'Tis the Season!

Merry Christmas to you and yours!

Wisdom for the Moment

I love this.

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If you haven't seen The Help, see it.

My First Love

Twenty two days till I'm back in the loveliest village on the plains.

I believe in Auburn and love it. And really miss it.

Can't wait to rekindle the love affair that began twenty two years ago.

Time Flies When You're Having Fun

It’s official, I am terrible at remembering to blog.

I am currently in Chicago visiting the Eta Pi chapter at DePaul University!

This is my first visit to Chicago and I am loving it so far. The weather has been perfect since I got here. Unfortunately, it’s going to rain tomorrow and with the rain comes the cold. I’ll be with this chapter until Monday and then I travel just up the road to Northwestern University to visit the women of Sigma chapter. I hear Evanston is a really cute area so I’m super excited! I also get to see a DG who is a huge reason why I wanted to be a CDC - former CDC, Kendall!! :) She is the Advisory Team Chairman for the Sigma chapter.

After Northwestern, I am heading back to finish my semester where I started it…with the ladies of Eta Iota at the University of Nevada. I can’t wait to visit them again and see all of the wonderful things they have done since I left in September. It will be nice to spend Initiation with them after having been there to see them recruit the women they will be initiating. I’ve also already purchased my midnight ticket for Breaking Dawn: Pt 1 and I'm excited to see it with them :)

I CANNOT believe I only have three weeks left on the road and then I am halfway done with my year as a CDC. It has gone by so quickly! I’m looking forward to break and FINALLY going to an Auburn game. It’s been tough watching the games on TV while my family and friends are on the plains. I’m also looking forward to seeing the familiar faces of those I love and miss dearly.

I’ll fill y’all in on my visits since Harvard once I’m on break and have more time! Happy fall, y'all :)

Insomnia?

Well, it’s 5:17 a.m. and I cannot sleep. Which frankly ticks me off because I didn’t fall asleep until 2 a.m. Hmm maybe it was the coffee I drank at 11 p.m.? Not really sure but I figured a little bit of writing might put me to sleep so what better time than now for an update…as promised! Oh and speaking of coffee, I officially have an addiction. But it's not my fault that Starbucks is literally everywhere. I should have my own special rewards program with them at this point. I don't even want to know how much money I have spent on venti iced coffees so far. Anyway...

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Let’s see…I believe we last left off, as far as details go, with my visit in San Diego. After SDSU, I headed to my greatest “culture shock” (so far) of a chapter and campus. Colorado College, located in Colorado Springs, is a private school of 2,000 students. They have three sororities and three fraternities! I was there for recruitment and 30 potential new members hoped to join one of the three groups. Shall we examine why this is a culture shock for me? Sure! I graduated from a public university with 24,000+ students. We have 17 sororities and 27 fraternities and each year about 1300-1400 potential new members go through recruitment. CC also operates on a block schedule, meaning they take one class at a time for three weeks and then they move on to the next. They are in this class for about 3 hours every day. The block plan is what attracted most of the students to CC…well that and the beauty of Colorado Springs. Colorado Springs is absolutely gorgeous! The women of the Beta Delta chapter were wonderful hostesses and I really enjoyed getting to know them. They are from all over the country and are very intelligent and driven women! CC also focuses a lot on studying abroad so it was exciting to hear about where all they have studied and are planning to study. I really enjoyed my time in Colorado Springs!

Pike's Peak in Colorado Springs

Me with the women of Beta Delta on Bid Day. They proudly welcomed 8 new members!

After recruitment at Beta Delta, I traveled to my first regular CDC visit (no recruitment involved) at Indiana University. IU has one of the largest Panhellenic systems in the country with TWENTY sororities! Now this was more up my alley. I had visited Bloomington and IU once before when I attended UIFI (the Undergraduate Interfraternity Institute) in 2009. I did not get to go inside the beautiful DG house though so I was very excited to be traveling back to a lovely campus with one of our oldest chapters! Theta chapter was founded in 1898 (DG was founded in 1873). It was so cool for me to see an older chapter, given that my chapter was founded in 2003. I was fascinated with all of the DG history surrounding their chapter. Oh and did I mention their amazing house? It can sleep the most DGs of any of our houses with over 110 women living in – the majority of their chapter! They only recently implemented a live out policy. The house is in incredible condition for its age (dating back to the early 1900s) and I loved getting to see a thriving sisterhood in which so many lived under the same roof. My time at Theta was very relaxing and it felt like home. The women were super friendly and fun to be around.

Theta chapter house

At the conclusion of my visit with Theta, I was a happy camper for multiple reasons but specifically because traveling to my next visit did not involve flying! WAHOO! I’m still a really anxious flyer…it’s slowly getting better. Theta’s FABULOUS House Mom (she has been their House Mom for over 20 years…they even call her “Mom”) drove me about an hour and a half to Indianapolis to the Alpha Tau chapter at Butler University! Well, I was super excited about this visit since we got our schedules because this is one of the other CDCs chapters! CDC Kelsey is fantastic and I couldn’t wait to see where her DG experience began. The Alpha Tau girls were great and it made me so happy to see how much they love and admire Kelsey. During my presentation to the chapter, I talked about the CDC program so they could know just what it is that “Kads” is out there doing! The women were gracious hostesses and I loved hanging out with them. They even watched the Auburn game with me! Also, Butler’s campus is gorgeous and they have a very close knit student body. These women are very proud to not only be DGs but to be DGs at Butler. Yet again, another wonderful visit!

Alpha Tau's anchor

 Alpha Tau celebrated its 86th birthday during my visit!

HOLD THE PHONE! I forgot to mention one of the most exciting things ever that happened during my visit at Butler. Delta Gamma has this “little” magazine called the ANCHORA (pronounced “Anchor-uh”). It is published four times a year and it’s been around since oh…I don’t know…1884!! Well guess who is on the fall 2011 cover!? THE CDCs!! I saw the hard copy for the first time while at Alpha Tau and it was so unbelievably exciting. Check us out below!

 (insert giddy squeal here)

Following my Butler visit, I visited one of the best places in the world…home. I don’t think I have ever been so excited to go home; even with attending Auburn for four years and being six hours from home. There’s something about traveling nonstop and unfamiliar people and places that really makes you appreciate where you come from. That’s not to say I’m not enjoying my experience because believe me, I am. I have THE best job and I love it. It’s just now the expression “there’s no place like home” has taken on a different meaning.

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So what did I do on my glorious week long break in wonderful NC? Well a lot of random stuff actually. First of all, I slept and I slept A LOT. It was fantastic…especially to sleep in my own bed. I also did a lot of shopping – tisk tisk! I have got to cut out my retail therapy – it’s getting a little out of hand J. Did I mention I have had to ship a box of stuff home from EVERY visit because my suitcase is constantly over 50 pounds. Embarrassing, I know. Anyway, the best thing about being home was being with the people I love. Awww cheesy, right? But man, did I miss them. I was greeted upon arrival at my house by two of my favorite "people" - my dogs, Vesey and Emmy. Also, it was great to just sit in the den with my dad and watch TV and just BE STILL. There’s nothing quite like the presence of dad. He always makes everything better. It was great to spend time with my mom – I’ve always been a mama’s girl. And of course, fun to goof off with my little brother. I also had some wonderful visitors while home. My little sister pulled a surprise on me and showed up at dinner on Friday night (she’s a junior at Auburn, for those of you who don’t know). It made me so happy to see her face…I’m pretty sure it even brought tears to my eyes. I also got to see a good friend from high school and my two best friends that live in DC came down for the weekend. It was so nice to see their lovely faces. OH, I also went to the Panthers and Saints game! It was so exciting to see Cammy Cam play in the NFL – even though we lost. PS, the NCAA finally closed the investigation against him and Auburn. BOUT TIME! I won’t go off on a tangent about how frustrating that whole thing has been but I’ll just leave it with…we told you so. Oh and some apologies would be great. WDE.

 

My break at home was much needed and allowed me to get well rested for my next six visits. I am currently writing from Boston, MA (specifically in Charlestown) while on my visit at Harvard. I’ll save my experience here for another time but even after just one full day, I am in love with Boston.

So that’s a little bit of what has been going on in my life. I really can’t stress enough how neat of an opportunity this is and how lucky I am to have this job. I know how fortunate I am and I’m doing my best to soak up every second. I have been to some really neat places, have met some amazing people, made it on the cover of the ANCHORA (hello, dream come true) and have learned a lot about Delta Gamma, others and myself. I'll probably mention how much I love my job in every blog post...just an FYI :)

Six visits down…six to go!

Where am I going after Harvard? My next two stops are…

#1 – Chi chapter at

#2 – Zeta Delta at

I’ll update again when I can – hopefully the next time won’t be this early in the morning when insomnia decides to kick in J Have a great weekend, everybody! I plan to spend it with some sisters in a pretty neat city…oh and make time for some Auburn football in there as well. War Eagle!

Do It With A Heart Wide Open

It’s amazing just how much a visit home can do for the heart and soul.

While I said I would give a nice, big update during my break, here I am sitting in the Charlotte airport waiting to catch my flight to Boston – whoops! I guess I enjoyed myself too much at home. It was nice to just be Annie for a week and only do a few emails and paperwork here and there.

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There’s something about home, I’m finding. In high school, I was the misunderstood 16 year old that wished away her high school days; that was ready to conquer the big world out there. Now, I look forward to going back. Could I stay there forever? Well, no. But it’s nice to be around the people I know and love and in a familiar zone. The simplicity and quiet was most needed.

On that note, when I think about how long it’s been since I was 16 years old…it baffles me. SIX YEARS AGO. Where has the time gone? I find myself lately being obsessed with time and how crazily fast it moves.  I think about how much I’ve changed in those six year;  how many relationships I’ve gained and how many I’ve lost; wondering if some of those relationships are gone for good – that’s a tough one too. The way I’m learning to see it is that if some people are meant to be in my life then they will be. It has to be as simple as that, right? I know I’m a good person that always strives to make good decisions, I don’t try to do harm or cause pain to others. I am proud of the way I have given to my relationships and so I choose to let it be.  If those relationships are in fact over for good, at least I know I gave them my all. Otherwise, that would be the greater tragedy.

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And another thing about time…what on earth am I going to do with all of the time I have left? I am enjoying my job and this experiencing SO unbelievably much. I have been to Ohio, Alabama, California, Nevada, Colorado and Indiana all in the span of 3 months. My job is a blessing and I am learning more about myself and others than I ever thought I would. But my mind is constantly looking forward – what’s next? I guess my long break in December is going to be a great time to figure that one out.

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I promise I’ll give an update on my visits as soon as I have some free time!

If you didn’t already know…I’m going to Boston today because I am going to the oldest university in the country and one of the most prestigious universities in the world…

HARVARD!!!

Zeta Phi Chapter

Your mountain is waiting. So...get on your way!

Leavin' on a jet plane

Just wanted to take time for a quick update. It is my last night in Colorado Springs at Colorado College. I am heading back east tomorrow and looking forward to being on the same time zone as the majority of my family and friends. It has been a GREAT visit here at CC and my time in California was wonderful too. I have two more stops before I get to go home for a week. I'll do a more detailed post while on break but for now...so you know where I'm headed...
Stop #5...

Excited to visit beautiful Bloomington, again. IU is where I attended the Undergraduate Interfraternity Institute two summers ago - it is a beautiful campus! Excited to meet the women of Theta chapter :)

Stop #6...

So excited to visit CDC Kelsey's campus and chapter, Alpha Tau!

Sending lots of love to family and friends tonight. I miss everyone! Stay tuned for a bigger update, soon :)



She packed up her potential and all she had learned, grabbed a cute pair of shoes and headed out to change a few things.

Well, I definitely underestimated how busy I would be while on the road. Things have been a little crazy and I've been adjusting to the job! I AM OFFICALLY TRAVELING NOW!! On visit #2 as we speak...

Where am I??

That's right, this girl FINALLY made it to California. Not really sure how I never did before but I am so excited to finally see what all the fuss is about. And yes, it's beautiful! I am currently visiting the Epsilon Sigma chapter for recruitment and everything is going great!! We are finishing up round two and Bid Day is on Tuesday! By the way, if you were wondering, I was here for the infamous blackout a few days ago that left 4 million people without power. That was definitely interesting and quickly made me realize how unbelievably dependent we are on electricity. It was kind of sad. But on the plus side, no electricity and the first day of recruitment being canceled left lots of time open for sisterly bonding. I joined the women that live in the chapter house in the chapter room, surrounded by candles, and spent some time getting to know them. We all shared our Delta Gamma stories and it was very uplifting to see the impact Delta Gamma has had and continues to have on them. It makes my heart happy :)

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What else have I been up to? Well let's see if I can condense this. Prior to coming to San Diego, I spent 16 days in Reno, Nevada with the women of Eta Iota. It was a WONDERFUL first visit. I instantly bonded with the women of the chapter and I am so proud of them. I was there for pre-recruitment and recruitment and got to join them in welcoming 46 new members to their chapter! They are a diverse and lovely group of women. I am excited to go back to see them for my last visit in November.

Me with the women of Eta Iota on Philanthropy Day!

Before my trip to the west, I spent a week in "good ol" T-town! I am so proud to announce that Delta Gamma welcomed 224 members into its colony at the University of Alabama! I got to be a part of history by recruiting women during the LARGEST sorority recruitment...ever! Uh huh, 1700 potential new members. Crazy! It was an awesome experience to be a part of a colonization, especially one of that nature. But as I'm sure you guessed, spending a week in Tuscaloosa AND in Bryant-Denny Stadium made me miss the loveliest village on the plains, terribly. So, after leaving Bama, I decided I just had to make a trip to one of my favorite places in the world...to Auburn.

BUT before that I had to make a little stop in the beautiful Fairhope, Alabama to be a part of a wonderful friend's special day! My roommate from freshman year, Janna, got married!! Janna and I did not know each other prior to living together, we did the whole potluck thing...guess it worked out really well, huh? The whole affair was beautiful...everything about it...the church, the flowers, the dress, especially the bride and of course, the couple. I'm blessed to have been a part of their special day.

So after the wedding, I decided at the last minute to drive three and a half hours north to Auburn. It was so nice to be back in the land of orange and blue and familiar faces. I loved getting to spend some time with my younger sister, Sarah. Also, I got to go to the Delta Sigma new member meeting and see all of our new members' lovely faces! Sarah is currently vp: member education and will be working very closely with them...I know she is going to do a great job! The wedding and Auburn trip made for a very relaxing and fulfilling break. I needed it...especially so I could get mentally and emotionally prepared for my travels. Oh and get my suitcase ready too. You won't believe how hard it is to get everything into two suitcases and a bag and keep the big suitcase under fifty pounds. I'm sure I'll be a pro come May 2012.

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So that's kind of a quick update on what I have been up to. I hope to get back on track and better about updating once I get used to balancing work and personal time on visits. Living in the place where you work makes it hard to distinguish between the two and find time to just be Annie. Plus, these first three visits are recruitment visits and any person that knows anything about sorority recruitment will understand that one. But life is good. I'm pretty tired right now as I write from the Epsilon Sigma chapter house at 2:45 a.m. but it's worth it...because I love my job.

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Oh and I'll be in San Diego until Wednesday and then I am headed to...

Beta Delta chapter in Colorado Springs, CO

Sweet Home Alabama

Note: This post was supposed to be available for you on 8/19 but due to internet problems and a lack of knowledge on blogger's recovery capabilities...it is just now getting posted :)
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CDC Experience #1 is under my belt! I am writing from the Birmingham airport this morning as I prepare to leave for my first break of the semester. I left Tuscaloosa this morning after having spent a week there helping with the beginning processes of our colonization at the University of Alabama. I'm sure some of you are laughing right now, if you understand the Auburn, Alabama rivalry :) And yes, my experience was quite interesting! Especially since we worked out of Bryant-Denny Stadium in the Scholarship room!

Funny, huh? While it was tough to be surrounded by crimson and constant "Roll Tides," my time in Tuscaloosa was great! I am so excited for our colonization on Alabama's campus. Through my experience there, I am continuing to realize the presence that Delta Gamma has in our country and I am, yet again, blessed to call myself a DG. I was fortunate enough to see some of my Delta Sigma ladies and one of my best friends while at Bama. I was a little friend and family homesick so that was much needed. I cannot wait to hear how the rest of colonization goes and I am so excited to hear about Bid Day next weekend! I leave behind 8 CDCs and definitely cried like a little girl when saying goodbye to them last night. I'm thankful for my time in Tuscaloosa because I feel even more prepared to start my independent traveling next week!

Delta Sigma represent! WDE

the future DG house at Alabama (WOW!!)

Right now, I am so happy to have a little break! I am on my way to Fairhope, Alabama for a wedding! Funny how rooming with someone you don't even know freshman year can result in you being a bridesmaid in her wedding four years later :) I can't wait to be a part of Janna and Chase's special day!! Knowing that losing my luggage while traveling is going to happen this year, I am traveling today with my bridesmaid dress in my purse...funny but ya never know! After the wedding, I've decided I want and NEED to go to Auburn. Being in Tuscaloosa made me miss my college town so very much. I also want to spend some time with my little sister, since I won't be seeing her much this year :) While I was impressed with Alabama's campus, there is no place quite like Auburn, Alabama.

the loveliest village on the plains :)

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Speaking of Auburn and the south in general, and given the name and meaning behind my blog...I never realized just how southern my lifestyle is. Who knew banana pudding, collard greens, big t-shirts, chacos, the phrase "bless your heart," were all relatively southern things!? Not this girl. Regardless, I'm so proud to call myself a southern girl. I didn't realize how much I would miss it here until I left. Don't get me wrong, I loved being in Columbus but I was "itching" (there's another one!) to get back to the south and specifically Alabama. I love it here. I know that I am going to enjoy every single second of my year as a CDC but I am slowly realizing that at the end of the day, the south is where I belong.

If you remember from a previous post, I am headed to my first visit Monday after my three day break. I am SO excited to travel to the west to the state of Nevada (which is also pronounced different in the south) to the lovely city of Reno and the women of Eta Iota at the University of Nevada! I have never been to Nevada and cannot wait for all that awaits me on this visit.

So while my time in Tuscaloosa was great (even though I still won't say "RTR"), I must end my blog with this...and as the CDCs know, let's do this for the "benefit of the group,"...WAR EAGLE! :) oh and 28-27...in case anyone forgot :)

Hope is the Anchor of the Soul

I really need to get better about blogging. I just have a hard time thinking of things to share. But here goes...we are finishing up week three in Columbus and leave for Alabama in SIX days!! I cannot believe it is already time to leave. I thought four weeks training in Ohio seemed like an eternity before I got here but it really has flown by and we have done so much! We are currently wrapping up Finance and Housing Corporation training which has been a great few days for us! We hope to find some time later today and tomorrow to SLEEP and do normal things. We are quickly realizing how much the little, normal things will mean to us this year - things like leaving our little DG bubble and driving a car or taking a walk or going to the movies like normal people. Sounds silly, huh? :)

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Speaking of movies...I got to see two really good ones this week! I have been wanting to see Friends with Benefits since I first heard about the movie given that I have been in love with Justin Timberlake since I was...well, like 10. The crush just never went away and the movie completely satisfied my expectations. I thought it was so cute! The next day, after lots of training, 10 of the CDCs went to see Crazy, Stupid, Love and it was precious! The CDCs decided that there are two types of lovey-dovey movies. One being the kind that make you want to throw up or roll your eyes, you know, stupid and unrealistic. Two being those that make you so happy and give you hope for love...both movies satisfied the second type and made for a happy two days :) (Even if they might have been a little unrealistic at times, but hey, what movies aren't these days?)

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In other news, the CDC and CDS (Collegiate Development Specialists) teams did some team building and high ropes at a YMCA camp earlier this week. It was SO much fun! It was nice and refreshing to escape from the Martin Center for the day and be outside - luckily, it wasn't too hot and we had nice cloud coverage most of the day. It has been so hot in Ohio lately...I'm told unusually hot by the locals. I left the camp feeling very content and proud of myself. For those of you who don't know me or don't know this about me...I'm not an adrenaline junkie...in fact, very far from it. I don't like heights, rollercoasters, doing spontaneous things (most of the time). I really don't like to fly either...which is kind of funny, given all of the flying I will be doing this year. Whoops. But anyway, I left feeling proud of myself because I conquered my fears and did the high ropes course. Not only that, I was the first to volunteer! I knew if I watched other people do it, it would freak me out...so I stepped up to the plate and just did it. I didn't spend much time in the air on the ropes but it was very liberating to conquer a fear...something I hope to do a lot this year.

Look at me go!

I'm thankful for strength this week. Not physical because, well, I lack that :) But the internal strength to go after the things I want - to not be afraid to strap on a harness and walk across a rope 30 feet above the ground...the strength to invest my heart and soul into Delta Gamma this year. The strength to be wildly independent yet depend completely on others for all of my basic needs. The strength to let others touch my life in ways I cannot imagine. I know the driving force behind that strength is hope. Something at the core of Delta Gamma - did you know our symbol is the anchor and the anchor is the age-old symbol for hope? I'm learning every day the role that hope has played and continues to play in my life. With hope, I believe, all things are possible.

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All in all, things are continuing to go great here. I didn't think it was possible for me to appreciate Delta Gamma more than I already do but learning the policices, procedures, history, etc has reinforced what it means to me. At dinner last night with the Finance team, a few of us were talking about how things just sort of happen and you never expected them to. I never expected to be doing what I'm doing right now. Looking back...four years ago...I had no interest in going through recruitment or being a part of a sorority. Thankfully, my mom and older sister talked me into it. The significance and importance of my decision to pledge Delta Gamma took some time to click with me. I struggled to find my place freshmen year and didn't start to feel comfortable in my chapter until second semester. I never imagined I would go on to be vp: Panhellenic or chapter president. Four years later, on the brink of graduating and my new job, I found myself pleasantly surprised at just how much my expectations had been exceeded in four short years. What if I hadn't gone through recruitment? What if I hadn't pledged Delta Gamma? What if I hadn't run for any positions? What if I had not chosen Delta Gamma? What if Delta Gamma had not chosen me?

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I know my collegiate experience would not have been the same without Delta Gamma. My most significant and meaningful relationships at Auburn are in Delta Gamma, my biggest growing up moments happened within my chapter, my happiest memories are centered around my chapter. I made one of my smartest life decisions four years ago to join a little "Do Good" club and I am so thankful for that. I would not be where I am today had I not made those decisions then. I reaffirm my commitment now as I look forward to one more year being a part of something that means so much to me. With hope on my side, I know it is going to be an amazing year...and boy, am I ready to get started.

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I'll finish today's post with a quote I stumbled upon here at training while working on a presentation about the bigger picture of Delta Gamma. The quote comes from one of our dear Founders and I believe every word...

"Be faithful to yourself, act well on your part, and then when life's young dream is past, the battles of life fought and won, and the mellow light of evening gathers around your pathway, the scenes enacted here will rise upon your memory like the constellations on the evening sky to cheer and comfort you."

- Anna Boyd Ellington