Phi Delt Convention

I attended the General Convention of Phi Delta Theta this past week. The Convention was held in Marina del Rey, California, just a short walk to Venice Beach. I drove down to Kansas City on Tuesday to stay with Brad Becker. Becker and I ate at George Brett's which didn't really have much of a sports bar look, which surprised me. He then took me out to meet a few of his friends. Wednesday morning was a struggle, with a 7:15 flight and a bad eye, but I made it to the airport and slept the whole way to California. The convention actually didn't start until the next day, so I had a day to tour around. I met another Phi Delt at the hotel, Marc from Washburn University, put my bags in his room for the day, and we went out traveling. We walked down to Venice Beach, rented bikes, and rode all the way up to Hollywood along the coast. I came to the conclusion that Californians don't work, because the beach was packed on a Wednesday. The coastline is something else! Andy Tu picked me up later that day, and we drove back to his place in Hermosa Beach. He lives with his cousin, and the house is amazing! (Exept it took me about 20 minutes to turn on the shower) We drove to Hollywood for dinner and to go out. After Mexican food, and few beers, and being up for about 24 hours straight, I was ready for bed. The next day I began my journey back to the hotel on my own, using the great public transportation in LA (getting anywhere in LA is terrible). Walking to the bus stop, I was wondering if I was going to see anyone famous on the trip. About 10 minutes later, I passed a Tai-Kwon-Do building and looked in the window. Wee-Man (the midget from the show Jackass) was stretching on a mat and looking out the window. So I did see someone famous.

The Convention started Thursday night with the opening ceremonies. I didn't know what to think of the Convention going into it, but it was definitely a great way to start off the job. I roomed with Brian Woods and Eric Edwards, and we had a good time. I met quite a few older Phi's who I will be working with on the job every once in awhile. The three of us Iowa State boys all wone tickets to see the Dodgers and the Angels play. It took us an hour and a half to travel about 25-30 miles to the game, but it was worth it. The Dodgers lost by 13, but we all got Thunder Sticks and a few $7 beers. For all of you who think that going to a game during Thunder Stick night would be fun, reconsider. It was a zoo. The stadium was very cool though. The last night of the Convention, we had the Grand Banquet at the local Ritz Carlton. Talk about a nice hotel! I felt bad going to the bathroom in the black marble bathrooms. I had Woods take a picture of me at the urinal in the bathroom, because it was probably the nicest bathroom I've ever been. One alumni walked in when he was taking the picture and said, "Must be those Iowa State Boys". Oh well. The banquet was great. Iowa State won the Harvard Award for the 4th time in a row. This award is given out the best Phi Delt chapter in the nation. The guys I have been able to live with, become friends with, and do some pretty random stuff with, are awesome, and this award proves it!