The Poodle Post: June 2009

Welcome to Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Delta Omicron Sigma Columbus Alumni Chapter Poodle Post

Sigma Style: How to get a Good Night Sleep

There’s a lot of advice out there about getting good sleep -- and it's very important. We quickly adjust to being sleep-deprived, and don't notice that we aren't functioning a

t a normal level, but lack of sleep really affects us. If you're feeling blue or listless, try going to sleep thirty minutes earlier for a week. It can really help.

Good habits for good sleep:

1. Exercise most days, even if it’s just to take a walk

2. No caffeine after 6:00 p.m.

3. An hour before bedtime, avoid doing any kind of work that takes alert thinking. Addressing envelopes—okay. Analyzing an article—nope.

4. Adjust your bedroom temperature to be slightly chilly.

5. Keep your bedroom dark. Studies show that even the tiny light from a digital alarm clock can disrupt a sleep cycle. We have about six devices in our room that glow bright green; it’s like sleeping in a mad scientist’s lab. I have to put a pillow over the cable box.

6. Keep the bedroom as tidy as possible. It’s not restful to fight through chaos into bed.

If sleep won’t come:
7. Breathe deeply and slowly until you can’t stand it anymore.

8. If your mind is racing (you’re planning a trip, a move; you’re worried about a medical diagnosis), write down what’s on your mind. This technique really works for me.

9. Slather yourself with body lotion. This feels good and also, if you’re having trouble sleeping because you’re hot, it cools you down.

10. If your feet are cold, put on socks.

For information on getting a good night sleep, click here.

Sigma Sizzles: Lemon Angel Hair

12 ounces angel hair pasta
1/2 cup pine nuts
1/4 cup olive oil
3 cloves garlic, very finely chopped
2 tablespoons lemon zest
Juice of 1 to 2 lemons (1/4 cup or so)
1 tablespoon table salt
2 cups grape tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup chopped fresh herbs such as basil, parsley, and mint
1/4 teaspoon coarse salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil for the pasta. Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium-high heat, toast the pine nuts, stirring often, until they are golden brown, about 3 to 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a bowl.

2. Reduce the heat under the skillet to medium and pour in the olive oil. Add the garlic and stir it often, until it softens and becomes fragrant, about 45 to 60 seconds. Remove the skillet from the heat and add the lemon zest and juice. Set the pan aside.

3. When the water boils, season it with 1 tablespoon of salt and bring it back to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook it al dente (for about 4 to 5 minutes or as the package instructs).

4. Spoon 2 tablespoons of water from the cooking pot into a small bowl and set it aside. Then drain the pasta well. Return the pasta to the pot. Pour the reserved cooking water and the lemon juice mixture over the pasta and toss it well. Add the tomatoes, herbs, and pine nuts.

5. Season the mixture with the salt and pepper. Serve warm or at room temperature. Makes 6 servings

(recipe found here)

Chapter News: NPHC Weekend and Steppin with the Sigmas

June 6-7, 2009, Delta Omicron Sigma will be participating in the National Pan-hellic Council Columbus chapter weekend. The council will be doing community service efforts in the Long street area on the morning of June 6. Sorors will take part in a stroll competition with other African American Greek organizations. The stroll competition will take place at Hitchcock hall on the Ohio State University campus on June 6. Tickets are $5.00. All are welcome to come.

To wrap up unity weekend, Greek organizations friends and family will be having a cook-out to bond, have fun and reflect on this weekends activities.

On May 28, 2009 the chapter held Steppin' with the Sigmas. Line dances were taught by Mark of Steppin in the City Productions. Sorors, friends and family learned new and old line dances. Young and old all got a workout and had fun while at this event. Hope to see you at it next year.

Special Edition: Summer Soundtrack

With summer approaching, you will be spending more time on the deck, hanging outside, having cook-outs and enjoying everything that is summer. Since you will not be in front of the TV, here are some songs that will help you make your summer great.

-Summertime Will Smith

-Need U bad Jazmine Sullivan,
-Miss Independent Ne-Yo
-Live Your Life (feat. Rihanna) T.I
-Get up Mary Mary
-God in Me Mary Mary and Kiki Sheard
-Stop, Look, Listen (To your heart) Boney James
-Blame It Jamie Foxx
-Chocolate High India Arie and Musiq
-Diva Beyonce
-Halo Beyonce
-The River Noel Jourdin