As I write this, I am sitting in Panera Bread in State College, PA. I arrived at our chapter at Penn State yesterday, after a quick visit to West Chester University. Although Penn State is a huge, Big 10 school, they do not have wireless internet on campus, so this morning I trekked 20 blocks, in stiletto boots, while it was snowing, just to get on the internet! Pathetic, I know, but I can't really work without the internet... so here I sit, listening to jazz music, working in Panera. It's been a very productive day, but I decided to take a little break to update you all on the happenings of my life.
As I said, I just visited our chapter at West Chester University. I had a fantastic time during my visit and the women were so sweet! I had just visited our Alpha Eta Chapter at Purdue before that, so I had to fly from Indianapolis to Chicago, Chicago to Philadelphia. It was snowing in Chicago, so my flight was delayed an hour, which gave me some time to work on reports until my laptop died. I then pulled out Eclipse, the third book in the Twilight series, and started reading that. I finally boarded the plane and was on my way. The women at West Chester were prepared and knew my flight was delayed. Everything was going smoothly, until the Captain came over the speakers to announce that because of our delay we could not yet be cleared for landing. We had to "hang out" over Harrisburg for an hour before we could land in Philadelphia. The poor sisters had been waiting for me for almost two hours with all of the delays and such, but they still greeted me with welcome arms and smiling faces!! I was so thankful for that. We then drove the 45 minutes to West Chester to the house I would be staying at, where (despite the fact that it was almost 1:00 AM) the President met me to welcome me. She gave me a Bath & Body Works gift set, a welcome letter, a detailed outline of my visit, a campus visitor's guide and map and a list of all of the officers' phone numbers- all nicely organized in a cute purple folder! Mind you, because of a lat minute switch in my schedule, she only had three days notice before I arrived!! I was impressed!!
They even planned a sisterhood event in my honor for Friday night!! Twenty-two sisters took me to dinner at Chili's and then to the movie, Confessions of a Shopaholic, after taking me to The Christmas Tree Store. It was so much fun!! On Saturday, I facilitated a program with the chapter and then attended Sigma Phi Epsilon's philanthropy rock concert, which raised money for VH1's Save the Music.
So far my visit to Penn State is going well. I will be facilitating a sisterhood program tonight and I have been meeting with each of the officers. I will admit, I am excited to go home for the Celine Dion concert on Thursday- it should be a blast!!
Monday, February 23, 2009
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Happy Valentine's Day!
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On this Valentine's Day I am thankful for all of the love in my life!!
"I am everything I am
because you love me."
-Celine Dion-
Friday, January 30, 2009
Snow, Snow, Snow!
I have been back on the road for almost a month, and most of my visits have been in the Northeast and Midwest. I feel like I am surrounded by snow! It is very pretty, but makes for some very cold and adventurous visits!
On January 5, 2009, I officially began my second semester as an ELC. I visited the women of Pi Chapter at Ohio University, January 5 to January 8, to train the new officers. It was a very productive visit and we were able to accomplish a lot of great things. I was supposed to leave Pi Chapter and fly to my next visit on January 9, but the campus is very far from the airport and not very many women have their own cars their. So one of the members, Erin, drove me to Psi Chapter at Ohio State on January 8, and the president of that chapter, Lauren, was able to give me a ride to the airport, which was only 10 minutes away. Coincidently, Sam, one of my ELC friends, was actually visiting Psi Chapter, so it worked out great, and Sam and I ended up spending a few hours at the McDonalds on campus talking and catching up. It was so much fun and I was so happy I got to spend some time with Sami!!
From there I went on to visit our Alpha Beta Chapter at Cornell, to help them prepare for recruitment. Heather, another one of my ELC friends, was also sent to help the sisters of Alpha Beta prepare for recruitment. Our main focus was helping them perfect their skit, prepare for proper recruitment conversations and prepare for the Preference Ceremony. Heather and I had a great time working together and with the women in the chapter. I left the chapter on January 13, but Laura, another one of my ELC friends, arrived on January 12, so all three of us were able to work together for one night. Laura and I ended up having to share a twin bed that last night, which we thought was just hilarious, and we spent a good hour laughing and talking before we could fall asleep. Oh the joys of life on the road! I seriously love it!!
After a wonderful visit at Cornell, I headed to one of my focus chapters, Alpha Eta, at Purdue University. I have really enjoyed working with these women and I always feel good about the things we are able to accomplish during my visit. My main focus during that visit was to help the new officers prepare for the remainder of the year and prepare for the upcoming COB call-outs. We also put together PR gifts and prepare for February’s PR project. I also went to Indianapolis with the Executive Board for their Exec Board Retreat. I worked with Jen and Elizabeth to help facilitate the retreat. It was a lot of fun and a very great visit. Before leaving Indianapolis, a few of us headed down town, for a little shopping and dinner at the Hard Rock Café. I had so much fun!
Something funny happened to me when I first arrive. I had just come from Cornell, and in their skit, they used a life-sized Zak Efron cut out, which I loved, because I have a huge crush on him. Well, I arrived at Alpha Eta, where I have my own room and bathroom, and I walk past my bathroom and nearly had a heart attack when I see someone standing in the dark, in my bathroom… that is until I realized it was another life-sized Zak! I thought the guy was following me- which I would not mind, if it was actually him!
After I left Purdue, I headed to the University of Iowa’s Sigma Chapter, for more officer training, to facilitate a Recruitment Workshop, to help the chapter prepare for Informal Recruitment, and to help out with Area- Wide Training. Sigma is also one of my focus chapters, and I also really enjoy working with them. I always feel very much at home, I love working with the women, and I always feel like we are able to accomplish many great things. After Area Wide Training on Saturday, some of the members took me out to dinner at Chili’s and we went to see Rachel Getting Married (very interesting movie- by the way). It was a fun night!
I had to go to the dentist to get a crown put on, so I left Iowa City and drove to Nebraska to go to the dentist and fly out of Omaha. It was nice to sleep in my own bed for a night, and I was able to eat dinner with my family and hang out with Tricia and Matt for a few hours, which was nice, because I ended up spending the next 27 hours trying to get to Williamsport, PA!
I flew out of Omaha at 1:30 PM on Tuesday, January 27 to the Chicago- O’Hare Airport. I flew from Chicago to Philadelphia and I was supposed to fly from Philadelphia to State College. Well, I arrive in Philadelphia, and as I was walking to my next gate, my phone rang- Orbitz Alert- my flight to State College was cancelled. I was not about to sleep in an airport, so I called Tracy and she gave me permission to check into a hotel, and I was able to get the “distressed passenger rate” at the Quality Hotel. I checked out at 7:30 AM on Wednesday and took the shuttle back to the airport. I headed to my gate and shortly after that they announced that my flight was cancelled. I was then booked on the 12:45 PM flight. So I had some time to catch up on emails, work on reports and read New Moon, the second book in the Twilight series. I sat at my gate and at about 12:15 PM, they announce our flight was delayed. More emails, work and reading. At 1:45 PM I finally boarded the plane to State College. Once I arrived there I waited for the President of our Iota Mu Chapter at Lycoming College to come and pick me up, which took a while because it was still snowing and the roads we a little scary. She and her roommate, arrived safely and we then began the two hour and 30 minute drive to Williamsport, PA. I took that long because it was still pretty scary out. At about 6:00 PM EST, I finally arrive in Williamsport, PA, which is where I am at until next Thursday! I am helping the chapter prepare for recruitment, and I will be here to help them during recruitment. I have worked with the women of Iota Mu before, and I really like it here, so I am excited and very happy to be here. Recruitment starts on Monday. We have already had two nights of recruitment workshops and they went great! It should be a great weekend! I am very excited!!
Well that’s about it for now!! Have a great weekend!!
All my love-
Emmy
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Best of 2008 & Wishes for 2009
1. Student teaching 6th grade at Scott Middle School and Graduating from the University of Nebraska- Lincoln with an Elementary Education degree were two of the best things that happened to me in 2008. I had an amazing time student teaching and I really connected with my cooperating teacher, Mr. Daharsh and the 6th grade students. I was also the site director for the YMCA after school program at Scott for the past three years, so I have a true connection with the faculty, staff, students and families at Scott Middle School and it felt natural to do my student teaching there. Graduating was an amazing feeling, 4 years of hard work and dedication paid off and I am so proud to have been a Husker, to be a graduate from UNL. Thank you so much, Mom and Dad, for all of your love and support and for giving a great college education. Thank you to all of my family and friends for all of your love and support, and for making my years a UNL fun and memorable, and for celebrating with my at my Graduation party. I love you all so much!!
2. Being hired to be an Alpha Xi Delta Educational Leadership Consultant. Ever since I learned what and ELC was, it became a dream of mine to become one. Alpha Xi Delta has given me so much and I was so inspired by my own chapter advisor, Becky, and by the other Alpha Xi Deltas I’ve met at the National Convention and The Workout, that I wanted the opportunity to give back and inspire other Alpha Xi Deltas. I knew that as an ELC I could inspire women to realize their potential as I continue to realize mine. Alpha Xi Delta is truly an amazing organization and I am so thankful to be a part of it. Traveling as an ELC I’ve been able to see so many great places and meet so many amazing people! I thank God everyday for all of the memories and lessons I am learning as I continue on this amazing journey. I love my job!!
3. I was able to do many fun things with my friends in 2008, and the next few items on the list are my favorite memories from the year. I kicked of 2008 by going skiing in Silverthorne, Colorado in January with my Alpha Xi Delta sisters from my new member class of 2004. It was our big trip as a class, as a group of friends. We had an amazing time and it was a very memorable trip of snow tubing, shopping, going out, hanging out and just having fun.
4. Teri & Abram Clark’s wedding was so awesome. Stephanie Murnan, Alysa, LeAnna, Lauren and Alison were Teri’s bridesmaids. Everything from getting our hair done at the salon to the beautiful ceremony, to the rock star reception, it was a memorable event. Ross, Andy, Matt and a bunch of our other Gross High classmates met us all at the reception. Because we were all in drama and choir together we busted out a few choreographed moves during the reception. It was so much fun!! Love you, friends!! Helen & Josh Cool’s wedding was also a blast! I was a bridesmaid in that wedding as well and it was a great weekend!! We sang to them, we danced! I will say small town boys know how to dance!
5. Alpha Xi Delta’s Senior Week & Spring Formal. Senior Week was a little bittersweet, but very memorable. Spring Formal was so much fun; we ditched our guys and decided to go to formal as a group. We had a blast!! Definitely a high light of the year! I love you girls!!
6. The “Sraguoc” family reunion at Platt River State Park. Tricia, LeAnna, Lauren, Steph, Teir, Alysa, Amanda, Matt, Andy, John, Abram, Zach, Liam and Jared, thank you for being such great friends and for such a fun trip. Can’t wait until we can do that again at the end of 2009!!
6. Weekly hang outs with Liz. Elizabeth has been my best friend since I was 9, and in the last few years, despite the fact that I went to school in Lincoln, we just didn’t get together that often. However, my last semester at UNL, Liz and I were able to get together almost every Wednesday night, we’d meet for drinks and appetizers at Applebee’s, go shopping, eat dinner at Breada, just hang out at her house or get our nails done; it didn’t really matter what we did, but it was great to catch up and reconnect. Love ya, Liz!
7. Training in Indianapolis with my ELC sisters! This was a life changing time. I left home, newly single and fresh out of college, and very nervous of what the next few months would bring. I was so blessed to have 5 other women with me, going through the same thing I was, supporting me, loving me, laughing, growing and learning with me, as we all learned how to stand on our own to feet. These women have become my best friends and I love you all so much. We had an amazing time together in Indianapolis, in St. Louis and in Atlanta!! Memories I will cherish forever!! I also had an awesome time in Indianapolis with my ELC and LC sisters in December. It was so great to get to know the my LC sisters a little better and to all be together again. Winter, Laura, Mary, Heather, Sam, Samantha and Margaret, I love you all.
8. First dates- dinner, smoothies, ice skating and movie- all in one night!! Hand holding and first kisses that take your breath away.
That’s the best of 2008. There were a lot of other great things that happened in 2008, but these items listed above take the cake! 2008 was fun, exciting, challenging, life changing, emotional, interesting, inspiring and amazing! Although 2008 was pretty great, I just have a feeling 2009 will be even better! Here are a few goals I have set for 2009:
1. Get a teaching job.
2. Buy a car.
3. Get a place to live, other than Mom & Dad’s house.
4. Fall in love.
5. Adopt a pet.
6. Go on a few summer vacations with my family & friends.
7. Learn something new, everyday.
8. Dance a little more often.
9. Be brave, take a risk, take a chance.
10. Become a better person, do more good.
I wish you and yours all the best in 2009!
Lots of Love,
Emmalie
2. Being hired to be an Alpha Xi Delta Educational Leadership Consultant. Ever since I learned what and ELC was, it became a dream of mine to become one. Alpha Xi Delta has given me so much and I was so inspired by my own chapter advisor, Becky, and by the other Alpha Xi Deltas I’ve met at the National Convention and The Workout, that I wanted the opportunity to give back and inspire other Alpha Xi Deltas. I knew that as an ELC I could inspire women to realize their potential as I continue to realize mine. Alpha Xi Delta is truly an amazing organization and I am so thankful to be a part of it. Traveling as an ELC I’ve been able to see so many great places and meet so many amazing people! I thank God everyday for all of the memories and lessons I am learning as I continue on this amazing journey. I love my job!!
3. I was able to do many fun things with my friends in 2008, and the next few items on the list are my favorite memories from the year. I kicked of 2008 by going skiing in Silverthorne, Colorado in January with my Alpha Xi Delta sisters from my new member class of 2004. It was our big trip as a class, as a group of friends. We had an amazing time and it was a very memorable trip of snow tubing, shopping, going out, hanging out and just having fun.
4. Teri & Abram Clark’s wedding was so awesome. Stephanie Murnan, Alysa, LeAnna, Lauren and Alison were Teri’s bridesmaids. Everything from getting our hair done at the salon to the beautiful ceremony, to the rock star reception, it was a memorable event. Ross, Andy, Matt and a bunch of our other Gross High classmates met us all at the reception. Because we were all in drama and choir together we busted out a few choreographed moves during the reception. It was so much fun!! Love you, friends!! Helen & Josh Cool’s wedding was also a blast! I was a bridesmaid in that wedding as well and it was a great weekend!! We sang to them, we danced! I will say small town boys know how to dance!
5. Alpha Xi Delta’s Senior Week & Spring Formal. Senior Week was a little bittersweet, but very memorable. Spring Formal was so much fun; we ditched our guys and decided to go to formal as a group. We had a blast!! Definitely a high light of the year! I love you girls!!
6. The “Sraguoc” family reunion at Platt River State Park. Tricia, LeAnna, Lauren, Steph, Teir, Alysa, Amanda, Matt, Andy, John, Abram, Zach, Liam and Jared, thank you for being such great friends and for such a fun trip. Can’t wait until we can do that again at the end of 2009!!
6. Weekly hang outs with Liz. Elizabeth has been my best friend since I was 9, and in the last few years, despite the fact that I went to school in Lincoln, we just didn’t get together that often. However, my last semester at UNL, Liz and I were able to get together almost every Wednesday night, we’d meet for drinks and appetizers at Applebee’s, go shopping, eat dinner at Breada, just hang out at her house or get our nails done; it didn’t really matter what we did, but it was great to catch up and reconnect. Love ya, Liz!
7. Training in Indianapolis with my ELC sisters! This was a life changing time. I left home, newly single and fresh out of college, and very nervous of what the next few months would bring. I was so blessed to have 5 other women with me, going through the same thing I was, supporting me, loving me, laughing, growing and learning with me, as we all learned how to stand on our own to feet. These women have become my best friends and I love you all so much. We had an amazing time together in Indianapolis, in St. Louis and in Atlanta!! Memories I will cherish forever!! I also had an awesome time in Indianapolis with my ELC and LC sisters in December. It was so great to get to know the my LC sisters a little better and to all be together again. Winter, Laura, Mary, Heather, Sam, Samantha and Margaret, I love you all.
8. First dates- dinner, smoothies, ice skating and movie- all in one night!! Hand holding and first kisses that take your breath away.
That’s the best of 2008. There were a lot of other great things that happened in 2008, but these items listed above take the cake! 2008 was fun, exciting, challenging, life changing, emotional, interesting, inspiring and amazing! Although 2008 was pretty great, I just have a feeling 2009 will be even better! Here are a few goals I have set for 2009:
1. Get a teaching job.
2. Buy a car.
3. Get a place to live, other than Mom & Dad’s house.
4. Fall in love.
5. Adopt a pet.
6. Go on a few summer vacations with my family & friends.
7. Learn something new, everyday.
8. Dance a little more often.
9. Be brave, take a risk, take a chance.
10. Become a better person, do more good.
I wish you and yours all the best in 2009!
Lots of Love,
Emmalie
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Baby, It’s Cold Outside
It’s been awhile since my last post, but that’s just because it has been a crazy last few weeks!! December started off with my last few chapter visits to Iota Delta in Oklahoma and Sigma in Iowa City, both great visits. On December 9, all of the ELCs and the LCs and the rest of the Member Services staff all headed back to Indianapolis to finish up our semester and for the end-of-the-year celebration. It was so great to be back together with everyone!! We had a blast hanging out, shopping, going out in downtown Indianapolis and Broad Ripple. I love these girls and it was so great to spend almost a week with them!
After almost a week in Indy, I headed home for “break,” which has been pretty busy and fun. I’ve been picking up a few hours at the Copper YMCA, staying at Kim’s house and hanging out with friends and family in Lincoln and Omaha. Christmas was so much fun and it was so great to just be with my family and friends! The Christmas festivities began on December 23 with a Cheesy Sweater party at Andy and LeAnna’s, with all of my friends from Gross. On December 24 the Krysl family got together for Kolene’s birthday, we then went to church and then to my Grandma and Grandpa Krysl’s house for a fun filled night, which included playing Cranium! We had a blast! We spend Christmas day at my Grandma Padilla’s with the Matis family! The day consisted of eating Grandma’s special spaghetti, playing Cranium, opening gifts and just hanging out.
I spent December 26th and 27th in Gothenburg, NE for one of my best friend’s wedding! Helen and Josh Cool were married on December 27, and I had the privilege and honor of being a bridesmaid!! They are a great couple and their wedding was very beautiful and the reception was so much fun!! It was great to be reunited with my Alpha Xi Delta sisters and dancing the night away! I came home on Sunday, December 28, but I headed back to Lincoln to spend the night at the Pair’s, since I was working in Lincoln the next day. It was so nice to hangout and catch up with Kim! On Monday night I headed to Platt River State Park with all of my best friends from High School for a little vacation. We were there from December 29 to December 31, we just came back today. We spent two nights hanging out, playing games and cards, talking and laughing, and cooking for each other. It was so nice to be all together again!!
I just can’t believe it is already December 31, 2008!! This year has flown by and has been truly life-changing. I hope you have a fabulous and safe night! Happy New Year!!! See ya in 2009!!
Love,
Em
After almost a week in Indy, I headed home for “break,” which has been pretty busy and fun. I’ve been picking up a few hours at the Copper YMCA, staying at Kim’s house and hanging out with friends and family in Lincoln and Omaha. Christmas was so much fun and it was so great to just be with my family and friends! The Christmas festivities began on December 23 with a Cheesy Sweater party at Andy and LeAnna’s, with all of my friends from Gross. On December 24 the Krysl family got together for Kolene’s birthday, we then went to church and then to my Grandma and Grandpa Krysl’s house for a fun filled night, which included playing Cranium! We had a blast! We spend Christmas day at my Grandma Padilla’s with the Matis family! The day consisted of eating Grandma’s special spaghetti, playing Cranium, opening gifts and just hanging out.
I spent December 26th and 27th in Gothenburg, NE for one of my best friend’s wedding! Helen and Josh Cool were married on December 27, and I had the privilege and honor of being a bridesmaid!! They are a great couple and their wedding was very beautiful and the reception was so much fun!! It was great to be reunited with my Alpha Xi Delta sisters and dancing the night away! I came home on Sunday, December 28, but I headed back to Lincoln to spend the night at the Pair’s, since I was working in Lincoln the next day. It was so nice to hangout and catch up with Kim! On Monday night I headed to Platt River State Park with all of my best friends from High School for a little vacation. We were there from December 29 to December 31, we just came back today. We spent two nights hanging out, playing games and cards, talking and laughing, and cooking for each other. It was so nice to be all together again!!
I just can’t believe it is already December 31, 2008!! This year has flown by and has been truly life-changing. I hope you have a fabulous and safe night! Happy New Year!!! See ya in 2009!!
Love,
Em
Thursday, November 27, 2008
So Thankful!
On this Thanksgiving Day I feel very blessed. I have so many things to be thankful for. Here is my list (in no particular order):
1. I am thankful for my family, who love me unconditionally, who are there for me through the good times and the bad, who support me and guide me each and everyday. I love them so much and they make my life complete.
2. I am thankful for my faith. My faith is what guides me, grounds me and gives me hope. I thank the Lord for giving me life, and all of the gifts I am thankful for.
3. I am thankful for my un-biological family, my friends, from every walk of life. They are there for me when I need them, they laugh with me, cry with me and have given me a million awesome memories, and the good times just keep coming.
4. I am thankful for my Alpha Xi Delta sisters and for Alpha Xi Delta, who have inspired me to realize my potential. I am thankful for my Rho Chapter sisters and for my Alpha Xi friends across the country. I am so thankful that I have been given the opportunity to be an Educational Leadership Consultant. I love my job. I have grown so much from this experience and I've learned so much about myself. I have made friendships that will last a lifetime.
5. I am thankful for technology. It keeps me connected with those that I love, it puts the world at my finger tips.
6. I am thankful for my education and my right to vote and I am thankful for the women who paved the way and fought for both.
7. I am thankful for my YMCA family and for everything I've learned from working there. I am thankful for Kim, for hiring me and for letting me stay at her house all the time.
8. I am thankful for the heartaches and pain, for it is part of life, it makes us stronger and it teaches us how to truly live in the moment and appreciate the good things in life. There would be no good, with out the bad; no sunshine, without the rain.
I am thankful for all of this, and much more. I hope you have much to be thankful for. May you and your family have a happy Thanksgiving!
All my love,
Emmy
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