What I Love About Being Home

I have a post from earlier on titled, "Things I Love About the Road." Well, now it is time to tell you about the things I love about being at home. Ready?

• Having a drawer, for anything, like jewelery, make-up, crafts, junk, etc. Everything I need is right where I need it to be.
• Ready access to my entire wardrobe. I know, you're thinking, "Really? This is what you're excited about?" But you try living out of a suitcase for a year, and then tell me how much you missed your favorite bright blue suede pumps that you couldn't take on the road with you...
• My bed is probably far superior to yours, and rivals every hotel bed I slept in in the last year. It is like sleeping on a cloud and I am so happy that I get to sleep in it every night.
• Having the same parking space, every time, and always knowing where my car is, ie. outside by the mailbox.
• The familiarity of it all, like the smell of the house when my dad cooks, or the way my room feels after a hot day in the sun.
  
• They are going to think I'm fibbing, but being home with my mom and dad is awesome. They make me realize how lucky I really am. And, although I haven't quite grown accustomed to their TV preferences, I at least stick around for Jeporady and Huell Howser and watch with them.
• Two words: Free. Laundry.
  
• Getting dressed for work in the morning because a.) I have my entire closet to chose from and b.) I can ask those who are home (mom, dad and dogs) which outfit looks best. I only change like, two times in the morning. Ok, maybe three.
• Ready access to good wine, and the right people to drink it with.
• The Dogs, I'm finding, will never respond to me when I talk to them, but it is so nice to see them wagging their tails at me every morning when I wake up.
• Proximity to family and friends in California is pretty grand because we are all in the same state, or I guess I mean, I'm in the same state. Visits to San Francisco or San Diego are much easier than before, and thankfully, much more frequent!
  

It isn't an easy transition being home, I will tell you that much, but I am thankful to have a wonderful, loving place to come home to. My patent pumps happily sit on a shelf in my closet, and are happy to trot down to Sylmar every once in a while, when I wear them to work.

Happy Belated Birthday, America!

Yes, I know this photo lacks any sign of patriotism, flashy Americana, hot dogs or fireworks, but I will tell you, it oozes Wild West, and captures the wilderness of a part of America I do love so much. Lucky me, I got to spend Independence Day with all of my favorite people (minus the Little Bug of course, who is having the time of her life in Washington State), at the Kern River, where I captured this serene scene. There's nothing better, in my opinion, then being outside and spending time with your family and friends- if the weather is good of course. Although the trip was far too short, I soaked up the sun, lounged in the icy creek, and learned quite a bit about fly fishing. In fact, did you know that on July 4th, you don't need a fishing license? Thank you Department of Fish and Game!

The patent pumps did not come out for this trip- instead, I sported sandals and yes, do I dare say... Crocs!! I swear, they are only for camping!!!

Long live Elon!

A view of those gorgeous brick paved walkways I was telling you about...
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Practice Patience

Practice patience- something I’ve learned to appreciate in the last year for certain. Patience while you wait for a delayed flight. Patience while you wait for lost luggage to arrive. Patience to hear back from people you need information from. Patience to see people you’ve been away from and want to be close to. Patience to find the next job, the next path, the next direction.

Dear Reader, THANK YOU for being patient with me! More than a month has passed since my last update and the Patent Pumps have been ALL OVER the place. Indiana to California, to New York, and then back to California and off to Indiana again- it never ended. Except, it did. About three weeks ago, and it was an awfully bittersweet ending. The unexpected passing of my grandmother took away my focus from The Organization, and as I once again crossed the country to return home to be with my family, I knew that this ending was anything but the ending I had desired for this year long experience on the road. Despite being away from my family at the end, and the horrible pain I was feeling from the loss of my grandmother, I never felt more supported by The Organization than I did in those last few weeks. Sisters from across the country reached out to me in love and support. My family was not just at home in California, but spread out across the country- connected through our sisterhood, wisdom, and devotion- and I did not feel alone.

On a lighter and more cheerful note though, my last trip to Indiana (well, for a while at least) was rather marvelous. My last day in the office came and went, and although I did miss my other Patent Pumped traveling companions, it was time to turn in my bag and patiently wait for my next big adventure. While waiting though, I spent the week sprucing up a friend’s house in Fishers- mulching, weeding, landscaping, etc. It may not sound exciting to you, but it was fun to get a little dirty and “play house” for a week. I ventured to Indiana’s oldest bar, The Slippery Noodle, in downtown Indianapolis, for great music and dancing and met up with my best friend for a truly wonderful night.

Sad to leave Indiana and present company at the end of the week, I flew down to North Carolina for two weeks to spend time at the Beehive and celebrate Elon Graduation with all of my friends. It was surreal to be back for the week- strange to think that a mere year ago I was there receiving my diploma- but wonderful to share in the moment with all of my friends who were graduating. Not only did I discover that I am really missing the brick paved walkways of Elon, but I am also missing the Carolinas. A stint in Raleigh during my visit made me think seriously about moving to the capitol city. Perhaps I will have to wait patiently until an opportunity arises for me to move back there- it is a definite possibility.

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.
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