Greetings and Taco Bell Everyone!

You may have heard by now that there were South Americans at our meeting and that they found it “interesting”, “different”, “fanspecial”! It was surprising to hear our club’s reputation has spread throughout the Americas. It makes me want to scream, “HAY MUCHOS LIBROS EN LA BIBLIOTECA! ” It was great having them and thanks to John for continually adding some spice to our club with the guests he brings.

Wendy ran with the theme, interjecting interesting facts about South America while deftly directing the show as the Toastmaster. Did you know Chile’s national sport is the rodeo? Stuart was THEE man, picking up two roles as invocator(sp?) and evaluator at the last minute. Stacie timed a little too well some might say, catching a couple of people going over time then ripping one to shreds when all that person wants is to be loved. Our grammarian, Jenny, presented the word of the day to the gaggle of folks at the meeting, though I forget the word. She owes us a solo of the song “Brazil” which she promised to perform at the next meeting. Jason slipped in late to give us a chuckle and his tardiness will go on his permanent record. But at least it didn’t totally slip his mind and he didn’t miss the meeting for no good reason whatsoever. That’s what we call “pulling an Amy”. As in – “Hey Bob, why weren’t you at the meeting?” “Oh man! Was that today? I totally pulled an Amy!”

Some of our South American guests presented the Table Topics questions. Will Patrick dance in Argentina with an attractive stranger? Yes! All night long! T-A-N-G-O baby! What’s Grace Jennings doing in Chile? She’s dancing too with a gorgeous Chilean. What’s Alberta doing in Brazil? Showing off the results of his sex change operation wearing a skimpy outfit dancing around at Carnival. But that’s how he answers every table topic question.

Stephen gave his ice breaker, telling us about his path to his current career as editor of ‘Texas Architect’ and giving us a humorous education on the way normal people speak and how architects speak. And he wants us to know he’s not an architect but he does play one at the office.

Maria’s evaluation – Good eye contact, work on a stronger closing.

Taline gave an inspirational speech about setting a goal, working towards it and accomplishing it. Her goal was to compete in an Iron Man contest – 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike ride, 26.2 mile run (all in 16hrs, 33 mins). When I thought of doing that myself, I almost choked on the twinkie I was eating. Besides, I gave up swimming because the water kept putting out my cigarettes. (QUOTE OF THE DAY – “I really don’t care about the size of your ass, how big is your heart?” Effective motivation from a friend, not a great pick up line at the bar)

Stuart’s evaluation – purpose well defined, good structure, should give clues as to the purpose, needs to project voice. (Stuart went over time. *pshhh*, loser)

Keith simply offered the club immortality. He went a tad overtime. No one understood his reference to the Unfrozen Caveman Lawyer. That “frighten and confused” Keith. The club obviously isn’t ready for human preservation but Stephen thinks his mother-in-law is ready today!

Louis’s evaluation – looked sexy in his suit, 1/2 speech contest perfect, 1/2 boring, 1/2 funny, posture of a wedding attendant, needs more humor throughout, a smidgen over time, looked damn sexy in his suit.

Can’t forget Lora who did a great job as general evaluator but somewhat crunched for time thanks to Stuart.

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Ribbon Winners
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I didn’t really pay attention at this point so here are my winners

Table Topics – Alberta
Speaker – Taline
Evaluator – Maria and Louis tie
Enthusiasm – Taline
Humor – Unfrozen Caveman Lawyer