4.18.2011

Whirlwind Weekend!

Happy Monday!!  Whew, what a whirlwind weekend I had!

Friday night UVA had Relay for Life.  Alpha Phi raised over $7700 for the American Cancer Society!  Our pledge class also raised enough money to be featured on the back of the tee shirt.

Go APHI 4th Years!

Saturday morning I was supposed to participate in Cavaliers Care.  Cavaliers Care is a day each year in the Spring when UVA students and alumni in Charlottesville and other major cities come together and do service projects all around their cities.  Alpha Phi had a team this year, and I was pumped about our project.  We were supposed to be participating in the 4th Annual Rivanna River Sojourn, canoeing down the river and collecting trash.  Unfortunately, however, due to the weather, our trip was cancelled.  Saturday we had storms all day and even a tornado warning!  Though I was disappointed to not be able to participate, it freed up my day Saturday to get a project and other homework done.

Sadly, our canoes stayed ashore.

Saturday night was formal, and luckily the weather cleared up just in time!  It was a bittersweet occasion as it was my last Alpha Phi date function.  The night turned out to be very special. I got my dress at Monkee's, one of my favorite boutiques in Richmond.  The weekend I bought it was their Anniversary Weekend.  With every purchase that weekend, you got a free pair of earrings.  I wasn't really expecting much out of this "free" pair of earrings, but surprisingly I loved them and actually was able to wear them with the dress!

pretty earrings!

A group of fourth years had dinner at The Local before.

All of us!

Allie, OBS, MET

I had never been to The Local, but had heard incredible things about it.  They use all organic, locally grown ingredients in their cooking. As an appetizer I had the Truffled Mushroom Ragout Fettucine-- it was HEAVEN in my mouth.  For my entrée I had Duck with Orange Sauce and Garlic Redskin Mashed Potatoes, which was also delicious!

YUM!

I took NGV as my date.  He and I have been friends since first year and had a blast letting loose on the dance floor!

NGV and Allie

I also ran into some old high school buddies, one of which I hadn't seen since senior year!

TJC, Allie, BWS

Additionally, my favorite of our new first year pledge class is NMV.  She is one of my residents and I really feel blessed to be her RA!  On bid day she texted me saying:  "We're sisters now!" and I couldn't be more thrilled to call her a sister.

Allie and NAM

After formal I stopped by and visited my friend CMV who was the RA on coverage for the night.  He and I had the most engaging conversation about religion, family, our life outlook, etc.  We ended up staying awake until 6 AM talking!  Though I was incredibly exhausted from it yesterday, it was well worth it and a great way to end an already fun night!

Finally, Sunday we had an Alpha Phi 4th Year Wine Tasting at Cooper Vineyards.  The vineyard is owned by   Dr. Jeff Cooper whose daughter, LPC is my best friend in Alpha Phi.  Cooper Vineyards is the first winery in Virginia to build a green tasting room.  Last weekend, was the Grand Opening of the room and we were the first private tasting in it!  My favorites of the tasting were the: Chardonnay 2008, Viognier 2009, Rhapsody, Soleil, Sweet Louisa, and Noche (chocolate infused!!).  I opted to have a glass of the Sweet Louisa, which Dr. Cooper likes to refer to as "sassy grape juice!"  

Some of the girls!

The rest of us!

RJH, LPC, HRJ, MFM, ABE

Allie and Miss Cooper, herself!
I finally got to wear my Wisteria Tunic!

Group before heading back to Cville!

If you're ever in Central Virginia and want to check out some of the local vineyards, Cooper Vineyards is a must visit!

As you can see, it was quite the eventful weekend.  I made so many great memories!  

What did you do this weekend?