Revolving around Pittsburgh, yet again...

If you've read "Travel Tribulations" you may have an idea of where this one is going. My flight out after Thanksgiving to Clarksburg, WV connected in Atlanta and Pittsburgh. I was delayed leaving Atlanta...big surprise...and landed in Pittsburgh with just enough time to reach my departure gate at 4:05 - at the exact same time my flight left without me! Yay.

I woke up that morning inexplicably calm. Once I started to question why I was so mellowed out on a travel day, I got the feeling that this would be one of "those" days. The kind where you can't control ANYTHING that happens to you so why not just go with the flow?

It was one of those days and I handled it quite well if I may say so myself!

Once the gate attendee handed me my boarding pass for my only option to get to Clarksburg (the last flight out at 8:35) instead of heaving a BIG SIGH, rolling my eyes, cursing under my breath and grumbling 'thank you' for the 4.5 hour wait...I smiled kindly, giggling to myself at the gate lady's shocked and a little apprehensive facial expression to my calm reaction, and remembered that the Pittsburgh airport has FREE Wi-Fi!

After updating the President of Gamama Kappa Chapter I would be much later, and would keep her posted on my whereabouts, she ran off to class as I called Mrs. G. What is so funny is that Mrs. G shared that actually they could have left when I called, and retrieved me from the Pittsburgh airport and returned to campus by the time my next flight departed.

This prompted a great chuckle and an 'oh you're kidding...ha....ha....oh well'

Then I called Tiffany to chat about Delaware - the first of many chats about Delaware. I know I haven't mentioned formally yet (because I've done an awful job updating this blog) that I am moving to the University of Delaware in February to colonize our newest chapter. We had our first conference call last night. Afterwards I asked myself if perhaps I should start another blog - elsewhere, just for me and my cynical/critical self. I haven't decided yet.



After countless hours and a tuna Subway sandwich, we boarded the plane. At the time of boarding I felt the "calm" escape me as I learned not only were we going to take off in the monsoon that had come upon us outside the safe walls of the boarding gate, but I was not boarding a direct flight (as originally anticipated) to Clarksburg, we would stop over in Morgantown! Hoorah!

Admitting to myself that I was indeed "gronky" - grumpy and cranky - I pulled out my little umbrella, hiked up my pants and waded through the tidal wave to our little puddle jumper of a plane.

Trying not to trip during the climb up the wet staircase to the plane, while fumbling with my umbrella so I could actually fit through the door, I heard a warm, welcoming voice say, "Hey! How are ya?"

"Fine thanks," I mumble. Only to stumble through the door and into my seat to turn around and face a tall dark and handsome (yeah it's cliche, yet so appropriate) pilot smiling at me. IMMEDIATELY the most dorky grin finds its way to my face and plants itself. And I mean, PLANTS itself. I couldn't stop grinning like an IDIOT.

Yes, he noticed. How could he not notice a goofy-idiot-grinning-acting-like-a-second-grader-girl sitting in the front? He must have taken an interest because during our 20 minute (literally) flight to Morgantown I learned:

He only lacks 20 hours to be a full time commercial airline pilot.
He's been flying since he was 16 (he got his pilot's licence BEFORE his driver's licence).
He lost his driver's licence for a year soon after he got it for street racing.
He's 22.
He's not made wise decisions in girlfriends in the past.
He has a male dog named Simba (looked like a golden retriever - yes, he showed me a picture on his phone).
He's from Clarksburg, WV.
He flies the same route 4 times a day (round trip)...but the Friday I fly back out is his "off day". [sad face]

And that's all I can think of right now.

Isn't it funny how much control men can have on a woman's attitude without even realizing it? I was gronky-no-more!

Motion-sick? Ha. What do you think? I mentioned the MONSOON we were flying through, and the fact that there was a 20 minute flight followed by a 10 minute flight meant that we would never fully rise above the storm's altitude....what I'm trying to say is that our little puddle-jumper reacted as if it were a popcorn kernel overheating!

It was everything I could do to limit the amount of green in my face, smile, and act as though laying my head back and closing my eyes was just my way of listening intently to the adorable pilot-man's stories.

Luckily for take off and landing he had to sit in the front, and as he was not facing me I was able to take my emergency exit instructions and rapidly fan myself. Earnestly trying to think myself out of the up-chuck reflex that SO wanted to take over my body.

We landed. Finally. 10 minutes felt like....well, a lot more.

As I de-boarded the handsome-pilot-man called for an umbrella for me, even thought I already had my small one out, he thought I needed a full-size one. As I was leaving I said, "too bad you won't be on my flight out Friday"

He responded, "Yeah...I'll see you later" with a smile.

What does that mean?

The cold air was exactly what I needed to release a lot of the green that still invaded my pale complexion.

We need to have a discussion...

Currently in College Station, PA – home to Penn State University. I spent the last 6 days in Sherbrooke, Canada (actually, Lennoxville, just outside Sherbrooke). Getting there was a trek! But thankfully it was uneventful...on the way there.

The West Connecticut State Chapter President drove me back to LaGuardia airport in New York. I flew directly to Montreal, Canada without experiencing any delays. Once I landed in Montreal, however, I had to take the shuttle bus to the downtown Terminus Centrale (bus station) – that took about an hour. Then purchased a bus ticket (in French) to Sherbrooke – that took over 2 hours.

The first two nights I was in Lennoxville (visiting Bishop’s University) I stayed with the Chapter President. The third night I moved apartments to stay with the Finance VP and Recruitment VP in their four bedroom apartment they shared with two guy friends. The fourth night I moved yet again to a senior member’s house. Take into consideration that I travel with two 50 lbs bags, my laptop case that weighs at least 30lbs and my purse...of course. And also consider that the town of Lennoxville is about, well, there’s one stop light and the town centers around it. No one drives a car. Seriously, the town is a block on either side of the 4-way stop light. That’s it. No. I’m serious. Really.

The Friday I caught a cab back to the bus station, back to Montreal and then another cab to the Best Western near the airport. I had an early morning flight to Pennsylvania today – so I had to get a room last night to make my flight in time. Well, upon arrival at the Best Western yesterday, I handed the nice desk lady my reservation print out and she couldn’t find it. She asked if it could be under a different name. Well, no. Then she looked closer and asked, in a cold, dry voice, “um, do you realize this reservation is for October 12?”

"....excuse me?"

“It says it right here!” As the French-Canadian attitude started to emerge she thrust the reservation page back into my hands. “...I believe you, I just don’t know how that happened.”

And she continued to stare at me like I was a creature from the deep...

THEN, after a few seconds that felt like an hour, she decides to say, “Well, I have a room.”

...

“Can I book it?”

[Pause]. I think she was considering whether I deserved to stay in her discount hotel due to booking the wrong date. “Yes, just one moment.”

Sigh – at least I got a room! Didn’t sleep much, but caught up on work so I’m happy.

And although my flight from Philadelphia to College Station was delayed – I made it. Without one of my bags. Yep. My garment bad decided to stay back for a little vacation time. Apparently it caught wind that there were three other flights landing in College Station today. We’re going to have to have a little discussion when it gets here (I’m hoping it’s not lost) so I can remind it that we only get two days off every thirty days we work. Goodness gracious!

After dinner I called the airport to check on the status of things. Here’s how the conversation went:

Me: “Hi, I’m calling about a missing bag.”

Bag man: “Last name?”

Me: “Lamb, L-A-M-B.” No, I didn’t add, “like the animal”

Bag man: “Just one moment…….[after several moments]…..um, no ma’am, it’s not in yet. But the last flight doesn’t come in until 10PM”

Me: “Okay, so it’s been located? It’s not just out there lost or anything?”

Bag man: “Well, no, it’s not...I mean, it’s not been located but…that doesn’t really mean anything.”

Me: “Okay. So. I should call back after 10 if I don’t hear anything sooner?”

Bag man: “Yeah, that’s fine.”

Me: “Just out of curiosity, any idea how one bag made it and the other didn’t? That’s just never happened to me before, it’s usually all or nothing…”

Bag man: “Oh! Really? Well, um, then in that case. It could be that one bag just got mistaken, and was sent to another city.”

Mistaken? Sent to another city? Okay. Great.

Meanwhile...a very dear friend of mine asks, very sincere, “Was it your important bag?” Very calmly I replied, “Well, let’s go over this. Um. I LIVE out of my suitcases...so...pretty much my LIFE sits in those bags. Together. Yep.” [chuckle]

But to give him credit – I suppose it is my most important bag, because it has my nice clothes, shower stuff, face stuff, and makeup. Sigh...

Hopefully I’ll be able to report later that all is well and my bag came in on the last flight. Till then...fingers crossed.

Travel tribulations....

The morning I left Gettysburg College, I had a meeting with the Chapter Advisor in a coffee shop about 20 minutes away. It was raining. But not one of those torrential downpours - and not a light sprinkle. One of those rains where no matter what you're using for protection; the water is going to find a way to your head, to ruin your hair, so you end up looking like a wet dog the rest of the day, no matter what. I won't mention the blisters that developed in my most comfy shoes due to a perfect mix of mist and leather rubbing my heel...sigh.

September 11th? You're flying TODAY? Asked the chapter member who drove me to the Harrisburg International Airport in PA that morning. The thought hadn’t crossed my mind – let alone the fact that I was flying into New York.

My flight was scheduled to depart around 12:50. When I checked in at the desk I learned it was delayed 2 hours. Not a big deal, I had plenty of paperwork to catch up on. The gate I was scheduled to depart from was crazy with people trying to get to Pittsburgh. I asked the desk agents a few times about my flight - I seemed to be the only one interested in going somewhere besides Pittsburgh. Apparently no other city in the world existed that morning between the hours of 10 and 2. So I never got an answer to any of my questions, but my flight was still on the screen so I thought that had to be good. Although, the delay did get pushed back to 3 hours, instead of the original 2.

Well, finally after they boarded the flight to Pittsburgh, the only city in the world - which was a consolidation of two flights from what I understood, I asked about mine. He looked at me with a blank stare. “Where are you going?” he asked. It was like the guy never thought that a flight besides the one he had been working on all morning to Pittsburgh existed! He asked, "Want to go to Pittsburg?" (Because apparently, that is the ONLY city to fly to from Harrisburg).....Well, "Sure", I said, "if that gets me to LaGuardia in the end" (NY). He looked like he was doing something magical on the computer, and then handed me two boarding passes..."Okay? Thanks, what about my luggage?" and he assured me not to worry.

Well of course I worried - this little man didn't look like he had all his screws in place. So I kindly asked the lady on the ground before stepping on to the plane about my bags. She asked the baggage guy and he nodded to me that he would check on them. That delayed us a few minutes longer but no one knew it was my fault. Thank goodness! The baggage man came on board and made eye contact with me and nodded again with thumbs up. I felt like a secret agent. The flight was pretty turbulent, but other than that it went well and I snoozed the whole way.

I arrived in Pittsburgh (the only city in the world), and my next flight to LaGuardia, NY was scheduled to leave at 5:45. Um, no, I take that back. That was the ORIGINAL time - we were delayed until 8:20, weather permitting. The poor President had already been waiting for me at the LGA airport for hours – I had to call her to go home because I was going to arrive too late (10PM) and instead I would just get a hotel room. She was fine with that, and I think got ahead on her reading for school, she didn’t sound too perturbed.

I had called ahead to the airport Airtran hotel to make sure they had vacancies that night, they assured me they had plenty of space. LGA airport is not the cleanest, or the safest-feeling at night. But thankfully my luggage made it! In one piece! It’s my worst nightmare for my luggage to burst mid-flight and come out on the belt all over the place.

I called the Airtran Airport Hotel again to verify that they did have a shuttle, they said yes, they did, to wait outside the lower level. I waited. And waited. And called again, “I’m sorry, I don’t know who told you we had any vacancies, we are booked for tonight”.

GREAT! Thanks.

I didn’t freak out, but it did occur to me that I have navigated some of the largest cities in the world (Paris, specifically) without difficulty, and suddenly, in my own country – I had no idea what to do with myself in NYC. ‘I wonder if cabs take credit cards….’ Was my only thought. Luckily the airport had a little booth with hotel names and numbers and a courtesy phone – I made some calls. At this point it was close to 11PM. I was exhausted.

Everywhere was over $200. I didn’t think ADPi would be too cool with that going on the credit card. Finally I got someone at the Wingate Inn and Suites. “May I ask your nightly rate?” I asked, “Of course. Let’s see. Because you’re calling now and it’s so late, I can give you our last room at $179”. “I’ll take it, where’s your shuttle?”

The shuttle driver – Mr. Alex (no, I’m not kidding, for you Madagascar fans) had a little bitty crush on little ole’ me I think…I don’t know. It could have been his eagerness to help me with my bags getting into the shuttle. Or maybe it was the way he lingered around even after I had been to the hotel ATM to get cash to tip him. Or maybe it was his insisting to carry my bags to my room for me. “Okay, I got it from here, thank you very much, goodnight”. “Oh, you got it?” (As we’re standing RIGHT outside my door). “Yes, thank you Mr. Alex, goodnight.” This is after he asked what room we were going to in the elevator (1414) and then replied, “must be lucky room”. Excuse me? Sigh...Lock and bolt door – head for shower then bed.

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.

before it all began...

I don't know if I'm more nervous or more excited. Of course when people ask me, I tell them I'm more excited than nervous, because that's what I'm supposed to be, right? I took a test today that asked me all sorts of fun questions - some I had to think about. My favorite was, "Do you become involved when watching TV soaps..."? I clicked YES but wasn't quite sure until Gloria and I stumbled across a new reality show called _Age of Love_ or something like that. Where 40 year old women and 20 year old women compete for an Australian Pro-Tennis player's heart. Within the first five minutes I was hooked. Gloria told me she thought I clicked the right answer.

It turns out I'm a ENFJ. Extraverted - 33%, Intuitive - 62%, Feeling - 38%, Judging - 22%. I'll find out more about what all this means at Grand Convention in a week. I'm SUPER excited about that - and I think my nerves will settle a bit after I finally meet who I'll be working with. I hope the other consultants are having similar feelings about all this - it's a little overwhelming to think about.

Not that I'm a stranger to travel...it's just different. I'll be at a different place practically every week. Meeting new people every day. That's my job...incredible.

I feel such gratitude towards my family and friends who have continuously (continually?) supported me up to this point, and I know the support won't stop here. I just need them to know how much it helps me feel confident in my capabilities to see them so excited for me.

I have so much to read in preparation for training. As far as preparing to go on the road, well, from what I can tell you can never be fully prepared - a lot of it is improvisation, which to this point I've been pretty good at, let's just hope I get even better at it along the way...

I do worry about my relationship. But I am trying to come to terms with not being able to control what "might" happen. So far this summer, even after being apart for 4 months while I was in France, life has been good. Minus a slight rift in the very beginning that we're trying hard to forget completely...Derek does a great job calling as often as he can, I believe he does - and I do a great job not worrying every minute he's not on the other end of the line. We'll see each other (with both of our families and then some) July 14 in Atlanta, just 3 days before I have to fly back to Atlanta for 3 weeks of training. I just hope that he can begin to understand my job and why I do it as much as I have come to understand what drumcorps means to him. I know I'm coming home October 13 for Homecoming, and I hope that he'll be able to fly out to see me during some of my other weekends off.

We made a promise to each other to never let the other stand in the way of what we individually want to do - it was actually his idea - and a great one. Difficult at times, but very mature and we try to hold each other accountable to it. I'm excited to see where this next year will take us, we've already been through so much together...

The countdown to Convention is one week tomorrow. There is still so much to do. I am excited AND nervous, but right now the need for sleep is over powering both emotions.