Official Visit of Bethels #42 and #24 and Coronation Ball

This weekend was another very long weekend for Indiana Job's Daughters.

Early Saturday morning, my mother and I met Anita and began the seemingly endless journey to New Albany for the Official Visit of Bethels #42 and #24. It was worth it when I arrived to Tootsie pops on the tables and a few minutes until breakfast. Of course, breakfast was wonderful, and I began to meet both the Daughters and the candidates for that day. I also got to meet the Jobie-to-Bees who were initiated into the Bee program at Bethel #42. I really enjoyed that because it was the first time I had ever seen the Jobie-to-Bee ceremony, and it didn't hurt that the two girls were completely adorable. Then we started into the Initiation. We initiated three new members on Saturday, and I assisted by performing the initatory part for Third Messenger. Overall, I had a great time, and I really enjoyed myself.

Genesis, Anita, my mother, and I had some time to kill before Coronation Ball, but I didn't get to go to Kentucky because Anita was having enough trouble trying to find out where and which direction we were supposed to go. We stopped at McDonald's, and while Anita was talking on the phone, Genesis and I ran across the parking lot to get pictures with the Big Boy, which is a restaurant for those of you who don't know. It was pretty funny because Genesis and I were receiving some strange looks, not much unusual about that.

Finally, we were off to Coronation Ball. I loved the 60s theme. My dress was awesome if I do say so myself. Some of the adults even dressed up. It was so much fun, even though we didn't have as much participation from the other youth organizations. There were some Demolay and some Rainbow Girls there, and I think they had a good time. I spent half of the night changing sashes and tiaras. Maddy won Jr. Coronation Queen, and Amanda Gilbert won Coronation Queen, and I think I will take this opportunity to congratulate them. The mix of music, decorations, and of course, the food, were fun and "groovy." Now I think I finally have the dance for Cotton-Eyed Joe committed to memory. I will probably forget it by next dance though. Overall, I really enjoyed this year's Coronation Ball.

Don't forget about Ritual Revision, ladies. This is the last week to make comments. Please step up and voice your opinions. This is your organization, and this is your opportunity to have a role in what our Ritual may look like in a year or so. You can make comments on iojd.org under the Ritual Revision tab. I will see you all very soon, but until next time, Happy Halloween!

Official Visits of Bethels 108, 32 and 67 and Bethels 34 and 68 and Demolay Halloween Party

I had another very busy weekend.

It began with the Official Visit of Bethels 108, 32, and 67 at Fishers. I had a great time. They did the Majority Ceremony, and I took part in the Ceremony as Second Messenger. I couldn't believe the shoes those two girls were wearing though. I couldn't have walked in those for more than a split second if I had been wearing them on my feet. It was great to see every office but one filled with some officers in twos. I guess I wasn't as happy to see the Majority Ceremony again, though. The Daughters did a great job with their parts, but I wish I could be seeing a few more Initiations where we gain members instead of lose them. That's alright. I believe Anita said that we have or are ready to bring in about 38 new members total this term. I hope that we'll get up to 50 though. I would like to finally hit that 100 new member goal. Of course the food was great afterwards, even though I only ate a peanut butter and jelly sandwich because I don't like chili.

Then it was off to Sheridan for the Official Visit of Bethels 34 and 68. They also did Majority Ceremony. It was great to see them dedicate Jeanne Fletcher's (formerly known as Ward) daughter. She was so cute, and she loved the little toy Elecia gave her because it squeaked when she squeezed it. They also did a great job on the Majority Ceremony, and it was funny to see the sister duo, Carolyn and Brittany Winebar. The food was tasty afterward, as usual.

After that, Genesis, Anita, my mother, and I went to Steel City Demolay's Halloween party. Genesis and I didn't sleep in the car as we had planned, but thank heavens we didn't, because if we had, Anita would have been lost because she was talking so much that she didn't realize she had passed the Coslets, who we were supposed to be following. We arrived and were greeted by some familiar faces from up North, namely Maddy, Junior Miss Indiana Congeniality, and Sam, Demolay State Sweetheart. Genesis dressed as a cheerleader, and I dressed as a butterfly. I even had one of those light-up tiaras from Wal-mart. It was hilarious. We danced the night away, convincing the boys to sway to the slow songs with us in a big circle by telling them
that they could tell their friends they had slow danced with six pretty girls all at once. The cake was amazing, even though I was perfectly content to just eat all of the candy provided. It was a really great time, and at the end of the night, Maddy, Genesis, and I convinced Anita and Susan that we needed some Miss time so we should stay at Maddy's house together.

I was up for about 22 hours that day, once you factor in the time difference, but it was worth it. I had a great time. I hope next weekend's Coronation Ball is just as fun.

Remember girls, Ritual Revisions are only up for a few more weeks. Don't forget the Bethel News either, girls. Share what your Bethel's doing with the entire state. Just write an article, however long or short, and send it to Julie Cox, the Bethel News editor by the 10th of each month. It's very easy, and if you girls decide to use it, it is a great forum for the sharing of ideas. I hope to see all of you next weekend!

A Very Busy Weekend

Well, it's been an incredibly busy weekend for me, especially since it was my fall break!!!

Friday, my Bethel Guardian invited me to the District 8 Meeting for Eastern Star. The food was great, of course. I was happy to see some familiar faces and see some very dedicated ones there as well with three 50+ year members in the meeting. The most hilarious part of the meeting was when Past Worthy Grand Patron Hugaholic Howard stood up and said that everyone should get to know me because I am going to be president one day. I hope I have everyone's vote!!! Overall, I had a great time, and I was happy to have the opportunity to form even more of a bond with our other Masonic family organizations.

Saturday was Grand Bethel Leadership Conference. The survivor theme worked out well, and I had a great time while I was with the older girls working with Grand Bethel Senior Princess, Brittany Winebar, talking about self-esteem and healthy forms of expression. The adults worked on their adult proficiency, and I don't know exactly what the younger girls did, but they all told me it was fun. Lunch was yummy, and while we were eating, Raquel gave a short presentation on healthy diets. I can't really say I follow any of her tips, but they're good to know anyway. That afternoon, we worked off lunch by taking a class in self-defense. It was so much fun. Genesis and I were having our own version of a WWE smackdown!!! She couldn't pry me off her hand using the circle technique the trainer taught us, so I was catching her so she wouldn't fall on the floor. It was absolutely hilarious. I hope more girls will come next year.

Sunday was the Statewide Go-to-Church Sunday and the Grand Bethel Soups Cook-Off. Unfortunately, Maddy couldn't assist in the service, but Elecia, Genesis, Mandy, and I all helped to complete the service. The Chaplain was hilarious with his sermon on "God created us man and woman." The cross was beautiful, though it was very small. Mandy signed, which added to the affect. The girls and I then assisted in the Wheelchair Ministry, which is the part of Go-to-Church Sunday that I know the girls look forward to most. I didn't get lost, so I was happy. Then everyone made their way downstairs to the Grand Bethel Soups Cook-Off. Genesis won first place, and Dave Peter won second. Now Dave is showing off that at the Bethel meetings. Oh well! At least this time, we've convinced him to make his soup for us, so we're getting something out of it! I even got to eat a soup this year since I don't actually like chili or vegetable soup, and I definitely ate ice cream. I also ended up with lots of candy. I don't know who sent out the memo that everyone should sell candy bars, but it seemed to me like everyone was selling them.

Well, Monday I had a meeting, and I now have three Halloween parties to attend. If there are many more, then I'm going to have to repeat costumes. I hope everyone is planning on attending some of the events this month, particularly Coronation Ball, which is one of my favorite events of the year. I will be sure to see you around!!!

Grand Bethel Getaway

Grand Bethel Getaway was this weekend, and I must say that I am still exhausted. I had a great time with the girls down at the Demolay Chateau in Bloomington. There was a ton of great food, and I have to admit that I am going to try to replicate that omelet in a bag recipe soon. We played a ton of games, including dodgeball. I liked the dodgeball a lot, and I kept trying to get Raquel and Jasmine out. We also tried to learn a certain dance. It was kind of hard, but I think we have it down now. Now, just hope that I don't forget it before I have a chance to show off my new moves at Coronation Ball. We played a ton of Christmas games, which Tara always won. I think I need to consult my teachers about my ridiculous lack of time to watch television since I had no idea what anyone was talking about. Overall, it was a great time, and I really enjoyed it. Next year, I will definitely be going back if it's possible!

I hope to see everyone this weekend at Go-to-Church Sunday!!!