My first days off!

Julie Mackaman and Rick Dovey are probably about the coolest people I know. I was lucky enough to meet them while I worked at the Abbey last semester, they lived there and took classes with the students - Julie is Doug Mackaman's cousin, and Doug is the director of the Abbey Program. That's your introduction...

I was an hour late arriving at Albany Airport in NY, but Julie was there waiting for me, all smiles - she's the happiest person on earth. We caught up on life and Abbey stories during the hour and a half car ride to their house in the Green Mountains (Vermont = Vert Mont = Green Mountain in French).

We entered Vermont finally, but then entered Mass. for a short while, before we re-entered Vermont where Rick and Julie live as border ruffians - they are residents of Vermont however "their town" is actually in Mass. So I traveled from TX to NY to VT to Mass. back into VT in one short day! I can see your jaw dropping....

We enjoyed a late supper, accompanied by a delightful bottle of red wine straight from Pontlevoy (where the Abbey is located) - it was Julie's last bottle. Sigh...so delightful. Their house is back in the woods, and could not have been more peaceful and relaxing. Booboo and Kozmo (their cats) took to me immediately, but wouldn't sleep with me...sigh....I got over it eventually.

My first day there we went to a birthday party for Rick and Julie's dear friend Viola - it was held at an independent movie theatre in town. After bagels, fruit and cake, and merry-making with all of their delightful friends, we watched "Alice Neel", a documentary about a portrait artist - Viola's favorite. The film is not on the market yet, but Vi's daughters were able to meet the film maker and after sharing their story of why they wanted to show his film, he willingly gave them a copy!

That afternoon I enjoyed a short nap - and then we headed to Jack and Carla's house for a BBQ. More friend's of Rick and Julie's who actually made it over to France where I met them first. I helped pick vegetables out of Carla's garden and cut some flowers with Julie to take home that night. It was a delightful evening.

I did have my first "run in" with a "rude" Northerner...one friend who joined us for dinner, was introduced to me and after a while it came up that I am from Mississippi...

"Oh god I'm sorry - I just hate the south," she said, "never have taken to anyone from there, haven't ever liked anyone from there or any parts of it."

Julie kind of jumped in and questioned why she felt so strongly about "the South" and I was intrigued. You know me, I'm all for expressing opinions, but I want to know why you feel the way you do....

"What about the South do you not like?" I inquired.

"I just hate the way they treat their animals"

"Their animals?"

Without addressing me, she vented on - "They are just so uneducated and it is so disturbing the way they handle animals down there - just don't like it at all, never will, have no desire to try...."

"Wait, like, pets? The way Southerners treat their pets?"

"Yeah!"

"What do you mean?" desperately trying to understand where this is coming from I explained, "we've always had lots of pets and treat them....well, like anyone else does - they've always been spoiled..."

Cutting me off - "yeah well that's because you're educated. It's the uneducated that beat them, or take a shotgun to them! It's just disgusting." This whole time she looks so appalled and is shaking her head, not even trying to let others jump in to question or comment.

"Oh, I see what you're saying. Animal brutality - but that happens all over this country, not just in the South...." I wasn't allowed a chance to even finish my sentence before she cut me off shaking her head, "no, not up here. It's just in the South, yeah...no...."

It was SO BIZARRE. How do you respond to that? Aside from that introduction, the rest of the evening was comfortable, very enjoyable. I avoided conversing with her again.


Monday, Labor Day, we visited two museums - spending some time with "the unknown Monet". The Clark, a museum and restoration facility where Julie works, was hosting some of his earlier work, from before he was famous. It was AM-azing. We hiked up the small mountain outside the Clark as well - because it was a beautiful day, but we didn't see the cows that lived in the pasture - and deduced they must have been hiding in the woods beyond our path. I kind of wanted to take a picture with them. Oh well.

It was a fabulous weekend - even if I did have to travel far to get there - and then spent 6 hours traveling to my next chapter in Burlington, VT by plane when it would have only taken 3 hours to drive up Route 7. Hopefully I will be back in VT in the spring and will be able to see Rick and Julie again.

Do you like meat?

Texas Christian University - where they saying goes, "we're more Texan than Christian". Home to the Gamma Chi chapter of Alpha Delta Pi - fantastic women.

I will say that it did take them the first week and a half to stop looking at me like I had three heads - and realize that I'm a normal person who likes to crack jokes, play pranks and talk about boys too! They finally accepted me, and now I'm leaving - tomorrow. But not after a fabulous experience.

It did take some getting used to however - as this was my first visit where the women actually had to attend class. I had to get used to NOT being stuck in a room with them all day every day (like in Spirit Week)...In terms of getting things accomplished it was more difficult because they were never home when I needed them - and not all of them live in the townhouse.

I had a fabulous room mate, the FVP, who was kind enough to share her space with me for two whole weeks! From what I understand there was an agreement to "swap me out" during the second week, but Celeste turned that down - I guess I was a pretty cool room mate to have after all!

I did steal away to Target one evening - for "essentials" - I promise, Dad! And I also got to lay in a tanning bed (I know, judge me, go ahead) to help with the blinding pasty-ness that was developing all over my body. A senior member made chocolate chip pancakes for her favorite sisters one night - I was invited...this was after that turning point where they realized I was "down".....

Halfway through my visit I was able to take a "mini-night-off" and spend the night in Dallas, at a friend's wedding. Lisa and Dustin Johnson renewed their vows for the family - and it was fabulous. It felt like Lisa's whole family was over from Ireland - and Dustin's whole family was most definitely there. Even though I wasn't able to be in the wedding like Lisa had originally planned, at least I got to be there for the event.

What made the weekend even more exciting is that past consultant, current CIA agent - KB, was able to pick me up from TCU, spend the noon hours with me, and then drop me off at the airport to get my rental car (and what a sweet Lincoln they entrusted to me). Spending time with KB was something I will always remember and always look forward to in my life.

As a wrap up to my visit the President took me to lunch. During the first week she asked if I would schedule her for my last lunch, there was a place she really wanted to take me. Sure! I said, and penciled her in.

"Do you like meat?" she asked in a voice so serious she could have been announcing a hazing incident...

"Meat?" I asked, questioningly - wondering what the heck I'd gotten myself into, getting in the car with her on only my second day. Meat? What kind of question is that?

"Yes, meat. Do you like, meat?" she repeated.

"I suppose...[nervous giggle]"

"Good - because this place is for meat-lovers, and I LOVE meat!"

Audra and I chuckle about that conversation now - but it was a little awkward turtle when it happened. She took me to Brazil de Texas, a Brazilian steakhouse - IT WAS SO GOOD. The atmosphere was so authentic, and these guys come around (it helps that they're cute and wear fun outfits) with skewers of meat hot off the fire - you have a little token next to your plate. When it's green, they bring the meat - lots of it - and when it's red, they hold off and let you chew for a few minutes. Totally awesome. A most definite gut-stuffer.

All in all - a good visit...but I ready for my days off in Vermont with Rick and Julie! Whoot!

Photo: At the Brazilian Steakhouse...


Firsts: A few days in a row officers forgot me, and I had to knock on doors to ask random chapter members to take me to get some food...please?

Six degrees of separation...

My first experience (and I’m sure not the last) of making such a wonderful connection with women at a chapter and finding it difficult to leave, was at the double “E” at the double “T”.

Lubbock, TX – home of Texas Tech University. Flat. Dry. Construction. Everywhere.

The roads would change paths daily, no lie!

Epsilon Epsilon chapter – FUN-omenal women.



Sometimes you just click with people. And I clicked with the women at double E. I don’t know what it was that lead to such a strong connection. Maybe it was the similarities I saw between them and my own chapter? Maybe it was their laid back attitude and ability to make me relax and fit in automatically?

Maybe it was Kate – the Director of Standards and Ethics who was at the airport with Ciel, the FVP to pick me up…my typical first few sentences include usually include the question, “where are you from?” Okay so maybe that’s a little boring and unoriginal, but keep reading!

Ciel (whose name means “sky” in French – I have a small girl crush on her): I’m from Austin.

Kate: Well, I guess I’m from Texas. Houston, if I had to pick a city. But I grew up all over the world…so…”

SOUND FAMILIAR? I stared at her thinking, ‘that’s MY line!’

Me: Where all over the world?

Kate rambled off about five or six places – Thailand being one of them.

Me: How awesome! I lived in India, Kuwait, Pakistan, Indonesia and the United Arab Emirates…

We stared. Laughed. And that was the beginning of an incredible visit.


But wait, it doesn’t stop there. Kate and Ciel drove me (in Kim’s car) to the ADPi Lodge (a house that no one lives in, for the chapter to use) and after a little New Delta recruitment practice, Kayla and Lisa, two of the recruitment councilors took me to dinner where the President was to meet us. Get ready for this “six degrees of separation” connection…

Kayla: Is your necklace in Arabic?

Me: Yes, it is!

Kayla: Neat, I have one too. I got it in Dubai last Christmas

Me: Dubai? Why were you in Dubai?

Kayla: My Dad lives there. I go every Christmas. I actually got engaged there – but I’m not engaged anymore. Long story. Yeah.

Me: Oh. Wow. Well, I graduated in Abu Dhabi! Like, an hour away from Dubai.

Kayla (who greatly resembles dear friend, Jeannette Johnson, in so many ways - that made me happy): Oh totally! I love Abu Dhabi, been a few times. Wait, when did you graduate high school?

Me: In 2002.

Kayla: Do you know Adam Graves?

Me: Wait…that name sounds so familiar. Is he tall? Skinny? …Incredibly pale?

Kayla: Yes! He was dating this girl named…

Me: …UNA!

Kayla: OMG yes! She was gorgeous.

Me: Oh wow! Gorgeous? I guess (we have a bad history)…she really wasn’t a very nice person – but YES! I know Adam – he graduated a year before me. Why? How do you know Adam?”

Kayla: He’s my brother! Well, my step-brother, but YEAH! (They look NOTHING alike)


…How incredibly random? Who would have thought – in Lubbock, TX, that I would have made that connection?


The rest of the week was fantastic. Sure, there were complications here and there, but there wasn’t anything the chapter couldn’t handle with my help. I felt such a comfort with some of the members – the Formal Recruitment Chair and I, Whitney – love her – we had more in common than I would have ever thought – in terms of our “personal” lives, just the opposite. It was so great to have women to talk to on a personal level – that’s something I miss having in my life.

Firsts in Lubbock: I had my first “un-wich” at Jimmy John’s…a sandwich wrapped in lettuce (no bread). It was delightfully delicious and a constant crunch with every bite! Yummm!

Dorothy and Toto send their love...

My first visit: Tau chapter at the University of Kansas in Lawrence, KS.

I landed in Kansas City and walked towards the baggage claim to meet the president of my first chapter. I knew that such a place as Kansas City, Missouri, existed - but wasn't quite sure how that fit in with the state of Kansas. I just assumed that there must also be a Kansas City, Kansas...in fact, that must be the capital of Kansas! I figured that was only logical, right?

Well, walking to baggage claim, rushing, actually - because the president called to say she saw my flight landed and couldn't find me...we had just hit the ground when she called...walking past all the shopping booths I noticed sweatshirts, tee shirts, caps, mugs, key chains, shot glasses - all of them said Missouri.

.......................Missouri....

Well, now THAT just didn't make sense, did it? I was in Kansas City, the capital of Kansas state!

WRONG. So confused. I still wasn't sure where I was exactly, and thought that it would be best NOT to ask and completely humiliate myself upon my first visit.

Driving on the highway, country side for miles, I thought to ask sweet Stephanie, "so...what do you do for fun in....this state?" [determined it would be safest to omit what state I THOUGHT we were in]

"What do you mean? Like, in Kansas?"

"Right! In Kansas [because that's where we were, for goodness sake]!"

"Well, we're actually not in Kansas yet - we will be in about twenty minutes, but I guess there's not much we do differently than people everywhere else...I mean, there aren't any strange traditions that I know of..."

"Sweet! That's great......"

[insert awkward turtle moment]


Other than my unsure-of-where-I-am-exactly start, I don't think that I could have asked for a better first visit. Even working with a Province Director with a reputation to run the tightest shift, all went well and I was very impressed with the women I got to work with.

I am leaving Tau chapter with memories of a gorgeous house with a 24 hour open kitchen, a freezing cold room (but at least I got my own), plenty of awkward turtle and TMI turkey moments, and I think I even made a lasting impression on some of my sisters....and that's what counts the most.

Hand in Hand in HOTlanta!

It's amazing what a little bit of testosterone can do for a lady...being cooped up in the training room (a.k.a. the "dungeon") all day warrants some crazy feelings to arise in seven sorority sisters.


10 PM, saturday night, stircrazy...we headed out to find some fun. All seven of us crammed into the "fun car". A block away from the party, Jodi forgot her ID - oops. Head back home. Callison poses for Vogue while we wait for Kim and Jodi to come back down. Soon find out the ID was in her make up bag, in the car, the whole time. Seatbelts buckled, double check everyone has everything, head back out.

Hand in Hand was the venue, find out Hotlanta has a HOT male population - we brought the party. It was much needed, much fun, and a night we'll never forget.....Eugenia delivered at the "frat house look-a-like" a block from the parking lot.

Exhausted, with heavy heads the next morning - but much revitalized after being "set free" for one night.

Let the training begin...

Location: Memorial Headquarters, Atlanta, GA - the BUNK ROOM.

So, we have almost three weeks of consultant training here at Executive Office and today is the end of day 2. Thus far, it's amazing. Exhausting, but so amazing and I can't believe we're really here and this is actually happening.

We live in the Bunk room. There are 4 sets of bunk beds, and one long closet built into one wall, with multiple doors. We share a bathroom, all seven of us - and so far it's worked just fine. We have a half kitchen stocked full of food, and a den room with a TV and DVD player.

The house is beautiful and I'm afraid to touch anything. By the end of next week, all the guest rooms and pull out couches will be filled with Grand Council members and District Team Directors. Wow...it's just a lot to take in.

Tonight looks like it's going to be a late night because we went to dinner at the Treehouse - delicious, and then spent a few hours in the two-story Target. It even has an escalator that you hook your shopping cart into! Around midnight we're supposed to have an International Officer coming in after her flight was delayed, and we have to let her in. Every morning starts at 9AM.

I've been able to keep in touch with people pretty well so far, and it sure does help to have such amazing friends - it makes the day not seem so long and I know it will help when we finally get on the road. There are times of the day where I will find myself coming down from a high, after someone mentions a certain topic I'm still a little sensitive about...but other than that and a small head cold, I've been in great spirits and we're all have a blast getting to know each other. Our true personalities are starting to come out and it's great.

Tomorrow starts recruitment training, and it goes on ALL WEEKEND LONG. Whoo! Get excited...better get some rest.

Grand Convention

Wow...it's been over a week since I got back from Danvers, just outside Boston, where our bi-annual Grand Convention was held and I'm still on a high from it.

I finally got to meet my fellow Leadership Consultants and they are AMAZING, wonderful, beautiful women. I could not be more comfortable with them, or more excited about traveling this year knowing that we're in this together. Lindsay was my room mate at Convention and I can't imagine getting through recent events without her guidance and encouragement - these women are amazing.

Nothing opens your eyes to the "big picture" more than 300+ women, all members of A Dee Pi, ages 18-93, in one room, at one time. Meeting Grand Council, being there for the election of our new International Grand President...talking to past travelers and hearing of all the amazing things that could happen for us this year....It's all so fantastic!

I found out I'll travel District 3 - so basically Virginia and up the East Coast. I don't think I could be more excited. The cold weather will take some getting used to - if that's possible in a few month's time - but it's thinking about the experiences with the different chapter's I'll visit that keeps me floating on could 9.

There was not a presentation or a dinner that went by all week where I didn't tear up - it was amazing to see what amazing things my sisters and Alpha Delta Pi do for each other and our communities...I am priviledged to be a part of this sorority and I can't wait to give back in any and every way I can during my year of traveling.