To Whom Much is Given, Much is Expected

This blog is pretty much a testament to how blessed I feel! I am really lucky to have such a wonderful life. An amazing husband, smart and sweet children, a family unparalleled in support and love, and just an overabundance of all the things that really matter in life. I do not take any of it for granted. Recently, I was given a "promotion" where I will now serve as College District President for my district. The details are many, and the role is large and I won't bore you with the specifics, but it is a huge honor and a massive responsibility that I do not take lightly. I have oversight of our chapters in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, and Colorado, as well as management of the district team. I am so happy to embrace this opportunity. As I have mentioned before, my involvement with this organization has provided me friendship and opportunity beyond measure - it has given me a lot, and I am thrilled to be able to give back my time and dedication.

I came into the role just in time for the annual College District President meeting. It was a great chance for me to meet my counterparts and learn A LOT. We really crammed in a ton of stuff in a weekend - meeting from 7am and working straight through in a conference room until dinner. To be discussing and reviewing and learning with such bright women was so mentally satisfying! Of course, we are a social organization as well, so we were sure to get out and enjoy some fantastic meetings in our very wonderful meeting location - New Orleans!!!!

Wow - New Orleans during Mardi Gras is.....interesting. Honestly, I cannot understand why anyone over the age of 25 (max) would necessarily spend their hard earned money to go and surround themselves with completely inebriated, stumbling crazy people removing all sorts of articles of clothing. We were there two weeks before the actual Mardi Gras and it was pretty crazy. Let's just say I am glad I brought a "Bourbon Street Specific" pair of pants for the one hour that we strolled there, because after just walking through that early mardi gras slop, they were pretty much toast. Our group must have looked like such prissy tourists - a group of ladies (not many there other than us, if you understand me) strolling down the street, our heads alternatively on swivels or ducked down out of embarrassment at witnessing something that really should never happen in public or private! :)

Seriously, though, it was an adventure - and now I can check the box on that life experience. New Orleans (aside from Bourbon St.) was just truly lovely and charming, the people were great, and we did some great strolling. We saw parades and heard fun music and enjoyed some delicious meals. Best of all, though, was the company. Such smart women! I get to work, daily, with an attorney, an FBI counter-terrorism agent, a cell-biologist, a lobbyist...the list goes on! Lucky me! :)

Here are some pics from our limited but well used free time in the Big Easy.

These are my fave ever. Beignets from Cafe du Monde. To. Die. For. You have to bend over like that or you will drown in powdered sugar.

One of the only pics that came out cute from Bourbon street because so much ickyness is going around in the background of other ones! :)

After Sunday Brunch at Brennans.