My '365' Journal

It's not a new idea

I have many friends and acquaintances around the world who keep journals of one type or another, and I've been interested in doing one myself, although never actually kept it up.

This year however I've been spurred on to do it, because of a special Christmas gift I received from my Son's Girlfriend. The '365' Journal is terrific, and I'm now on day 7. To make it more interesting I've decided to take pictures of some of my activities, which means I'll also have a pictorial record of A Year in my Life, which will accompany my scribbles and be interesting -for me at least-to watch on New Years Day in 2014. A kind of mini time capsule.

2013 promises to be a big year for me and hopefully for you too.



 

One of the activities I enjoy most in Toastmasters is Table Topics. Table Topics, like any other speech has an opening, a body and a conclusion. To think on my feet and answer a question in a couple of minutes, I rely on my skills and abilities, breadth of knowledge, reading, keeping up to date with news from many articles and news services, and my creativity. As a contestant in the D73 Southern Division Contest to be held in March 2013, I will compete against the best of the best from 16 Clubs in the Division, and I'm up for the challenge.

Memory Magic Workshop

Another Day, Another Opportunity to Connect

Friday 28th September promises to be a great strategic opportunity as I present another Memory Magic Session to a group of Tradesman & Professionals who seem eager to learn the secrets of memory improvement.

Contacted by someone who had seen my presentation at the D73 'Inspiration at the Lake' Convention in May 2012, I was asked to present it again to a Large Gas and Oil Company. Opportunity knocks, and as usual I will give more than is paid for.

Under the tagline "Memory matters, and a good memory matters more" I will lead and facilitate the group with interactive exercises in mnemonics, Links, Rhyming Words, Phonetic alphabets and Memory Palaces.

Each participant will receive a copy of my book "Confidence, Communication and Celebration" which includes many of the exercises we will cover.

I'm excited at the prospects, and will report back to blog readers.

Kuala Lumpur Moments

Snapshots in Time

If they gave these out as rewards for Achieving DTM in Toastmasters, imagine how many members would stay around.

 This shot was taken at the Museum.

Petronas Towers Skywalk. I regret not queuing up for tickets, however 6.30 am is a little early. Maybe in 2014 when I return for the Toastmasters International Conference

No more Rodeo

A sad day today

After 10 years of owning a Holden Rodeo, 2.6 litre, Automatic, Crew Cab, I sold it today. I loved my truck, and used it for pleasure and play. Sadly though I have no use for it now, and with the price of fuel rising daily, a vehicle that only travels 7 klms to the litre has fast become an expensive luxury. This truck was my freedom ride, and it took me to many, many favourite places. A workhorse too, it came in very useful when I was furniture building, and when My Cricket Club needed bar stock. My son's Schoolies Week always benefited from it too.I shall miss the old girl, however I'll still see it often as I sold it to a  neighbour, who will be pulling his lawn mowing Trailer around with it. Goodbye old Girl and thanks for the memories.

Frankston Toastmasters Club #1851

40 Years of Age in January 2013

Longevity and staying the distance is a measure of a strong Toastmasters Club, and Frankston has been around for almost 40 years. We will celebrate this milestone in grand style and are busily contacting members and former members to join us to mark the occasion.

If you read this post and were a member or know of someone who was a Charter member or past member, please pass on the news.

The average length of service of current members is 16 years, with the grandest of them being our current President-Bill- who has been the long term stayer with 32 years service.

I joined first in 1986 and left in 1992, coming back in 2008. It is my spiritual home of speaking and leadership , and as long as my legs will carry me I will keep attending. Frankston Toastmasters Club, great one day, perfect the next.

Full details of the event will be published by end of October.

Melbourne Sunshine

A Day in the City

I don't go there often though today I enjoyed some time in Melbourne. A pleasant drive into the city, and coffee at Koko Black in the Paris end of Collins Street. Arrived just in time to secure a parking spot right outside the Koko Black entry door, how lucky is that.

A meeting to set the running sheet for the 'Speak' Movie was very productive, and with just 12 days to go before the Victorian Premiere, I'm optimistic that we will attract a huge audience. I'm excited.