As we move through August, things are starting to get real. First, school is less than two weeks away. Second, the election is three weeks away and the attack ads will get more persistent from now until November 5. Unlike 2008, I’m standing my ground. Unlike 2012, I’ll walk away if I hear my candidate get slammed. I’m doing my best to stay away from the socials on that topic. Third, I’m getting close to the end of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows and thus, the series will be winding down. I started reading about a year ago and I’m proud that I stuck with it. I started the series in 2018 and quit after Prisoner of Azkaban. I’ve been acting businesslike in Toastmasters, getting guest packets together for Laurel Highlands and still coming off the high of Wednesday’s meeting.
I’m still proud of myself for how Wednesday night’s meeting went and how confident I was up there when I gave my speech. It’s taken four years to get here (meaning Level 5 in my path) and the critics would have told me to give it up long ago. They might also say I’m not getting my money’s worth but I’ve stuck with it for 13 years and show no signs of leaving anytime soon.
I did my best to give eye contact, even looking at my evaluator who was online. I was confident, relaxed, and authentic. I even did well with my gestures and my vocal variety. These are basic things to learn in Toastmasters and usually, I’m all over the place, even when I practice. What really stood out in my speech, according to my evaluator, was that I wasn’t afraid to share my vulnerability and my smile. I’m hoping to build off Wednesday night’s positive energy at the upcoming Laurel Highlands meeting. I’m serving as invocator and also one of the speech evaluators. To get myself ready, I’ll print out the evaluation form ahead of time. I’ll plan the agenda for Greensburg next week too and stay on top of things.
The August 21 meeting will be our final meeting with the Teagues attending in person as they are moving. They’ll stay with the club but will be attending online. I’ll put together a nice outfit for me to wear for their final in person meeting with us.
In addition to being businesslike in Toastmasters, I’m doing so with my health as well. I need to get a form filled out that needs to be in by September 30 so that I can get the best price on my benefits for 2025. So, I’ll be making a trip to the doctor’s before Laurel Highlands on Tuesday to get that done and I may have to do bloodwork later next week. That’s an easy six minute drive up to Norwin Hills for me.
My health scare in 2021 was likely the turning point that my time at WIS was going to be up soon, whether I liked it or not. I needed to take better care of myself and having a job with great benefits and being close to home helps. Of course, I still inflict negative feelings upon myself mentally, but I’m working on curtailing that. I shouldn’t rely on social media or the feelings and opinions of friends or family to make myself happy.
Finally, I have Old Navy Super Cash to use up before the end of the day on Sunday. I also have a gift card. While it seems like I’ve been quiet on my fashion journey, let me remind you I’m still at it. It’s time to think of some trendy and cute fall ‘fits and I’m still looking for a cute houndstooth coat that I missed out on last Fall. I hit a home run with my cheetah top and my sweater that I slayed at last year’s reunion and Friendsgiving. I’m not looking for attention though I do appreciate it, but I just want to wear what makes me happy without feeling ashamed. I’m also in the market for a bag. I want one that’s easier to put on my shoulder while wearing a leather jacket or a coat in the months ahead with cooler weather coming.
It’s a great weekend to get outside as the humidity has tapered off and it feels like September. There’s still plenty of summer left as Fall doesn’t begin for six more weeks, but hot or cold I’ll make the most of it.
Stylish 🍒 