February has come to an end and we are less than three weeks away from the official start of Spring. Contest season is in full swing with four contests going on Saturday. I was in attendance for two over the last week. But before I review those two contests, let’s do a rewind of last week.
I started off the week by encouraging everyone to smile. It does so much more for you and makes the day better. I also used Vitamin C’s song Smile 😊 in the blog.
I encouraged people to level up spiritually as well. I already leveled up in the style department last fall, plus I started blogging regularly. My plan for those to level up spiritually included devoting more time to prayer and studying a book of the Bible. I suggested Proverbs since there’s 31 days in the month. I also previewed the Division contests later this month as well as my upcoming church tour this Spring.
Anyway, time to talk about what really made this week special, and that was attending the Area contests. Talk about getting out of your comfort zone. I made the drive to Cranberry Township Thursday night. I braved the snow and cold to attend a great Area contest at the Cranberry Municipal Building. Since my wonderful friend Sarah Souri was competing in the evaluation, I knew I had to rock a leather jacket for her since she loved my stylish attire. I wore the red leather jacket.
Just like at the High Noon meeting back in December, I felt at home. We had awesome refreshments. Monte Cellos provided the pizza. The brownies and cupcakes were very good too, and there was plenty to drink. Our contest chair and chief judge were on the ball. The speech contest was short and sweet. Our model speaker did a great job with her speech on vaping. The evaluators all gave great feedback. Nervous as she was, Sarah’s evaluation was good enough to get her the win. Cranberry High Noon would representing Area 13 in the Division B Contest March 21. You know I’ll be there. Bob, Judy, and Kim, you missed a great Area contest.
On Saturday, I attended the Area 21 contest in Johnstown. It was one of their most well-attended contests since I joined Toastmasters. Elk County cleaned up big time with six attending. That’s not the best thing though. How about six contestants in the speech contest? How about four in the evaluation contest? In the past I’ve been lucky to see one or two in each contest.
Our contestants did an awesome job. The speeches ranged from making you laugh 😂 to reaching for the Kleenex 😭. Michelle Teague gave a hilarious test speech for our evaluators. A 5k and a beer 🍻 run on my 21st birthday? Just give me an ice cream cake instead.
Dave Jones took the speech contest 🥇 , with our Elk County participants Shanda Kelsch and Manda Shaw taking second place 🥈 and third place 🥉. Dave also took first place in the evaluation contest🥇 with his amazing feedback. Lisa Sukenik took second place 🥈, and Tim Panzigrau took third place 🥉. Dave, Lisa, and Shanda will move on to the Division C contest March 28. It’ll be at the same place we held the Area 21 contest. Same time as well. That’s the John P. Murtha Building on the Pitt-Johnstown campus.
This week wasn’t big because of the Toastmasters contests. I not only escaped my comfort zone by attending contests outside Westmoreland County. I also initiated conversations with people I didn’t know before this weekend. What was supposed to be a coffee date 🍵 at White Rabbit with my favorite people didn’t happen. But that didn’t ruin my day even though it could have. I befriended two girls and a little six month old. We talked for a while until I had to leave for Johnstown at 10:30. We admired each other’s boots 👢 and shared some stories. What could have been a disaster with my friends not showing turned out great.
This morning at church, I sat with a couple and their friend or relation whom I never met before and enjoying worshipping with them. Pastor Donn gave a wonderful message on the subject of giving. He also promoted the upcoming Dave Ramsey program Financial Peace University which starts March 10.
After the service, I introduced myself to the couple and their friend. I also made plans with Mark Pastoria, one of our pastors, to meet at Chick Fil-A at a future date. I’m proud of me for stepping out of that comfort zone too.
Time to close off the blog and I have to say I’m proud of myself. I’m dedicated in my Toastmasters journey. Despite having my DTM, I still want to help out the district. I’m coming out of my shell when I go out. I socialized with a couple of girls at White Rabbit, talked to people at the contest, and initiated conversation at church. Today was the day I started to build my Cornerstone family.
As we start a new month and a new workweek, remember to live your best life and be your best you. ROCK out because you are worth it. Put together a nice outfit and rock it even if no one notices. Don’t forget to laugh because laughter is the best medicine.
Bye everyone. ❤️ you 💋 🤗
Stylish 🍒 