How to Handle Having a Younger Sister & a Sorority Little

I'm the first one in my family to go greek, and it definitely hasn't been that easy. Especially trying to explain my sorority little to my younger sister. We have a rocky relationship, which is to be expected due to our age and personality differences. Here are my best tips on how to deal make the most of both relationships.

Make time for each sister// Make a point of spending time with each sorority family member. Get pedicures, go shopping, see a movie or even just watch Netflix together. Make time for your littles and daughter, making sure to have traditions so that you can bond as well! It's all about making each person feel important and letting them know how much you care!

Take time to explain the differences// Explain to your younger sister the differences between your sorority family and your real one. It may take a couple of times to completely explain the roles especially if greek life is new for your family.

Highlight the positives of each relationship// With your younger sister you have years of family memories, and an understanding of familial relationships. You have someone who you spend holidays with and familial traditions. With your sorority family you have precious college memories, similar values and a peer who understands what you are experiencing. You have someone who understands how truly special your sorority is, and can share in your frustrations, accomplishments and events!


It can be a little bit tricky, but with a little bit of effort you will hopefully have even better relationships with everyone involved!

xoxo

Family Reunions

My family is on a 3 year reunion cycle. For two years each summer we have one or two family reunions, and then we have a summer "off". To say that I know how to make family reunions successful would be an understatement.

1// Don't be afraid to talk to other members: At one of my family reunions, there are people who are my fifth cousins. Going up and talking to other members whom you don't know can really make you appreciate where you come from

2// Come with questions: If you get nervous around people, and don't know what to talk about. I ask where they went to college, if they have any kids, where they work, and if they've traveled.

3// Older people have the best stories. Some of my favorite people to talk to at family reunions are the members of the older generation. Their stories and hardships have translated into real life lessons. It makes me appreciate where I've come from.

4// Take time for yourself. Most of my family reunions are three to four days. This means that I definitely need some time to myself. I normally go for a walk in between activities, or get up a little earlier to read.

5// Have a good attitude. I know as young adults we can get really annoyed with being dragged around to all of these family reunions and miss out on summer activities with our friends. But I think that if you try and have a good attitude, you'll realize it's a blessing to be able to meet people that you will forever to be connected to.


Do you attend family reunions? Where have you been?

5 Lessons My Dad Taught Me

Some would say that I am a bit of a daddy's girl. My dad has been such a great influence in my life, I don't know how I couldn't be a daddy's girl.

My dad has taught me so much in the past twenty years.

My dad & I fishing!

1// Mistakes will happen, but it's how you react to them. I've made some pretty big mistakes, but my dad has always been on my side. He tells me that I've made the mistake, and now it's time to learn from it. It's not a mistake anymore if you don't try and learn from it.

2// Take a deep breath. If I'm upset sometimes there is no calming me down. I tend to snowball a bit. Every time that happens my dad tells me to take a deep breath. I don't know how many times this has helped me from having an all out meltdown.

3// Work Smarter Not Harder. If I had a nickel for every time my siblings and I have heard this, we could completely pay for college. Even if it was annoying when I was younger, I've really taken it to heart as I've grown older. Just because it has been done a certain way, doesn't mean that there isn't a better way to do it. This might become my mantra as a public relations professional.

4// Girls can do anything boys can do. I am in no ways a tomboy. I'm not a big fan of dirt, I don't like wearing tennis shoes and you probably won't find me playing sports in a competitive fashion. But my dad taught me how to throw a softball, fish, and hunt. Whenever I complain about someone being sexist, my dad just laughs and tells me to show them what I can do. I'm pretty fearless with somethings because of the confidence my dad has given me.

5// How I should be treated. One of the most important things my dad showed and ultimately taught me is how I should be treated by my significant other. The way that my dad interacts with my mom daily has given me a wonderful example of a happy, functional marriage. I'm so lucky to have this example. I also know that I won't ever settle for anything less.

"Some people don't believe in heroes, but then again they've never met my dad"

Happy Father's day to every father figure out there! Not only do I have my actual dad, but other wonderful men in my life who are father figures!

How are you celebrating Father's day?

xoxo

Thursday, Friday, & Saturday

Hey y'all, I know it's super late but I just started using my MacBook Air and I'm still getting used to it.

Thursday
 Thankful for all of my opportunities, especially the ability to travel.

Murano, Italy

Friday 
I am so very thankful for my parents and my siblings. Their support and love has got me through a lot. I'm lucky to have a close relationship with my family! I'm very independent, but I still love coming home.

Saturday

Today I am thankful for my sisters! They have allowed me to grow in so many ways! I have become much more confident, as well as happy. They're constant support has been much needed, and I hope that I can help my wonderful sisters as much as they have helped me. I also can't wait for more beautiful sisters to join our sisterhood this Wednesday!

Tonight I will post what I am thankful for today later on tonight, two posts in one day!

Flat Ashley: Oh the Places You'll Go

You're probably wondering who Flat Ashley is. Well it's my senior picture on a stick that my grandma made to take to Hawaii with my family. My immediate family and my dad's parents traveled to Hawaii for my grandparents' 45th anniversary. I decided that I couldn't go because it was midterms, and there was way too much going on for me to leave for 10 days. (One of my first real adult decisions. Ugh).

My grandma is the biggest sweetheart and she didn't want me to feel too left out! She also she said that she missed me! It made me feel a little better about missing out because of school. 

My family before they left the hotel!

Flat Ashley on Waikiki Beach!

 My dad, my grandpa, my little sister aJv and my little brother aRv on the side of the Hana Highway on Maui.

 The happy couple and Flat Ashley at a luau!

 My grandpa pretending to be Flat Ashley in the convertible they drove the Hana Highway in!

 My family when they arrived in Hawaii along with Flat Ashley.

Aren't I blessed to have such an amazing family? They also have a great sense of humor.

I was thinking that my friends could take Flat Ashley with them around the world when they travel? What do you think?

xoxo

Summer Reflection

Even though yesterday was the first day of September, today is the real last day of summer because it's Labor Day! I thought I would reflect on this summer, and everything that has happened. I feel like this summer I grew, and my relationships with some high school friends also deepened. 

1// Working in an office is much different than working at school. I had to prioritize in a different way. Also, I learned that I enjoy being busy. Sitting is not one of my strong suits.

2// Even though friends are miles away, and communicating is never easy some people will always understand you and your relationships. MB and I have an abnormal relationship because we have been long distance all of our relationship. Having good friends such as KG and SB who understand that is a blessing. This summer I grew close to SB and even closer to KG. I don't think I say it enough, but these wonderful ladies are the reason that I am still confident in myself and my dreams. I can't wait to see where they end up, and I only hope I am along for the entire ride!

3// Life is short, you have to let go. I wrote a post about letting go, and I was finally able to do so. I can't wait to see who else is going to be in my life, and how they are going to influence me, motivate me, and help me. I also can't wait to see who I am going to help, motivate and influence.

4// I can do pretty much anything I want to if I set my mind to it. I have never been crafty, but I did an entire post on how to make something for your dorm. I've also never considered myself a journalist, but I will be writing for The Smart Girls Group Loop current affairs. I can do what ever I put my mind to. (Thankfully I won't be putting my mind to anything that require hand-eye coordination).

5// No matter what, family is going to be there for you. It might not be blood, though I am completely blessed with family that is "blood", I am also blessed with people who aren't "blood' that I consider my  family. I realized that the past year has been difficult, but I have added more people to my family, and I am very blessed.

 

Adios Summer. 

What have you learned this summer? How did you grow this summer? 

xoxo
aVe

PS I know this post is me just feeling blessed, but I am!