A Sorority? Seriously?

Yes, I was in a sorority in college. I enjoyed it then, to a certain extent, and I do have some fond memories of it.

It always surprises people when they hear that I had pledged a sorority. I get the "I thought that you were smarter than that" or "Oh, reeeeeeaaaaaaly?" on a pretty regular basis. I went through Rush on a whim, got the bid that same night, and was off and running. Our house, or any of the houses at NIU for that matter, wasn't one of the stereotypical Animal House Southern Belle nightmares that you automatically think of. I was drawn in by the fact that I met so many women - fat, thin, smart, attractive, plain - that I felt that I could blend in seamlessly. And, for the most part, I did just that.

Living in the house was a blast. There was always something interesting happening, and there was always someone awake. I didn't bond with either of my roommates, but I didn't hate them either. We had our own chef, our own keys, our own parking lot, and lots of autonomy. Too much, in fact, for a bunch of underage girls. But, we survived with a minimum of controversy.

When I graduated, I had a bitter taste in my mouth. I had spent my last semester as the Member at Large, which meant that I needed to mediate the ugliest facets of sorority life. And, as I got more involved, I realized that many of the women that I lived with and called "sisters" were in fact not nice people that had no compunctions about doing horrible things to each other. Like many people that I know, I walked away and didn't look back.

Now, over 15 years out, I have fonder memories. Or, perhaps, the nastier stuff has faded away. I've been getting in touch with certain people via Facebook, and it's interesting to see that a great many women are thrilled to hear from me and loved me very much when we saw each other on a daily basis. I never saw myself as "popular," but one that blended in and did my job and didn't cause any waves. To be embraced now with open arms is almost more precious than it was then.

I have always said that I would rather work with and for men, and have friends that are men, and be surrounded by men, largely as a result of college. But, there is a lot to be said for the gift of friendship that only a woman can give. Women are catty, yes, but we are also nurturing and thoughtful and compassionate. Women are good. I'm so thankful that I've finally figured that out and can learn to appreciate the women that I share a history and bond with.

Mmmmmmm

Wolftrap Syrah is the bomb. I normally don't even like Syrah, and I could drink this all day. It's juicy and moderately huge and not watery and not overly spicy.

Must get another glass. Yay, Friday nights!

Five for Friday

Things that make me happy:

1. My co-workers (at both jobs).
2. Our upcoming trip to Colorado next week.
3. Facials at the local Aveda spa.
4. My new short hair cut, although it feels too short.
5. Cool evenings with open windows.
   

Things that make me less than happy:

1. My lack of faith in God, myself, other people (except for H).
2. Panic over gas supplies.
3. Needing to shave my legs.
4. Repeated phone calls and email to accounts that simply aren't buying books right now.
5. The cat sitter that won't return my calls.
   

'Tis a Gift

Tonight at Job #2, we were talking about how all of us are gifted in specific ways. D, who is the 6th grade history teacher, is an extremely gifted teacher. Granted, I've never seen him in the classroom, but he can help anyone that walks in the door and explain to them what they need to know on the level that they will understand. It's amazing to watch him. He is also extremely patient, which is essential in a teacher. And, he is always searching for additional information. Learning is as fundamental to him as breathing.

My beloved Aunt P has a gift for making every person that she encounters feel loved. Nowhere is that more important than in the ER where she works as a nurse. If I had any kind of trauma, she is exactly the person that I would want helping me.

My mother has a gift for making anything and everything grow. She isn't happy unless she has dirt under her nails, and no plant too large or small is unworthy of her love and attention.

I don't know what my gift is. I can make all kinds of snarky comments about it, but I'm sure that there is a legitimate one out there somewhere.

I Just Can't Believe It!

Clay Aiken is gay.

I might have to go back to bed for the rest of the day and pray for his immortal soul.

(heh)

Oh, no!

Kevin McKidd is going to be on Grey's Anatomy. Does that mean that I have to watch it? I don't have room in my life for another television show, nor do I want one. And, I really don't want to watch Grey's Anatomy.

But, it *is* Kevin McKidd... sigh. I'll TiVo it, at least.

Five for Friday

Things that make me happy:

1. Donna Tartt.
2. The weather is starting to get cooler! Yay!
3. Wine tasting classes.
4. My husband.
   
5. Having cats watch over me when I'm sick.
   

Things that make me less than happy:

1. This cold that Will. Not. Go. Away.
2. Nasty and nastier political campaigns.
3. Terror in the stock market.
4. The new Facebook design.
5. Finding cat vomit in unfortunate places, like on the couch.