Toastmasters

I love Toastmasters! Those that know me well already know that, as a matter of fact the others in my club call me the Toastmasters Geek! Oh well, I could be called worse. I love the things I've learned from Toastmasters, like cutting out the unnecessary words when I write. (Well, I'm better, I still like to ramble) I love the friends I've made because of it, (namely Kimberly who will be my roommate at the Conference in May)I am grateful for the opportunities Toastmaster has allowed me. (like being the president of our club and contests to enter) In much of our lives, people and circumstances dictate so much of our progress, With Toastmasters your progress is all up to you.

In this month's Toastmaster Magazine there was a quote on the "MY Turn" page. I can't remember the author's name, I think it was Paul something or other, anyway... it goes something like this, "If you get out of Toastmasters all that you can get out of Toastmasters, you'll never get out of Toastmasters." When I read that quote to my club Tuesday, there was some laughter... after all, I AM the Toastmaster Geek. But there is truth in it. But that is like life for the most part isn't it? You get out of life what you put into it. Abraham Lincoln says, "People are about as happy as they set their mind to be".

I am facing another giant next week, thanks to Toastmasters. I will be entering my first contest, I will be up against some very good speakers so if I place at all I will be very happy. (of course the truth is I'd like to win, just like everyone else would) The results will be in the blog, even if I bomb. (Of course I'll have a good reason for bombing if that happens... lol)

I challenge anyone reading this to step out of your comfort zone, try something you want to try, but have been scared to.

We Need Each Other

What a week it has been! Tragedy tends to put things in perspective and bring out the best in people.

We need each other! The past several days our house has been full. Most of Chris' family has been at our house so they could be together. While I was not born in that family, I AM a part of them and they me. I benefited tremendously from them being here with me most of the week. We encouraged each other, laughed with each other, cried with each other and even took turns being strong. Not one of us could survive tragedy alone. We surrounded each other with love and support. My wonderful husband played the part of Hazel. (for those too young to remember, Hazel was a maid and cook)He was wonderful, he cooked and cleaned and never complained about dishpan hands.

Saturday we had a drop-in for Chris' friends to come love on her. My daughter was the go-between and another friend Elise organized people bringing food. the best part was having close friends come over and really get to spend time with Chris and her mom. (the rest of the family had left for home)

Sorrow shared is sorrow divided, joy shared is joy multiplied, I know this is true, because I have witnessed it all week. We need each other!