[That80sRush]

Hey, that's a cute sweater! What I was thinking of was more like this, only in itchy shetland wool, and with a placket with pearl buttons in the front:


Pref night

I wore an outfit that I’d tried on a dozen times before I left for school. My dress was light grey raw silk and had a straight skirt with kick pleats in front with pink inside and a pink collar. I had a charcoal grey UltraSuede belt, and some fabulous charcoal grey Caressa pumps with big leather bows.

First was St. Elmo’s. We met and talked in the chapter room, and when it was time for the program we all turned to face the front of the room, standing. The lights were dimmed slightly, and on the front table was a decoration that was the sorority’s symbol made of mums, with candle holders in the middle of it. It looked a little like an arrangement you’d see at the front of the church for a funeral. The Rush Chairman had a reading on sisterhood, and lit two of the candles with the one she was holding, saying something like one was for the sisters, and one was for those who would join. When she went to place the candle in the center holder, there seemed to be so much wax build-up from prior uses that it didn’t stay upright. She fiddled with it, it toppled, and she said “Well, that one was for St. Elmo’s.” Still, not losing her composure!

At Fast Times, we started off in the living room, and were given glasses of sparkling cider. Pastries were passed on trays, and I said “no thank you” since I didn’t want to spill on my dress. When it was time for the ceremony, we moved into the chapter room which was darkened except for candles and twinkling lights around the ceiling. The walls were draped in white, there was lattice at the front of the room, and it was magical. The sisters all wore navy blue taffeta dresses, and I found myself imagining myself wearing one next year. We were given the sorority’s flower as a favor, tied with ribbons in their colors. Had I not loved this group all week long, this ceremony would have made my decision.

After the parties we walked in silence to the student center to sign our bid cards. The line snaked around the room, and Rho Chi’s were making sure we didn’t talk. I saw my roommate, who had preffed Fast Times and Valley Girl. We were holding the favors that we’d received at our parties, and she held up her favor from Fast Times and looked away. Cool! She wanted Fast Times too!!

When I got up in line to fill out my card, I put:

1. Fast Times
2. St. Elmo’s Fire