It’s the most wonderful time of the year and it’s going on right now! That being, it is contest season in Toastmasters. Our District’s best speakers compete for awards and ultimately, a spot in the World Championship of Public Speaking. Last week, our areas in the division all competed for a chance to hone their speaking skills with the winners moving on to the Division contest in March. I attended my area’s contest which combined with neighboring Area 23. Our speakers, including one of Greensburg’s own, all did well. Those working behind the scenes all deserve a round of applause for their help in the contest as well (judges, timers, ballot counters, chief judge, toastmaster, and zoom master).
For the second year in a row, all of the area contests were held online. In 2022, they were hybrid, meaning they were online and in person. This year, I felt better about attending the contests than I did the first year we did them online. I was totally lost and discouraged back in 2021.
Having a laptop with a working webcam helps too. I didn’t participate in any capacity except that of being a spectator. Areas 23 and 24 will be sending some good speakers to Blairsville on March 16.
In other news, my next Harry Potter book arrives Friday. I finished up Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire last week and will watch the film Saturday night. Order of the Phoenix is the biggest book of the series but I’m more than ready to see myself through reading it. I’ll take some time to get it done to accommodate for Easter, Toastmasters, and working on blogs, I’ll take a break once I’m done. My niece just started the sixth book, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. I’ll be there in May after I wrap up the Spring Conference.
Last week on my day off, I got some ideas for what to buy with my JCP gift card. I also bought some new magnetic bookmarks which in my opinion are better than regular bookmarks. Just clip them to the page you’re on and start from there when you pick your book up. I even saw some luggage that I might buy for Spring Conference (my first in person Toastmasters conference since April of 2019). When I’m not reading Harry Potter or writing blogs, I’m reading about Barack Obama’s journey to the White House. While at Barnes and Noble last week, I also bought John Stamos’ memoir and plugging into his life.
Recently, my mom straightened up the kitchen upstairs where I frequently work on my laptop. It’s mainly used as a storage area more than an actual kitchen. While mom moved my desk and gave me a much improved workspace, she also put my CD’s in a storage tote. While I was initially in shock, I believe it was for the best. I don’t listen to them anymore and have contemplated what to do with them. It was a way of telling myself to move on. Best Buy has also done away with their physical media, including CDs and DVDs and I’m certain that others will eventually follow suit as well. The way we view media has changed even before the pandemic. Now you can watch everything online or, there’s an app for that.
Remember when kids used to go to Napster and other music swapping sites? Does anyone miss Blockbuster Video or Iggle Video and renting movies on a Friday night? Who’d have thought records 🎶 would be popular again?
I have the upcoming weekend off so I might make the most of my Sunday by taking a road trip. I’m due for a visit with my aunt so I’ll meet her for lunch in Somerset. Coming up this week, Wednesday night is Greensburg Toastmasters but before that I will have my pre-Toast meal at Don Patron and I’ll have my review of the place up as well. I’m spying another outfit/activewear haul possibly next weekend as well.
Today I tried out Cutie’s once again (I went back in January but was in a hurry so I didn’t stay long) and was impressed with the service. I took a seat and enjoyed my stay this time. It was very decorated for Valentine’s Day. I can’t wait to see what they do with the place and look forward to another coffee adventure soon. Maybe I’ll get some friends together and try a flight.
I hope you come along with me on my Stylish journey!
Stylish 🍒 