the cheese to my macaroni.

I love my family.

I don't have that much to say here, but do you get much better than this "stone cold pack of weirdos." How did I get so lucky?

~ciao~

sorority halloween.

Looking at Halloween through the eyes of an adult is an interesting experience.  One of my favorite things to refer to when I think about this strange shift in... let's just say STYLE, is "Mean Girls."

1: she missed it

2: she gets it

Basically, if you haven't seen it... "YOU CAN'T SIT WITH US!"

But if you truly have no idea what I am talking about I will break it down for you... Picture number 1, with the lovely Cady Heron, dressed as an "ex-wife," is representing our childhood.  We aim to be scary, or cute or actually something other than a scandalous bunny. We aim to be masked & show off our hiding skills that we had been practicing all year during hide-and-go-seek.  We aim for candy & lots of it.

Picture number 2 is the epitome of a high school or college student.  We basically follow the (usually innocent) dogma, "less is more!"  & in the words of Cady Heron, "In the regular world, Halloween is when children dress up in costumes and beg for candy. In Girl World, Halloween is the one night a year when a girl can dress like a total slut and no other girls can say anything about it."

But is it really one day a year that we can dress a little scandalous?

Not in Sorority World! In this world it is acceptable every time we hear the word... SOCIAL.  It is always "social"ly acceptable to be scandalous & looking good.  In a way, every night is Halloween if you want it to be & if you don't move the bookmark on your agenda.

So you're gunna ask... does that make Halloween less fun every year if you dress up on the other 364 days of the year?

& the answer is... no, because it's just one more night that dressing up is 100% acceptable, & this night is even better because there is no theme & you can be as creative as you want! No restrictions & the sky is the limit! Express yourself in any dandy or scandy way you feel!

Personally, I'm still in it for the candy... I mean who doesn't love a good Twix Bar or Reese's Cup after a long night?  If only it were still socially acceptable to knock on strangers' doors wearing a costume & get candy as a 21-year-old... can I be 5 again??? I just want to wear my fairy wings & pink sneakers & count the "good candy" & trade off the "bad candy" in peace.  Ya dig?

Disclaimer: this is the only picture of me

Morals of this blog post...

1. Halloween is really really soon, so pick a costume... probably something scandalous (i.e. the classic "Risky Business" attire or the "I'm a mouse... duh" of the genius, Karen Smith)

2. Go to a college social & wear... probably something scandalous (i.e. "trash bash" or "Predator vs. Prey")

3. When you see it every day it becomes the norm... probably something scandalous (i.e. skinny mini high-waisted jorts & a bandeau)

4. Go watch "Mean Girls.." probably something scandalous (i.e. holes in your shirt with a purple bra & army pants & flip flops)

Anyway... HAPPY HALLOWEEN from a kid stuck in a 21-year-old's body!

~ciao~

perspective.

It's all about perspective.

This summer I decided I needed a bit of a change, and really what I mean by change is I needed to build on my previous experiences.  I needed to grow.  In high school I started to grow through an amazing outdoor organization for young adults called Adventure Treks.  I was fed the dogmas that I attempt to express today, which have been important elements in my life: 

1. Adventure Treks taught me real communication.  Although cell phones weren't quite as prolific as they are today, social media was on the rise, & the "cool factor" stemmed from what kind of phone you had & what song was on your MySpace profile.  Not at AT.  You were cool for being you, which is unfortunately quite rare these days.  I just brought my personality flair & some "reaching out" techniques & I got to truly know people.  Who needs to hide behind a phone anyway when you can just be you at AT?  I think I just put this into perspective for you...

2. Adventure Treks taught me about community & respect.  It may sound cheesy to someone who doesn't have the AT background, but community is an indescribable element of AT that forms fast and forms strong.  It is almost like a large family unit & with that comes respect.  Respect for your friends in the community and respect for yourself.  With group gear & small living quarters, there is no room for negativity & selfishness.  Some of the individuals I met in my years at AT are people I respect & venerate the most.  They are real people with real perspectives.

3. Adventure Treks taught me about pure happiness & being humble.  AT was the first time I truly realized how lucky I was.  How many 14-year-olds get to travel for 16+ days, climb live volcanoes, glissade down snow-covered peaks in mid-summer, & white water raft without parental supervision?  (That is not a rhetorical question... very few!)  I was & still am a lucky kid & with that, I learned that not everyone shares these amazing opportunities & it is important to be sensitive to all sorts of diverse people around me with different perspectives on life.  

Although Adventure Treks taught me way more than that in my 3 years as a student, what it did not teach me was how much background work went into making the "adventure of a lifetime."  As a student you have this perspective that AT is magic.  No I'm not kidding... AT just transpired into this incredible trip that took no effort to plan or organize & was just filled with amazing students from all over the world.  With a wave of the wand, a flick of the wrist & an Abracadabra... boom, a mountain summit & a perfect sunrise to go with it!

But not really.

This summer I definitely experienced a new & unique perspective... I interned in the Adventure Treks office.  It's funny because I remember walking into the "AT barn" on my first day of work, looking around & thinking, "what are all these people doing on computers... I mean what kind of 'work' can they actually be doing?  They are all probably just on Facebook!"  But they were doing work. Real work that takes the whole year to plan.  Trip logistics, permits, regional director plans, travel information, waivers (all 47648653743 of them), outfitter communication, unaccompanied minor details, trip photos, welcome packets, social media strategies, t-shirts & hats, food, rental vans, health history binders, application forms, birthday cards, phone calls, pay checks, Treks Checks, graduation packets & much much more.  Honestly, that's not even the half of it. 

It's not like I expected to waltz into a room full of magicians, but I just never realized what really went into making an AT trip successful.  Dock told me I was the first AT student to actually work in the barn, which gave me a very unique opportunity because I still understood and felt the surreality that is AT.  I can explain the importance of evening meeting & still get goosebumps on my arms, I can still picture the wicked dance moves kids had when retrieving items from the "bin of doom," I can still hear Bob Bailey recite, in complete accuracy, lines from "Shrek" as the Gingerbread Man, I can still see Haley's face as she paddled our canoe backwards on the Clearwater Lake, I can still feel the tears in my eyes as I left AT for (what I thought would be) the last time in 2009, I can still tell how long a 3 minute shower really is, I can still remember laughs I had with Haley & Jenn Tanner over kidney beans, I can still smell Ramen Extreme & Oatmeal, I can still feel the "natural mattress" of sand on the Olympic Coast, I can still taste my very first AT pineapple that grew straight from the ground, I can still see smoke spewing from the crescent of Mt. St. Helens, I can still recall practicing head stands in the British Columbia with Niki Gaeta & I still CAN'T explain why I am so in love with Adventure Treks, but I am.  

2007

2008

2009

I learned a lot this summer from some incredible co-workers with some varying perspectives:

Perspective 1. Emily taught me to go for it & that decisions are never easy.  She taught me to be myself & she helped me act like a total goofball in my attempts to YOGA.  She also accepted me as her "right hand wo-man" & taught me her ways. 

Perspective 2. Joan taught me selflessness & how one person can be so loving, giving, & special.  She taught me (& Emily too) how to best approach a decision & how to conquer it & also that FSU has some awesome Alumni (tell anyone & I'll deny it... just kidding) & that Talenti bars may be the death of me. (Meow)

Perspective 3. Jan taught me how to be 24 & professional & that using headphones in the office may lead to a paperclip throwing fight.  But really he fed me some rad technology/systems knowledge.  

Perspective 4. Holly taught me the parent perspective & how hard it is to give up your child for any period of time.  I remember her telling me she missed the "pitter-patter" of her son's feet when he woke up in the morning & it hit me that I never thought my mom & dad would be "child sick" while I was away, having the time of my life, at camp. 

Perspective 5: Stacey taught me that sometimes not everything works out, but that with a little self-determinism and personal strength you can do anything & be anyone.  

Perspective 6. Dock taught me that working in an office can be pleasant & accepting & that no matter your age, you have a place with Adventure Treks.  He also gave me a sense of importance that I am truly grateful for.  

So I guess what I am trying to say is thank you for such an eye-opening summer.  Thank you for letting me indulge in my summer camp obsession.  & thank you for EVERYTHING!!

Adventure Treks may not be magic, but what transpires within each individual trek is truly magical & can only be understood when under its fantastic spell.

~Ciao-Ciao

dance marathon.

So... 26.2 hours, $1,528,330.16, & 383537246253 smiles later, Dance Marathon at UF is complete & more successful than ever before!  It is exciting knowing that our student-run philanthropy is the biggest in the Southeastern United States!

I am so incredibly proud of everyone in their efforts to make this THE BEST Dance Marathon ever!   It took over a year to plan this huge event & hundreds of hours, but it truly showed through the smiles of the miracle children as well as the loving faces of every dancer, delegate, dancer buddy, staff member, captain, & overall that breathed, ate, & slept dance marathon all weekend.

I know the Children's Miracle Network will use that money for something great that will save thousands & thousands of kids in the near future!

I remember my Freshman year of college being force fed Dance Marathon in the Fall & thinking... Why is there so much hype about something 47647854 months away??  It took one glance inside the O'Connell center & the words of the Miracle Families for me to get it.

After being on staff as a freshman, a dancer as a sophomore, & on staff again this year, I can't get enough of such a great cause.  I loved making a small difference in an event that makes a huge mark on the medical world of Shands & the kids.
I already can't wait until my final DM next year (not that it's my last), but just to see how much more we improve & make strides toward saving more & more kids.  Just in my 3 short years here at UF, I have seen the total rise about $800,000, which is INCREDIBLE!  I love seeing the dedication students have to this event & the smiles they put on the kids' faces.  It is also nice to see students completely sober for an entire weekend, while tking time out of their busy schedules, & being 100% selfless for the sake of families & kids in need.  Not only did I see FTK shaved into peoples' heads, but I saw it in action.  This is REAL philanthropy y'all. 

So I would like to throw a special shoutout to my roommate, Rebecca (above in middle), Sami (below on left), & Nicole (not pictured) for rocking DM for their third year in a row!  78.6 hours of dancing & they are still looking good!  "Can't sit, won't sit," or should it be "can't sit, can't sit?"  That is the question.
     

Sami & Tarah rockin' the BYOS DM style!

BUT, I would like to throw out an even more special shoutout to the 6 Kappas who are 4 year dancers!  It is so impressive to dance just 1 time, but these rockstars didn't stop standing for a total of 104.8 hours!

I was also so happy to see the dedication of the dancer buddies/visitors.  No one can stay on their feet for 26.2 hours without a friendly, non-delirious face to get them through the hours.  But sisterly & true is maximized when that friend is willing to give foot massages for an hour to her sore-footed friends!  You go Glenn Coco, aka Sarah! You are a SUPER SISTER forever!

Last but not least,  I would like to mention that I plan on continuing my shirts!  If you follow this link: https://www.facebook.com/bringyourownshirt.byos.rachele you can find my Facebook page with all the shirts I have made for DM donations!  Please like my page, browse through the ones I have made so far, bring me a shirt, tell your friends, & love a style that is your own! (I have a small example (above) of Sami & Tarah wearing their DM-related shirts & loving them up!!)  I raised about $300 on the shirts alone this years & I can't stop, won't stop.  VISIT ME AT: "BYOS: Bring Your Own Shirt" y'all FTK!

-Ciao

13.1.

What a whirlwind! 10 months ago I signed up for a half marathon... but not just any half marathon, the Disney Princess Half Marathon!  At the time, just the act of signing up for it gave me the butterflies.

Let's start from the beginning: before October 2013, I could not even run more than 3 miles without giving up.  Not only did I not like running, but this Florida heat is just rough... I have always been pretty active though, through soccer, lacrosse, snowboarding, & hiking, but there is something different about running.  There is no ball you are chasing after, there are no lifts to carry you up the steep parts, and there is no team to help you in a bind.  It's just you, your sneakers, & a straight shot.

I used to hate running.  Ask any of my high school teammates or my coach... I literally complained every time the word "conditioning" or the dreaded, "everybody to the end line" came up during practice.  How could I run (or sprint really) for an entire 90 minute soccer game, but start panicking at the idea of a full-field suicide?

The answer isn't really clear, but once I started college & I didn't have soccer in my life 24/7, I resorted to my worst enemy.  What is that saying again?  Oh yeah... "keep your enemies closer."  Well my enemy became a companion freshman year to keep away the true threat, public enemy #1, the horrid "Freshman 15, or really 25."

I reluctantly ran to make sure I didn't pack on quite that many pounds & started enjoying it a bit more.  The key for me is that I need a friend to keep me going.  When it's just me, no one is there to make sure I keep moving.  & I may have mentioned before... my self control isn't all that strong when it comes to chocolate & running.  But over the course of my 3 years in Gainesville, I wouldn't say I became an avid runner, but a few times a week I ran a couple of miles & thought that I was a ninja.  I wasn't.    

Anyway, just about a year ago when all my friends trekked to Orlando for the Disney Princess Half-Marathon, I sat back in the comfort of my own apartment thinking, there is NO, I repeat NO way I could ever run that much... those people are nuts.  But I still stared as their pictures popped up on facebook with some sort of uncontrollable jealousy.  & pretty much the next day a half marathon appeared on my ever-increasing bucket list.

So now we are back to October 2013: I can't run more than 3 miles, the weather is still blazing, I am already scared about the half, & I need new sneakers, but I know since I have never truly run before that it is time to start training.  8 am wake ups was rough... sometimes I would even hope it was pouring when I woke up so I would have an excuse, but I had to get my body in motion.   

I would like to send a shoutout to my 3 running buddies that I acquired over the 6 months of training: Bizzy LaRue, Lauren Maginness, & Courtney Hughes.  I literally could not have woken up early 3+ times a week to run in the cold or have moved across the start line without you all.  You guys are thebomb.com!  Also, a thank you to my parents for coming up to Orlando to support me & hug me even when I am sweaty & disgusting!

So the race... it was AMAZING!  Although I didn't stop to appreciate all the princesses, villains, princes, & mouses along the way, I got to dance to "Frozen," give some Mickey Mouse high fives, run through the Magic Kingdom Castle, take a jumping picture coming out of the castle, eat some Gu, stare at some weird costumes, find my parents cheering me on in the dark, run 13.1 miles without stopping, wake up at 3 am, & cross the Disney Princess Half Marathon finish line all for the first time!  Everything was 100% worth it!    
       

It was probably one of the greatest experiences I have had & although I am still sore & my body is asking why... I am happy I did it!  What's amazing about the human body is that no matter how often you say "I can't," you can.  As I mentioned before, 6 months ago, 3 miles was a huge feat, but with just a little dedication & some practice, the body can change!  It is all mental.  Get that "I can't" garbage outta your head & replace it with some "I can" because I know you can!
   

So to sum it all up...  get out there & try something you never thought you could.  Thinking is a whole lot different that performing & I think your body will surprise you!

-Ciao

ftk.

As a Gator, there is one thing you know for sure about the Spring in the Swamp: DANCE MARATHON.  It may happen in the spring, but it is introduced in early fall & then practically force fed to you throughout the course of the school year.  As a freshman you're overwhelmed by whatever Dance Marathon (DM) is, but by the time April rolls around, you are practically singing FTK & breathing generosity.  At least that's what seemed to happen to me...

You kinda just get wrapped up in all the happiness that surrounds the event.  All the tabling, flyering, fundraising, time, & energy that is soaked up into this marathon weekend.  Individuals raise hundreds to thousands of dollars for his or her chance to stand for 26.2 hours for those who can't & to be a part of a life changing experience for children who visit Shands right here in Gainesville.

I mustache you to Dance!

Last year I decided that I wanted to dance for the opportunity... but I didn't just leave with the memories of another college notch on my belt, I left knowing I actually made a difference for kids.  Standing for 26.2 hours ain't easy by the way... it might have actually been one of the hardest experiences of my life.  I haven't run a marathon before, but 26.2 hours of no sleep, caffeine, or sitting may just be a fair challenge.  But it was worth it.   

Anyway, let me tell you a little bit about what Dance Marathon really is.  It is a 26.2 hour philanthropy that supports the the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals (CMN) nationally.  Shands Children's Hospital has been a part of CMN for almost 20 years & is the most successful student-run philanthropy in the Southeastern United States.  CMN helps kids all over the country have the life they deserve.  During DM, the "miracle children" tell their stories about how Shands Hospital & CMN saved their lives, giving them opportunities they never thought they would have.  UF students bend over backwards to make the "miracle children" feel loved & right at home in our Gator Nation all year long.  The families leave with both a healthier child & a larger, more extended family as well.  It is a truly eye-opening experience.  You just can't believe how strong people are when they seem so vulnerable & fragile.  It puts things into perspective.

Oh! & you might be asking what FTK means... FOR THE KIDS baby!
   


So... here's my proposal:  I will make you a Dance Marathon shirt for $8 if you provide me with the blank slate (aka the shirt... preferably in a light color so the design will show up).  Or if you live further away (i.e. it needs mailing/the purchase of a shirt by me) the price is $18 per shirt! You pick the design, I make you a shirt. Badda Bing Badda Boom.  Everyone is happy... especially the KIDS!

If you are interested in a shirt or just want to donate, you can follow this link to my personal donation page: http://floridadm.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=1074420&supid=344031142 Being a part of DM, no matter how big or small, makes a huge difference for a small child! BE THAT DIFFERENCE!  Thank you!

Below I have a few examples of some of the shirts I've made if you are interested.  If you are... you know what to do!  (Walmart sells very cheap plain t-shirts if you were curious!)    

If you wanna talk business with me, feel free to get in contact

A big shout out to my models, Kerry Leonard, Katie Moore & Rebecca Coombs!

& on a cheesy note, I have awkwardly created a song for your singing pleasure.  I would have included an audio portion too, but I didn't think my beyond sub-par singing voice would be positive PR for my rad shirts! (*insert laugh here) 

[sing to the "Brady Bunch" theme song... or else]

Here's a story of a great fundraiser,

That's bringing in some very lovely funds.

All of them come from your heart, and your love.

Any amount saves tons. 

Here's a story of the very beginning,

When Dance Marathon was just a baby trend.

It was born to, help the kids get better.

But now it will never end.

Till one day when the C.M.N. met Shands

And they knew that it was much more than a chance,

That these two could somehow form a marathon.

That's the way we all made the Stance to Dance,

The Stance to Dance,

The Stance to Dance.

That's the way we all made the Stance to Dance.

Last year's DM total! First time breaking A MILLION at UF!

I hope you enjoyed this post & it put some thoughts of "giving" into your hearts! FTK!

& if you need a way to contact me, you can comment on this blog post & I will respond ASAP or send me a message via facebook!

If you like what you see here, please share this post with your friends :) 

http://floridadm.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=1074420&supid=344031142

Ciao-

thanksgivukkah.

Happy Thanksgiving Break everyone!  But more importantly, Happy Thanksgivukkah!

Thanksgiving formally began(ish) way back when the Puritans were running the New World & when the most important part of the year was the harvest.  In honor of the goods of the year, the Pilgrims prepared a feast.

This is real.

Now, as an elementary schooler you probably remember that you would always have a Thanksgiving pageant, where you would get assigned a part in a play as a pilgrim or a Indian... you know, wearing that traditional bonnet & long skirt garb.  You probably also had to sing a few songs & finish off the event with a giant feast with an awesome, inedible turkey at the center.  & of course, it wouldn't be the Thanksgiving Day play without the beautiful friendship that was formed between the Indians and the Pilgrims & saying all you are thankful for.
  

But did that actually happen?  Did the Indians & the Pilgrims actually sit down to a civilized meal in Plymouth in about 1621 because of the awesome harvest?  Were the Indians really happy that their land was being invaded & that they were catching diseases from Europe?

I mean... I guess they still had that RIDICULOUSLY GREAT harvest to be thankful for, so it was worth it, & honestly... I am just glad we do celebrate it because I have a lot to be thankful for & it is nice to dedicate a day for how lucky we all truly are.

1.  I am thankful for my brothers, who are always there for me.  We may have had our disagreements growing up, but as kids go, we were pretty awesome.  I loved growing up with you guys even though I don't remember it all since my memory is a failure, but I know there were some amazing times in there.  Like the time we built the fort in Daniel's room, while Jerry was painting the walls to look like blue jeans, or all the times we played "monster under the blanket," or the times I volunteered to be Scott's personal slave so he would like me.  I mean... life would have been pretty boring without you 2 around.  Thank you for being my siblings & loving me as your "baby blister."  (Yes... I did say blister.  Don't ask... but if you want to ask, ask Daniel).


2. I am thankful for my mom, who is MY BEST FRIEND & the greatest mom that has ever existed.  She always goes above & beyond in all circumstances to make me & the rest of my family happy.  She is the role model that I strive to emulate & she is the goofiest in the most perfect of ways.  I love you & am truly thankful for you every day because you treat me like royalty even when I don't deserve it or for no reason at all.  The truth is, you are the queen & we should be treating you like royalty.  <3

3. I am thankful for my DAD, who is probably one of the most selfless humans I have ever met.  All he cares about is the happiness of his family.  Growing up my dad would bring me a glass of water EVERY night before I went to bed (the truth is... he still does it when I am home from school) & when I was younger, he would read me a bedtime story... usually "Bread & Jam for Francis" or "Where's Mickey's Red Ball."  My dad was the "monster under the blanket" as well as the "monster in the water," but he is no monster at all.  Thank you for your wonderful spirit & dedication to us.  I always say... if you had asked my dad as a child, "what do you want to be when you grow up" he would have responded with: "a father."  You are probably the best father out there. 

& 4. I am thankful for the role models I have in my mom & her 2 sisters.  They may fight & get in arguments over stupid things.  They may cry. They may get defensive & stressed out, but I know they are always there for one another.  These 3 women have some of the best memories together: the trips from Hong Kong to the states during the hot, Florida summers, the vacations in Chicago, AFRICA, watching the nieces & nephews grow up, throwing parties on the forbidden white carpet (even though Phyllis caught you), crying out for your younger sister in the night because the darkness is scary, sharing clothes (unwillingly), taking Phyllis to the Academy Awards & us watching it (& you) on TV, going to each others' weddings, the Goldsmith on a Quiet Street that NEVER existed, Tybee Island, laughing at each other, taking silly pictures, being confidants, being role models, learning stuff from one another, being "so glad we married Fred," flying from California all the time, & just being the perfect set of 3 Musketeers.  You always hear about how sisters lose touch as adults & rarely see one another, but not these sisters.  Almost without fail these 3 talk at least once a week & share a special bond.  I know this may sound cheesy, but it's the truth.  Life is hard & sadly, people tend to respect their family & close friends less than strangers.  You just get comfortable & forget to take a second to show how important they are to you.  I am so proud to have these 3 in my life because I hope to be half as amazing at keeping in touch with my brothers as they are with one another.  They are 3 incredible, independent women, who have all taught me amazing things.  I wouldn't be who I am today without the "fun Aunt," who called my "Butterfly Princess Heart Flower" until I was 3636454, the "silly Aunt," who always has something comical to say & the "perfect Mom," who taught me the importance of sibling bonding.  I may be partial to the latter, but without the other 2, you just don't have the Goldsmiths.  The LOVE is there... just don't forget.  & especially don't forget to "live in the moment" because you only get 1 family.

Maybe we can all learn a little something from the Puritans & the Indians circa 1621... even if that friendship wasn't real.
  

Ciao & Happy Holidays!

homecoming.

JUST 2 OLD HIPPIES

Homecoming... aka the week of festivities where us sorority gals get to dress our best for an entire week straight.  Homecoming is truly a tradition of welcoming back the alumni from years past, but of course, Greek Life has transformed that tradition into one GIANT social.  It's just another reason to put on your hippie outfit, throw up those peace signs, & wear non-prescription glasses for no purpose whatsoever... it just makes life more interesting.  

This year was probably my favorite experience with homecoming because I actually had the opportunity to participate in the events!  You know you do it right when you get all dressed up, you dance like a crazy person with a group of your favorite sorority sisters, you get home super late, sleep 5 minutes, & turn around & do it again... (homecoming week in a nutshell).

Growing up I always had a fascination with dressing up... you know, stealing your mom's costume jewelry for a fancy tea party or finding your great-great-great grandmothers mothball smelling dresses in the back closet to drape over you when playing house.  Then of course there is Halloween... who didn't go all out for that gem of a holiday?  It was a holiday invented for us kids to let our inner freak fly outside the comfort of our own homes. Wait... am I talking about kids here or college students?  Maybe they're one in the same?  The content may have aged, but the idea most definitely has not.

I know I'm not the only girl out there who would play dress up like 47483754 times a day as a little kid & I know I'm not the only girl out there who STILL does this, often.  So... I will bring up this burning question that everyone else has been thinking too (I know you are, don't deny it)... Why is dressing up so fun? 

The answer is... I HAVE NO IDEA.  It is just fun.  Even you guys like to do it too.  Socials prove it all... sometimes they are the ones who even get most into the nightly themes.  & the truth is, it is funny because there is so much hype about Halloween each year, but when you're in a sorority, almost every week is Halloween, but it just never seems to get old.

WOODSTOCK

TAMPA DINNER CRUISE

So after a whole week of non-stop "dress up," I wrapped up the weekend most perfectly with a Gator Game... even though we lost & we aren't doing so hot this year, it is ALWAYS "great to be a Florida Gator."  Especially when I get a wonderful visit from the lovely Alberta!  This time I chose to dress as myself... one of my favorite costumes to dress up in.  It's always nice to know that during the day, after a long week, you can always go back to being a regular, old gator.  Welcome home alumni!    

Ciao & Go Gata!