So, my BFF lives 2000 miles away. I can't live where she lives and she couldn't live where I live, but we still manage to stay besties. Through life's ups and downs and common love of food, we have decided to collaborate on a blog. We thought it would be a fun way to do something “together” even across the great divide so, we decided our common love of food and cooking would be a great thing to share. It can be found here http://townmouseandcountrymouse.wordpress.com/. Check it out, follow it, let us know what you think.
It, like everything in my life, is a work in progress!
Friday, November 4, 2011
Thursday, August 18, 2011
My latest "Starting Conversations" published piece
Sisterhood is nothing new to me. I am one of three sisters, and I have daughters. Also, three! I get it. I always have. But, the older I get and the more I watch my little legacies grow, the more I come to realize that their sisterhoods branch further out than just our home. Sisterhood starts young, from the time they start to socialize with other children.
My seven year old, has been best friends with her BFF since they were four year old Pre-Ks. Fluke. Maybe not! My youngest, who we call “Squeaks,” already has a BFF. Squeaks and “She-She” (as she calls Jaycie) are inseparable. They are two years old! Having been a military brat, and never having had a childhood friend for longer than the two years we lived anywhere, it never dawned on me that sisterhood is almost a subconscious power. It’s innate. I think this is why sororities have survived the tests of time. We women have a calling to spend time with, bolster successes and support other women.
It’s easy for me to see, and encourage the development of deep sisterhood in my own children. But, equally interesting, entertaining and all the more fulfilling, is watching sisterhoods growing between girls who have no biological connections. Even more compelling is being able to foster these relationships and build stronger ties between them.
In addition to my time spent as an Alpha Chi Omega national volunteer, I am the head Girl Scout leader for the largest scout troop in our entire council. Most people think me and my seven co-leaders (which is what is required to support our troop!) are insane. But, watching these girls grow, develop and build life long friendships is more fulfilling for me than I ever could have anticipated. I obviously don’t spend my troop time being an Alpha Chi Omega “recruiter” but it is my job as a leader to “recruit” these young girls into being the women our community wants, and needs them to be.
According to www.girlscouts.org, more than 50 million American women enjoyed Girl Scouts in their childhood. Many of these are notable, including our very own Condoleezza Rice, and some not so notable like me! Every school year that number grows, as more future leaders step foot into their first troop meetings. We have an opportunity as Alpha Chi Omegas, as women, to make an impact. Whether through Girl Scouts of the USA or another organization established to encourage strength, independence and leadership in little girls, I feel it is our job to do so.
I remember a quote, “We are Alpha Chi Omega sisters. We seek the heights of this experience called Life.” I think my time with the Girl Scouts is exactly that. I am seeking the heights of my life experiences. In doing so, I am giving back to my children, a community and an entire generation. I could sit here all day and list the reasons why it is important to volunteer. But, I feel more compelling are the reasons to foster young girls into strong women. Aside from what our genetics have offered us, our fraternity has taught us lifelong skills, not limited to the importance of owning your responsibilities, having a good moral fiber and cultivating friendships. Shouldn’t we pass this on?
Each of us, whether we are raising our own legacies, has the “tools” and innate abilities to teach the real, strong women of the future. Focus for a minute on this. Then, however you choose to do so, make the rewarding choice, to take action! If, in the end you have had an impact on just one little girl who chooses to go the way of the golden lyre, more power to us!
My seven year old, has been best friends with her BFF since they were four year old Pre-Ks. Fluke. Maybe not! My youngest, who we call “Squeaks,” already has a BFF. Squeaks and “She-She” (as she calls Jaycie) are inseparable. They are two years old! Having been a military brat, and never having had a childhood friend for longer than the two years we lived anywhere, it never dawned on me that sisterhood is almost a subconscious power. It’s innate. I think this is why sororities have survived the tests of time. We women have a calling to spend time with, bolster successes and support other women.
It’s easy for me to see, and encourage the development of deep sisterhood in my own children. But, equally interesting, entertaining and all the more fulfilling, is watching sisterhoods growing between girls who have no biological connections. Even more compelling is being able to foster these relationships and build stronger ties between them.
In addition to my time spent as an Alpha Chi Omega national volunteer, I am the head Girl Scout leader for the largest scout troop in our entire council. Most people think me and my seven co-leaders (which is what is required to support our troop!) are insane. But, watching these girls grow, develop and build life long friendships is more fulfilling for me than I ever could have anticipated. I obviously don’t spend my troop time being an Alpha Chi Omega “recruiter” but it is my job as a leader to “recruit” these young girls into being the women our community wants, and needs them to be.
According to www.girlscouts.org, more than 50 million American women enjoyed Girl Scouts in their childhood. Many of these are notable, including our very own Condoleezza Rice, and some not so notable like me! Every school year that number grows, as more future leaders step foot into their first troop meetings. We have an opportunity as Alpha Chi Omegas, as women, to make an impact. Whether through Girl Scouts of the USA or another organization established to encourage strength, independence and leadership in little girls, I feel it is our job to do so.
I remember a quote, “We are Alpha Chi Omega sisters. We seek the heights of this experience called Life.” I think my time with the Girl Scouts is exactly that. I am seeking the heights of my life experiences. In doing so, I am giving back to my children, a community and an entire generation. I could sit here all day and list the reasons why it is important to volunteer. But, I feel more compelling are the reasons to foster young girls into strong women. Aside from what our genetics have offered us, our fraternity has taught us lifelong skills, not limited to the importance of owning your responsibilities, having a good moral fiber and cultivating friendships. Shouldn’t we pass this on?
Each of us, whether we are raising our own legacies, has the “tools” and innate abilities to teach the real, strong women of the future. Focus for a minute on this. Then, however you choose to do so, make the rewarding choice, to take action! If, in the end you have had an impact on just one little girl who chooses to go the way of the golden lyre, more power to us!
Friday, March 4, 2011
Freedom, only when FREE
I am entering this online essay and photo contest just now. Not likely I would win, but who wants to pass up the chance to be photographed for a magazine and an all expenses paid trip to New York City? Not me!
So, fingers crossed and silent prayer, I hit SUBMIT. Up pops the most ridiculous message I have ever (maybe not EVER, but certainly recently) seen! "The States of XX, XX, XX, CO and XX do not allow their residents to enter contests with an entry fee." Hold the phone....ALLOW?!?!?!? Seriously!!!! Do I not live in the United States of America? Am I not granted the rights of life, libery and the pursuit of happiness?
What if winning this contest would have made me REALLY happy? Well, too bad for me and my fellow Coloradoans. Makes me ponder what other crazy laws we have going on. I guess, at least in Colorado, Freedom is truly only when it's FREE!
So, fingers crossed and silent prayer, I hit SUBMIT. Up pops the most ridiculous message I have ever (maybe not EVER, but certainly recently) seen! "The States of XX, XX, XX, CO and XX do not allow their residents to enter contests with an entry fee." Hold the phone....ALLOW?!?!?!? Seriously!!!! Do I not live in the United States of America? Am I not granted the rights of life, libery and the pursuit of happiness?
What if winning this contest would have made me REALLY happy? Well, too bad for me and my fellow Coloradoans. Makes me ponder what other crazy laws we have going on. I guess, at least in Colorado, Freedom is truly only when it's FREE!
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
I suck!
I have decided I pretty much just suck at blogging! I can chat up a storm. I can Facebook with the best of them. But, when I (occassionally) come to my blog, I end up just staring blankly at the screen. Why is it I worry so much about what to say, when it comes time to post something.....anything! I guess I really do care what people think of me. I guess it matters to me that I have something AMAZING to say, if I am going to go to the effort of writing an "article". Who wants to know how many snotty noses I cleaned up today? Who gives a flying patoot how many times I yelled at my children to stop kicking the table while they "sit on your butt and eat your dinner!"? Who cares that I quit my job of nearly 5 years for something different....wait, what?!?!
Yep, I got a new job!!! Woohooo. Yeahhhhhh meeeee! I am nervous about moving on. I am nervous about starting over. I will miss some of my peers. Yet, I am excited for the new adventure.
Now that I have given the standard, 2-weeks notice, I have no idea what to do with my days. It's not like I feel the need to start new projects. It's not like I plan to take on any huge initiatives. It's not like I am going to negotiate pricing and terms with vendors I won't be around to keep in compliance. I spent the day I gave notice cleaning my office, clearing my computer of all "personal" stuff and generally dotting all i's and crossing all t's because I didn't know if I would just be flat out asked to get out of the building. Needless to say, I was so efficient I now have nothing to do but interview and try to find my replacement. Can you say BORED! B-O-R-E-D, BORED!!!
My boss didn't even make an announcment to the staff that I was leaving. Mind you, I am literally the "Second in Command" around here, and I had to make the announcement myself. I didn't get a thank you, we will miss you, how will we ever survive without you. I got a "well, we will just keep moving along like we always will." Literally! After nearly 5 years of blood, sweat, 12 hour days-six days a week and tears (all literally), that is what the staff heard him say to me. I was really nervous and upset to walk in and tell him I was moving on. I felt bad for him after I left the office that Friday afternoon. But, after a Monday morning that started like that....now, I feel no obligation to do much of anything.
I am going to stick it out the full two weeks because I am a professional and I follow through on my word. I am going to document, to the best of my abilities, everything I do so whomever takes over will have an easy-enough time of filling the void I will be leaving. I am going to get all my employees lined up as best I can because I feel a personal pull towards most of them and truly care that my leaving is as minimally catastrophic as it can be.
When it comes to blogging, yep, I pretty much suck. But, I guess it's ok because being a good person means I don't suck at much else! :)
Yep, I got a new job!!! Woohooo. Yeahhhhhh meeeee! I am nervous about moving on. I am nervous about starting over. I will miss some of my peers. Yet, I am excited for the new adventure.
Now that I have given the standard, 2-weeks notice, I have no idea what to do with my days. It's not like I feel the need to start new projects. It's not like I plan to take on any huge initiatives. It's not like I am going to negotiate pricing and terms with vendors I won't be around to keep in compliance. I spent the day I gave notice cleaning my office, clearing my computer of all "personal" stuff and generally dotting all i's and crossing all t's because I didn't know if I would just be flat out asked to get out of the building. Needless to say, I was so efficient I now have nothing to do but interview and try to find my replacement. Can you say BORED! B-O-R-E-D, BORED!!!
My boss didn't even make an announcment to the staff that I was leaving. Mind you, I am literally the "Second in Command" around here, and I had to make the announcement myself. I didn't get a thank you, we will miss you, how will we ever survive without you. I got a "well, we will just keep moving along like we always will." Literally! After nearly 5 years of blood, sweat, 12 hour days-six days a week and tears (all literally), that is what the staff heard him say to me. I was really nervous and upset to walk in and tell him I was moving on. I felt bad for him after I left the office that Friday afternoon. But, after a Monday morning that started like that....now, I feel no obligation to do much of anything.
I am going to stick it out the full two weeks because I am a professional and I follow through on my word. I am going to document, to the best of my abilities, everything I do so whomever takes over will have an easy-enough time of filling the void I will be leaving. I am going to get all my employees lined up as best I can because I feel a personal pull towards most of them and truly care that my leaving is as minimally catastrophic as it can be.
When it comes to blogging, yep, I pretty much suck. But, I guess it's ok because being a good person means I don't suck at much else! :)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)