November 1996: Phi Chi Theta

Phi Chi Theta, a co-ed business fraternity, was a big part of my college life at Western Michigan University.  Every Sunday evening, we dressed in suits for our professional business meetings.  We all had planners to keep track of our schedules.   This helped prepare us for the business world.      I had a little sister, Beverly Richardson one semester and then Steve Pagorek another semester.  Both of them were voted the President of their pledge classes.   

Nina Ganesh, Tammy Hubek, Tamara Ohs, Scott Gilbert, Kristi Bush, Robyn List were my closest friends in the group.

We had several fundraisers, parties, and went on trips.        I remember when we were coming back from St. Louis. Scott Gilbert and I were taking turns driving my 1985 Ford Tempo.   It only went up to 85 mph.    Scott wanted to race Rob Dombkowski home, so in the middle of 4 lanes of traffic outside of Chicago, I put the cruise control on and Scott and I switched seats. I know that wasn't one of my brilliant ideas, but you do some stupid things when you are young.   Anyway, Scott got the car to go well past 85 and we almost beat Rob back to Kalamazoo.     

At the end of the semester, we had a banquet and dressed up in formals.     The seniors who were graduating received gifts. We had fun at those parties.

October 1996: St. Joseph with Amy Klopp

Amy Klopp invited me to come visit her in St. Joseph.      Her parents had a nice home.   Her grandmother lived in the basement which was nice for the family.   Her grandmother helped raise her.  Amy took me to downtown St. Joseph and along the lake.   

September 27, 1996: Kim & Owen's Wedding

My cousin, Kim Gonyo, asked me to be in her wedding. It was such an honor for me.    Our dresses were hunter green.  She had me walk down the aisle with Owen's friend, Peter Schumacher.   Kim and Owen were hoping to fix up Peter and I at this wedding.    

Kim was a beautiful bride.      Her dress had a long train.    She had the ceremony at St. Pat's Catholic Church in Ann Arbor.    The reception was very nice and elegant.    Kim and Owen did the garter and bouquet toss. I caught the bouquet and Owen's grandfather caught the garter. Then, it came time for his grandfather to have to put the garter on me, which was hilarious.     All of us had a ball dancing.   After the wedding, Peter and I went to a coffee shop in downtown Ann Arbor.

August 24, 1996: My 22nd Birthday

I celebrated my 22nd birthday by moving into my new apartment in Kalamazoo.    I spent 3 1/2 hours unpacking.    Mom and I had dinner at Applebee's and then did some shopping.  My roommate, Robyn, bought me a birthday cake and card which I thought was so nice.     

I ordered a new bed, which wouldn't be delivered for a couple of days.   Nina got her own room and Robyn and I shared the 2nd room.   

August 22, 1996: Amish Acres

We left for Amish Acres, which is in Napanee, Indiana.  We went on a tour of an old Amish farm and were taught some interesting facts about the Amish. The men grow long bears when they get married.    Amish are not allowed to use any modern things such as electricity or cars.    They can use washing machines, but they must be in propane.   

We went on a buggy ride .  The driver, an older guy, had me sit next to him and direct the horse. I don't know understand why these old men hit on me.   

Watched a production of "Joseph & the Amazing Technical Dreamcoat" which was quite good.    

Then, we had a delicious dinner prepared by the Amish.   

August 21, 1996: Dover Hills Apartments

Stopped at Dover Hills apartments in Kalamazoo in order to sign my lease papers.    We went to see the apartment, which was gorgeous.      The address was:  4626 Dover Hills Apt. 202.

I picked up my books for the semester.  Then, we drove to Shipshewana to the famous flea market.    It was huge.   We ate at the Auction restaurant on the premises.  Then, we went around the stores in town.    We saw several Amish people driving in their black carriages.    Each of their homes was white with beautiful gardens.  

We stayed at the Holiday Inn in Goshen, Indiana.    

August 17, 1996: Eric & Matthews dog, Ben

Eric Anderson was working at the Plaza movie theater while going to college at Grand Valley State.    He wanted to get a degree in criminal justice.   Found out that Eric and Matthew's dog, Ben, passed away today.    Ben was a black lab that was so friendly.   I was afraid of most dogs, except for Ben.      I will miss seeing that dog.      

I got my mom hooked on America Online.