Wednesday, August 29, 2007

Shout out...

To all those who are competing in Humorous Speech Contest and Speech Evaluation Contest..

All the best of Luck!!!!

Humorous speech and speech evaluation contest will be held tomorrow (30th August 2007) in Sabah Hotel at 7.30pm. Members are welcomed to show their support to members who are competing.

"Besides winning, [the most fun thing is] getting out there and mixing it up with friends; it's the competition."


Monday, August 27, 2007

BBQ Menu




Looks delicious?? Yummy?? Finger Licking good??

I have a BBQ menu here that i would like to share with all of you,how nice if our bbq on 31st Aug will have something like this:-



  1. Roast lamb on a spit

  2. Whole roasted chicken

  3. BBQ chicken wings

  4. Prawns, fish, sotong tepan style

  5. French salad Italian style (sorry melissa,not for you)

  6. Potato salad OZ style

  7. French garlic bread

  8. Malaysian style mee goreng

  9. Mixed fruit (it's the fruit season now! for those who like durians and other seasonal tropical fruits)

  10. Ice cream.........Whatever flavour will do.

Too bad i'm not a good cook myself,but with all the hands and brains we have in our clubs,i belive it's possible to have a dish or two from the above list.


Now that you've read the menu,let me boost you with another dose of quote of the day.

"He, who every morning plans the transactions of the day, and follows that plan carries a thread that will guide him through a labyrinth of the most busy life."- Victor Hugo


ChEeRs, TM Alice Kok

A brand New Day...


Friday, August 24, 2007

Training Meeting On 23 August 2007


I've to say last night's meeting was one of the most enjoyable meetings i have ever had, because:-

1. Our Area K2 Governor Elizabeth Goh was here with us to talk about DCP goals. (she suffered a lot when travelling to SDK because of the rough journey on the road, so that makes us appreciates her attendance more!)

2. I've never had a meeting with so many guests, i think there were 7 guests in our meeting last night, thanks a bunch to SDK Pidato Club and members who brought their guests along. You have done a good job! Oh... I have to mention that the little girl (not little actually) that Eleanor brought was superb!I think she's gonna be a super great speaker one day.

3. We always say:" a toastmaster wears many hats", i truly experienced that last night because i was the counter, speaker,evaluator and bulletin editor (have to take pictures, heh)

3. Last but not least, i got to wear Baju Kurung for the first time...hehe...

Although the meeting ended very late, no one was complaining nor showing a tired face. Therefore,,i suppose everyone had enjoyed the meeting as much as i did. Looking forward to the BBQ on 31 August 2007, are you coming?

CHeeRs, TM Alice Kok

Monday, August 20, 2007

GET YOUR GRILL ON!

It is clear enough? : D The post title and the picture above. Now here's the details:-

TOASTMASTERS BBQ FELLOWSHIP
Date: 31st August 2007
Time As early as 6.30pm (Need to prepare the charcoal and all, hehe)
Venue: President Datin Grace's residence, Taman Pertama.

I'm already making a mental note of what we should have during the BBQ:-
  • Chicken wing (A BBQ is illegal without it)
  • Sausages (Another sentence if there's not sausages)
  • Lamb Chop (Though, personally I'm not a fan of it, other people might like it)
Others;
  • Marshmallows (Yummy yummy to my tummy!)
  • Fish
  • Garlic Bread (A bonus)
  • Other seafood e.g. Prawns, squids, clams (Never a fan of grilled sea food)
Anyway, this will be decided later on. Members, do confirm attendance so we might work out on the food and drink budget.

"One of the very nicest things about life is the way we must regularly stop whatever it is we are doing and devote our attention to eating. "
~A quote from Luciano Pavarotti and William Wright, Pavarotti, My Own Story-

Saturday, August 18, 2007

Random Toasts...

Here's a toast i came across few days ago... Thought I'd share it with all of you. You may use it as a toasts in a function..

Here goes..

"I would like to make a toast to lying, stealing, cheating and drinking. If you have to lie, lie for a friend, if you have to steal, steal a heart. If you have to cheat, cheat death. And if you have to drink, drink with me!"


Anyway, anyone thinks that Streamyx had been rather a pain in the buttocks lately? I had so much to write on Post Mortem Meeting, upcoming BBQ Fellowship on the 31st August, 07 or simply for the sake of updating the blog on daily basis. I am actually typing this at home now and somehow my computer at home have trouble uploading pictures to the blog. I usually blog during free time in the office. (Now, I hope my boss does not read this.:)

So okay. We had our post mortem installation meeting last wednesday (15th August 2007) at Higashi Tei Restaurant. Much was discussed on the hitches and flaws during the installation dinner. Well, this flaws come to tell us that there's always room for improvement. I was glad that despite the pointing out of what should have been done by so and so, everyone were able to discuss things rationally and to receive feedbacks with open heart and mind. That is what Toastmasters about. Receiving evaluation, good or bad, positively. All in all, the meeting ended in good spirit and we proceed to President's Datin Grace speech where she had to complete a speech project in the "Speech for Special Occasion Manual." Her speech was evaluated by CL Dusun Chong.

Another update. See the picture above. That's our current Area K2 Governer, Elizabeth Goh. Very poised right? The good news is, she will attend our training meeting on the 23rd August 2007. So, do come. In conjunction with the National Day which is just around the corner, the training meeting will adopt the theme "Malaysian Night". Members, you know what you need to do. Dress to the theme. You may use your Cheongsam, Kebaya, Batik Shirt etc. I'm looking forward to see everyone in colourful cultural/ethnic attires.

I'm going off now. I had what I think the most tiring day in my life. I'm suprised I could type this much. Initially, I planned to just drop by the blog but my hand got itchy and I end up writing a post. Gee weez!! (Is that how you use it, Janet? ;P)
Cheers for now,

TM Melissa

Wednesday, August 15, 2007

Aren't you glad to be a Toastmaster?

The possible answers for the post title which questioned "Aren't you glad to be a Toastmaster?" will be:-
  1. Yes! Definitely Yes! (Have to be sincere one!)
  2. Er, ya.. ( not too convincing)
  3. No ( Why need to be so frank one?? At least pretend to be glad..)
I ran a poll when I started the blog a week ago on why do you join the Toastmasters. So far I can see the main reasons according to statistics are self development or fellowship. Of course one answered company's obligation. No matter what reason it may be, it's okay as long as you're a Toastmaster.
Now, at this point you may enjoy being in the club or otherwise. I for instant love the club because I see the benefits of being in this club which include improved communication skills, public speaking skills, and polished up leadership skills by assuming roles etc. The opportunity to meet new, interesting and inspiring people from all over the places or even world (it is possible, you know) is definitely a bonus.
So again, I enjoy being a Toastmaster and good news is you can enjoy it too. If you feel the experience of being one is somewhat mundane or not too interesting, I advice instead of slacking away, make an effort to get more involved. You don't have to be an executive committee to be involved in the club. Being a Toastmaster itself gives you all the privilege to be involved; do speeches, take up roles, contribute in newsletters or this blog, or event spent me a cuppa coffee..; ) and lots of other ways you can get involved. It is only when you dedicate an ounce of your time that you will enjoy the benefits of Toastmasters or just simply enjoy. It's like the saying that goes "You reap what you sow!" You have to earn enjoyment people! It doesn't just come.
So people, be glad that you're a Toastmaster. If you're not, call this hotline number 012-8105558 (To assist you when you feel lost in the Club) I found this article http://www.lifehack.org/articles/communication/why-you-need-to-be-a-toastmaster.html on why you need to be a toastmasters. Well, good thing is you already are unless you're someone random who happens to visit this site. Thank you very much. But yeah, do click on the link and read the articles and you'll be reminded what Toastmasters can do for you! You may also send the link to your friends, families, or colleagues to tell them of Toastmasters.
So this is me signing off..
Cheers!
TM Melissa
VPPR 2007/2008

Monday, August 13, 2007

Pidato Installation Banquet on 11th August 2007

Last Saturday (11th August 2007), 10 of us from Sandakan Toastmasters attended the Pidato Installation Night including our very own President Datin Grace Chiu. It was rather eventful with witty MCs, a dance called Poco Poco, some declamation of poems, and of course the very delicious Roasted Chicken. Oops. Okay. The main thing was of course the installation of the new committee for term 2007/2008.

Pidato Toastmasters is a club to emulate. Started just a couple of years back, they had came a long way and last term achieved a perfect 10 out of 10 goals thus earning them President Distinguished Club. The way I see it, the Pidato members are also very enthusiastic bunch. From what I've heard, each meeting, members were so eager to speak that they had to squeeze 6 speeches at one time.

Well, all I've got to say is GOOD FOR THEM! And I hope they continue their achievements for the next term 2007/2008 under the leadership of Datuk Hassan, the newly installed Pidato President.
Cheers for now,
Toastmasters In Duty would like to take a coffee break. :)

Sandakan 12th Installation Banquet- Part 2

And here's Part 2. Just a little note.

The Toastmasters Installation is held every year to signify the transition of one term to the next. It is undoubtly an auspicious event for all members. With the beginning of new term and the current theme 'Make a Difference' which had been told over and over again (Repetition is Good!), I hope this will also reflects in the member's spirit for Toastmasters, be it new or old members.

Of course appreciation goes to the outgoing committee of 2006/2007 for serving the club so well thus earning the club 'President Distinguished Club'.

The outgoing Committees 2006/2007: "Congratulations, ya all!"

Now, let's make way for the new committee for the term 2007/2008, shall we?

Sandakan Toastmasters Committees for 2007/2008: "All the best, ya all!"

Members pledged to be committed in their respective roles for the new term. Installation was preceeded by Elizabeth Goh, Area K2 Governer


Well, I'm going to take a break here. Anyway, for those of you who would like those pictures ( there are tons more), please contact TM Alice Kok (+6016-826 4272) for the pictures in DVD format.

Yours truly is signing off,

TM Melissa

VPPR 2007/2008



Finally!- 12th Sandakan Toastmasters Installation-Part 1

Sandakan Toastmasters 12th Installation Banquet Night

Time: 7pm, Date: 4th August 2007, Venue: Sabah Hotel Ballroom

Theme: Black & White Affair

Apologies for the late post on the recent installation. I actually got the pictures last week, but bloody Tm.Net was down. Really one! Okay, no excuses now. So, I'll let the pictures do the talking. (Since there's tons of pictures, I'll break the post into several parts ok) So here's part 1!

Members and guests were greeted by incoming President, Datin Grace Chiu and fellow Toastmasters

The night was started off with New York Dance by Sandakan Toastmasters member themselves.

Master and Mistress Ceremony of the night: The Dashing Dr Edmund Fernandez and Dazzling Luna Chua

From Left to Right: Agnes Yap (President of KK Toastmasters), Ronald Tang (Past Area K1 Governer), Low Yat Seow (Past District Governer) and wife, Lucy (President of Tawau Toastmasters)

The VIPs as well

Ernst & Young

TM Kenny and ATMB Judy

TM How Kee and guests

Datuk Hassan and Datin Nuri (both very aspiring Toastmasters)

TM Jr Chia and guests

From Left to Right: Marc, TM Alice, TM Barnabas, TM Frankie and CL Janet

"Is that all?" you might wonder or ask. I told you earlier this is only Part 1. :) By the way, Sandakan installation night was also updated at Tawau Toastmasters and District 51, Area K2 webpage.

Look out for Part 2. ;)


Saturday, August 11, 2007

Training Meeting - 9th August 2007

Another fun and educational meeting! Fatimah Yassin, ATMS and 2 Sandakan Mandarin Toastmasters were with us. It was supposed to be a joint meeting with the other two clubs but due to Pak Lah's arrival on that day, the turnout of the members was low. Nevertheless, the quality overcomes the quantity. Toastmaster of the evening was none other than our VPE Norman, always smiling, full of enthusiasm and a fan of Anthony Robbin.
New member Lam Chee Kuan took up his first club role player as the 'Ah Counter'. Yours truly here, conducted the table topics 'Jeopardy' style and members who spoke within the time limit were rewarded 'Kit Kats'. I thought Ling How Kee was brilliant with his imaginative description of his 'life as a mirror in a ladies boutique'.

Delicious 'Tom Yam' noodles were served during break time. For the monthly birthday celebration, a cheese cake was ordered for August babe, our President Grace and the dudes, Norman and Barnabas (absent)Fatimah gave a talk on Service to members and she also accounted her experience of how she rose up to the challenge as Division K Governor last term. Mission accomplished (word of the day),her division was President Distinguished. In her general evaluation, she suggested that word masters introduce 'happy and positive' words. Ha Cheun Hoo presented his 7th CC project. His power point presentation was outstanding, so was his speech 'How to invest safe and smart'.

Ha & Fatimah playing with facial expressions and body language...
Meeting ended on time and as usual the fellowship continued at our usual supper place...

Contributed by,

ATMB Luna Chua

Friday, August 10, 2007

Greetings from the Bulletin Editor


As the bulletin editor for this term,i'll try my very best to publish the best bulletin for our members and perhaps,outsiders as well.

We always say that a Toastmaster wears many hats,i see it this way: In our Club,i believe that everyone is doing each other's jobs,in a harmony way of course, because how good will a VPE be if there's no member who give speeches,take part in competition etc? How good will a VPM be if members do not spread the news around and introduce the clubs to their friends? How good a VPPR will be if there's no one interested in joining the party and enjoy it? This question goes to the other posts as well. We need each other in the club in order to "Make a Difference".

So members and guests,do give me your greatest smiles when i am taking your photos ok? I'm sure this will help our bulletin to look very different because every photos taken will show that members and guests are enjoying themselves in our Club's meeting/gathering. Thank you.

Thursday, August 9, 2007

2nd Exco Meeting and updates

Last night we had our 2nd exco meeting at Datin's Grace residence.

Much was discussed in regards to the club's current standing, goals to achieve and ways to achieve it. VPE Norman Chin work out a good plan and looking at it, I'm positive that we can achieve club's goal to be a President Distinguished Club for this term. So members, let's refuel our passion and gear up for action!

On a side note, as I'm writing this now, I can't wait to attend tonight's meeting. We will have the honor of Immediate Past Division K Governor Fatimah Yasin who will be attending tonight's training meeting. Plus, as the humorous speech contest and evaluation contest are just around the corner, she will give us a motivational talk. Looking forward to that!

Speaking of humourous speech and evaluation contest, please be reminded that both contests will be held on 30th August 2007, 7.30pm at Sabah Hotel. Specific venue to be advised. So, those who are still interested to participate, please inform VPE cum Organizer for the contest Norman Chin. He can be reach through his email chinnorman73@yahoo.com or call/sms him at 013- 863 3907.

Last but not the least, this month August babes and dudes are our own President, Datin Grace Chiu, CL Norman Chin and TM Barnabas Fung. Club committee is planning to have a sort of get together/fellowship BBQ at President's residence. Proposed date is on 31st August 2007. I will announce this again during the training meeting course.

That's it for now. Oh before I sign off, we will get the 12th installation banquet pictures from the hired photographer today. So, do look out for the 12th installation post!

~Food for thoughts~

"Two roads diverge in a wood, and I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference." -Robert Frost

Wednesday, August 8, 2007

Forewords

Greetings to all fellow toastmasters and guests!


Well, to start off, we have finally embark into the blogging world..!! Now, how's that to start off the new term with the theme 'Make a Difference'?..:D We are surely making the step to make a difference now.


'Make a Difference'. A theme so straightforward and simple to comprehend without much thoughts but yet so powerful. This theme reminded me of the story below that was told several times over the years but never failed to inspire me.

One day, an old man was walking along the beach in the early morning and noticed the tide had washed thousands of starfish up on the shore. Up ahead in the distance he spotted a boy who appeared to be gathering up the starfish, and one by one tossing them back into the ocean.
He approached the boy and asked him why he spent so much energy doing what seemed to be a waste of time.

The boy replied, "If these starfish are left out here like this they will bake in the sun, and by this afternoon they will all be dead."
The old man gazed out as far as he could see and responded, "But, there must be hundreds of miles of beach and thousands of starfish. You can't possibly rescue all of them. What difference is throwing a few back going to make anyway?"

The boy then held up the starfish he had in his hand and replied, "It's sure going to make a lot of difference to this one!"

So, fellow readers, you don't have to do something outrageous to make a difference. Take one step at a time.

I guess that's all for now. Going to post about the recent 12th Sandakan Toastmasters Installation Banquet with pictures and all soon. So do drop by again!

Cheers in Toastmasters!