the dessert line, I must say it was scrumptious.

At the end of my visit, I had two days off. I spent the first day at Islands of Adventure which just happens to be the home of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. For those of you who might not know, I slightly love Harry Potter. It’s definitely not an unhealthy obsession, but I love a good HP reference every now and again. I had an amazing time, and they have done an incredible job with the details of the park! Please see picture to the right!

I headed out on Tuesday to Fayetteville, Arkansas, home of the Razorbacks. This is my first visit to an SEC school, and I think if I had to go back, I would probably have attended and SEC school. I love the atmosphere here (not to mention the perfect weather). SO MUCH school spirit! On that note, I went to my first (that’s right, FIRST) collegiate Pep Rally last night. It was so great! The Alphas and I went to represent ADPi at the freshmen Pep Rally (I am a freshmen to real life, so I counted too). We cheered and chanted for a good 1.5 hours. Yes, the Pep Rally was only 30 minutes, but we had to get there early to stake our ground. It was well worth it too! I’m so glad to see the excitement of these Alphas. They are going to do great things for the Delta Delta chapter of Alpha Delta Pi. Tomorrow we leave for the Chapter Retreat. I have met with the Membership Education Vice President (because I’m a good LC), and all of the plans for the Retreat are in place. I’m super pumped! The retreat is in Oklahoma, so hello first trip to OK “where the winds come sweeping down the plains”!

Alphas pumped up and ready to go cheer on the Hogs (Razorbacks, Hogs-so interchangable!)

The gorgeous house at the Delta Delta chapter at the University of Arkansas!
This is all I have for you at this point. I head off to NW Missouri State University on Sunday to assist with Spirit Week (the week prior to Recruitment, that is). It’ll be my first spirit week, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to spend it with the ladies of the Theta Alpha chapter of ADPi.

I hope everyone’s school year is off to a great start. It definitely was weird not having a first day of class! I guess that means I am actually a part of the real world! Peace and love y’all!

Frat Lapping

Here’s a list of simple things that I strive to do on a regular basis.

I came here to Zeta Iota chapter at Georgia College & State University on Monday. Despite my nerves, I woke up bright and early on Monday morning, got ready with my girls, went through our morning routine (made Meggo watch the Today Show and drink coffee with me), and said good-bye to the girls that I had spent every waking minute with for the past 3 weeks. Yes, it was tough; however, I didn’t know what was waiting for me just down the road in Macon. Annie drove me and Emily down to Macon to meet our rides half way. We had lunch at Zaxby's with Mrs. Matthews and Elizabeth from Zeta Iota. As I said good-bye to Annie, Emily, and Mrs. Matthews, I realized that this was it. I was really on my way to my first visit. Elizabeth couldn’t have been a greater chauffer, especially in her sparkly clean car! We arrived in Milledgeville just an hour later to an empty ADPi house, but why, you say? Because it’s RECRUITMENT, of course. The two of us headed over to the parties where we jumped right in. Hello Philanthropy day! I met some girls between parties, but then was introduced to the entire chapter later. We went to supper that night at The Brick, which is the place mom and I went when we came to tour GCSU back in the day when I was looking for schools. It was of course quite yummy. The rest of the week went so well. We had Bid Day on Thursday, theme: "How Sweet it is to be an ADPi!" Super Cute (see below)! I am so proud of these women. They worked so hard this week, and they got a FABULOUS Alpha class.

The complete chapter with ALPHAS!!!

Zeta Iota's House on Bid Day

Ok, so back to my list. I thought I had my bucket list written out, but then I came to GCSU. Do you know what Frat lapping is? Well let me explain. It’s when you drive around at night and people-watch. Well, yes, I LOVE people watching. Remember the trip to NYC, and I sat in the subway enamored?  Anywhoo, so we did said Frat lapping last night. We jammed out while riding through Milley. Yes, my sweet dance moves made an appearance. Who knew something so simple could be such a blast. We should all let loose a little more often. Moral. Of. Story.
I head off tomorrow, and I really am going to miss the sistas of Zeta Iota. They have been such a wonderful first visit, and they have taught me so much. Hopefully I have imparted some of my knowledge on them too. I can’t wait to see what this chapter does this year!
L&L.