I'm gonna raise my sail

Blog title: Sailboat - Ben Rector

One week in Connecticut down, folks!

 

 

 

I started this post sitting in the LaGuardia Airport in NY, waiting for the winds to carry me back out West for my first trip home since this crazy LC adventure began. And boy, was I excited.

Week 1 in my new home was filled with ups and downs. I had some sincere moments of triumph (grocery shopping, navigating a new state, and dealing with car issues all by myself? I'd call that a win) and already experienced some failure. Let me catch you up where my last post left off...

I got dropped off at the teeeeeeny tiny airport in Muscle Shoals, AL by my awesome Zeta Eta roomie, Kathryn. We hugged and said our goodbyes, and while in my heart I was sad to leave these wonderful sisters I was excited to get to Connecticut and settle in as Theta Rho's resident consultant in my new East coast life.

After a peaceful flight I landed in White Plains, NY it in a quaint little airport. I picked up my luggage, marched myself over to the rental car counter, and got my keys. After tossing (read: heaving) my bags in the back, my bff Siri took me on a beautiful route through the back roads of NY. Who knew the Northeast was so green and beautiful?! I'm not too embarrassed to admit that I was definitely talking to myself along the drive, oohing and ahhing in marvel at the gorgeous colonial mansions I passed. My drive was smooth, and soon enough I was in Shelton, CT pulling in to the Extended Stay. I'll tell you - there was a lot of laughs already had about this whole 'Extended Stay' deal. Typically resident consultants are set up in apartments, so when my fellow sisters of the suitcase and I learned I'd be living the hotel life for 4 months we cracked some jokes. But, the good news is it's a lovely little place! It's been nice to have a studio all set up for me, and I've continued to add things here and there to make it feel more like home. And as friend reminded me - at least I don't have to make my own bed! Score.

Upon my arrival I jumped immediately in to Spirit Week and leading 8 hour workshops for women I hadn't even had the opportunity to learn the names of. Here's where the less glamorous parts of the job come in to play. Because sometimes

you're alone.

and uncertain.

 and just plain overwhelmed.

And I wouldn't be being honest if I didn't admit that I felt all of those things. But, following that, I also experienced one of the most successful workshops I have had the pleasure of leading! The women I get to work with (who's names I am now learning) are curious, engaged, eager to learn and completely head-over-heels in love with Alpha Delta Pi. And at times when I wonder what the heck I'm doing with my life, they remind me that our sisterhood is a gift, and one that I'm lucky to be able to share.

I had a great few days off at home to refresh and recharge (more on that later) and now I feel ready to tackle the semester before me. And after the ridiculous travel day I had yesterday, I'm fully confident I can tackle whatever Connecticut throws at me. On that note, a story for you all so you can fully grasp the plights of a recent college grad jet-setting the country by herself:

 

I landed back in LaGuardia around 6:30pm ET after a delay at O'Hare, only to realize that my rental car location was only open until 6. After walking the length of the taxi pickup three times, I shuttled over to the closest Enterprise and got in to a temporary rental for the evening until I could get myself in to something more permanent. Once in my sparkly blue Dodge Avenger (not as cute as it sounds), I remembered that in the midst of my rental panic I had forgotten to stop at an ATM in the airport to get cash for the toll bridge I knew I would have to cross in order to get back in to CT. So, I did what any twenty-something would do - I used my iPhone to map the nearest 7-11. After driving about 10 minutes away from LGA in a direction that only became more and more concerning, I found my 7-11 - in an area right outside of Queens. It was nearly 8 o'clock at this time, and the darkness and my desperation were only growing. So, I parked my car, grabbed my Vera printed wallet, and marched my very obviously out of place self in the store to get cash back on a SmartWater.

This is going to be a funny year.

 

"Welcome to the Bible Belt - we are the buckle."

Quote courtesy of Zeta Eta's fab and hilarious RVP. 

Starbucks is to Seattle as churches are to Florence, Alabama. I spent 8 days in this adorable little town with the Zeta Eta chapter of Alpha Delta Pi at the University of North Alabama, and I swear these women stole my heart. I can tell you about the recruitment prep, the crafting and the workshops, but really the things I will remember most about this visit are the food, the Southern culture, and the sisters. 

First: the food.

Thank goodness I wasn't placed in Alabama for the whole semester, otherwise I am certain I would leave with extra weight in more than just my carry on, if you know what I mean. From the moment I set foot in the state I was eatin' good, and how could I say no to new opportunities? It's all part of the cultural experience. Or at least that's what I'll tell myself when I'm on the treadmill for the next week...

                     

Cracker Barrell: a Southern staple. I ordered the Chicken and vegetable plate, and received grilled chicken with mac & cheese, hashbrown casserole, and fresh fruit. Where I come from none of those sides constitute as vegetables, but hey what do I know?

We also visited Trowbridges, a long time diner and ice cream shop that was delicious and so cute!

     

Not pictured but definitely note worthy was Miami Ice shaved ice, Zaxby's, Casa de Mexicana, and lots and lots of chicken.

Next, my favorite: Southern culture.

      

  

Probably my favorite thing about the South is the accents. Playing the game of 'Wait... do I have an accent?' with sisters was quite comical, and decoding Southern slang proved to be hilarious. Here are some of my South to West Coast translations -

"y'all" = you guys

"hoot and a half" = hilarious

"buggy" = shopping cart

"Bless her heart" = Giiiiiiiirl

"can't swing a dead cat five miles" = yeah no, that one is actually beyond me.

Perhaps my favorite story from my stay was when all the women kept talking about a fraternity philanthropy event they were going to paint a sheet sign for. I head them talk for two days prior about Sigma Chi's Shrimp Bowl, until finally I took a second look at the sign they had been painting - turns out it was a Shrimp Boil. (Are you saying that in your head with a Southern accent? Yeah now you feel me.) In the South I quickly learned that you don't order an event t-shirt smaller than a large, chacos go with everything, you must specify if you would like your tea anything but sweet, and the only way something truly belongs to you is if it's monogrammed. I. loved. it.

Finally: the sisters.

                         

On a more serious note, I have to say that I feel so blessed to have been able to spend my first visit with this amazing group of women. They welcomed me with open arms, and proved that sisterhood does extended beyond our individual chapters. I instantly felt comfortable around them, and their enthusiam, sincereity, and loyalty made me proud to share their letters.

UNA was an amazing visit, and I think it's safe to say that I left a little piece of my heart in Florence, Alabama. But, such is the #ConsultantLife to be on to the next one! I arrived this evening in Fairfield Connecticut and tomorrow will begin my semester with the Theta Rho chapter at Sacred Heart University. Sneak preview - I love it here already. But more on that later, g'night y'all!

         

                                                                                Overlooking the lawn from the UNA Amphitheater. 

East Coast Anthem

          

My August travel - EO to University of North Alabama, UNA to SHU, SHU home and then back again!

I realized this evening this is my last night of summer. 8 out of 10 of the LCs took to the skies for their first visits Saturday morning, but Morgan and I don't leave to our respective chapters until tomorrow A.M. Spending the weekend at EO just the two of us has been interesting (I was convinced the midnight misdial from the pizza man meant certain death) but the time to relax was much appreciated, and it was great to spend time with Morgan since we'll be doing a fair amount of that while on the road in September!

That's really the reason why I'm writing (though I'm certain you'd love to hear about the cumulative 2309432984209 hours I spent in front of the TV this weekend) - I'd like to share my travel schedule for the semester with you all. The fact that I have a semester's worth of schedule is telling in itself, as ADPi consultants usually recieve our scheudles on a monthly basis. But I, drum roll please... will be the resident consultant at Sacred Heart University this fall semester!

Sacred Heart University, affectionately called SHU (pronounced 'shoe') as I've learned, is located in Fairfield, Connecticut. As a resident consultant I will be living nearby SHU, and assisting the women of the Theta Rho chapter in their first semester post-installation. I will be there with Theta Rho through many of their firsts, such as their first recruitment (when Morgan will be joining me, thank goodness for her back of house expertise), first initiation, first Lion Share Challenge philanthropy event, and so many more. I truly cannot wait to see these women grow and come in to their own as an established chapter of Alpha Delta Pi.

So friends, looks like this West Coast girl is switching coasts and going Northeastern until December! If I even tried to pretend I knew what was in store I would be kidding myself, so I'll just say I am looking forward to a semester of personal firsts, as well. First time living on my own is probably the biggest - considering I'm the girl who put dish soap in the dishwasher and created enough suds to throw my own foam party, this should be interesting. Cross your fingers for me.

All kidding aside I am excited for this phase of my journey this year. Having the ability to put down roots, though temporary, is a blessing and I look forward to the relationships I will be able to create. I hope that I will have a lasting impact on the chapter Theta Rho will become, and I am certain they will have a lasting impact on me. The next six months are going to be a great time of learning - about people, about myself, about life and about this great organization that I have dedicated my year to. 

And finally, if you have any connections near Connecticut let me know... I'm gonna need some friends.

An open letter to my friends, family, and followers

Leadership Consultant training comes to a close this week! Looking back at the post I composed at the beginning(ish) of this journey, I can see how much I have learned already. And I haven't even hit the road!

The LCs have been blessed to be trained by the best of the best ADPi International Officers and volunteers, and I truly want to thank each and every one of you for the knowledge you imparted upon us. You taught us more than you, and even we right now probably, know. One trainer in particular got my wheels turning as we discussed the implications this line of work will have on us as individuals, rather than just how we will impact the chapters, and she suggested that we write a letter to the people in our lives setting expectations for what the year ahead will look like. And so, here I go:

To my amazingly solid family, exciting and successful friends, and supportive random acquaintances,

I am sorry in advance for my behavior this year. I am sorry for the birthdays, anniversaries, and exciting life moments I miss, the lack of text messages and Facebook likes I won't compose on your behalf, and the general Missing In Action status I will take on. I apologize for not calling when I should, and for not being the friend/ daughter/ sister/ confidant that I hope I have proven myself to be in the past. I am so sorry for all of these things, but I sincerely hope that you can understand, and continue loving me despite my mistakes this year.

I ask that you keep loving me because I know that while I might not be the picture of steadfast support in the coming months, I am going to need that support from you, bad. I am going to be crossing countless state lines, tackling huge projects, cheering, presenting, crafting and coaching like my life depends on it (or my job, at least), and essentially pouring my heart and soul in to college women across the country. Therefore, I am going to need someone to pour in to me every so often.

I try not to be selfish when I say this, more just aware of my needs and willing to ask for them to be met - numero uno on my list of hopeful personal growth at the end of this wild ride! So when I finally do call you at 1 AM Eastern Time (it'll only be 10pm for most of you reading this, that's reasonable right?) in tears because my weekly report won't format quite right, I hope that you will meet me in the world I'm in but remind me that life goes on outside sorority. But just barely. ;)

Finally, THANK YOU. Thank you to each and every one of you for empowering me to believe that I could take on this job. The more I learn about it the more I wonder how I really landed it, but the more empowered I am to prove myself to be the consultant/ sister/ employee/ friend I know I can be.

Please keep me updated on you! Send me pictures, a letter or two wold be great (I will have a mailing address, ask me for it), and even if I don't always respond let me know what exciting things are happening in your life. I promise I still care just as much as ever. And if all else fails... shoot me a Snapchat.

With love,

Kashia

Hit the ground running

Yesterday was our first real break since arriving in Atlanta, so I finally had the chance to throw in my headphones, turn up my Bowling For Soup Pandora playlist (try it - it's my jam), and hit the pavement.

Getting out of the house (aka Alpha Delta Pi Memorial Headquarters. Still not used to the fact that I'm living here) by myself for the first time was refreshing. I explored the historic Druid Hills neighborhood which is absolutely beautiful - exactly how I imaged Georgia would be with big screen porches, columns, and sprawling lawns. I realized while I was running that this will be something I should get used to doing - popping in my headphones and spending some quality time with my Nike's is going to be a necessity while on the road.

       

                                         Alpha Delta Pi Memorial Headquarters, aka home.

                                     

I've seriously hit the ground running here metaphorically as well, in terms of training. I'm locked and loaded with my LC swag (typing this post from my PiPad ask we speak) and It's been a whirlwind of ADPi policy and procedure. I've learned tons about the greater organization as well as my role in it - I won't bore you non-sistas with the details but know that this is a pretty cool organization and I'm dang proud to be apart of it. As if I didn't make that apparent enough, right? We also got a full tour of EO, and as all my Alpha Theta sisters know I was absolutely in awe of all of the artifacts in memory of Maxine Blake, fellow Alpha Theta and UW alumna and Grand President Emeritus of Alpha Delta Pi. Go Dawgs.

         

My PiPad, PiPhone, LC guard, official name tag, padfolio, and office supplies for the road. Not pictured - business cards and my very own ritual book. Nerd alert.

                           

                                          Just a few of the items in EO honoring Miss Blake.

Thankfully the LCs have had also had some (limited thus far) time to get out of the house as well. Rollin' in the Swaggin' Wagon and the Stow-'n-Go as we've affectionately named our two rental minivans, we've made a trip the ATL fast-food staple The Varsity, the local Publix (shopping for a family of 10 is no easy feat), Yeah! Burger and a few other fun spots.

         

Tomorrow we head to Macon, Georgia to take in even more ADPi history. I've also received my first visit schedule - come August 12 I'm headed to the Zeta Eta chapter at University of North Alabama! As a West Coast girl who's only connection to the Yellowhammer State is that Sweet Home Alabama is my favorite movie, you can bet I'm pretty excited. Hitting the ground running, one step at a time!

My bags are packed, I'm ready to go...

I'm leaving on a jet plane! Fun fact - Leaving On a Jet Plane was #2 on my list of songs sure to make me cry at closing campfire during my summers at Camp Namanu. Yeah, I was that camper. My bags are packed, my work presentation is complete, and my Farewell Tour has come to an end. 6:30am (woooooo) tomorrow, I'll be wheels up for Hotlanta.

 

Thus is why apologize for the delay, but I am finally posting my update on my Seattle/ Portland Farewell Tour 2013. Since that 4 o'clock wake-up is calling my name, I thought I'd keep this short and sweet and simply highlight the good stuff. I'm sure you don't care to know that I started and have completed nearly half of New Girl Season 1 on Netflix... but if you do, I have.

 

I arrived in Seattle on Sunday evening after a glorious 5 hour drive (I ♥ traffic). After settling in at the Sunny Studio with Jessica we talked game plan for the week. Here's the play-by-play:

 

1. Monday morning quality time with my favorite nanny gals! American Girls, trampoline - what could be better. I'm really going to miss watching them grow, but it sounds like they're great as ever and I am excited to stay updated on what this next year holds for them.

2. Monday happy hour with my Year Up Puget Sound ladies - got filled in on the latest office happenings and recruited to help fill my previous internship position. Speaking of - any undergrads looking for an internship next year in Seattle, hit me up!

3. Post happy hour ice cream date at Full Tilt with my little Diamond and then a long chat at the apartment. Jessica also surprised me with one of the most thoughtful gifts I have received:



A monogrammed, personalized pillowcase. I may not be in the same bed, or even the same state, every night but this way I will always have something familiar while I travel!

4. Tuesday lunch with my Panhellenic Advisor Krista in Ballard. I had my second hamburger post-vegetarianism, and took in some much appreciated career advice in the field of Student Affairs. Which led me to go home and research grad schools for an hour - I feel so old.



Lil' Woody's burger in Ballard - delish.

 

5. Tuesday evening impromptu gathering of a good 25% of Alpha Class '09. I was so excited to see Lauren and Megan's new apartment in Queen Anne, as well as Jenna, Catherine, Hannah, Dolly and Katie - who had just gotten home from Africa! We all exchanged job updates, year plans and commuting horror stories. Again - so. old. We then walked down the hill to grab dinner, and ended up at this little taco bar with a beautiful sunset view.

 

6. Wednesday afternoon Jessica and I dedicated to accomplishing something on my Seattle take-off list. We decided on the Fremont Troll - somehow in our entire 4 years in Seattle, neither of us had ever been!

 

7. Wednesday night we rallied the troops for a last run on The Ave in all its glory.  

 

This was definitely the grand finale of the Farewell Tour. I was overwhelmed by the effort my friends made to see me off, and it made me realize what quality people I was lucky enough to surround myself with during my college career. I feel comfortable leaving knowing that I made relationships that are built to last, I sincerely hope they do. Ya'll know who you are - thank you. From the bottom of my heart thank you, for making me feel so loved and for being there to cheer me on. Keep in touch.

Come Thursday I said some of my last (and hardest) goodbyes, packed up, and hit the road back to Portland. Since I've been home it's been a whirlwind of shopping, packing, and Prezi-making (and so it begins). I spent a great afternoon with my family, and enjoyed the warm summer evening with O, L, and S. S brought me VooDoo doughnuts - another check on my take-off list, and included a note and a picture inside. Something she wrote I really loved, and I want to share it with you:

 

"I've been thinking recently about how much post grad life is in similarity to our kayaking adventure. Some will fail immediately. Others will cruise along, some will get stuck on rocks for a little (or a long) while, and no matter how good things are, you will hit a tree. It is inevitable. What is also inevitable is that we'll all get to the end and be a little smarter than before."

 

Oh Shannon. You wise owl you.

 

So here I go on my next (metaphorical) kayaking adventure. Thank you to everyone who has both prepared me and seen me off as I go - this one's for you. I'm now going to try to get my roughly... 3 hours of sleep. Such is the life!

 

Guest Blogging: inside The Sunny Studio!

As you all know I spent the last week in Seattle, but I wanted to take a moment to highlight the exact place in which I stayed: THE Sunny Studio, of www.thesunnystudioblog.com! The Sunny Studio just so happens to be the beautiful studio apartment of my dear friend and sorority sister Emily, and it is truly a haven of DIY coziness, Parisian flair, teas of every type and flavor and all around healthy living. Basically the epicenter of all things I someday aspire to be. If you haven't already, (I linked the heck out of this post for your convenience) I would highly recommend checking out The Sunny Studio Blog. I can assure you that you will leave feeling inspired to create, cook, and appreciate the quieter side of life. After a week in this humble abode, I know I did!

 

Me inside The Sunny Studio wearing my new glasses, holla.

 

And Em - thanks for letting me kick it in your apartment for the week! Love you :)