Life and Random Thinking

Valentine’s Day- Forget fancy but don’t forgo Chocolate.

Posted on February 7, 2011 by dfolstad58

Valentines Day is nearly here!

Fight the panic guys. First ignore media’s sales pitch to buy diamonds – the payments are “forever“.

Chocolates are always an excellent choice. Thing of them as a side-dish to the main choice but make sure you get the right kind of chocolate, not every gal swoons over dark chocolate! Yes guys, it comes in white! Pay attention if she like domestic chocolate or european chocolate. But chocolate along with a card are mandatory and heaven help the poor schmuck who cheaps out here.

What about the spa gift? Great idea but only if they use it. Did you know that 25% of gift cards never are used?

Think about what she would get for herself if you want to buy her something.

Are her swim goggles worn out? Does she need a new umbrella?

Or you could surprise her by polishing all her leather shoes; to show you care and she doesn’t have the time.

What about a long walk and talk? A nice idea especially if you give her a new scarf and gloves.

Does she commute? An insulated mug so her coffee stays hot all the way there even in winter.

Forget about the standard formula when it goes to a gift. It comes down to being thoughtful. Vacuum her car and make it smell nice. A special tea, some tea light candles, and a book. Show her you pay attention to her likes, and find a way to make her Valentines Day or “average” day just a tad nicer or easier. You can take all the credit.

And to my family – I love you! You are wonderful!

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Homework Assignment for Toastmasters Osoyoos Spring Conference !

Posted on January 29, 2011 by dfolstad58

Okay, you did it! You checked the website for the “Sages In the Desert” toastmasters conference May 6, 7 and 8, 2011 at the beautiful destination, Osoyoos.

You are the frugal sort, who likes to save money so you purchased right away. Now you can anticipate the event and encourage your pals to join also. Good thinking! You can bring some friends PLUS make some new friends.

After you went to the District21 Toastmasters website and paid ~ you went back to the Sages in the Desert website. Of course you did because you wanted to volunteer! A click and email later you let the sargeant-of- arms know how you would like to join in. By volunteering you are part of the success of the conference and you only need donate a hour ~You are needed but it is also part of the fun and conference experience!

*psst – I will tell you a small secret. I volunteer at Penticton Ironman race nearly every year. Why give a couple hours of my time?? – it is FUN! I am part of the race, I am a hero to the athletes and they have trained for years so I want to support them.

That is why you should be a volunteer at “Sages In the Desert“. The conference is a weekend, but it is the product of a year of planning. Interesting FACT – You will actually enhance the event for yourself by volunteering. Be a hero to the organizers, and feel good yourself by making your own personal contribution to the weekend’s success.

Toastmaster Club success is the exactly the same – The success of the Club is the success of EVERYONE in the Club doing their part. We all know this from experience. This is not a small thing ~ it is a big BIG thing. Volunteers are crucial – many hands make light work ~ remember (smile).

Don’t forget to volunteer, please!

Now you have paid for the weekend, and volunteered in advance.

Thank you !!! Invite your friends to volunteer with you and anticipate a memorable weekend!

But don’t forget your homework assignment. eh?

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Raise your glasses May 6, 7 and 8, 2011 in Osoyoos, BC

Posted on January 29, 2011 by dfolstad58

Osoyoos in May is a beautiful place to be. This spring conference is an opportunity to have a great time with like-minded people. This spring conference is an opportunity to be inspired and return to your own Club with new contacts, a fresh experience, and exciting ideas to share.

Winter is long and cold, the spring conference in Osoyoos will warm you up with smiles, and sunshine.

WHERE? WHEN?

District 21 of Toastmasters is holding a spring conference in the south Okanagan. Really! A spring conference in the Okanagan in May, 2011. The title of the conference is “Sages In the Desert” The tip of the Sonora desert, about 5 hours from the rain and clouds of the Lower Mainland in BC, this location will be sublime in May. as my friends in jolly ol’ England say “that’s Quality!”

The location for your conference is the spa resort, Spirit Ridge! Check it all out ~ it even includes an on-site winery – Nk’Mip Cellars. { that native word is pronounced in-ka-meep} Sample Qwam Qwmt (“achieving excellence”) wines at Nk’mip Cellars, North America’s first Aboriginal owned and operated winery. After sipping, you could learn about rattlesnakes and hear pow wow drumming at the Nk’mip Desert Cultural Centre.

DID SOMEONE MENTION WINE?

Not only is there a winery on site, but I checked and there is a fuddle duddle amount of wineries just up the road from Osoyoos.

On my way home from the District 21 Toastmasters Spring Conference , I am going to stop at theBurrowing Owl Estate Winery (about 15 minutes drive from Osoyoos) for some toasting refresher lessons plus wine and cheese. I just love, absolutely LOVE supporting local economy! But that’s me, self-sacrificing to the core!

This is Toastmaster’s training I can get used to! SUNSHINE, LOCATION, and WEEKEND HOLIDAY with entertainment, and DELICIOUS food!

WILL I HAVE FUN?

Are you a newbie? That is “someone who has never been to a Toastmaster’s conference”. Perfect! Whether it is a restaurant I would like to try, or holiday destination I’ve never visited before ~ what I do is ask someone else who has been there and done that. YOU ARE IN LUCK! I was a newbie up until November 2010 so this is just my Numero Two Toastmasters Conference I will be attending in May, 2011.

Obviously it was fun, relaxing, motivating and refreshing or I would not be doing it again so soon.

WILL I ENJOY THE EXPERIENCE?

If you like to talk to interesting people, laugh often, and enjoy good food YOU WILL HAVE A FABULOUS WEEKEND, Osoyoos Toastmasters conference – May, 2011.

Give yourself a mini holiday in May 2011 in the sunshine. You deserve a break after a cold winter. If you live already in the Okanagan valley ~ well then there is just no excuse not to go to conference like this almost on your front door ! This one is designed especially for you, and you………….and YOU!

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