Back to Work!Monday, January 23, 2012
“I’m gonna wish I had a storm warning, I’m gonna wish I had a sign, I’m gonna wish I had a little heads up, little lee-way, little more time, some kind of radar system, locked in on love. I got a feeling by the time the night finds the morning, I’m gonna wish I had a storm warning.” – Hunter Hayes
That song is for my consultant friends J
A few days after I got home from Florida, it was time to pack my life back in those 2 suitcases and hit the road again! 8 of us headed to the HQ for a short resident consultant training weekend. It’s always great to be reunited with my consultant and HQ staff sister friends!
Sunday evening Lindsey and I flew down to Nola. Lindsey will be the resident consultant at Tulane this semester. For the time being, we are tag teaming the consultant responsibilities and trying to transition me out and Lindsey in. I’ll be here until Bid Day and then it’s off to see the rest of Phi Mu America!
right before workshops started... "alright, get your game face on"
Once Lindsey and I got here, it was pure craziness. The day after we got here was the night of the BCS Championship game. We had just a few days to get settled in and to prepare for the week of recruitment workshops. We spent the next 5 days working 12, 13, 14, sometimes 15 hour days doing our best to try and get these women prepared for recruitment! To say that it was absolutely exhausting would be an understatement, but we also had a lot of fun that week. It was great to see some of the chapter members back and it was so fun to start introducing them to Lindsey. Kendra, who is the Colony Membership Coordinator, was here for 2 days and we could not have survived without her. She brings such a great energy and the chapter adores her. We wrapped up the workshops on Sunday and spent all day Monday meeting with the new Executive Committee members working on goals and expectations for this semester. On Tuesday we finally had some time to catch our breath so Lindsey and I headed downtown and I gave her my best French Quarter tour! Wednesday and Thursday night we had more workshops and Christa, the Colony Coordinator, flew in on Thursday to help!
 
even though it wasn't the best weather, I love walking around Jackson Square!
one iced Cafe au Lait and an order of beignets, please!
This past weekend was the moment I had been waiting on for so long. It was finally time to show how hard the chapter had worked at all of those workshops in the fall and all of the time spent during Spirit Week. Open House lasted all day on Saturday followed by Philanthropy Round all day on Sunday. I think Lindsey and I were just as tired as those chapter members on Sunday night once everything was said and done! We’ve got a few workshops this week and then Recruitment resumes on Friday evening.
Time to keep our focus on that end goal…BID DAY!
It's a Sweet Sweet Life Living by the Salty Sea
“I’ve read a lot of books, wrote a few songs, looked at my life – where it’s going, where it’s gone. I’ve seen the world through a bus windshield, but nothing compares to the way that I see it when I sit in that old blue chair.” – Kenny Chesney
Florida for an entire week – ahhhh I was in Heaven. My grandparents have a condo and they spend a few months every winter down in Florida. I’ve been going to see them almost every year during Christmas Break or Spring Break since I was in 8th grade. It’s something I look forward to every year and this year definitely didn’t disappoint.
We had a full house this year. My grandparents, my mom and I, my aunt and uncle, my other aunt and uncle and two cousins all packed into 2 condos for the week. Yes, it was crowded but there’s nothing better than good company.
We really didn’t do anything too exciting. Our days consisted of the pool, the beach, and a nap. Below are some of the highlights and fun things we did!
since we were there shortly after Christmas, downtown was so pretty!
Lion Spotting with my favorite Phi Mus! Rho love :)
 
with Grace and my mom at my favorite beach to watch a sunset and then grab dinner
the view from dinner at one of my favorite restaurants!
 
I get my love of the beach from these two! I could watch those Florida sunsets every single night
I’ll end with the funniest story from this vacation. I’ll warn you now, this is one of those “you had to be there” stories, so you might not think it’s funny. But, my family is still laughing about it if that tells you anything.
My cousin Grace is a few years younger than me. Growing up she always felt like my little sister and still does. We have a very similar personality and when we are together, our maturity level drops to that of a 3rd grade boy. So, in true cousin fashion, we were all out shopping one night and Grace and I thought it would be funnier and more entertaining if we started talking in British accents until we got back to the condo. Well, Grace yelled something to her mom across the store using the accent, and a sales lady came up to Grace and said, “Oh wow, where are you from?!” And in her best Midwestern voice, Grace answered “Indiana.” and turned and ran out of the store. Hilarious doesn't even begin to describe it. Other memorable phrases include: This is grand exercise for grandmother’s knee, don’t get your knickers in a bunch over it, and jolly good times with my chums.
gram and gramps :) they deserve a "Grandparents of the Year" award!
So, grandma and grandpa, thanks again for letting us come and crash at your condo. I had the best time this year and am already looking forward to another visit (hopefully) this spring! LOVE YOU LOTS!!
2011 RewindFriday, December 30, 2011
“Learn from yesterday. Live for today. Hope for tomorrow.” - Einstein
I know I say it all the time, but I seriously CANNOT believe that 2011 is coming to an end! This was a big year for me. I mean, seriously! So what better way to sum up the year than with a Top 10 countdown?! Here goes nothing…
2011 Top 10 Moments
#10 Summer Concert Series: This was the best summer for concerts included on the Country MegaTicket. Who needs front row seats when you have the lawn?! Concerts have been a recurring event every summer since my freshman year of high school, and they’re something I look forward to every year! This year I saw: Jason Aldean, Eric Church, JaneDear Girls; Brad Paisley, Blake Shelton, Miranda Lambert, Jerrod Neimann; Kenny Chesney, Billy Currington, Uncle Kracker; Tim McGraw, Luke Bryan, The Band Perry; Rascal Flatts, Sara Evans, Justin Moore, Easton Corbin.
Ashton and I during one of the concerts!
#9 Traveling: The whole reason I started this blog was because of this job (see #2)! Even though I was a “resident” this semester and spent most of my time living in New Orleans, I still got to do quite a bit of traveling. I calculated this (I had 4 weeks off for break – not complaining! – but I had to do something with my time!) – since the end of July, I’ve been on 33 flights, went through 9 states, and visited 7 chapters. Yes, this job is still pretty cool and yes, I still enjoy it, all of it. J
from my very first visit to OSU - I went a total of 3 times this semester
#8: Family Vacay in Florida: I’m still in Florida right now and this trip has been nothing but fun. You can expect a blog to follow with all the details. Give me a book (or my Nook J), my iPod, and the beach and I’m the happiest person you’ll ever meet. With nowhere to go and nowhere to be, this has been the perfect family vacation.
now playing: "Knee Deep" by Zac Brown Band
#7 Spring Break: During my freshman, sophomore, and junior Spring Breaks, I went with a few different friends each year to random places down south. My senior year I decided to go with the rest of Hanover College and headed down to Gulf Shores, Alabama. I had too much fun soaking up the sun, hanging out with my friends, and enjoying every second we had there. ‘Tis mediocre.
we went all the way to the famous Flora-Bama just to get a koozie!
#6 Passing Comps: Senior Comprehensive Exams. I had anxiety about these ever since I stepped foot on campus in August 2007. After recruitment and interviews, my entire life starting in mid-January was devoted to studying for these bad boys. There were 4 impossible parts that I somehow passed with a B+. I’ve never worked so hard or felt more relieved to get a B+. The best part about all of it? I could officially graduate with that passing grade. J
this has nothing to do with comps but it's my little and little little who I absolutely love.
#5 New Friends: This fall I’ve met so many people and have made so many new friends. From the other consultants, HQ staff, collegians, and volunteers, I’ve met some people who I’ll be keeping in touch with for the rest of my life. And luckily I’ve still been able to keep in touch with my friends from home even with the distance. I feel so blessed to have all of these wonderful people in my life right now!
training...ohhhh the memories. I think we knew each other for about 3 days at the time of this picture.
#4 Christmas: The week before Christmas we celebrated with my mom’s side of the family with around 30 people in my grandparent’s house. It’s probably my favorite day of the year. I’ve outgrown the presents stage and now all of the great-grandchildren are the ones sitting around the tree ripping open their presents after our big lunch, but it’s still such a fun day getting to see everyone. On Christmas Day, my family just spent the day at home and we had a nice, relaxing day. Having both my brother and me home so that the entire family was together was the best Christmas gift of all.
my mom still makes us a take this picture every year at my grandparent's house!
#3 Spring Term: My senior Spring Term was hands down the best 4 weeks of my life. We have 2 regular semesters and then we have Spring Term where you take 1 class for 4 weeks and enjoy your time as the school year winds down. We go to class for just a few hours a day, then go on hikes, hang out, go on road trips, and pretty much do whatever we want. Lambda Chi Alpha puts on a wiffleball tournament as a philanthropy event and we spend our evenings out at the wiffleball field. Yes, you read that correctly, the wiffleball field. And yes, there are specific rules. And yes, I played on 5 different teams my senior year. And yes, our house mom pinch hit for me and I ran for her (she got walked). I just can’t put into words how much fun we all had and how we made sure to enjoy every single second with graduation looming at the end of those 4 weeks. If I could go back, I’d do it all again.
PROOF that our house mom played in a wiffleball game - and check out that crowd for our game!
#2 Getting a Job: I found out in February right around my birthday that I got this job – talk about a huge stress relief! I had something lined up for after graduation and could focus on the rest of my senior year. I can’t say enough about how thankful I am to just have a job, especially when some of my friends are still searching for jobs. I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything in the world!
lunch with the National President back in August!
#1 Graduation: This. Was. Huge! I remember that weekend perfectly. My chapter held a cookout for all of our families that Friday evening. Saturday morning I woke up bright and early to get ready. I had a legacy family picture that morning with the fam and then we headed back to the Phi Mu house for a really nice luncheon that we have every year. Shortly after that, it was time to head out to The Point to get lined up. We had prayed and hoped all week that it wouldn’t rain so that we could have graduation outside. Thankfully, the rain held off that afternoon and it turned out to be a beautiful day. Because I have smart roomies, we were almost at the end of the line and were very close to sitting next to each other (we behaved, I promise!). Cue the graduation music and it was time to walk. As we headed in I spotted my brother (he’s 6’7 after all!) and the rest of my family. The ceremony was perfect. We finally got to the last row and it was time. Talk about a huge sense of accomplishment walking across that stage, shaking Dr. DeWine’s hand, and finally getting that diploma. As we exited through the tunnel of professors cheering for us, it really hit me that this was it. I had finally graduated! It was such a bittersweet moment but I tried to enjoy it all and take it all in without letting the sadness get to me. I made my rounds and said as many “see you laters” as I could (I hate goodbyes) and then headed back to the Phi Mu house one last time. I was really ok until it was just me…in my room…with none of our decorations up…with the desks, closets, and dressers empty…with the futon gone…and the room just looked so empty. It was then that the memories of the last 4 years came flooding back and I realized I would miss that place more than I ever could’ve imagined. Bittersweet doesn’t even begin to describe it, but at the same time, I could not have been happier to have that diploma in my hand!
at The Point pretty close to where I walked across the stage and said goodbye to the best 4 years.
So there it is, my top moments of 2011 and what a year it has been! As for resolutions, I’ve got only 1 this year and thanks to a good friend of mine, I think I’ll be able to finally accomplish it this year!
2011, you’ve been so good to me. 2012, bring it on. Can’t wait to see what you have in store for me!
All I Want for ChristmasSunday, December 25, 2011
“All I want for Christmas is a real good tan, take me to the islands put my feet in the sand, rocking to and fro with the rhythm of the ocean, singing Silent Night with the palm trees blowing. Don’t you think it’s a pretty good plan? All I want for Christmas is a real good tan.” – Kenny Chesney
The presents have been opened and Christmas dinner has been made! Now all that’s left to do is pack for Florida! My mom and I leave first thing in the morning to spend a week with my grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. We didn’t have a white Christmas, which just doesn’t quite seem right, but it’ll still be nice to get out of this cold weather and into that Florida sunshine.
the annual Christmas Card picture. aren't we just adorable?
It was great to have my brother home and we all had a great day opening presents, spending time together, eating good food, and laughing until we cried. It doesn’t get much better than this! He still picked on me and called me names just like when we were younger - I guess that just comes with being the little sister. Glad to know some things never change!
So, let’s recap:
Leaving this...
To go to this...
Excited? YOU HAVE NO IDEA. (!!!!!!!!!!!!)
Good News of Great Joy
“But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.’” – Luke 2:10-11
Merry Christmas, everyone!
"Mary and Joseph" - Dave Barnes
“We got a King; they got a son.
Mary and Joseph were the only ones
there on that very first Christmas day.”
A Very Merry ChristmasTuesday, December 20, 2011
“The old neighborhood always looked so good each December. We say hello to the friends we can and can’t remember. Then the hand bells ring and all the children sing. Then we talk so late that the fireplace is on the embers. You and me and all this family… We’re gonna have a merry Christmas, babe, a very merry Christmas, baby.” – Dave Barnes
Since last time…
I went on a little Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee road trip and had the absolute best time during my first week home for the holidays!
Last Wednesday evening I headed down to Hanover to see some friends (happy birthday, Jess!) and on Thursday morning I headed to Bowling Green, Kentucky to meet up with phimucc Hanna! Friday night we headed down to Nashville for the Dave Barnes Christmas concert. I fell in love with Dave Barnes (again) that night and also with Nashville…and with Matt Wertz, Ben Rector, and Gabe Dixon since they were special guests at the concert! Saturday morning I made my way back home and stopped in Hanover again that night to see one of my old roommates and some other friends who were in town. Sunday morning I headed straight to my grandparent’s house for the Morris Family Christmas! It was a busy few days but so worth it and so much fun!
 
we always have those other phimuccs in mind at all times. GATOR CHOMP.
 
Dave Barnes and my big brother. love them both!
This week will be full of finishing up Christmas shopping, heading to the Christmas Eve church service (my favorite of the year!), celebrating Christmas at home with the fam, and heading to Florida the day after Christmas to be with the extended fam!
Back Where I Come FromMonday, December 12, 2011“Back where I come from, where I’ll be when it’s said and done. I’m as proud as anyone, that’s where I come from.” – Kenny Chesney I left New Orleans early Saturday morning, met up with a few friends throughout the day, landed in Indy to my mom saying “Put on your winter coat!” before she even said “Hi!” and got home around 10pm that night. I could not be more happy or excited to be home for a few weeks! Here’s to a worry-free and stress-free break because as Francis Chan talks about in his book Crazy Love, “Worry implies that we don’t quite trust that God is big enough, powerful enough, or loving enough to take care of what’s happening in our lives. Stress says that the things we are involved in are important enough to merit our impatience, our lack of grace toward others, or our tight grip of control.” I just started reading this book, but I'm sure there will be more posts about it in the very near future. Until then, good luck to my college friends finishing up their finals – I absolutely do not envy you right now!
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