Prior to the meeting, Donna made the first of a new monthly presentation –QUEEN OF THE EVENING.

May’s Queen selected for her "Springiest Lipstick" was Diane Frank. Crowned by her lovely wife, Diane reigned regally the remainder of the evening.

Kathleen presented Karen, as out-going President, with a lovely bouquet of flowers and thanked her for all the hard work of the past year.

7:51 PM Karen called the meeting to order.

Announcements: Fran and Gail lost some property to the recent twister. Otherwise they are unharmed. Betty (Laura and Betty) recently passed away after a lengthy illness. Diane Kent has no new results regarding her cancer.

Karen discussed with the group her feelings on our poor attendance, lack of teamwork and other issues. She expressed her hopes that these would improve in the future since the future of Alpha Omega depends on it.

Debbie (Karen’s SO) then talked about her experiences and memories with Alpha Omega. She also expressed concern about teamwork and the apparent lack of cohesiveness.

The Constitution was voted on and at this time is passing 14-5 (2/3 majority needed). However we were reminded that this was the early return and would not be final until 30-day period up (May 17^th).

8:10 PM Break

8:20 PM Meeting returned to order and change of command was passed to Abby who thanked Karen for the excellent job she has done over the past year, mentioning such items as SPICE, the Fall Get-Together, and the Constitution.

Election of other officers is being held until next month when the new Constitution should be in effect. Abby expressed her intention of having at least 3-4 people on the committees.

She reminded us that for new members, we offer support for about two meetings then we are friends. Alpha Omega should have a friendly atmosphere and present class, dignity, and a sense of pride.

Menus for the year are being planned by Sherry and Marissa. Next month will be "Beer and Bratwurst" – Root Beer that is.

Sauerkraut/Bratwurst/Buns/Condiments = Sherry

Bread/ Dessert = Karen

Potato Salad/Cheese Plate = Kathleen

Chicken Salad = Marissa

Kosher Pickles/Croissants = Diane Frank

Sliced Meats = ????????????

Dessert = Paula

Program for next meeting will be two-part: a purse swap, and the Art of Make-Up by Mac (who will not be charging for makeovers).

Christmas Planning Committee to be formed. Anyone interested to see Abby both for volunteering and for ideas of what to do.

A-O Onelist discussed. Michelle verified that the site was secure and safe for our use. Sign-up list passed around.

Newsletter deadlines reinforced. The deadline is Saturday morning two weeks prior to the meeting. There will be no exceptions. Any articles received after the deadline will be held until the next newsletter.

Supplies are running low. We need such items as pop (coke, diet coke, pepsi, diet pepsi, sprite, bottled water, etc.), coffee, creamer, tablecloths, plates, plastic silverware, salt and pepper shakers.

Outreach: Abby suggested that A-O become more active in the communities. It was recommended that we send a letter to various charities and community services introducing ourselves. At present time, we take any left over food to a shelter on the west side. Abby would like to see us more involved including at Christmas. The brochure designed by Diane Frank was re-introduced and is being considered as a presentation tool to local groups and professionals.

9:01 PM Motion made to adjourn by Cheryl and seconded by Kathleen.

I came to Alpha Omega in October of 1998. It was quite a step for me. I had been in my closet since I was a child, and no one knew anything about " Abby" except Sherry. Even to this point, it was always testing our relationship in some manner, usually due to me pushing the envelope, yet not knowing what it was I was pushing for.

As was protocol then, Lori answered my snail mail, we talked, and arranged a personal interview. Every step was just a little more unnerving, yet every step meant I was that much closer to finding some peace. Once all the interviewing and talking was done, I was invited to attend a meeting. I was elated and scared to death, all rolled into one.

That meeting was at the old church, a romantic mansion stuck out in the woods. It took a lot for me to get out of the car, go inside and change, and walk downstairs to where the meetings were held, but I wasn’t going to miss this for the world.

Lori met Sherry and I immediately, and introduced us to lots of people. At that point only a few names stuck in my head. I do remember being introduced to Gloria, and She made it very clear how welcome we were, and that we were among friends.

I had the time of my life that night, and the euphoria of all that transpired is still something I remember quite clearly. I could see no reason I would ever miss a meeting again.

Since those days, which seem like so long ago, many people have come and gone as members. Still, there have been those who have remained the constants of Alpha Omega. That core of people have become much more than acquaintances. Most have become near and dear friends. The things we have shared with them, and they with us, goes far beyond causal. These people have a place in my heart.

Alpha Omega is so much more than a support group to me. It is more of a gathering of friends. Sure, we are a support group in the truest sense of the word, but as one gets comfortable with the surroundings, it goes well beyond that. It’s a chance to see one another, share what life has handed us since last we chatted, have a smile or two, lend one another a shoulder to cry on, or just be a good listener while a friend needs some comfort. This has become an integral part of my life.

For as long as I have been here, Gloria and Kathleen has defined such friendship. They have always been there for anyone that was in need. They gave us their wisdoms, they gave us support, they gave us their guidance, and for many years they led us by example, both officially and unofficially. Their importance as friends cannot be overstated.

Now, they have suffered the loss of Martin Sr. What can you say about a man who unconditionally accepts his son for who and what he is, and extends that acceptance to his son’s support groups and friends? He was a shining example of endearment, plain and simple. Everyone that knew him will dearly miss him.

So at this point, we lend our friends a shoulder. We lend them an ear. We let them know that their sorrow is shared. For all the years we have turned to them for our needs, we turn to them now in offering ourselves for their needs. My heart aches because I know theirs do. I cannot unload the burden, but I can be that friend they were to me. The examples they set have taught me well.

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I am very blessed to have a family that never turned its back to Martin, no matter how many times he fouled his life up, and also found room for me as a part of the family. From the first time Martin officially told his family of my existence thirteen and one half years ago, my life as Gloria, not only began, but took on a new depth of meaning.

May’s Program

Although some folks couldn’t stay, a large number of people joined in to the story swapping. It started slow, but soon had everyone joining in to tell embarrassing and quite humorous tales on themselves.

The stories ran the gamut from problems with vasectomies (YIKES) to pink tights. Personally, I found that although the stories were a hoot, seeing people open up to one another in a small environment was like seeing someone blossom. When people begin to tell stories about themselves, they tend to get more comfortable with a group, and this lends itself to a better understand of the person; not male, not female, not a wife, not a cd; a person. This is where friends come from. Once we get past the formalities, we begin to allow ones own interpretation of themselves to be seen and heard. It’s these small things in life that takes us past "acquaintances" and on to "friends".

And, to top it all off, It appeared everyone had FUN~!

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I wanted to thank everyone who stayed to help clean up after the meeting. For the first time in a long time, we had a full contingent of volunteers who stayed. It all went really fast with so many hands involved in the kitchen, the meeting room, and the Main room.

I know it is impossible for everyone to stay each week, but if we can have a group like that each month, it will make things so much easier on everyone. Again, Thanks so much

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By Miss Sally Stone (Part II)

Later, as Jason was trying to fall asleep, he kept hoping that this troublesome compulsion would go away. He hoped that he would simply and succinctly, overpower the desires he felt within. As he lay in his bed however, staring at the ceiling, Jason knew deep down, that his desire to crossdress probably would never go away. Based upon the information he had uncovered on the internet, this much, he knew.

In the coming months, Jason quelled his desire to crossdress by concentrating on soccer. He had been a starting striker for the high school team since he was a freshman, and now in his junior year, there was talk among his coaches that he might make the all-state team. While successful at not crossdressing, the emotional turmoil was eating him up. His parent's reaction had fractured any foundation of self worth, and Jason was beginning to falter under the pressure of non-acceptance.

Jason's only support came from his sister Julie. Since the incident, she had been rock steady in her support. Jason and Julie had always been close, since the crossdressing incident however; they had developed an even stronger bond. Jason and Julie had discussed crossdressing several times, and each time, Julie assured her brother that while unusual, wearing girl's clothes was no big deal. In spite of his sister’s support, Jason could not overcome the despair knowing that his parents had been ashamed and embarrassed. It was talking its toll emotionally, and only Julie was able to see the adverse effects.

To Jules, it appeared that her parents were not going to come around to a more sensible way of thinking. She had attempted to broach the subject with each of them independently, but each time, they refused to listen. The subject of their son, wearing women’s clothing, was not open for discussion, and they didn’t want to hear anything Julie had to say on the matter.

Julie felt that she had to do something to help improve her brother’s attitude and self worth. She decided that if she was unable to get her parents to come around then she would instead, concentrate on helping Jason with his emotional burden.

Julie had a plan, and as she worked it over in her mind, she began to think that this plan would be the best way to help get Jason back his waning confidence. Additionally, she hoped that her plan would help to show Jason that being a crossdresser was ok and nothing to be ashamed of. As she drove back to school to pick her brother up from soccer practice, she worked the final details over in her mind.

If Julie's parents ever suspected what she was up to, they would be horrified. Consequently, she would have to great care in keeping her plan from them. Fortunately for Julie, her parents were both doing their collective impression of ostriches. They both had their heads in the sand in regards to Jason, and Julie knew their indifference would be an ally.

The stage had been set and now she was relieved that the most difficult part of her plan had been coordinated. She needed to secure the help of her best friends Rebecca and Stephanie. Julie knew that she was taking a big chance by letting her friends in on Jason's secret. Unfortunately, Julie felt that she needed to have their help if she was going to pull things off. To Julie's surprise and elation, both of her friends were cool with the idea.

So now, the second stage of the plan was to pitch it to Jason. Given his state of mind she was afraid he would not be very receptive. Her hope however, was that Jason's desire to crossdress would overcome his desire to please their parents. Julie had no problem with this because she knew that her parent's attitude and their lack of understanding were wrong. Her overriding concern was now her brother's well being and his fragile self worth.

Julie had been waiting for about twenty minutes when Jason finally emerged from the field house locker room. "Hey Jules", Jason called as he strolled around the car to the passenger door, "how was your day"!

"It was great little brother", she responded cheerfully, "and how about yours"?

"It was ok I guess." Jason tried desperately to hide his despair.

Julie however, recognized the undertone in his voice immediately. She knew that she had to put her plan in motion as soon as possible. As she back the car out of the parking lot, Julie struggled with just how to pitch the idea to her brother. She decided that she should begin by letting Jason know just how concerned she had become over his emotional wellbeing. "Jason", she started, "I'm worried about you".

"Why are you worried about me", Jason asked?

"Because Jason, this incident with Mom and Dad is adversely affecting you. You have been sullen and emotionally distraught ever since Mom found you dressed in her clothes".

"It's no big deal", Jason lied.

"Everyone else may believe that, but I certainly don't. I know you too well, and this whole crossdressing thing has got you really troubled"

"Well think about it Julie, don't you think that a guy who has an intense desire to wear his mother's clothes is weird"?

"You know, if you were the only guy in the world who liked wearing dresses, then I would say it was weird, but since crossdressing is extremely common, it's not weird at all. You have to stop beating yourself up about it. Who cares what Mom and Dad think anyway. Besides, I think Mom's mad mostly because you looked better in her dress than she does".

That comment caused Jason to laugh in spite of himself, and he looked across the car at his sister's profile. She was truly a best friend, and he loved her dearly for her understanding.

Julie interrupted Jason's thoughts. "What you need is something that will show you that being a crossdresser is nothing to be ashamed of. You should be proud of what you are, and not care about what others think".

"You make it sound so easy Jules. Being a crossdresser isn't turning out to be something that's easy to live with. I think I'm better off just fighting this goofy urge".

"Hey kiddo, those urges aren't goofy. They are a part of you, and we both know that you aren't going to outgrow them. The sooner you accept what you are, the better off you'll be".

Jason was hanging his head and Julie's heart ached for him. He was really struggling with this. She reached across the front seat and rested her hand on his knee. "Jason, you'll get through this you know"?

"Yeah", he muttered.

"No! Really, and I have a plan to help you get through it. If you trust me, I think I have a plan to help you".

"A plan, what kind of plan helps cure a crossdresser"?

"My plan isn't going to cure you. My plan instead, is going to help you learn to accept your feminine side".

"My feminine side! Why would I want to accept that? God Jules, what would you think if you had a boyfriend who had a feminine side"?

"Well to begin with, a boyfriend with a feminine side, might be more sensitive and not so testosterone crazed".

"Guys can be ugly, huh"?

"Oh you can't imagine how ugly".

"So you think I have a feminine side"?

"Yep I do, and we need to show you just how beneficial that side of your personality can be".

"How would you do that", Jason asked?

"Well, I think we should dress you to the nines, and take you out for a night on the town".

I have kicking around a few ideas for fundraisers, so as to keep ourselves solvent and financially fit. I know everyone wants to have exciting programs and venues, maybe even mixed in with a party here and there. None of this is out of the question, but we have to raise the coffers a bit. Any ideas would be appreciated, just so they keep in mind the group as a whole, and not some private agendas. We need to keep it interesting for CD’s and spouses/partners alike. Here are a few I have thought about, and how they could work. I would really like some input on these at the June meeting, and any other ideas.

I believe we all have some earrings, rings, bracelets, jewelry, etc lying around, which we don’t wear any longer. Obviously, I am not talking about heirlooms or expensive pieces. I am talking about inexpensive stuff that could just what someone else might be looking for.

Maybe once every 3-4 months, we could set up a table, and offer these things up for sale, for say $3-$4-$5 each. This way, things wouldn’t cost so much, a person could part with them as a donation, and Alpha Omega stands to make a little extra. If everyone brought in 2 items, and 20+ members each bought a couple, that could make us a quick $100. It’s not a lot, but it could mean a few more options in Christmas planning, outreach, etc.

I think we could have some fun with a "Vegas Night". It’s a simple enough idea that has been used in churches and charities for eons.

We can set things up for Black Jack, Poker, dice tables, maybe even Roulette…whatever everyone likes. Have a few dealers, maybe even a few "gals" who want to wait tables, perhaps even a Show of some kind.

Everyone would buy "play money" with real money. The evenings games would be played with the funny money, and after an elapsed time, we tally up individuals takes, and have cash prizes for 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd place.

I have been to these, and they really are a lot of fun, and the "house", in this case AO, is the real winner.

I know I have talked to a few of you about having a glamour shot evening. Everything could happen in house.

We could have some people help with the touch ups, accessories, backdrop, etc, and digitally take photos, that could be printed, loaded onto a personal disc, or sent as an email copy. I know some people are skeptical about cameras, and we must respect that right, so this would obviously done with discretion and in trusted hands.

The upside is that we could take pictures for $10 and place them on a disc for each individual. If everyone brought their own disc, then almost all of that money is a profit for the group. Again, 25 people at ten dollars each is $250. It all adds up.

I don’t want to sound like we must pass the collection basket every time we meet, because we aren’t going to. I am looking at these things as "once every three months" or so. And I do believe that if we are going to get people to give a little bit, we should give them back something. With a steady attendance, most of the finances take care of themselves. But I want to see us be in a position to do a few things extra…. and of course, as always, have some fun.

Abby

Instead of buying expensive facial wipes for cleaning off eye make-up and foundation, I buy generic baby wipes. I get the house brand at Costco. They are fortified with Vitamin E and Aloe and have no fragrance and other additives (to protect sensitive baby skin). Now my face is baby-fresh at about half the price. 

Baby shampoo makes a great and inexpensive eye makeup remover. I also find that the cheap shampoo's, 69 cents a bottle, or under a dollar make great refills for liquid soap dispensers, and the different scents are great also. Soap is soap. If the shampoo is real thick, just add a little water. Shampoo also takes the dirty rings off of shirt collars. Waterless hand cleaners, the kind guys use when they work on cars work great for getting grease, cooking oil or any other kinds of oil off of laundry. Just work it in to the stain before the garment is wet. I also use shampoo to clean my hand washables, you can even put a little conditioner in the rinse water, makes them nice and soft, and it smells good too.

Cosmetics are expensive, as we well know. I have found a way to get double the amount of loose face powder for the same amount of money.Buy the darkest shade available. Remove the liner and half of the powder. Store it for later use. To the remaining powder, add teaspoons of baby powder. Stir it in and add additional baby powder until desired shade is acquired. 

The results are amazing. I see no difference in effect or wear. And it feels great on my skin.

Scuffed Shoe Solution

This morning I found a way to remove scuff marks from my shoes. I have tried to wash the scuff marks off. I have even tried to scratch them off with my fingernail. I thought I was stuck with scuff marks on my good shoes. Then this morning I used an eraser and guess what? They came right off. I just erased them.

Most skin care products use the simplest ingredients, so my tip is to check the box for the primary ingredients and just use those. The savings on buying primary ingredients over "skin care" products is enormous! You can get primary ingredients at Wal-Mart, Sam's Club, Costco and other discount stores in larger sizes, making for even greater savings.

Makeup Remover: Baby Oil. Use your fingers, a tissue, a thin cotton cosmetic pad or cotton ball to apply.

Cleanser: The Wal-Mart brand of Dove soap. 

Astringent: Rubbing alcohol 

Moisturizer: The cheapest hand lotion you can find.

Nighttime eye cream: Petroleum jelly

My skin care system not only keeps my skin soft, moisturized and young-looking, but it's totally frugal! I

Note:  Complete article can be found on this site: Conservative etc.