Settling into Autumn in Austin

September was as busy as August, but fortunately I was busy in only one place!  While August brought travel and transition, September allowed me to begin settling in.  I am settling into my apartment and into my role here at Society Headquarters.  I have learned how to navigate Austin's traffic in the morning and how to park at downtown restaurants. In addition to learning how to run the copier, I have also discovered how to NOT disconnect you when you call me at the office!  Most importantly, I am getting to know so many wonderful people in the day to day operations here in Austin.



I am temporarily learning to live on my own again, because my husband is continuing to manage our place while I moved on ahead with one of our dogs, Sally Sue. Of course, we continue to work on arrangements to care for the ranch so that he can
move here with the rest of our "family" (two other dogs, a cat, three horses - unless he acquired another one while I was not looking- and a few chickens).  He looks forward to the day he can come "home" to Texas.

I continue to be amazed at the talented and dedicated women who are Delta Kappa Gamma.  In August I worked with the Educational Excellence Committee and watched with wonder at what they completed during their time together and continue to accomplish undaunted by the miles that separate them.

And then in September, I met with the Membership Committee.  Although a small number of women, they are a mighty force in strengthening what I call the backbone of the Society - our membership.  As we met together, I was again awed by the vision, commitment and focus of yet another incredibly hard working group.  It is no wonder to me that Delta Kappa Gamma has become such a force in my life and the lives of women around the globe.  With women of such vision, dedication, credential, and wisdom, how can we not be a moving force in education today?  If you have not discovered the wonder of our Society, check us out! If you are member, share your positive experiences with another key woman educator today.  If you are a key woman educator unaware of DKG and all that it offers, then seek out a member and ask how you can join.  Otherwise - just check us out! You will be amazed at how we positively impact education worldwide. 

A Great Transition for a Great Beginning!

Change can be frightening at times, but change is often the chariot of wonderful new experiences. I am honored and excited to join the DKG Headquarters Staff as Membership Services Administrator!  As my husband and I make the transition to Austin, we face many changes  - a time which in any other circumstance might lend us only stress and anxiety. However, I have encountered throughout the Austin area, both here at Headquarters and throughout the city, so very many caring and thoughtful people. 

Likewise, I am also getting to know many of you who are members of The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International.  So many of you have welcomed me with warm hugs and encouraging words at meetings throughout the summer. It seems that every time I answer the phone, one of you is welcoming me with warm offers of support.   Your emails have been filled with uplifting greetings and new ideas. You are all such enthusiastic and creative women. How inspiring you are!

August passed quickly with the move to Austin, the transition as I joined Headquarters staff members already hard at work on many end of summer projects, and a meeting of the Educational Excellence Committee.  The members of the committee have so many exciting projects and goals to share - I am amazed and awed by their energy and exuberance.  I hope you all will follow their work as they share about it in the DKG News, on the International Web site and through their blogs on the Social Network.

Speaking of the Social Network - have you joined yet? If not, I do hope you consider joining with the over 1000 DKG members who stay connected with each other through the Network. 

I hope to have a chance to meet each of you somewhere along the way; but if I do not see you before July of 2012, then I hope to meet you when we are both in New York City for the International Convention.  I look forward to serving you along the way and seeing you there.