I just received this email, and offer it as a prelude to tomorrow's festivities:

You know you're from Pennsylvania when:

You refer to Pennsylvania as "PA" (pronounced Pee-Ay).

You can say the phrase "fire hall wedding reception" and not even bat an eye.

You know what a "State Store" is, and your out-of-state friends find it incredulous that you can't purchase liquor at the mini-mart.

You live within two miles of a plant that makes potato chips, corn chips, pretzels, candy, or ice cream, or that packages turkey, beans or bologna.

Words like "hoagie," "sticky buns," "pierogies" and "pocketbook" actually means something to you.

You can eat cold pizza (even for breakfast) and know others who do the same.

You not only have heard of Birch Beer, but you know it comes in multiple colors: Red, White, Brown, and Gold.

You know several places to purchase or that serve Scrapple, Lebanon Bologna, and Hot Bacon Dressing.

You can eat a cold soft pretzel with deli mustard smeared on it from a street vendor without fear and enjoy it.

Your turkey has "filling," not "stuffing," and most certainly, NOT "dressing."

You know the difference between a cheese steak and a pizza steak sandwich, and know that you can't get a really good one outside PA.

You live for summer, when street and county fairs signal the beginning of funnel cake season.

You know that Blue Ball, Climax, Bird-in-Hand, Beaver, Moon, Virginville, Paradise, Mars, Intercourse, and Slippery Rock are towns.

You can give directions to "Intercourse, PA" with a straight face.

You know what a township, borough, and commonwealth is.

You've never referred to Philadelphia as anything but "Philly." And New Jersey has always been "Jersey," and the Atlantic Ocean as "the shore."

You can identify drivers from New York, New Jersey, or other neighboring states by their unique and irritating driving habits.

At least 5 people on your block have electric "candles" in all or most of their windows all year long.

You know several people who have hit deer more than once.

You know who "Punxsutawney Phil" is, and what it means if he sees his shadow.

You know what a "Mummer" is, and are disappointed if you can't catch at least highlights of the parade.

You carry jumper cables in your car, and your female passengers know how to use them.

You have an uncontrollable urge to buy bread and milk when you hear the word "snow."

You have more miles on your snow blower than your car.

You still keep kitty litter, starting fluid, de-icer, or a snowbrush in your trunk, even if you live in the south.

Driving is always better in winter because the potholes are filled with snow.

You think sexy lingerie is tube socks and a flannel nightie.

You think a typical vacation is two weeks on the front stoop.

School closings due to snow take the radio stations a half an hour to finish, because just about every town has its own school district.

When someone says 1972, you think "Agnes," and when someone says 1979, you think "TMI."

As a kid you built snow forts and leaf piles that were taller than you were.

"Youse guys" is a perfectly acceptable reference to a group of men & women.

You know how to respond to the question "Djeetyet?" (Did you eat yet?)

You can say the correct pronunciation of LANK-is-ter instead of the mispronounced Laan-CAST-er, and LEB-en-in instead of the equally incorrect Leb-a-NON.

You know how to pronounce Bryn Mawr, Bryn Athyn, Wilkes-Barre, Schuylkill, Bala Cynwyd, Conshohocken, and Monongahela.

You prefer Hershey's Chocolate to Godiva.

You call Sloppy Joes "Barbecue."

You think medium rare equals well done.

You can stop along the road to buy fruits, vegetables, or crafts on the "honor system."

You buy your beer and pop only by the case.

You say things like, "Outen the lights," "I'm calling off today," and "They're calling for snow."

You think the roads in any other state are smooth.

You know that Yuengling is pronounced "Ying-ling," and believe that it really is a premium beer (which comes from growing up on Schlitz and Iron City).

You refer to something as "a whole nother," as in "That's a whole nother issue."

The local paper covers National and International headlines on 1/4 page but requires six pages for sports.

You actually understand these jokes and send them on to other Pennsylvanians.

ARGH. Don't get me started on Arts on Ellsworth. It's at the end of my block. Everyone parks on my street because it's not a permit street. My car is NOT moving from it's spot this until Monday or else it'll be a nightmare trying to get a spot today. Needless to say, i'm taking the bus down to Oakland for our little gathering! Or if it's nice, maybe i'll walk.

Anyway, i'll PM you two with my cell number

Dani - We're so close! I can ride you down, if you want!

What? Yuengling *isn't* premium beer?

Thanks, I might actually take you up on a ride home though, if you're coming back.

Hehe. Funny Yuengling story. When the guy that i'm kinda dating was here for his brother's wedding (which is where we met), in the hotel bar afterwards he tries to order a "Yangalang". I LMAO at him, and so did the bartender.

Sounds good! I'll be headed back after b/c I have a date with Mr. Mox & a movie. Plus, I won't drink any Yangalang, so I'll be good to drive. :)

I have a question...

How will i know who you guys are? I never met any of you.

Let me try to find the pictures from last year, i'll try to bump that thread. We'll be an intersting mix of ladies.

hi y'all... unfortunately a bunch of family stuff came up at the last minute when i got off work today and it doesn't look like i'll be able to make it to oakland tonite :( i hope you all have a great time! have one for me!
~jenaya

So, no ADPi representation at the gathering. :(

I got called out on a client problem. It was a rather big one, as the client passed away while I was there. I stayed with the family until the mortuary got there; that's why I didn't make another phone call. That would probably have been construed as rather tacky.

Please forgive me for not being in the mood afterwards. It's far from the first time this has happened, but it's never a fun part of my job...


SO! How did everything go?!?! :)

We missed you, honey!
I'll post the picture and more info tomorrow (unless someone beats me to posting info, that is), i'm really tired. We were there for over 4 hours..... they had to kick us out cause there was a line for the tables.... or so they said! :D

Yeah!! I had such a good time! :D

Dani-The one in the dirt tie-dyed shirt is MINE! Sisters share, but that's the line! LOL

l to r: MoxieGrrl, 33girl, SigEp42, Fire 1977, Kddani
http://www.pitt.edu/~dlhst55/GC%20pic%201.JPG
l to r: Fire1977, SigEp42, Kddani, MoxieGrrl, 33 girl
http://www.pitt.edu/~dlhst55/GC%20pic%202.JPG

The Second Annual Pittsburgh GCer get together was held Friday, August 8th at 7pm at Fuel 'n Fuddle in Oakland, on the University of Pittsburgh campus.
SigEp42 was the pimp for the evening, being the lone male in attendence, and i'm sure he has his quota for estrogen and a few catty sorority-girl comments :)
KillarneyRose was solely missed. But rest assured that she is a die-hard---- she was going to drive up from Maryland for this event!!!!! But hubby's change in work schedule and her mom having plans precluded her from attending.
Honeychile also was not able to attend because of work. But let me tell you- she is definately the southern lady! Talk to her on the phone for a minute and you'll know too!

The original 4 there were myself, SigEp42, 33girl, and MoxieGrrl. Fire1977 came late, as she had been handing out samples of beer at a street festival that's actually right at the end of my block (i'll be stopping in to see her this weekend, i can assure you). She had lots of interesting things to share, as I think she advises about 50 DPhiE chapters (okay, not really, but close ;) ) and she always has the scoop on Pitt.

SigEp42 demonstrated quite a knowledge of midgets, including admitting to taking a trip to Midgetville, which is somewhere outside Philadelphia. He also still wants to have midget tossing as a rush event. But I can't make fun of him too much, what a brave man to spend the evening with 4 crazy GC sorority women.

Several of us are still frightened at the fashion nightmares shared by 33girl. Especially us city folk- we don't quite get the whole sorority jacket thing. All I know is that would NOT fly at my school. :) We also toasted to our respective alumnae associations going down the tubes! (long story)

Moxiegrrl was awesome to hang out with, as usual, gotta love my KD sisters. We had a fun encounter on our way into the parking garage. Two young, dirty, little boys tried to flirt with us and told us we were following them. Um, yeah, there's only one way into the garage and we happened to be parked on the same level (there's only like 3 levels). Moxie and I were fighting over who got to take the one in the dirt tie-dyed wifebeater home. Sadly, we decided to be sisterly and let the boys enjoy each other's company that evening.

So the event started at 7. All of the sudden it's 11:30 and the manager basically kicks us out :D Hehehe Then we all stand outside and BS for another 20 minutes.

I'd say a good time was had by all!

I had a blast everyone....

If I can find a pic of the tomato jackets I will post it for you. :D

I am SO SORRY I missed the fun! You ladies all look beautiful (love your haircut, Dani!) and SigEp darlin', you're looking mighty pleased with yourself! :D

Any assaults on the lion this year??

Assaults on the Lion?! Yikes!!

It sounds as if y'all have a lovely time, and I'm perfectly pea green with envy! *sigh* Next time...!

What cute pics! It looks like you guys had a great time!

And how come hardly any boys come to GC gatherings? Although SigEp42 does look quite happy to be the only one there. :p

I vote for Moxiegrrl.

Fun Fact: SigEp42 knows a lot about Midgetville. :p

(I would have forgot this except I saw 33girl's sig in another thread. LOL )

When does Pitt rush start???

Pitt rush is as follows (and of course I didn't copy & paste because I'm just that dumb today!):

September 18, 19: 11 Rounds
September 20: 8 Rounds
September 21: 4 Rounds
September 22: Preference
September 23: Bid Day

I have not a clue which is a skit day or a Philanthropy Day or whatever - if Pitt even does that! :)

I remember we had skit day way back when but I'd never heard of philanthropy day until I joined Greek Chat. I can't even imagine where my chapter could have sat down a large group of rushees and made crafts with them in our little suite!

Actually, a lot of chapters did do a philanthropy-type project when I rushed. Unfortunately, the ones who did all did the same thing - give us a brown paper bag & crayons to make puppets for children's hospital. When I suggested that we get to know each other instead (at paperbag sorority #3), she got all huffy. I was happy to cut them & be cut!

Is there a rule about how many alums can attend parties? I would really like to get in touch with the Xi chapter girlies and see if I could help out and attend one. I really, really want to see a big rush in action!!!

This is 4-5 year old information, but then, two alumnae were allowed to actually rush, but you could have 129 of them in the kitchens.









As if you could fit 129 people in an Amos Hall kitchen!!

You can have as many alum as you want...

The chapter has to have nametags designating alum as well alum and you can't speak with PNM's other than to greet them. I know our VPR had mentioned something about alum rules changing but I think it had to do with contact, not with how many, I'll let you know ;) Just a little advice get there early it's a pain to get signed in there.

At one point in time to make things even (while trying out a pilot NPC program to make formal rec. less formal) panhel had only allowed so many women for the first set of parties, but it didn't really help it actually made things worse and here we are back to formal recruitment.

Pitt doesn't have a set skit night or philanthropy night. While recruitment is capped at $700, it is still not anywhere near the "no-frills" NPC resolution, lol.

$700? Out of curiousity, how does a chapter "prove" that it only spent $700?

I can't say for all chapters, but I was Panhel Pres and VP-Finance for our Recruitment last year, and we had a cap of $700. We didn't come close to spending that whole amount. If there's really a question if whether a house spent more than that (especially elaborate decorations, food, etc., noticed by the Rho Chis), we can go through receipts. But, our houses have been very honest--at my school, you can tell the difference between a house that spent $700 and one that spent $1000 or more, since our lounges are identical, there are only 3 decorated parties (including Pref).

well, lol Sharon said she could collect the receipts but she knew they would all be like 699.99 so she never really bothered, but I think people have certainly cut back, when I rushed....there was one chapter who had ice sculptures at their preference party.

I'll let you take a guess on that one, lol.

Cheyenne

I know how shady our campus can be, that's why i asked.

And I know as a former treasurer that we spent more than $700 bucks on rush. And there's so many ways around that. What about things donated by alums or family? Are they supposed to count? One year our rush chair's grandma made the most incredible cheesecake :)

they are supposed to estimate the alum purchases, but to be honest, you are right.....there are ways around it. Like if you do a party theme the same as last year...that's less money you have to spend on decorations, etc.

To be honest I say if you feel like you have to spend $700 dollars, which in my opinion is wayyyy too much then go for it. Besides just because that's the cap, doesn't mean you have to spend it.

In reality, women aren't going to join for decorations and food, they join for the women involved.

I think alot of the obsession with it is much like PNM's obsession with clothes - you control what you can, you can't control who comes back but you can control the food, the clothing, the decorations etc.

I remember those times!! The hot hors d'oevres, the "butlers" - it was insane!

Question (and if I'm being too nosy, please tell me!): does every other sorority still serve cheesecake for Pref?

hmm, not sure honeychile!

The reason I asked about the cheesecake is because it seems VERY overdone to me - several chapters were doing cheesecake for Pref at least 5-6 years ago.

As much as I'm a dyed in the wool traditionalist, I firmly believe that stagnation happens much too often with things like this! We had a decorator try to hang the composite somewhere other than the elevator hallway, and I thought 8 of the women were going to hypervenilate! Please! Change CAN be good!

lol, Honeychile. I totally know what you mean!

It's only 3 weeks till recruitment -anyone helping out??

I'm trying to work it into my schedule! This coming month already looks ridiculous!

I do plan to be on campus probably next Friday, and again on September 14th - but I need to confirm those dates with my trusty sidekick (!).

I wonder if they need my help with bid matching...?

LOL, Honeychile! WHen I was at Pitt, I was happy that we hung our composite in the formal living room since the other sororities all did the hallway thing. Then, when I went back at homecoming two years ago I was too lazy to actually walk up to the second floor and I took the elevator. The door opened, I stepped out and there was the DZ composite staring right at me!

You know, the whole "this MUST be there" bit really borders on fetish! I'm assuming y'all know how wonderfully high our Formal Living Room ceiling is (well, wonderfully high until you get the bill for the painting!). For some reason, the ladies INSIST on putting the Charter over the fireplace - because "everyone else does it"!! This drives me crazy, because we were always told that "Chapter Items belong in the Chapter Room" - and I'm reasonably sure that the Charter is a "Chapter Item"! I would SO love to see a nice mirror or something else on that soaring space... But then again, I've also seen the sterling silver candlebra we won in a National Award in a closet. *vapors*

KillarneyRose (and any other DZs), I once saw that wonderful picture of the Founding Members of your Chapter in your suite. I think it's one of the classiest items I've EVER seen in Amos Hall! Now, I got to meet our Founder, and she was one of the sweetest, sharpest ladies I've ever met - but... let's just say that her picture wouldn't really liven up a room.

I'm so excited! Just as I read the posts re: helping out for recruitment, I got an e-mail from Dani, seeing if any of our AA wanted to help in a workshop!! :D

Well, we don't have a fire place so our charter isn't hanging over it!! lol, it's in our "chapter room"

I can't wait until recruitment!!!

Okay, other Pitt alums - do you ever see something and think, "Wow, that would look great in the Suite!"? I was checking out a hotel (our soccer convention will be there this summer) and saw THE mirror I've been wanting for a certain spot in the Suite. Funny how that works...