Sharing Reports - March, 2009
On behalf of OLD members we say "Thank you, ever so much, for taking on the executive roles on Cyber Council this year and in previous years." Your dedication to the success of Cyber Council activities is much appreciated. One could say (as was said to me) nothing much happens on Cyber Council. In my opinion that is because the careful ground work was put in place when Cyber Chapters first came on line. Along the way the refinements have been added to take into account the changes happening in the environment for sisters internationally.
Val
OLD Rep
On Line Theta as been busy as usual. We do book reviews once a week. So
much better to do it once a week than just anytime in the week. A lot more
organized, ha! We receive our week prayer and bubble list on Wednesdays.
When I was in the hospital last Nov/Dec, I could feel the comfort of all of those
prayers and bubbles. Also the many I received from the main BSP yahoo list.
We are celebrating with Carolyn H over the pregnancy of her daughter who
is expecting a boy. What joy.
We elected our sweetheart in February and are pleased to announce that
the 2009 OLT sweetheart is Arlene. I am humbled by the honor.
We just finished electing our new officers. We haven't decided whether
to install our officers at our Founder's Day celebration or to do it at our
May meeting.
Our Founder's Day will be in Mexico City and Taxco. I will be happy to
share the links that will be used. Just email me at dnafox@aol.com
OLT is honored to announce that our pledge, Krissie, has passed all of
the pledge requirements and we will do her Ritual of Jewel later this month.
Krissie contacted International/Laura after she read the Dear Abby article.
OLT is so happy to have Krissie as a sister.
We have impromptu socials throughout the month. Always fun.
We continue to play our bingo game. We've played bingo for about 8
years. Currently our game topic is Lucille Ball and the I Love Lucy show. Lots
of interesting facts and trivia are being shared.
Respectively submitted,
Arlene
OLT Rep
OLB Sharing Report - March 2009
OLB turned 11 years old in January. We celebrated with a birthday party which can be viewed at http://www.cawamn.com/OnLineBeta/BDays/bd11welcome.html . Our host for the evening was none other than James Bond. He showed us around the Monte Carlo Casino and then we had dinner in the Louis XV Room at the Hotel de Paris. The birthday celebration was served as our January social.
Our February social was a road trip to many places - Singapore, Morocco, Zanzibar, Utopia, Rio, Bali Ha'i and Bali. Fun was had by all and many participated in an Icebreaker trivia game. The food and drink were fantastic and our limo driver ---- WOW!!!! Gail and Valerie and the Social Committee really outdid themselves with this social. The social was really creative and kept us guessing the entire time. There were clues sprinkled throughout for us to try to figure out the theme of the social. We also got to know our sisters by answering trivia questions. The answers to the questions came from our individual bios. Prices of tiaras were presented for different categories.
Programs are just as entertaining and educational. In January we visited covered bridges and learned there were many spread over the US and Canada. Our February program was an adventure on Chinese New Year's. We learned the different traditional food that is served during this holiday. We also learned of their taboos and superstitions and had some history on the lantern festival. History of influential women was our topic for March.
Our Recipe/Craft Committee continue to share yummy recipes and great craft projects with us. In January, we received instructions for some beautiful stamped coasters or tiles. We share many recipes and I have often thought we should create a cookbook of the recipes we have shared. The "in a mug" recipes made a big hit, and Dianne had the great idea of using them for a secret sister gift!
Service topics have included taking care of our bodies, protecting our achy joints, and the joy of service animals.
We have experienced some membership changes. We lost a couple members and added two official members to our roster in February. We held the Welcome Ritual for Marilyn from TN and Gloria from NM at our March meeting. We also held the Exemplar Ritual for Peggy from IL.
We had a tie vote for Valentine Queen and are proud to announce that Joy B and Karen A will have to share the royal servants this year. That is, if the buggers ever show up. Photos of our lovely ladies can be viewed at: http://www.cawamn.com/OnLineBeta/BDays/bd11welcome.html .
OLB's 2009-2010 officers are:
President - Dorothy
Vice President - Karen
Secretary - Dianne
Treasurer - Madonna
Beth, Kandy and Dianne will remain as Council reps. We plan to install our officers at our May meeting.
We just learned today that we have a sister who can really use our prayers. Helen C from SD has just been diagnosed with breast cancer. She will undergo a double mastectomy with reconstructive surgery soon. Snail mail letters and cards of encouragement would be welcomed since her computer time will be limited.
Dianne
OLB Rep
The past couple of months have been quite busy for the Sisters of Online Kappa! We have had many guests join us for our meetings, which have resulted in quite a few new sisters joining us! We welcome them and look forward to getting to know them better as the months pass!
January Program
ABC'S OF ORGANIZING CLUTTER
I am presenting the program for January on the ABC'S of Organizing Clutter. This is a program from International. If any sister has a particularly favorite or exceptionally unique organizational tip, please feel free to send it in following the presentation of the program. Thanks.
BEFORE YOU BEGIN –
1. ESTABLISH A BATTLE PLAN.
A. Don't allow distractions. No visitors, TV, or stopping to read for a set period of time.
B. No telephone calls. Don't take any or make any.
C. Stay out of the kitchen except for meals.
D. Stick to one project at a time, and don't start anything new until the first is done.
E. Learn to let go of things. Try to use the "in and out" rule. Anytime you get something new, get rid of a similar old thing.
2. TIPS FOR COMMON PROBLEMS.
A. Auto supplies: Put cleaners and maintenance items in dishpan-type bins on a shelf or on the floor. Safety supplies go in the trunk of the car, emergency items in a sturdy box or bag in the trunk also. Inside the car, keep only documents required by law. Only carry maps for the state and city you're in. Any childrens' items can go in a holder with pockets hanging on the back of the front seat.
B. Bathroom: Put a hanging rack over the shower head for shampoos, etc. Use a tub tray for children's toys. Divider trays help the bathroom drawers. Lazy Susans are useful in deep bathroom cabinets for various containers. Install a hair-dryer holder on the wall away from water sources or inside a cabinet door.
C. Children's items: Use bins with a picture on them of items meant to go inside. Try storing them on shelves, the closet floor, or under the bed. Lower clothing rods in closets. Provide a hamper or large bag for dirty clothes. Place pegs on walls for hanging items (but not at eye level).
D. Dishes: Don't keep dishes you don't use.
E. Exercise equipment: If you use it, keep it where it will be used. If you aren't going to use it, get rid of it.
F. Furniture: Do double duty with a wood or glass top over a storage basket or trunk. A dining room buffet may be more useful for other things besides dishes. Use extra bookcase space for whatever is needed.
G. Gizmos: These are things you're afraid to throw away because you may need them sometime. Put them in a plastic.
H. Hardware: Glass jars can store small hardware. Lids can be nailed to the underside of a shelf for extra space. Screw jar into place.
I. Inventory: Take stock of what you have. Many of us have more than we need.
J. Junk: Clean the junk drawer out when it won't shut anymore. (One drawer is okay).
K. Knickknacks: Consider confining a knickknack collection to one cabinet.
L. Laundry: Hang clothes as soon as the machine stops. Keep a receptacle to empty
pockets into and a repair basket by the washer. Keep a dry-cleaning basket in the main bedroom.
M. Magazines: Go through each copy. Cut out any articles you must read, staple pages and put in you "To Read" basket; throw the rest away. Put one or two into your purse for when you have to wait somewhere.
N. Notes: Keep one "To Do" list in one notebook, store in your purse, by the phone or on your desk. Use in addition to your calendar.
O. Odds and ends: If it's "odd", maybe you should "end" your relationship with it.
P. Papers: Set up four baskets and the trash basket at your desk: "To Do", "To Pay", "To File", "To Read". Go through "To Do" regularly and prioritize. If you keep putting off a project, write it on your calendar and do it. Put "To Read" in a basket with a handle you can carry from room to room. File every week or two. As soon as junk mail comes in, look and toss. Photographs: Spend an hour each week sorting and weeding. Put photos in albums or by category in shoeboxes or manila envelopes. Label when you can.
Q. Quarters: If you need a stockpile of quarters for tolls or other machines, store in an attractive container near the front door or in a jar away from little hands.
R. Recipes: Buy a large three-ring binder and a box of clear plastic sheet-protectors. Slip your loose clippings into a sheet-protector . Use index dividers to separate categories.
S. Sewing and Crafts: If possible, set up a sewing or craft corner, and keep everything in that area. Allocate a special cabinet for storage. Or use rolling baskets to hold supplies and unfinished projects. Keep small items in tool or tackle boxes. Coffee cans or oatmeal cartons can hold knitting needles and special brushes. Use a basket or supply caddy for transporting materials to the work area. Don't hang on to scraps. Use it or lose it.
T. Tools: Establish a tool center so you'll know where to find them.
U. Uniforms: Take a picture of your child in the uniform, then give the uniform to charity so another child can use it.
V. Videotapes: Keep just two or three tapes for recording programs. Store in plastic sweater boxes near the set or in a closet.
W. Wallets: Give old wallets to charity – maybe with a bill or two inside.
X. Nothing
Y. Yearbooks: If you really want to keep them, do. If school left a lot to be desired, maybe you don't have to keep them.
Z. Zero: Nothing – the sign you've gone too far. Everyone needs a little clutter in their life.
January Social
The happiest of greetings, Sisters! Though Christmas has passed, I couldn't resist taking one last trip aboard the Polar Express train traveling out of the Old Sacramento Train Station. For those unfamiliar with the Christmas tale, the story centers on a young boy who is questioning the validity of Santa Claus. One night, Christmas Eve to be exact, he is awakened in the middle of the night by the very loud sounds of a rather large train, full of other children (some believers, some not), which has stopped outside his house. He is told by the conductor that this train, called the Polar Express, is traveling to the North Pole, to show the boys and girls that Santa is indeed real and is ready to fly! So, with some skepticism, the boy climbs aboard, and with several friends he meets on board, experiences the workings of Santa's toy shop, and the city of North Pole, complete with dancing and singing elves.
So we ready ourselves for our own adventure. Even though the hour is getting late, the Old Sacramento train depot is noisy and crowded, with little ones laughing, and running amongst their families, excited at the thought of possibly seeing Santa. Christmas lights are reflecting off the waters of the river that runs alongside part of downtown Old Sac. `Jingle Bells' is competing with all the ruckus and squeals, but some can still hear it and are singing along to themselves. Steam is blowing from the train in sudden and loud bursts, and a light mist is beginning to fall. Most of the little ones are in their pajamas, as they, and you, are about to become temporary characters in our own Polar Express. So, it is almost 7:30 pm, and the night has a definite chill in the air; a perfect time for a cup of hot cocoa and a cookie, but we must wait patiently for those to come later. Finally, after much anticipation, the conductor instructs us it is time to board, so we present our tickets, and walk hurriedly to the best car on the train: the caboose. It has recently been refurbished and is quite comfy and cozy and a sight to behold! Upon entering, the first thing we all notice are the snowflake decorations and icicle lights that are sparkling within the car, hanging above six soft, red sofa seats, and comfy chairs which fill up quickly with our group. As the other passengers find their seats on the remaining 5 cars, we begin to relax, take off our jackets and mittens and hats, and sit back to enjoy the carols playing overhead, and each other's company. Suddenly, the train makes a gentle tug…we are finally on our way! The conductor, a very nice man indeed, comes to punch our tickets and chats jovially with one and all. After he finishes his duties and leaves our car, a pleasant voice floats through the air, and begins to share the reading of the story. As it is being read, another fine gentleman walks up and down the aisle in front of us, holding up a copy of the book, as to share the beautiful illustrations (several `oohs and aahhs' can be heard) with those who are interested. Some are just content to simply close their eyes, and imagine…their own train, their own trip, their own Polar Express.
As the story comes to a close, a happy chef (the next character from the story) hands each of us the highly anticipated cup of cocoa, while another helper hands out the cookies (Yummy!!). Christmas carols return to the airwaves, and the excitement and chatter rises up again like a wave. The children, especially those familiar with the story, know what, or more importantly, who is coming soon. But before jolly old Saint Nick makes his appearance, we are visited by other characters from the book. A pair of dancing waiters entertain us as they dance in the aisle with loud fanfare playing in the air, and leave as quickly as they came. More `oohs' and `aahs' can be heard, along with rounds of applause. The conversations return, but not for long. A hobo joins our car. Now, this particular hobo is what you could call a `cynic'. He teases those who believe (young and old alike), and thinks it to be all rubbish. He only stays a short time, and is content to return to his seat upon the car in which we are seated. Yes, he travels on the outside the train…
Suddenly, the train begins to slow down. Could there be something wrong? Did the hobo fall off? Is there an animal on the tracks? Several of the more curious ones, stand to look out the windows, but can't see what is happening. Suddenly, someone shouts…"It's Santa Claus!!! We've arrived at the North Pole!!!" All the children make a mad dash to the windows to see Saint Nick in all his glory, with his sleigh filled to the brim with presents for all the good girls and boys around the world. There are also eight reindeer standing at attention, ready for Santa to say the word. He is looking over his list of good children, double-checking to make sure he hasn't forgotten anyone. The train can stay only a short time, so we don't delay Santa's departure. As we are admiring Santa and his sleigh, there is a soft rumbling which slowly becomes louder and louder until it seems to be right on top of us! An engine has arrived to pull us back to our station, this time in a much quicker fashion. As we settle back into our seats, and comment to one another on what we all saw, a new anticipation is in the air. Laughter, singing, and loud voices fill the car. We begin to look around, but can't quite figure out what is happening. Suddenly, but before our wondering eyes should appear…Santa himself!!! He has one last gift for all the boys and girls before he leaves on his world-wind ride. He first asks for those amongst us, "Who believes?" to raise their hands. Hands, arms, scarves, hats…all things are waving wildly in the air throughout the car. Santa laughs his jolly laugh, and proceeds to walk to each traveler (to even the not-so-young!) and hands them a shiny silver bell tied to a red ribbon. Now, as long as you believe, you can hear and thoroughly lose yourself, in the gentle ring of that beautiful silver treasure. But if you don't believe, you only encounter a dead silence and mistake it for being broken. Now as Santa finishes up his last-minute delivery, he wishes a `Merry Christmas' to one and all, and hopes that each of us will enjoy the happy peal that is delivered each time the bell is rung for many years to come. He makes his departure and everyone is left behind, beyond excited.
All too soon, we arrive back to the station. We gather up our belongings, and ready ourselves for the winter weather that is waiting for us outside. We all depart from the train, some making a mad dash to their car while others take their time, and savor the memory of what has transpired in the past hours. Those in our group, leave with lighter hearts, and a song on their lips. As you look around at the emptying depot, you'll notice several people quietly removing their bell from its safe and dry hiding place, and give it a gentle shake. This act is immediately followed by smiles that light up the starless night. You begin to wonder to yourself…so you casually take out your bell that had found a home in the pocket of your winter coat. Looking at it with much curiousity and anticipation, one question rises up and waits for an answer…
OLK Book Club
We in OLK are getting started with our chapter book club which has been formed for those of us interested in reading and sharing throughout the year! We are excited to get started and will be sharing further progress as the months pass!
OLK Valentine Sweetheart
On Line Kappa's "Sweetheart" for 2009-2010 was our Sister Bonnie W!! We are thrilled and excited for her!
OLK February Program
"WE ARE SHAPED AND FASHIONED BY WHAT WE LOVE"
The great German poet Goethe said this. Do you agree? If it is true, is it a good thing or a bad? What would you say influences us most among the things we love – possessions, people, a certain "Life Style", a house, food, whatever?
It is also true, you will surely agree, that we can love things which are bad for us – drugs, gambling – this list could be a long one. Do you think a person can escape the influence of what she loves? Depending on what it is, how can she do this?
In reading up on this and thinking about my own life, I'd have to agree with Goethe. The things or people that we love shape us in different ways. If you think of all the people that you've known and loved in your lifetime, different pieces of their personalities have influenced us in many different ways. I love my mother very much and try every day to be a little more like her. She's a gentle, kind soul with a real love for life. But under all of that gentleness is a spine of steel and a strength that can't be beat. I've raised my daughter, Holly, to be like my mother, strong yet gentle.
I also love computer games, usually those along the lines of strategy/fantasy. My characters are usually strong women that can hold their own in any battle. Because I feel not so strong in a lot of ways in my life, this is my outlet for the strength that I wish that I had.
I've also loved things that are not good for me. At one time in my life, I loved my ex-husband, even though he was a very controlling and mentally/emotionally abusive person. He destroyed any bit of strength or self-confidence I may have had. After he left, I had to dig deep inside myself to find those that I also loved that were strong to find examples in order to heal myself and to grow strong again. I'm married to a man now that is very loving and supportive, who forces me to stand on my own two feet and be the strong person that he believes I am.
In all of these examples, it's been the people in my life that have shaped me more than anything. Possessions come and go, houses change, food tastes change over time but the people influence and shape me more than anything.
OLK February Social
Our social this month is the Super Bowl Party - Arizona Cardinals versus Pittsburgh Steelers. We arrive at my son and daughter-in-laws home in Livermore, CA. They live in a nice neighborhood, lined with trees and medium-sized homes. Their home has three bedrooms, one being used for the office, work-out room, and children's play area (they don't have children, but do have a television and lots of floor space for games). They bought a few things for the children to play while the adults watch the game - Hungry, Hungry Hippo (grandson Evan---age 3---favorite), play-dough, Go Fish cards.
The living room is lined with folding chairs, chairs from the dining room; an overstuffed couch and two side chairs are also in the living room where the big-screen TV is blaring some silly commercial, awaiting the start of the game.
In the dining room, there are two large tables full of food---vegetable tray (carrots, zucchini, cucumbers, three colors of peppers cut into strips) with a yummy ranch dressing; a bowl of spinach dip with another bowl holding pieces of bread for dipping; a tray of deviled eggs; a tray of three types of chips---bbq, plain, sour cream and onion, along with a garlic and herb dressing; pretzels; peanut butter and celery; zucchini bread slices; olives and pickles; a bucket of bottled beer --- all this is on one table. The other table holds the big pot of chili, along with cornbread; hot dogs, hot links, and all the fixings; spicy chicken wings, celery and blue cheese dressing; and desserts of every type imaginable. In the kitchen there's also a pitcher of cosmopolitan (my DIL's favorite drink), a couple bottles of wine, and lots of soft drinks.
We also have the "squares" game for those of you who want to take a chance on winning something other than a "stuffed stomach" and the joy of watching your team (whichever that might be). If you're interested, each square is 50 cents; payout is $10 each for the first three quarters; $20 for the final. Someone will draw numbers soon, so you better get your signature on one of those sought-after squares!
There's a lot of people arriving: my daughter from Alameda, CA; my daughter and SIL from Elk Grove, CA and their three children; my children's step-mother and her daughter; my step-son, DIL and their two children; another step-son and his small daughter; my husband; my two sisters; some cousins --- wow, pretty soon we'll be crowded, but we still have room for my Kappa sisters (so where are you??? the game is about to begin).
Uh oh, it's time for the game to begin. Hope you all get here soon. I saved a spot on the "squares" game for each of you (you can pay me later when you win LOL). The crowd cheers (or boos), the children run around the room; I'm busy helping my DIL bring out more food and refill platters of food. Another DIL takes the kids to the office to watch videos (Dora, The Explorer---one of that age group's favorite videos --- 2-4 year olds). Wow, how time flies, it's almost half time; I need to finish getting the 3-D glasses ready for the commercial---almost ready, just a couple more to cut/punch out.
My SIL and his cousin are going out to throw the football around, while the rest of us watch the commercials, half time show, and feed our faces...yet again.
Wow, that was an exciting 3D commercial. My son and DIL didn't have glasses so it looked normal; they'll watch it on replay (they recorded the game) after everyone leaves. Did you see the commercial in 3-D? See the animated people bouncing around the screen? Oh well, if you didn't, no big deal...it was just something to watch other than football.
Back to the game. The Cardinals are making the Steelers really work for the points. Would love to see the under-dogs (Cardinals) win but, whoever wins, it will be a good game! Bummer....the game is over, the Steelers won!!! Know lots of you (especially east coast people) are really excited....bummer, not me (west coast person)....bummer. Cardinals ALMOST won; bet you Steeler fans were holding your breath, right??? Oh well, it was a close game and exciting!!!
People are starting to leave, children are tired, parents are tired; hubby and I will leave soon as we have a long drive home, and it's dark, my least favorite time to drive (everyone seems to want to use high beam headlights, which are bothersome to my eyes). We'll stay long enough to help clean up.
OLK Sharing Conclusion
As you can see, the Sisters of OLK have been quite busy throughout the last couple of months! There are many more activities and the endless chatting that happens each and every month, although would be much too long of a sharing report! Our recent March meeting will be reported at our next Cyber Council Meeting. We look forward to Spring arriving at our many locations that we live and wish you all well!
Respectively Submitted,
Shelley
OLK Rep
We have had 3 sisters that have been interested in joining Online Psi. Vicki is a first-timer to BXP onlin chapters and Charlotte is a transferee. We also welcomed back Cindy, who was off-line because of computer problems. Welcome ladies and our hope is to getting to know them better in the coming months.
Our Program for February was on Seizures.
Among the most common causes of epilepsy are: Tumors of the brain,
head injuries, and strokes. Partial seizures, which begin in one part
of the brain, are by far the most common type of seizure. One
question the doctor may ask is "What was the patient doing before the
seizure?" Children with Epilepsy have special issues with injury,
learning, behavior, and social acceptance. When a seizure does not
end or if another one follows immediately after the first, the
Patient is said to be in "Status Epilepticus." During a "Grand Mal"
seizure, the person may have a glassy stare. Call 911 or local police
or ambulance if the person is aggressive towards you and you need
help and the person sustains an injury. Grapefruit juice can trigger
seizures. You might find this to be hard to imagine but it is true.
The reason grapefruit juice and NO other juices can trigger seizures
is because of the acidity in grapefruit. All women of child-bearing
potential who are taking antiepileptic drugs should take a multi-
vitamin with at least 0.8 mg. of folic acid daily. The key to better
acceptance of epilepsy is knowledge and awareness. Federal law does
provide substantial protection under the Americans with Disabilities
Act For Job Discrimination. People with epilepsy are well advised to
carry an emergency medical identification of some sort (bracelet,
necklace, or card). Anyone who is actively having seizures should
swim with the presence of a buddy and a lifeguard who has been warned
of the risk. Many people find their seizures are worse when they are
emotionally tense. After a grand mal seizure do offer the person any
food or drink. An ambulance is usually necessary if the person has
one seizure right after another. FDR did not have epilepsy, but
polio. Absence seizures ordinarily occur in children between the ages
of two and eight, but in some cases may persist into adulthood.
The reason I am sharing this information with you about
seizures is because I have epilepsy myself since the age of 10 month
when I had a grand mal seizure that lasted a total of 90 minutes and
a temperature of 107 degrees which classified me as cerebral palsy
and epilepsy and even went in "Status Epilepticus.", which is a
miracle that I even made it alive.
If you have any more questions, feel free to ask.
We elected a Queen, which is our President Rose. She deserves this and many more accolades.
Our books selection for the month:
Marcia Hamm recommended "90 Minutes in Heaven", Rose Keefe recommended" the Romanov Bride" by Rober Alexander, Denise Elkins recommended, " Texas Two Step" and " Dakota Series" by Debbie Ma Comber, Vikki Thierault recommended" the secret Life of Cee Wilkes" and the "Lamb, The Gospel According to Bill".
Pam
OLP Rep