My plans changed Monday night. All set to go to Bible study, the forecast trended towards rain and thunderstorms (which never came), our study was virtual. Some of us who attend every other Monday got together and had a watch party. Gianna led the study and started it by reading a couple of verses in John 15. Other scripture was used as well. She talked about the importance of abiding by God. Instead of the hour long study that we’re used to, it was only a half hour and live streamed on the Cutie’s Coffee Bible Study Facebook page. The next Bible Study falls on my birthday, June 30. It’ll be a nice close to my week off and a good segue into my Fourth of July 🇺🇸 plans as we celebrate at the Gaffron farm.
Early this morning, while I was at work, I switched on the YA JAGOFF! Podcast. I’ve listened to this local podcast before and heard some great yinzers. This most recent one was a nice treat as I got to hear KDKA meteorologist Ray Petelin and his daughter. Not only is he the best meteorologist in Pittsburgh, but he and Elizabeth have a segment on KDKA every Saturday morning called “Hey Ray” which shows the duo performing some cool science experiments or teaching us about the weather. John and Rachel are the hosts of YA JAGOFF and I really enjoyed this part of the most recent podcast.
This was a porch tour the hosts did which raised money for a great cause (Zachary’s Mission, which supports families of children with medical issues). This fund helps provide basic necessities, financial assistance, and programs that nurture emotional well-being to those families in need.
Wednesday night at my Greensburg Toastmasters meeting, I’ll be giving another speech that will satisfy my magnificent speaking streak. That will make it ten out of 11 months that I’ve gotten up to speak and I’m proud of the efforts that I’ve made this year. I’ll be discussing my upcoming week off, which begins Friday when I go to Bites and Pints at Kennywood (originally, we were going to go Sunday but the forecast is trending hot and humid). That’s just one of the events I’ll highlight in my speech. Also included are Summer TLI and also, engaging in some retail therapy (I’m leaning towards South Hills).
My upcoming week off gives me an opportunity to celebrate. One way I’ll do that is by getting together with my club at Bud Murphy’s and celebrating our successful year at Laurel Highlands, as well as having dinner at Hibachi with Mr. Clougherty for my birthday. With the forecast trending more hot and humid next week, I’ll make time to get in the pool, and remember to stay hydrated.
Finally, the keys to a great week off for staying out of my own way, curtailing my social media use, and focusing on the present. Last year I let all the negative self-talk and lack of self-compassion bring me down. On Friday, I’m going to Kennywood to enjoy Bites and Pints and focus on that before I look ahead to Summer TLI the next day. I’ll enjoy TLI and learn a lot and afterwards make a post-training stop at Cutie’s. There, I’ll enjoy a latte and read one of my books (I’m going to read the penultimate chapter in The Third Gilmore Girl.
A few weeks ago, I tried to limit my social media use and I succeeded part of the time. One of the challenges that I’m presenting to myself is using Duolingo than one of those three apps that I can’t get away from (Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube). I cry for attention on the socials (mostly the first two) and when it doesn’t come, I get discouraged and this summed up part of my summer vacation last year.
Stylish 🍒 