Love VLC
 

Hey all, I just wanted to write a little note to all my sisters. I was only able to physically say hi to Ms. Drive the bus lady... I still think shirts about recruitment being the most fun would be the best shirt ever.

I'm sorry that I didn't get to say hi to Ms. Lowest without going over lady, but it was nice to put a name to your face.

Lynn, I tried to find you tonight after the meal but it just wasn't in the cards.

I look forward to seeing everyone at convention next year! I regret that there weren't more days to spend with yall.
arin

Hey, sorry I missed you too!!

Took me a moment about who you were talking out..Ms. Drive the Bus Lady.;)
I thought you meant your shuttle bus driver. The one the first day didn't figure out where to drop us off so we had to lug our luggage farther than we had to today to get on the shuttle to go to the airport.

(Not sure I understand who "The Lowest Without Going over Lady" is. The one on the stage? Or how you figured out which was me, lol.)

Okay, when every one got home, what was the first think you did...

1. Take a nap in a big bed with a soft mattress and nice pillow?
2. Take a shower without bugs?
3. Use the toilet without having to straddle the commode while trying to exit.
4. Eat something that was tasteful and had color?
4. Take a nap while standing in the shower?

Although there were some accommodation issues, that was out of Alpha Gam's control. I don't blame them. D was a beautiful campus and I loved the river next to it. I wish that I had had a car so that we could have explored more. I did think that I was grateful I didn't have to climb some of those "hills" in inclement weather.

I had a great time otherwise and glad I got to see those that I did. Unfortunately, weather around the country forced some to cancel.

Everyone I talked with plans on going to San Antonio next summer. I've already told my hubby about Jackie's comment about staying at the hotel a few days before and/or after Convention for a vacation. Since we haven't been back to SA since we left Texas in 1986, this would be a nice time to go.

I didn't get as stranded in airports coming home as I did going... now it's time to go take that shower and nap in my nice, comfy bed.

I just walked in the door about an hour ago and as soon as I log off here, I am going to take a long hot shower and collapse in bed.

VLC was so much fun but I am glad to be home!

Forgot to mention what I did, lol.

I wanted to take a shower first but the call of sleep was stronger so I slept for 2 hours, took a shower, watched the Braves lose and went to Red Lobster for dinner. :)

Okay.. so I wrote that last night on my pda at 12 midnight. I still don't know who you are Lynn!!! Were you on stage playing the game? Greeklawgirl was is Ms. Lowest without going over. Province 16 loves the driving the bus idea, but even more we LOVE Marie. You are so funny and make us all want to start recruitment tomorrow.

I could only figure out that there were four of us there... who else from here was in the Big P? I really want to put your gc name by your name on the who attended list.

As to what I did first... after traveling by car for 6 hours with a two hour stop at Ann Taylor Factory store and Pottery Barn... number 3 was my first (after kissing my hubby hello and asking him to unload the truck).

I didn't have any issues with flights, bags, or buses but I almost didn't get there because of my rental car company. I was suppose to leave home on Thursday around 10 and didn't leave the rental car place till 12:30. And if I hadn't finally asked about the truck just sitting outside... I don't know what I would have ended up driving to get there on time.)

And Lynn... I told my hubby about that also but it was more like... if we're going to do the baby thing this year, then next year you will have to go to take care of the baby. Or if I'm 6 to 9 months along, then you have to go because I'll need a driver... since I won't be able to fly then. But by God I will be at Convention 2008 (even if I have to deliver in Texas!)

Okay, this probably won't jog your memory, lol.

If you saw Maria at dinner, next to her (on the right) was the girl who stood up as the youngest volunteer (looked like she was about 16, lol, long blonde hair). Next to her was mu_agd and I was sitting next to mu_agd. I was wearing a lime green and white sundress with a lime green sweater. To my right was another very young volunteer (Jackie's dau).

I missed y'all this weekend. I'm so sad :(

I'm afraid to make any travel plans anymore at this point. Convention 2004, I found out the night before we were leaving that Mom had been hospitalized. Last year, two weeks after Convention, Mom was hospitalized/in rehab for a total of 6 weeks and I had to cancel my trip to Florida with my kids (to see my dad). This year, the PA thing.

MARIA, I SENT YOU AN EMAIL.
 

:)

Thank you!
 

Many thanks, sisters! I enjoyed seeing and /or meeting all of you and being able to put a face with a name. It was a GREAT week-end. Will someone start the count-down to Convebtion? I would, but I am toooo tired!!

Lynn, I carried around something for you all week-end. I am still... I'll catch -up with you soon!

Love the new siggie, Arin!:D

newbie...
 

Ok, y'all, I'm jumping in! My first GC post! My suitcase is still on the floor, virtually untouched--however, it DID make it home at the same time as I did UNLIKE its arrival in Pitt!
What did I do upon arrival? I put makeup on while on the shuttle from the airport to the car, then changed clothes and left 5 mins after arriving home for a family birthday dinner at Kobe. Not really relaxing. I don't remember much after I got home though my strongest drink was a Diet COKE (NOT Pepsi!)!

While at VLC got to meet some of the GC posters and put names with screen names and a few faces with both. Yep, Lynn, LOVE the lime green-just hang on to that cute purse!:D

This was a great kickoff to the new structure. I really look forward to being a part of it.

Lynn, I was so tired by that point that I don't remember who was where at dinner. I do remember that the two youngest were in the back of the room. But that doesn't help because you were in the back of the room and I was sitting up front near Jackie and the foundation board. Table 6 to be exact. We talked about have a little get together but we never did... I so wish that we had put little stickers on our name tags so that I could have spotted everyone.

Marie... I am so sorry if I seemed crazy when we met because I had had only 2 hours of sleep the night before. I wanted to speak with you again but never got a chance.

I agree with Nancy about the weekend... I just wish we had spent more time on our job specific training topics... an hour and half wasn't enough time for me. Also I wish that they had "sung" us in on Thursday night because it would have pumped me up after the day I'd had. Jackie could have lead us in rounds of "How I love those Alpha Gams... so deep deep so down down"!

Lynn, I got your email but I am at work and don't know off the top of my head. I'll go check the binder when I get home.

I really really REALLY hope that this becomes a biennial event. It was very helpful.

Nancy, were you the one that returned it to me? (I know I'd recognize your face ..just wasn't sure if your name was Nancy, lol.) FILL OUT THE ALPHA GAM ROLL CALL AT THE TOP! I swear I only had a Coke to drink that night,lol.

I think that I was at Table 17.

Marie, I wish I had 1/2 your energy. You are so special everyone wanted to talk to you, lol.

I heard that the other VLC choice was Vanderbilt. So maybe Convention after SA will be Nashville...then I can drive, lol. :)

Marie - I told Maria at one point that I wanted to be your new best friend! She kind of laughed at me.

Nancy, if you are the Nancy I am thinking of, thanks so much for allowing me to have breakfast with you at the airport yesterday! It made my delays much easier this time around!

MY BFF!
 

Bring it, Nicole my new BFF! I can use all the Fs I can get!!!!!!!!!

I am trying to get caught up on sleep!

Lynn, I wish I had 1/2 the energy you think I have!

I beg your pardon, I did not laugh at you. I was laughing with you. EVERYONE wants to be Marie's BFF!

Also, the recruitment specialists I was with all want to get "Driving the Bus" tee shirts. Either that or the "Recruitment is the most fun you can have"-- well, we won't share the rest online. ;)

I'm not even a recruitment specialist and I wanted those tee shirts!

Maria already is my BFF. She has taken on a couple of BIG jobs for me and the team!

Now, as long as I don't have to wear the T-shirt... I gotta rock my style!!!!!!

Funny thing is... that is your style! It's your saying... Marie you are so funny.

Maria... I think that it is so awesome what you are doing. I like the concept of release figures and quota plus... but hate how they are done on my campus.

Somethings I learned about, the term "summer casual" for VLC was really business summer casual... I think of summer casual as shorts and tshirt. And if IHQ mentions that you might want to bring your own sheets and towels... do so.

I was wondering how they made that choice... I think that Louisville would be awesome... we could have dinner at the Derby Museum one night.

Oh..I thought for a moment that there WERE "bus" shirts, lol.

I mentioned it to the Rec Advisor when I was talking with her on the phone (concept not the shirts, lol).


Nicole, you could have eaten with us but we had already eaten by the time I saw you..plus your plane was in another wing, lol. Boy, I reallly wanted one of those Ben and Jerry Milkshakes..(we went to Steak n Shake tonight, lol.)

I truly admire those sisters who were 40+ years volunteering! :D

Yes, Lynn, it was I who returned your purse...not to be confused with Kelly A who FOUND it but hasn't yet met you. Roll call...tell me ONE MORE TIME where it is and I PROMISE to fill it out!

mu-agd: B'fast at Fridays was great for us, too. Our connection in Atlanta didn't allow for food, and pretzels just wouldn't sustain Jeanne nor me for the day! Sometimes you really have to look for one, but the silver lining this time to dragging ourselves to the shuttle bus two hours earlier than scheduled is the beginning of a friendship with yet one more special sister!

I think this can become addictive...

I THOUGHT SO!!
 

:D

I thought you did introduce me to Kelly A and I hugged her...taller than us and long dark hair?

The Alpha Gam Roll Call is at the very top of the threads list. We call it a "sticky" because most of the other threads keep going farther down the page as new posts are added.

"I think this can be addictive"....famous last words:D:D;)

I've been lurking for a bit - but I figured I'd join in on occasion. I met some of you at VLC, and actually have figured out who some of you are! And if you want to place me, you saw a lot of me.... the answer is "1904!"

Glad all made it back safely, and I have really appreciated my bed and shower the past few days!

Hey Dr. D. I'm in your boat with the lurking business! It helps to have such an awesome sister join at the same time. I love 'tracking' our involvement with the Fraternity together!

VLC: I've already asked for some feedback from the Alumnae Chapters & Clubs presentation, and I've gotten some stuff from both DCMs about how to better 'be' this position. These tools are so important, but it was equally important for us to be face-to-face. Tools can come over email, but I know I am even more excited after being with the contagious attitudes from VLC.

Back to living and breathing Vacation Bible School until 7/20! I said I'd chair it this year b/c it was an off-Convention year and I'd be home to handle stuff! YIKES! Ours is huge: we cut off at 400 kids, so I'm in for a "Wild Ride" at "Avalanche Ranch"! I'll be back when I emerge from VBS!

VLC Recovery?
 

It's Tuesday and I'm finally recovered from VLC. What a wild weekend! It was a great opportunity to get together and I'm so glad that we were able to do it. Let's make sure that it happens again and again...

I know I met at least one of the GC girls and I told dozens more about us so hopefully we'll have a few new members over the next couple of weeks. For those of you who might have met me, I'm the one from Michigan who kept using her hand to explain where Zeta Nu is. "Middle of the Mitten"

At the airport Sunday morning, I had the chance to sit with most of the newbie LCs and they were overwhelmed by the level of volunteer effort within the Fraternity. They are so excited about coming out to visit our Chapters. Nice girls and really, really fired up. Of course... by the time they get to P21...

If anyone wants to go together and organize t-shirts with "Driving the Bus" on it, I'll have a graphic artist friend do the design.

Looky, looky at all the Gamma Alphas!!! Nancy, Lee and ME!

I spoke to you, Julie, in the bookstore about some fashion items!

LOVE to put faces with names!!!!

We did Avalanche Ranch, too Nancy. Mary Cathryn helped with crafts and I was Chuck Wagon Wrangler in charge of Adult sanacks! I rocked!!!@

I could possibly step up? I mean it can't be that difficult, right? Or did I just set myself up for disaster? I've never really done this before...

Marie, there is another Nancy! alphagamugaalum

I would rather have a tshirt with "recruitment being the best thing ..." but if I can't get that then I guess I would settle for a bus tshirt.

Another idea I have (but don't know who to email) would be a fridge magnet with the purpose on it. That could be this year's alumnae gift, since last year we got the tip cards.

VandalSquirrel
 

Ohhh...VandalSquirrel...Just realized you were from Idaho...DUH!!!

We spent most of our meals with Connie and Joy!! They are a hoot!! I loved them.

T-shirts are simple...
 

I wonder if we are going to have to use an Alpha Gam approved vendor for the t-shirts.

I think that there are plenty of those available... I miss the Rosegarden :( It was so simple to go to one place and find AGD stuff... now you have to venture through tons of sites and some don't even have AGD stuff.


So I went looking for the Maya Angelou quote that was mentioned over the weekend. I found it (I think) and a few more that I really liked... I thought I would share with you all what I found.

"You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats, so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, how you can still come out of it."

"Courage allows the successful woman to fail-
and learn powerful lesson-
from the failure-
so that in the end, she didn't fail at all."

Here are three that I loved also...
"If you don't like something change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude. Don't complain."
"Nothing will work unless you do."
"The ache for home lives in all of us, the safe place where we can go as we are and not be questioned."

Then there was one I came across that I loved so much by Elaine Maxwell.
"My will shall shape the future. Whether I fail or succeed shall be no man's doing but my own. I am the force; I can clear any obstacle before me or I can be lost in the maze. My choice; my responsibility; win or lose, only I hold the key to my destiny."

Pictures are up
 

Slideshow and videos from VLC are up! There's a link off the homepage.

I saw LOTS of GCers [at least the ones I know "For sure"] :D

I'll have to go check those out now!

IHQ apparently forgot that I attended because I got a binder in the mail with a "Sorry you couldn't attend!" note. I kind of just laughed at that!

I must have looked AWEFUL during those 4 days... because I am not in ANY pictures except for some table shots where my head is down and the big group picture where my face is blocked in almost every shot...

Picture Perfect?
 

I'm in 1/2 of a great picture of our FA. I will say that the lighting was very flattering to those of us who aren't in our 20s anymore. My eye crinkles were magically erased! (I wonder if there's some sort of red, buff and green filter for the camera?)

My hubby picked me out before I did, but then I was looking for people that I know, lol.

Of course, it helps to have highlights in my hair for those back-of-the-head shots, lol. And wearing a red and yellow jacket with a lime green shirt underneath, lol.

Lots of fun but not sure why the totally blurred ones were posted, lol.