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The reason for my return is because I'm coming down with a cold. A knock-down, drag-out, make you its bitch, just kill me now cold. I know that may be a little extreme, but I rarely get sick. Stomach flu during recruitment? Missed it. Swine Flu? Never had it. I got chickenpox when I was little. I had one pox and it didn't itch. I typically don't get sick.
But here I am, week 3 of classes and I've come down with a cold. I am tired, can't concentrate and have some time on my hands, which makes me think "ahhh, yes, let's dive back in. "

Taking care of oneself is one of the most complicated parts of being an "adult". When I was little, if I was getting run down, my parents would substitute a nap instead of a play-date. But when I'm in charge of my schedule, I have total FOMO (fear of missing out) so I become completely and totally run-down. And thus I am sick. 
Two ways I like to take care of myself is sleep and drinking tea. I sleep. A lot. Because it is one of my primary ways of relaxing. But sleep really can help you avoid sickness and just recharge you.  There is nothing better than an afternoon nap or napping before going out at night. Or a lunchtime nap. Let me just admit it, I love naps.
The second way I take care of myself is I drink tea. Lots and lots of plain (nothing added) cups of Earl Grey tea. No, I'm not British, but I can agree with the beliefs that a good cup of tea can fix anything.

So while I go off to the health center to see if they have something stronger than DayQuil for me, how do y'all take care of yourself?
 
Well, hey there friends. I've been gone a while, but now that I'm settled into school, things are getting easier, and I can rededicate time to y'all. I am so sorry I've been gone, but it's good to be back.
 
I am beyond happy to get back to y'all. I am so sorry I was gone for two weeks, but honestly, it would've been impossible to post. But now that Work Week and Recruitment are ovaaa I can get back to business. Bid Day is today and I am BEYOND excited to see our new girlies rocking our letters. I promise to upload a pic of the new pledge class but before I can get that to y'all, check out some picks from this week!
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Our AMAZING new composite!
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Ipda enjoyed learning about Pref conversation from our Formal Recruitment Chair/
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Fishtails and Frat Tanks.
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Our Bid Day banner, crafted by yours truly.
Love y'all so much! Have a good weekend!
 
 

I'm headed to Texas today! Two suitcases each weighing 50lb, 7 Boxes and two carry-ons later, I think I have everything. The next two week will be so crazy, but I promise to update y'all and keep up with blog posts. Have a good Saturday!

Xoxo

 
Okay so moving across the country back and forth and just now I'm falling in love with compression bags. How have I not used these before!?! Packing is getting easier every year, I swear!



The bags that I bought, by embark, do not need a vacuum and can be bought at target! Here is an image or the packaging

And here is the link. 5 bags for 21 bucks.

Again. I'm in love.
 
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image via http://www.flickr.com/groups/newyorkcityskyline/
And just like that, my internships are over. It seems like they just started and now here they are, over.
I've had a great time on the campaigns, working in New York and exploring the city.
I saw some celebrities (Cameron Diaz, John Mulaney) and helped out with two campaigns that were and still are great.
Internships are an amazing experience to have because not only does it tell you what you like...it also tells you what you don't like--which is half the battle of self doubt in college.

As I ended my internships I made sure to do a couple of things
First, I met with my bosses and tied up loose ends. We discussed recommendation letters and references, which is exactly what you need at the end of an internship so that was great.
Second, I wrote thank-you notes. Just as you would thank someone for keeping you at their home or giving you a gift, your boss gave you the internship, so they should be thanked accordingly.
Third, I connected (or am connecting) to people from my internship on FB and Linkedin. Friends on FB, Bosses on Linkedin. Simple as that.

The experiences I've had through my internship have been amazing and while some of the things I did, weren't my favorite, I'm glad I did them to learn.
 
There is a silent epidemic striking the United States. It affects those who cannot provide for themselves and puts them at risk. Do you know what it is? Suicide? Nope. An STD? Nope. High School Dropouts? Nope
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image via Huggies
It's diaper insecurity. Bet you didn't guess that.

In a new study by Yale, it is found that 30 percent of new mothers cannot afford diapers for their babies. Clean diapers are essential for babies, as anyone knows if they've been around a baby. Clean diapers not only make the baby comfortable (anything is better than chilling in your own filth) but also protects the baby against infection.

The study also notes that in many anti-poverty campaigns, diapers are often at the bottom of the list or forgotten completely. With diapers costing 6% of the income of a woman on minimum wage, it's believable that there are many children across the US facing health risks as well as physical discomfort.

To me this is insane. Diapers are basic for babies. It falls in the same area as food, security and shelter.  And to think that these needs aren't being met across the nation, is greatly distressing. To put it bluntly, babies need diapers. Like they need them. Non-negotiable. 

AND Diapers aren't covered by SNAP (food stamps) or WIC (Women, Infants and Children), both federal programs aimed at helping those in poverty. When diapers for the week can start at $18, its obvious that mothers need help.

Next time you want to help out around your community, try seeing if your local homeless shelter will take a diaper donation, or donate to The National Diaper Bank Fund

This isn't a charity of the month. I just think it's crazy that so many moms have problems finding diapers, that they aren't covered by federal programs and that babies are so afflicted by this "silent epidemic".

Here's a cute pic of some babies to put you in a better mood after that little rant
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image via Evan Kafka
Thanks to the CBS News for covering this article and Quartz for talking about it in their newsletter a couple of days ago.
 
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Image via The Missourian
After a long week, you've made it. It is Bid Day and PNMS and Actives are beyond happy. PNMs can't wait to meet their new sisters and get all "sratty"; Actives can't wait to take a much needed nap. The day starts out with high anticipation, and usually ends with a fun activity and maybe a sleepover. What isn't to love.
PNMs and Actives alike have so many new people to meet, it may seem overwhelming but just remember that these are your sisters now, the system works and it will work out for the best. As you step away from Bid Day, as school starts, or are thrown into the normal schedule of classes, each group has accomplished something great: making it through recruitment.

At my school, there is a large presentation to the PNMs about how large of a  responsibility wearing letters is. The video, meant to be taken extremely serious, shows PNMs that the sisterhoods that they will join take their membership seriously and their commitment shouldn't be taken lightly. 
In this vein, here is a little poem I found about sororities, which I believe is extremely timely for Bid Day and Beyond.
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via Vintage Greek
While Bid Days are always special, I believe it is the moments beyond Bid Day, that are the most important. Bid Days are beginnings, and sororities are about the entire journey. I am so excited for anyone completing this journey. 
Hope everyone is having an amazing Monday!

 
Okay y'all, I was ambeling around the world wide web out there a couple of days ago and I just so happened to find Sweet Zoe Shop and let me just tell you. I am in love. No really. I'm throwing around the l word here. Love.
So Sweet Zoe Shop's website is beyond cute right? I'm mean just look
See what I mean. My name is written all over her stuff. From cases to thank-you notes, business cards, dart board and t-shirts, it's all cute and customizable. Oh yes I said it. You can customize it because the shop is in Zazzle (which has gotten a major update lately). Here are some of my favorite things from the Sweet Zoe Shop.
Yeah, that's right. That is a skateboard deck in the lower right corner. I don't skate, but I'm sort of tempted to now. This stuff is just so cute and appropriately priced I had to share with y'all. I ordered some stuff for the sorority (stickers for gifts, but I can't show y'all them) and it is SO CUTE and just what I wanted.
Seriously, Sweet Zoe fills the gap that you have been looking for.
Check it out yourself.
http://www.sweetzoeshop.com/