Changes are Coming

Kids, the word of the day is Change.

Change is inevitable, and I’m looking at it outside my window right now as I see some rain falling. We’ve been dry for the past 19 days, so any rain we get in the near future will be beneficial. The extended forecast has chances for precipitation over the next week, so bring on the rain.

I’m 19 days away from turning 42 and with another birthday comes the second half of the year (that’s what happens when you’re born right in the middle of the year). The new Toastmaster year begins on July 1 (the day after my birthday). That means we’ll see a change of the guard in our district leaders and in those who serve at the club level. For me, I will be serving as president of the Greensburg club.

I recently was told that I would become a full-time employee at Giant Eagle (not bad after a year and a half working there). That will also bring some changes with it. It means I’ll always be guaranteed 40 hours a week even during the slow periods in January, February, and March. It also means I’ll get added call-off time for bereavement (five days) and other added benefits. Change is good.

With another birthday approaching, I’ve decided to make some other noteworthy changes as well. Gender nonconformity was a big hit for me around the time that I turned 40 in 2021. While it’s not going away completely, I am going to take a break and restructure; thus, I’m going to “play it safe”.

For now it’ll be less prevalent in my fashion as I go back to dressing more traditionally. I decided to make this change in my journey as I wanted to take on a more conservative, business casual look as I prepare to lead my home Toastmasters club.

I credit people like Hunter Schafer, Harry Styles, Billy Porter, and Jonathan Van Ness for their style and their journeys (though I do believe Harry is straight). While it would have been nice to emulate them, I’m going to take this time to reflect on my journey and pursue new interests. It’s best to go into a new year with a clear mind.

One thing that has been piquing my interest, in addition to my love of reading, is books on home decor and design. Even though I don’t have a home of my own to design, I still want to keep up on the subject. Plus, I have inspiration from my mother who has had books on this subject as well as on crafting.

I’m looking forward to getting these books when they arrive this Fall and some of the authors include a design expert, Instagram influencer, and a country music star.

That right there, is change I’m looking forward to.