Today marked the first of at least three divisional contests, all in consecutive weeks, that I’ll be attending during the month of March. Not sure if Division D will be in my plans on March 29, though I’d love to see those in the contest compete. This morning’s contest was amazing with three areas and five clubs being represented.
I got to my destination early. I thought the contest was scheduled to begin at 9am (it actually started at 10am with the briefings at 9:30am). Thus, I was one of the first people there. The contest was held at the West Allegheny Community Library in Oakdale. Fun fact: On one of the first episodes of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood in 1979 after returning from hiatus, he visited an elementary school in Oakdale (McKee Elementary School) as part of that week’s segment. This was the fourth Division A contest I’ve attended since we went hybrid in 2022. Actually, it was completely in person. For the third time in seven years, it was held at the library. 2023 and 2024 were held at the Faith Lutheran Church in White Oak, former home of McKeesport Toastmasters. We had attendance from our other dignitaries and other different members, and that’s what I love about these contests.
The area contest run wrapped up last week as Area 13 held their rescheduled contest in Butler. Representing that area was Earlybirds, Beaver, and Mercer County Toastmasters. The winners will be competing at the contest this Saturday. Earlybirds changed locations since I last visited in 2020, moving from the downtown Y to LifeSteps. I saw some of Division B’s leaders today and some of the Cranberry High Noon members in attendance as well. Last Saturday, Area 33 held their contest and representing that area was Bakery Square and Woman 2 Woman Toastmasters. The winners of the latter contest will go on to Division D’s contest on March 29.
At Saturday’s event, speech contestants represented Bettis, Gwen’s Girls, Thermo Fisher, Priority Speakers, and South Hills. Gwen’s Girls and Thermo Fisher chartered less than a year ago. All the speakers did great and South Hills took both contests. The Tall Tales speakers all had me laughing.
Next Saturday, I will be in Cranberry Township for the Division B contest which runs from 11am to 2pm. I will leave early though as I’m going to visit a popular coffee shop in nearby Seven Fields that I’ve followed on Instagram, Convive Coffee Roasters. They have four locations including McCandless and Lawrenceville.
This week did me in as I was fighting a cough and cold, but that didn’t keep me from a Cutie’s date on Friday or the speech contest today. I was also fighting call offs at work as well, so I was definitely ready to leave Friday morning. After I left the contest on Saturday, I went to Settlers Ridge and had lunch. To improve the post-Toast visit, I would benefitted from being more equidistant. Eat lunch at Panera, Blaze Pizza, or late breakfast at First Watch. Afterwards, shop at Market District and Barnes and Noble or Michaels.
Maybe this past week and the lack of adequate sleep due to my usual anxiety contributed to questionable shopping and culinary decisions. However, my burger and fries at Red Robin were delicious.
Five years ago this weekend marks our last normal week ever before the global pandemic struck and turned everything on its ear. Before the pandemic, I was watching Gilmore Girls on Netflix. I started after Christmas and finished in July with a Day in the Life. Maybe Kelly Bishop’s memoir is in my reading choices soon. The third Gilmore Girl also played the mother in Dirty Dancing. Most people watched Gilmore Girls or the Office during those uncertain times in 2020. I know I did.
I think a Stars Hollow rewatch will be coming soon. I may even watch an episode some afternoon in Ligonier, my little Stars Hollow, or at Cutie’s.
Stylish 🍒 