With recruitment coming up, I thought I would share my top 5 things I want all Potential New Members to know before going into recruitment. I hope these tips help you find your homes and open up a world of possibilities. I've never once regretted my decision to join Greek life, and I know it can offer you the same opportunities. 

1 // It's okay to be nervous. When it comes to recruitment, everyone is nervous. The chapters, the rho gammas, the eboard, the other potential new members- all of them nervous. What's important is to not let it affect the way you shine during recruitment. 

2 // Be yourself. It sounds so cliche and everyone says it, but it's so true. Don't put on an act you think the women you're talking to will enjoy. This just holds you back from finding your true home, and when you really think about it, wouldn't it be much nicer to join a chapter where you can completely and utterly be your 100% most authentic self? 

3 // Wear clothes you're comfortable in. Recruitment is long. Do you really want to be stuck in shoes that squeeze your feet, a dress that's itchy, or clothes that make you pick yourself apart? If you're comfortable in what you're wearing, you'll be more focused on the conversations you're having with Panhellenic women than you're meeting as opposed to focusing on what you're wearing.

4 // Ask questions. This shows the chapters you're interested in learning more about them. No question is a dumb question, and they have been trained on how to handle just about anything that is thrown at them, so if something's really on your mind just ask. It's easier to make an informed decision on where you want to call home when you know all the facts. So ask the question- it might just make an impression.

5 // Keep an open mind. So many women go into recruitment thinking they want to go home to a certain chapter because of the pictures they see online and the stories they've heard. It's a lot different seeing the highlights reel than actually living life as a member of that chapter though. Don't go in with a fixed gaze. The chapter you never gave a second thought to might honestly be your best fit, and you do not want to miss out on the friendships that Greek life has to offer to you.

Monday Musings

1// Recruitment week is officially here! Yesterday we had our orientation, and now everything's set into motion. Getting to see all the women yesterday interested in recruitment reminds me why I do this. Their excitement for Greek life lights a flame within me that makes all the stress, long nights, and seemingly endless planning all worth it. I cannot wait to see how this week plays out! 

2// This weekend was one for the books. A boomin' planner kept me busy, but by far my favorite night was the Risky Business party. I love a good theme, and this one was funny just because the entire venue was hundreds of people all dressed the same. 

3// Upper level classes really are no joke. I wish I could tell you all how much reading I've been doing. I also wish I could go back in time and tell myself that all writing intensive courses were not my smartest idea. Either way, I'm taking the challenge and planning for the best. 

4// Living in Michigan my entire life, you would think that the unpredictable weather wouldn't surprise me anymore, but 20 years later, here we are...still baffled. All week it's been crazy high 90* weather, humid, and unbearable, but now all of a sudden it's perfect fall weather. I'm hoping to ride this out a little bit because to be honest I'm really missing the fall fashion right now. 

5// I have finally been able to get back into the swing of reading for my own enjoyment, and I'm so glad I did. Honestly, it used to be one of my favorite things to do and it feels good to crack a book open each night, even if it's only for half an hour. 

6// After a long and stressful week, I am immensely reminded why self care is so important. It's taking some time, but I'm currently trying to strike the balance of finishing my to-do lists while also taking care of myself. So far, I've been successful in my efforts, and I'm looking forward to when this is no longer such an effortful thing and rather just a habit. 

Monday Musings

this space is just so serene to me...

{via}

1 // School has started back up and my "social" life has blown up again. I'm not sure that I would exactly call what keeps me so busy all the time so much of a social life, but more so my "drop-and-go" life. Anyone else know what I'm talking about? Because I for one am guilty of having about 4 bags packed throughout the day so that I can run to my room to drop one off, pick the other up, and then go. 

2 // I must say, I am glad to be back in the academic world. I may despise the pressures that accompany exams, but if I could be a student full time for a career and spend my life learning, I totally would. Not to mention,  I love the structure that is surrounded in my college world. 

3 // Sorority formal recruitment is coming up fast, so if I'm MIA for a little bit, can we blame it on that? Between organizing events, supporting my Rho Gammas, and encouraging women to enter into Greek life, everything has been a little nonstop lately. As it would seem, I love living in chaos. 

4 // Not really sure if this long holiday weekend has provided me with much relaxation, but it has provided me with a jumpstart to studying. Now that I'm a junior taking 300 level classes, stuff's getting serious. I have my first exams in less than 3 weeks, so my engine's already firing full steam ahead. If you need me, you can catch me in Club K studying my life away. 

5 // Before classes had started, I indulged in some Netflix binge watching. As much as I thought the first season of the Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt was a flop, giving the second season a chance was a prime decision. I don't know what it is about this show, but I actually found myself looking forward to my nightly routine of winding down while watching this show. 

6 // Currently, my entire body is sore, but in the best way possible. I finally have access to the rec after two weeks of training and no summer credits to enable my swipe in. Now that I'm back, I must admit I hit it a little bit too hard, but it sure felt good to be back. I'm so happy to have finally found enjoyment in working out- enjoyment that I can feel slowly leading to a passion. 

Where's LJ? {A Life Update}

Hello, hello. 

Sorry I've just about dropped off the face of the Earth- let's catch up. 

In the event that you're wondering where I've been recently, the answer to that is: completely immersed in university housing staff training. Ahh, yes... that time of year again where RAs, APMs, Night Watch, Desk, and all the other staffs that keep a campus running come together, get trained, and prepare to welcome back resident life. 

At my university, this means a two week long, intense training process. We go to camp. We go through safety drills. We even come up with mock rocks. While it's a blast to be back together with some of my closest friends, lemme tell you- this stuff's draining. Going for over 12 hours on minimal sleep and my irregular nutrition (not to mention lack of exercise) has completely thrown me off balance.

While this summer I had little to no routine other than going to work at different times each day, having such a super structured routine has been like a culture shock once again. I love being busy, which I know is totally wrong because we shouldn't be glorifying "busy" in all reality, but having productive stuff to do calms me oddly. I live and breath by my planner, but after these two weeks, I feel lost. 

My mind is racing so fast I can't even make a to-do list. So while I've been absolutely dying to make some blog posts and feed you all some new content, it's unfortunately been pushed to the back burner. I do have to say though, exciting things are coming to this blog very very soon. 

Between my back to school outfits (there's many), and my crazy tips and stories, I've got some great ideas coming your way. All that's left on my end is some piece of mind to actually organize them. 

So be patient with me please. I promise I've got something great in store for you all. 

Hopefully that answers the question of "Where's LJ?" 

Let's Talk Greek.

I'm upset. Actually, I'm peeved. 

What's got me so upset? An article about Greek life. This article, to be exact. While I love the Odyssey and totally appreciate the outlet it gives people who may otherwise have no voice, sometimes it really gets me heated. This is one of those times. 

Frankly, I was disappointed when I saw it pop up in my facebook feed for the first time. By the third & fourth, I was over it completely. Everything from the picture to the final sentence got me feeling fiery. I was also a smidge disappointed with the multiple individuals who shared it, as it very wrongly portrays Greek life at our "small" midwestern school. While I can see how some of these points may be valid at SEC schools, I find them generally untrue for my campus in particular. 

Let's take a gander, shall we? 

1. Belonging. I do not have waist long blonde hair. I am not rail skinny. I also don't own a white lace dress OR a pair of wedges. Truth be told, I only own two pairs of actual heels, and only one pair is considered meeting attire. Do my sisters still love me? Yes. Do I feel as if I belong regardless? Yes. 

2. Sorority Moms. I cannot think of a single sister who has what this author considers a "sorority mom." My mom was never in a sorority. I wasn't a legacy, and I got into my chapter on my own. My mom has lunches with her friends, because normal people enjoy seeing their friends, but my mom also kicks ass at the gym while working a full time job and taking care of her family. The same has rung true for my sister's moms. I don't think I've ever encountered a sorority mom in my life, and honestly, as an active in a chapter, when would I ever? This seems like a stretch to me... 

3. The money. This I see as a valid reason. And yes, at bigger universities / colleges I can see how this would hinder one's decision. I whole-heartedly believe I couldn't afford Greek life if I did not go to the exceptional university that I am fortunate to attend. BUT (and there's always a but), every chapter on my campus, plus the ones that my friends attend across the state, have payment plans and ways to ease the burden of dues. So I wouldn't let the money completely keep it out of your realm of possibilities just yet. 

4. New beginnings. I totally get wanting college to be a new beginning for you- really, I do. I was the captain of the color-guard in high school. Do you know who people hate more than the band geeks in high school? the color-guard, that's who. I was shy and awkward and I hated having to talk to people I didn't know. So I went through recruitment. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and forced me to break out of my shell. Now I'm loud and obnoxious. I'm not sure which is worse, but I'll tell ya- this one is more fun. 

5. Socials. If meeting new people and seeing different points of views and just having fun isn't your thing... I'm not sure what to say. Socials are fun. Themes are even more fun. It's like halloween happening more than once a year. Thought of a rad costume two months after halloween? Not a problem, there's a mixer theme you can fit that costume to work with. It's fun. College is supposed to be about having some fun.  (Would also like to note that I am taking a full college course load + working for housing + still keeping a pretty stellar GPA.)

6. Recruitment. What is one long weekend out of your life if it means meeting your best friends. Nay, your forever friends. Yeah, it's stressful and an emotional roller coaster ride for everyone (and I'm crazy enough to be a Rho Gamma and run the dang thing every year), but really. It's one weekend. Four nights. And at the end of the process you come out with some stellar new friends and a place to call home. At the very least, you have people to eat lunch with, pass on campus, sit in class with, or study with... as opposed to going to your car between classes. Not sure it's much of a toss up. 

7. Stigma. People are always going to be curious about Greek life. It comes with the letters. Most of the time, people don't even know what you do. When I go into job interviews though and have a handful of positions I've held within my chapter, no matter how small, it has always (and I mean always) sparked a good conversation. Besides my ex, nobody's looked down on me for being involved in Greek life. Spoiler alert: the movies are never like the real deal. 

8.Time. You get out what you put in. I have sisters who don't show their faces around exam time and who study their butts off to kick ass in school. They still are relatively active in the chapter, and they're hella focused on their school work. This is just a cheap way to turn me down when I'm trying to recruit you to go through recruitment. You don't have to come to everything (guilty of not going to plenty) to still have an awesome experience.

I'm sure this seemed naggy and plenty will think I'm overly aggressive about the topic, but it's because I know how Greek life has molded me into the person I want to become. For those with the excuses- take 2 minutes and see what Greek life could do for you...

New Romantics

I recently found an iTunes gift card while packing for school, and the first (and only) thing I purchased with it was Tay Swift's 'New Romantics.' Needless to say this post made me feel the title was appropriate. Between the colors and awkward mischievous look on my face, it seemed fitting. 

*also was too lazy to format the pictures to all look uniform + felt it took away from the overall look*

Tuesday Thoughts: Canada Edition(?)

Hello friends! 

I'm not really sure where I'm going with this, but I feel like most of this is about my time in Canada and other bits are just random. We'll just roll with it though, I suppose. 

1 // I had my first casino experience this weekend in Windsor. While I'm not really sure how I vibe with casinos, it was some good people watching. There was quite the range from people right off the streets to people super dressed up just kind of milling around, but that kind of seems to be the Windsor vibe. Casinos make me a smidge nervous though, because I totally have the personality that could get me in trouble with gambling. I'm very much a "I have to play until I win" type of person, so for now I'm going to stick to Dave & Busters games... 

2 // Speaking on Canada, also had my first poutine experience. While the name totally grosses me out and makes me feel v uncomfortable, they were actually delicious. Who would've thought french fries topped with gravy and about 500 other things could taste so good? 10/10 recommend trying them out (especially with mushrooms + bacon if that's your thing). 

3 // Totally in love with the super cute romper that is kind of but not really featured in the pic above (sorry in advance if me and Matt want to make you puke, I'm just pretty fond of him... so actually not sorry?). I got it from Express, and besides being super breezy and looking like a dress, it also has a pretty rad back action happening. Check it out here! 

4 // Keeping with the theme of my foreign adventures, currently sitting on about $90+ in Canadian currency. Because I forgot to exchange it before crossing back over. Possible way to keep myself from spending all my money or just another thing only I would do? You be the judge of that one. 

5 // On something unrelated to all of the above, I am 4 (?) days out from move-in and only have two boxes packed. Partially ticked off with myself but also fully aware that I only work well under pressure and I'm not feeling the pressure just yet. At least it's all small stuff left... though the small stuff is usually the most annoying for me. 

6 // Totally slacked off on my gym game last week & am posting this as a reminder to myself that it's okay to have off weeks. I mostly just want to keep myself accountable for heading to the gym this week so that I can hit it hard before moving back to campus.