After over 12 hours of sleep last night… plus a 4 hour nap this afternoon, I feel like I am finally returning back to my normal state of mind. 14 days with roughly 110 women can really take it out of even the strongest person. Today is the first time in 14 days that I didn’t wake up between 5 and 7 am to shower and primp. No worrying about a time schedule or missing a roll call. I was able to choose my own fate today, which ended up being a much-needed Lazy Sunday. Sorry this post is long, but know that I only included the important parts… It couldn’t be condensed anymore than this!
House Tour and Philanthropy day was my baby. I have been in charge of it for the last 3 years, and this year it was the epitome of greatness. House Tour day is ALWAYS the worst day… But sh! Don’t tell my sisters that because I talk it up like it’s the best. The major problem with the day is the technical aspect of it. It is very difficult to carry on a normal and flowing conversation when so much is crammed in. We are giving a house tour, doing a philanthropy project, listening to a musical snack, watching a philanthropy video, listening to a house mom, and of course hearing crazy songs. Between the many facts, talking points and interruptions, it is no wonder that the members freak out on my day. We made many changes to the schedule of the day and how it operates. Those changes were especially helpful to creating a smoother day; however, I can look back on one part during the day that would either make me laugh or make me cringe… Our new House Mom’s welcome speech. We had originally given her 60 seconds on the schedule, but told her 45 seconds. Sometimes Mom gets a little chatty, and time is of essence on this day. The first few speeches she gave were short and sweet… My fears of the crazy house mom coming out in her were completely dismissed; HOWEVER, about halfway through the day mom got a little too comfortable with talking.
Top 5 list of things I never want to hear come out of a House Mom’s mouth during House Tour Day:
5. “We renovated our 3rd Floor and it is absolutely great!" (All we did was clean the furniture, get new carpet, and repaint… I wouldn’t really call it a renovation. Sets the bar too high. Its more like “maintenance”).
4. “Our house cooks are awesome! We have to make them cut back on the sweets between Christmas break and Spring break so the girls can fit into their little bikinis.”
3. “We have a new rule… No cell phones at the dinner table!”
2. “We updated our kitchen because it wasn’t up to health code standards. Don’t worry though, it is perfect now!”
1. “After a night out, the girls sure do eat their way through the kitchenette! Its like a hurricane came through.”
Seriously, these were all mentioned in one speech or another. I could have sworn the last speech was like 3 minutes long. I was SO mortified, but I don’t think the PNM’s were even put off by the comments. If anything, everyone just played it off like, “Oh mom… She is so funny! Bahaha…”
After a long day with house tour, it was time for my debut! Irene’s time to shine was upon me, and I was ready to blow the crowd away! Those emotions came to a halt, though, when I discovered my wrinkly face had to talk to a PNM. After the skit, I had to go talk to a girl…. IN COMPLETE MAKEUP AND COSTUME. Skit day is fairly serious in conversation. The thought of trying to talk serious with a girl while looking like my Grandma Wylda seemed nearly impossible; nevertheless, it was still my job. It turned out that only one PNM couldn’t get past the wrinkles. Every other girl was fine, and acted normal. The best part of skit day was the improvisation happening between grandmas… Mainly between Candice and Ashley, but still… It was getting CRAZY funny by the final parties.
A PNM had asked me if I did shows, and I had a good laugh. I explained that I hadn’t even tried out for a show since my freshmen year due to a traumatic follies try-out experience. (I’ll share that story in a later blog!) This comment got me thinking though… The only reason I had tried out for grandma was because my pledge class sister said we should do it together. I had no experience dancing and little practice with singing, and our skit is known for oozing talent. These facts still hadn’t stopped me from borrowing a walker from an old lady at my church, and raiding my grandma’s belongings the weekend before try-outs. I am so glad that I hadn’t limited myself, and I am even gladder that Candice had encouraged me to try-out with her. I would have NEVER guessed 3 years ago that I would have been in the Recruitment skit my senior year. This memory will stick with me forever, and I am sure I’ll bring it up every chance I can at reunions.
Pref day was pref day… Lots of emotions and crying. The usual stealing a bite of leftover cake, and of course the usual slow walk down the formal staircase. I was given the great opportunity to read a senior letter this year, which was a cherry on top of the best recruitment. After a long night, I was so ready for bid day!
BID DAY 2010!!!
Senior recruitment has been the first of lasts. The last time the list of new freshmen is read, the last time bid day buddies are picked, the last time my pledge class would wear a bid day shirt, the last time we would welcome babies into our sisterhood. Seniors always meet in the Ballroom at the Student Union to welcome the babies and watch the Gamma Chi reveal. For some reason, it was taking an abnormally long time for the freshmen to arrive at the ballroom. This extra time led to 20 uncomfortable minutes. Usually when many different women from several greek houses get together, its nothing too bad… However, you get 11 chapter’s seniors in the same shirts, in one room, after 2 weeks of working on getting the best pledge class… It gets kinda nuts. Houses were chanting, screaming, shaking noise makers and clappers, blowing air horns, acting like they were about to play in the Big 12 Championship Football game, running around, and did I mention rollerblading around in fanny packs!? It was hilarious to watch when one sorority would do their chant, and the rest of the houses would kind of roll their eyes or give them the look down… It was one big room of catty, judging, craziness. I almost thought that we had fast forwarded to spring and it was actually greek week, OR that we hadn’t already had recruitment, but instead were trying to build a pledge class by being the loudest and most extreme. By the time the babies had gotten there and the Gamma Chi’s had revealed themselves, I was sweating like a whore in church and beyond ready to go home. As we herded up our babies, I thought of the coveted event that was about to occur: The Running of the Girls.
At OSU, Bid Day is kind of a big deal. Like, police blocking off University road, fraternities playing Chariots of Fire, families awaiting their little girls at their new houses, tons of frat boys lining the streets as if it were a parade… I had apparently blocked this whole ordeal out my freshman year, because it was still shocking to see what an event it actually was. By the time we (me and a few seniors) had WALKED back to the house, I thought I was going to heat stroke. I was SO ready to take our group pictures and GET OUT of there. I was over it all, which was a tell tale sign I am a senior. Don’t get me wrong, I was very happy we had an amazing pledge class, but I was also ready for the past 2 weeks to end! I needed a break. Some time to myself. A few minutes to dedicate to my blog! I refused to wait any longer.
Now that recruitment is over, I am anticipating watching the freshmen class bond and develop. I can’t WAIT to start homecoming. Classes can’t get here quick enough. And I am so ready to live it up my last semester in a sorority house!
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
It is Go Time!
Well last week was long, but it literally flew by. I cannot believe we opened our doors 8 times to around three-hundred and seventy-five potential new members. Potential littles, g-littles, and gg’s, are here. Recruitment 2010 did not disappoint with the quality or quantity of PNM's (Potential New Member) this year. Our PC 2010 is going to be mind-blowingly awesome. I. Can. Not. Wait. Til. Bid Day!
So, just an update on where I am at right now… I was laying in my bed last night with a bag of ice on an elevated ankle. How did I end up in this predicament? Well, I fell down the last 4 stairs yesterday before parties started. I landed on my ankle, and apparently did some damage. Disclaimer note: I HAVE fallen down the front stairs before and bounced back, but this time I landed severely WRONG. Now my biggest fear is not being able to wear my heels tomorrow! Seriously, though. I bought these sassy, purple ruffley heels with only one purpose in mind… House Tour. My dress is yellow, the heels are purple, and let me tell you this… I look like someone whose sixth sense is fashion! This outfit is the exact opposite to the oblivious dork I was 3 years ago going through recruitment. Mark my words—Come hell or high water, my swollen kankle WILL be in those heels tomorrow strutting through this house.
PS- If you are ever wondering whether or not I am loving my roommates this semester, let me share a story. 7 and 11 are our room numbers, so we refer to ourselves as 7-11. Last night I thought my ankle was going to fall off. It was hot and swollen and painful. Now, I will be the first to tell you that I did not pick my roommates, nor did they choose me; however, we have actually clicked. To my surprise we blend really well as 5 individuals… So when I thought my ankle needed x-rays last night, I asked which one of them would be taking me to the Stillwater ER. All 4 answered without hesitation in a resounding, “Yes, we will take you!” That moment was when I realized this semester rooming situation would not suck, but instead be an enjoyable and unforgettable adventure like always!
I don’t know why I over-booked my senior recruitment… House Tour chair, skit grandma, AND being a senior… Listen. Too much. If you weren’t aware, being a senior during work week and recruitment is kind of like being a CEO. You have been here and done it twice. You know the in’s and out’s. As a senior, you make sure things run correctly. Usually the seniors embrace the responsibility with a sense of cruelty and brashness… And my opinion is that it has worked for the most part; however, MLZ (senior pledge class) wanted to take a different route. In the spirit of… Well… Spirit Week, MLZ decided to be more laid back and maintain a positive attitude. The reason being that no wants to be yelled at and cut down multiple times by the upperclassmen. I am pleased to announce that we have be assertively stern, but optimistically encouraging. It has been a good balance, which truly does make the whole recruitment experience more fun and memorable for the RIGHT reasons. Plus, I think it helps us rush girls better.
These first two days have been “Open House Round.” This means the party is short, and more like a mixer atmosphere. The PNM’s and members are just trying to get introduced and comfortable. This is my favorite rush day because you never talk longer than 9 minutes, and topics like “Cupcake Wars,” walking like a t-rex through the house, overall clumsiness, and sun tanning next to Will Smith at Cabo are normal. I am much more comfortable talking about those topics then the more serious conversations. I think we can all agree though that any conversation is possible if the member and pnm match up is good.
I really wish I could be more specific about some of my conversations (some are REAL funny!), but I am not exactly for certain if that is kosher or allowed. If I get kicked out of my sorority, then the blog dies all together… So I am playing it safe! I will tell you 2 truths about Recruitment that have been painfully clear these past 2 days... 1. Every time a party starts, I feel myself warping into a Stepford wife. Its like when the front door opens, and the sun and PNM's shine through, my body and demeanor warp into the perfect sorority girl. From how I talk to how I walk... And it isn't even becoming a different person... It is literally just switching over from chilled but kind of aggressive Cameron to warm, smiley Cameron. 2. I have a permanent cotton mouth. Yes, it might be from talking to a lot of girls in a room with a high decibel level... But really, I cannot ignore the fact that I have eaten 9-10 peppermints in less than 6 hours. The reason being obvious (don't want stank breath when talking to a PNM). Welcome to 2 Recruitment realities on the other side.
I had a lot of input and comments about the grandma blog. I am happy to report that Irene is no longer an empty shell. As of Alumni Skit night on Saturday, Irene has become the sweet, southern grandma who might sit next to you at church. I am a good ying to the other two grandma’s yang.
Wish me good luck on House Tour tomorrow and I will be updating as soon as possible!
So, just an update on where I am at right now… I was laying in my bed last night with a bag of ice on an elevated ankle. How did I end up in this predicament? Well, I fell down the last 4 stairs yesterday before parties started. I landed on my ankle, and apparently did some damage. Disclaimer note: I HAVE fallen down the front stairs before and bounced back, but this time I landed severely WRONG. Now my biggest fear is not being able to wear my heels tomorrow! Seriously, though. I bought these sassy, purple ruffley heels with only one purpose in mind… House Tour. My dress is yellow, the heels are purple, and let me tell you this… I look like someone whose sixth sense is fashion! This outfit is the exact opposite to the oblivious dork I was 3 years ago going through recruitment. Mark my words—Come hell or high water, my swollen kankle WILL be in those heels tomorrow strutting through this house.
PS- If you are ever wondering whether or not I am loving my roommates this semester, let me share a story. 7 and 11 are our room numbers, so we refer to ourselves as 7-11. Last night I thought my ankle was going to fall off. It was hot and swollen and painful. Now, I will be the first to tell you that I did not pick my roommates, nor did they choose me; however, we have actually clicked. To my surprise we blend really well as 5 individuals… So when I thought my ankle needed x-rays last night, I asked which one of them would be taking me to the Stillwater ER. All 4 answered without hesitation in a resounding, “Yes, we will take you!” That moment was when I realized this semester rooming situation would not suck, but instead be an enjoyable and unforgettable adventure like always!
I don’t know why I over-booked my senior recruitment… House Tour chair, skit grandma, AND being a senior… Listen. Too much. If you weren’t aware, being a senior during work week and recruitment is kind of like being a CEO. You have been here and done it twice. You know the in’s and out’s. As a senior, you make sure things run correctly. Usually the seniors embrace the responsibility with a sense of cruelty and brashness… And my opinion is that it has worked for the most part; however, MLZ (senior pledge class) wanted to take a different route. In the spirit of… Well… Spirit Week, MLZ decided to be more laid back and maintain a positive attitude. The reason being that no wants to be yelled at and cut down multiple times by the upperclassmen. I am pleased to announce that we have be assertively stern, but optimistically encouraging. It has been a good balance, which truly does make the whole recruitment experience more fun and memorable for the RIGHT reasons. Plus, I think it helps us rush girls better.
These first two days have been “Open House Round.” This means the party is short, and more like a mixer atmosphere. The PNM’s and members are just trying to get introduced and comfortable. This is my favorite rush day because you never talk longer than 9 minutes, and topics like “Cupcake Wars,” walking like a t-rex through the house, overall clumsiness, and sun tanning next to Will Smith at Cabo are normal. I am much more comfortable talking about those topics then the more serious conversations. I think we can all agree though that any conversation is possible if the member and pnm match up is good.
I really wish I could be more specific about some of my conversations (some are REAL funny!), but I am not exactly for certain if that is kosher or allowed. If I get kicked out of my sorority, then the blog dies all together… So I am playing it safe! I will tell you 2 truths about Recruitment that have been painfully clear these past 2 days... 1. Every time a party starts, I feel myself warping into a Stepford wife. Its like when the front door opens, and the sun and PNM's shine through, my body and demeanor warp into the perfect sorority girl. From how I talk to how I walk... And it isn't even becoming a different person... It is literally just switching over from chilled but kind of aggressive Cameron to warm, smiley Cameron. 2. I have a permanent cotton mouth. Yes, it might be from talking to a lot of girls in a room with a high decibel level... But really, I cannot ignore the fact that I have eaten 9-10 peppermints in less than 6 hours. The reason being obvious (don't want stank breath when talking to a PNM). Welcome to 2 Recruitment realities on the other side.
I had a lot of input and comments about the grandma blog. I am happy to report that Irene is no longer an empty shell. As of Alumni Skit night on Saturday, Irene has become the sweet, southern grandma who might sit next to you at church. I am a good ying to the other two grandma’s yang.
Wish me good luck on House Tour tomorrow and I will be updating as soon as possible!
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Getting My Grandma On
Right now I am in a pickle…. I am trying to find myself. It’s not what you think though. I am not in a mid-life crisis, nor am I going through my pre-teens where I can’t figure out if I like Edward or Jacob more. My crisis centers around orthopedic shoes, false teeth, and rolly walkers. What is my Grandma personality!? Irene is an empty shell right now. She has so much potential, but I just don’t know what to do.
The REAL dilemma is that my co-grandma’s are UH-mazing! Like today I was wondering if they might actually be kindred 89 year-old souls trapped in a hot sorority body. They have funny voices and funny grandma stories/phrases… Where do you even learn stuff like that!? My grandma’s bios are as follows: dead and REAL rude. Not much inspiration.
So in an effort to find my inner grandma, I am googling, yahooing, ask jeeving, and youtubing everything old, grandma, and decrepit. To be honest, there isn’t a WHOLE lot of usable material. It is like the Wiki leaks… Lots of stuff pulls up, but you have to do a whole lot of sifting and deciphering to figure out what really is going on… Some of the videos have kind of been sad. Others terrify me because I never want to get so old that a nursing home attendant is SCREAMING in my ear so we can converse.
Some ideas I have been entertaining…
Irene the Alzheimer’s patient. A mix between Drew Barrymore in 50 first dates and Dory from Finding Nemo. AKA I wouldn’t be sad, but more funny and cute. You know… Like the old couple at Braums where the old husband is ordering her favorite flavor of ice cream because she couldn’t remember…
Irene the Blanche Devereaux from the Golden Girls. Kind of raunchy and suggestive. She is fun and knows how to keep life from getting boring. The only problem is, I can’t truly even relate to that person right now. This one is fun in theory, but should be done by someone else.
Irene the sweet southern grandma. This is my personal favorite. She has a long, drawn out voice with a hit of twang. She is VERY classy and poised. Not the jokey/fun grandma who is eccentric, but more reserved and elegant.
We will see. I am nervous as all get out! I do NOT want to be the sore spot on the skit. I have huge shoes to fill AND I have NOTHING to redeem me… No awesome voice or stellar moves. My contribution solely relies on fulfilling the Irene character to the fullest. Please put me down on your prayer request list, because I need all the help I can get. I have basically 24 hours or less to figure this out.
PS- I wore my orthopedic shoes to El Vaq today. They are white and velcro. Live it. Love it. They aren't coming off for the rest of the week.
The REAL dilemma is that my co-grandma’s are UH-mazing! Like today I was wondering if they might actually be kindred 89 year-old souls trapped in a hot sorority body. They have funny voices and funny grandma stories/phrases… Where do you even learn stuff like that!? My grandma’s bios are as follows: dead and REAL rude. Not much inspiration.
So in an effort to find my inner grandma, I am googling, yahooing, ask jeeving, and youtubing everything old, grandma, and decrepit. To be honest, there isn’t a WHOLE lot of usable material. It is like the Wiki leaks… Lots of stuff pulls up, but you have to do a whole lot of sifting and deciphering to figure out what really is going on… Some of the videos have kind of been sad. Others terrify me because I never want to get so old that a nursing home attendant is SCREAMING in my ear so we can converse.
Some ideas I have been entertaining…
Irene the Alzheimer’s patient. A mix between Drew Barrymore in 50 first dates and Dory from Finding Nemo. AKA I wouldn’t be sad, but more funny and cute. You know… Like the old couple at Braums where the old husband is ordering her favorite flavor of ice cream because she couldn’t remember…
Irene the Blanche Devereaux from the Golden Girls. Kind of raunchy and suggestive. She is fun and knows how to keep life from getting boring. The only problem is, I can’t truly even relate to that person right now. This one is fun in theory, but should be done by someone else.
Irene the sweet southern grandma. This is my personal favorite. She has a long, drawn out voice with a hit of twang. She is VERY classy and poised. Not the jokey/fun grandma who is eccentric, but more reserved and elegant.
We will see. I am nervous as all get out! I do NOT want to be the sore spot on the skit. I have huge shoes to fill AND I have NOTHING to redeem me… No awesome voice or stellar moves. My contribution solely relies on fulfilling the Irene character to the fullest. Please put me down on your prayer request list, because I need all the help I can get. I have basically 24 hours or less to figure this out.
PS- I wore my orthopedic shoes to El Vaq today. They are white and velcro. Live it. Love it. They aren't coming off for the rest of the week.
Monday, August 2, 2010
Ready or Not
Spirit Week has officially kicked off. As of 2 pm this afternoon, our whole chapter was moved in, and sitting in the dining room listening to our Recruitment chairs chant the longest chant I had heard thus far in my life. Don’t get me wrong, it was an AWESOME chant, but I always thought chants were relatively short. What comes to mind is a softball chant that we use to cheer after every game. Win or lose, it was always yelled with gusto and it goes a little something like this, “WE ARE PROUD OF YOU, SAY WE ARE PROUD OF YOU! HEY, HEY, HEY!” And repeat. 7 different words are used in that chant. The one we learned today felt like a Shakespeare monologue… But again, it had a terribly fun and catchy beat. Touché Recruitment Chairs, touché!
After pumping us up with the chant we were hit with some CRAZY news. Quota, the sorority word for girls required for the new pledge class, is 65! Whoa… To put this in perspective… I think we had like 43 girls MAX my freshmen year. 25 extra girls is NUTS! After trying to swallow that news, our house mom addressed the chapter. Now, if you are in my sorority, I would like to preface this with a statement. I do NOT claim to have gotten to really know her, but the few times we have interacted…. Lets just say she has rubbed me the wrong way. So anyways, the house mom was talking to the chapter, and I was kind of zoning out until she put a smack down on us. She made a new rule. No phones at the dinner table. Okay, before you jump down my throat and tell me this is understandable… I will go ahead and agree with you AND mom!! I think texting at the table is not the most courteous thing to do, but let me also point out two things. One- We are in a new day and age. Technology rules our life, and I feel like if someone is on the phone texting at the table, it is something important. I don’t believe I have ever been in the dining room eating with a sister who literally had one hand on her iPhone and one hand shoveling food with a fork. Seriously. Second- I don’t know about y’all… But I moved out of my parent’s house 3 years ago. I haven’t had a guardian place a rule/ban on me since I started OSU…. I don’t feel like it is the house mom’s job to ban cell phones from the dining room as a solution to the problem. I would have MUCH more appreciated a friendly reminder that it is rude to be on the phone when eating at the table. Courteous reminder would go over with me 100% better than a complete ban.
So while I am fuming about the new extreme rule… I was hit with the most cliché thing I have ever heard so far in my sorority career. It was something that only would be seen in a movie making fun of sororities. Literally, I couldn’t believe this was seriously being talked about, nonetheless the FOURTH thing on the agenda for our first chapter meeting. No kidding you, but today we had a sister stand up and give a Spray Tanning Seminar. For about 5 minutes, we discussed the do’s and don’ts of spray tans. Personally, I haven’t spray tanned since Junior year of high school for prom. I looked like an orange alien for prom pictures… I haven’t been back since! So, now I would like to share with you what I learned. Yes, I did take notes.
#1 The BEST places to get a spray tan in Stillwater are the Rivera on Western or Tan and Tone.
#2 Always wait 6 hours before you shower after being sprayed… Helpful tip: spray tan at night so you can sleep and avoid bathing.
#3 Ever wonder why you are splotchy 3 days after your spray time?! Well, you are NOT suppose to put on scented body lotion or crazy body washes… Use only Jergens or plain soap to avoid looking like a leper.
#4 You should spray this week so your tan has time to adjust to your body. Don’t wait til the night before Open House Round.
#5 Just because you can do level 3 tanning does NOT me you should.
Anymore questions should be directed to the house expert. The rest of the day was just a couple more meetings. Today was a like a warm up walk before we start running tomorrow.
Favorite quote of the day, “The sorority is like a cruise… Its all inclusive. You get your room free and lots of free food, but you pay a crap ton of money for it!”
After pumping us up with the chant we were hit with some CRAZY news. Quota, the sorority word for girls required for the new pledge class, is 65! Whoa… To put this in perspective… I think we had like 43 girls MAX my freshmen year. 25 extra girls is NUTS! After trying to swallow that news, our house mom addressed the chapter. Now, if you are in my sorority, I would like to preface this with a statement. I do NOT claim to have gotten to really know her, but the few times we have interacted…. Lets just say she has rubbed me the wrong way. So anyways, the house mom was talking to the chapter, and I was kind of zoning out until she put a smack down on us. She made a new rule. No phones at the dinner table. Okay, before you jump down my throat and tell me this is understandable… I will go ahead and agree with you AND mom!! I think texting at the table is not the most courteous thing to do, but let me also point out two things. One- We are in a new day and age. Technology rules our life, and I feel like if someone is on the phone texting at the table, it is something important. I don’t believe I have ever been in the dining room eating with a sister who literally had one hand on her iPhone and one hand shoveling food with a fork. Seriously. Second- I don’t know about y’all… But I moved out of my parent’s house 3 years ago. I haven’t had a guardian place a rule/ban on me since I started OSU…. I don’t feel like it is the house mom’s job to ban cell phones from the dining room as a solution to the problem. I would have MUCH more appreciated a friendly reminder that it is rude to be on the phone when eating at the table. Courteous reminder would go over with me 100% better than a complete ban.
So while I am fuming about the new extreme rule… I was hit with the most cliché thing I have ever heard so far in my sorority career. It was something that only would be seen in a movie making fun of sororities. Literally, I couldn’t believe this was seriously being talked about, nonetheless the FOURTH thing on the agenda for our first chapter meeting. No kidding you, but today we had a sister stand up and give a Spray Tanning Seminar. For about 5 minutes, we discussed the do’s and don’ts of spray tans. Personally, I haven’t spray tanned since Junior year of high school for prom. I looked like an orange alien for prom pictures… I haven’t been back since! So, now I would like to share with you what I learned. Yes, I did take notes.
#1 The BEST places to get a spray tan in Stillwater are the Rivera on Western or Tan and Tone.
#2 Always wait 6 hours before you shower after being sprayed… Helpful tip: spray tan at night so you can sleep and avoid bathing.
#3 Ever wonder why you are splotchy 3 days after your spray time?! Well, you are NOT suppose to put on scented body lotion or crazy body washes… Use only Jergens or plain soap to avoid looking like a leper.
#4 You should spray this week so your tan has time to adjust to your body. Don’t wait til the night before Open House Round.
#5 Just because you can do level 3 tanning does NOT me you should.
Anymore questions should be directed to the house expert. The rest of the day was just a couple more meetings. Today was a like a warm up walk before we start running tomorrow.
Favorite quote of the day, “The sorority is like a cruise… Its all inclusive. You get your room free and lots of free food, but you pay a crap ton of money for it!”
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Semester 6
Well, I officially moved back into the mansion. Things that happened....
1) Lots of screaming and high pitched reunions up and down the halls “OH MY GOSH!!!!!!! I have missed you SOOOO MUCH! You look great! How was your summer?! Where are you living?.... Oh yeah, my big lived there last year! OMG this is going to be a great year!”
2) Wishing over and over that my boyfriend didn’t work today, and could help me for more than his 1 hour lunch break. OR that my parents had offered to come assist… But they quit moving in their baby girl about 3 semesters ago. Basically it comes down to the fact that I really needed help walking all my crap up the tiny, cramped back stairs.
3) I kept wondering continuously, “Why I am moving into the house again for a SIXTH semester....” This is SO much work setting up camp! It is amazing how 2 truck loads of boxes, clothes, decorations, bags, and suitcases can fit into such a tiny room. It is like watching an episode of hoarders in rewind and then started over again. Clean, then cluttered, then back to organized. All of my stuff was literally covering the entire floor space. So many shoes, I began to wonder if in a past life I was a centipede. And you think I was about to start my own Staples or Hobby Lobby franchise with all my office and craft supplies.
4) Checking in at a front desk with mom.... As if we were moving into a hotel. I mean the house is basically a hotel. Free hot breakfast in the morning, free toilet paper, shotty wifi internet, and free cable. Differences might trump the similarities in the end... You know, like only free cable on two tvs, no fridges in the rooms, no maids and sharing a bathroom with other rooms.
5) I miss my baby.... My little baby Malibu. Can I sneak her in? I mean I might have to put her in some kind of seeing eye dog program. Then I would have an excuse for her to constantly be with me.
6) Made only ONE trip to Wal Mart, AND I only deviated from the list once. Um, can you say impressive squared?!
7) Walked into my room, and my roommate was finishing her free weight ab work out… Oh and did I mention she had run 4 miles before that? Yeah... Made my daily stretching routine and mild cardio look like a joke. And by mild cardio, I mean carrying totes up stairs… I broke a sweat so it counts.
8) My very lovely Rose (a sophomore) helped me carry up two loads of stuff… Living proof that sisterhood is still alive. Helping a sister move in is equivalent to trying to locate your drunk friend in Stillwater with the following directions, “I am at a house. It’s near a corner and I am feeling sick…. Click.” It is never something you want to do, but in the situation, What Would A REAL Sister Do (WWRSD), you always go ahead and bear the burden. True friendship shines brightly in both situations.
9) I spilt a total of 3 diet cokes today. Dumped a box of 300 pictures and about 50 thumb tacks on the bedroom floor. AND slammed my baby toe into the concrete barrier that stops cars from bulldozing into our house. Let’s talk about the irritation level I was at by about 1:30 pm. Luckily I had bought two 24 packs of diet coke at wal mart. Be prepared. Number 1 rule of Spirit Week.
10) There is a walker in my room. Like an old person’s walker…. No, I didn’t have a hip replacement. And no, my roommate isn’t a geriatric patient… It just so happens, yours truly is in the coveted house skit. You may be pondering, “Wow I have never seen Cameron’s dance moves with a walker.” Or, “I don’t ever remember Cameron belting out a Celine Dion song… But she must have been good to make the skit.” Um… Well… I still can’t dance. (Follies 2007 Try Out Disaster still stands true) and I did show off my beautiful voice, but I didn’t get a singing part… Nope! I am going to be an ACTRESS. A single threat! That walker is my supporting prop in my role as Irene, the grandma. I got the part because I was REALLY good at dressing up as a grandma, but don’t be confused when you see it and I don’t sing or dance. This is a strictly speaking role.
11) I saw some of my favorite people today. Women who I don’t realize how much I have missed until I hear their voice. I wonder how I lasted 2 months without their corny jokes, goofy smiles or ridiculous ways. Moving in isn’t always the most enjoyable process. It actually makes me a frazzled, disgruntled hag, but once everything is in its place, and my bed is made… I can truly enjoy the screaming reunions and recaps of everyone’s summer vacation. I can even fill out an overly complicated check-in form for mom.
Turns out I am actually looking forward to the upcoming week. It will be the last time I go through recruitment, which is terribly bittersweet. The last time I am semi-locked in with my sisters. The last time I will have any influence on the future women in the sorority. I am determined to go out with a bang though. These lasts will be full of memories, and I will definitely leave my mark on both House Tour Day and dear old Grandma Irene.
1) Lots of screaming and high pitched reunions up and down the halls “OH MY GOSH!!!!!!! I have missed you SOOOO MUCH! You look great! How was your summer?! Where are you living?.... Oh yeah, my big lived there last year! OMG this is going to be a great year!”
2) Wishing over and over that my boyfriend didn’t work today, and could help me for more than his 1 hour lunch break. OR that my parents had offered to come assist… But they quit moving in their baby girl about 3 semesters ago. Basically it comes down to the fact that I really needed help walking all my crap up the tiny, cramped back stairs.
3) I kept wondering continuously, “Why I am moving into the house again for a SIXTH semester....” This is SO much work setting up camp! It is amazing how 2 truck loads of boxes, clothes, decorations, bags, and suitcases can fit into such a tiny room. It is like watching an episode of hoarders in rewind and then started over again. Clean, then cluttered, then back to organized. All of my stuff was literally covering the entire floor space. So many shoes, I began to wonder if in a past life I was a centipede. And you think I was about to start my own Staples or Hobby Lobby franchise with all my office and craft supplies.
4) Checking in at a front desk with mom.... As if we were moving into a hotel. I mean the house is basically a hotel. Free hot breakfast in the morning, free toilet paper, shotty wifi internet, and free cable. Differences might trump the similarities in the end... You know, like only free cable on two tvs, no fridges in the rooms, no maids and sharing a bathroom with other rooms.
5) I miss my baby.... My little baby Malibu. Can I sneak her in? I mean I might have to put her in some kind of seeing eye dog program. Then I would have an excuse for her to constantly be with me.
6) Made only ONE trip to Wal Mart, AND I only deviated from the list once. Um, can you say impressive squared?!
7) Walked into my room, and my roommate was finishing her free weight ab work out… Oh and did I mention she had run 4 miles before that? Yeah... Made my daily stretching routine and mild cardio look like a joke. And by mild cardio, I mean carrying totes up stairs… I broke a sweat so it counts.
8) My very lovely Rose (a sophomore) helped me carry up two loads of stuff… Living proof that sisterhood is still alive. Helping a sister move in is equivalent to trying to locate your drunk friend in Stillwater with the following directions, “I am at a house. It’s near a corner and I am feeling sick…. Click.” It is never something you want to do, but in the situation, What Would A REAL Sister Do (WWRSD), you always go ahead and bear the burden. True friendship shines brightly in both situations.
9) I spilt a total of 3 diet cokes today. Dumped a box of 300 pictures and about 50 thumb tacks on the bedroom floor. AND slammed my baby toe into the concrete barrier that stops cars from bulldozing into our house. Let’s talk about the irritation level I was at by about 1:30 pm. Luckily I had bought two 24 packs of diet coke at wal mart. Be prepared. Number 1 rule of Spirit Week.
10) There is a walker in my room. Like an old person’s walker…. No, I didn’t have a hip replacement. And no, my roommate isn’t a geriatric patient… It just so happens, yours truly is in the coveted house skit. You may be pondering, “Wow I have never seen Cameron’s dance moves with a walker.” Or, “I don’t ever remember Cameron belting out a Celine Dion song… But she must have been good to make the skit.” Um… Well… I still can’t dance. (Follies 2007 Try Out Disaster still stands true) and I did show off my beautiful voice, but I didn’t get a singing part… Nope! I am going to be an ACTRESS. A single threat! That walker is my supporting prop in my role as Irene, the grandma. I got the part because I was REALLY good at dressing up as a grandma, but don’t be confused when you see it and I don’t sing or dance. This is a strictly speaking role.
11) I saw some of my favorite people today. Women who I don’t realize how much I have missed until I hear their voice. I wonder how I lasted 2 months without their corny jokes, goofy smiles or ridiculous ways. Moving in isn’t always the most enjoyable process. It actually makes me a frazzled, disgruntled hag, but once everything is in its place, and my bed is made… I can truly enjoy the screaming reunions and recaps of everyone’s summer vacation. I can even fill out an overly complicated check-in form for mom.
Turns out I am actually looking forward to the upcoming week. It will be the last time I go through recruitment, which is terribly bittersweet. The last time I am semi-locked in with my sisters. The last time I will have any influence on the future women in the sorority. I am determined to go out with a bang though. These lasts will be full of memories, and I will definitely leave my mark on both House Tour Day and dear old Grandma Irene.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Prepping for the Other Side
It is almost that time again when the OSU sorority women invade Stillwater 4 weeks before classes start… Are they just anxious to get all their books used? (We all know the new books are way too expensive!) Or perhaps they want to take on a couple philanthropy projects before the hubbub of school begins? (Slip in Slide for Sickle Cell Anemia or a Lemonade Stand for Leukemia?) Well, you’d be wrong on both accounts. They are actually locking themselves into their house for a week, and then the following week they will be using all their time and energy to convince 800 incoming freshman girls to go Greek. But not just any greek house! Specifically, Tappa Kappa slash whatever house they belong to… (I always wanted to be in a house called Tappa Kappa for some reason, but I don’t think Tappa is actually a greek letter, so another dream crushed).
Yes. 14 days dedicated to the glorious event called RECRUITMENT! Now you all should be fairly familiar with the actual week of recruitment if you have been keeping up with the blog. (If not, go back and read it! It’s a treat). Work week (the week before) is a WHOLE different ball game. I have been asked if I will try and update during work week… No promises, but I will try to jot down some interesting and funny stories if they happen to occur. But again, don’t hold your breath!
This year my sorority has decided to rename work week. ‘They’ thought ‘work’ had a negative connotation. ‘They’ would be National Headquarters who basically rules all things in my house. So, ‘they’ commanded our Recruitment Chairs to dub the week before recruitment… (drum roll, please) SPIRIT WEEK!!!! Like we are all, like about to, like cheer on our sisters to, like get pumped for, like RECRUITMENT!!! YAY! (That last sentence should be read in a kind of high-pitched, dumb, valley girl voice). I have no idea why the name Spirit Week would invoke more positivity, but we are going to try it out this year.
I have gone through this side of recruitment twice already. Both times were VASTLY different. My freshman year we had a Nazi Recruitment chair who scared the pee out of me. Last year we had 2 Recruitment chairs who were so laid back, sometimes I wondered if our Recruitment would actually be a success. Both years we had different results on Bid day in terms of the girls we wanted, which leads me to wonder what the 3rd year will have in store.
In order to get ready for this year’s recruitment, I had very little shopping to do. Every day of recruitment calls for a different outfit, and it can get quite specific. Luckily, the day outfits didn’t change much and I didn’t gain too much weight, so last year’s wardrobe can be used again. When I looked over my checklist, most of the things I was missing were for Spirit Week. Wait.. What?! Work Week usually has nothing on the checklist except money to go out and eat and house decorations for house tour day. This year, apparently, Spirit requires more crap because we will be doing less work and more positive things. Cool. So, I guess I will be taking a trip to the dollar store tomorrow.
The MOST confusing request on my checklist consists of two words. Or one word depending on how you roll. No girl EVER wants to willingly wear this, so why is it on our “Bring” list? I know I wouldn’t even own one right now if it hadn’t been for my trip to Destin in June. Yeah, you probably guessed it by now. Number 15 on the list is a swimsuit. A swimsuit. FOR WHAT??! After consulting with a couple sisters, they mentioned the possibility of going to the Colvin for a swim as a sisterhood activity. That is a good possibility, but let me tell you this. I, PERSONALLY, loathe the guy who decided that water should be swum in. Not only did they decide water should be swum in, but they thought the appropriate attire was really tight and small articles of clothing with things like strings securing it to the body.
I don’t like swimming in public. Public meaning anyone besides my family and 3 close friends. Swimming with my entire sorority does not sound relaxing… It sounds like stress and judgment. Stressing that I look ridiculous and judging people who I thought were judging me AKA paranoia. Listen, the women in my sorority are GORGEOUS!!! Petite, skinny, very good looking girls. And all the power to them! If I was 30 pounds lighter, I would DEFINITELY be rocking my little-bitty-teeny-weeny-yellow-polka-dot-bikini. Until that happens, I will be in the modest-mommy-who-just-had-sextuplets-one-piece-black-bathing-suit with rouching in all the right places feeling super uncomfortable. I hope that there is an alternative activity to the one where a bathing suit is required. Maybe a board game? Scrabble perhaps? Where the appropriate attire is shorts and a t-shirt? Sign me up for that!
I will keep you posted on the swimsuit situation. Who knows, maybe we are actually going to start a bonfire with them in an effigy to our “Stand Up! Stand Out!” philanthropy where every woman is beautiful no matter what! A girl can only hope for such an event…
Yes. 14 days dedicated to the glorious event called RECRUITMENT! Now you all should be fairly familiar with the actual week of recruitment if you have been keeping up with the blog. (If not, go back and read it! It’s a treat). Work week (the week before) is a WHOLE different ball game. I have been asked if I will try and update during work week… No promises, but I will try to jot down some interesting and funny stories if they happen to occur. But again, don’t hold your breath!
This year my sorority has decided to rename work week. ‘They’ thought ‘work’ had a negative connotation. ‘They’ would be National Headquarters who basically rules all things in my house. So, ‘they’ commanded our Recruitment Chairs to dub the week before recruitment… (drum roll, please) SPIRIT WEEK!!!! Like we are all, like about to, like cheer on our sisters to, like get pumped for, like RECRUITMENT!!! YAY! (That last sentence should be read in a kind of high-pitched, dumb, valley girl voice). I have no idea why the name Spirit Week would invoke more positivity, but we are going to try it out this year.
I have gone through this side of recruitment twice already. Both times were VASTLY different. My freshman year we had a Nazi Recruitment chair who scared the pee out of me. Last year we had 2 Recruitment chairs who were so laid back, sometimes I wondered if our Recruitment would actually be a success. Both years we had different results on Bid day in terms of the girls we wanted, which leads me to wonder what the 3rd year will have in store.
In order to get ready for this year’s recruitment, I had very little shopping to do. Every day of recruitment calls for a different outfit, and it can get quite specific. Luckily, the day outfits didn’t change much and I didn’t gain too much weight, so last year’s wardrobe can be used again. When I looked over my checklist, most of the things I was missing were for Spirit Week. Wait.. What?! Work Week usually has nothing on the checklist except money to go out and eat and house decorations for house tour day. This year, apparently, Spirit requires more crap because we will be doing less work and more positive things. Cool. So, I guess I will be taking a trip to the dollar store tomorrow.
The MOST confusing request on my checklist consists of two words. Or one word depending on how you roll. No girl EVER wants to willingly wear this, so why is it on our “Bring” list? I know I wouldn’t even own one right now if it hadn’t been for my trip to Destin in June. Yeah, you probably guessed it by now. Number 15 on the list is a swimsuit. A swimsuit. FOR WHAT??! After consulting with a couple sisters, they mentioned the possibility of going to the Colvin for a swim as a sisterhood activity. That is a good possibility, but let me tell you this. I, PERSONALLY, loathe the guy who decided that water should be swum in. Not only did they decide water should be swum in, but they thought the appropriate attire was really tight and small articles of clothing with things like strings securing it to the body.
I don’t like swimming in public. Public meaning anyone besides my family and 3 close friends. Swimming with my entire sorority does not sound relaxing… It sounds like stress and judgment. Stressing that I look ridiculous and judging people who I thought were judging me AKA paranoia. Listen, the women in my sorority are GORGEOUS!!! Petite, skinny, very good looking girls. And all the power to them! If I was 30 pounds lighter, I would DEFINITELY be rocking my little-bitty-teeny-weeny-yellow-polka-dot-bikini. Until that happens, I will be in the modest-mommy-who-just-had-sextuplets-one-piece-black-bathing-suit with rouching in all the right places feeling super uncomfortable. I hope that there is an alternative activity to the one where a bathing suit is required. Maybe a board game? Scrabble perhaps? Where the appropriate attire is shorts and a t-shirt? Sign me up for that!
I will keep you posted on the swimsuit situation. Who knows, maybe we are actually going to start a bonfire with them in an effigy to our “Stand Up! Stand Out!” philanthropy where every woman is beautiful no matter what! A girl can only hope for such an event…
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
matchmaker.osugreek.com
I always love to think that matchmaker.com would work for me… Well, I mean I use to until I met my current boyfriend! But back in the single days, it always seemed like putting a form up on the internet would be much more efficient then actually socializing. The quality may not have always be top notch, but the quantity would help even out the odds of finding a respectable option. The first week of school I found out that the Greeks had their own version of matchmaker.com.
It came as somewhat of a shock to me when I found out that nights blocked off for “Coke Dates” on the calendar actually meant a real DATE! Yeah. A fraternity would send over their freshmen pledge class (which could have freshmen to seniors in it) to the house in a straight line with enough flowers for each freshman girl in the sorority. The girls would line up inside the house shortest to tallest. This was so the tallest girl would hopefully not get stuck with the shortest guy… Heaven forbid, right? So both groups are lined up, and then you pair off. One guy to one girl. Well, that is until the end. The boy pledge classes were usually smaller resulting in 2 girls and sometimes 3 girls per 1 boy. Don’t worry though… Those double and triple dates were usually 95% a blessing in disguise. It meant you had a wing-woman to endure the next 30 minutes to an hour with if the guy turned out to be pig-headed or an absolute nerd. Did I mention the older sisters in the house would watch the whole ordeal from the porch, or jokingly harass you in the house right before! It was definitely a right-of-passage event.
This might be completely false, but this is how I like to think that someone came up with the whole “Coke Dating” scheme…. It starts at a house party or in a bar on the strip. There are a couple of Greeks enjoying a little alcohol. They are talking about the all important issues of course. How can they get rid of GDI’s? Why didn’t they name a building after the Greeks, like Greek Hall? When would there be a “Greek Row” constructed where all the sororities and frats have a granite block with their letters on it? And most importantly, how can the baby (freshmen) Greeks get more involved with the opposite sex baby Greeks? Parties were fine, and had worked up until this point, but there had to be a better, quicker, and entirely easier way to make the freshmen frats and sorority pledge classes mingle. After all, good Greek house relationships begin early and Follies and Homecoming only expose the freshmen to two houses… Hmmm, what to do, what to do? I am sure a few ideas were passed around, too vulgar to even mention, but soon a senior girl (because what guy would have willingly said he’d want to pay for coke dates??) mentioned the idea of Greek Speed Dating. What a novel idea! Houses could pair up on nights and the boys could come get the girls and go do something cute and date-y. The girl that proposed it was so gorgeous and well liked that the idea caught on, and is now basically Greek law today at Oklahoma State University.
I vividly remember hearing a story from our social SET chair that made me want to gag… APPARENTLY sometime back in the day (1970’s-1980’s) there was a girl in our sorority who ended up marrying her 1st coke date… What a fairytale dream right? OR it was a sneaky ploy to convince us that we needed to be looking our very best just in case Mr. Right came to pick us up for a coke date. AKA don’t be the ugly pledge class that no frat wants to hang out with.
I never really thought about the coke date from the frat’s point of view, though, until I met my boyfriend. He expressed to me the hurt that was put on his wallet every time a coke date was set up with a sorority. Because he was taller, he was in the back. Remember the boy pledge classes are notoriously smaller, so he ended up having to take out 2 or 3 girls. Since the males are so chivalrous and kind, they would pay for whatever date we went on. Usually it was kept pretty simple. Cokes, candy, maybe ice cream… But if you were taking out 2 girls once or twice a week… Let’s be honest. Those bills begin to add up. And not to mention the budget that has to be side aside for flowers! It is crazy the hoops that are jumped (for both the sororities and fraternities) so a “coke date” can take place. I just want to give a shout out thanks to all the men who shelled out the money to take me on the awkward dates. It gave me an awesome blog topic, and some good memories, too. And for the women who went on every date (showered and pretty), AND kept a smile, even when you felt like punching your date in the face… I commend your strength and patience. All in the name of Greek Socializing.
It came as somewhat of a shock to me when I found out that nights blocked off for “Coke Dates” on the calendar actually meant a real DATE! Yeah. A fraternity would send over their freshmen pledge class (which could have freshmen to seniors in it) to the house in a straight line with enough flowers for each freshman girl in the sorority. The girls would line up inside the house shortest to tallest. This was so the tallest girl would hopefully not get stuck with the shortest guy… Heaven forbid, right? So both groups are lined up, and then you pair off. One guy to one girl. Well, that is until the end. The boy pledge classes were usually smaller resulting in 2 girls and sometimes 3 girls per 1 boy. Don’t worry though… Those double and triple dates were usually 95% a blessing in disguise. It meant you had a wing-woman to endure the next 30 minutes to an hour with if the guy turned out to be pig-headed or an absolute nerd. Did I mention the older sisters in the house would watch the whole ordeal from the porch, or jokingly harass you in the house right before! It was definitely a right-of-passage event.
This might be completely false, but this is how I like to think that someone came up with the whole “Coke Dating” scheme…. It starts at a house party or in a bar on the strip. There are a couple of Greeks enjoying a little alcohol. They are talking about the all important issues of course. How can they get rid of GDI’s? Why didn’t they name a building after the Greeks, like Greek Hall? When would there be a “Greek Row” constructed where all the sororities and frats have a granite block with their letters on it? And most importantly, how can the baby (freshmen) Greeks get more involved with the opposite sex baby Greeks? Parties were fine, and had worked up until this point, but there had to be a better, quicker, and entirely easier way to make the freshmen frats and sorority pledge classes mingle. After all, good Greek house relationships begin early and Follies and Homecoming only expose the freshmen to two houses… Hmmm, what to do, what to do? I am sure a few ideas were passed around, too vulgar to even mention, but soon a senior girl (because what guy would have willingly said he’d want to pay for coke dates??) mentioned the idea of Greek Speed Dating. What a novel idea! Houses could pair up on nights and the boys could come get the girls and go do something cute and date-y. The girl that proposed it was so gorgeous and well liked that the idea caught on, and is now basically Greek law today at Oklahoma State University.
I vividly remember hearing a story from our social SET chair that made me want to gag… APPARENTLY sometime back in the day (1970’s-1980’s) there was a girl in our sorority who ended up marrying her 1st coke date… What a fairytale dream right? OR it was a sneaky ploy to convince us that we needed to be looking our very best just in case Mr. Right came to pick us up for a coke date. AKA don’t be the ugly pledge class that no frat wants to hang out with.
I never really thought about the coke date from the frat’s point of view, though, until I met my boyfriend. He expressed to me the hurt that was put on his wallet every time a coke date was set up with a sorority. Because he was taller, he was in the back. Remember the boy pledge classes are notoriously smaller, so he ended up having to take out 2 or 3 girls. Since the males are so chivalrous and kind, they would pay for whatever date we went on. Usually it was kept pretty simple. Cokes, candy, maybe ice cream… But if you were taking out 2 girls once or twice a week… Let’s be honest. Those bills begin to add up. And not to mention the budget that has to be side aside for flowers! It is crazy the hoops that are jumped (for both the sororities and fraternities) so a “coke date” can take place. I just want to give a shout out thanks to all the men who shelled out the money to take me on the awkward dates. It gave me an awesome blog topic, and some good memories, too. And for the women who went on every date (showered and pretty), AND kept a smile, even when you felt like punching your date in the face… I commend your strength and patience. All in the name of Greek Socializing.
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