Bring People Together

Virginia and I left Lady Lydia's Karaoke Lounge at the same time. It was ten o'clock in the evening, still quite early for a social gathering in a metropolitan city like Taipei. But it was Sunday and it was after the District 67 Spring Convention 2008. Every participant seemed a little eager to call it a night after District 67 Governor, Japanese delegates, and American keynote speaker left at nine. Golden ladies hung around for another hour or so to drink, to karaoke, to dance, and to chat.

On our way up to the grand hall from the lounge, Virginia asked me what I enjoyed the most in my life at the moment. I looked up at the huge crystal chandelier high above the marble ceiling, "bring people together," I said, without a second thought. If time can be regarded as a raw material, and bring people together can be regarded as the finished product, golden ladies toastmasters were very productive last night. All seven golden ladies toastmasters showed their support to bring people around the world together to showcase the toastmasters activities in Taiwan both in public and in private.

District 67 Governor Jack Tsai brought his family to the party yesterday evening. It was the second time in a row he attended the joint D67 & D76 Toastmasters party after D67 conventions. Three years ago, we worked together to welcome 11 Japanese delegates from D76 at Cafe' Astoria after D67 Fall Convention 2005 in Taipei. Time flies. I've witnessed how much Jack has grown in toastmasters in the past three years. I was so happy that Jack brought his lovely wife and cute daughter to the joint party.

President Kazue Fujino of Fukuoka Toastmasters Club and EVP Hiromi Takigawa of Dazaifu Toastmasters Club were our guests of honor. Both of them were great karaoke singers. In fact, most Japanese toastmasters I know are excellent karaoke singers. I am convinced that Japanese are born musicians and vocal singers. That's why karaoke was created in Japan. But Taiwanese are no second. We are good at karaoke, too. So when Japanese and Taiwanese meet, karaoke is the medium of voice to bring people together.

Of course, our honor of the honors was Rory Vaden, the first runner up of public speaking 2007. He is a great speaker no doubt. On top of that, he is tall, he is handsome, and he is young. He is 25 years old. He can be a son for any golden ladies toastmasters. Rory played ping pong with me in kimono. I must say it was funny that I didn't catch the ping pong well, but my long sleeves (振り袖 furisode) did. Now I know why young Japanese women wear long sleeves kimono (to catch balls from the young and handsome).

I like toastmasters very much. I've enjoyed being among toastmasters since the day I joined the great non-profit organization 22 years ago. The Toastmasters International is a powerhouse where I exchange energy with members and recharge myself on a constant basis. From reading the toastmaster monthly, attending regular meetings and district conventions, enjoying camaraderie of golden ladies toastmasters, I am fortunate to be in a big happy-go-lucky school full of enthusiastic and passionate students and teachers.

I thank all participants who came to the Joint D67 & D76 Toastmasters Party yesterday evening. It has been more than another successful "bring people together" party. The Taiwan, Japan, US Toastmasters Party after D67 Spring Convention 2008 is one of the most memorable parties for golden ladies toastmasters.