It's kind of an unofficial family tradition I guess, and it probably has a lot to do with holding onto collegiate days. I'm not sure if any other families in my chapter did this, but some of the girls in my family started wearing something besides their lavalier when they began their senior year, as did some other girls in other families. I gave mine to my second little at our senior ceremony when I graduated since she still had two years to go. Normally in my chapter though, your Berry Buddy is supposed to buy it for you when you get initiated, but I knew I would be graduating the semester I took my second little so I never got her a Berry Buddy (lazy senioritis perhaps). Your Berry Buddy is selected by your big and does a little clue thing during Link Week (week prior to initiation) and right after you're initiated and get your gifts from your big, your Berry Buddy reveals herself by giving you your lavalier. Your Berry Buddy is someone that is close to your Big and is supposed to serve as a sort of surrogate Big if you're ever not available for her. It's usually someone not in your family (though I suppose it could be, especially in my case since my two littles got so close they won Frick and Frack after I left).

Whew, sorry that was kind of a long explanation! :p

I don't know what I want to ask for for Christmas, but so far the holiday shopping is working out well for me! I've bought myself three pairs of shoes, four pairs of sunglasses, some pants, a sweater and a scarf. I must be the kind of shopper the stores love!:rolleyes:

Seriously, I just want everybody home safe and sound for a nice holiday.

Tickets to the Rose Bowl

Go Bucks!

I own the Lucky Shopping Manual. If you get it from someone or buy it as a gift to yourself you'll enjoy it! It's quite helpful.

The Gamma Phi Beta skins for laptops do exist! I've seen some for my sorority and for my college (Penn State). Did you google it? I know they also make skins of organizations for your ipod or whatever. In fact, if you go on your cell phone and find the "College and Greek Logos" section while searching for songs, wallpapers, etc. (on your phone) you can have your letters (and some orgs. actually have their crests, as well) on your cell phone all the time as a screen saver! Check it out-they have all types of Greek Organizations-I've even seen SGRho on there because one of my friends is in SGRho and I pointed it out to her-she is all about her group-so, I showed her how to get it......Happy Holidays!

I've googled it, and found a site with lots of greek skins, but not Gamma Phi Beta, alas.

This...

http://tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:...an/emerald.jpg

I already got my christmas wishes...I would feel too greedy to ask for anything more...

My sister came through her surgery with great prognosis (they got it all!) Her outlook is exceptionally good.

My dad's party went off with only the usual family dramas...(you wouldn't believe maybe I will post it later!) But dad was so surprised he had tears in his eyes!

That is all I wanted.