Rotary Ann Lifestyle:
Lucky 13
by
First Lady Sea Princess

At last week's October 13 Rotary meeting, 13 Anns including myself showed up in the 1st Ann's Day of DOV's term. Pretty good turnout considering it is quite early and almost a waste of time for them. Of the 9 ladies that confirmed, 5 didn't even show as noted in the program assignees. Good thing Rtn. Bobby was quick to scout for willing volunteers. But Ann Sandy Abad Santos, who already came from early mass, was quick to pass the opportunity to her hubby who was announcing some upcoming event.

What do you think was the main reason I did attend for the 1st time at such an ungodly hour of the day?

1) I do love DOV and support him all the way (NOT!!!).
2) There actually was a prize for just showing up (NO BUDGET! HOUSE-BUILDING).
3) The persistence of DOV in waking me up and getting me out of bed (at that time, NOTHING WILL WAKE ME), or
4) I was totally intrigued with what really goes on during the Rotary meeting (JUST CHECKING!)

Well, I guess it's a bit of all of the 4 answers but mainly because I would have gotten so guilty to the Anns that showed up. I still remember Ann Crispy calling me personally to invite for some Rotary function when she was first lady. I should have been more supportive. Now I have Cherry, the Rotary secretariat, do all the calling. But it's never too late so I'm on a roll.

The whole experience was actually more fun than I expected. I guess the presence of the better halves makes it more alive and interesting, just like my article gives life to this otherwise boring Pagkakaisa (together with Al's section, too!) The guest speaker was so truly informative the meeting went on overtime. DOV doesn't like that 'coz you all know how he wants the meeting to start and end on time, which we didn't. Well, leave it to me to throw him off-schedule.

Although the topic was "Exotic Vacations", the only time the Rotarians were totally interested was when she mentioned Zamboanga. Not because of its exciting beaches but its newest golf course. Typical of them, don't you think! They had the most inquiries about that location as compared to any of other places she suggested.

"Explore the wilderness!" was her come-on. The only wilderness they've been to was Camiguin, also a place near a golf course. If I remember right, after roughing it in there, half of them, including DOV flew home with a super bum stomach. So bad was the food poisoning that DOV missed Annika's 1st birthday party. Of course, I never forgave DOV (and Rotary) for that!

Marides is pushing to divert the Rotary outings to a non-golf destination. I think we might reach a compromise with the Boracay trip planned. Sun-bathing for the non-golfers and of course golf for the rest.

The final program went:

Moderator: Ann Carla Chuatico Great job especially with her side comments
mostly directed at Paul (e.g. "Take me there,
Paul!")
Invocation: Ann Beth Mendoza Who also gets the award for coming in the
earliest, next to me of course!
Nat'l Anthem: Ann Becky Co sang with her most beautiful voice but very
softly.
Intro of Ann Gina Lagos Came complete with her little tot.
Visiting Rotarians

Fine Session: Ann Tess Moreno Made the Rotarians pay for not taking their
wives along - Good One!
Prez's Time: Moi! With my wake-up wig for your
entertainment.

Intro of Ann Marides Puyat She'll make sure we all go to some "Exotic
Guest Speaker Vacation" real soon.


Thank you ladies for attending - Crispy, Jing, Melissa, Aileen, Sandy and Veronica.

I had such a long day that Wednesday that even my spare phone battery conked out. But I felt so fulfilled. Unfortunately, my sleeping schedules went straight back to normal, that I sleep at 2:00 a.m. again. Oh well, some things never change.