Ice Breaker- Toni Usrey- May 7, 1998

Mr. Toastmaster and fellow toastmasters, there are 3 catch phrases that I am going to use to introduce myself to you.

The first phrase would be "well-rounded". Born and raised here in Bloomington, I am the eldest of three daughters born unto John and Linda Krentler. I was independent, bright, curious and Very VERY verbal at a young age. My parents always emphasized be ing "well-rounded" as evidences throughout my childhood and education. Attending Rogers Elementary, University Middle, BHS North High School, and Ivy Tech College, I loved school and excelled in many subjects including English, Science, and Math. I enjoye d music (playing the organ and viola) and drama. I participated in athletic activities including swimming, golf, and jumping around the basketball court disguised as the BHSN cougar mascot. I was also a member of several clubs including girl scouts, Natio nal Honor Society, and the Bloomington Street Machines car club where I met and married my husband James Brian Usrey in 1988.

My sisters are twins and only 19 months younger than I. Ironically, there happens to be only 17 months difference between our children. Our daughter Shelby is 6 and our son Steven is 4 soon to be 5 years old. You can imagine how interesting, challengin g, and hectic life must have been for my parents and currently for ourselves bringing me to my next phrase, "paying for your raising". How many times I have heard this statement as I beg for advise, apologize for my every childhood infraction, and thank m y parents for managing to "raise me up" without serious injury to themselves or me. Brian and I are the pretty typical young couple struggling to make ends meet and raise a family. As we trudge along the pathways of our life, my last phrase seems very fit ting.

"You reap what you sew". Along with my hobbies which include gardening and housework, I am the HR Assistant here at UITS and a Mary Kay Beauty Consultant. One of the key statements within Mary Kay philosophy is providing opportunities for women limited only by imagination and ambition, you get back what you give. As I dig my hands into the earth planting a wonderful fern found in our woods, watch my children grow and learn, post another opening on our UITS web page, or share the quality and greatness o f Mary Kay skin care, I think of this phrase and how magical and rewarding it can be.

I would like to close with a letter. I always keep in touch with friends and loved ones when I can. This is the letter that I sent out within our family Xmas cards…..(read letter)

So there you have it. You have met me. My name is Toni Usrey, the "well-rounded, "payin’ for my raisin’", "reaping what I sew" lady.