Today, I took advantage of another day off at work (I’m back tomorrow for five days leading up to Christmas Eve) to finish up Christmas shopping. Not only was it my third day off in a row, but also that of driving to Pittsburgh. I haven’t done this since I worked at WIS. Saturday, I ventured out to Robinson and shopped at Market District. Sunday, I went to Children’s Hospital and visited Aunt Sue and Benny. Today, I went to Cranberry High Noon Toastmasters’ holiday-themed meeting. I made a few stops to make the trip worthwhile.
I had to wrap up Christmas shopping so I stopped at Market District and picked up gift cards. Having some more time to kill, I stopped at Michaels to check the Christmas home decor. I could have chosen ULTA and I was ready to label these last three days a bust. I thought to myself that coming out to Pittsburgh wasn’t as appealing as I once was since I was no longer traveling for work anymore. When I attended today’s Cranberry High Noon Toastmasters meeting, all that negative thinking went right out the window.
I was told about the food-themed Toastmasters meeting (Tastemasters) a few weeks ago at Winter TLI. Luckily, the universe worked in my favor and I was able to get Sunday night off since I had personal days left to use up before the end of 2023. Like all other CHN meetings I’ve attended, this one was just as much fun. The members all brought food. I was a guest but I regret not bringing something myself. I was also just literally at Market District en route to the meeting, so I could have picked up some holiday Oreos.
I spoke during the Table Topics or, Taste Topics portion of the meeting. I talked about all the Christmas cookies my mom made, as well as our turkey balls. The best food I ate was the Samosas and mint chutney. I also had some peanut brittle and brownies. I also got to meet a few guests and some newer members. I plan to visit Cranberry High Noon again in the summer, during one of the weeks that I am on vacation.
Coming back, the weather went downhill. I had some rain and snow on the way to Wexford but now on the way home I was dealing with snow squalls and reduced visibility. I saw this while driving through Cranberry on US 19 and along I-279 going towards the city. There were snow squalls but also peaks of sunshine. Just wait five minutes and the weather will change, that’s Pittsburgh for you. I got home around quarter to three and took a nap. I woke up to a fresh blanket of snow.
Yesterday’s visit to Children’s was worthwhile and my aunt was appreciative that I took the time on a Sunday to come out and see her and Benny. It was nice to see the hospital look all decorated for Christmas and the pictures I took were well-liked. As a matter of fact, our holiday may have just gotten better, but nothing is set in stone quite yet. I will know more by the end of the week.
I have some purchases in mind once the winter months get here. I’ll get into that next week as Christmas comes to an end. I also have a new theme lined up for my blog going into 2024 and I will post that when I have it ready.
It’s too late to place today’s Cranberry High Noon meeting in the top ten, but today’s Tastemasters meeting will unofficially be put in as the #6 event of 2023, along with TLI and Fall Symposium as well as CHN’s 10th birthday party.
Stylish 🍒 