Advice for a College Freshman

This past Sunday, my baby sister, moved in for her first year of college.  Before she left, I reminded her of previous stories I told her about my college experience and informed her that it truthfully was one of the greatest experienced of my life. It is my sincere hope that everyone can look back and say that.

Now, across the globe, colleges are welcoming incoming freshman.  As a freshman, or even a transfer student, it is important to make college a great experience, so here is my advice to my sister and to you.

“ These next four years will past by in a flash, before you know it, you will be like me, out for two years, looking back and remembering how great it was. That being said, the most important advice I can give you is just that, at the end of the day, only you can make college GREAT.  So go and make the next four years something worth looking back on and smiling.  Try new things, make new friends, go to class, travel abroad, learn new things and be OPENMINDED. In the wise words of Matt Nathanson “ Everyday is the start of something beautiful”, consider everyday at college as another chance to make it a great experience.  At the end of the day, look at college as a safe place for students to grow into the people they want to be. This is your chance. College is a brand new slate. You have the world open to you and there is NOTHING you cannot accomplish if you truly want it.  So go find yourself, find your passion; discover who you are and where you want to be, and have the time of your life doing it. “

It is crazy to think I graduated with my MA two years ago, but my experiences during college made it all worth it. Now, I can look back on those memories and smile, knowing that college made me a better person.  I am honored to have experienced the things I have, I only hope that you can do the same

Trend Spotter: Recruitment

Well ladies, the time is upon us. For those of you who are participating in recruitment, welcome to the club. No matter what sorority you find a home in, all of us are glad you are here. There are a few things however that I hope you wil take into consideration.

1// It's not the big show you think it is.

 Yes, we practice for weeks before you arrive and we are very ready to meet you, but you don't have to impress us with your clothing. I have rushed many girls and I have never once noticed what brand they were wearing or the accessories they had. Of course, you want to look professional and cute but don't go all out or suffer all day in an uncomfortable outfit for our benefit. As much as you may think we aren't, we are far more interested in your conversation than your clothes. 

2// Cool it with the makeup. 

Seriously, like seriously. I will take note way more if you come up to me totally "cake faced" as opposed to a natural glow. No matter who you are; I am far more interested in your personality than your ability to look like Snooki. 

3// Don't show off your money.

There is this rumor about sorority girls and maybe it was true in the past, but it's definitely not now, at least not for me. I don't care if you come into our house showing off a Michael Kohrs watch or a Tiffany's necklace or David Yurman ring, there is a major difference between style and showing off, and we don't like showing off. 

4// Prepardness isn't Weakness 

For some reason, girls think that having things like an umbrella looks bad. Why? Like honestly, why? I wish I knew where all these crazy rumors came from! We don't see you preparing for weather as a bad thing and for the record, if you didn't prepare, and you come into our house soaked head to toe, I hope you know we're more concerned about helping you out instead of judging you. Sisters are sisters.

5// Dress cute but be yourself! 

Of course we want to see your style, that's a major part of you! The biggest critic you will have during recruitment is yourself. Don't allow yourself to feel any different. Dress according to guidelines, but make it your own style. I love to see that more than anything! 

At the end of the day, the most important thing to rock is your confidence. We are so very thrilled you have chosen to go through recruitment, and I wish all of you the best of luck! 

Trend Spotter : Make Your Style Your Business!

College is a super fun and exciting time. It's also a time when you're extremely broke. Part-time jobs are awesome, but can also be  difficult to fit into your schedule. So why not take a chance and start your own little business? 

Don't worry, this isn't a sales pitch for a new buy in group (like Mary Kay or 31). This is a message of inspiration for all those girls out there, just like me, who have way too many clothes and need some extra cash! Thrifting has been on the rise for a while now, and my suggestion to you is basically the same thing. You take all of the clothes you don't wear anymore and sell them. The best part about it is that you probably have a good chunk of change sitting right in front of you without you even noticing it. Not to mention, selling doesn't require a lot of skill or effort. 

To get started, you want to decide how you're going to sell. Luckily, you have a few options. 

1. Consignment (think Plato's) : Consignment shops are places where you take your clothes and they buy them from you and resell. Some places, like Plato's, will pay you on the spot for what they buy whereas other consignment shops only give you money when your item sells. There are a couple of downsides to this method. (1) They tend to be picky about what they buy. I've gone to Plato's before and earned $100 whereas other times I received $7. It's always hit or miss. (2) You have no control over the price. When you sell items on your own, you can dictate what you want for it. Shops don't usually haggle with you and sometimes, they rip you off. (3) Occasionally, stores only offer store credit vs. actual cash. This is great if you're looking for clothes but if you need moolah for other things, you're outta luck. 

2. Online "Shops" : Poshmark, EBay, and many social media pages exist to help you sell. Personally, I use Posh and I love it. They make it so easy to use and the interactions between buyer and seller is usually positive. They are all similar but vary on certain aspects. Here's a run down of a few different sites! 

Poshmark (FAVORITE): On Poshmark, you list an item, ask a price, and post. People see your item and some will buy flat out. Some may try to bargain a price with you, it's your call on if you accept. Once someone purchases, they pay for the price and a flat shipping rate. You will then get a pre-paid mailing label, already filled out with your customers info, emailed to you. You grab a priority mail package, slap that puppy on there, and ship it out. Fast and simple. Poshmark takes $2.95 out of any sales lower than $15 and 20% out of any sales higher than $15. It may seem like a good portion, but they make it so simple and wonderful....it's really worth it. (I'll chat more about Posh at the end!) 

EBay: EBay is less user friendly, but still useful. It has the same idea, you post your item and chose whether to do a buy it now or auction. With a BIN, you set the price and that's it. If you think your item will be of high demand, you set a starting bid and see how high it'll go! With EBay, shipping isn't included, so you either ask for it in addition to price or pay it yourself. Also, the communication isn't as easy. Whereas Posh, where you have a feed for comments, EBay relies on private messages. They also take a commission out of your profits, but don't provide as much support. That's why I usually chose PM. 

Social Media: Lastly, there has been a surge of pages on Facebook and Instagram for buying and selling clothes. This is a great and simple way to do it BUT it comes with more risk. Without a "governing body", you're not protected from bad buyers and buyers aren't  protected from bad sellers. Sites like Sorority Girl Yard Sale have a pretty good reputation, but it only takes one to spoil a bunch. Make sure before you ever sell anything on here, you really know who you are selling to! 

To wrap things up, I'm going to give you a couple tips to getting more views, more shares, and ultimately, more money! Now as I said, I've tried all of these methods but Poshmark is the way to go in my opinion, so most of tips are geared towards that site. But don't worry! If you keep these in mind, you can be a great seller anywhere! 

1. When you first start your "closet" (your page of items for sale!) get a lot of pieces together before you set up shop. An empty closet is unappealing and unattractive. 

2. Take a GOOD quality photo of all angles of your item and highlight any details. (Tip : Don't try to be artsy or use a bunch of filters. People want to know what they are buying, if the photo is weird or hard to see, it's a big turn off!!) 

3. Be as descriptive as possible! There is no virtual fitting room, so people need to know. Does it run small? Is it true to size? I even like to get out a measuring tape and put all the measurements in there. An educated buyer, is a ready buyer! 

4. Offer discounts on multiple items! If someone wants to buys two or three things, throw in an incentive. It's a nice touch. 

5. BE HONEST. If you're having a conversation with a buyer and they say they really like your item but they need it to be a loose fit, don't tell them it is if you know it's a tight piece. Many of my customers are repeats. That's because they know I am going to be up front with them. You want to be sure to build a reputation for yourself just as you would anywhere else. 

6. Package it nicely! All of my items are clean and folded. Sometimes, I like to throw in a free gift (could be anything! Just a little gift to say thanks) And I always include a note saying thank you (Plus it's fun to have a reason to use all the cute notecards I've picked up). Personalizing the item makes the buyer have an even better experience and they'll probably keep coming back. You'll also get higher ratings which is good when new buyers are deciding whether or not to buy from you! 

7. Take advantage of the "parties" and the share button. You can get more closet followers if you make yourself more well known. Share your items, post them into a Posh Party, get yourself out there. A little work will go a long way! 

8. Make a "fake" listing and introduce yourself. Let your buyers know who you are, tell them about you! If you're trying to raise money for something, tell them! Think about why you love a certain store you go to. Usually, it's because of the atmosphere! This is no different!! 

Here are a couple pictures of items I have had for sale and also, my "meet the seller" pic! I love being a Fashionista and getting to make money from it! Take it from me, this can be fun and rewarding, just jump on in and be sure to follow my Posh Closet @mdevine92 

Notes to the LDC: Amanda's Reflection on Being an LDC

Since today is my final day as a leadership development consultant for Phi Sigma Sigma, I wanted to reflect on all of the great things this job has offered me.

In addition to all of the benefits I mentioned in my first SGT blog post, I have had the opportunity to meet some amazing Phi Sigma Sigma women from around the country.

As you can see in this photograph, I received a lot of love from many sisters.

A majority of these notes are from the sisters of the Gamma Xi chapter at Widener University. They welcomed me into their beautiful home eight months ago. Throughout the school year I have worked closely with the chapter to create positive change and exciting new traditions. While it was a lot of work, the sisters and I had fun together as well. From hanging out in the manor to running the concession stands at PPL Park for a fundraiser, we have created many memories. I hope I taught them a lot because these women helped me develop leadership skills that I did not expect to gain. 

There are also notes in there from my consultant big, Shelly. Shelly is an amazing Phi Sig from Oregon who also was once a leadership consultant for the sorority. Even though she is from the other side of the country, she has been a huge support system for me. Whenever I  needed advice, Shelly offered her love and care through phone calls, text messages, and even surprise packages! Shelly mailed me a big package of my favorite candies and she even got me an adorable tank top from The Greek Supply "just because."

I also need to acknowledge my lovely sisters from the Iota Rho chapter at Saint Joseph's University. Some of the notes in this picture are from founders of the chapter and the chapter's advisor, Beth. This chapter has been such a joy to work with because the sisters are sweet and friendly and the leaders of the chapter are very driven and accomplished. Watching this newer chapter grow and experience its first formal recruitment was so rewarding and I look forward to seeing what the women do next.

Even though I was stationed in the Philadelphia area for a majority of my time as a consultant, I traveled to at least ten states and around 20 universities. In the pile I have an adorable thank you card from the Zeta Omicron chapter at Kutztown University and I have multiple kind notes and letters from another former consultant, Christina, after we colonized Phi Sigma Sigma's newest chapter at Farmingdale State College. All of my visits were unique, enlightening, and definitely unforgettable.

Because this job allowed me to explore different parts of the country with sisters, I added in some ticket stubs. I visited museums in Washington, D.C. with another consultant, Katie, and I even attended a campus-sponsored drag queen show with the Zeta Rho chapter at Fitchburg State University.

At the top of the photograph is a review of my work as a consultant after the fall semester. I added the review to this pile because it was full of encouraging feedback from chapter leaders and advisors. I am so proud to see that I have been making a positive and lasting impact on the chapters I work with and visit. I hope to keep in touch with everyone and hear about how they have grown.

There are many other special people that shaped my LDC experience as well. Some additional memories added in this next college include chaperoning the Grab-a-Date date party for the Delta Eta chapter at University of Delaware, helping the Iota Eta chapter at Florida Institute of Technology with formal recruitment, taking photo shoots with the other Phi Sigma Sigma consultants, working at Leadership Conference in Virginia, running extension presentations with HQ staff, playing laser tag with sisters from the Delta Upsilon chapter at Siena Heights University, and bumping into my grand little at a Phired Up workshop.

This has been a crazy eight months, but I do not regret a minute of it. LITP!

When a Sorority Girl Auditions for Big Brother

Remember when I shared that I applied to be on Big Brother in a previous blog post?

Over the weekend I attended the NYC casting call to continue my pursuit of getting on the upcoming season of the hit CBS reality show.

In addition to meeting many other Big Brother Season 17 house guest hopefuls, I got to meet three former house guests from last summer!

First I met the Big Brother Season 16 winner, Derrick Levasseur. This former police sergeant became the lucky winner of $500,000 by winning the three-month long game in the Big Brother house. The casting team saw something special in him because he was a good guy with a smart mindset on how to work in the game.

Derrick hung out with the people auditioning for the whole duration of the casting call. It was a total pleasure getting to meet him since I am a BB Superfan!

Who did I meet next? The runner-up, Cody Califiore! Cody is from a town not too far from my hometown. He was recruited by a BB staff member at a bar mitzvah where he was working as a party host for an entertainment company.

Then there was a surprise visit from another Big Brother contestant from last season! Frankie Grande, a social media star who is also the brother of pop star Ariana Grande, showed up to the casting call!

Conveniently his sister had concert performances at Madison Square Garden the night before and the night of these auditions. He shared advice with a few other people and myself about living in the Big Brother house. I am not sure how I managed to pay attention to what he was saying since I was in a state of shock the whole time.

This experience was amazing and I met lots of interesting and fun fans of the show. We were all exchanging social media information just in case one of us ever becomes the next BB star.  I cannot imagine people freaking out seeing me the way I did when I met these reality stars that just a year ago were regular people. Whether or not I ever end up on this show, I am so happy I met these Big Brother stars and had the opportunity to introduce myself to the casting team.

How Greeks Celebrate Pi Day

In case you avoid math or don't eat dessert or never learned the Greek alphabet, this past Saturday was National Pi Day.

And it was not just any Pi Day.

The first five digits of pi are 3.1415, and the date this year was 3/14/15.

We can take this a step further. And we can extend the digits of pi further. Pi continues on to be 3.141592653

If you happened to have looked at a clock on 3/14/15 at 9:26:53 AM/PM, then you saw some unmatched coincidental history!

Pi Day was created to celebrate the birth of Albert Einstein, but it is often used now as an excuse to eat pie and create great puns within the Greek community.

Fraternities and sororities have often had "Pi(e) a Phi" or similarly titled events to raise funds for philanthropies or dues. This money maker is as simple as buying cans of whipped cream and plates and charging people a small donation to pie a member in the face. I took part in this celebration this year to help a math fraternity, because I can't help but support a good cause!

How did you choose to celebrate this special day? Did you get a chance to pie anyone? Or at least eat some pie? Or... do math homework?

Phi Sig Does Yoga

Inhale, and exhale.

Before Leadership Conference kicked off for the weekend, Phi Sigma Sigma staff members and volunteers had the opportunity to do some late night yoga.

Even though it was my first time doing yoga, I thoroughly enjoyed it. The stretches pulled on muscles I didn't even know existed, and the breathing exercises calmed my thoughts.

The yoga instructor, Suzanne Lovern Burns, carefully explained each step as we went. She shared ways to push further if the stretch was not intense enough and ways to make it easier if the stretch was too much of a strain.

As the yoga lesson progressed, the exercises were more demanding. Phi Sig sisters rose to the challenge every time and impressed themselves with their flexibility and stamina.

By the time the class ended, everyone was exhausted but delighted to have the experience. Trying out a yoga class with the Supreme Council, Headquarters staff, and other lovely Phi Sigma Sigma members and volunteers was a blast. Once my travels are done as a consultant, I hope to take more yoga classes and learn more.

Best '90s Songs for College Parties

At college parties, you typically hear loud beats from electronic music along with super sexually charged lyrics from hip hop songs. And there could also be the occasional country song (on a good night). Parties that play these songs are usually decent, but they are missing something in the playlist: classic '90s hits. Any sorority girl is guaranteed to scream with excitement when she hears the lyrics begin. The crowd goes from somewhat entertained to overly energized when the DJ starts playing hits from the old days.

Here's a list of some of the best '90s songs that are guaranteed to liven up the party:

-"...Baby One More Time" - Britney Spears, 1998

Best sing-along lyric: My loneliness is killing me [AND IIII] I must confess, I still believe [STILL BELIEVE]

-"Semi-Charmed Life" - Third Eye Blind, 1997

Best sing-along lyric: DOO DOO DOO, DOO DUH DOO DOO

-"All Star" - Smash Mouth, 1999

Best sing-along lyric: She was looking kinda dumb with her finger and her thumb in the shape of an "L" on her forehead

-"What's My Age Again?" - Blink 182, 1999

Best sing-along lyric: What's my age again? What's my age again?

-"Wannabe" - Spice Girls, 1996

Best sing-along lyric: I wanna, (ha) I wanna, (ha), I wanna, (ha) I wanna, (ha) I wanna really, really, really, wanna zigzag ah

-"I Want It That Way" - Backstreet Boys, 1999

Best sing-along lyric: No matter the distance, I want you to know, that deep down inside of MEEEE

-"Wonderwall" - Oasis, 1995

Best sing-along lyric: Cause maybe, you're gonna be the one that saves me

-"Genie In A Bottle" - Christina Aguilera, 1999

Best sing-along lyric: I'm a genie in a bottle baby, gotta rub me the right way honey

NOTE: This post should really be titled "Best Songs for Karaoke Night"

12 Classic Sorority Girl Photos

You probably predicted some of the photos you were going to see on here. And you probably have photos just like them. That just means you are rocking some classic sorority girl poses.

1. The skinny arm.
If you don't know this pose, then you're not a girl. You can usually spot this on girls at the end of group shots and in solo shots of girls showing off some attitude. Intended to make the arm and therefore the body appear thinner, the skinny arm has become a phenomenon amongst sorority girls everywhere. But sometimes we genuinely just don't know what else to do with our arms. Is the peace sign still cool?

2. Mirror selfie.
You know when you think you look so cute and your outfit is on point that you need to share it right away? This shot comes in handy when you're too embarrassed to ask someone to take a picture of you but you want to make sure your look is acknowledged that day.

3. Hugging photo.
Aw! This photo always looks adorable. It just screams cuteness and works for groups of all sizes (of at least two).

4. Hand sign.
On the beach, in a foreign country, or at bid day, you will find a plethora of these. No matter where you are, you want the world to know that a [insert sorority name] was here.

5. Selfie.
This had to be on the list and you know it. Whether it is of just you or with multiple friends, you have a lot of these photos. Some were funny Snapchats that your friends screenshotted, and some were intentionally attractive. And then there are those of you that upgraded to the selfie stick. Because that was a necessary addition to the world.

6. Candid.
The jig is up: your candid is carefully planned. In fact, you probably discussed it with your friends before you handed over your iPhone. But that's okay, because "candid" shots are always the cutest. Your laughter is usually coming from absolutely nothing but your impressive acting skills and your desire for likes on Instagram. But if your candid is genuine, then you've hit photography gold.

7. All facing one way (sometimes holding hands).
You're over the prom pics but not quite. This photo is perfect for groups of friends with the same good side. But honestly, this pose takes some skill. You can see I have not mastered it yet:

8. Entire sorority (especially all matching).
When an entire group of busy sorority women are together, you cannot pass up that photo opportunity. The best times for these photos range from big philanthropy events to formal recruitment week. How can you not want a photo with all of your beautiful sisters in matching outfits?

9. Big and little pose.
Cue the tears. The best love you can have is the love for your little. And that is why we all have this next photo. The descending height photo shows off your lineage so you can brag about how perfect your offspring is.

10. Laying on the ground in a circle.
Whether you're fake laughing (see: candid) or just smiling, the circle picture is a common sorority shot. It shows off some sisterhood in a unique style.

11. Duckface.
The infamous kiss-in-the-air shot is another classic. This pose has multiple purposes. We use it to show adoration for a fellow member of the photo or the viewer, to look cute, fierce, or goofy, and occasionally to go along with a frat point. The intent impacts the level of puckered-ness.

12. Sorority squat.
And finally, the srattiest of them all. The sorority squat is the instinctual pose for sorority girls in the front or middle of group photos (note the skinny arm as well).

No matter the pose, the memory is captured forever. Next time a camera points at you, give it your all and own that moment, girl!

42 Thoughts You Have During Preference Round

1. This is it
2. Like, this is the last day before I can hang out with my new little
3. I mean, new members
4. Because I didn’t claim my rush crush as my little already…
5. I hope they like the ceremony
6. Too bad we can’t do the ceremony in sweatpants
7. And with pizza
8. Wait now I need water
9. Would anyone notice if I took a cup that's for the PNMs?
10. I mean it’s for the welfare of a recruiter, here
11. OMG, 5 minute warning
12. Game face
13. But I'm supposed to smile
14. They all look so nice!
15. *Making conversation with rush crush* I hope we are her top choice so far
16. Time to get deep here
17. She’s so cool
18. I should offer her the water
19. Man I could use that water
20. Time to seal the deal here
21. Ah, nothing better than bragging about my sorority
22. Wow, my life sounds so great
23. She smiled
24. And giggled
25. She must want us
26. Oh, time for the ceremony!
27. This heels thing is not going to work out for too much longer
28. Ugh, my sisters are so precious
29. Crap I think I am crying
30. I can’t cry too much
31. I need a cute cry
32. But I just love this sorority and these sisters
33. It’s crazy that these other women in here might be my sisters soon!
34. That PNM is tearing up!
35. This is so great
36. Time to walk her out and finish this up
37. Her wish better be the same as mine
38. One step closer to bid day
39. Bid Day. Bid Day. Bid Day.
40. Our theme is totally going to look the best
41. Oh, group photo!
42. #recruitment

Preparing For Your Big's Graduation

One of the greatest things about joining a sorority is getting a big. I remember ecstatically waiting to see who my big would be ( I can assure you, I was not disappointed). Your big is your role model, your friend, the person who will help guide you as you enter this new and exciting world of Greek Life and, even more importantly life. So naturally, it is a difficult transition as your big's graduation date approaches.   With spring semester starting, many little's are now facing that daunting realization that there big is graduating into the big girl world.  To help ease some of the sadness, here is a list of tips to help make your last semester with your big the best one yet!

1) Hang out as much as you can. This may seem obvious but the the hustle and bustle of school it is easy to forget.

2) Start creating traditions that can go on after your big graduates.  Weather it is a weekly movie night or a monthly coffee date, have a scheduled time to be together allows you to plan ahead.

3) Take a ton of pictures. Every event, or trip to the bar, or just casual hang out sessions, document the moment. Being able to look back and be reminded of your time together, it will help easy the feeling of lost after you go from seeing them everyday to every few weeks. 

4) Speaking of pictures, plan something special to give your big for graduation, For example, with all those pictures, a scrapbook is a great graduation present! I made one for my big and she loved it!

5) Have the younger members of your sorority, especially if they are in your tree, get to know your big too. Long after your graduated your big and you will still be part of the chapter, it is important to leave some sort of impact or legacy.

So as you prepare to enter your spring semester, remember to use the opportunity to spend as much time with your big as possible, cause before you know it, you will be the big graduating and leaving her little for the many opportunities that the world has to offer.

What It's Like Going to the Gym for the First Time in a Year

I have a confession to make: I don't exercise. Unless you consider dancing to Taylor Swift while singing into a can of hairspray a workout, because then I exercise like four times a day.

I knew working out was important, but I never had the motivation (AKA was too lazy) to go to a gym because I didn't know what to do in one. I took Zumba classes, but I didn't do regular workouts. Was embarrassing myself staring at the odd metal machines worth the trip? It didn't seem as rewarding as going to the cafeteria and eating three cookies.

Last week I decided to start making an effort and go 'gymming' with a sorority sister. She can help me understand what to do to make the most of the gym on campus. I decided to go because I had read an article about how unhealthy food isn't only bad for your body, but it also can cause acne. I have had trouble with my skin throughout my life, so I thought, "if how I handle my health can make that much change, I should take better care of myself."

For some reason, that one article did it to me.

So I whipped out my workout clothes that I thought would have motivated me sooner to go to a gym and headed out early with my sorority sister, Jamie. She said we would start out with 15 minutes on the bicycles first. I think I was on a basic level, but it seemed right to be on that level in order to get through the full 15 minutes. I watched a TV show with the subtitles, which really distracted me from the minutes I was pedaling.

Once Jamie stopped, we cleaned the equipment and went to another floor to continue the workout. I felt somewhat accomplished, but ready for more.

On the next floor were these obscure structures that I knew were for abs and legs and arms, but I was not sure how. Being with a friend in my mind meant it was okay to be a little embarrassing, so I messed around with a couple of available machines to see if I knew how to use them. I didn't. So I let Jamie show me what to do.

Eventually we settled at a bench for sit-ups. (After a Google search I discovered that this is called a sit-up bench. K.) Jamie handed me a medicine ball and positioned herself on the bench. After we each did three rounds of passing the ball back and forth ten times while doing sit-ups, I was surprisingly ready to keep going.

The last workouts we did were for our inner and outer thighs. Looking at the labels, I read that they are called hip adductor and hip abductor machines. I learned some new words that day.

Jamie and I had fun on these machines while singing along to the songs playing in the gym. On my third and final round at the machine, I managed to make it through all ten reps. 

Since we had other things to do, we left after that. After about a half hour of exercise, I felt pretty good.

Then the soreness came in.

Days later I still felt the pain in my abs and inner thighs. Save me.

I had no idea that the soreness would last multiple days, which apparently is super embarrassing to not know. "It's good. It means it worked and it was a good workout," my more in-shape sisters would say. I used to think people were just bragging when they said how they were sore, but this was like cramps throughout the body. This was also the moment where I discovered why people have "leg day" and "arm day" to alternate the focus of pain. I'm telling you I really didn't know this stuff.

Anyway, a little less than a week later and I can now reflect on this experience. There was a quote on a mirrored wall at the gym that really resonated with me: "The difference between try and triumph is just a little umph!" Putting in that extra effort to do something good for myself was rewarding, and I definitely want to do it again. I will admit, however, that I may need the motivation of going with a friend to push me in the beginning. Because that soreness, like, WOW.