It's hard to believe after so much planning and preparing, Convention has ended.

Since I last wrote, there was a bit of excitement which I couldn't share with you earlier. During the last business session, reports and wrap up announcements are made. In addition to the Resolutions Committee report, I also gave a report as Chairman of the Recommendations Committee. My committee's responsibilities (thanks to Morgan, Rho/Nebraska college chapter delegate, Ellen, Alpha Eta/Vanderbilt college chapter delegate, Tiffany, Chattanooga alumnae chapter delegate, and Cathie, Southern Orange County alumnae chapter delegate) involve thanking those responsible and for making suggestions for improvements for future conventions. Also announced during this session is the location of the next Convention.

To shake us all up, District VII wanted to make a splash with the announcement and boy did they-a flash mob! It was amazing to watch the action.

We will be returning to the JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort in 2012. I can't recall that we've ever repeated venues back-to-back. Nearly all of the recommendations were very complimentary of the facilities (I particularly enjoyed the water slide) and friendliness of the staff.

We all adjourned to get ready for the Chapter Processional and Final Banquet. I reported to choir practice and then took my place in line. Gamma deuteron was established in 1881, so we are very close to the front. The chapters process in founding order as we wound our way through the hotel. It is so cool to see everyone's faces as we walk. I was able to whisper an OH-IO when I went past Alpha Gamma/Ohio State and managed a newly learned skill-the hand sign for the Horned Frogs of TCU/Gamma Psi as I passed their spot in line.

Mary Jane Beach, NPC delegate, was our toastmistress. We toast to the President of the United States and to Queen Elizabeth II. The most recently installed college chapter president, Gamma Omega/Auburn, speaks as well as our first established chapter Alpha. For a little bit of levity, there is a Convention Countdown. We all stand and as the number of Conventions is noted, members sit down. I sat down when #16 was called. There is a duel for last Theta standing and Lissa Bradford "fell" next to last. Florence Ashby held her crown at 23 Conventions. (remember they are held every two years)

There is a ceremony for retiring Council members, Katie Busby, Debbie Allen, Mary Ellen Fitzsimonds and Kimi Martin. The new Council members are welcomed with jeweled badges representing their areas of focus. A bit of ritual closes the evening.

After exiting the room, you could find many of us dismantling the Pansy Patch (with permission from Foundation of course), taking our pansies back to share with those who couldn't join us in Tucson.

I can't believe it's over. I'm still reveling in the joy of meeting new friends and reminiscing about quality time spent with long time "buds." It's so energizing to see the collegians in their first few years of this fabulous lifetime experience called Kappa Alpha Theta. What a journey they have ahead of them.

Thanks to you readers! I hope I provided a little glimpse into the Convention scene. See you in Tucson in 2012!

Just a quick post before another meeting calls.
We finished up legislation this morning, saw a brief video about the Fraternity and Sorority Political Action Committee (another of my favorite topics) and witnessed the Memorial Service.

It's a particularly somber but meaningful service, remembering our Theta sisters who have passed on. There is a pamphlet with all who have died from April 15 of 2008 until April 15, 2010.

Two exceptions were made for Rue McClanahan Gamma Tau/Tulsa and Yeardley Love, Delta Chi/U of Virginia who lost their lives this Spring. Also honored by name were women who had served the Fraternity as officers. Sadly we also lost five undergraduates too. The chapter delegate from each of those ladies' alma maters read their names. A very thoughtful way to connect with those who have gone before us.

Alumnae chapters took the stage today-literally-for their awards session. A Theta Through the Years fashion show was the highlight with authentic costumes dating from the 1870s through tie-dye and hot pants, just to highlight a few outfits. Don't know the results yet.

Tonight is the final banquet and the very cool procession of chapters. Alpha winds its way through a double line-think Virginia reel.

More later...thanks for reading.

I just finished the moonlight walk for CASA. It was wonderful-still a little hot-but the night is beautiful. Robin McGraw, a new alumnae initiate of Omicron/USC, (and national spokeswoman for CASA along with her husband Dr. Phil), led us off. We were also joined by the National President of CASA. We heard a moving and touching testimonial from a young woman who shared her frustrating experiences of foster care. She now is responsible for a mentoring program here in Pima County. It just ripped my heart out to hear her tell of her experiences.

But back to the beginning of the day...I started out by attending a PAS (Permanent Alumnae Secretary) breakfast-eight PASes and our fearless leader Lou Simpson. We shared success stories and learned of a new Web site or two that might help us track down Lost Thetas.

The second business session began and the Election Board gave the voting delegates their instructions. The nominating committee, ably led by Jane Shepardson Dick, Epsilon Mu/Princeton, presented their report. The slate is (and now they are elected) Fraternity President Amy Hayner Kates, VP Colllege Paige Bendel Ellerman, VP Alumnae Laura Ware Doerre, VP Finance and Facilities Suzanne Graf McLemore, VP Education Timberly Marek, VP Membership April Pinkston Dupree and VP PR Julie Ruffolo Gilpin. You can read more about these outstanding Theta volunteers on the Web site. A particular thank you to those Theta volunteers who took the plunge and also threw their hat into the ring-Kim Linin, Kimi Morris Martin and Jenn Urban.

The remainder of the morning session involved legislation. It was interesting to watch the process and watch Robert's Rules of Order at work. For those who have an interest, I believe you can view the proposed legislation on line. First up was/were votes on ratifications already approved by Grand Council. The proposed amendments to the Constitution passed with little discussion. Due to time constraints, discussion was suspended and will resume tomorrow at the business session.

We next heard a presentation by Dan Shriver, a Sigma Chi who happened to be turn 40 today, about a new program, Life Loyal. Several Thetas gave testimonials about why they chose to be Life Loyal members. Several women presented Life Loyal memberships to those present.

Then on to lunch-box lunches-actually bagged lunches and we were off on our free afternoon. There were several options available-I chose a tour of the DeGrazia art studio and a tram tour of Sabino Canyon. Our tour guide was wonderful and also worked in a little side trip on the way back to the hotel to see the boneyard where hundreds of military and commercial airplanes are stored-fascinating.

I had a little spare time before dinner, so I found the water slide and went down three times. Very refreshing. I also took a float down the lazy river-relaxing.

Dinner was yummy-buffet stations of Native American, American and Mexican food.

Then came the DJ and dancing. It was a little loud, but I danced a lot and blew off a lot of steam. Fun to let loose!

I cannot believe tomorrow is the last day! Time does speed by. Looking forward to another business session, the Alumnae Chapter Awards Recognition Luncheon and breakout alumnae and chapter sessions on a variety of topics.

The final banquet is pretty special with the procession into the hall in chapter order. Nighty night!

A nearly full moon is just outside my hotel balcony-it is lovely.

The first full day of Convention has concluded and what a variety of activities. A blend of some ritual in the early morning-the Nike' ceremony where every chapter, both college and alumnae, state their history, followed by educational sessions and ending with Awards Night.

It was the first time for the choir to sing and it was fun. We had front row seats to watch each delegate step up to the podium. Everyone was colorfully dressed for the Foundation Luncheon Garden Party. High heels, short skirts and lots of flower patterns.

Next on the agenda was the Opening Business Session. Chapter Roll Call was taken. Greetings were read from other women's fraternities-Delta Zeta will be arriving at this same hotel for their Convention on Sunday and Kappa Kappa Gamma is just up the road in Phoenix at their Convention.

Senator John McCain (R-AZ) and his Theta wife Cindy, an Omcron/USC Theta, sent a letter of welcome.

I was curious about what the credentials report was on the agenda. It is the number and types of Thetas present. The total is 641-121 college delegates, 130 alumnae chapter delegates, 156 collegiate visitors and 98 alumnae visitors and a host of other categories-that's a lot of women!

The big ballroom is large, but it really doesn't feel like 600+.

On to the Foundation Luncheon and 50th birthday celebration-very festive! My friend and newly elected Foundation Trustee, Vicki McCluggage, Omicron/USC had told me yesterday that my face was on a placemat and she was right! My 15 minutes of fame was about to be foisted upon me. I collected a set to use at home!

In the Spring issue of the Theta magazine there was a story recapping the history of the Foundation. Some of those photos were used for wall posters and decor for the event. It was a little unnerving to see my face at each table.

More important were the testimonials from three Thetas who shared their Foundation stories. Laura Ware Doerre, Delta Xi/UNC, expressed her appreciation as a scholarship recipient; Lindsay Sell of Beta Gamma/Colorado State revealed how her Theta grant monies have impacted her career; and Rachel Sheridan, Zeta Eta/Wofford shared her story as a recipient of the Friendship Fund. I was so impressed with their poise and thoughtful words.

A little more ritual finished the meal with a ceremony for retiring Foundation Trustees and installing new Trustees.

A surprise announcement came from Flo Ashby, Beta Nu/Florida State, who offered a challenge for the Pansy Patch. Flo was present at the Convention when the Foundation was formed. Her challenge-she would match the next 400 pansies purchased for the Pansy Patch. Amazing!

Afternoon sessions involved speakers for alumnae and collegians. We then parted ways for concurrent sessions on a variety of topics.

It's the big night for the college chapters-Awards Night. There was even a red carpet for you to enter the dining room and a photographer. There are a host of awards for different chapter operations-finance, membership, scholarship, Panhellenic, recruitment, service as well as Foundation Awards.

You sit with your district and cheer as chapters from your area are acknowledged. District II has a tradition of blowing bubbles when our chapters win and we perpetuated that tradition. It was an exciting evening.

The highest award for overall chapter excellence is the Founders Award. There are six chapters who received Golden Kite status and the winner was (drum roll please) Alpha Mu/Missouri. Congrats! It takes a lot of hard work and support from all chapter members, advisers and alumnae to achieve this honor.

This hotel continues to amaze me-the food is great and the staff is so polite and willing to help.

Forgot to mention another volunteer service recipient from yesterday-Mary Edith Arnold Alpha Mu/Missouri, Fraternity Archivist, who received her 30 year pin.

Heading to bed with visions of tomorrow dancing in my head-business session, Life Loyal presentation, a free afternoon, Fun Night "Under the Stars" and a CASA Walk.

Never a dull moment here! Thanks for reading!

After a very early flight yesterday at 6:55 am, I made my connection in Dallas. As predicted, the Theta buzz was picking up and I made many new friends at the gate. Thanks to all of those women who wore or carried something with Theta letters on it! I met some new friends-collegians Becca from Epsilon Iota/Westminster, Amanda from Zeta Tau/Delaware and Hannah and Katie from Pi/Albion. My friend and Beta Tau president Tory were on the same flight from Columbus, so we played the role of the welcoming committee.

And who should happen along but Lou Simpson, another Beta Tau alumnae volunteer. I found out she's my roommate. Hooray! We had roomed together in 2006 at San Antonio.

Many others gathered at the Stagecoach desk (name of the company) and traveled by van to the J.W. Marriott Starr Pass Resort. Beautiful so far-needless to say the terrain is very different from Ohio. The saquaro cacti have lots of blossoms.

After registration, the volunteers attend an Officers Briefing. We learned the most up to date info on the Fraternity, practiced some songs and distributed 22 service awards. They are awarded in five year increments. It was great to see so many women receiving their five, ten, fifteen and twenty year charms. Debbie Allen, Fraternity Vice President Education was recognized for 25 years of service. And I had the privilege of presenting Lou Simpson with her 35 year pin. Her current position is Director of Permanent Alumnae Secretaries.

What's that you ask? Each college chapter, current or disestablished, has an alumna responsible for keeping track of its members. They assist headquarters with tracking down "lost" members (i.e. women who don't have good USPS addresses). If you're detail-oriented or want to emulate Nancy Drew, this is the job for you.

My district (II-Ohio, Western PA and West Virginia) along with District I and III attended a Grand Council Receiving Line to meet our leaders. Then on to dinner!

I know you've all been waiting to hear about the food! Delightful crabcake and steak sliders, a yummy squash salad and an ice cream dessert bar replete with toppings and syrups. Root beer floats were also available.

The evening ended with all attendees meeting with their districts to choose a nominating committee delegate. We also got acquainted and reviewed the schedule.

The time change was beginning to take hold so I called it a night.

Things are crazy busy for me trying to get packed for Convention. Lots of details to remember. I have my suitcase open in the guest room with possibilities folded and ready to go. While it seems that many alumnae are obsessed with outfits and shoes based on some Facebook comments I've seen, the overwhelming sentiment is excitement. I am so looking forward to seeing many lifelong Theta pals: some of whom I have known for more than half of my life! Now there's an interesting thought. And I will be thinking of those Theta buddies of mine who have retired, like Kay Locher and Joni Morrow, so a shout out to them.

Plus I am looking forward to meeting some new Theta friends too. It's such an energizing group of women.

So what was I thinking booking a 6:55 am flight? I just learned that Tory Sarro, the Beta Tau/Denison Chapter Delegate/President is on my flight too. I'll bring the toothpicks to keep our eyes open.

For those of you attending, don't forget to wear something with Theta on it-visor, badge, bag. There's always quite a buzz at the boarding gates when Thetas start discovering each other!