Alumna Initiation - Navane

[navane]

Hi everyone!

Well, the thread I was using to post my alumna initiation updates got deleted from the system when GC had that crash/hiccup a few months ago.

So, instead of barging in on someone else's thread, I've created my own.

Of course, I don't have anything terribly exciting to share. I went to London two weeks ago and met two GreekChat members UKAXO and kittyuk! They are so much fun! What a riot! :) Yes, I did get a picture of us and I will try and post it when the film is developed. kittyuk, who is also hoping to be alum initiated one day, and I had an inside joke about having to start our own sorority. It's called "Lambda Beta Sigma" and our motto is, "Exclusively for Everyone" ehehehehehe....you HAD to be there! :D :D Anyway, the whole day was lots of fun and it helped me see the positivity that sorority sisters can bring into your life.

On the topic of my quest for alumna initiation with "sorority #2", I'm still waiting. I e-mailed my contact last week just to see how she was doing. She e-mailed back yesterday and told me about the neat things she's been up to. She even mentioned how she had run a local marathon and that she crossed the finish line holding the hands of two of her sisters. Now how's THAT for sisterhood?! Anyway, it's nice that she still e-mails every now and again.

So, I guess that's it for now!

PNAM,

.....Kelly :)

[Peaches-n-Cream]

I wish you the best as you pursue Alumna Initiation. I can't wait to read this thread. :)

[Tom Earp]

Damn, Kelly, is good to see ya still hanging around and in the game! I am so glad you ran into some other GC crazies.

I still have the Postcard you sent to me and look at it lovingly everytime I sit down to the old Screen!!!!

Wish I could fly over the Big pond in my private plane and take you back to the S H PUB and buy you a Pint ( Ladies are only supposed to drink Half Pints) and have a couple of Scotch Eggs!

I just wish that when you come back from your tour of duty for learning that you could fly into Kansas City and I would take you around town to show off the Princess That You Are!!!!!!!!

Luv You, have a great time and look forward to being back in the USA with all of us!:)

Keep a stiff upper lip as the British say!;)

[navane]

Hey everyone,

I thought I should bump up my thread because A) it was getting lost down at the back of the listing and B) I just realized something interesting today.

This afternoon I was PMing with someone when I mentioned how long I had been working with "sorority #2". Here's what I said, pretty much word for word:

It took ONE AND A HALF YEARS from my first attempt to contact sorority #2 to the last meeting I had with the regional coordinator. I'm not even counting the year and a half I've been away overseas. If I include that, it would be nearly THREE years on ONE sorority! :eek:

Can you believe that???

PNAM,

.....Kelly :)

[SmartBlondeGPhB]

That's dedication...........:)

[adduncan]

Yes, navane, I can believe it.

We're coming up on Year #1 of my own AI pursuit. Time seems to fly when things are going smoothly, then slow to a crawl when there's any hint of a wait.

Take heart, many of us understand and are in the same boat right with you. I believe that it will be worth the wait--for *all* of us!

{{{}}}

Adrienne
:)

[Jill1228]

http://www.superbabies.homestead.com/files/wavey.gif

Bout time you started your thread! :D

[navane]

Originally posted by Jill1228
[IMG]
Bout time you started your thread! :D


hehehehe...

Jill, I started my thread in 2001!!! The problem was that it got deleted when GC crashed last year. This particular thread (the one we're on right now) was started on March 28, 2003!! So, don't you tell me it's about time I started something! :p


:D

.....Kelly :)

[Jill1228]

Ya know I luvs ya! http://www.superbabies.homestead.com/files/kiss2.gif

Originally posted by navane
hehehehe...

Jill, I started my thread in 2001!!! The problem was that it got deleted when GC crashed last year. This particular thread (the one we're on right now) was started on March 28, 2003!! So, don't you tell me it's about time I started something! :p


:D

.....Kelly :)

[DZHBrown]

Okay, because I'm behind in the news, are you pursuing AI in England or the states?

[navane]

Originally posted by DZHBrown
Okay, because I'm behind in the news, are you pursuing AI in England or the states?


Uhm, it depends on what you mean! If you are asking me if I am working with a group to be alum initiated in the United Kingdom, then the answer is no. There aren't really any alum associations here to work with. If there are, then no one told me about them. :) However, technically, there is nothing stopping me from pursuing AI from afar until that time when I return to the US. Does that make sense? Of course, being overseas sort of makes it difficult to attend events. :)

.....Kelly :)

[DZHBrown]

Okay, that makes sense! Thanks :)

[navane]

Hi CutiePie2000!

I am now home in the US. Could you please adjust my listing in the Roll Call thread to reflect that I am no longer "presently in England"? Thanks!!


To Everyone!

A year has passed since I last took on active AI movement. Now that I'm back in the US, I can resume where I left off. Though, in the last couple months, there has been a little bit of development. With all of the new PNAMs, and with my AI journey in hibernation, I think a lot of the people on here forgot that I haven't found a home yet!! ;)

So hey, this PNAM is back in business! :)

.....Kelly :)

[CutiePie2000]

Originally posted by navane
Hi CutiePie2000!
I am now home in the US. Could you please adjust my listing in the Roll Call thread to reflect that I am no longer "presently in England"? Thanks!!


Done!

[Beryana]

Welcome home! I hope that everything continues well with your AI pursuit. :) Keep us updated as you can.

Sarah
AI - AOII '00

[navane]

Originally posted by CutiePie2000
Done!


Thanks!!


.....Kelly :)

[Tom Earp]

KEWEL KELL!

Welcome back to the USA!

Are you any smarter or just wiser!:) You Travel Dawg Ya!:D

Hope if you went over Kansas you waved and thought of me!;)

[navane]

Originally posted by exlurker
Welcome back, navane, and best wishes! Are you working on expunging "petrol," "lift," and (car) "boot" from your vocabulary :)



Well, I'm not actively trying to delete the vocabulary from my brain. I do occassionally use a British term and don't realize it until someone asks me what I mean or just giggles or something. :)



Have you found any grocery stores that sell microwaveable bubble and squeak or kidney pies :) ?



I haven't really been into the grocery stores! We have the strike deal going on here. Though, I'm pretty certain that I won't be able to find bubble and squeak or steak and kidney pies here! My English boyfriend, who is still out there, *loves* beef jerky and desperately wants me to send him some! :)



And most importantly, or so I gather from the US media, were you able to bring back copies of every tabloid piece of gossip, innuendo, accusation, and name-calling about the Royal Family and its spouses, ex-spouses, dalliances, and hired hands :) ?




heheheheh no, not really; but hey, last month I got invited to attend dinner at Lambeth Palace, home of the Archbishop of Canterbury. He wasn't home at the time, this was a dinner sponsored by the Romanovs (yes, the Russian royals). Can you believe that?!?! Me, of all people?!?! I'm a total nobody, but due to my connections in the Polish community, I got an invite. Talk about having the full-blown English experience!

I know it sounds farfecthed, but no, I am not making this up. (I have photographic evidence, not to mention that the back of my boyfriend's head and the bottom of my dress appeared in Hello! magazine!) Anyway, there were a few...uhm...."interesting" European royals there; but you won't see any gossip books from me anytime in the near future!



Good wishes for AI !

Thanks!

.....Kelly :) <--- the American nobody

[navane]

Originally posted by Beryana
Welcome home! I hope that everything continues well with your AI pursuit. :) Keep us updated as you can.

Sarah
AI - AOII '00

Thanks! I hope it continues well too! :) :)


.....Kelly :)

[navane]

Originally posted by Tom Earp
KEWEL KELL!

Welcome back to the USA!

Are you any smarter or just wiser!:) You Travel Dawg Ya!:D


I dunno...maybe both?? :)


Hope if you went over Kansas you waved and thought of me!;)


Oy! Why should I be waving at you? Here, I thought you loved me and you went and dumped me for Cele! :p :(

;)


.....Kelly :)

[Tom Earp]

Wish I could remember my French!:(

But, Aw Contrar my mone Ami!!!!!:)

My English is much better that that! Lagar or bitter! Pint of Half Pint!

Damn, win a Lottery and take me back to UK and show me what you saw! Love to go see Willie again, oh you know upon the avon!:) Sherlock Holmes would be ours!:D

God, Loved that Little St. (alley)!;)

Love to have Ya Back!:)

Ja get my email?????:)

[exlurker]

Originally posted by navane

. . . but hey, last month I got invited to attend dinner at Lambeth Palace, home of the Archbishop of Canterbury. He wasn't home at the time, this was a dinner sponsored by the Romanovs (yes, the Russian royals). Can you believe that?!?! Me, of all people?!?! I'm a total nobody, but due to my connections in the Polish community, I got an invite. Talk about having the full-blown English experience!

I know it sounds farfetched, but no, I am not making this up. (I have photographic evidence, not to mention that the back of my boyfriend's head and the bottom of my dress appeared in Hello! magazine!) Anyway, there were a few...uhm...."interesting" European royals there; but you won't see any gossip books from me anytime in the near future!

Hmmmmmm, but in the course of your AI quest no one needs to know you're a nobody. I mean, at a tea or picnic or BBQ when you're politely raving about the food or decorations, you can just happen to mention that the sandwiches / canapes / burgers are so much tastier than the things the Grand Duke / Grand Duchess served at the palace a few months ago . . . :)

[Jill1228]

Welcome back sweetie! http://pages.prodigy.net/rogerlori1/emoticons/smooch.gif

[navane]

Originally posted by exlurker
Hmmmmmm, but in the course of your AI quest no one needs to know you're a nobody. I mean, at a tea or picnic or BBQ when you're politely raving about the food or decorations, you can just happen to mention that the sandwiches / canapes / burgers are so much tastier than the things the Grand Duke / Grand Duchess served at the palace a few months ago . . . :)


Heh....anything would taste better than the canapes they were serving!.....

:p


.....Kelly :)

[SoCalGirl]

Originally posted by navane
I know it sounds farfecthed, but no, I am not making this up. (I have photographic evidence, not to mention that the back of my boyfriend's head and the bottom of my dress appeared in Hello! magazine!)

Thanks!

.....Kelly :) <--- the American nobody

Um, did anyone else's head go to a bad place trying to figure out what that picture must look like? :o :eek: ;)

[GPhiBLtColonel]

Welcome back to the good ol' USA, Navane -- hope the fires are staying away from you there in San Diego (my folks live in TierraSanta & had to be evacuated - very scary) -- I would love to meet you in person and hear your whole AI saga -- I will be in San Diego over the Xmas holidays...I don't even know what group(s) you are pursuing, but if you need help with Gamma Phi Beta.....let me know! there are a few GC'ers who can vouch for me being a good helper in that regard;)

By the way, Tom did not drop you for me :p I think he wants us both -- he is such a greedy guy!! bwahahahaha!:D

[navane]

Originally posted by SoCalGirl
Um, did anyone else's head go to a bad place trying to figure out what that picture must look like? :o :eek: ;)


Uhm.....no. (!!!!!)

:p


To fend off any bad rumors about where my bf's face was, here is that picture scanned in from Hello! magazine with my commentary:


http://members.ispwest.com/navane/Hellomag.jpg


Plus, to "prove" it really is my dress and his bum, here we are in one of our own personal photos (Neil first on left with me second from left):

http://members.ispwest.com/navane/PNAFgroup.jpg


So, hmph! No naughtiness going on there! :p


.....Kelly :)

[breathesgelatin]

Do the Romanovs still have any money? Or are they just normal people with royal titles?

Sorry for the hijack... but that is supercool that you got that experience!

[navane]

Originally posted by GPhiBLtColonel
Welcome back to the good ol' USA, Navane -- hope the fires are staying away from you there in San Diego (my folks live in TierraSanta & had to be evacuated - very scary) --


Oh yes, we were only in danger on Sunday - we're safe now. I live 10 mins from Tierrasanta and when they were hit, we were concerned the fire would come our way.

This will sound geeky, but I did remember you previously mentioning to me that your parents lived there. I did think about them and hoped they were ok. My family also has a friend who lives in Tierrasanta and we were concerned for her too!


I would love to meet you in person and hear your whole AI saga -- I will be in San Diego over the Xmas holidays...I don't even know what group(s) you are pursuing, but if you need help with Gamma Phi Beta.....let me know! there are a few GC'ers who can vouch for me being a good helper in that regard;)

That would be nice! PM me whenever you plan to be in town!


By the way, Tom did not drop you for me :p I think he wants us both -- he is such a greedy guy!! bwahahahaha!:D


I suppose, but, I don't share! I don't want to have another SAEactive situation on my hands.... :p

.....Kelly :)

[cutiepatootie]

Ok so your on american soil ..... when does the initation quest start up? are they still interested in performing Ai with you the chapter you got close to prior to you leaving for jolly ole england?


Welcome home but i want details!:)


laura

[33girl]

Holy crap Kelly, your sweetie looks like Duckie from Pretty In Pink (aka Jon Cryer).

[Tom Earp]

Hey, Hey, I am not a Greedey kind of Guy! Just very loving for Laddays!:)

[Jill1228]

Any updates????

[SAEalumnus]

Originally posted by navane


I suppose, but, I don't share! I don't want to have another SAEactive situation on my hands.... :p

.....Kelly :)

ROFLMAO!!! :D :p

Seriously though, anything new to report?

[navane]

Originally posted by breathesgelatin
Do the Romanovs still have any money? Or are they just normal people with royal titles?

Sorry for the hijack... but that is supercool that you got that experience!

Again, I'm not really on the royal "in crowd" (I was just a lucky bystander really) so I can't say with absolute certainty. Though, I do believe that the Romanovs still have money. HRH Prince Dimitri Romanov and his wife, Dorrit, were the grand guests as this event. The reception and dinner were meant to be a fundraiser for the Romanov Fund for Russia which provides assistance to underpriviliedged children [in Russia]. Anyway, the Romanovs were all wearing expensive gowns and jewlery. Princess Dorritt was even wearing a real tiara!

This particular event was being co-presented by the Almanach de Gotha and the London Debutante Season. Of course, midway through the reception, conversations were halted for the presentation of the debutantes, about 12 in all. Woah! I was not expecting that at all! They're definitely not like the American style deb presentations. Being an event put on by the Alamanch de Gotha *and* the London Debutante Season it stands to reason that there were guests with a lot of money in the room.

I was not one of them. ;)

Well hey, if you or anyone else has anymore questions, feel free to PM me!

.....Kelly :)


Edited to fix an awful run-on sentence!

[navane]

Originally posted by 33girl
Holy crap Kelly, your sweetie looks like Duckie from Pretty In Pink (aka Jon Cryer).


Really?? hrm...I'm not sure I see it. Then again, I only remember Jon Cryer as a young man. Do you mean Neil looks like Duckie as seen in Pretty in Pink or that he looks like Jon Cryer as he looks now?

A lot of people (Americans!!) say that Neil reminds them of Hugh Grant. He doesn't look anything like Hugh Grant! Neil's hair sometimes grows too long and does that Hugh Grant floppy hairstyle thing. The only "real" reason people say that is because Neil is English and thus has an English accent. Though, I can't say he sounds like Hugh Grant either!! :)

.....Kelly :)

[navane]

Originally posted by SAEalumnus
ROFLMAO!!! :D :p



Yeah, I'm not the kind to fight over a man. No thanks. Not for you and not for Tom either. :p


.....Kelly :)

[navane]

Okkkkk....okkkk......so everyone wants the update.

Right....uhm...ok.

Well, it stands to reason that I have resumed AI activities now that I have returned to the US. Not much has happened by way of meeting people or anything. Of course, it's the middle of the semester right before midterms, and some big holidays (Thanksgiving, Chanukah and Christmas) so people are busy and such.

I'm sorry that I can't say much more. :(


.....Kelly :)

[Celestia*Shine]

Kelly~
I hear you on the "not much to report" note. I was getting a little frustrated (but only because I'm so excited) that I haven't really heard back from any of my contacts. Its really very hard to start from scratch not knowing anyone personally who can give you hints or maybe even find you a sponsor. Living in such a "greek-resistant" area, its hard to even find any groups in my area. I say "Greek Resistant" because I live in an area where there area a lot of Catholic schools, and mostly, catholic institutions (any religiously affiliated institution I think) are resistant to any groups that may "exclude" ( I think I read that on one of the school websites).
I do know a few fraternity brothers, but I guess that really doesn't help as far as sponsors (hehe). At any rate, I forgot about it being near the holidays and taking that into consideration--so once I read your post I felt a little better (and how very impatient that I truly am) and I have to step back and think of this as a long process that might take a few years, just like yours has.
Thanks Kelly:) Your story really has helped a lot , and its very good knowing that there are others going through the same thing!:)

[navane]

Hi everyone,


Jill didn't bump my post, but I thought I should give an update anyway. I'm not sure if anyone still cares or if my three year AI saga has totally bored people to death! :p


Well, things moved forward a teeny tiny bit....but that's about it. :( I'm hoping that, since springtime is right around the corner, that everything will pick up a bit. If not, I have no idea what I will do. I don't think I could bear another YEAR of waiting. If there's no sigificant progress by June or so, I'm going to consider giving up. You know, when it comes down to it, I only wanted to help uplift the lives of college students and maybe make some great friends in the process. I suppose there are other ways I could find to achieve this...


I just want to add that it totally makes my day to see the other PNAMs "running to their houses". I support ALL of the PNAMs; but I'm especially rooting for adduncan at the moment! With the pride and joy that some of the AIs demonstrate for their orgs, you know they're going to be great lifetime members. [i]This is what it's all about!


.....Kelly :)

[Jill1228]

I wanted to bump, but a teenage kid (my stepson) had just gotten home and needed to do his homework! :rolleyes:

Had the nerve to interrupt me! Of course I care darlin!

Sweetie I am sending you vibes! If I can help, let me know

[navane]

Originally posted by Jill1228
I wanted to bump, but a teenage kid (my stepson) had just gotten home and needed to do his homework! :rolleyes:

Had the nerve to interrupt me! Of course I care darlin!



hehehe....it's all good! I wasn't trying to say that you don't care! :) I was just thinking that after so long with nothing really interesting to say, that most people would just skip over my thread. :)


Of course, if anything interesting does happen, I will let everyone know!

:)

.....Kelly :)

[polarpi]

Kelly,

I'm sending lots of warm wishes your way...after meeting you last month, I know that you'd make a wonderful new alumna member to ANY organization! :)

Greek love,
Jennie :)

[astroAPhi]

Good luck Kelly. I'll be hoping for some good news this month!

[Jill1228]

Kelly...I am sending good vibes your way!

[navane]

*bump*

[Jill1228]

Well any news? :D

[MelodyCat]

Warm wishes going your way. *hugs*

[GPhiBLtColonel]

Eh, what's up Doc????:p

Why are you bumping this thread without sharing any news? :(

Tsk, tsk...you're being a naughty, naughty girl! ;)

[mshoole]

Originally posted by GPhiBLtColonel
Eh, what's up Doc????:p

Why are you bumping this thread without sharing any news? :(

Tsk, tsk...you're being a naughty, naughty girl! ;)


Dont give up...from what i understand it takes a while...If you believe in yourself it will happen....Keep trying you'll get it soon enough

[navane]

hehehe...you all are a funny lot! It's just that I didn't think my thread should be at the bottom of page 2! I thought it should be somewhere on the front page.......


.....Kelly :)

[tinydancer]

Now that's a fine howdy-do! I thought you had some earth-shaking news for us. I get the feeling, though, that something may be afoot!!

[ms_gwyn]

any news yet?

some of us are waiting on pins and needles for any type of news?

:)

[navane]

Vultures I tell ya! Vultures!

;) :p


PNAM,

.....Kelly :)

[navane]

Ok! So if you look to the left, you would see that I’ve been on GreekChat since September 2001 - just over two and a half years. I registered on GC because I was looking to do AI and I was excited to find an actual thread posted here about just that! Over the course of a year or so, I posted my journey for all to see. Unfortunately, GC crashed one day and lots of data was lost - my thread was one of the ones that disappeared. :( Frankly, because I didn’t feel like trying to retype several years worth of info, I never went back and started my thread agin.

In the long time I have been here, I have seen many a potential alumna initiate come and go. Over the last couple years, I’ve been pretty quiet - after all, not much was moving forward in my AI journey. So, naturally, I seldom posted updates. Now we have loads of “newbies” and no one has a clue about me or where I’ve been. I guess I’m sort of the “AI mystery” around here. :)

Over the past several months, some newer folks have been asking me to re-tell my story since they weren’t here before the big GC system meltdown. So, due to popular request, and due to the fact that it’s nearly 3am and I can’t sleep, I will re-tell the tale! Yes, ladies and gentlemen, get some popcorn and a soda and have a seat. This is going to get LONG.

In the style of our rushees and other AIs, I will refer to the sororities in my story using the names of Cirque du Soleil shows! The colors chosen and the names of the shows themselves are not meant to convey any secret hints, so don’t bother thinking too hard about them. :)

.....Kelly :)

[navane]

Warning: loads of sad personal stuff ahead

I started college as a freshman in Fall 1995 at California State University Long Beach. The sororities didn't advertise much and so I don't recall hearing about rush. Honestly, I don't think I would have gone anyway. Plus, one of my friends is a really liberal thinker and she was really anti-greek and I didn't want to get into it with her.

However, I decided not to form an opinion without seeing for myself so I went to informal recruitment my sophomore year. So, in the Spring of 1997 I rushed during Continuous Open Bidding at CSULB. There are seven sororties at CSULB and all of them were participating in informal recruitment.

Shortly after I arrived home that first night at COB, I received a phone call from the chapter president of Dralion who extended to me an invitation to join. I was quite pleased, and surprised that I would get a bid so quickly! The ladies at Dralion were really diverse, nice and very sincere and I liked them a lot. However, out of fairness to two other sororities I promised to visit, I asked if I could take a couple days to decide. The Dralion President thought that was ok.

Over the weekend, a situation at home caused me to think carefully about whether or not I should join a sorority at all. You see, my mother was an alcoholic who had been sober for several years. Right after I left for college, she relapsed and was not recovering. That semester in particular, her health was getting significantly worse. I realized that weekend that I was beginning to feel a lot of stress from home. Considering that I was already quite involved on campus, I figured that accepting a bid to a sorority might not be the best idea. With that, I sent a note and politely declined my bid to Dralion. It's a good thing that I did. Later that semester, things got so bad for us that I ended up failing all of my classes and earning zero credits. I was put on academic probabtion.

I wanted to rush again in the fall, but I knew I ought to spend my energy on improving my grades - and things were worsening for my mom. (Besides, my GPA at that time was not high enough to qualify for membership anyway). Things just went kinda poorly for the whole of 1998 too. One of those things being that my major got eliminated and I was going to have to start all over on a new major. :(

In December 1998 my mom was hospitalized for a short while. In February of 1999 my mother passed away unexpectedly in a devastating turn of events. Six weeks later my grandmother (her mom) also passed away. Obviously, I didn't do informal rush that semester, nor did I do formal rush in fall 1999.

It took a lot of perseverence, but I made up my mind to pull myself together and get my grades back up. In no time, I returned to earning the high marks I always knew I was capable of. Within two semesters, I was earning 3.6 GPA semesters - but my overall GPA was still a bit shaky. Then, when I was talking to an academic counselor about my academic probation being lifted, she found out about my sad circumstance. She informed me that the university had a policy whereby the university could have that spring 1997 term (where I failed all my classes) permanently erased from my record if the circumstances warranted it - which she thought mine did. After submitting a petition, the university graciously approved my petition for a "retroactive withdrawl" and my spring 1997 term is no longer on my transcript AT ALL. That put my overall GPA up a little bit.

The year 1999 - 2000 was more about healing and moving on than it was about rushing a sorority...so I didn't even consider it then. However, my last year, 2000 - 2001, I was feeling positive about my life and I decided to take a chance and try for fall 2000 formal recruitment. I figured they'd just laugh at me for being a 5th year super-duper-senior, but I wanted to go for it anyway.

Unfortunately, my rush counselor didn't seem to care about me at all. I couldn't go to the informational night as I just could not get out of work from my on-campus job. Though, I managed to take my lunch break right at the start of that event and went over to the student union to meet with my rush counselor. She was completely unprepared and simply didn't have any of my paperwork ready. She didn't even have a schedule to give me. She told me she would call me that night to tell me when the first round was starting the next day. She didn't call and I missed it. Then, when I did finally get a hold of her, she pretty much encouraged me to drop out! So, no sorority then either. :(

[navane]

I heard about COB for the spring 2001 and, thought I knew it was a total long shot...I wanted to give it a go. You probably think I sound like a lame person, but I'm not! :) This time not all of the sororities were participating in informal recruitment - but Dralion was one of them. I spoke to the new member educator from Dralion and briefly explained to her my situation and asked if being a senior would be held against me. She was really positive and reassured me that I definitely had a chance. She was encouraging and, of course, she invited me to attend the events.

I did indeed go around to a few of their events. To my shock and surprise, the [current] girls were not very nice to me at all. I don’t really want to say too much about that other than to say that it was a very uncomfortable situation. :(

Eventually, the board told me that they thought I was cool, and that they would have liked to give me a bid, but that they felt bad that I would have to pay so much money and only be an active for a couple weeks [before graduating]. I accepted that graciously. They seemed really sad to have to give me the bad news. The idea of alumna initiation came up and they said they would ask their alum members about it for me because they thought that might be a better option.

When I ran into a few of the girls at a pizza place a few weeks later, they completely blew me off in a really rude fashion. It just broke my heart. I wondered, "If this is the way they treat potential members, how do they treat their sisters?" I was very disappointed and even hurt. As I left the pizza place, I almost felt like crying. :(

[navane]

As an undergrad, I studied Human Development with a minor in Human Resource Management. To complete my major, I had to do a semester of fieldwork. Since my career goal is to work in Student Development in Higher Education (university administration, campus life, greek life, new student orientation and so on...), I decided to take a placement on campus in the student center in spring 2001. One of my assignments was to visit other sites; so, I went to a “nearby” university to see their student center.

While visiting, noticed that university’s panhellenic had just finished a recruitment event in the campus plaza - though, I wasn’t familiar with the sororities on that campus. Even though I had just had a sad recruitment experience, I was still in “Greek mode” if you will and was curious about these unknown groups.

Out of curiosity, I looked up the groups on the internet. One of them, Saltimbanco, caught my attention. As I read about the sorority, something about them just struck me in my heart. I thought, "Err! I like this group! How come there wasn't a chapter at my college?!" Unfortunately, not only was there no chapter of Saltimbanco at my university, but I was about to graduate! Ah well, I still had a fondness for Dralion and was waiting on hearing back from their local alumnae association.

Nothing happened.

Even though I had the backing of Dralion's HQ, we couldn’t get the local alums to respond even after some 6-7 months. At that point I figured that I knew how to take a hint and decided to give up on Dralion. Just then, I remembered Saltimbanco. Wondering if they might have a similar program, I inquired of their HQ. They responded right away and told me that they did! They instructed me to contact the alumnae chapters nearest to me to get things rolling.

I e-mailed and followed up several times with the area associations and got no response. :( So, I decided on a whim to e-mail the collegiate chapter president of a different chapter (from the campus I had visited) to see if she had any advice. Would you believe it? Her first response to me was that they’d love to have me as an AI! She went on to say that they were preparing to alum initiate several of their girls’ mothers in a few weeks time and that she was certain they could pop me in with that group. :eek: All I had to do was show up to one of their chapter meetings so they could find a girl to sponsor me. Woah! Ok, so in theory that’s really good news, right? However, I was kind thinking that was almost too good. I mean, didn’t they want to really get to know me first? Plus, I lived a few hours away from their chapter.

Realizing that maybe I should affiliate with the chapter that was closer to me (the one I did my assignment on), my contact recommended I talk to the other collegiate chapter president. No problem! I was happy to do so! I went about e-mailing that collegiate president and even tried the alum association again. Several more weeks went by. No response. :mad:

I figured that everyone must be really busy with midterms and holidays or something and decided to sit back and be patient.

Then, wouldn't you know it, after being AWOL for about 7 months....



...Dralion came a knocking.




Ha ha! To be continued tomorrow! Methinks you have enough to read at the moment.... :)

[hannahgirl]

Oh thats not nice!

......waiting until you post again......

pacing around my house.....

[mshoole]

navane ~
That is such a sad story...I cant wait to hear the rest and thank you for sharing.

MS

[adduncan]

Navane, I know that story too well.

{{{HUGZ}}} for my fellow long-haul PNAM.

Adrienne
:D

[Jill1228]

Oh hell to the naw! You know you are SICK AND WRONG for leaving us hanging! :p

[navane]

There I was sorting of hanging out not hearing from Saltimbanco when the President of the Dralion alumnae association decided to e-mail me to invite me to a Fall 2001 event! As one could imagine, I was sort of surpised; but hey, I thought it might be worth a go. The event was everything a lovely alum event should be. The ladies were really nice, and they seemed to like me! The hostess was excellent, the members welcoming, the activities both fun and heartwarming...even the nametages were adorable! One alumna even sat and talked with me for a long while about how much Dralion meant to her.

Well, at the end of that day, the President and the Membership Chair pulled me aside and asked me about my thoughts. I told them that I had a really nice time and that I was happy they had invited me around to meet everyone. The President then said that they would love to have me as a sister of Dralion and that, if it was alright by me, that she and the Membership Chair would like to sign off as my sponsors! :eek:

I was kind of suprised. Then again, the Membership Chair was one of the girls who had rushed me back in 1997 and she was really thrilled that I had shown up. Maybe they just figured that they knew me well enough already?? I mentioned something along the lines of that I was expecting to have to attend a few events first. The president responded by explaining that Dralion would be having a regional conference in less than two months’ time where the International President was going to be the guest speaker. They wanted me initiated before then so that they could “show me off as their newest member”. We ended the conversation with the President saying that she would get the appropriate forms to me so I could think about it. They also invited me to their next event which has a holiday party.

Not but five minutes later, the Vice President pulled me aside and asked me if I had been enjoying the event. I thanked her (she was the hostess) and said I had a good time. Then, this lady proceeded to tell me about how my alumnae initiation process would go. She explained that I would likely be invited around for a few more events so that we could all get to know each other more. If all was good then, we could see about possibly getting me a sponsor. I kinda just stood there for a couple seconds - obviously, she had no idea that I had just been invited for membership and gotten two sponsors just a few minutes earlier. Honestly, I was a little flustered and I didn’t know what to do. So, I sort of feigned stupid and mentioned that the President and Membership Chair had already spoken to me about membership and that they were getting some papers together for me to look at. Upon hearing this, the Vice President looked suprised and angry. :o She said she was going to have to discuss it with them and get back to me. It became obvious to me later that there was a bit of a divide in the group. The fact that some members were making decisions without consulting others didn’t help...and it was clear that I was at the center of a power struggle. :(

In the following days, memories of all of the negeative experiences I had with the collegiate chapter of Dralion came flooding back. I panicked. I thought, "I just can't do it - I can't send in my alumna application." :(

I called up the President and told her that I was withdrawing my interest. I explained a little bit to her about why I had decided that, and then she did something strange. She started agreeing with me and was like, "Yeah I don't like the sorority either, I've been thinking of quitting myself..." etc. :eek:

I still think Dralion is a wonderful organization. Since they were the ones to offer me my undergrad bid, I’ll always have a soft spot for them. But I simply cannot be a member. :( :(

[ms_gwyn]

navane,

this is like reading a very compeling novel that I can't put down or a cliff hanger at the end of the TV season

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT!!!!!!!

don't leave a sister hangin'

You definetly have had more drama than I did with my "pledge sorority"


I really truly hope that you find a home, mine has hit a tiny road bump, but I wont let that stop me.


ms gwyn

[navane]

Originally posted by ms_gwyn
navane,

this is like reading a very compeling novel that I can't put down or a cliff hanger at the end of the TV season


heh...and here y'all have been giving me a hard time about why I didn't re-tell the story! My story is like a bad soap opera! It's taking me forever to recount the whole thing! :D

.....Kelly :)

[navane]

Some weeks later, in January 2002, I was still wondering whatever happened with Saltimbanco as it had been a very, very long time since I had first contacted them.

After a few follow-up e-mails, the president of the original Saltimbanco collegiate chapter finally replied and was extra excited to hear about my interest. The chapter discussed it at a meeting and decided to invite me to be a special guest at their spring 2002 informal recruitment! I had a great time; the ladies were really cool. One of the sisters was actually near my age and she and I got on really well. I was first invited to a night out for ice skating and dinner. Then, I was invited back to another event at a coffeehouse.

On a side note, during the first event, I happened to run into a girl I went to high school with! She was two years behind me in school and we had been buddies in drama class. It turns out that she was participating in recruitment! She confided in me that she had her heart set on another chapter, but that Saltimbanco was a close second! Don’t worry, I didn’t pressure her to pick Saltimbanco. ;) In case anyone cares, she did end up getting a bid from her first choice and went on to be a very active member! :)

Shortly thereafter, I was invited to a joint collegiate and alumnae event where we worked on a philanthropy project. That was really cool because, up until then, I had been talking with the collegiates and this was a good transition event. At the end of that event, the collegiate president and one of the alumnae association officers asked me to join them for lunch. They asked me about myself, talked about the benefits of being a lifelong member and we generally just had a laugh. They said that they would like to contact Saltimbanco's Regional Coordinator to ask about how to proceed. I was told one of them would contact me with more info. A couple months went by and I didn’t hear anything.

But there's a twist! I realized needed/wanted to get a Master of Education degree in Counselling. Just as I was moving along with Saltimbanco, I was offered a place to study at the University of Bristol in England! I thought that would end my journey to become an alum initiate right there. However, the collegiate president assured me that being in a sorority was for life and that one year wasn't going to make a difference.

Finally, six month’s after the first invitiation, they got me in touch with the regional coordinator. Just a couple weeks before I moved to Britain, we met for lunch. She really liked my enthusiasm and my outlook. She especially thought I would make a good member because I'm a university administrator - helping students is what I do! She said I was just what they were looking for in a member. She then gave me the application forms for alumnae initiation and asked me to keep in touch while in the UK and to definitely give them a call when I return home to the US.

I was excited. Though, just between all of us ;) I was a little disappointed that she took so long to finally get it in gear. Had we moved forward with this in a timely fashion, I could have been initiated *before* going to England. Oh well. As I mentioned, I was really happy with that result and I was looking forward to becoming a member of Saltimbanco upon my return.

I attempted I keep in touch with a couple of collegiates and the Regional Coordinator with mixed results. It’s no surprise that they started to forget about me; after all, I was in England for nearly a year and a half. My biggest cheerleader, the collegiate president had graduated and actually went on to become a travelling consultant for Saltimbanco's HQ (and she definitely deserved to get that job!). After a while, it seemed like Saltimbanco really had forgotten about me and there was nothing I could do. :(

After a total of three years spent on this group, Saltimbanco sort of just dwindled away. :(

[navane]

Ok, it's late again, I'll have to finish tomorrow...


Sorry! :)


.....Kelly :)

[breathesgelatin]

Whoa! What a crazy story!

I can't wait to hear the rest!!!

[Tom Earp]

Kelly, "Will You Stop it"~

I am as bad if not worse on wanting to know what is going on and this is killing me along with JillyBean and others!:(

Jill, move back across the border, phone bill was OOOOOOOOOOH So Big!:)

[polarpi]

Originally posted by breathesgelatin
Whoa! What a crazy story!

I can't wait to hear the rest!!!

I agree...I've been checking every night to see if there's anything new added to the story....:D

[navane]

Ack! Sorry! I've been really busy this week with trying to take care of a lot of tasks due to the fact that I've just moved to a new place. Plus, my boyfriend decided to fly out from England to visit me for a week or so.

There's still a little bit of story left to go yet. I'll do my best to get the rest of it up here this week so that everyone can be updated on where I am with the AI journey.


.....Kelly :)

[Tom Earp]

K screw the boy friend, oops, not what I really ment!:o

Just want to know how it goeth!;)

Still got the Card, looking at it right now!:cool:

A Pack Rat for certain people!:D

Ya In The A List!

Hoping the best for you My Love!:cool:

[polarpi]

Originally posted by navane
Ack! Sorry! I've been really busy this week with trying to take care of a lot of tasks due to the fact that I've just moved to a new place. Plus, my boyfriend decided to fly out from England to visit me for a week or so.

There's still a little bit of story left to go yet. I'll do my best to get the rest of it up here this week so that everyone can be updated on where I am with the AI journey.


.....Kelly :)

Oh, take your time....just not too long :D

Thinking great thoughts for you, Kelly! :)

[navane]

Ok! I've sent my boyfriend home and I now have a few moments to conclude my updated story.


Right, so I had left for England with Saltimbanco's Alumnae Initiation forms in my possession and a promise that they'd get right on it when I returned to the US.

But that wasn't meant to be.

My e-mails went unanswered and there was nothing I could really do short of show up on someone's doorstep. LOL The Regional Coordinator did reply to one of my e-mails in a general "hey, how's it going" fashion, but she never said anything about the AI process, even though I gently asked her about how we could go about picking up where we left off.

I returned home from England eight months ago and I never did hear back from anyone at Saltimbanco. :(

So what was I to do? I thought about it quite a bit and decided that I didn't want to give up. Though, I was faced with the prospect of having to start alllllll over again. :(

I reviewed the list of sororities which offered AI and wasn't sure where to start. I mean, I wanted to pursue a group I really believed in...not just one I thought would take me. There are some really nice sororities which do AI, but only a small handfull which I felt I would consider.

But here's the weird thing, the ones I really liked were also the ones I never "really" considered before because I saw them as these prestigious organizations that I probably would never have a chance to be a part of. I guess I just thought I shouldn't even consider them because, given my personal experience with members and chapters, I probably wasn't "good enough". I know that seems kind of dumb for an adult to say, but opinions formed in the youth are sometimes hard to break. :o

Nonetheless, I decided to check into a couple more. One of those groups, Alegria, did AI but had a particular policy I needed some clarification on. Someone from Alegria HQ responded to me and answered my question in a positive direction. She also forwarded my e-mail to a Regional Coordinator in my area. That person e-mailed me right away to introduce herself. Wouldn't you know it, it so happens that this person and I happend to be "aquaintances" of sorts! Anyway, she was very positive about AI with Alegria and was eager to pass my name around to alumnae in my area. Cool!

The Alegria Regional Coordinator put my name forward to the Chapter Advisor of one of the universities in town. That lady was very excited and very positive to hear about my interest. Right away she was asking me if I would be interested in helping out the chapter and so on. It seemed like things were already moving along.

However, as AI efforts normally go, I didn't hear from anyone for many weeks. :p Nearly three months later, I followed up with the Chapter Advisor again. The poor Chapter Advisor was having an overwhelmingly busy semester and she just couldn't find a good event to invite me to. :( So I waited.....and waited.

I never heard from her again. :( :(

[navane]

Alegria got off to a promising start, but seemed to stall. :(

As a last ditch effort, I explained the situation to the Regional Coordinator who had first contacted me. She managed to get the e-mail address of the President of the local alumnae chapter.

Armed with that info, I e-mailed the President. She replied with a warm response inviting me to an upcoming event. She asked me to phone her so that we could chat. When I called, she explained to me that the event in question was a "card party" and wanted to know if I knew how to play bridge. I had no idea how to play bridge. She then asked me which card games I did know how to play. This woman seemed to me to be an older lady and I felt embarassed telling her that I only know how to play blackjack and poker. I thought that she must think that I was some kind of beer-swilling hooligan who didn't know how to play ladylike card games. :o :) Of course, I'm not a beer-swilling hooligan, but I digress. ;)

On top of that, she said that there was a problem in that bridge is played in teams....and all of the teams had been filled. :o We sort of struggled for a bit, I felt like she was trying to hard to accomodate me but couldn't. I didn't want her to feel obligated or anything. :(

She said that she would check with one of the other members and either she or the other lady would get back to me on the card party event. In the meantime, she tried to come up with some other ideas. She said that there was a meeting coming up, but I couldn't attend because it was an election meeting and non-members couldn't attend. She said that the next thing after that was Alegria's Founder's Day. Unfortunately, that was the one day I had something else scheduled that I simply could not cancel on. She then said that nothing else would be going on until next October or so. That would have been an 8-9 month wait. :( Finally, she got my hopes up by saying "Would you be interested in possibly helping out with the collegiate girls?" I answered very enthusiastically and then she said, "Oh...wait...you can't....you're not a sister."

:(

I felt so bad, she clearly tried hard to come up with something, but it didn't work out. I thought I would give the card party a go, but neither she nor the other sister gave me a call. I didn't attend. :(

A couple weeks later, I happened to meet another aquaintance who is a member of Alegria. She heard about the difficulty we had been having, and felt awful about it. She was very sweet and wanted to do something to help. Though, I knew that there was nothing coming up for another 8 months. I explained that I just couldn't bear waiting around that long to see if I might possibly be invited around to meet the ladies.

I started to get the feeling that, after 8 months of waiting, and the prospect of waiting 8 months more, there simply wasn't a place for me with Alegria.

All of the Alegria sisters I knew are especially classy ladies. It was sad that it didn't work out after all.





Then along came Varekai.

[deadbear80]

Then what happened???? G-d...reading this thread is like watching reality TV--you really want to know what happens next and you don't want to wait until next week...but you're unbearably hooked! Don't leave us hanging!!!

[tinydancer]

This is better than a soap opera!

I'm still hoping for a happy ending.:)

[polarpi]

Originally posted by tinydancer
This is better than a soap opera!

I'm still hoping for a happy ending.:)

I agree!!!

I really hope you find your happy ending, Kelly! You are such a great person that I've enjoyed seeing at various San Diego GC get-togethers, and I know how much you want this!

Love,
Jennie :)

[Sister Havana]

I can't wait to read the next chapter!

My fingers are crossed for you, Kelly! :)

[navane]

Right, you ask....and I deliver!


For quite a long time, a woman I know (let's call her "Ally" for "Ally Alumnae") had been suggesting I give Varekai a try. I knew all about Varekai already as there had been a chapter at my university. That was one of the few sororities I didn't rush as it seemed to me to be one of the chapters that only über popular and pretty girls joined. Ok, so I wasn't a dork or anything at college; I was actually sort of "popular" in my own right. I just wasn't an especially stylish "girly-girl". :) Again, it seemed like one of those "not in a million years would they consider me" situations.

Yet, Ally really seemed to think that I would make a great member of Varekai. However, every time she mentioned it, I was already involved in pursuing AI with one of the other organizations.

Now, just days after Alegria fell through, Ally e-mailed me saying that if I wanted to consider Varekai, she would be first in line to help me out. Odd timing considering she had no idea about Alegria (as far as I know!).

I gave Varekai's website and ideals a thorough read. I thought through it quite a bit and started to see great things. I always liked this org, I just never thought I would have a chance. One thing that excited me was that there appeared to be a LOT of opportunity to get involved. That was very important to me! I got over my feelings of "Why would you want me? I'm not a cheerleader!" ('cause I know my university's chapter is just *one* in the grand scheme of things) and told Ally that I would be interested in giving Varekai a chance.

That was all she needed to hear.

It was as if she was like lightning on the telephone and keyboard, contacting all of the relevant people in an instant (I'm talking, like, less than one hour later).

One afternoon, I went looking around the website for one of the chapters at a local university. In their alumnae section, I saw a name listed as the Alumnae Chapter President. It turns out that this lady and I both had been members of a local figure skating club!!! This alumnae member, let's call her "Jewel", had been friends with my ice skating coach! What a small world! I shared this with Ally who promptly got in touch with her. :) Just a couple of weeks after I first gave the green light to Varekai (no pun intended), I received an e-mail from Jewel telling me how excited she was that I was considering AI. We reminisced a bit about the good ol' days when we skated at the same rink and chatted about Varekai. She said that she was no longer the Alumnae Chapter President, but that she'd look into the calendar of events to see what was coming up.

Before she accomplished that, Ally managed to arrange for us all to have lunch together at a local restaurant. Also in attendance were Ally's mom and a sister from Ally's chapter who was in town visiting. We had a great time chatting, getting to know each other, hearing funny stories about being a sister of Varekai and enjoying the amazing ocean view from the restaurant.

I'm not sure what all was going on behind the scenes, but, the next thing I know, Varekai HQ had given the go-ahead for me to complete the AI process with Ally being my sponsor and Jewel working on getting the collegiate chapter approval.

In the meantime, Ally requested my presence at her house so that we could complete my new member training! It was just way too exciting! One of the things I remember was Ally sitting there patiently as I agonized over which badge to choose. :D

While the paperwork was being sorted out, the current Alumnae Chapter President contacted me to introduce herself. She was very gracious in praising Jewel for filling in for her while she was away (with regards to working on my AI paperwork). She asked me to get in touch with her so that we could meet up for coffee or something. How nice of her to have such faith in her sisters! Also, I had to go around to Jewel's house to pick up my new member manual. While there, I met her precious family and we had a great time chatting and visiting. Jewel even recently phoned me "just because" and invited me around to her house for a get-together that had nothing to do with Varekai.

Everyone embraced me immediately as if I was already a member of Varekai. It felt like there was no question about whether or not I was a sister.



I was....we just simply hadn't met yet.



Who would have thought it? The one chapter at my undergrad university that I felt I had the least chance of getting a bid from, turned out to be the place I run home to.


What a wild, excruciatingly long, and better-than-a-bad-soap-opera seven years it has been.


I am on the home stretch. I managed to get a place as one of only four women to be presented for alumnae initiation at Varekai's International Convention.


In less than two weeks, on Saturday, June 26 at 3pm, I will be be initiated as a member of the Epsilon Gamma chapter of.....





















Gamma Phi Beta

[navane]

AND, because *I know* you all are going to ask, I took the initiative to locate a picture of the badge I selected. :D


I'm not a BLING BLING person...it's just not me. I tend to have more "classic" leanings. Though, sometimes I choose to be just a little different. This is one such occassion.


After staring at the brochure for what seemed to be forever, I finally selected the badge with the crown pearl phi and garnet points.


I guess it's sort of "mini bling".


http://members.ispwest.com/navane/kellysbadge.jpg



.....Kelly :)

[ms_gwyn]

Let me be the "first" on GC to give you a heartful

CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU AND

GFB

:D :D :D :D :D

[Unregistered-]

What an HONOR!

I don't know how long I've been reading up on your AI experience (with all those ups and downs and twists in between) and now you'll be initiated at Convention in front of all your soon to be new sisters. WOW. :eek:

Congratulations to you, my soon to be new Triad sister, and congratulations to Gamma Phi Beta.

[Jill1228]

Holy isht! I doggone near spit out my water reading this! You are going to be my Triad sister! Congrats to you and
Gamma Phi Beta!

They are some great women...I hung out with one this weekend (SmartBlonde)
Check out my location! :D

[hannahgirl]

Congrats Kelly!!

You deserve this!!! We are all so excited for you! You're story is an inspiration for others who might have or want to give up on the AI process. It just goes to show that you can't give up on something that you want!

Congrats again to you and Gamma Phi Beta!

[adduncan]

CONGATS KELLY!!!

I'm one of those people who believe that things happen a certain way for a certain reason. It may suck while you're going thru it but its worth it in the end.

We gotta hear some more as Convention gets closer!!

{{{HUGZ}}}

Adrienne
:D

[Cluey]

Congratulations! I am so happy for you! I know it has been a long rollercoaster ride for you, but I am so thrilled that you have made it home.

Now, I am even more bummed that I cannot attend convention, but that's another topic of conversation all together... :)

Congratulations again! :)

[SmartBlondeGPhB]

and I get to be there!!!!!!

Oh my god is about all I could say to this story.........

Congratulations!!!!!!!

"As convention gets closer"???? Oh my, I wish I had more time to get ready....lol :D :D

[Taualumna]

Congrats, Kelly, my triad-sister-to-be!! :)

[breathesgelatin]

CONGRATS KELLY!

What a story!

[Jen]

Congratulations!!!! I am so happy for you!!!

We'll be Triad Sisters!

And I love the badge you chose=)

[aopirose]

Congrats Kelly!

[AUDeltaGam]

Congrats on GAMMA PHI BETA!!

[polarpi]

Kelly,

Through our talks together, I know how much you will bring to the sisterhood of Gamma Phi Beta. I could not be MORE pleased about this opportunity for you!

And to be initiated at convention is so wonderful! Now I wonder, is Cele going to be there? :D :)

Congratulations to the women of Gamma Phi Beta for getting an excellent sister-to-be! :)

Jennie :)

[tinydancer]

YEA!!! I KNEW THAT HAD TO BE THE ONE!!!

Oh, Kelly I am so excited for you to become one of "us" - even though I am so new too. I'm so glad you felt at home with Gamma Phi Beta - that is exactly how I felt and why I love them so much.

I really proud to call you my sister!!

Lizz:)

[Sister Havana]

CONGRATULATIONS KELLY! :) :) :)

I'm so happy for you...you deserve a happy ending and you got one!

[The B Girl]

Wow - what a saga to read!! Congratulations to you and Gamma Phi Beta - I think it is wonderful how your persistence has paid off.

[GeekyPenguin]

OMG! I don't know where I've been for this thread, but congratulations! I will see you at your initiaton! :D

[Tom Earp]

Oh KELLY!:cool:

I am so pleased for you and the Ladies of Gamma Phi Beta.

The trek has been long and arduios but is finally being rewarded to a very special lady!

It will be very special to be Initiated at Convention and be with so many GC GPhiBs.

You new Badge is beautiful!:cool:

[aephi alum]

I've been following your AI story for a long time, and I just now read the happy ending...

CONGRATULATIONS! :D

[Peaches-n-Cream]

Congratulations Kelly!!!! :) :D :cool:

I really like your badge.

[CutiePie2000]

Congratulations Kelly on your homecoming to Gamma Phi Beta. I know you've had a long journey. WAY TO GO! (and congratulations on your bling-light badge - I like it!)

[Jill1228]

I want a pix of the GC GPhiBs after initiation!

[polarpi]

Originally posted by Jill1228
I want a pix of the GC GPhiBs after initiation!

I agree....please get one and post! :D We all want to see the lovely GC GPhiB's after Kelly's initiation! :)

[navane]

Aww.....thanks everybody! You all are just so nice! I kinda feel like I get to be "sisters" with everybody here at GC!


I wasn't going to say anything until *after* initiation. I was just going to post a picture of me in my white dress and see what everyone says. Though, I thought that might be too mean and I changed my mind. :D


.....Kelly :)

[navane]

Originally posted by Jill1228
I want a pix of the GC GPhiBs after initiation!



Originally posted by polarpi
I agree....please get one and post! :D We all want to see the lovely GC GPhiB's after Kelly's initiation! :)


hehehe...sure thing! From what I understand, there will be a few there!


.....Kelly :)

[polarpi]

Originally posted by navane
Aww.....thanks everybody! You all are just so nice! I kinda feel like I get to be "sisters" with everybody here at GC!


I wasn't going to say anything until *after* initiation. I was just going to post a picture of me in my white dress and see what everyone says. Though, I thought that might be too mean and I changed my mind. :D


.....Kelly :)

You better believe it would have been too mean :D

We love having you as a GC sister (even if I can't claim you as an ADPi, or even a Triad sister, I'm still glad to have met you in person and here on GC)!

[Tom Earp]

Kelly, I want more than a Postcard From England!

You are On Deck Sweety!

Yea!

:cool:

Pictures, Pictures!:)

[AOIIalum]

Congratulations, Kelly. I'm glad to learn your story has such a happy ending. Enjoy each moment and every opportunity you have with Gamma Phi Beta.

Fraternally,
Christin

[bsp-mich24]

An early Congrats & welcome to the triad!!!:D

In less than two weeks, on Saturday, June 26 at 3pm, I will be be initiated as a member of the Epsilon Gamma chapter of..... I was initiated by A-Phi's Epsilon Gamma chapter.

[amgn253]

What a great story! Congrats to you and Gamma Phi Beta!!!:D

[cutiepatootie]

OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YEAH KELLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WELCOME TO THE TRIAD SISTERHOOD CONGRATS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :D

[JennRN]

Kelly this is awesome news!!! Congrats to you amd Gamma Phi Beta!! I am so excited for you!!! And you're badge is beautiful!!

HOORAY HOORAY!!! :D :D

[wrigley]

Congratulations Kelly!!!!

I love happy endings:D :D :D

[pinkyphimu]

congrats kelly! enjoy your first convention...and initiation!!

[GPhiBLtColonel]

Originally posted by polarpi
Kelly,

Through our talks together, I know how much you will bring to the sisterhood of Gamma Phi Beta. I could not be MORE pleased about this opportunity for you!

And to be initiated at convention is so wonderful! Now I wonder, is Cele going to be there? :D :)

Congratulations to the women of Gamma Phi Beta for getting an excellent sister-to-be! :)

Jennie :)

OF COURSE I WILL BE THERE!!!! I am Kelly's "big sister" after all!


;)

signed
Ally Alumnae;)

[polarpi]

Originally posted by GPhiBLtColonel
OF COURSE I WILL BE THERE!!!! I am Kelly's "big sister" after all!


;)

signed
Ally Alumnae;)

Well, I *figured* as much! :D

Congrats on your "little sister" and I better see some pictures ASAP after the big day.....especially since I've gotten to spend time with both of you quite a bit! :D

[cutiepatootie]

definitely have t o show us pictures :D

[navane]

Originally posted by GPhiBLtColonel
OF COURSE I WILL BE THERE!!!! I am Kelly's "big sister" after all!


;)

signed
Ally Alumnae;)


hahahahaha....I was wondering when you were going to show up!! I was just about to e-mail you to tell you to get over here! :)


.....Kelly :)

[GPhiBLtColonel]

Just got back last night from vacation; had a ga-zillion emails to go thru...

One of the emails was from IH -- your badge has arrived already and will be ready for initiation!!!! Got your white dress yet?


This is so exciting!

:D :D :D :D

[kk_bama]

Congrats Kelly! I can't wait to meet you!

My chapter advisor is getting her mother AI'ed at Convention with you, and I am so excited for you both! (And me, since it's my first Convention)

Kristen

[PinkRose1098]

Congratulations!

Wow, what a story!

[Jill1228]

To all my Triad sisters going to Convention...have a safe trip!

Remember I want to see a photo of hottie GC Gamma Phis! :D

[SmartBlondeGPhB]

You'll be able to see plenty of photos. Plus, I'm sure I'll have a photo album all together by the time you come down again....

[Xylochick216]

Congrats, Kelly! What a story :) Enjoy your initiation!

[navane]

Ok! I'm on the home stretch!! Or, as Tom put it, I'm on deck! :D

I'm leaving for the airport to meet up with my soon-to-be sisters in Chicago! I'll tell you all about it as soon as I can!!!


......Kelly :)

[Jill1228]

Have a fun and safe trip!

[polarpi]

Woo hoo! I figured you'd be leaving either today or tomorrow to get back to Chi-town :D

Have a blast and we can't wait to hear about the non-ritual parts of your trip when you get a chance! :)

Congrats again, Kelly...I couldn't be happier for you!

[amgn253]

Today's the day!!:)

Congratulations! Have fun with your new sisters!

[Tom Earp]

Kelly, it is Sun. Expect a full update by Mon!:cool:

Off of on Deck Circle and Have Hit a Home Run!:D

We are all waiting to get the Scoop!!!!!!!!!!!:)

[GeekyPenguin]

I am sure Kelly will post when she gets a chance, I don't want to ruin anything for her. :cool:

[GPhiBLtColonel]

Well, if I could figure out how to post some pictures I would....:)
I just got back this morning and am exhausted...I may try to post a pic or two tomorrow after I get some sleep.

Initiation was a wonderful, emotional, beautiful and even magical ceremony...and now Kelly is my sister! (said as I beam with pride!!):D And boy, do I have an AWESOME little sister!!!

For the Pink Carnation banquet after initiation, Kelly and I and the other new initiates and sponsors all got to sit at one of the VIP tables...very cool!:cool:

Kelly is actually the absolute newest initiate of Gamma Phi Beta since her last name is at the end of the alphabet...:D

Navane's search is over -- she is now home!!!

P.S. Kelly, when you log on and tell your story, tell about "the dream!"
:)

[Sister Havana]

Congratulations Kelly...I am so glad you are home! Can't wait to hear all about it! :)

[LouisaMay]

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!:D I haven't been around much, but I'm still cheering for all the AI-hopefuls. I'm so happy that you found your place.

LM

[navane]

Hi everyone!!!


I just got home at about 8pm Pacific time (just a few hours ago), so I am a bit tired - I hope I get everything right. Since I didn't take the photos with my digital camera, you'll just have to wait until my stills get developed. Sorry! :p


As Cele/GPhiBLtColonel said, initiation was wonderful, beautiful....and yeah....I cried at the end. I had been doing so well up until then.........

I didn't really get too much opportunity to hang out with the three other AIs, but they seem like great ladies who are keen to contribute a lot to Gamma Phi.

Afterwards, right in the middle of the Pink Carnation banquet, the lightbulb went on in my head. I turned to Cele and said "Hey Cele, I'm a Gamma Phi Beta!". That was kind of "monumental" as that was the first time I had said that. :D Everyone at the table just sort of found that amusing/sweet.

The awards part of the dinner was awe inspiring! The award recipients had such impressive lists of accomplishments both in Gamma Phi and also in their community service and professions. Wow, what examples they are!

Speaking of examples, we were seated at one of the VIP tables in the very front. Also seated at these VIP tables were several ladies who have a LONG history of service as international officers - including a couple past international presidents and Honor Roll Award winners!!!

Next to me was an older woman, Gloria Swanson Nelson, who was an absolute joy to talk with during dinner. I'm certain that she must be a 50+ year member. She knew I was new, so she looked out for me by giving me commentary on who the speakers were, what the awards meant and so on. What was funny was that Cele was doing the same thing. Cele would lean over and tell me who so and so was, and then, 5 seconds later, Mrs. Nelson would say the exact same thing. It was like Dolby Surround Sound! LOL......what a sweet lady!

I can only remember her name as "Sally", but this was another older woman who was just on the other side of Mrs. Nelson. Apparently, she's been to 28 conventions!!! Woah!

It was cool to finally meet kk_gphib_01 and GeekyPenguin too! We have a picture of the four of us (GCers) so I'll have to post that asap.

I'm tickled pink (no pun intended) with the gifts from my big sister. Cele gave me a beautifully beaded letter bracelet that she had custom made to match the colors in my badge. How cool is that!?! You better believe I had that puppy on straight away! LOL There was also a lavalier and a handful of other neat things like notecards, a baseball cap and the like.

When it turned out that my family wasn't going to be able to accommodate me, Cele arranged to have a roll-away brought up so I could room with her and her chapter sister, Christi. That was fun and a half - those two are a riot!

At any rate, it was a great trip and a wonderful experience. The next convention will be in Arizona - I am so there! I am very honored to be a Gamma Phi Beta and I look forward to many, many years of participation!

Thanks again everyone for your fantastic words of support and congratulations!

.....Kelly :)

[msn4med1975]

Glad to hear your ceremony was lovely and that you got a good cry in. I didn't cry till my initiation either and it was a waterworks. Enjoy yourself from one alumnae initiate to another.

[GeekyPenguin]

Was it a short Sally with curly grey hair from one of the Chicago alum chapters? If so, I LOVE THAT WOMAN. She's so sweet and is such a dedicated Gamma Phi. :)

[GPhiBLtColonel]

Actually the person on the other side of Gloria was Mary Jane Misthos (I love her last name!) and she has been to 28 consecutive conventions! :eek: She is the current titleholder!

There is a Sally who I'm sure Kelly met when getting her table seating card for the banquet and that was indeed Sally Lewis --
a long time devoted Gamma Phi alum -- she is wonderful!:)

I just talked to our alum chapter Pres last night -- she was at convention too and we are both still glowing! Our chapter won the Chicago Award (essentially best small alum chapter) and the Alum Panhellenic Cooperation Award!!! Wahoo!:D

[Tom Earp]

This is to dang cool!

One of OUR GCers who is a full Fledged Member/Sister of a Great Soroity!

It is so neat to hear about the goings on and all of the people that were present for Kellys Initiation into GPhi B! Well, I guess I had Better Include all of the fine Ladies who were Initiated and the Ladies of GPhiBeta who were Lucky enough to be there to enjoy it!

"C" sending a PM!;)

[tinydancer]

OOOOOHHH!!! Kelly, Gloria Swanson Nelson is one of my Dallas Alum sisters!! I think she is the greatest. She was so encouraging to me from the very first event I attended. I am tickled that you got to meet her.

I can't wait until the next convention, because I will be there for sure. I really enjoyed reading about your special day!

[a CA in CA]

Sorry I'm a little tardy Kelly, but I just had to congratulate you on your initiation into Gamma Phi Beta! Initiations under any circumstance are special, but initiations at conventions are truly amazing experiences.

Now go forth and prosper as a GPhiB!:)

[CatStarESP4]

Congratulations on your initiation into GFB!

http://mindscraps.com/s/otn/party/partytime.gif

[navane]

Ok! Here are the photos from my big weekend! My coloring is a bit off as I had been walking around outside in downtown Chicago for a few days before going to the convention. Ah well... :)


http://members.ispwest.com/navane/GPhiBKelly.jpg


Here I am as the very newest sister of Gamma Phi Beta!




http://members.ispwest.com/navane/GPhiBKellyandCele.jpg


Here I am with my Big Sister, Cele! (GPhiBLtColonel)




http://members.ispwest.com/navane/GPhiB-AIs.jpg


The four alumnae initiates, from L-R: Kathleen, Deb, Kelly and Anita! :D


More photos on the next post!


.....Kelly :)

[navane]

http://members.ispwest.com/navane/GPhiBKellyandoldPres.jpg


Here I am with the outgoing International President, Vicki Read. Mrs. Read pinned me!




http://members.ispwest.com/navane/GPhiBKellyandnewPres.jpg


Here I am with the newly elected/incoming International President, Linda Johnson.




http://members.ispwest.com/navane/GPhiB-GCers.jpg


The GreekChat Gamma Phi Beta contingent! L-R: GPhiBLtColonel, kk_gphib_01, GeekyPenguin and Navane (me!). Thanks for searching me out at the dinner to share your good wishes with me!




http://members.ispwest.com/navane/GPhiBbadge.jpg


My Gamma Phi Beta badge! Polished Gamma and Beta with a pearl Phi with garnet points! Yes, it has my name, chapter and year engraved on the back. I was very fortunate in that my badge was actually ready for convention. I got pinned with my own badge! :cool: My "pledge ribbons" are visible in the photo too.


Thanks for letting me share! :)

.....Kelly :)

[Sister Havana]

Great pictures! Look at that huge smile on your face...long time coming but worth the wait!

And your badge is absolutely beautiful. :)

[ms_gwyn]

Kelly,

You know that I am tremendously happy for you :D

but I can't help to be a tiny bit jealous, of course my journey is no where as long as your's has been.

Again, congratulations and see you on Sat. 7/10

[Tom Earp]

Kelly, Badge Beautiful!:)

Coloring, how can one tell from the gleam from your pearlies?:D

Not sure if you were The Chesire Cat from Alice or the kitty who lapped up all of the cream!:D

Great to see Pix from GC GPHIB Sisters who were there with you!:cool:

Actually, you look a little bedazeled with a What Me Look!

This is so great for you and the Ladies of GPhiB!:cool:

Both the Ladies of GPiB and you are so lucky to have joined and united after your ardous journey!

You Go Kel!

[SmartBlondeGPhB]

A fifth member of the contingent missed out on the picture.......not sure where I was.

[polarpi]

Kelly...great photos! Thanks for sharing them with us, and I absolutely LOVE your badge (now the next time we get together in San Diego, you can come in wearing your badge :D)

Congratulations and all the best in your next steps as a Gamma Phi Beta! :)

[Tom Earp]

Way to go:( Dah!:o

Do look like a good time was had by all tho!:cool:

[CutiePie2000]

I love all those Cirque du Soleil codenames, especially since I just saw QUIDAM on Wednesday and then I saw ALLEGRIA a year ago!

[navane]

Originally posted by SmartBlondeGPhB
A fifth member of the contingent missed out on the picture.......not sure where I was.


I don't know, we were wondering too. :( The four of us finally got together after the dinner ended - most of the room had cleared. kk_gphib_01 and GeekyPenguin found me at the table where I was sitting. After a bit, we wandered over to the lobby to look for Cele.
Maybe next time?


.....Kelly :)

[SmartBlondeGPhB]

Originally posted by navane
I don't know, we were wondering too. :( The four of us finally got together after the dinner ended - most of the room had cleared. kk_gphib_01 and GeekyPenguin found me at the table where I was sitting. After a bit, we wandered over to the lobby to look for Cele.
Maybe next time?


.....Kelly :)

Ah, I was already upstairs for the after banquet party.........

But yes, I will be in Phoenix.

[navane]

Originally posted by polarpi
Kelly...great photos! Thanks for sharing them with us, and I absolutely LOVE your badge (now the next time we get together in San Diego, you can come in wearing your badge :D)

Congratulations and all the best in your next steps as a Gamma Phi Beta! :)


Thanks! When I first looked at my badge choices, that was the one which immediately caught my eye. I don't know, I guess it's not one people would normally pick.....but I think it's beautiful!

If I don't wear it next time, I'm sure I can at least bring it in!


.....Kelly :)

[navane]

Originally posted by SmartBlondeGPhB
Ah, I was already upstairs for the after banquet party.........



What party?!?!?! :p


Right well, are there going to be any regional conferences between now and Phoenix?


.....Kelly :)

[navane]

Originally posted by CutiePie2000
I love all those Cirque du Soleil codenames, especially since I just saw QUIDAM on Wednesday and then I saw ALLEGRIA a year ago!


hee hee!! Ah well, I chose those because I have previously worked three runs of Cirque du Soleil - I worked on Dralion twice and Varekai just this last spring. :)

.....Kelly :)

[SmartBlondeGPhB]

Originally posted by navane
What party?!?!?! :p


Right well, are there going to be any regional conferences between now and Phoenix?


.....Kelly :)

Every off year there is RLC. I think your area's is in Irvine. There was a list in our convention packets. Mine is up here right near where I work.

[tinydancer]

What fun to see the pictures of the big day! That is one beautiful badge, too.

[GeekyPenguin]

Originally posted by SmartBlondeGPhB
A fifth member of the contingent missed out on the picture.......not sure where I was.

You were bouncing around like you were the rest of Convention. ;)

[Peaches-n-Cream]

Originally posted by navane

http://members.ispwest.com/navane/GPhiB-GCers.jpg


The GreekChat Gamma Phi Beta contingent! L-R: GPhiBLtColonel, kk_gphib_01, GeekyPenguin and Navane (me!). Thanks for searching me out at the dinner to share your good wishes with me!



This picture is great! I think that kk_gphib_01 and GeekyPenguin look alike. You all look so happy! :)

Congratulations on your initiation, Kelly! It was a long journey for you. I am so happy that you found your home in Gamma Phi Beta!

[kk_bama]

I look craaaaappy in that picture. Craaappy. But I was boobylicious, thanks to a corseted dress! (c:

Kath and I probably could pass as sisters, but the differing accents would probably give it away. LOL.

[cutiepatootie]

I do like the tiara!:)

[Jill1228]

Work it Triad sisters! Y'all look Divine! I love the tiara! Kinda looks like the one I wore at my wedding :)

[decadence]

Wow Congratulations!

That's really freakin' awesome! :) I've just read the story of getting into Varakai now and I'm really happy for you that you found a home in Gamma Phi Beta!

[GPhiBLtColonel]

Now Hear This! Now Hear This! This is a thread hijack announcement -- :mad:

GPhiBLtColonel is now joining WeightWatchers -- nuthin' like undoctored pictures of yourself posted on the FREAKIN' internet :rolleyes: :eek: to make one see the obvious -- I am waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay way way too portly (FAT)! Yes I enjoying cooking; Yes, I have never met a cookbook or recipe I don't like; and Yes, dammit, I like to cook, eat & drink (oink). :p But I absolutely hate how I look in pictures -- though I do LOVE my tiara ;) :D So ... Wish me luck y'all. P.S. Started my new exercise program yesterday with a fast-paced 2-mile walk in our city's annual 4th of July parade in our alum Panhel entry!

[polarpi]

Originally posted by GPhiBLtColonel
Now Hear This! Now Hear This! This is a thread hijack announcement -- :mad:

GPhiBLtColonel is now joining WeightWatchers...

Cele, you look GORGEOUS in pictures and in real life....no need for you to join Weight Watchers. There's nothing wrong with enjoying your food and liking all sorts of receipes and cookbooks :)

But anyway, congrats on the walk for the 4th of July :)

/hijack

[bsp-mich24]

Hey Kelly,

Cool badge, tiara & thanks for sharing your convention photos with us!:D

[navane]

Originally posted by polarpi
Cele, you look GORGEOUS in pictures and in real life....no need for you to join Weight Watchers. There's nothing wrong with enjoying your food and liking all sorts of receipes and cookbooks :)

But anyway, congrats on the walk for the 4th of July :)

/hijack


Hear hear! It's not my way to base my friendships with others on things like that. You're *my* big because you're cool, funny like nothing else and a real woman of action!

BUT....I don't get it because I don't even think you need to go on Weight Watchers. :confused: You just need to step away from the "...waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay way way too portly" comment. Way way way? I think not!

.....Kelly :)

P.S. - Epsilon Gamma is still better than Beta Alpha. :p

[GammaPhiBabe]

The four alumnae initiates, from L-R: Kathleen, Deb, Kelly and Anita!

I don't know how I missed out on the pictures, either... but my mother (Anita, in the red dress in that picture) was also initiated at convention! And we were sitting at the same table with Cele and Kelly during the banquet on the last night of convention!

It really was a beautiful initiation ceremony! Congratulations, Kelly! How fun that you & my mother got to be "pledge sisters!"

[Xylochick216]

Love the pictures :) I'm glad you have them to remember your day by!

[The B Girl]

Great pictures! Everyone looks like they had so much fun. Congratulations on your initiation Navane!!

[JennRN]

Kelly, I love the pictures!! Thank you for sharing them with us!! So much happiness for you and your initiation!!

[wrigley]

A tiara is a great accessory that no girl should be without. :D




Kelly congratulations to the end of one journey and to the beginning of another.

[GPhiBLtColonel]

I know...I have two!;)

[navane]

Kelly's Journey - EPILOGUE


Hi all,

I just got back from my weekend volunteering to help the Beta Lambda chapter of Gamma Phi Beta at San Diego State University. I want to share some pictures with you and say a few words.


http://members.ispwest.com/navane/GPBphotos/GPBcollalum.jpg

The Beta Lambda Recruitment Chair and one of the alums.


http://members.ispwest.com/navane/GPBphotos/GPBgirls.jpg

Some of the Beta Lambda girls on a break from the Philanthropy Round parties.


http://members.ispwest.com/navane/GPBphotos/GPBalumhelp.jpg

An alumna helping set-up for Preference Night.


http://members.ispwest.com/navane/GPBphotos/GPBprefready.jpg

The Beta Lambda girls getting ready for Prefs.


http://members.ispwest.com/navane/GPBphotos/GPBprefgirls.jpg

Some of the girls after a successful completion of Pref Night.


http://members.ispwest.com/navane/GPBphotos/GPBprefkelly.jpg

This is me on Preference Night - my first time participating in recruitment as a sister.


http://members.ispwest.com/navane/GPBphotos/GPBcrescentmoonREAL.jpg

To top it off, the crescent moon shined down upon us!


Back in spring 1997, I would have never imagined what a ride my journey to sisterhood would entail. I didn't expect to receive a bid during recruitment...and I got one in less than two hours. I didn't expect to have to turn it down.....but I felt that was best. I didn't expect to lose my mother at such a young age.

I didn't expect to give it another try...but I did. I didn't expect to be rejected by a sisterhood I admired so much...it broke my heart. I didn't think one could be initiated as an alumna.

I didn't expect to receive such positive feedback....but no less than four organizations wanted to call me "sister". I didn't expect to have so many obstacles in my path...and yet three years went past. I didn't expect one woman to believe in me so much that she did everything possible to make it happen for me.

I didn't expect to be standing in front of 600 women....but there I was in front of past international presidents and 50-year members. I didn't expect my badge to be so beautiful....but there it was pinned over my heart. I didn't expect to become a Gamma Phi Beta....but there I was crying in my big sister's arms.

And so I found myself this weekend stepping into the Beta Lambda chapter house ready to lend a hand to help a new wave of San Diego State University students find their homes in Gamma Phi Beta too.

"My girls" were brilliant, achieving a 100% return rate after the first round. My girls put their best foot forward during philanthropy round and house tours. MY girls put on a beautiful preference night ceremony which left them and the PNMs all teared up. The alumnae were terrific: sorting out paperwork, re-setting craft materials, encouraging the girls, lighting candles, folding napkins, collecting glasses. I had a wonderful chat with the alums...I felt so welcome.

At the end of it all, the alums of the "past", the sisters of the present, and the members of the future stood around and sang:


Love, Labor, Learning, and Loyalty,
Gamma Phi Beta means so much to me.
There's a reason here, for a reason above,
a lifetime of sisterhood flowing with love.
Love grows strong with the crescent moon,
all our years here together will pass too soon.
We'll be Gamma Phis forever and when we're gone,
There'll be Gamma Phis here to sing our song.


I just wanted to thank everyone here for their support of me and my AI journey as I have finally come full circle. GreekChat provides a unique opportunity for potential AIs to find advice and encouragement along the way. I also wanted to thank my big sister, Cele (GPhiBLtColonel), for "going to bat" for me by sponsoring me into Gamma Phi. Your zany sense of humor is like nothing else....I think I've finally met my match!

It brings me great joy whenever I see a PNAM making her way home. I hope my story has provided even the smallest sliver of hope and inspiration to those of you still searching. I look forward to reading all about your adventures! May you all enjoy the happy ending that I have been privileged to have.

.....Kelly :)

[Jill1228]

Thank goodness I am not wearing mascara!
Cause after reading that, I am damn near bawling (and it is NOT from PMS!)

Seriously Kelly, that was beautiful!

Jill, stop sniffling!

[trojangal]

Kelly,

What an inspirational story! I really enjoyed learning about your whole process, and what a journey for you! I almost cried when I read about your initiation and the pix were beautiful!

I can truly appreciate your messages and advice for all of PNAMs!

Cheryl

[MTSUGURL]

All you AI chicks need to stop making me cry.
;)
I am so happy for you Kelly! It's awesome to see so much good news on this board.

[Sister Havana]

Kelly, that is a beautiful story!

[GPhiBLtColonel]

Awww, Kelly, you know how much I love you sweetie!:D ;) I am THRILLED to have you as my sister!!!!! Great work helping with rush -- that is one of the most rewarding things I do as an alum and I am glad you are getting to soak in that experience too. LOve ya!!!:)

[Tom Earp]

Cele, you are without a doubt the Neatest of a many GC GPhiB.


Kelly, you could not have had a better Sponser and Big Sister.:cool:

[kk_bama]

What are Kath and I? Chopped liver?

Love the pics! We gots us some B-E-A-utiful girls out at SDSU!

[GeekyPenguin]

Originally posted by kk_gphib_01
What are Kath and I? Chopped liver?

Love the pics! We gots us some B-E-A-utiful girls out at SDSU!

We're RUMAKI! ;)

I mean too hot to handle.

Their pref looked gorgeous.

[ladyj39]

Congratulations on your first recruitment! The pictures look amazing!

On a completely different and shallow note, I LOVE the shirts the girls wore during Philanthropy Round (see below). Where are they from?

Thanks!

Triad Love,
Jessica



Originally posted by navane



http://members.ispwest.com/navane/GPBphotos/GPBgirls.jpg

Some of the Beta Lambda girls on a break from the Philanthropy Round parties.

[navane]

Originally posted by GeekyPenguin
Their pref looked gorgeous.


The girls did a great job! Here's what the garden looked like:


http://members.ispwest.com/navane/GPBpreftables.jpg


The flash on my camera doesn't do the picture any favours; but, you get the idea. :)

.....Kelly :)

[navane]

Originally posted by ladyj39
On a completely different and shallow note, I LOVE the shirts the girls wore during Philanthropy Round (see below). Where are they from?


Hi Jessica!

I'm not sure where they got the shirts from. Since they had to have so many, I believe they ordered them in quantity. The photo only shows peach and green; but, they had pink too! I e-mailed the recruitment chair to ask for you! :)


.....Kelly :)

[navane]

Originally posted by ladyj39

On a completely different and shallow note, I LOVE the shirts the girls wore during Philanthropy Round (see below). Where are they from?

Thanks!

Triad Love,
Jessica


Hey Jessica,

The President of the chapter got back to me and told me that they got the shirts from Arden B. I went to the website and, unfortunately, it looks like they've got the new fall collection in. At least, I cannot find those particular shirts on the website. :(

http://www.ardenb.com/

If it helps, I went and checked ebay and I saw a couple listings with that exact style (I searched under "Arden B green" and sifted through the tops). Good luck!

.....Kelly :)

[ladyj39]

Thank You Kelly! I'll take a look at ebay when I get a chance. It's perfect for a Founder's Day outfit! :)

[GPhiBLtColonel]

Kelly -- am I the only one who cannot read the code at the bottom of your signature block? What does it say? :p Sorry -- this old broad (yeah, I turned 50 yesterday - 9/27) just cannot translate it!
Cele

[sageofages]

I think I almost have it!

Originally posted by GPhiBLtColonel
Kelly -- am I the only one who cannot read the code at the bottom of your signature block? What does it say? :p Sorry -- this old broad (yeah, I turned 50 yesterday - 9/27) just cannot translate it!
Cele

4|)V4|\|C3D - Advanced
l3e+ - bet ?
$peA|< - Speak
i$ - is
whEn - when
J00 - you
+4lK - talk
L1K3 - like
t|-|15. - this
t0 - to
u|\|d3r$+@|\|D - understand
jOo - you
|\/|u5+ - must
be - be
lEET. - Ket?
1f - If
J00 - you
4r3 - are
NO+ - not
lEe+ -ket?
jOO - you
C@|\|N0T - cannot
5p3A|< - speak
0r - or
ReAd - read
+|-|I5. - this
i - I
4|\/| - am
teh - the
Ch1x012 - choice?

[GPhiBLtColonel]

HUH?:confused:

[GeekyPenguin]

all the lEet stuff is "leet" which used to be the cool speak for cool internet kids in like 1997. It's pretty played out now but I think Kelly put it in her sig to make fun of them. I don't really know. I'd rather see my letters attached to that then some of the other things I've seen them by on GC though.

[sageofages]

Originally posted by GeekyPenguin
all the lEet stuff is "leet" which used to be the cool speak for cool internet kids in like 1997. It's pretty played out now but I think Kelly put it in her sig to make fun of them. I don't really know. I'd rather see my letters attached to that then some of the other things I've seen them by on GC though.

ok I got the lEet.....what was the last word?

[Leandra-TX]

Originally posted by navane
Right, you ask....and I deliver!

...Who would have thought it? The one chapter at my undergrad university that I felt I had the least chance of getting a bid from, turned out to be the place I run home to.


What a wild, excruciatingly long, and better-than-a-bad-soap-opera seven years it has been.


I am on the home stretch. I managed to get a place as one of only four women to be presented for alumnae initiation at Varekai's International Convention.


In less than two weeks, on Saturday, June 26 at 3pm, I will be be initiated as a member of the Epsilon Gamma chapter of.....





Gamma Phi Beta

navane -

I just wanted to say what an inspiration your story is. I am so happy for you and so uplifted to realize it can all work out in the end - and better than you may ever have imagined. Thank you for sharing...

- Leandra -

__________________
"Everyone had told her, since she became a princess-in-training, that she was very likely the most beautiful woman in the world. Now she was going to be the richest and most powerful as well. Don't expect too much from life, Buttercup told herself as she rode along. Learn to be satisfied with what you have."
- The Princess Bride by William Goldman

[navane]

Kelly's Journey - EPILOGUE - Part II


Well, the day finally arrived, the day I got to meet my chapter sisters. Yes, that's right, save the two girls who introduced themselves at Founders' Day, I had never met my own chapter sisters. Let me tell you, they are adorable.

Two weeks ago, the Epsilon Gamma chapter of Gamma Phi Beta at the University of San Diego held their formal recruitment events. Unfortunately, I was tied up with another volunteer endeavour, so I was unable to help. However, I was able to go to bid day to see the results of all their hard work.

They bid 46 girls which is quota plus 3! I can see why so many girls wanted to go Gamma Phi, these young ladies are so full of energy and warmth. They all seemed to have genuine friendships with one another. I have great video footage taken on my digital camera of the seniors jumping around and singing Disney songs in the kitchen. They were just too cute!

I'm awfully proud of how well all of my Epsilon Gamma girls have done. It's good to be a Gamma Phi!

.....Kelly :)


http://members.ispwest.com/navane/gpbUSDbidkit2.jpg


http://members.ispwest.com/navane/gpbUSDbid.jpg


http://members.ispwest.com/navane/gpbUSDbid2.jpg

[navane]

Guess what day today is!!! To steal a phrase from Tinydancer...


It's my Gammaversary!!!! :) :D :cool:


I was initiated June 26, 2004 at the international convention in Chicago! I sure am glad to be a Gamma Phi Beta!


.....Kelly :)

[Sister Havana]

Happy Gammaversary! :D

[GPhiBLtColonel]

Happy Gammaversary Kelly!!:) :) :)

I am so glad to call you my little sister!:D :D :D

[starryeyed]

Aww how sweet! Love those pictures!

[blueangel]

Whoo hoo! Go out and celebrate!!! :D

[tinydancer]

Happy Gammaversary to you! I'm so glad to count you among my sisters.:)

[Jill1228]

Happy Anniversary, girl! :)

[Taualumna]

Happy Anniversary!

[Tom Earp]

Kelly, it only seems like Yesterday!

Still have the Post Card You sent to me from England!:D

Congratulations to a very Sweet Person, a Credit to GPhiB, and a True Member of Life!:cool:

One of the Longest waits of AI Members but well worth it for You!:)

You are Special!!!!!!!:cool:

[Leslie Anne]

Happy Gammaversary, Kelly!!! :)

[wrigley]

Happy Gammaversary!!!:)

[trojangal]

Happy Gammaversary!

Hooray for you!

I am so glad that you are enjoying your sisterhood!

[navane]

Hi all,

Two years have since passed since I became a Gamma Phi. Wow, two years seems like it was just yesterday....yet so long ago! I just wanted to take a moment to share more thoughts and give a little update about my AI journey.

I started out my experience by volunteering to help out at recruitment for Beta Lambda (SDSU) and Epsilon Gamma (Univ. of San Diego). This was great because I got a chance to learn more about collegian sorority life, learn about some of the inner workings, and enjoy the excitement of it all.

Then, I attended some young alum and San Diego alum events and got to know my new sisters. Eventually, one outstanding Gamma Phi convinced me to join the House Corporation Board for SDSU's chapter. I don't have any experience overseeing property; but, I wanted to get involved. This fall I will be starting my second year on HCB. We just hired a new cook and a new House Director!

The ladies of the San Diego Alumnae Chapter have never thought twice about including me into activities or meetings. They think it's great that I am an AI and they have received me into the fold just like they would any other sister. When we attended SDSU's Senior Celebration Luncheon, they included me as a presenter/reader in the alumnae welcoming ceremony.

Though I am the youngest participating member of the San Diego Alumnae Association, I was recently elected to serve as the Membership Vice President for 2006-2007. I feel honored that they think of me well-enough to give me such an important job. I am excited about having the opportunity to contribute.

It's always a risk to intitiate an alumnae as you don't know if she'll stick around or not. Gamma Phi Beta took a chance on me and I am so glad they did. My Big Sister, Cele, put herself on the line to sponsor me. She believed in me and, in turn, I hope I'll do her proud. I see the other alums and am amazed that they've been involved for 30-40-50 years. It's only been two years for me.... I feel like my journey with Gamma Phi Beta is still in the beginning stages.

There are still a number of people on GreekChat who are hoping for AI. I want these women to understand that their participation will go on after the initiation ceremony. I only "just now" feel like I am on the verge of really sinking my teeth into what it means to be a Gamma Phi Beta.

Your journey does *not* end with your receiving an invitiation to join....it is then that it really begins.

.....Kelly :)

[trojangal]

Kelly,

Thanks for continuing to share your story with us! It's obvious that Gamma Phi Beta picked a jewel in you! You continue to be an inspiration!
:)

[LouisaMay]

Kelly,
Congrats on this wonderful milestone! Your words really mean a lot to me as a begin my life as an Alpha Sigma Alpha. I hope to have a good experience like you have had.