While we are telling rush stories, I've got a GREAT one from the active side of rush.
I was chapter President during fall recruitment my senior year, and we had spent many long hours planning the perfect rush week. Everything was going great - we got huge returns, our skit went well, and house moral was at an all time high.
So Pref. night comes around and we had spent 2 days hanging lights, setting up tables, polishing crystal, and preparing our desserts. In fact, we had SO MANY women coming to Pref night that we had to use two rooms to fit them all, so we set up a walkway between the two with sheeting hanging from the ceiling, accented with candles and rose petals.
I was in my bathroom putting on lipstick about 10 minutes before the doors were opening on our first party when I heard it-- It was unmistakable..... The FIRE ALARM!!! One of the candles fell onto the sheet wall and sent it instantly up in flames. A sister made a quick grab for the fire extiguisher and managed to put out the fire before any MAJOR damage was done, but now our house was full of smoke, ash was everywhere, and the entire chapter was running around like chickens with their heads cut off in their little black dresses.
We grabbed about 10 fans and set them up next to the site of the blaze and had our alumni stand directly in front of it to hide it from the PNM's who were waiting outside.
Luckily, we got everything cleaned up and opened our doors on time - but that is an experience that I will NEVER FORGET!!!
Love and AOE from the Pacific Coast
,
Delia