11_23_04 Geospeakers Meeting Summary

Greetings and Salutations all you fine people in Toastmaster's land.  This day I writeth to inform you of the goings-on and happenings which befell our familial band during this past week's gathering.  Foremost I wisheth to express my sincerest hopes that you enjoyed a healthy and hearty (those two things usually not going together) Thanksgiving meal that was plagued by neither Iraqi insurgents, nor unruly in-laws, sometimes, of course it being difficult to tell the two apart.  Mine own festivities went flawlessly (at least as far as anyone saw)  though I am still dealing with the usual ramifications of a maternal visit.  (For example, she decided I needed a new couch, thus I now have a new couch.) Be that as it may, on to the business of the day.  Here's what we know so far...

Gary did an exemplary job as First-time Toastmaster.  He introduced everyone, gave us his own insights on the topic (Thanksgiving, appropriately enough) and led us in an all-'round good time.  Neil bestowed upon us a bit of life wisdom with his "Beyond the Brass Ring" speech, reminding us that: a) we should all keep improving our skills, b) we should not celebrate our accomplishments at the expense of upcoming challenges, c) that lessons on life can be learned in unexpected places.  I for one, always figured that there was some cosmic rule to becoming wise.  As soon as you learn whatever the last tidbit is that you're supposed to learn, that's when the cosmos claims you back and you pass from this realm. I have no proof of this happening, but I am doing my bit to learn nothing.  Why take chances?  But kudos to you, oh Neil, Lord of the Rings.  

Our second speech was given by a visiting scholar of sorts, Carmel Weiler (no relation) of Area Governorship fame.  Carmel gallantly encouraged us to take the "L" train (something you don't have to go to Chicago to do).  With Leadership in our sails we can all quickly become Distinguished Toastmasters, not to be confused with Taoistmasters who clap with one hand and wonder what it sounds like.

Mitch gave a great evaluation of Neil.  Chris gave a great evaluation of Carmel and we should all be thankful to have them in our club.  They both step up when it's needed and we don't tell them enough how much we appreciate them.

For the Table Topics, Carol led our discussions with a series of Thanksgiving-related questions.  Ann spoke of her son's day of birth (11/23/72 for those of you who wish to send a card next year), Gretchen spoke of her Dad's "Super Taste Buds" I've heard that could happen but wouldn't a Sweettart (rights reserved) just about kill him?  Gary admitted that he's sleepy before and after turkey.  I spoke of my in-law Thanksgiving (see above), Fran loves a good turkey dinner as well as a turkey shirt, Lauri spoke of his brother visiting and of the universal appeal of counting one's blessings, and Mitch loves a good vegetarian frankenbird.  T'was the ruling of the court that the Most Interesting trophy be awarded to Fran and Lauri, the only slightly less interesting trophy, excuse me, I mean the Humorous award to me (Shane!), and the final trophy to Ann for her Eloquence.  The court also found that Scott Peterson was guilty. Let the record show there was no dissension.

Barring unforeseen calamity, our next meeting shall be December the 7th, two thousand and four at 11:45 in the morning.  Try not to toil too much between now and then.  Peace.

-S

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