By Shirley M. Carolan, ATM-G
Gas stations are not exactly known for their outstanding customer service especially if you’re not a regular customer. Imagine, my surprise to find an exception. Driving down Hwy. 5 to a recent doctor’s appointment from Oceanside, CA I saw a red light flash on my dashboard panel – OIL!
H’m this could be truly dangerous if I overlooked it or waited until I got back to Oceanside from Encinitas. Much as I hated to stop at any gas station I didn’t normally patronize I knew I must. So I pulled into the first gas station I could see as I exited the freeway in Encinitas– O’Brien Station at 310 Encinitas Blvd., Encinitas.
We’ve all heard stories about little old ladies (and I’m 77) being sold the Brooklyn Bridge by unscrupulous folks and I was dreading they’d tell me I needed a new engine, main gasket, etc. I tried to hide my fears as I walked inside the gas station for help and my tale of woe. I was warmly greeted by one of the O’Brien brothers and told him I needed gas and someone to check my oil. His brother came out to help me fill up my tank after I handed over my credit card. There are two O’Brien brothers, Bo and Devon, both 6 footers and quite handsome. Whichever one served me was unaware that my walker and oxygen tank where strewn across my backseat. (I didn’t want to look like a total victim after all).
He filled my tank to the amount I suggested not a penny more and told me to drive around the back and either Tony or Edgar would help me. When I got to the back of the gas station I was surprised to see so many women customers, all ages, there. One was getting a smog inspection, another some engine work, and another was just leaving after some work was completed.
All the inside pits were taken up so I parked along the side wall. While waiting, one of the O’Brien brothers called through from the front of the station to ask me if I was being helped. I said “Yes, Edgar is going to take me next.” Tony was still busy with another woman customer.
Edgar heard my tale of woe and opened the hood, checked the oil and said I needed a quart of oil. I said “How much is that?” waiting for the other shoe to drop. He said about $5.00. Whereupon I promptly told him to put it in. While finishing this he checked my water and brake fluid. Then I asked him if my tires were low and he checked them and put air in all of them! I asked him how much his service would be and he said there was no charge whereupon I gave him a nice tip.
While Edgar was tending to my car, Tony came over to say hello and regaled me with stories of England and my home town, London. He travelled there for over 9 years with an electronics company and was once stranded at Heathrow airport on Christmas Eve and said that no planes could take off after midnight. Hence, he and some other travelers bused it over to a nearby pub and celebrated Christmas!
I went to the front of the station to pay my bill. The full amount was less than $20 for gas and the quart of oil was only $4.33. I just couldn’t believe my good fortune to receive such excellent and joyful service from a gas station I had never visited before.
You can bet I will return whenever I am in the area. I feel like I’ve found some new friends and would like everyone, especially women, to know about the O’Brien station crew. Do me a favor and try them and let me know how you were treated.
Yes, folks, customer service is alive and well at the O’Brien Gas Station!
Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG
Writer ● Speaker ● Artist
artistwithaflair@att.net
Phone/Fax: 760-732-0663
http://www.shirleycarolan.com
http://www.angelscross.blogspot.com
http://www.smcarolan.blogspot.com
Copyright© 2010 by Shirley M. Carolan. All rights reserved. To reprint any part of this article simply contact Shirley Carolan at artistwithaflair@att.net. Thank you
Tuesday, December 07, 2010
Saturday, November 20, 2010
‘TIS BETTER TO GIVE THAN RECEIVE!
By Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG
We’ve probably all heard the old adage ‘Tis Better to Give Than to Receive.” But until we actually put it into practice they are probably just empty words. Sure, receiving is fun but the sense of well being, gratitude, and happiness you get from giving or helping others, especially those less fortunate than us, is truly phenomenal! It’s something you can’t put a price tag on, It’s a feeling of overwhelming joy!
This is a great time of year to put that old adage into practice! This Tuesday I had the opportunity to do just that. I planned and mapped out a route that took in three of my favorite recipients all located in Oceanside, California:
“Welcome Home Ministries” off Mission and Barnes Avenue. They help women coming out of jail to get back on their feet and re-entry into society again. Those women need just about everything because most only have the clothes they stand up in. I usually take gently worn suits, jackets, slacks, tops, shoes, handbags, they can use for further court appearances, or interviewing. But, this time I also had some Holiday and evening items. The Reverend Carmen Warner-Robbins heads this group. You can also call 760-439-6381 for more information.
Next stop was the San Diego Humane Society & SPCA located at 2905 San Luis Rey Road, (760) 757-4357. I had some worn, queen-size woolen blankets and some open dog food and biscuits. Unfortunately, they could not accept opened food but were very grateful for the blankets and thanked me profusely. As usual, before I left I toured the facilities. Tears rapidly filled my eyes as I went from cage to cage talking to these beautiful, sad and lost animals. If I could, I would take and board all of them because they are all God’s creatures. I know when my little Shih-Tzu, Krissy, passes on I will be back here to take a little one home with me.
My last stop was the new Oceanside El Corazon Senior Center just off Oceanside Blvd. (760) 435-5300. I had 25 books to donate to their Library. The gentleman who helped me told me to look around and see if there were any books I’d like to trade. Forty five minutes later I emerged with four wonderful books, a mystery thriller, a metaphysical book, an autobiography and a political expose. Wow, these were truly a win-win situation!
As the Holidays approach, I hope I’ve given you some ideas on how you can help others. The beauty is that you don’t have to go out and buy things from scratch and spend a lot of money. Rather, you can donate items you’ve already bought and had fun using. There are always people in the wings, less fortunate, who would love to have your second-hands.
As I finally drove home I was on a real natural high, the kind you can never get from medications. I smiled to myself and said, Shirley “Tis Better to Give Than to Receive!”
Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG
Writer ● Speaker ● Artist
artistwithaflair@att.net
Phone/Fax: 760-732-0663
http://www.shirleycarolan.com
http://www.angelscross.blogspot.com
http://www.smcarolan.blogspot.com
Copyright© 2010 by Shirley M. Carolan. All rights reserved. To reprint any part of this article simply contact Shirley Carolan at artistwithaflair@att.net. Thank you.
We’ve probably all heard the old adage ‘Tis Better to Give Than to Receive.” But until we actually put it into practice they are probably just empty words. Sure, receiving is fun but the sense of well being, gratitude, and happiness you get from giving or helping others, especially those less fortunate than us, is truly phenomenal! It’s something you can’t put a price tag on, It’s a feeling of overwhelming joy!
This is a great time of year to put that old adage into practice! This Tuesday I had the opportunity to do just that. I planned and mapped out a route that took in three of my favorite recipients all located in Oceanside, California:
“Welcome Home Ministries” off Mission and Barnes Avenue. They help women coming out of jail to get back on their feet and re-entry into society again. Those women need just about everything because most only have the clothes they stand up in. I usually take gently worn suits, jackets, slacks, tops, shoes, handbags, they can use for further court appearances, or interviewing. But, this time I also had some Holiday and evening items. The Reverend Carmen Warner-Robbins heads this group. You can also call 760-439-6381 for more information.
Next stop was the San Diego Humane Society & SPCA located at 2905 San Luis Rey Road, (760) 757-4357. I had some worn, queen-size woolen blankets and some open dog food and biscuits. Unfortunately, they could not accept opened food but were very grateful for the blankets and thanked me profusely. As usual, before I left I toured the facilities. Tears rapidly filled my eyes as I went from cage to cage talking to these beautiful, sad and lost animals. If I could, I would take and board all of them because they are all God’s creatures. I know when my little Shih-Tzu, Krissy, passes on I will be back here to take a little one home with me.
My last stop was the new Oceanside El Corazon Senior Center just off Oceanside Blvd. (760) 435-5300. I had 25 books to donate to their Library. The gentleman who helped me told me to look around and see if there were any books I’d like to trade. Forty five minutes later I emerged with four wonderful books, a mystery thriller, a metaphysical book, an autobiography and a political expose. Wow, these were truly a win-win situation!
As the Holidays approach, I hope I’ve given you some ideas on how you can help others. The beauty is that you don’t have to go out and buy things from scratch and spend a lot of money. Rather, you can donate items you’ve already bought and had fun using. There are always people in the wings, less fortunate, who would love to have your second-hands.
As I finally drove home I was on a real natural high, the kind you can never get from medications. I smiled to myself and said, Shirley “Tis Better to Give Than to Receive!”
Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG
Writer ● Speaker ● Artist
artistwithaflair@att.net
Phone/Fax: 760-732-0663
http://www.shirleycarolan.com
http://www.angelscross.blogspot.com
http://www.smcarolan.blogspot.com
Copyright© 2010 by Shirley M. Carolan. All rights reserved. To reprint any part of this article simply contact Shirley Carolan at artistwithaflair@att.net. Thank you.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
FUN WITH GENEALOGY!
By Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG
I must confess I have a new addiction – GENEALOGY! Last weekend I spent time at the Georgina Cole Library and the Carlsbad City Council Chambers in Carlsbad, California. Saturday included a 9 AM-3 PM seminar “Beginner & Refresher Genealogy Class “ presented by the North San Diego County Genealogical Society. Speakers included Margaret Reid and Marti Meiners. Topics included: Getting Started, Record Keeping, Census Records, Wills & Probate, Land Records By the end of the day I was hooked on genealogy!
What was even more amazing is that there was no fee or tuition for this seminar! Yet we had so much information given to us by experts, including brightly colored packages with pages of resources and references. There was only a small “donation” jar at the back of the room if we wanted to use it.
These dedicated women used a Power Point presentation of slides to give us even more information and examples of how to go about finding out who are ancestors were.. To say it was fascinating is an understatement.
On Sunday, we were graciously invited back to the Carlsbad Library by Margaret Read to learn how to access computer/on line databases/sites available to the general public to do further research. The entire upper floor of the library is dedicated to geneology: Books, CDs, computers, printers, reference desk, maps, etc. Perhaps the most exciting thing I discovered is that I can access all the databases at the Library with my Carlsbad library card, at no charge, from the comforts of my home! This saves multiple trips over to the library, wear and tear on my car and gasoline savings! It also means I can be at this 24/7. H’m, now is that addicting or not?
By the end of the weekend I joined the North San Diego County Genealogical Society for only $25.00 membership. I am also thinking of investigating The Daughters of the British Empire (DBE) since I was born in London, England. They are very active here in North County. If you are American born you might like to check out The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR).
I hope I’ve spiked your interest to investigate your ancestors! For more information on all the classes, seminars, speakers etc. contact the Carlsbad City Library Genealogy Desk: 760-434- 2931, or www.carlsbadlibrary.org.
Happy Hunting
Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG
Writer ● Speaker ● Artist
artistwithaflair@att.net
Phone/Fax: 760-732-0663
http://www.shirleycarolan.com
http://www.angelscross.blogspot.com
http://www.smcarolan.blogspot.com
Copyright© 2010 by Shirley M. Carolan. All rights reserved. To reprint any part of this article simply contact Shirley Carolan at artistwithaflair@att.net. Thank you.
I must confess I have a new addiction – GENEALOGY! Last weekend I spent time at the Georgina Cole Library and the Carlsbad City Council Chambers in Carlsbad, California. Saturday included a 9 AM-3 PM seminar “Beginner & Refresher Genealogy Class “ presented by the North San Diego County Genealogical Society. Speakers included Margaret Reid and Marti Meiners. Topics included: Getting Started, Record Keeping, Census Records, Wills & Probate, Land Records By the end of the day I was hooked on genealogy!
What was even more amazing is that there was no fee or tuition for this seminar! Yet we had so much information given to us by experts, including brightly colored packages with pages of resources and references. There was only a small “donation” jar at the back of the room if we wanted to use it.
These dedicated women used a Power Point presentation of slides to give us even more information and examples of how to go about finding out who are ancestors were.. To say it was fascinating is an understatement.
On Sunday, we were graciously invited back to the Carlsbad Library by Margaret Read to learn how to access computer/on line databases/sites available to the general public to do further research. The entire upper floor of the library is dedicated to geneology: Books, CDs, computers, printers, reference desk, maps, etc. Perhaps the most exciting thing I discovered is that I can access all the databases at the Library with my Carlsbad library card, at no charge, from the comforts of my home! This saves multiple trips over to the library, wear and tear on my car and gasoline savings! It also means I can be at this 24/7. H’m, now is that addicting or not?
By the end of the weekend I joined the North San Diego County Genealogical Society for only $25.00 membership. I am also thinking of investigating The Daughters of the British Empire (DBE) since I was born in London, England. They are very active here in North County. If you are American born you might like to check out The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR).
I hope I’ve spiked your interest to investigate your ancestors! For more information on all the classes, seminars, speakers etc. contact the Carlsbad City Library Genealogy Desk: 760-434- 2931, or www.carlsbadlibrary.org.
Happy Hunting
Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG
Writer ● Speaker ● Artist
artistwithaflair@att.net
Phone/Fax: 760-732-0663
http://www.shirleycarolan.com
http://www.angelscross.blogspot.com
http://www.smcarolan.blogspot.com
Copyright© 2010 by Shirley M. Carolan. All rights reserved. To reprint any part of this article simply contact Shirley Carolan at artistwithaflair@att.net. Thank you.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
LIFE IS VERY GOOD! ...
By Shirley M. Carolan, ATM-G
October certainly exceeded my expectations in learning new things, meeting new people, making new friends, collecting a horde of books at annual library book sales, and receiving many requests for either articles I've written or posted on my blogs from folks all over the USA. I am truly tickled to be alive at this time.
This week two important events happened: I decided to raise the handlebars on my walker to see if that made any difference in my walking and back pain. It sure did! I can't believe the positive impact it has had on my health. I feel so much better and my posture is more erect, instead of leaning forward when I walk. This simple action has also relieved the low back pain I felt 24/7, especially when going to bed at night. I would literally cry out in pain as I lowered myself onto the mattress. That has now all gone and I'm ecstatic! Now my goal is definitely to be rid of the dependence on the walker altogether. I've set a new goal to be independent of it by Christmas. Whether that's realistic or not we'll see...
The 2nd event was the disappearance of my little Shih-Tzu, Krissy. I came home from my Carlsbad Toastmaster Club Thursday night, after a brief stop at Ralph's to pick up some items, and opened my front door with my arms loaded about 9:30 PM. Krissy came bounding out as she usually does when I arrive home to greet me. I put the groceries away thinking she would come right back in. I called her but no Krissy. H'm. At 10 o'clock I put my oxygen tank on, got a flashlight and extra batteries, and started out with my walker to look for her. I slowly combed the neighborhood flashing the light under cars in driveways, etc. No luck. I left the front porch light on all night and put a bowl of water on the step in case she came back and I had fallen asleep.
At midnight I was besides myself with anguish and jumped in my car and drove all over the neighborhood again searching for her. Nothing! Trying to sleep was useless. At 4 AM I dressed warmly and got flashlight and walker and headed out again. It took me a little over an hour to comb my neighborhood and still no luck in finding Krissy. I prayed God would keep her safe from the coyotes that roam around here.
Returning home exhausted, I sat on my sofa and turned on the TV. The 5 AM news came on. I couldn't believe how cheerful the newscasters were. It was almost obscene to me because I'm usually in deep dreams at that hour. About 5:45 AM I heard a small patter at the front door. I jumped up and lo and behold there was Krissy! I forced myself not to be mad at her, scooped her up in my arms and was astounded to find out she was bone dry! Meanwhile, I was soaking wet from perspiration and the light drizzle in the early dawn. She looked none the worse for wear and gave me that look "well, now you're up why don't you feed me!" At that point I would have given the little bugger anything she wanted.
Early Friday morning I cancelled her grooming appointment because I was so exhausted. I have no idea where she went or, if she will try that again. But, I am pleased she knows her way home and will be much more careful when opening my front door in the future.
Until you lose something, or someone, you often don't know how much it means to you. I think of Krissy as the daughter I never had. She's my true family and companion. I feel so blessed that God sent her safely home to me. Now I won't take her for granted anymore! Be sure you let those close to you know how much you love them! You never know when it will be the last time that you see them.
Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG
Writer ● Speaker ● Artist
artistwithaflair@att.net
Phone/Fax: 760-732-0663
http://www.shirleycarolan.com http://www.angelscross.blogspot.comhttp://www.smcarolan.blogspot.com
Copyright© 2010 by Shirley M. Carolan. All rights reserved. To reprint any part of this article simply contact Shirley Carolan at artistwithaflair@att.net. Thank you
October certainly exceeded my expectations in learning new things, meeting new people, making new friends, collecting a horde of books at annual library book sales, and receiving many requests for either articles I've written or posted on my blogs from folks all over the USA. I am truly tickled to be alive at this time.
This week two important events happened: I decided to raise the handlebars on my walker to see if that made any difference in my walking and back pain. It sure did! I can't believe the positive impact it has had on my health. I feel so much better and my posture is more erect, instead of leaning forward when I walk. This simple action has also relieved the low back pain I felt 24/7, especially when going to bed at night. I would literally cry out in pain as I lowered myself onto the mattress. That has now all gone and I'm ecstatic! Now my goal is definitely to be rid of the dependence on the walker altogether. I've set a new goal to be independent of it by Christmas. Whether that's realistic or not we'll see...
The 2nd event was the disappearance of my little Shih-Tzu, Krissy. I came home from my Carlsbad Toastmaster Club Thursday night, after a brief stop at Ralph's to pick up some items, and opened my front door with my arms loaded about 9:30 PM. Krissy came bounding out as she usually does when I arrive home to greet me. I put the groceries away thinking she would come right back in. I called her but no Krissy. H'm. At 10 o'clock I put my oxygen tank on, got a flashlight and extra batteries, and started out with my walker to look for her. I slowly combed the neighborhood flashing the light under cars in driveways, etc. No luck. I left the front porch light on all night and put a bowl of water on the step in case she came back and I had fallen asleep.
At midnight I was besides myself with anguish and jumped in my car and drove all over the neighborhood again searching for her. Nothing! Trying to sleep was useless. At 4 AM I dressed warmly and got flashlight and walker and headed out again. It took me a little over an hour to comb my neighborhood and still no luck in finding Krissy. I prayed God would keep her safe from the coyotes that roam around here.
Returning home exhausted, I sat on my sofa and turned on the TV. The 5 AM news came on. I couldn't believe how cheerful the newscasters were. It was almost obscene to me because I'm usually in deep dreams at that hour. About 5:45 AM I heard a small patter at the front door. I jumped up and lo and behold there was Krissy! I forced myself not to be mad at her, scooped her up in my arms and was astounded to find out she was bone dry! Meanwhile, I was soaking wet from perspiration and the light drizzle in the early dawn. She looked none the worse for wear and gave me that look "well, now you're up why don't you feed me!" At that point I would have given the little bugger anything she wanted.
Early Friday morning I cancelled her grooming appointment because I was so exhausted. I have no idea where she went or, if she will try that again. But, I am pleased she knows her way home and will be much more careful when opening my front door in the future.
Until you lose something, or someone, you often don't know how much it means to you. I think of Krissy as the daughter I never had. She's my true family and companion. I feel so blessed that God sent her safely home to me. Now I won't take her for granted anymore! Be sure you let those close to you know how much you love them! You never know when it will be the last time that you see them.
Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG
Writer ● Speaker ● Artist
artistwithaflair@att.net
Phone/Fax: 760-732-0663
http://www.shirleycarolan.com http://www.angelscross.blogspot.comhttp://www.smcarolan.blogspot.com
Copyright© 2010 by Shirley M. Carolan. All rights reserved. To reprint any part of this article simply contact Shirley Carolan at artistwithaflair@att.net. Thank you
Thursday, September 30, 2010
INCREDIBLE GROWTH MONTH!
By Shirley M. Carolan
September has turned out to be a month of incredible personal growth and health challenge. I had wanted to post another Recap of one of my Toastmaster Club meetings that I write. It follows. I will also be sharing my new project with you that I am very excited about shorly. Meanwhile, enjoy the recap!
RECAP OF SEPTEMBER 9, 2010 MEETING
Our Pledge of Allegiance got started on time by a very dapper Sgt.@ Arms, Jonathan Enerva. It’s good to see Jonathan taking his new role so seriously.
Pat Rarus did double duty tonight in the absence of President, Pat Partin. She conducted the Business Meeting adroitly reminding us of the Humorous Area Speech Contest on Sunday at Watkins Manufacturing in Vista and Debra Simpson who will represent our Club. She also introduced our new Treasurer, one of our newest Toastmasters, Carol Sheckler. Congratulations Carol for stepping up to the plate! Pat Rarus was also the Toastmaster of the evening. We had two guests: Ginnie Donaldson, a very stylish and upbeat resident of Carlsbad by the Sea, and Josh Hartman. Also, it was good to see Darrell Fulmore again after a long absence!
Pat then introduced our Table Topics Master, Jonathan Enerva who chose “curriculum” as the word of the day. Jonathan had some truly fascinating and challenging questions tonight with stacks of books to back up his theme. Shirley Carolan won the trophy for Best Table Topics.
We had two very good speakers tonight: Carol Sheckler and Richard Rettig. Carol gave speech #10 from the basic manual: “Flowers Just Bloom.” She also gave us this poem as a handout which is something all can enjoy. Richard Rettig did a departure from his usual speeches by giving a speech from the Advanced Story Telling Manual : “A Gnome.” It was quite humorous and kept us on edge until the finale. Unfortunately, both our speakers ran overtime.
Cindy Parker was our General Evaluator and introduced our two evaluators: Shirley Carolan and Dan McKeon. Shirley evaluated Carol Sheckler’s speech giving her high marks for following all the objectives of her speech giving her some improvement tips and even complementing her when she forgot her lines. Dan McKeon did a very thorough and helpful evaluation of Richard’s speech. Shirley Carolan won the trophy for Best Evaluator.
We had several new Toastmasters as functionaries tonight. They all did an outstanding job in their respective roles. Scott Trulove gave a masterful report as Grammarian. Leo McFall manned the timing lights and Darrell Fulmore was our Ah Counter.
Ginnie bade us farewell early but Josh remained to give us high marks especially after visiting other Toastmaster clubs. Methinks we have a new member in the wings here!
Till next time,
Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG
VP-PR
Tick Talk Toastmasters
Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG
Writer ● Speaker ● Artist
artistwithaflair@att.net
Phone/Fax: 760-732-0663
http://www.shirleycarolan.com
http://www.angelscross.blogspot.com
http://www.smcarolan.blogspot.com
Copyright© 2010 by Shirley M. Carolan. All rights reserved. To reprint any part of this article simply contact Shirley Carolan at artistwithaflair@att.net. Thank you
bY
September has turned out to be a month of incredible personal growth and health challenge. I had wanted to post another Recap of one of my Toastmaster Club meetings that I write. It follows. I will also be sharing my new project with you that I am very excited about shorly. Meanwhile, enjoy the recap!
RECAP OF SEPTEMBER 9, 2010 MEETING
Our Pledge of Allegiance got started on time by a very dapper Sgt.@ Arms, Jonathan Enerva. It’s good to see Jonathan taking his new role so seriously.
Pat Rarus did double duty tonight in the absence of President, Pat Partin. She conducted the Business Meeting adroitly reminding us of the Humorous Area Speech Contest on Sunday at Watkins Manufacturing in Vista and Debra Simpson who will represent our Club. She also introduced our new Treasurer, one of our newest Toastmasters, Carol Sheckler. Congratulations Carol for stepping up to the plate! Pat Rarus was also the Toastmaster of the evening. We had two guests: Ginnie Donaldson, a very stylish and upbeat resident of Carlsbad by the Sea, and Josh Hartman. Also, it was good to see Darrell Fulmore again after a long absence!
Pat then introduced our Table Topics Master, Jonathan Enerva who chose “curriculum” as the word of the day. Jonathan had some truly fascinating and challenging questions tonight with stacks of books to back up his theme. Shirley Carolan won the trophy for Best Table Topics.
We had two very good speakers tonight: Carol Sheckler and Richard Rettig. Carol gave speech #10 from the basic manual: “Flowers Just Bloom.” She also gave us this poem as a handout which is something all can enjoy. Richard Rettig did a departure from his usual speeches by giving a speech from the Advanced Story Telling Manual : “A Gnome.” It was quite humorous and kept us on edge until the finale. Unfortunately, both our speakers ran overtime.
Cindy Parker was our General Evaluator and introduced our two evaluators: Shirley Carolan and Dan McKeon. Shirley evaluated Carol Sheckler’s speech giving her high marks for following all the objectives of her speech giving her some improvement tips and even complementing her when she forgot her lines. Dan McKeon did a very thorough and helpful evaluation of Richard’s speech. Shirley Carolan won the trophy for Best Evaluator.
We had several new Toastmasters as functionaries tonight. They all did an outstanding job in their respective roles. Scott Trulove gave a masterful report as Grammarian. Leo McFall manned the timing lights and Darrell Fulmore was our Ah Counter.
Ginnie bade us farewell early but Josh remained to give us high marks especially after visiting other Toastmaster clubs. Methinks we have a new member in the wings here!
Till next time,
Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG
VP-PR
Tick Talk Toastmasters
Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG
Writer ● Speaker ● Artist
artistwithaflair@att.net
Phone/Fax: 760-732-0663
http://www.shirleycarolan.com
http://www.angelscross.blogspot.com
http://www.smcarolan.blogspot.com
Copyright© 2010 by Shirley M. Carolan. All rights reserved. To reprint any part of this article simply contact Shirley Carolan at artistwithaflair@att.net. Thank you
bY
Saturday, September 11, 2010
THE JOYS OF TOASTMASTERING
By Shirley M. Carolan, ATM-G
One of the most important constants for me for the last 29 years has been my membership in Toastmasters International. I enjoy everything about Toastmasters and Toastmastering. It has brought me untold joy, confidence, poise, knowledge, education, the ability to think clearly and organize my words, both written and oral, to share my knowledge and mentor others, courage to compete in annual contests, lifelong friendships and of course a feeling of satisfaction, of a job well done. You might say it is my passion!
As a result of all of the above, I’d like to share with you what goes on at a Toastmasters’ meeting and perhaps encourage you to investigate a club either where you work or live. As the VP or Public Relatons for my Toastmaster Club, Tick Talk Toastmasters, I write weekly recaps of our meetings, i.e., who did what, who won what, etc. Hence, I’ll be posting recaps of our meeting regularly here, starting with the Labor Day weekend. .
RECAP OF SEPTEMBER 2, 2010 MEETING
On the cusp of the Labor Day weekend we had a full house last night. In fact, I’m still jazzed by it. We had 4 guests: Gail Dillon made a return visit, Bob Parsons, aspiring actor Austin Auger, and our new Area 18 Governor, Henry Heller. Also, Ana Santiago visited us again and was our Grammarian. Welcome all. The theme of the meeting was “Labor Day Weekend.”
President Pat Partin conducted a brief business meeting and installed 3 new members into Tick Talk Toastmasters: Carol Shekler, Leo McFall, and Scott Trulove. Congratulations all!
Richard Rettig was our Table Topics Master. He asked some very thoughtful and provocative questions. He chose “Toil” as the word of the day. It was great to see all of our guests participate. Area Governor, Henry Heller won the trophy for Best Table Topics. Good job, Henry!
Pat Partin was our Toastmaster of the evening. She introduced our lone speaker, Bobby Van Hollebeke giving speech #3 from the basic manual. Bobby gave an enthusiastic account of his beloved Padres, told us about their humanitarian contributions to society and stressed that we should support them.
Shirley Carolan was our General Evaluator and introduced our lone evaluator, Andrea Patterson, who evaluated Bobby’s speech. She praised Andrea for the many Toastmaster roles she has undertaken recently.
Shirley gave us high marks for our meeting tonight stressing that we did “jolly good!” She mentioned that when you are the Table Topics Master to be sure the “word of the day” is large enough and dark enough for those in the back of the room to see it. Also, she suggested moving the flip chart out of the way when Table Topics are completed. She did not participate in Table Topics but she did mention that the word “Toil” was used by English Prime Minister Winston Churchill during WWII when he said “I have nothing to offer you but blood, sweat, toil, and tears!” She was a school girl in London at the time.
Stepping up to the plate as our Timer was newcomer, Scott Trulove. Well done, Scott. Jonathan Enerva was our Ah Counter and Ana Santiago was our Grammarian!
After Pat Partin distributed the Best Speaker, Evaluator and Table Topics awards she called on guests for their comments on our meeting. We got good reviews from all of them. Our new Area 18 Governor, Henry Heller, reminded us to attend the Area Contest on September 12 at Watkins Manufacturing and asked for volunteers. Please check the time of this contest as I got it wrong in my last recap!
Lastly, Pat Partin called on Ronnie Bierner for some light hearted humor to cap our holiday meeting. Ronnie reluctantly demurred to Shirley Carolan who told us about a king and a fairy tale… Aw, shucks.
Shirley M. Carolan, ATM-G
VP Public Relations
Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG
Writer ● Speaker ● Artist
artistwithaflair@att.net
Phone/Fax: 760-732-0663
http://www.shirleycarolan.com
http://www.angelscross.blogspot.com
http://www.smcarolan.blogspot.com
Copyright© 2010 by Shirley M. Carolan. All rights reserved. To reprint any part of this article simply contact Shirley Carolan at artistwithaflair@att.net. Thank you
One of the most important constants for me for the last 29 years has been my membership in Toastmasters International. I enjoy everything about Toastmasters and Toastmastering. It has brought me untold joy, confidence, poise, knowledge, education, the ability to think clearly and organize my words, both written and oral, to share my knowledge and mentor others, courage to compete in annual contests, lifelong friendships and of course a feeling of satisfaction, of a job well done. You might say it is my passion!
As a result of all of the above, I’d like to share with you what goes on at a Toastmasters’ meeting and perhaps encourage you to investigate a club either where you work or live. As the VP or Public Relatons for my Toastmaster Club, Tick Talk Toastmasters, I write weekly recaps of our meetings, i.e., who did what, who won what, etc. Hence, I’ll be posting recaps of our meeting regularly here, starting with the Labor Day weekend. .
RECAP OF SEPTEMBER 2, 2010 MEETING
On the cusp of the Labor Day weekend we had a full house last night. In fact, I’m still jazzed by it. We had 4 guests: Gail Dillon made a return visit, Bob Parsons, aspiring actor Austin Auger, and our new Area 18 Governor, Henry Heller. Also, Ana Santiago visited us again and was our Grammarian. Welcome all. The theme of the meeting was “Labor Day Weekend.”
President Pat Partin conducted a brief business meeting and installed 3 new members into Tick Talk Toastmasters: Carol Shekler, Leo McFall, and Scott Trulove. Congratulations all!
Richard Rettig was our Table Topics Master. He asked some very thoughtful and provocative questions. He chose “Toil” as the word of the day. It was great to see all of our guests participate. Area Governor, Henry Heller won the trophy for Best Table Topics. Good job, Henry!
Pat Partin was our Toastmaster of the evening. She introduced our lone speaker, Bobby Van Hollebeke giving speech #3 from the basic manual. Bobby gave an enthusiastic account of his beloved Padres, told us about their humanitarian contributions to society and stressed that we should support them.
Shirley Carolan was our General Evaluator and introduced our lone evaluator, Andrea Patterson, who evaluated Bobby’s speech. She praised Andrea for the many Toastmaster roles she has undertaken recently.
Shirley gave us high marks for our meeting tonight stressing that we did “jolly good!” She mentioned that when you are the Table Topics Master to be sure the “word of the day” is large enough and dark enough for those in the back of the room to see it. Also, she suggested moving the flip chart out of the way when Table Topics are completed. She did not participate in Table Topics but she did mention that the word “Toil” was used by English Prime Minister Winston Churchill during WWII when he said “I have nothing to offer you but blood, sweat, toil, and tears!” She was a school girl in London at the time.
Stepping up to the plate as our Timer was newcomer, Scott Trulove. Well done, Scott. Jonathan Enerva was our Ah Counter and Ana Santiago was our Grammarian!
After Pat Partin distributed the Best Speaker, Evaluator and Table Topics awards she called on guests for their comments on our meeting. We got good reviews from all of them. Our new Area 18 Governor, Henry Heller, reminded us to attend the Area Contest on September 12 at Watkins Manufacturing and asked for volunteers. Please check the time of this contest as I got it wrong in my last recap!
Lastly, Pat Partin called on Ronnie Bierner for some light hearted humor to cap our holiday meeting. Ronnie reluctantly demurred to Shirley Carolan who told us about a king and a fairy tale… Aw, shucks.
Shirley M. Carolan, ATM-G
VP Public Relations
Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG
Writer ● Speaker ● Artist
artistwithaflair@att.net
Phone/Fax: 760-732-0663
http://www.shirleycarolan.com
http://www.angelscross.blogspot.com
http://www.smcarolan.blogspot.com
Copyright© 2010 by Shirley M. Carolan. All rights reserved. To reprint any part of this article simply contact Shirley Carolan at artistwithaflair@att.net. Thank you
Monday, August 30, 2010
SHINGLES REVISTED!
By Shirley M. Carolan, ATM-G
It’s hard to believe that a year has passed since I first broke out in Shingles blisters. But that is so. I’ve since had many opportunities to regret my cavalier attitude when my doctor first asked me, at the beginning of 2009, if I’d like to have a Shingles vaccination and I immediately said No! without asking what Shingles is and how severe can it be.
Shingles is not something to mess with! I am still suffering from some symptoms of it to this day! Sometimes the itch is so unbearable that I just scratch myself to pieces, at times even drawing blood. Sometimes the pain is unbearable … My doctor has prescribed 3 different salves, all to no avail.
But, I’ve come a long way in this past year. I look back and remember that if something dropped to the floor, even a pencil, I was unable to bend down and pick it up, so covered in blisters was my waist…Even daily setting down my Shih-Tzu’s food and water dishes was painful. Today, I can at least bend down and retrieve almost anything from the floor. I can do small gardening jobs. Why I can even vacuum, or mop, the house!
I tell myself that it could be worse. I could be in an assisted living place with limited mobility and immediately I am grateful for what health I do have. And when I get really down I take out the photos from a year ago and look at the terrible mess I was in. When I see all down my back and across my waist to the middle of my chest, the horrible blisters I can appreciate why my doctor told me I had one of the worst cases of Shingles she had ever seen!
It is my fervent hope that by sharing my ordeal with you, particularly if you are over 55, or, your know of someone who is, that you will urge them to get the Shingles vaccination! You, or they, will be so glad you did. To live in daily pain, or itch, is very debilitating and depressing. It can rob you of energy and living a normal life. Why take that chance. Life is too precious and much too short!
Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG
Writer ● Speaker ● Artist
artistwithaflair@att.net
Phone/Fax: 760-732-0663
http://www.shirleycarolan.com
http://www.angelscross.blogspot.com
http://www.smcarolan.blogspot.com
Copyright© 2010 by Shirley M. Carolan. All rights reserved. To reprint any part of this article simply contact Shirley Carolan at artistwithaflair@att.net. Thank you
It’s hard to believe that a year has passed since I first broke out in Shingles blisters. But that is so. I’ve since had many opportunities to regret my cavalier attitude when my doctor first asked me, at the beginning of 2009, if I’d like to have a Shingles vaccination and I immediately said No! without asking what Shingles is and how severe can it be.
Shingles is not something to mess with! I am still suffering from some symptoms of it to this day! Sometimes the itch is so unbearable that I just scratch myself to pieces, at times even drawing blood. Sometimes the pain is unbearable … My doctor has prescribed 3 different salves, all to no avail.
But, I’ve come a long way in this past year. I look back and remember that if something dropped to the floor, even a pencil, I was unable to bend down and pick it up, so covered in blisters was my waist…Even daily setting down my Shih-Tzu’s food and water dishes was painful. Today, I can at least bend down and retrieve almost anything from the floor. I can do small gardening jobs. Why I can even vacuum, or mop, the house!
I tell myself that it could be worse. I could be in an assisted living place with limited mobility and immediately I am grateful for what health I do have. And when I get really down I take out the photos from a year ago and look at the terrible mess I was in. When I see all down my back and across my waist to the middle of my chest, the horrible blisters I can appreciate why my doctor told me I had one of the worst cases of Shingles she had ever seen!
It is my fervent hope that by sharing my ordeal with you, particularly if you are over 55, or, your know of someone who is, that you will urge them to get the Shingles vaccination! You, or they, will be so glad you did. To live in daily pain, or itch, is very debilitating and depressing. It can rob you of energy and living a normal life. Why take that chance. Life is too precious and much too short!
Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG
Writer ● Speaker ● Artist
artistwithaflair@att.net
Phone/Fax: 760-732-0663
http://www.shirleycarolan.com
http://www.angelscross.blogspot.com
http://www.smcarolan.blogspot.com
Copyright© 2010 by Shirley M. Carolan. All rights reserved. To reprint any part of this article simply contact Shirley Carolan at artistwithaflair@att.net. Thank you
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