Before I start today’s blog, I want to extend condolences to the family of Kobe Bryant, including his 13 y/o daughter Gianna. They along with several others perished in a helicopter 🚁 crash outside of Los Angeles.
Kobe Bryant is known as one of the greatest NBA 🏀 players of all time. Born and raised outside Philadelphia. Bryant was drafted out of high school by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1996 NBA draft. He had a 20 year career with the Lakers and won five NBA titles (three of those came playing with Shaquille O’Neal; all five coming under coach Phil Jackson).
Kobe Bryant’s accidental death marks a sad day for sports. It teaches us to love our children and our families. We need to put differences aside that don’t even matter as we are not guaranteed tomorrow. We will know where we were when this happened (just like when the Challenger Space Shuttle exploded, just like when the plane hit the World Trade Center).
I’ve learned to appreciate stuff after I’ve taken some time away from it. Back in 2017, I had all my manuals completed in Toastmasters and stood just two projects away from my Distinguished Toastmaster award. But I wasn’t feeling the spirit anymore. I didn’t leave physically, but emotionally for a year.
I “came back” in February of 2019 with a better sense of where I stood. I knew I wanted to finish my last two requirements for the DTM. I attended all four division contests and the conference. I completed my Advanced Communicator Gold requirement by leading a seminar at Achievers. I led McKeesport to distinguished and that got me my Advanced Leader Silver and eventually my DTM.
I took a break from my annual homecoming tradition last year to attend the 2019 Fall Symposium. I told myself that I was done with HoCo and that it was played out for me. With the blogging becoming a regular thing, I’m more in love with my Alma mater than ever. I also have plans to attend Slippery Rock’s 2020 Homecoming in October.
I’m also giving shoutouts on the blog to SRU so it’s only fair that I’m there. Those pictures I see on Instagram have me thinking ahead to warmer weather, sunshine, green grass, and flowers blooming. I also use the pictures in my blog. I give credit to the user who took the photos
I got feedback on my blog post from last Monday. This is what will be going in the newsletter. I was my told that my words were succinct, encouraging, and relevant. I was also told that I’m changing lives. That made me feel really good and I can’t wait to read the finished product.
I’m going to close this off with another beautiful Slippery Rock picture on a chilly January day. Just another photo that will get you in the mood for Spring.
Stay warm. Bye everyone. ❤️ you.
Stylish 🍒 