Hello to all my sisters, wherever you are tonight.... Every Phi Sig in Louisville -- and we are nearly 30 strong -- is at the opening ceremonies of the Games right now, except me: Lisa Romero of Epsilon Zeta (Bloomsburg University, PA), alumnae volunteer, mentor to our collegian reporter Allison Brunner and editor of The Sphinx, as well as most of the blogs you've been reading.

As a journalist of 18 years, I know that when you've experienced the kinds of emotionally charged moments seen here at the Games -- and you either need to write, or help others write, about them in a meaningful way -- a little downtime is important. Gives the head room to think, the heart room to feel, and the soul room to breathe.

So while I have this rare quiet time to pause and reflect, what I want most to share with you is this: In a world that's going 500 miles a minute, where people barely speak to each other, let alone take time to care for their fellow man, where young people are often, and unfairly, called 'self-focused' and money seems to be a motivating factor in everything, these Games symbolize What Can Be. A world of people helping people, of women of every age helping women and the world -- as we Phi Sigs have done for nearly a century.

If you've been moved by these blogs, by a sense of nostalgia for the power and beauty of sisterhood, and you're currently out of touch with us, won't you think about reconnecting today? It's as simple as visiting our Web site at http://phisigmasigma.org/alumnae (and clicking on 'Change Your Address/Tell Us About Yourself'). Our Fraternity remains as beautiful in its mission and vision as it is strong; we're making a real difference here in Louisville and everywhere Phi Sigs are. But our sisterhood would be even stronger and more meaningful with *you* in it. Who knows what great things we could achieve together? The possibilities are endless! Remember: Phi Sigs can afford to dream big. Isn't that what 'diokete hupsala' is all about?

Glad you dropped by and kept me company tonight. Our sisters should be returning any moment. And, hey, you know what that means.... Stories, laughter and memories in the making. I'm ready, aren't you?

Quiet time is over! Let the blogging recommence!

LITP,

Lisa Romero
Editor, The Sphinx
LRomero@PhiSigmaSigma.org

P.S. Look for your newest issue of The Sphinx to arrive in the next few weeks!