Sorry for the absence from the blog. It is nice to have some time away but I was ready to put up content once. It’s been a long couple of weeks between preparing a big speech and being busy and short-staffed at work. But it’s great to be back and I’m ready to kick this into high gear for Fall.
Here’s a quick recap of events so far this week. I visited Aroma Joe’s on Monday morning to try their coffee as part of my Pumpkin Spice/Fall Treats tour. Deja vu again tomorrow as I go again, this time in the drive-thru to try an iced pumpkin or a maple drink. Cutie’s Coffee trip coming this Monday (the 23rd) since it’s Bible Study.
My latest clothing order came Saturday, with some tops, a pair of jeans, and a couple of sweaters. I’ve been busy so haven’t yet tried them on but I will soon. I want to put together some outfits for next week including a Giant Eagle/Target run and a stop on the tour. Hopefully the weather begins to cool down soon so I can wear my sweaters. Also coming next week is dinner with Mr. Clougherty at Eat’n Park, where I’ll show off the book, and a visit to the Johnstown Toastmasters club.
Last night, I completed my Toastmasters path that I began in the summer of 2020. I did a very good job chronicling my five year journey since getting my Distinguished Toastmaster award in the Fall of 2019. I also didn’t limit the speech to just Toastmasters, but also my life in general. I highlighted the pandemic as well as the changes I made in my personal life. A few things that could have improved the speech would be to explain the three letter acronyms that are synonymous with our Toastmasters clubs. With a new member joining us, he will want to learn what these are and what they mean to Greensburg Toastmasters. We’re giving him a good start by centering Table Topics around the Moments of Truth. Also, instead of talking about the health scare or besides it, bring some of my favorite blog posts into the mix.
In the speech, I highlighted the different seasons of life that I dealt with as I started my path. Also, those I dealt with in my life due to COVID and career change. 2020 felt like a dirt season as I was planting seeds and getting rid of the fading crops of the 2010’s. That season transitioned into a pruning season in 2021 as I began to let go of old habits and attitudes, as well as toxic environments. The next couple of years were a combination of dry and harvest seasons (like Winter and Spring battling it out in March and April). Even in 2024, I had to do a little pruning by not having to rely on others’ opinions for happiness. But I think the harvest season has won out over the dry season.
Finally, I spoke with my club president about one of the things that I highlighted in my speech. I’ve been without a church home since 2021, and I explained to her how it all went down. She suggested a couple of churches I could look into, and these do have Saturday night services which works better for me. Going to Cutie’s for their Bible Study every two weeks has helped too.
After three years, I’m ready to go back.
Stylish 🍒 