Our Greensburg Toastmasters meeting was a success last night, despite the small turnout and one speaker having to postpone until the next meeting. It was nothing our group couldn’t handle. Four of us attended in person with the three usual suspects joining us online via Zoom. I will be ending my speaking streak and going without speaking for the first time since January. This gives others room to speak and it takes the stress off of having to double (or even triple) everyone up. Rather than keep the streak going, I’m comfortable with having a break to replace the old and aging vets with the new and younger talent. Pardon the sports metaphor.
We had no problem using the club computer to run the meeting, as it was our first time doing this. The late start we had was made up for with a quality meeting. I highlighted the importance of looking at the camera when making eye contact so I didn’t make myself look silly by looking up into space. I also recall the difficulties I had attending Zoom meetings when they became a thing. Using my cell phone or iPad for the meetings became a tall order. However, using a stand might have improved that experience.
Our table topics was about our favorite things. I answered the question by talking about Mr. Clougherty and how he helped me become successful, and as well as how he helped his swimmers become great in life. I’ll get to some of my favorite things in this blog, momentarily.
The courthouse was a busy place last night, with our meeting, gun permits, and a DUI class which took up our usual meeting spot. With everything else going on, we held our meeting in the jury room. Maybe it’s my imagination but those benches outside make it look like we’re in a train station waiting for our next train. The one meeting in May that was held in the hallway, made it feel like we were in an airport terminal.
Our next three meetings are scheduled for September 17, and October 1 and 15.
Some of my favorite things include speech contests, and Area 23 held theirs on Saturday morning at the Morgantown public library. I wasn’t able to attend in person, but thanks to the power of social media I read that it was an amazing contest. The pictures and video from Area 23 Director and Contest Chair Autumn came in handy as well. The clubs which had members in the Humorous Speech and Table Topics contests were from Laurel Highlands, Western Maryland, and Country Roads.
Laurel Highlands swept both contests and the winners will be advancing to the Division Contest on October 11 at Westmoreland County Community College. All three divisions (B, C, and D) will be competing that day, so it’ll be interesting to see how that all works out. My vacation will just be getting started, and I do plan on attending that contest. The winners advance to the District Contest which will be held at the 2025 Fall Symposium on October 25 in Moon Township near the Pittsburgh International Airport.
I’m enjoying a couple of days off right now and my plans include watching the kickoff to the NFL Season as the defending champion Philadelphia Eagles take on the division rival Dallas Cowboys. I’m also hoping to begin that new series on Peacock from the creators of the Office. We had to postpone our dinner plans again but I talked with Mr. Clougherty and we agreed to reschedule for September 18 at the Olive Garden. Hopefully the third time is the charm. It’s my aunt’s birthday on Friday so I will shop for her in my travels. I’m also thinking a trip to Cutie’s is in order, either for breakfast or coffee. Tomorrow night, I’m looking forward to the season premiere of the Great British Baking Show, and enjoying it with Mom.
In closing, here’s some of the drinks I’m looking forward to trying at Cutie’s on this new menu. Pumpkin Cheesecake, Carrot Cake, Apple Crisp, and Banana Pancake, and of course the Pumpkin Spice Latte.
Photo courtesy of Cutie’s Coffee Company, not me.
Stylish 🍒 