Round two, the philanthropy and video round, brought slightly better weather in that it wasn't snowing or raining or sleeting or anything. It was killer icy though, a few girls wiped out on the sidewalks. Luckily, I've gotten good at baby, flat footed steps that make getting to places take twice as long, but I avoid killing myself on the way to class, so I suppose its worth it :P
I was cut moderately heavily, which didn't surprise me. My heart really wasn't into it on the first night. I had just learned of some really devastating family news so it was hard for me to fake a smile. My father's been sick for about 7 months now and he finally decided on Friday night that he couldn't fight anymore. My mom thought that it would still be a good idea for me to go through rush, if nothing else, it's a worthwhile distraction. As a result of being a bit more raw than I think I would normally approach this though, I found that I got asked back to houses where I really didn't have to force a smile. The only house that I was disappointed about not seeing on my schedule was Abbey Road. I got my other top 2/3 though (Millenium Bridge and Tower Bridge), so I was happy. Considering everything else that's floating around in my head, I was just happy for the distraction.
The day started bright and early at 9:15 and was filled with surprises.

Trafalgar Square - This time around brought the same results as the first time: I liked it, but didn't love it. I was comfortable, but the girls just seemed to be there. They weren't very enthusiastic. I got really into doing all the arts and crafts (im like, 7 at heart) especially at this house. The video was adorable, but I started crying smack in the middle. They played a song that just hit home and I was gone. The sisters probably thought I was crazy. I had to gether myself together really fast though because the end of the video signalled the time to shuffle out the door.
Big Ben - I wasn't pleased to be going back to this house, but I know its important to try to give everything a fair shot. I reapplied some makeup so I looked like a normal human being, and waited to be escorted into the house. I was again in a 2-1 PNM-sister group with a terribley awkward girl who didn't seem to be too thrilled to be doing this. I wasn't overly excited by their philanthropy mainly because they didn't seem to excited about it. I did talk to one really chill girl, but I fear that the rest of the chapter is not like her, since she is the first to not be terribly awkward feeling to me.
Tower Bridge - There was some sort of confusion with the time that we were supposed to enter the house so they were doing the entrance song for literally 10 minutes. Because of the confusion I wasn't greeted at the door by anyone and then it was another 2-1 house. The girls I spoke to today and I didn't click as much as the first girl from the last round and I did. I still liked them and loveddd their video (which made me tear up when they played "All You Need is Love") and all their spirit, but I think these girls might not be me. They're very outgoing and wacky and I'm a bit outgoing and quirky. I did sort of speak to a girl who I actually remember talking to last year and feeling awkward becuase she was very introverted and not a big talker. So I guess there's a bit of bth in this house, I would like to see more so I can get a more definitive feel.
The London Eye - The notoriously loud cheering made itself known during theese girls' video! They literally almost took the house down, it was actualy pretty amazing. I welled up but I wouldn't let myself bawl like I did in the first house, definitely had a few tears though.I felt so relaxed with these girls this time around. I spoke to one of the more quiet girls I ahd talked to first round, but the others I spoke to were really easy to talk to, we had some great conversation and their craft was so fun! My opinions totally flipflopped on this house. I could almost see myself there now. With another visit I think I could have a better idea of that.
Millenium Bridge - I had an amazing time here! Every girl I talk to I love and can really connect with. I'm still so shocked by that, as I never would have expected it. A girl that I'm friends with in the house always makes it a point to walk by and say hi, its a nice little friendly face moment. The girl I spoek to for most of the time loves J.Crew as much as I do. Trust me - thats really hard! I love this house's philanthropy, I have a real, personal connection to it, friends and family of mine are affected by the cause and I would love to do work with the organization. I won't take it as any sort of sign or omen, but it is a definite perk. We actually barely got to the craft (which was really easy) because we were so busy talking to eachother. I called my mom after this was over and couldn't stop taking about this house. I don't want to jinx anything, but I really can see myself here with these girls.

Since I had less than 9 houses I had to prefer all of mine, so processing was nice and easy for me. At this point last year, I had received my dreadful call, and I haven't received one yet. I won't say that I'm in the clear of that looming fear I've had, but I would like to think I'm safe. I would also like to think I have 4 houses in my next schedule for Friday. I went home this morning to spend some time with some of my family and grieve a bit in private. I'll be back at school next Friday for round 3 and I'm going to be aching to know for the next 4 days. Saturday is pref night, which is scheduled to end early and a couple of friends from home who go to school abouy an hour away from me may come in and have dinner with me. So there's lots to look forward to. For now, I'm exhausted, time for sleep!

I'd have to say I'm rooting for Millenium Bridge! :)

I'm so sorry to hear about the situation with your dad. You're very brave for continuing with recruitment in spite of a lot going on at home. Good luck with the rest of recruitment, and hang in there!

please let me add my sympathies. i am so glad that you have a break with your recruitment and were able to go home-there truly is no place like home, especially in a trying time.

i hope that you receive the invitations you are hoping for!! wishing all the best for you.

(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((xrachie)))))))))))) )))))))))))))))))

Please know that there will be many women praying for you & your family concerning your father. I do urge you to say something, if there's an opportunity to say so - even an "I've received bad news from home, I'm excited to be here, but I'm also not my usual bubbly self." We had a PNM in a similar situation, and she later said that it was the moment when she knew which sororities were sisterhoods, not just a group of people living together.

Good luck with this next round - if you need a shoulder to cry on, just let us know.

I am so sorry to hear of your difficult situation. I lost my wonderful 33 year old aunt to breast cancer as I was going through rush (recruitment). I broke into tears at one house - who then cut me - but it is true that you get a good feeling for the true sisterhood of the groups. But I echo honeychile - do let them know what is going on. Don't make a big deal, just a mention of the situation.

I would also mention it to your Pi Chi (Rho Chi, Rho Gamma, Recruitment Counselor -- whatever your campus may call them) if you feel comfortable. They may be able to be supportive to you during this time.

I'm praying for you and your father. Definitely tell your Recruitment Counselor about this.

agreed!! also agree with all the ladies who said to let your recruitment counselor know, too.

I'm sorry to hear about your father giving up his fight. One of my best friends lost her mother to ovarian cancer about 6-8 weeks after she accepted her bid to Alpha Delta Pi. We're from Maryland, and she goes to school in Alabama. She was so grateful for having a sisterhood to support her. My thoughts are with you and your family.

xrachie, I am sorry to hear about your father hon! Hugs coming at cha

Thank you for all your kind words. It's actually nice knwoing that there are a few faces out there that I've never seen who are thinking good thoughts about him. I'm sure you would have loved him.
While I was on a break during round 2, a good friend of mine came to visit me in the student center and I told him the news, whereupon I started crying and one of my RGs came over and offered to talk if I needed anything. I didn't have the heart or stomach to say the words again, but I frankly thought I scared her and the other two off, haha. I think I might go ahead and tell them during round 3, so I can explain my outbursts and whatnot. I was debating whether or not I should tell the girls I talk to in the houses. I don't want them to think I'm trying to play a sympathy card or soemthing. (Hell, I didn't even want to say it on here.) With a few of the girls I felt a slight connection with it was actually hard to fight the urge to just blurt out everything all at once. It's always somehow easier to tell complete strangers things (usually in gruesomely intimate detail) than people you actually know. I think I may take the concensus and tell at very least my RGs. While home I've been seeing people I love and who love me, so its nice - a well received break from the "speed-dating" cycle of rush. I'm excited to get back into it and the suspence of knowing which houses are on that schedule is killing me. I keep thinking about two houses in particular, telling stories of the girls I met to my mom, who seems fairly excited by the whole thing. She doesn't really understand the process, but she's very supportive and hopes I wind up where I would like to wind up. Whats kind of nice is that my dad has a front row seat to the whole thing, I know he'll be happy no matter what I do.
I've been out the whole day, its time for some WIll and Grace and sweatpants!

i will most def. be praying for you and your family....
LOVE! and HUGS!

i dont know if i would tell the sorority girls that your dad is that sick since they dont really know you, and probably would not know what to say and also, they might think you wont have the time for pledging if you dont have a bid. but its your decision and if you want to, then you really should.

i honestly hope everything works out for you, rush and family wise.

<3 i'll pray for you.