Surprises and Adventures
So the Epsilon Chapter of Sigma Lambda Beta has two new members. On Friday night at 10:20:56 PM the Nu Line crossed. Steve and Raul are now El Padre and La Razon and their proud ship name is NUVISION. Congrats to the Neos and like all Brothers say... "The Hard Work Begins Now."

This was a very exciting line because Steve is Gary's little Brother in two ways, they are blood Brothers and now he is his little Brother in the Fraternity. It is very prideful for me because Gary is my little Brother making Steve part of my family tree. These two guys will be amazing additions to the Beta family at WMU and I expect great things to come.

The night was great, from GVSU came Maximo, Santiago, Sunil and of course Hermen. Ramon came and represented for Zeta and Junior from MSU came. Of course WMU diehar, Reymall came out and Vic as well. Rudy and Ish did a good job making everything successful. Good work everyone. We ended the night with a trip to Denny's after clubbing it up at Cheek to Cheek (the only under21 club on Fridays). Many hilarious stories.... Vic and his stain... Max not allowed to enter with his sleeveless cowboy shirt... Raul getting gamed on by the hot chicks at Denny's (no seriouslly, they were hot)... the old Asian hottie... and the clothes donations.

Steve and Raul... the proud Neos.

The Epsilon Nu Line: N.U.V.I.S.I.O.N.

Steve and my deuce Vic.

The Proud ME posing with his Neos.

The GVSU gang rolled up: Hermen, Santi, Sunil and Max. Big Ups from the Epsilon Chapter to GVSU for their support.

Anyone who knows me really well... will know why this picture of us ready for the club is funny.

Saturday morning we got up, had a quick meeting with the guys since I am missing the full chapter retreat, ate some more Big Burrito... and then Hermen and I rolled to Chicago. Novalí was a little cranky when we got there so we hung out a little and Hermen went back. Thanks a ton for the ride Bro, good looking out. After a short nap Novalí was back to her normal funny self and she was asking where Hermen went.

Saturday was the Puerto Parade so Novalí had her flags.

Novalí must keep Kraft in business with her Mac and Cheese addiction.

She loves to take pictures... tells you to say Cheese and everything.

Always the Diva... with her purple purse and twirling her hair.

Sunday was fathers day, Novalí made me a sweet little card with her hand prints in it, best card (and only) I got for fathers day. It was nice to have a few fraternity Brothers and friends called and congratulated me as well. Thanks. Sunday was also the Puerto Rican Festival. The famous Tito Rojas was playing and Tamara's mom did not want to miss it. So I went with her and Novalí while Tamara went to work. It was a lot of fun and great to see that many Latinos out and having great food, games, and Caribbean music. I ate three cups of Coco Ice Cream, some sweet lechon, arroz, chicharon, and of course tostones.

She woke me up at 8am and we played.

Then it was bath time before getting ready.

Her hair is so curly when wet.

It is finally starting to get long also.

All dressed and ready to hit the road.

In the stroller entering Humbolt Park.

There were all kinds of games and of course Novi wanted to ride the courosel.

Puerto Ricans put flags designs on everything, or just plain out wear the flag.

Novi and Abuela waiting for the bands.

I love Coco Ice Cream... I need to buy a machine.

Food, food, food... Atkins can wait until I am not near Puerto Rican food.

She sat on my shoulders to be able to see the bands. She loved the stage dancers and danced all over.

I took some great video clips as well and put together a little clip of her dancing. You can tell Novalí is part Puerto Rican cause any time a little Salsa comes on she gets to dancing. Check her out:

VIDEOS: Small Size (.6 Meg) | Large Size (3 Meg)
Right click to download videos. Small size only recommend for Dial-Up users.

Monday morning we watched Dora the Explorer and then hangout all day. Then Tuesday was the adventure....

I got up and headed to O'Hare Airport. I got there barely on time for my flight and rushed to find the ticket counter for ATA.... but there was none. I looked all over, terminal after terminal... no ATA. So I asked someone that worked there... "There is no ATA here sir" was the reply I got. I check my ticket, and sure enough.... I was supposed to be at Midway. So I hoped back on the CTA Train and headed to Midway. It was about an hour long train ride and I arrived. The lady there at the counter laughed when I said I was a little late for my flight. I managed to get a stand by flight... for five hours later. What to do... what to do... what to do...

I bummed for a while and made some calls. Talked to my mom and found out she is in the hospital with more shoulder pain... I cheered her up with my funny airport story. Then I decided I needed to find internet... so my last reserve was to call 1-800-STARBUCKS... and it worked. There was a shop about 10 blocks away with internet... so I took to the streets... and the adventures of Sam continue...

To Do List
Since I found out I was leaving my list has been insane. I have so many things to get done and not enough time. I did a get few major things done yesterday. Clean out my desk - Check. Last trip to Club Soda - Check. See my little Brother - Check. Wash clothes - Check.

So lets recap what happened. Well I cleaned out my desk. It was more work then I thought. I saved a lot of thank you cards and little things and it was nice to see them before I put them away and won't see them again until I retire or something. Fun memories of the Kirkhoff Center and now on to a new life...

I started just throwing things everywhere. I was the grad who always had too much crap.

My pile of free shirts, awards, and name tags from the million events.

My Connect Four... Becky and I would play rounds between Thesis stress... I think it is the only thing that kept us sane.

I made nice binders for the new grad, cleaned the desk top and it is good as new...

Then it was off to Kalamazoo for Latin Night at Club Soda. It is a well known fact that the Betas started Latin night there back in 1998. Now it has become one of the prime cultural spots in Kalamazoo. We never dreamed it would get this big, our little baby is all grown up. This time Andres and Saloumeh also came which was great. Check it out.

The Betas...Ish, Ramon, Rudy, Me, Hermen and Ramiro came out.

The Gamma that you can always count on to chill, Colleen with Rudy and Ramon.

The place gets packed week after week. I remember when we started it some nights we would be lucky to get 50 people.

Andres, Saloumeh and I. Andres finally got a taste of the club soda action. I think he will back for more.

Everyone danced and had a sweet time.

They were the dancing machine couple on the dance floor.

The ladies breaking it down.

We out! Lets find some grub.

I have not had a Big Burrito night in a long time. So I talked the gang into going. Hermen of course was right there voting with me for some Big B! So we went and got some grub. I know... I know... not Atkins friendly... but I will have plenty of time for Atkins while living in Oregon.

Hermen and I were like kids in a candy store.

Ramon and Hermen... The age old question...I think my burrito is bigger then yours...

What a night! I wish I had more time to chill before leaving. This was a sudden move and I know I will be back soon.... Oh yeah... email from Albion today. They want to schedule my on campus visit already, I don't think they even got my packet in the mail yet. Looks like I will be in Michigan the week of July 14th for an interview...

Last Call
Last night was the final 10 cent draft night for this Beta. It was great to see some of my friends from these past two years there, some people are gone for the summer, but for those around here we lived it up! Tons of people came out and we had a great time. Shot out to Santi, Hermen and Ramon for coming out and celebrating. I know Max could not get out of work or he would of been there. I will miss you guys for real.

So a night out is not complete with a set of pictures, so without further a due...

The Brothers... the BFE regulars. My Wednesdays will never be the same.

A toast with our 10 cent drafts.

Hey... look over there!

Some of my favorite girls where there already, Elaine and Stacey.

After the 10 cent drafts... Club BFE gets bumpin... well kinda.

Melissa was there and brought her friend Lindsey from back home.

AOPi Hotness Emily gave me a rubber ducky...

Rubber Ducky... in my Beer...

Cheers....

Of course the Santi and Kim chilled... thanks for the 40 cents!

Lindsey from UPO with a big smile. She likes to dance.

The dance floor getting hype once the DJ cut the 80 rock off.

Jeremy Cobb came out with a friend to say bye.

The AST gang in action... Stephanie is much cuter when not in the Speedway vest. No hot dogs tonight.

A toast with Hermen... man that was strong.

Jamie and Emily.

Kelly another AOPi hotness.

Ramon and the Passion of the Santi.

Representing for the Betas who could not make it.

With Hermen.... THATS MY NEO... bro bro bro.

So there is the night. We had a great time. I had a good send off in Allentucky and I will miss this place. Hermen thanks for everything bro and I could not be prouder of how this colony is doing, keep up the hard work and I will see you in Orlando. Ramon, tell your Brothers congrats for me at the weddings and thanks for being a goood bro and roadtripping with me. Santi... another Brother from the Naw... keep it up and I expect even greater things from GV Betas this coming year! The night was so good I did not even need Speedway Hot Dogs... just home and slept.

I will be back to get my stuff when I am done at Oregon. Please keep checking the blog as I will be posting about my misadventures in the Wild Wild West.

Now I got to finish cleaning out my desk...

Oregon Trail anyone?
Never thought I would live in Oregon... I never thought a lot of things which have happened to me would. I guess the best things in life are the things you can not plan for. For those wondering about this odd news... here is the deal.

University of Oregon is hiring a new Greek Advisor and they have tried recruiting me for the job. I loved it when I was out there in March but it is just too far from my family and Novalí. So I had to say no. They did not find someone during their search, so they closed the posting and will repost the job. They once again asked me to apply, and I said no. Then out of the blue Shelley Sutherland the director calls me an asks if I want to work for her for the summer. I have no job yet, and it will take three months for them to complete their second search so she thought it would be a good idea.

I just sent out applications for jobs to Albion College and Bradley University. Two places I do want to work, and their searches just started and will take about 8 to 12 weeks. So what does this mean... the Oregon job makes perfect sense. I move to Oregon and make some money (good pay, free apartment, new adventure), get a great professional experience with Shelley (she is a legend in her own time) and don't sit in Michigan waiting for a job offer complaining about being broke and working on my tan while taking apart the Nissan.

Even though I will miss the Nissan (and yes I need a tan)... and the Brothers here... I decided to take it. So Tuesday I fly to Seattle where I will sight-see a little and then drive to Eugene, OR. So my time in Michigan is limited. Tonight... watching the game with the GVSU Betas at the Duplex. Tomorrow BFE! My last Wednesday night with my Brothers at our towny bar. Thursday I will go to Kalamazoo and see the guys and hit up Club Soda for the last time in a while. Then this weekend sometime I roll over to Chicago to spend some time with Novalí before I go.

So I am busy right now. Cleaning out my desk at GVSU, deciding what I will take with me to Oregon (I got a fully furnished apartment... rent free!), and wrapping up loose ends around here so I can be gone for a while. I don't plan to stay out there more then 2 months. So I will see you all again soon!

Around Michigan in Four Days
So I did a tour of Michigan. Thursday went to Kalamazoo, watched the game with the WMU and GVSU Brothers and had a good time watching the Pistons win. Friday went to Saginaw cause it was Kelly's birthday. We had a nice dinner and I relaxed by playing dominos with the parents, Andres and Saloumeh. Saturday went to a wedding with my WMU counterpart, Megan, in Grosse Point. The wedding was fun and we went to Birmingham to end the night. Sunday went to Southfield where we planned to watch the game and ran into tons of NBA folks. All in a all an adventurous weekend. Check out some pics.

When I got home the first thing I saw was Miguel's cats... seriously the cat on top if the biggest I have ever seen.

Grandma with little Valerie, she is so much fun.

She is learning to crawl and doing a really good job... much better then Novali ever did.

We went out to dinner and Valerie wanted to see what was on the menu. Babies get tired of milk you know.

Of course the wait staff got to sing to Kelly in Spanish.

We acted embarrassed by the song... but we loved the free ice cream.

No pictures from my time in Detroit. I kept forgetting my camera everywhere Megan and I went. We had a blast though. Dinner and drinks at the Grosse Point Yacht Club was amazing. I got the DJ to play two Latin songs and the entire room watched Megan and I dance. Then we after-partied in Birmingham where the Lakers where staying to the streets were insanely busy. We ended the night in Bloomfield Hills and then called it a night with some T Bell and sleep.

Sunday was an adventure. I needed to get a haircut. I was in Southfield. I drove and drove... then finally found a place. The guy specialized in tapers and fades... but man he did my fade right! For real one of the best haircuts I have ever had. I got his cell number, and he told me to hit him up anytime I am in the area and he will hook up my fade. He tried to talk me into getting a taper... maybe next time. So with my fresh-do we watched the game and cheered on the Pistons!

The University Oregon has wanted me to work for them... so I figured for just the summer I can do that.

It is 2397 miles to Eugene, OR. This will be a fun summer adventure. No no no... I am flying.

Monday morning back to Grand Rapids. Had a phone call at noon and had to make a big decision. The answer is yes. Yes I am moving to Oregon for the summer. More details coming soon...