Tea with my Big...
 

Hi everyone!

I know this isn't really for the alumni involvement forum, but I feel such a kinship with everyone here... *lol*

I took a few minutes out of my hectic weekend schedule to have tea with my Big Sis today. I know that having a big isn't necessarily a "must" for alum initiates, but I can't tell you how much it has helped me feel like I'm a big part of this sisterhood. We didn't have long to talk, but we just sat around and talked married life, shopping, and things like that. Just small things, but things that add up over the long run.

If you're an alumna initiate, were you matched with a Big Sis? Do you think that having a "big" for an alum initiate can help alum initiates integrate into the chapter a little better?

Oh - and what's a good gift for an ALUM big who probably has every Alpha Phi gift possible? :D

Back to work on a sunny Saturday :mad:

PS - wish me luck - I'm doing my first 5K tomorrow at the SuperCities walk/run for Multiple Sclerosis!

I really wish i had a big sis. :(

Laura

you could get her a copy of the most recent history book. although it would be nice to get her something alpha phi related, you could also get her a nice book of poems about friendship, gift certificate to her favorite store, or a gift certificate for a massage or a manicure.

I think that is FANTAZTIC!!!!!:)

Whether it belongs on this thread is up to the MODs. ! vote Yea and I am sure My Co-Mod would agree!

He aint right, but he is a yougnger Kid than Me!:D I call # on him!!!

If it is GOOD NEWS, you may post on this thread anytime!:cool:

Re: Tea with my Big...
 

I was matched with a sponsor who is technically my big sis I guess. At least, that's how I treated her. She told me she never had a little sis when she was an active. I got her a silver jewelry box with Delta Gamma engraved on the top.

Hallmark has this great new line of forget-me-not products (picture frames, pillows, jewlery boxes) that make great A Phi gifts. You can also get a heart keychain from Things Remembered and have it engraved "AOE." I made the keychains as gifts to our honorees at Regional Conference this year. Everyone loved them.

I am so glad you are happy and that things are going well.
Good luck!

Laura

OOOOh Laura I like that idea of the heart shape engraved AOE heart.

Laura:)

Sistermadly....you'd be surprised at what you can come up with as a gift for a "Phi who has it all". My collegiates surprise me often with special things...my last President gave me a very sparkly heart-shaped trinket box from Bombay. I never would have bought it for myself, but I'll always treasure it because it came from her.

I think the idea of having a big/little relationship as an AI is right on the money. I kind of miss that connection myself as an alumna.

(BTW, how did the 5K go? My first was the "Move your Phi't" at convention last year and I remember what an awesome experience it was knowing I did it!)

I do agree.

Ahem, however, about this calling # when you are #1 :rolleyes:

Seems a bit overkill, doesn't it?

Sure don't feel "yougnger" these days.

These are great suggestions, everyone! Thanks for the input.

Gift idea
 

A relatively inexpensive gift idea would be an antique signet ring with some special letters (maybe a,e,o) or your name engraved on the inside with your Big's initials on the signet. Gold antique signet rings can be found in the $15-$35 range on ebay. My jeweler charges around $10 for engraving.

If I am remembering correctly, Alpha Phi does not have an "official jewel"??? If Alpha Phi has an offical jewel, then a simple ring with the jewel or the jewel surrounded by diamonds is also a nice gift.

Another option that is even less expensive, but VERY memorable, is to find an antique sterling silver ($10-$30) or silverplated (50 cents-$20) large serving piece at a fleamarket or on an Internet auction site. Some of the early patterns had ivy on the handles; and most early patterns had space for engraving on the handle. Have the large serving piece engraved with Alpha Phi. It will be treasured.

On a related note....I have a silver serving piece that my husband gave to me YEARS before I was initiated into AOII. Imagine my SHOCK when I found my new letters engraved on the handle!

Let us know what you decide for a gift!

:)
Silver

???
 

What did you choose as a gift?

Nothing yet.. I probably won't see her for awhile yet. I'm thinking of saving it for her A Phi anniversary in the fall. :)