Convention 2006

AGDLynn · #1 06-26-2006, 10:59 PM

I wish I had gotten to the pool more but my feet were killing me!

I need to learn to take shoes with more padding, lol.

If I'm not mistaken, Connie B mentioned that 2008 would add another day?

I liked the workshops but I don't think that they allowed for a lot of actual interaction between the collegians...they tended to always sit together at meals and/or be at the pool, lol.

Congrats to WinneB for her Arc! And I think Dee got her Arc with Diamond??

On a side note, my Pres was upset that I didn't get one but I told her I already had an Arc, lol!! ((Note...have VPMD do a refresher on the Honors!))

My Chapter won an award but I'm not going to post it yet because they will find out in August. I am soooo super proud of them! (Can I say me too?

winnieb · #2 06-26-2006, 11:09 PM

Oops-- sorry Lynn, I meant to post Congrats to you (your chapter) for the award!!! Congrats!!!!
Yes, Connie did say the next convention added a day as well!

GtownGirl98 · #3 06-27-2006, 11:41 AM

What were the gifts this year? I always loving seeing them. I read that someone got the circle... is that true? Who????

agd4rie · #4 06-27-2006, 12:27 PM

Marie Locker Hill - Gamma Beta from Columbia, SC received the Circle.

AGDee · #5 06-27-2006, 02:21 PM

I was honored to receive the arc with diamonds.

It was great to see someone receive the circle since it is so rare.

Favors: Tote bag= by far the nicest ever. It is almost like a messenger bag, with all kinds of zippered pockets, including a top that zips. I never used my Convention totes for travelling because they'd always tip and spill, but I will use this one all the time

soda/water bottles cozies: neoprene/foam type cozy which looks like a dress with neon green fringe. Very cute!

Epsilon Pi banquet: flip flop with letters and diamond chips on a silver chain. Very pretty necklace.

Feast of Roses: Beautiful bracelet with glass beads of red and buff roses

And, you clearly heard about the Vera Bradley coin purses. I took the one that matched my daughter's bathing suit and gave it to her. She has decided that it is a perfect digital camera case.

The biggest highlights to me: The presentation of philanthropy collection to the Marines (you'd have thought we'd never seen men before) and.. the ultimate: The Big Convention picture on the staircase, when 600 Alpha Gams, all standing on one staircase burst into song spontaneously while many hotel guests looked on. I had goosebumps. Our presence was impossible to ignore, that's for sure.

I am so excited about The Leadership Institute web site/programs and RoseBuds. Two phenomenol new programs which I think will really take off. I'm already recruiting my own RoseBud, who is very excited about the whole idea. Both are available to non-Alpha Gams, which I think really emphasizes our new mission of Inspire the Woman, Impact the World.

She also wants to know if every sorority gives out Vera Bradley stuff at Convention because, if not, then she DEFINITELY wants to be an Alpha Gam...lol.

There is so much more.. I had such a great time and I really wish I was back in the Alpha Gam Alternate Universe now (because real life is getting stressful). There is nothing better than 5 days with my sisters.

How I love those Alpha Gams so deep deep, so down down, so deep deep, so down down in my heart... Wooo!

amycat412 · #6 06-27-2006, 02:31 PM

Post Convention is at my house. I have 4 Alpha Gams sacked out on my couch right now watching Love Actually while I am at work. lol

Hope y'all are enjoying yourselves Nic, Maria, Marissa and Sandy!

squirrely girl · #7 06-27-2006, 03:27 PM

of course we're enjoying your hospitality! love the blow up bed and the shower pressure. can we have another pillow fight tonight?!

AGDLynn · #8 06-27-2006, 08:24 PM

What I love about Convention is that it gives you a chance to meet those "Big Squirrels" and other VST members...and find out that they are "regular" people.

I remember Marie LH when I was an undergrad although she was "just a name" then.

It's reassuring to know that when someone has a position for several years, there is always someone to step up and do a terrific job. Although I don't think that anyone can replace DeeDee as Ritual!! One cool Squirrel!! (ETA: I finally read my Committee reports, lol. Nancy Knickerbocker is replacing DeeDee as Ritual Chairman. She's cool too!!))

I'm excited to know that I can walk up to any Big Squirrel/VST member to discuss a problem that I am having and they are quick to offer advice and/or direct me in the right direction.

I'll try not to bug them.

ETA 2: IHQ could possibly have left over Convention favors for sale. If they did like they did last time, they sent flyers to the Chapters. I can't remember if they posted on the IHQ website. The tiny red flip flop was very cute!! Burr Patt was sellling a silver one but I don't know the price.

GtownGirl98 · #9 06-28-2006, 09:26 AM

What does the Vera Bradley bag look like? I use a Vera type bag for my camera also... very good use.

As to convention goodies... I think that I will wait till I get to go myself before I start collecting goodies.

Out of wonder... do any new mommies bring along babies? I know that this is an excellent time to "get away" but I was just wondering. WHY??? No no little legacies on the way.... just trying to figure out when would be a good time to have one... I was going to try for next summer but now I am in my first wedding (that wasn't my own... I'm been asked for 3 but something always happens) so I really don't know if next summer will be good for me and then the following summer is convention... I guess with my mom in Houston I could always let Nana have "it" for the week. Or what about Hubbies to do they ever tag along? Just wondering....

AGDLynn · #10 06-28-2006, 07:46 PM

The Vera Bradley tote was small; I don't know the dimensions..sort of like a coin purse??

There was one Alpha Gam with a baby in a stroller. I don't know if she was a Chapter Advisor or VST; baby was very good!!! She may have gotten special permission..after all, they are business meetings and ritual ceremonies (not sure if baby was in the room when ritual was done, lol.)

There were some hubbys there. Not sure how many but I did overhear some conversations about being on the golf course.

Keep in mind that most days are completely full with dinners, etc. going late into the night. Plus "hangout with the sisters" time