When I look back at August, I saw some missed opportunities. But, I also had days where I made the most of everything too. Part of the reason for those missed opportunities was some busy stretches at work and having to go around vacation schedules; thus, leaving me tired. However, I was able to accomplish a lot of things in August and meet a few goals.
One of those goals was giving two speeches in my clubs and inching closer to my level 5 in my path. Therefore, with my next speech (Reflecting on your Path), I will have completed Dynamic Leadership. I’m contemplating whether or not to stay with the path I chose in 2020 or go after Presentation Mastery as my next path. I’ll give the last speech for Level 5 at my September 18 meeting for Greensburg and start the new path October 2.
In July, I thrived at having read the Bible and studying a chapter in Proverbs. I read every day except the last day and that rubbed off into August as the sophomore slump really got to me. I did start John at the end of the month and read Proverbs 31 and now have a plan in place through November as I’ll study the Gospels up to Thanksgiving week, as well as James (Fridays starting 9/6) and 1 Peter (Mondays and Fridays starting 10/7 and ending 11/1). I did attend the Bible study at Cutie’s once this month and plan to do so again in September. Does this count as part of my PSL/Fall treats tour? If it means substituting a drive to Ligonier on a Sunday, then yes. I think a trip to Groove Coffee Co. is in the plans as well.
The next day following my Night Turn Appreciation Dinner was my niece’s first day of middle school. I was up for the momentous occasion and got a few pictures of her. When asked how her first day was, she didn’t like it… SHE LOVED IT!!! Not sure if that excitement will hold up through the rest of the school year, but it’s safe to say the first day went well.
Last month, or about a week and a half ago if you’re keeping score at home, my store held its Night Turn Appreciation Dinner for its employees who work those nocturnal graveyard hours. The spread was Italian and food was provided by our deli, as well as Rizzo’s and Denunzio’s. Our store leader put it together and she thanked us for all of the hard work that we do overnight behind the scenes. There was plenty of food to go around. We ate well, and we had plenty of leftovers. My favorite was the gnocchi with meatballs as well as the tiramisu for dessert. Each of us on night turn received a gift bag with snacks (I ate all the chocolate that night) and a Giant Eagle gift card. I used mine Thursday shopping for Fall treats at Market District in Murrysville. I’m loaded up on all things fall and pumpkin spice and not done yet.
A few weeks ago, I went for bloodwork and afterward had breakfast as I usually do when I complete that daunting task. I do bloodwork at Excela Square and go across US 30 to Eat’n Park. After a delicious breakfast of pancakes 🥞, bacon and eggs, I fell in love with a book that I saw when I walked in and ended up buying it (separate from my breakfast). Eat’n Park celebrated 75 years in 2024 and the book covers the history of the company since it began in 1949. I’m only two chapters in so far but I’m savoring the book and the history of the company. I have a history with the Eat’n Park, having worked at the old Park Classic Diner for a few summers when I was a student at Slippery Rock. My only regret is that I wish I appreciated the job more and not counted down to going back to my college (aka “safe space” before it was a household name). That could have possibly changed the narrative a bit and I could have gone further in the restaurant industry. But, I am happy with what I’ve chosen in Giant Eagle.
The summer months are over, time for the ‘ber months to begin.
