Last night at work, I began to notice signs of change. It’s still summer, but I’m seeing back-to-school displays up front. In the back of the store and going into the backroom, I discovered boxes Halloween candy and Fall treats. These will go in the seasonal aisle as summer progresses. I have yet to see anything Pumpkin Spice.
It’s July 13 so for the kids, keep enjoying your summer vacation. We are getting to the midpoint. For my niece who will be starting the seventh grade next month, that’s where she is now. She had band camp this week at Wendover (with a concert yesterday morning), and next week is theater camp and volleyball camp. A road trip is scheduled for the first week of August.
It’s summer, but Fall isn’t far behind and Cutie’s is getting ready for the season. The Fall menu comes out on August 31 during the heart of Labor Day weekend, and that morning they’ll have a market in their parking lot to help launch the new menu. Cutie’s is also helping out the community this summer with a wishlist that people can look at to shop for teachers as they prepare to set up their classrooms for the upcoming school year. I looked at the list and might lend a hand as well. I’ll ask one of the baristas on my next visit.
The vibes it brings reminds me of shopping for kids at Christmas, but who had a parent that was faced with a difficult situation. We took a tag off of the tree and fulfilled that child’s wishes. I usually shopped at Kohl’s or Target but sometimes went online when I couldn’t find what I was looking for.
LOOKING AHEAD TO MY NEXT VACATION
My next vacation isn’t until October, but right now we are in the heart of the vacation season at work and at home, and this stretch will run through early August. Having a healthy balance of things to do with relaxing at home and spending some of those hot days in the pool made my summer vacation in 2025 better than it was in 2024. There were things I could have done to make some of my days better but they were minor improvements. One suggestion would have been me going to Slippery Rock first and then, going down to Cranberry for the Toastmasters meeting. Afterwards, getting lunch before going home.
In my fall vacation plans I have the family reunion at Laurel Hill, Homecoming at Slippery Rock University, and a Pittsburgh trip to visit one of the museums. The one I’m interested in visiting is the Andy Warhol museum. I’m also going to make an in-person visit to the Johnstown Toastmasters meeting. Maybe if there’s room on the agenda, I’ll speak as well.
I’ve made many Homecoming trips over the years before ending the tradition in 2018. The reason that this year’s Homecoming is special is because it’s 20 years since I graduated from the Rock and finished my academic career. I will surely make this one count.
SPEAKING ON CHANGE AT GREENSBURG TOASTMASTERS
Wednesday night, my Greensburg Toastmasters meeting is virtual. I will be one of the speakers and, thus, extending my magnificent speaking streak. This should be 11 out of 12 months that I gave at least one speech a month. It’s not much but it’s something to be proud of. The title of my speech is “Who Moved My Cheese”. I’ll highlight the book with the same name, and I’ll also be talking about change in my life as I focus on 2021. This was a major transition year for me. We will return to the Courthouse on August 6.
FALL OUTFIT TEASE FOR A PUMPKIN SEASON HAUL IN AUGUST
Recently, I ordered some clothes online at Old Navy as I begin to put together a Fall wardrobe. The cheetah sweater is returning for its third year. I was trying to beat the clock and get 50% off to which I had success. I scored a new cardigan, a new jacket, and some flares. Therefore, I’ll be bringing the flare when Pumpkin Spice season comes in September. I’ll do a try-on this weekend (my mini-haul is set to arrive Thursday). I’ll set aside my gift cards for a Fall Haul later in August or the early part of September, as caramel apples and hayrides begin to invade my thoughts.
BIBLE STUDY AT CUTIES (WEATHER PERMITTING)
Finally, I’m praying for good weather Monday evening so we can have Bible Study outside. We haven’t been so lucky the previous two times so here’s hoping the third time is the charm. Should we livestream again, I’ll be at Cutie’s Thursday and then switch over to weekend visits. The next visit may not be so far away.
Stylish 🍒 