Derek and I are using skype to video chat. This is so cool! You can download skype for FREE and talk.
This is one of the beautiful grand old buildings on campus. Isn't it incredible?
What an adventure Derek and I had driving in yesterday among the thunderstorms and lightening. We wanted to get a head start on the morning rush hour so we were packed and on the road by 7am. The storm was so bad that we made it to PICKERINGTON! We decided to pull over and have breakfast at Cracker Barrel in the hopes of letting the storm pass us by. Unfortunately, we ended up driving the same path as the storm. So, the first few hours were a bit nerve wrecking but it was clear sailing as soon as we hit Pennsylvania. Thankfully, Derek was willing to drive the vast majority of the trip. (Isn't he a saint and the best hubby ever!)About an hour from arriving on campus, we pass Georgina Dodge on the turnpike. She is one of the OSU "five" attending the institute. We have a strong cohort of 5 women leaders attending this year. The largest class ever from OSU.
Friday evening was spent unloading the car and briefly exploring the town of Bryn Mawr which is about the size of Clintonville! Very small but quite charming with cool independent stores. Derek was instantly drawn to the comic book store, camera shop and the sushi restaurants while I was distracted looking for the spa and mall. :)
I must admit that I didn't mentally prepare for the complete change in routine and LACK of everyday comforts that I experienced today. I became emotional several times today as I thought about missing Derek, home, my life etc. I keep telling myself..."get a grip, it's only for a month!" I have to shift my thinking and embrace this incredible opportunity to network with wonderful women and soak up their knowledge and wisdom. I am definitely one of the "younger" attendees. There are 7 out 47 attendees who are in their "30's". I know that I am very blessed to be here and that I will grow tremendously from this experience.
Tonight was the official start of the institute. We heard from an incredible African American female president as the keynote speaker. Her name is Marvalene Hughes and she is the President of Dillard University, a historically black university in New Orleans, that was devastated by Hurricane Katrina in August 2005. Katrina hit only 2 months after she arrived on campus as the new president. She was faced with rebuilding the entire campus, literally! Her speech was truly inspirational and proves that anything is possible with the right leadership and clear vision.
We spend the rest of the evening getting to know each other over a few cocktails and dinner. I must admit that this is a truly unique experience for me. Here I am, "Miss Social Butterfly" in a room of 50 people and I don't know anyone. Sure, there are 5 of us from OSU but we just met last month so none of us know each other well. I feel "alone" for the first time in a long time but it is good for me. This is a stretch and I am embracing it.
One last thing...I know Eunice will be proud of me as I have a walking date tomorrow @ 7am.
TTYL...
Friday evening was spent unloading the car and briefly exploring the town of Bryn Mawr which is about the size of Clintonville! Very small but quite charming with cool independent stores. Derek was instantly drawn to the comic book store, camera shop and the sushi restaurants while I was distracted looking for the spa and mall. :)
I must admit that I didn't mentally prepare for the complete change in routine and LACK of everyday comforts that I experienced today. I became emotional several times today as I thought about missing Derek, home, my life etc. I keep telling myself..."get a grip, it's only for a month!" I have to shift my thinking and embrace this incredible opportunity to network with wonderful women and soak up their knowledge and wisdom. I am definitely one of the "younger" attendees. There are 7 out 47 attendees who are in their "30's". I know that I am very blessed to be here and that I will grow tremendously from this experience.
Tonight was the official start of the institute. We heard from an incredible African American female president as the keynote speaker. Her name is Marvalene Hughes and she is the President of Dillard University, a historically black university in New Orleans, that was devastated by Hurricane Katrina in August 2005. Katrina hit only 2 months after she arrived on campus as the new president. She was faced with rebuilding the entire campus, literally! Her speech was truly inspirational and proves that anything is possible with the right leadership and clear vision.
We spend the rest of the evening getting to know each other over a few cocktails and dinner. I must admit that this is a truly unique experience for me. Here I am, "Miss Social Butterfly" in a room of 50 people and I don't know anyone. Sure, there are 5 of us from OSU but we just met last month so none of us know each other well. I feel "alone" for the first time in a long time but it is good for me. This is a stretch and I am embracing it.
One last thing...I know Eunice will be proud of me as I have a walking date tomorrow @ 7am.
TTYL...
I am so excited for you. The pics are great. It really looks like a wonderful place to learn, grow and connect with other fabulous women. You are going to be unstoppable when you return from this adventure. Miss you already and can't wait to see the next post. Enjoy your morning walk. I'll be thinking of you during my workout! Love you:-)
ReplyDeleteMona, you will add so much to this group, and I bet my salary you are the only one who can do the splits! Keep blogging!
ReplyDelete