DeMolay Sweetheart Dance, Official Visits of Bethels #38 and #107 and #86, #99, and #110, and Night at the Museum

From my calculations, I owe you a few blog entries, so I suppose I will start now before I'm three entries behind.

On February 12, I was lucky to attend the Demolay Sweetheart Dance. It was so much fun, and I was amazed at the number of people that attended. I was excited because more girls from my Bethel attended than ever before. It was really fun to see all of the other girls for the first time since All Day School of Instructions. I danced with everyone and was really impressed with some of the dancers, especially James Gordon, who's the current State Master Councilor. I had no idea that he could dance like that. I shared a slow dance with Lynn and talked and danced with everyone. The lemonade was really tasty, but the trip to McDonald's before the dance was even more hilarious because we were all in our semi-formals.

Then, on February 19, I attended a number of events, the first of which was the Official Visit of Bethels #38 and #107. I had a great time, and I was so happy to assist in the initiation of a new member, pro-temming Chaplain and doing the Inner Guard's part when necessary. Almost all of the stations were filled, and I was happy to present the new member with her gift from the Promotion Committee. I was also happy to see my friend, Jamie, presiding in the East. We were originally Honored Queens together, and I also crowned her as Junior Miss Indiana Congeniality 08-09 so we have been good friends for several years. The girls did a wonderful job in the ceremony, and I'm sure that it was very special for the initiate.

From Bethel #38, Speedway, I sped to Bethel #99, Plainfield. I pro-temmed Third Messenger there, and it was an extremely short Official Visit with the candidates absent, but they informed us that they will be initiating them soon. I am looking forward to that. The Official Visit went well, and I was happy to see the sidelines filled. Three Honored Queens sat side by side in the East, and I was happy to see that. The food and fellowship directly after the meeting was fun, as always. The Daughters had made pizzas for us so I was a bit suspicious when one of them made the remark that "she wasn't going to eat it." Everyone was very excited because it was nearly time to leave for Night at the Museum.

Finally, after shifting luggage from one trunk to another, we were off to Louisville. I was really excited because it was my first trip to Kentucky. The drive was hilarious, but if I learned anything, I learned that Genesis and I can never sleep when we're together. The most hilarious part of the drive was when Vicki's pants were wet, and after trying all the other methods we could think of, we dried her pants by hanging them out the window, that is, until they started "knocking" against the window to let us know that they wanted back inside. We were pretty late so Genesis and I decided we'd stick together since neither of us knew where anything was. We watched the girls do their experiments to solve a mystery, mostly because we missed the instructions. Then, after a short snack, it was time to begin the scavenger hunt. Genesis and I went together with some of the little girls from Bethel #107, but we had some issues when we lost them in all the mayhem and could never hear exactly what we were supposed to be looking for. When we got lost, we started playing games. We learned one thing: Genesis drives much better drunk than she does when she's sober, at least according to a simulation. We almost missed the IMAX presentation, but I made it in just in time to get blinded and dizzy from the screen. I thought the film was interesting. It was all about how Boeing made its 787. After that, the scavenger hunt really began-for our luggage. That was much more difficult than the scavenger hunt for information. Finally, everyone found their things, and I laid down to sleep next to the girls from Kentucky. The morning was chaotic as everyone reloaded their things and went down to breakfast with bedheads and sleep in their eyes. Even though Genesis and I had a very late night, we still didn't manage to sleep at all on the ride home. Overall, it was a fun time and fabulous experience that I'm trying to duplicate here at the new Children's Museum at Terre Haute.

Well, tomorrow, I shall see many of you again. I can't wait, and I am looking forward to the rest of this term!

Official Visit of Bethels #44 and #54 and DeMolay Installation

Well, once again, I must begin this post by apologizing for all the time that has elapsed between now and the actual event I attended.

On Saturday, November 20, I left for Crown Point. I had a good time there, and I was fortunate enough to be able to participate in the Ceremony of Initiation as Guide. I was so happy that I even managed to get the girl's honor bands on. That was the hardest part of being Guide. I still can't do my own honor band either. It was a good time, and I received a lot of presents and even a Justin Bieber folder. The Ceremony went well, and I was able to speak to the girls as well as the initiates before the meeting. The best part of the day was that I broke the tradition. If you're wondering what tradition, I mean that the last time I visited Bethel #44, Crown Point as Junior Miss Indiana Congeniality, I fell down the stairs. This term, I am happy to report that I have not fallen at all. The meal was tasty, though I ate it on the run as some of the other girls and I made our way to Valparaiso for a DeMolay Installation.

The DeMolay Installation was incredible. The adults did a wonderful job performing several ceremonies, which I had heard about, but rarely seen. I was probably most fascinated by the Ceremony that took place before the Installation even began. It was a tribute to our National Anthem, "The Star Spangled Banner." It was really impressive, and it shed some light on what precisely the song is about and why we sing it. I also was privileged to see the Ceremony of the Lights, which explains the seven cardinal virtues of a member of DeMolay, which are similar to the teachings of Job's Daughters, and the Flower Talk, which is a tribute to those that have raised us, and in which the members present their mother or sometimes father or grandparent with roses. They has roses left, and my "tiara girls" as they referred to Amanda G., Samantha B., Madison M., and I were given the remaining roses. The boys were great, and the newly installed Master Councilor was practically speechless, but his speech was from the heart, and that's what really matters. I also left with extra sandwiches. I left with flowers and food so in my opinion, it was a very good day.

Well, I hope everyone is preparing for a wonderful Installation, term, and holiday season. I hope to see you all soon, hopefully at some of the Installations and most definitely in the new term. Stay busy and warm.

Official Visit of Bethel #22, Arch Presentation, Shrine Youth Dance, Bethel #121's Go-to-Church Sunday, and Ruth Goss

I'd like to start this blog by apologizing for its tardiness. I have been trying to maintain my blog, but recently I changed classes, and this is what has prevented me from blogging.

Last Saturday, I was fortunate enough to attend the Official Visit of Bethel #22, Bloomington. Their ceremony was really cute with using the little cards to spell out "Job's Daughters" and use the letters to explain the principles of our Order, and as usual, the food was great. I must say that I was so happy to return. Their Bethel is really blossoming, considering we reinstituted them only three years ago. I was fortunate enough to be a part of that ceremony, and I am really proud of the growth they have undergone over the last few years.

After the Official Visit, Tiffany, Brettney N., my mom, and I went to the Arch presentation. I learned a new game called "Cows" on the way. Apparently, you look for cows and shout out "My cows!" Then, if you're losing, you look for graveyards, which kill one of the other person's cows. It was quite hilarious because even though I wasn't playing, I was still looking for cows and graveyards. I am sorry Bethels #53 and #37 for missing your Official Visit, but this was a very good promotional opportunity where I was to speak on behalf of Indiana Job's Daughters. This was the first time Indiana has ever done this ceremony, and since there was no part exclusively written for Job's Daughters, so Tiffany and I were able to really tailor the speech for this to Indiana Job's Daughters. Though the production had some technological difficulty, everyone was quite touched when the star of the show, Jessica, an actual patient from the Hospital, walked through the Arch. She was so cute. Despite the technological difficulties, everyone seemed to walk out with more knowledge about all the Masonic family organizations, and I received many compliments on my signing to "God Bless America" to conclude the program, which brought many people over to out promotional display after the ceremony. I sat in this tiny car, and I tried on this humongous crown from Daughters of the Nile. I thought the Miss Indiana crown was big, but I was wrong. We came home with around three prospective members, so I think it was a success.

After I had some dinner, it was time for the Shrine Youth Dance. I had a really great time, and I thought the turnout from all three youth organizations was pretty good. I don't know how long it has been since all of the youth leaders were together. I had a great time dancing, and it was just an overall good time. The music was really loud, but everyone seemed to be having fun. It was great to see such a good turnout from the other Bethels and hear about the second Official Visit of the day. I heard there was some craziness in the East, but I won't name any names. You all know who you are. Genesis made remarks for the first time at the second Official Visit, and I heard she did a pretty good job. Then, I was commended on my sign language again in front of the entire dance. Thank you, everyone who attended, and as I don't see Penny and Mandy often, I want to thank the two of you for teaching me "God Bless America" in sign language. I never thought I would get so much use out of it.

After a late night on Saturday, I went to Go-to-Church Sunday for Bethel #121. It was too small to form the cross, but instead we went to the front of the room and sang "Nearer My God to Thee" while we assumed the Attitude of Prayer. It was a really beautiful church. I found myself admiring the stained glass windows for quite a bit of time. I got some great breakfast at Hardee's and took advantage of the opportunity to promote Job's Daughters, so I was pretty happy to take part in this event.

Unfortunately, the same day I heard that Ruth Goss, Past Supreme Guardian from my Bethel, Bethel #2, died. She was a great lady, and we honored her by forming the cross at her viewing on Wednesday night. There, I saw some of the most important moments of her life, and there was a picture of her with my Bethel just a year ago. I want to think Bethels # 5 and #121 for helping us form the cross. The Honored Queen of my Bethel, Mallory Howard, carried Ruth Goss's Past Grand Guardian's pin into the cross. She was an incredible woman, and our Order will sorely miss her.

Tomorrow is the last Official Visit of the term, and I would like to thank everyone for their warm welcomes this term. Please let me know when your Installations are, and I will try to make it. Warm wishes for the upcoming holiday season!

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!

Official Visits of Bethels #107 and #38 and Bethels #86 and #99 and Hike Tea Silent Auction

Well, it was a very busy weekend for Indiana Job's Daughters! Sorry it's taken me longer than usual to write, but I attended my own Bethel meeting yesterday and have been trying to juggle everything.

First I went to the Official Visit of Bethels #107 and #38. I loved the theme of "Are you smarter than a Job's Daughter?" It was hilarious. The programs were really cute too, and now, I can say I've fulfilled my dream of becoming Homecoming Queen. Most importantly though, I was fortunate enough to witness the Majority Ceremony. Congratulations to Felicity and Jean. I have known both of them for a very long time. In fact, Jean helped during my initiation. The girls did a beautiful job, in spite of Anita's cell phone ringing in the middle of the ceremony. Another great part of the morning was the presentation of the HIKE flag from Hubert Haynes, Past Associate Supreme Guardian, to Anita and Lynn for the Grand Guardian Council. Girls, Indiana is the jurisdiction ranked third in receiving the awards, and so we need to continue to raise as much money as possible. Make sacrifices, girls, like the pie in the face that I took!!! In the reception, they had cute little sack lunches made up, and "Are you smarter than a Job's Daughter?" really began. Anita and Elecia went head to head, with Elecia winning. Then I volunteered my Associate Bethel Guardian, Dave Peter, to be a contestant. Dave beat the Associate Bethel Guardian from Bethel #107. He showed us his certificate at the meeting last night. He is very proud.

Next, I went to Bethel #86, West Newton for their Official Visit with Bethel #99. I had a lot of fun, sitting in the back with Genesis as Guide and Marshal. Unfortunately, they didn't initiate as they had planned to, but they did a beautiful tribute to the Bethel Flag. They are supposed to intiate on October 5th, and they need lots of help so check out the Bulletins page for more information on that. I had a good time there, and my favorite part of the meeting was when all of the adults looked completely stumped when Alicia said "Jolly Rancher." It's a part of their tradition. They pick some random word before the meeting, and Alicia says it during a part of the meeting when the girls aren't expecting it. The girls are supposed to shout it out. It keeps the girls listening and paying attention during the meeting. I thought it was an interesting idea.

Sunday, Anita and I traveled to Fort Wayne for the Hike Tea Silent Auction. The little baskets the girls had made were so cute, especially this little Frankenstein one! I had a great time just talking with the girls and other friends from around the state. I won a door prize, which was cool. It was great to see everyone, especially a prospective member for a Bethel up there, as well as a girl that had been newly initiated.

Overall, I had a great weekend. I hope everyone is planning on going to the Coronation Ball on October 23rd! It'll be groovy with the 60's theme. I hope some of you are planning to go out for the Coronation Queen and Junior Coronation Queen. After all, Genesis and I are going to need some practice crowning!!!

Official Visits of Bethels 5 and 2 and Bethels 121 and 110

Well, I had the pleasure of being home this weekend, a pleasure I have not had in a while.

First of all, I would like to welcome two new members to our Order, and more specifically to my Bethel. I was so happy to welcome Steffani and Mikayla to our organization yesterday. I was even more excited than usual to initiate since my Bethel has not initiated since my term as Honored Queen from December 2008 to June 2009. I was happy to meet some of Clinton's members for the first time. It's always nice to see new faces in our organization, though not always nice to have to learn their names, but that's just because I'm awful with names.

Second of all, I just have to say that I am so proud of my Bethel. We have been doing practice initiation a lot this term to prepare for initiating these new members, and that is the best we have done initiation yet. I only hope that we get to use it again for more new candidates. I would also like to thank those that came and helped us initiate those new members. I truly appreciate it, and I know that I can speak on behalf of my Bethel when I say that they truly appreciate all of your help too. Thanks to everyone that attended!

Best of all though, I got homemade ice cream afterwards. Oh my goodness, it was so good!!! I put chocolate syrup and cookie crumbles on mine, but sadly, I couldn't even finish my sundae because all of the Italian food for the main course was so tasty too.

From there, I went to Bethel #121, Knightsville for the Official Visit of Bethels 121 and 110. I was so happy to see Jamie since I have not seen her in forever!!! I did well on my part for the Obligation Ceremony that I learned in five minutes, which made me extremely proud of myself, and even better was getting to hear Anita dedicate her granddaughter, Hailey, and hear her get so sentimental when she talked about some of her Grand Officers. The sidelines were pretty full at both Bethels, and I was so happy to be able to be a part of both ceremonies.

Well, the next big event on the agenda is Job-A-Rama, and I am so excited that we will be able to welcome the Supreme Team. I hope everyone has been working on their skits so we can really impress them and show them how truly unique the Indiana Daughters are. FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO HAVE NOT HEARD ME ANNOUNCE IT AT THE OFFICIAL VISITS, SKITS ARE TO BE NO LONGER THAN FIVE (5) MINUTES LONG!!! I can't wait to see you all there. Then we'll be rushing to Masonic Home Day for another great day full of fun and friendship.

Official Visits of Bethels 115 and 25 and Bethels 8 and 27

Yesterday was an awesome day. It was the way we should kick off all Official Visits. We had a lot of people on the sidelines. It was great to see all of the visiting Job's Daughters, the Past Honored Queens, the Worshipful Masters, the Grand Family, the Past Grands, Grand Bethel Officers, and most of the Misses at both of the Official Visits.

Bethels 8 and 27 did the Majority Ceremony for four of their members. There were a lot of tears in the room and from the girls as they tried to recite their parts. It was a very sentimental ceremony, and it was absolutely apparent how much the girls receiving their Majority Degree meant to their Bethel. The ceremony was impressive, and I know it meant a lot to the girls and will be something they remember and cherish for years to come. Elecia tried to say that Genesis, Maddy, and I were the only ones to come up with the title for her award based on Ritual work. For the record, she gave us three options, and we all thought that the "You're totally legit" award best fit Elecia. The Librarians' Reports were so cute, especially Bethel 8 with their song from the DoodleBops called "Let's Get on the Bus." It was a great way to start off the morning, and I was glad that I had gotten up at 3:00 in the morning to attend. My favorite part though, of course, was the food, which was excellent and gave me enough energy that I could keep going for the rest of the day.

From Fort Wayne, I went to the Official Visit of Bethels 115 and 25. It was a great time, and the Obligation Ceremony was not only lovely, but it also reminded me that today marks five years of membership for me in Job's Daughters. It was obviously pretty special to me, and I think it meant just as much to everyone else who shared in the Ceremony as it did to me. It was another great day and I felt at home since I was in my other Associate Grand Guardian's Bethel. I had a great time, and the theme of Back to School was very appropriate as I went back to school last Tuesday. I had a great time and was happy to see the sidelines so full.

Next up is my own Official Visit, so I'm looking forward to staying a bit closer to home this time. I hope we have as great a turnout as these two Bethels did this weekend.