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.
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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

Ready, set... PACK!

Slight change of plans.

Home for the night, switching out some clothes, doing laundry, etc. But this time, packing for two months! Turns out the patent pumps will be kickin it a little longer. Stay tuned for a schedule update in the coming days.

But, if you were ever curious what it looks like when you pack for a 2 month trip, here's a good idea for ya...
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Rewind: San Francisco Mission District's Balmy Alley Murals

"Located a block from the Precita Eyes Mural Arts and Visitors Center in the San Francisco Mission neighborhood between Treat Avenue and Harrison Street, Balmy Alley has a concentration of more than 30 vibrant and colorful murals painted on fences, building walls and garage doors. In the Mission neighborhood densely packed with murals, Balmy Alley is at the center of it all. Muralists began working in San Francisco's Balmy Alley as early as 1971. Many of the original murals are still there as well as many murals that have been painted over the intervening years.

The Balmy Alley murals are very diverse both stylistically and in the subject matter. Some of the murals feature cartoon-like illustrations that playful and juvenile. Other murals along Balmy Alley grapple with difficult subjects, such as a memorial to people who have died from AIDS or depictions of political strife and war in Latin America. Another mural honors the great muralist Diego Rivera and his wife, the painter Frida Kahlo. And another is a tribute to women muralists of the Mission District. One colorless mural, depicts two men and a woman jumping through a barbed-wire fence lined with keys. The woman has her hand held high, making the peace sign.

One of the best parts of about San Francisco's Balmy Alley and the Mission District murals in general is that the murals are part of a thriving vibrant community that is as colorful and diverse as the murals themselves. On Balmy Alley, take a peak through the knot-hole of a mural-painted fence and you'll see and old car supported on blocks or a latino washing his truck or a patio table and chairs. Along the alley, you'll see signs that warn you to beware of dogs as well as a lettering for the Taqueria Vallarta, which is on 24th Street."

*Article courtesy of ZurdoGo Destinations: http://www.zurdogo.com/

T-Minus 3 Weeks

I only have a handful of visits left before I will be putting my patent pumps away for a little while, and although I’m sad to be ending with The Organization, I smile profusely when I think back on the year I’ve had. The traveling alone has been priceless, and I know for sure that staying put in one place for more than a week is going to be a strange transition for me. Yesterday, as I was traveling to Arizona- where the weather is currently perfect, by the way- I reflected on how I have changed when it comes to the art of traveling itself. The physical act of packing, and getting to the airport, and checking in, and going through security, and waiting for your plane- all that stuff that seems stressful for a lot of people, has become second nature to me.

Saturday, I slept in and casually packed for my next few visits within the hour. Normally, this would have taken at least a few hours, while I tried everything on, and folded it all into small piles, being sure to match shoes with accessories and so on and so forth. Now everything has its place, certain shirts go with particular pants or shoes, and all my stuff packs up, folds up, zips up, rolls up and tucks away neatly into an organized roller bag. OK, there may be two large bags, but I’m on the road for weeks sometimes. A girl needs two bags if she has to look good all the time. And on occasion, shop for a new work shirt, or a pretty dress.

My patience while traveling has improved a lot. Not that I was too cranky to begin with- I love people watching, seeing new things, etc.- but now I just go with the flow if things cramp my style; these would be referred to as nonlethal inconveniences. I find that a large coffee fixes nonlethal inconveniences rather quickly. I don’t mind the lines at the airport anymore because I’ve discovered ways to get around them or talk my way to the front. My favorite is the “frequent traveler” line at most airports, because it is usually empty, and I justify my using it because I have a snazzy briefcase and, let’s face it- travel frequently. Sometimes, I can even get through 10-12 emails while waiting in line thanks to my Blackberry.* (*This would include work and personal e-mails thanks to both oh my phones!) Checking in for flights is a breeze now that United and Southwest airlines have barcode scanners that will interface with my Blackberr(ies). And sitting next to a crying baby or a Chatty Cathy- puuhhlease… I have my noise cancelling headphones. So, I can work productively on my flights, or catch up on some sleep- usually the latter, let’s be honest.

Some people hate traveling, but I love the stress of it all. Not traveling consistently and being on the go is going to be different- I’m sure I will develop cabin fever. But I guess to combat the cabin fever, I gotta develop a new schedule. And that will include, primarily, the gym. Like I said, patent pumps will be stored for a while, and tennis shoes will take the lead.

Enjoyed a lovely week off in San Francisco and the Napa Valley with friends; stay tuned for SF posts- now back to the grind for the last three weeks!