Meetings come and meetings go. For eleven years now the monthly meeting of Alpha Omega has been a part of the life of a certain ditzy blonde. Out of 132 meetings, only two have had to be cancelled due to bad weather. Of those 130 left, I believe only four of them have been what you might call "non-dressed up" meetings, such as the cookout at Kathy's and my home in August.. And of that 126 left, I know that the blonde has attended about 120 of them.

Also, of 130 meetings, the blonde has been president of Alpha Omega for at least 62 of those meetings. During this last eleven years, there have been about 120 newsletters published. In those newsletters it would be safe to say there have been well over 300 pieces, ranging from President's views, editorials, general information articles, humorous (or at least , they were supposed to be) articles, articles expressing thoughts and feelings, stories, notes of recognition for service, etc. from a blonde with too much access to pens and paper.

The "Blonde Bimbo", as she was affectionately dubbed, almost from the beginning has been on the Library, the General Affairs, the Finance, the Christmas Party and Awards, the Outreach, the Interview, and two Constitutional Review Committees; and whatever else was going on, for well over ten years. I've seen this blonde write a ten page article in less than two hours, yet also seen her so frustrated because she was at a loss for words, or wasn't sure just how to write something so that others might understand her thoughts and feelings.

This certain old blonde has been a "TriEss Big Sister" for, I believe, about seven years now. Three of her "Little Sisters" are now part of Alpha Omega, and two of them have served as Vice President of the group. She has two new "Little Sisters" she has started writing to in just the last couple months. Sometimes you can be the one to help somebody, and other times you make a couple contacts and then never hear from them again, and wonder what happened.

The blonde has made it possible for Santa, Mrs. Claus, and Drill Sergeant Oswald Elf of the Elf Army to be at our Christmas Parties. She has also written some rather lame skits and song lyrics for the Christmas Party, just in the hope that they might make someone smile or laugh. I know firsthand how much it means to her to see someone smile and laugh at a meeting.

I have felt her joy when a meeting or an interview, or whatever, just seemed to feel it went so right. And then there are those times of being up at 5:00 a.m. or earlier and writing articles, or letters, or trying to plan the meeting agenda for that day, just in the hope everything WILL be okay. She's missed more than a few nights' sleep because she was concerned about a friend from the group, or because of a situation she felt might be harmful to the group. At times she just can't shut the brain off as she tries to come up with ways to keep meetings fun and interesting, as well as fulfilling of the goals of the group for everybody who attends.

I've seen her agonize over conflicts that she felt might harm the group. And I've known a few times she felt really hurt. There's even been a few times of self-doubt as to if she helped an individual, or the group as much as she could. Those are painful times for her.

When she goes around asking if people are enjoying themselves, are they having a good time, do they have any questions or concerns, etc., it isn't because she's at a loss of how to start a conversation. She asks those things because she really cares, and really wants to know. It's terribly frustrating to her when she may find out some had a question or concern, but never said a word, even when asked. You can't fix what may be a perceived problem or concern if you don't know about it.

There's been a few times in the last eleven years when someone would verbally, or in print, attack the group by itself, or because it is a chapter of TriEss. Nobody will defend the integrity of the goals and purposes of Alpha Omega and TriEss with more dedication than the blonde. She will also passionately defend the rights of everyone who is a part of Alpha Omega. This is a part of who she is, of her own personal integrity.

The good of the group and all its members is paramount to her at all times. The blonde also faces certain realities. No one group can or ever will satisfy all the needs of every crossdresser, or spouse, or partner, or family member, etc., who may be out there. That includes Alpha Omega and TriEss. Not everybody who ever enters our doors will find Alpha Omega to their liking, for whatever reasons. That is human nature.

Some people will let their fears get the best of them again. Some will feel the group doesn't add to their own personal experience. If someone needs more than social support, we may not be of much help. Depending on the individual, the focus of our group may not be what they are looking for when they join, or later on when they discover more about themselves.

The blonde has had at least two wives tell her that they were only there for their spouses and really had no concern about becoming active, or voting, or even really attending meetings. Membership will go up and down -- that is a fact. People will not always get along with each other, or agree on what the group should do. Alpha Omega works as a democracy with goals and purposes; and members have a right to vote, and everybody has a right to express their views, and even the blonde's opinion means no more than anyone else's.

No one meeting place will suit everybody. Trying to keep programs at meetings informational, worthwhile, and fun for everybody will always be a challenge. Some will want a program on makeup, while others are thinking they've already seen four or five of those. And if someone doesn't wear much makeup, what good is the program to them.

Nobody likes business meetings, but you do need them so the group knows what is going on. You do you best to make them fun.

A few hours is not enough. For some people it may not be enough. For others it may be all the time they have or can put together. For some it is enough for a meeting.

The blonde has always been in favor of building other activities and gatherings beyond just the meeting time. It just takes some people to make it happen, and if enough really want it, things will happen. The women who become a part of Alpha Omega are vital partners in the growth and success of the group. It's good to see a good attendance of women at meetings again. We had a short spell where the women's attendance did seem down. In reality we've averaged six to eight women in attendance at meetings for several years now (or about 30% of the attendance).

Meeting attendance will go up and down for reasons you have no control over. Members will move out of the area or be further away than they care to drive. The cost of a meeting will always be a factor. And I'm not talking just dues or meeting fees. There's the gas to get there, perhaps a motel room and other meals, and even just the investment of the time to be at a meeting.

For the blonde a meeting Saturday as an officer starts early in the morning, and is not done until about midnight. It's usually about an eighteen hour commitment just to, hopefully, make it look and seem that everything just fell into place. There's a lot of times that as Martin, losing a full day to do things is a real pain. But I know what it means to the blonde, and so it happens.

There are other factors, but I think you get the point. For a certain blonde, being a part of Alpha Omega is not just attending a meeting. It's a dedication of a part of her life for something that goes far beyond herself and her own needs. And I'm not sure even she can explain why she bothers, let alone does it, at least in terms others will understand.

As Martin, there are times I sit back and wonder about the blonde. The rewards, a lot of times, seem far and few between for the efforts she has put in in the last eleven years. But I can tell you this: Alpha Omega, and the good of all the people who are a part of it, and the goals and purposes the group stands for are to her worth every effort she has and will continue to do. As she watches a crossdresser or spouse or partner discover themselves for the human beings they are, she will be happy for them. As she sees friendships and relationships blossom in the group, her faith will be renewed. As she sees the group grow in number, but most importantly, grow in purpose and work together, she will take great pride in being a part of something wonderful.

I think she's crazy most of the time, but I'm glad she's a part of my life.

Martin

It’s that time of year when we look back at the past and see just what we have accomplished over the last year. Have we done some good? Have we done no harm? Have we accomplished our own personal goals? It’s that time of year when we look into the future and see just what we hope to accomplish in the coming year. We set new goals or renew again old goals. All too often these New Year’s resolutions made January 1^st barely finish out the month let alone the year. Maybe we make them too far-reaching. Or maybe we’re being unrealistic in looking at what we want to accomplish and what we can accomplish. I’m no different than anyone. I always have these high hopes that this year will be different. Will this be the year that I actually manage to reach at least one?

There are a lot of exciting new programs being developed in TriEss. In November we announced the formation of Caring Friends, a one-to-one program for SO’s designed to handle not only snail mail but cyber messengers also. Check out the website for details as we get this all important program going. (http://mattmass.knownet.net/CaringFriends/)

Welcome to one of our newest members, my daughter Arienne. Not only has she joined A-O and TriEss, she is responsible for the newest of our forums. Created December 4^th, 1999 CDKIDS. Now those children that know have their own place to talk. No adults allowed. Check out http://www.geocities.com/SouthBeach/Plateau/2476/ .-

When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,

When the road you’re trudging seems all uphill,

When funds are low, and debts are high,

And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,

When care is pressing you down a bit,

Rest if you must, BUT DON’T YOU QUIT.

Life is queer with its twists and turns,

As everyone of us sometimes learns,

And many a failure turns about,

When he might have won, had he stuck it out,

Don’t give up though the pace seems slow,

You may succeed with another blow.

Success is failure turned inside out,

The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,

And you never can tell how close you are,

It may be near, when it seems so far,

So stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit,

It’s when things seem worse, THAT YOU MUST NOT QUIT!

(author unknown)

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!! Cheryl

PORK LOIN - PEGGY

SAUSAGE AND SAUERKRAUT

PEGGY

POTATO SALAD - KATHLEEN

APPLESAUCE - VERONICA

RELISH TRAY - VERONICA

BREAD/BUTTER - KAREN

SALAD - DIANE

BAKED CHOCOLATE PUDDING - ALLIE

OTHER DESSERTS - PAULA/LAURA

SNACKS - GLORIA/KATHLEEN

By Kathleen

One of the nice things about our group is that every individual is entitled to express his/her opinion and hold his/her own views on all matters without fear of recrimination. Normally, I read an article expressing someone's opinion, and let it go without comment. But I felt a need to respond to this particular editorial, one because it addressed the subject matter of wives/partners of which I am one; and, two, because this newsletter reaches far beyond our own little group. An opinion is just that, someone's personal slant on things. But the editorial contained certain statements which the reader may interpret as facts that I need to address.

"…making sure they {wives/partners} aren't involved in the cleanup and kitchen work they are normally relegated to." For the most part there is only one wife/partner "relegated" to kitchen work and clean up - me. I am there each month, side by side with Gloria and Lori (CD's, for those who don't know our group) from about two hours before the evening starts until one-half to an hour after it ends. The three of us, with occasional help from other members, do what has to be done to set up and prepare for the meeting and to cleanup and put things away after the meeting. Overall, I don't mind doing the work. I function in social situations much better when I have something to do. I’m not good at sitting around. (That doesn't mean a little help wouldn't be appreciated.) Someone suggested that this doesn't leave me time to socialize. On the contrary, I have had some wonderful conversations, both serious and not so serious while setting up the kitchen or washing the dishes. Just like at home, some of the best conversations between family members is had while performing those little necessary chores.

"But let's make sure they get something useful out of at least one meeting a year." I guess the reader could interpret this as fact or as personal opinion. But I feel that I get something out of most meetings and the entertainment presented. Yes, many events are geared towards the crossdresser. But this is their best opportunity to get this information. I have learned a lot over the years from these evenings that help my relationship with my husband as well as with other crossdressers. I will also state emphatically that no one in this group takes more pains or shows more concern for the feelings and needs of the wives/partners than our president, Gloria. She is constantly asking for feedback and for ideas from the wives/partners in our group. It was very important to her that we have someone addressing the wives/partner's issues this year for National Speaker's Month. When one speaker didn't work out, she strove to get another speaker geared towards the wives/partners. A few month's ago we held a discussion group geared toward the wives/partners. The idea of presenting flowers to the wives/partners as a token of appreciation is not a new one. Gloria made this a part of Christmas tradition from her very first one. I guess, where I'm going with this is that, in my opinion, the women in this group are not neglected or relegated to second place.

The rest of what I have to say is definitely my personal opinion which counts no more or less than that of any other member of our group; but, again, due to the subject matter I do wish to express it. My thoughts on a personal attendant for the evening: I believe the best way to handle this is on an individual basis. If a wife/partner wishes to have her spouse/partner attend her for the evening and the spouse/partner agree, then go for it. Personally, I would not ask my husband or anyone else to do this for me because I would not be comfortable with it. The little things my husband and I do for each other on a daily basis, are done out of love and respect for each other. If someone would enjoy this kind of treatment for the evening and has an agreeable partner, enjoy. It just isn't for me.

I was asked what I would want in the way of a program or recognition to celebrate this month. The possibilities are as varied as the women in our group. If you were to ask each woman what would appeal to them, you would probably get a different answer from each one of them. Some may want the "royal treatment", some may want to be physically pampered, some may want a gourmet meal. There are a lot of possibilities. For myself, I would prefer to have my intellect stimulated or my soul stirred. This could be done through a presentation of poetry, music or readings by or about women.

Another thought I had is to do something for those women less fortunate than ourselves. I would be honored to know that members of our group looked beyond ourselves to find some way to better the life of a woman or women who is/are homeless, battered, discouraged, or in some other way missing the love and respect in their lives that we take for granted.

One last thing. I am proud to belong to a group where each person is able to express their opinions and feelings. In a spirit of friendship, we sometimes have to agree that we disagree. Yet with respect for one another, the bonds between us remain strong.

This year's Christmas Party and Awards Presentation was once again a special might to remember. Certificates for Perfect Attendance went to Abby, Karen D, Lori, and Gloria. There were also several verbal recognitions to outstanding efforts on behalf of Alpha Omega.

This year's "Kindred Spirit" award was presented to Kathleen Fenton. (Of course, she's always my Kindred Spirit.)

The award for "Rising Star" was presented to our fearless Vice President, OlenaMaria.

And the 1999 Alpha Omega "Lady of the Year" was presented to Peggy Thomas.

Congratulations to all our deserving winners.

I believe the final attendance count for the party was 41 people; and from all signs, everybody had a great time. There were helping hands to set up and tear down, a fantastic meal, a gift exchange, some really great people who helped with the Christmas skit, and, above all, a feeling of friendship and love. What more could you ask for.

Gloria

PS by Kathleen: A sincere thank you to all our helpers for the evening. Sharing the work with our Christmas elf friends certainly lightened the burden for all, and helped to get us all in the holiday spirit..

At this year's Christmas Party the announcement was officially made to the Chapter members that, not only did Alpha Omega receive a Commended Chapter award from Tri-Ess for 1998, but that Alpha Omega was selected as the 1999 Tri-Ess Chapter of the Year.

Cheryl, a member of our very own Alpha Omega, was honored with the Servant - Leader Award for 1999. This is the highest honor for an individual, bestowed by Tri-Ess.

I hope that every member of our Chapter is as proud of these achievements for our group as I am. On behalf of Alpha Omega I would like to thank Tri-Ess for recognizing our efforts. I would also like to thank Diane Vernon for doing the formal announcement to our members.

In the last year we accomplished some things and started other projects. It is our work now to keep moving forward. There is still a lot that Alpha Omega can do for our members, and for those whose lives we may yet touch. Join with me. The best is yet to come.

Arienne

Hello everyone. Let me start with telling you who I am. My name is Ari and I am 19 years old. Most of you probably know my mom Cheryl . I would like to tell you about the CD-KIDS forum that I have recently started. First let me tell you that it is for the children of crossdressers ONLY. IN NO WAY ARE ADULTS INVOLVED! The forum was created so that the kids could have someone to talk to without the adults. Sometimes adults aren’t the best people to talk to. You need someone that is going through the same thing that you are. Please understand that the forum is carefully screened and that there are specific policies that must be followed and those policies can be found at the CD-KIDS home page.

Currently there are only 4 members including myself, but with time I see the forum growing. I want to be able to get the kids to open up and not be afraid to talk to us about what is bothering them. Understanding and accepting this can be very hard on kids and I myself understand this because I too have gone through it. I know how it feels and I could have used someone to talk to. I wish to give these kids a chance to have someone to talk to. I encourage you all as parents to tell your kids about CD-KIDS if your children know. They can be the age of 10 and up.

By Dianeovich Vernon

Comrades! Is very happy to report that Sisters in former Soviet Union know cross-dressing just like Western lady wanna-be's:

Just who do you think travels on Tranny-Siberian Railway?

 

Ve've been cross-dressing for years--especially border crossings.

 

Ve are expert at using special eye cosmetic Moscowa, especially since ve see Baba Wawa specials!

 

Ve have sensuous KGB connections--Kute Garter Belts....

 

Transformations are really made easy with wodka. After a couple of belts ve think ve really are beautiful!

 

Of course for years ve have shortage of nylons, but you know why? Because Russian scientists have choice of making either wodka or stockinks from potatoe crop, not both.

 

Without stockinks, when ve want to bare our legs ve use special razor. You have Gillete, ve have Sabre. This razor wery sharp--Sabre make us Dance.

 

Russian newspaper "Isvestia" really is code name for local support group. Public call us "Babushka Babes".

 

Most famous Sister in Russia is Ruble-Paul. You Americans are always copyink!

 

Biggest social event of year is still May Day. Instead of parade reviews by well-heeled party officers ve have high-heeled reviews with office parties!

 

Big news! One of our sisters discover new animal high in snowy Ural Mountains! She call the new animal the "Tchi". Wery reclusive, only seen once a day on the snow above the village of Schur. Animal very agile, but some say it look like cow. You can see famous Tchi cow ski at 18:12 over Schur.....(hee hee, is good shaggy bear story, nyet?)

 

Naturally ve are werrry fashion-conscious! In fact, long ago we invented undergarment called the "Kremlin". But Westerners translate as "crinoline" . The Kremlin make more than just legs disappear.......

 

Favorite animal fur of Russian dresser is Minsk.

 

This year ve hold annual convention in foreign country, just like your Holiday en Femme in Calgary. So ve go to Ukraine where theme will be "Chic in Kiev".

 

Well darlinks, these are just few items from the East that you may not know about. Nor care. Not very Orthodox but verrrry interestink!!!

(Ed. note: Dear Dianeovich: better go easy on the wodka, er vodka!!!)