Patent Pumps Reunite for One Last Hurrah!

In case you forgot where I traveled, and the state that holds the key to my heart... CALIFORNIA. Home to 13 of The Organization's chapters.

My favorite Region 4 traveling partner. We make up two of the three members of Team Awesome.

Last day in the office with my Consultant "Sister Friends."

Consultant Team at our Headquarters in Indianapolis, IN.

Save the Best for Last

You know, they say you save the best for last…. Well, my current visit is definitely an amazing group of women, true representatives of The Organization if you ask me. Overall, the group here at Fullerton is an organized, supported (and supportive), creative group of leaders. They are well rounded and beautiful, friendly and amazing hostesses. They have been a joy to work with; a truly great way to end my long journey on the road.

However, in thinking back on my last year working for The Organization, I really don’t think I could grant any particular group as being “the best.” Surely, there were groups that I enjoyed more than others, but really, it was all due in part to circumstances. Each visit was important to me in its own way. One group may have been a bit more challenging than I had anticipated, and thus, encouraged me to work harder for them. Another group may have been dealing with a particular issue, and although I may not have been able to address all concerns equally, I helped them to make some progress against all odds. I’m not going into specifics, but I will give you a nice overview of my favorite experiences:

Best Hostesses: Irvine
Best Food: Berkeley
Most Entertaining and Enjoyable: Utah
Most Challenging, but Meaningful: Oregon
Most Dynamic: Sacramento
Most Driven: Boise
Best Location: San Diego
Most Fun: Los Angeles
Most Representative of The Organization: San Luis Obispo

I had lunch with a future Patent Pumped sister today, a girl who I had the privilege of working with several times this year in Southern California. I listened intently as she described to me how excited she was for her year-long adventure living out of a suitcase. At the same time, I could relate to her nervousness and all that she was anticipating before her exciting, new job is to begin later in the summer. A year ago, I’d never even believe that I’d learn as much as I have now. I feel truly confident to take on any challenge, in any field… except for maybe rocket science. It has been quite a year, and for once, I am at a complete loss of words to describe how I’m feeling for you all.

As I prepare to give my last formal Chapter presentation, I’ve carefully brushed off my patent pumps so that they shine, especially today. My badge is secured just above my Life Loyal pin, and I’m totally sporting my stereotypical “sorority girl” pearls today. That’s right, I’m owning it and proud. My heart is definitely heavy with sadness at not returning to work with such remarkable women. But, at the same time, I find that I’m consistently thankful for the opportunities that I’ve had and the relationships I’ve cultivated thanks to my membership in The Organization.

This won't be my last post, but I'm nearing the end, just FYI. Stay tuned for updates on where this show is taking off to next. The blogging will continue- new theme, new address.

Take me out to the ball game...

This time last year, I would've been cheering on the Greensboro Grasshoppers and Durham Bulls game with my sisterrs.... But I traded up and came to a major league game instead. Still came with my sisters though, no trading up needed there!

Out with the ladies of Cal State Fullerton who are remembering a member of The Organization tonight who was tragically killed in a car accident with Angels player, Nick Adenhart.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Flowers! Zot zot zot!!!

The lovely ladies of UC Irvine gave me flowers this week! They said it would help to brighten my room. They were right.

Only downside? No vase. So, the ice bucket shall have to suffice.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Stripes of Honor

Over the last year, I have noticed a handful of grey hairs making a stealthy appearance on my head of thick, dark brown hair. I’ve also noticed that not only are they starting to appear in greater numbers, but they don’t style the same was as other hairs, and they’re not as soft. Usually I just try and ignore the grey hair, but with my latest haircut (which I’m finally beginning to enjoy), I feel like they are all visible, all the time. This is most likely distracting during all of my meetings with women from The Organization….. they must think, “How old is this woman? She couldn’t possibly give me a good idea for our mixer. Look at all her grey hair!”

I have to credit someone else for coining the term “stripes of honor”, because although I developed the theory, he has invented the term, as per his witty self. Let me divulge. I was discussing with him the appearance of grey hair, presenting the old wives tale to him that if you pluck a grey hair, three more will sprout in its place!! Does your hair turn grey because of your genes? Or do you become a silver fox thanks to your stress level? Can you distinguish if you got them from one thing or the other? Probably not is what we decided. So, the theory.... I’d also like to think that these grey hairs represent some wisdom I’ve gained, or passed along to others, not just crappy genetics or stress. Sort of like that, because I’ve worked so hard and had some type of meaningful experience, I’ve earned this “stripe of honor” as a way of making me more illustrious, confident, successful. Have a productive meeting with the Dean of Students for The Organization- gain a stripe of honor. Put myself out there for a really fabulous job and get an interview- gain a stripe of honor. Get turned down from that really fabulous job- gain two stripes of honor and some helpful advice, and maybe a new direction too.

I may complain on occasion about these rogue hairs, but at the end of the day, I kind of appreciate their existence. I feel like it really does make me a bit more distinguished, signs also that I have truly earned these “stripes of honor” if they are truly stress related. That, or I’m destined to become a curator of my own fancy art gallery, or Cruella DeVille. I’m gonna hope it’s the former, but appreciate them all the same.

Travel Obsession #9

Logitech WebCam: I have had this device for a couple years now. When I was in school it was a great way to connect with friends who were studying abroad, or even catch up with my family and friends who I hadn't seen in a few months. Seeing faces makes all the difference- you get the emotion that you just don't get over the phone or a message. And, with free programs like Skype and Google Chat, I'm able to easily connect with friends all of the time. This particular WebCam packs up easily and plugs into my USB drive. Most WebCam's have auto focus now, so you're almost always going to have really clear images. For those late nights or weekends when I'm alone on the road, my WebCam makes it feel like my friends are right in the room with me.

Dear Milena,

You may not know this, but I’ve mentioned you before in my musings from the road- I do hope you don’t mind! I have thought of you countless times this year and have smiled, especially when I’ve worked with a group of New Members. And more than once I have felt your presence in a part of the country I’ve never explored. You know, I knew that joining The Organization would change me. I knew I’d have an infinite network of sisters and connections upon whom I could rely. I was confident that I’d foster lasting relationships, and develop as a strong individual. And then too, there are those thoughts that almost every young sorority woman has- of finding her bridesmaids and future play date buddies, etc.. I may not have gone that far (play date far I mean), but I do know that despite our abbreviated tenure, you changed my experience and the experience of others- permanently.

Today, I want to thank you more than ever, for your unending friendship, your consistent happiness and your contagious smile. I know I’m not the only one who will always remember how much your smile could brighten a room. There are 130 other sisters from Elon who knew that specifically- your initiation day comes to mind. I’ll never forget how gorgeous you looked the day you walked down the stairs after the days ceremony, and how happy you made everyone feel, myself included. You truly understand how to shed the light of love and friendship around you, and for that, I thank you still for showing love to all. The Organization is lucky to have you, for you are a member- always.

Loyally,

Ms. World Traveler

**Follow this link to learn more about Milena: http://www.elon.edu/e-net/Note.aspx?id=936376