The Sisterhood of Motherhood

When I started college in the fall of 1989, I had lived in Arkansas for only about 8 months. I still stood out like a sore thumb with my boy-short hairstyle (this was the era of the “Bow-Heads” after all) and my Northern accent.

When my roommmate, (a gorgeous Brunette from Texas with long, thick hair, designer clothes, and hair bows aplenty) was devastated by the rejection she experienced on Bid Day following Rush week, I did my best to cheer her up. I sympathized, but could not empathize. Joining a sorority was just a foreign concept for me and I could not, for the life of me, understand its significance or its importance to her and hundreds of other girls that fall.

So, imagine my surprise when I joined a “sorority” last month.

That’s right. A sorority. The LTYM sorority.

“Rush” consisted of writing and submitting a story on some aspect of motherhood. A live audition took the place of the house party where the committee looks you over and determines whether or not you are a fit. Then comes the “Bid Day”. In this case, anxiously awaiting an email inviting you to join and giving more details about “orientation.”

On a Tuesday evening in May, I met my fellow “sorority sisters.” Of course, some of them I already knew well, some I was merely acquainted with, while others were complete strangers. We nervously made small talk with one another while we sized each other up, trying to determine what our role would be in the group dynamic that was sure to unfold. I left that gathering not feeling particularly connected to the group, but still very much aware that these 14 women and 1 man were going to become important characters in my life. The ground work for friendship had been laid.

Another few weeks went by and we all gathered again, this time to share our stories for the first time aloud with one another. This experience was like what I imagine must be the equivalent of the endless nights of slumber parties in the sorority house. Baring your heart and soul as you share dreams and disappointments, confess your weaknesses, and Make one another laugh until the makeup runs and your side aches, all while pigging out on cheese dip, sushi, and chocolate covered strawberries.

My sorority sister Rhonda Fincher and I backstage at Listen to Your Mother

Finally the day of the Listen to Your Mother Show arrived. We spent hours together primping in the large mirrors of the green room. We, of course, took the traditional sorority girl group party pic to mark the occasion. And then we waited for our moment to take the stage and make our debut. Afterwards, we were greeted backstage with cheers from our fellow sisters (and brother).

Like any great party, the night flew by in a blur. There are a few brief moments of clarity, but mostly we were just left with a feeling of euphoria and the wistful knowledge that we will never have THIS experience again.

So after being a self proclaimed GDI in college, I am now a proud member of the 2013 Pledge class of the NWA Chapter of LTYM. And I look forward to the lifelong friendships with these sorority sisters, seeing one another at reunions, and welcoming the future pledge classes to the Sisterhood of Motherhood.

Mango Salsa Recipe

We have a winner!

Last weekend on our anniversary trip, Mark and I had lunch at Local Flavor.  We ordered their chips and salsa as an appetizer, which was a salsa duo.  One salsa traditional, the other a mango/craisin concoction that I haven’t been able to get off of my mind!

With this being Memorial Day weekend, it was the perfect opportunity to try and re-create the recipe and then test it out on unsuspecting guinea pigs my family.

Let’s just say, it was a hit!  In about 10 minutes flat we had devoured an entire bag of taco chips and the salsa too!  (Which is why I have a photo of the ingredients and NOT the finished product.  That, and a I sustained and injury while prepping the salsa.  When they suggest wearing latex gloves while chopping jalapenos, they really mean it!)

Ingredients

• 2 ripe mangos, peeled and chopped
• juice of 2 limes
• 1 clove of garlic, pressed
• 2 Tbs. red onion, minced
• 1 jalapeno, seeded and chopped (Wear the gloves. Trust me.)
• 2 Tbs. cilantro, chopped
• 2 Tbs. honey

Directions

Combine all ingredients and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, allowing flavors to meld.  Serve with chips, or on top of grilled fish.

Almost Showtime

This morning I joined a few of my fellow cast mates from the upcoming Listen to Your Mother show and we taped (is that even the right word? I’m pretty sure they captured us in some sort of digital format that did NOT involve tape of any sort) a segment which will air at 7 a.m. Thursday on the Fox News Edge.

Me, Courtney, Sarah & Rhonda on the Fox News Edge set.

I’m really looking forward to the “showtime” aspect, but I have a feeling that what I will treasure most is the friendships that will develop through this shared experience. I am already in awe of these mothers (and the one token DUDE!) for their willingness to share their stories; their touching, poignant, often hilarious, honest, and heart wrenching stories.

We’ve all got something in common (besides choosing variant of some shade of purple to wear on television) Of course, there is the obvious: motherhood. But deep down, we must all be craving a little bit of attention, or affirmation, or heck – maybe we are all just a bunch of show-offs! (Except Rhonda. Never in a million years would I call Rhonda Fincher a show-off!Over the next several years I imagine we will discover many more traits in common, and huge differences as well.

Today, Sarah Hood told me that her parents are from South Dakota. (I KNEW their was something irresistible about that girl!) Courtney wowed me again with the poised, polished delivery of her brutally honest story. And the only thing I can add about my dear friend  Rhonda is that I am incredibly PROUD to call her friend. Sharing this experience with her is so, so sweet.

I look forward to getting to know this little posse more and more in the days ahead, and at our annual reunions at Listen to Your Mother NWA!

PS- the blurry iPhone pic is courtesy of, ironically, the shows producer who was critiquing OUR takes!

Anticipating the Anniversary Trip

Yesterday was the 20th anniversary of our 1st anniversary.  (And for those of you who were word problem challenged, that means we celebrated our 21st wedding anniversary.)

We spent our first wedding anniversary in a great B & B in Eureka Springs.  I remember vividly that Parmesan broiled tomatoes were served with breakfast and that was just TOO COOL!  One of the other couples at the B & B was also celebrating their anniversary and we ended up spending a good part of the day with them browsing all of the quaint shops in town and lunching at Doolin’s on the Corner.  Of course, if that had happened in 2013 we would instantly become Facebook friends and we would keep up with one another for the remainder of time.  But alas, I don’t remember their names so I’ll just wish Whats-their-names a happy anniversary from us!

When we got back into town, Mom and Dad met us at the church for the first of our annual anniversary day snapshots at “the wedding tree.”

This afternoon I’m sitting here watching the clock and waiting to hear from Mark who promised to do his best to leave the job site at a reasonable hour.  We’re heading BACK to Eureka for this anniversary.  This time, we are staying in a resort on the lake just 12 miles outside of town.  I’ve got our clothes and the cooler packed and I’m ready to BE THERE ALREADY!

If “feeding” were a love language (and I would argue that it SHOULD be) then Mark will know how loved he is this weekend.  Our little spot has a full kitchen and a grill and I’m surprising him with a little surf ‘n turf tonight – ribeye steaks, grilled shrimp,  baked potatoes and veggie skewers.  Tomorrow’s breakfast will be bagels with cream cheese, smoked salmon, lemon wedges, capers and minced red onion and strong, fresh ground coffee.  I imagine we will lunch in Eureka and I’d bet money we’ll have dinner at Ermelio’s.

Hurry up Dilday!  I think I hear Eureka calling our name! (But maybe it’s just my stomach that’s growling?!?)

Traditions

I love a good tradition.  And May is full of them.

The neighborhood elementary school held their “Root Rocket Run” this morning and I, as always, lazily watched them race by from my front porch/window while sipping coffee and lounging in my pajamas.  You can bet that running will never be my thing. But my hat is off to those who do!

Tomorrow is Mother’s Day.  We’ll go to church then spend the day around my mom and dad’s pool and share a meal.  A new tradition started last year, is to have a shrimp boil for Father’s Day.  However, since my folks will be traveling that weekend, we’re doing the shrimp boil for Mother’s Day.  Who says you can’t be flexible with traditions?

Speaking of Mother’s Day, we’re having our 3rd annual NWA Mother’s Day Tribute campaign at SPSF NWA.  Check it out.

I even wrote a tribute to MY MOM.

Next week Mark and I will celebrate our 21st wedding anniversary.  Our tradition is to take a photo at our “wedding tree.”  We planted a small flowering crabapple tree on the grounds of our church — Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Fayetteville – on our wedding day, and each year we take a photo there.

I’m hoping to resurrect an old tradition of a weekend getaway to Eureka Springs for our anniversary.  We shall see if the stars and the moons and the planets align for that one.

Last year I started what I hope will be an annual tradition.  After having lunch with friends, we went to the local production of “Listen to Your Mother.”  This year, I am IN the production.  Couldn’t be more excited about this adventure and sharing it with some remarkable mamas (and a guy too!)

#LexusbyTexas #Nerium

A month ago I jumped into a direct sales/relationship marketing business.  I come by this naturally, because my mom was a Home Interior displayer for 19 years and I had a Pampered Chef business for 6 years.

Why?

Here’s my why:  In the last two years both of my girls have been invited to go to the beach with their friends for Spring Break.  While I am SO GRATEFUL for those friendships and those loving families that invited my daughters to join them, my heart hurt.  I wanted to give them those experiences.

http://www.jodydilday.nerium.com

Nerium International is a brand new company with a GROUND FLOOR opportunity.  There’s hardly anyone doing it in Northwest Arkansas.  I tell my friends it’s like buying Walmart stock from Mr. Sam in the early days.

In my first month I’ve earned my $499 investment back AND made a profit.  In fact, I’ve been paid EVERY WEEK since I joined.

I’m just wrapping up a conference call where the company is telling us about a promotion that will run from May 1st – July 10th.  Bonuses from $500 to $5,000 will be awarded to EVERYONE who qualifies.  Not only do I plan to earn a cash bonus, I want to make this happen for others.

Who’s with me??!?

My New Adventure

I’m excited to share that I have joined an incredible company that is breaking records and offering REAL results and REAL opportunities for anyone who wants to look better and live better.
In fact, we’ve just issued a press release about our latest achievement.
If you’re interested in learning more, I invite you to call me/text me (479-601-3647), tweet me (@jdilday) or simply join me at www.jodydilday.nerium.com.

Nerium International Receives the 2012 Global 100 Bravo Award for Growth
Nerium receives the 2012 Global 100 Bravo Award for growth in business. With the astounding amount of sale growth in the first year of business the Bravo Award was an honor to receive for the success.

Addison, Texas (PRWEB) April 04, 2013

The Global 100 Awards were initiated in 2010, honoring the top 100 direct selling companies in the world. In the same year, the Bravo Award for Growth was introduced. The Bravo Award is granted to the company with the greatest percentage of certified revenue increase over the prior year.
Nerium International, a company that markets breakthrough skin care products validated by science, is pleased to receive the 2012 Global 100 Bravo Award for Growth.
John Fleming, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Direct Selling News, which publishes the Global 100 list, says, “In my many years in the industry, I do not think we have ever experienced a brand new company achieving $100 million in revenue in its first year of business. This achievement is a testimony to the leadership team, quality of product, service and support but also a tribute to the thousands of people who have chosen Nerium as customers and brand partners. This is really a remarkable accomplishment!”
Nerium International, which launched in 2011, did not launch in a rush. In fact, one of the company’s core values is to “slow down to go fast,” a concept that laid the foundation for the company’s phenomenal public reception.
Still, Nerium International’s CEO and Founder, Jeff Olson, was only willing to put his confidence in a product with more than a decade of research behind it. “My dream was to create the perfect direct sales company,” says Olson. “The combination of a long-range company mission, a well-planned business opportunity and a scientifically proven product allowed Nerium International to achieve the coveted Global Bravo Award for Growth.”
“Receiving this award really further validates the breakthrough product that NeriumAD is!” says co-Founder and Vice President of Marketing and Culture Amber Olson. “It is exciting for us to see the growth that comes from truly satisfied consumers, which in turn creates a fast-growing business for our brand partners.”
Brand partners, or those who sell the company’s flagship product, NeriumAD, are the primary focus of Nerium International. In fact, as President and co-Founder Dennis Windsor says, “Our management team is totally synched with the field. We listen, trust, empower and truly love our brand partners.”
While every successful business keeps a keen eye on its sales, Nerium International is about more than just the money. With programs such as Nerium Gives Back (to help boost brand partners’ financial success) and the Nerium Ripple (to make an active difference in others’ lives), along with the company’s partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, it’s clear that Nerium International has sought to offer authenticity and value from day one.
For more information about Nerium International, please visit Nerium.
About Nerium International:
Nerium™ International, LLC, headquartered in Addison, Texas, markets breakthrough products validated by science. In 2011, the relationship marketing company partnered with Nerium SkinCare™ Inc. (a subsidiary of Nerium Biotechnology, Inc.®), to deliver the NeriumAD™ skincare line. These first-of-their-kind products – clinically proven to reduce the appearance of fines lines and wrinkles – are the result of leading-edge research into the Nerium oleander plant and its age-defying results when applied to the skin. Led by an executive team with more than 150 years of collective experience, Nerium International is committed to developing and distributing skincare products that are rooted in real science and produce real results that improve consumers’ lives. For more information, please see our Nerium site.