Oh Canada!

Hey Friends!

I just arrived at Yale University by way of Canada! I got to New Haven, CT yesterday afternoon and will be staying here until Friday. I'm currently visiting for formal recruitment. Canada was so cool! I arrived in London, Ontario on Tuesday. The city of London is really old and pretty. There are tons of cute little Victorian style houses everywhere. I stayed at an apartment with three officers. It was really fun to get to know them and to learn more about the differences between Canada and the U.S. I was surprised to realize how different the countries actually are. Being from ND, it seems like Canada is almost just another state, not another nation completely. I know that's a very American way of looking at things, which is so wrong, but soon did I learn all about Canadian politics, economy, and health care. All very interesting topics. I also loved that all food packages were in English and French, it made me feel like I was in Europe. Another weird thing is that the milk in Canada doesn't come in jugs or cartons. Instead, it comes in little bags and you cut the corner of the bag then put it in a milk container...very strange. It was also weird to see that gas was only 98 cents. Little did I know that it was 98 cents per Liter not per gallon (duh). I am terrible at the metric system and still don't know the exact conversions! Math is certainly not my strong suite. The only bad part of being in Canada is that one of the members whose apartment I was staying in owned a cat. I am Soooooo not a cat person. I mean, they're fine animals, but to be honest they are huge bitches. Seriously, I feel like cats are the most narcissistic animals on the face of the planet. Dogs on the other hand, really are man's best friend. Oh well, I survived the ridiculous cat who sat on the fridge the majority of time then swatted at your head as you walked by (why you would want to own a cat is beyond me).

My first time going through Customs was interesting to say the least. Going into Canada wasn't too bad (apparently no one is looking to attack Canada), going into the U.S. was redic. I flew from London to Toronto and went through customs in Toronto. First I had to find Customs, which is a feet within itself. Then I had to pick up my bags and fill out a claims form. I wheeled my bags to Customs, the guy asked me what I was doing in CT (try to explain my job to a Custom's official!), then dropped off my bag and went through security again. I put my stuff in the plastic bins like I usually do before they put them through the metal detector, Helga (the mean guard) yelled at me for not taking my computer out of it's case and not putting my computer in a separate plastic bin, and was very angry when I didn't put my shoes on the conveyor belt first. Then I went through the metal detector, then had to have a full body scan, THEN one of the agents went through the entire contents of my bag AND made me turn on my camera, flip video camera, and computer. Apparently, I was suspicious looking. I had about 2 hours to board my next flight, so it really didn't bother me going through this much security, more than anything I was just shocked at how detailed they were. I'm really glad they are though! I would do it all again twice if it means keeping crazies off of the plane. I guess the next time I fly internationally will go much more smoothly now that I know what to expect.

Currently, I'm in "Gun Wavin" New Haven, CT. I was told that it's pretty safe around campus, but not to go beyond campus in any direction. The member that picked me up was like, "Living in an unstable neighborhood is kind of great because it gives us an opportunity to do a lot of service work." I guess that's a positive way of looking at it. I, on the other hand will be sticking to the campus boundaries. I have two meetings left tonight, then hopefully I can catch the Vikings/Saints game! I'm rooting for the Vikes! I don't think I have ever really cheered on any football team besides the Patriots and I don't think that this type of cheering was for the right reasons (let's face it Tom Brady is Deee-lish), but I'm breaking out and going for the "hometown" team! I love how the state of ND is pretty much equally divided in cheering for either the Vikes or the Broncos because it is the closest metropolitan area 10 hours east or west of us! But anyway, SKOL VIKINGS!

Later!

Lyss
(Not too shabby at keeping my resolution huh?!)

Here We Go Again!

Hi Friends!

Currently I'm sitting in the Milwaukee airport waiting to board my 2:25 p.m. flight to Detroit, then I roll out to London, Ontario, Canada!

I have completed my first visit of the semester and it was a good one!

I visited my friend and fellow ELC, Hilary's chapter at

Ohio Wesleyan University.

I helped the ladies out with their recruitment and they did quite well!

They welcomed 8 new members to their chapter last night.

Some HIGHLIGHTS of my trip...

1. My first visit to Steak and Shake - the world's greasiest,

yummiest hamburgers and delicious chocolate/strawberry milk shakes.

I think my arteries are clogged after just writing that...

2. Staying in a hotel in a KING sized bed.

This is a luxury while on the road.

3. The hotel I stayed in had those personal waffle makers.

I cannot tell you how much I love them.

4. I almost completed one of my reports!!

{Hopefully I will finish it in the airport today}

[Hopefully]

Now I'm just sitting and waiting, then rushing to my flight.

Once I get to Canada, I will be shutting my phone down.

For a whole three days...

I will survive.

I am excited to finally use my passport!

I got it last summer and have yet to travel internationally.

Until now!

Hopefully the next stamp I get will be to somewhere even more exciting.

I'm shooting for Europe.

Or

A mission trip somewhere cool like Belize, El Salvador, or Africa.

We'll see!

I hope you are all having a wonderful Tuesday!

I'm going to go catch some lunch {and work on that report}!

Happy Tuesday!

Lyss

Some Images of the last four months...

The Bean in Chicago with ELC friends Whitney (L) and Lauren (R).

Thanksgiving with the Fam in Vegas. The fam (my faves) with Blue Man.

A Theta Christmas tour at the Alpha chapter at DePauw University in Greencastle, IN! Family Photo Op. Top to bottome: Taryn, Whitney, Jill, Justine, Hilary, Mallory, Me, Lauren, and Jennica.

Lauren and I with a gigantoid Elmo on Michigan Ave. Notice my giant Forever 21 shopping bag...I did well.

Yes I'm Alive

Hey All,

I was reminded recently that my blog was "looking a little dry." So, I figured I should actually share what I have been up to for the past two months! That's right TWO MONTHS! That is a loooonnng time to not write a post on your blog. Oopsies! Anyway, right now I am in Delaware, OH at Ohio Wesleyan University! We just wrapped up recruitment and will be celebrating Bid Day tomorrow night! The girls did great and it was so much fun to get to hang out at a fellow ELC Hilary's chapter for a couple of days. The ladies here are so unique and really know how to be themselves. It's been such a fun visit, I hardly feel like I"m working!

I will by at OWU until Tuesday morning then I head to Canada Eh! That's right our neighbors to the north have four Kappa Alpha Theta chapters. Things I'm excited for in Canada...
1. the words hOUse, OUt, abOUt, Clique, and tea towel...
2. foreign candy that I better not take over the border or I'll probably won't be let back into the US
3. Going through customs for the first time. I seriously have no idea what I'm doing and am hoping I don't get so nervous that I accidentaly tell the Custom's Agent that I'm in the business of producing bombs.
4. Eh. Need I say more.

Things I'm NOT excited for...
1. Shutting my phone OFF, that's right O-F-F, not just silented...OFF. Once I cross the border I will not have access to my fifth appendage. Did you know that if you don't have an international phone plan that text messages are $1 each...received and sent!Phone calls are $1 per minute! This means today alone, I would already be about $141 dollars down just for today. So, my friends, I will be only communicating via email. I might actually have to buy a phone card! I don't think I've done that since 1999.

Anyway, it will be an adventure that I'm looking forward to. So I bet you are wondering what on earth I have been up to for the last 2 months? Here's a quick synopsis since November 4th...

• November 8-12 I was at Michigan State, which was pretty cool. I liked it. I saw their hockey arena...it is sooooo not The Ralph.
• November 12-16 I was at the University of Wisconsin. Highlights~ The house is ON the lake, sweet view. I went to my first Big Ten football game! It was a TON of fun. I think the girls were a little embarrassed by the ruckousness (is that a word?) of the student section (the students start tailgating at 10 a.m.) but I thoroughly enjoyed it. It brought me back to my good 'ol college days. Ha!
• November 16-20. I went back to the University of Delaware for round two. Highlights~ I tried a latte at every coffee shop on Main Street...true story.
• November 20-25 I was home packing for Las Vegas
• November 25-30 Las Vegas w/ the fam for Thanksgiving. Highlights~ Too many to list, what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.
• November 30-December 5 I was at Allegheny College in Meadsville, PA. Highlights~Cheese dip at the Mexican restaurant...soooo yummy. I stayed at my first Bed and Breakfast ever. I don't know if I necessarily liked feeling like I was renting out a room in someone's house, it was kind of weird. But my bed was soooo comfortable. I seriously could not drag myself out of bed.
• December 5 - 9 I was at Ohio Northern University in Ada, Ohio. Highlights~ the school's colors were orange and black (Go Cowboys?) and I met the college's president who used to be the president at UND. We bonded.
• December 9-12 All of the ELCs went back to Indianapolis for our end of the semester wrap-up meeting. Highlights~ We visited the Alpha chapter and saw Bettie Locke Hamilton's grave. BLH is the founder of Theta. It was pretty cool!
• December 12-14 Whitney and I visited Lauren in Chicago!!!! It was sooo fun! Highlights~ Shopping on Michigan Ave, Seeing my first ballet ever (the Nutcracker), making candy, seeing The BEAN and Millennium Park, and taking a picture with Elmo.
• December 14-January 14 HOME SWEET HOME. Highlights~ Being stranded with mom and dad in Killdeer during a two day Christmas blizzard, making snow angels in the blizzard drifts with mom, hanging with friends from home, going to a wedding shower and baby shower all in one weekend, Christmas (my fave holiday!), Christmas with the Sturn's (always a good time), game night with my rents and Cindy, doing my Jillian Michaels workout DVD with my dad (He officially thinks she's a bitch because he has never been so tired in his life) and sooooo much more. I had an awesome break and was honestly sad to have to leave. I'm such a baby when I have to leave my family. Yes, I cried, like always, you'd think I would get better.

So, here's my New Year's Resolution: I'm going to write on my blog once a week. That's right one time...per week. See you next week! I'll be either in Canada (eh!) or at Yale (they're smart, shoot.).

Later friends,

Lyss

Sunny & 95!

Hey Everyone!

It sure has been a while since I last posted! I seem to be only posting on my breaks, coincidence? I think not. Anyway, I am currently in Tempe, AZ enjoying some down time with Ross, Sarah, and of course their Jack Russel Terrier, Mack. The current daily temp in Phoenix has been 95 degrees...in November! How crazy?! I have been here since Sunday and have had a good, lazy time. This is how my days have gone so far...

Mack usually wakes me up at 7 a.m.
We watch the Today show.
We take a nap from about 10-12 p.m.
Eat Lunch.
Play fetch.
Work on some reports.
Take a walk.
Watch TV and wait for Ross and Sarah to come home.

Let's just say, it has been a pretty relaxing break so far. I finished two reports today, but need to get cracking on two more tomorrow because Ross, Sarah, and I are going to go down to Sedona, AZ on Friday to go hiking and check out the beautiful views. On Saturday, we are going to take in the ASU vs USC football game. I am so excited to see a big NCAA football game even though the Sun Devils aren't doing so hot this year! :)

My last three visits have been great and I have even had some celebrity sightings! My first visit after my break was to Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, PA. I was there from October 20th - 24th. It was really a neat visit and I enjoyed seeing Pittsburgh, as I had never been before! Plus, Carnegie Mellon is home to Randy Pausch, the author of "The Last Lecture." If you haven't read this book yet, I highly suggest that you do. It is so meaningful and makes you really think about what is important in life.

Next, I went to the University of Iowa in Iowa City. I went a day early so I could hang with my friend Emily Scheich who is going to Law School at the U of I. I really made it in good timing because I arrived on the eve of a Hawkeye football game against Michigan State. I don't know if you have heard, but Iowa has been kicking butt in football this season! On Saturday night, Emily and I met up with some of her Law School friends and watched the game at a local sports bar/restaurant as the game was at MSU. Iowa went on to win the game with literally 3 seconds remaining! It was insane! Everyone was running around downtown cheering and hooping and hollering! It was pretty cool to see the team go 7-0 and make history! They are now 8-0 and ranked 4th in the BCS! Let's hope they make it all the way to play the Gators in the championship game. I always have to root for the underdog! Especially from the midwest! I had an awesome time seeing Emily. We got to catch up and chat and even met for lunch and coffee a couple of times during my visit. I am so blessed to have such wonderful friends!

After that little one day break, Em dropped me off at the chapter house and my visit lasted from October 24-29. The girls at the Theta at the U of I were really nice and I thoroughly enjoyed their House Mom who reminded me of my friend Jill's mom Gail! :) While I was in Iowa City, I also got a chance to have lunch with former ELC and current IU Greek Advisor, Melissa Shaub. It was really fun to swap stories with someone who truly understands what this crazy job is all about. She took me to a great local restaurant called Atlas where we ate burritos that had BBQ pork, coleslaw, and mashed potatoes in them and were topped with fried onions. It's a strange combo but so yummy! One day, I also had the chance to dine with Mary Jane Beach, who is Theta's current Panhellenic delegate and is a former Grand Council President. It was pretty great to dine with a Theta celebrity like Mary Jane! Emily joined us for lunch and we enjoyed talking about nerdy Theta stuff as well as life and of course football. It was so much fun catching up with some great Thetas!

My finally visit of this three visit stretch was back to Lawrence University for pilot support from October 29-November 1. The Alpha Psi chapter at Lawrence is one of our chapters that transitioned to a smaller officer structure. We are visiting these chapters twice to ensure that the transition is going smoothly. I enjoyed coming back to this chapter and working with these fantastic women. Another great part of this visit was that I got to stay at a hotel! This is a pretty big perk when you are used to staying in sorority houses or dorm rooms! Not only did my hotel contain not one but two queen sized beds with down comforters, it also was the hotel that the Minnesota Vikings were staying in for the Viking/Packer game! What are the odds?! I didn't get to see Brett Favre, but I did see Vikings head coach, Brad Childress and ran into a couple of other rather large men, which I assumed were Vikings players. I didn't get any autographs because I would rather sit in my bed and watch TV then wait for the Vikings to come out of their hotel rooms, but it was still pretty cool! I think I was the only one in the hotel who wasn't going to the game, but never the less, I enjoyed my stay in the Radisson!

Well, I better hit the hay. Mack's 7 a.m. pouncing wake-up call is going to come early! I have had a wonderful time in Phoenix so far and am really looking forward to this weekend! On Sunday I am back on the road for another three visit stretch...Michigan State, University of Wisconsin, and University of Delaware. After my three visits, I head back home to ND (yippee!) on November 20th. I will be home for about 6 days, then our family is going to Las Vegas to meet up with my dad's side of the family and celebrate Thanksgiving...Viva Las Vegas Style! It should be interesting eating a Thanksgiving buffet, but I'm sure I will enjoy it regardless!

Until the next break,

Lyss :)

P.S.~ My thoughts and prayers go out to the families and friends of the three members of the DSU softball team who tragically died this week. It's a stark reminder that we must live each day to the fullest and to be thankful for what we have. ~A

R&R

Hey All,

I have been home this past week for a little R&R and let me tell you it has been amazing! Once again, Laura, being the saint that she is, picked me up at the Bismarck airport on Thursday night. The ND weather decided to be fickle (as always) and decided to rain/sleet all night, but I made it home safely to a yummy home cooked meal. Most of my time at home has been spent writing reports, getting re-organized, and repacking for the change in seasons, but I did enjoy watching the Sioux/Gopher hockey game with the rents this weekend. Once again, the Sioux dominated those silly Gophers! We won 4-0 Friday then tied on Saturday. I am so excited for hockey season! The team is looking good, even though they are pretty young. I feel a national championship coming on...well I hope anyway!! Tomorrow night I will be driving back to Bismarck and staying with Laura and Gerald. My flight leaves at 7:40 AM on Tuesday morning, so thank goodness I have amazing family members who always have an open bed for me!

My last visit was from October 6-11 at the University of Delaware, which was absolutely great! The girls were SO nice and welcoming. I am excited to go back in the middle of November! After Delaware, I flew to Indianapolis for mid-semester meeting. It was so good to see all of the ELCs and hear their stories of life on the road. We had a great time catching up, giggling, and swapping sorority tales :)! I am so lucky to have such amazing co-workers/friends! I know often the rebuttal to not joining a sorority is that people "don't want to buy their friends." Well let me tell you, I surely did not pay enough for my sorority sisters, we once figured out that it was $5.50 per sister! Ha ha! Soooo worth it! Anyway, I had made a comment to the other ELCs during training that we were so lucky, we get paid to be friends! Which is amazing! Ha ha!

On Tuesday I head to Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, PA from Oct. 20th to the 24th! I'm pretty excited! If you have ever read the book "The Last Lecture" by Randy Pausch, you would be excited to go to CM too! If you haven't read "The Last Lecture," you should! It's a quick read and gives you a great new perspective on life, which I am all about these days! Another great book is "The Secret." It will make you think a little differently about life.

One thing that I am learning from this job is that I am alone a lot, which I really enjoy. This seems completely ridiculous, since I was always the person who loved to be in big crowds and hanging with tons of people! I have learned to love being by myself. I have learned so much about what I am capable of and what I have to work on and that I have so much more to learn! It's great. So, my hope to you this week is that you get at least 10 minutes to be completely and totally by yourself and just chill. It makes such a huge difference!

I hope you all have an excellent Monday! I will be packing and tying up loose ends at home before I hit the road for Bismarck tomorrow night, then it's PA on Tuesday!

Keep in touch! Give me a call sometime or send me a text, it's always good to hear from the people you love out on the road!

Chapter Houses!

I decided to post some pictures of the chapter houses that I visited. This is one of my favorite parts of my job! The different facilities are so different and unique and some chapters do not even have houses!

Clemson University (Clemson, SC), the Delta Phi Chapter

California State University Fresno (Fresno, CA) Gamma Chi Chapter

University of Montana (Missoula, MT) Alpha Pi Chapter

The College of William & Mary (Williamsburg, VA), Beta Lambda Chapter

Hanover College (Hanover, IN), Nu Chapter

I am currently visiting the Zeta Tau chapter at the University of Delaware! I will post a pic of their chapter house soon! I also promise to be a better blogger. After a day of writing reports the last thing I want to do is type some more, but I will suck it up and start posting more! I promise! :)