A Look Ahead To February!

I don’t know about you, but I’m ready to be done with January.

From the tragedies in Minneapolis, to seasonal depression, winter storms, and extreme cold, January 2026 has left its mark. Despite a lackluster start to the new year though, I still have a lot to look forward to in February and beyond. I still posted content, including Mike Tomlin’s resignation and a few mental health blogs. But I don’t think my heart was into it as much as it could have been. 

I’m going all in for February as I get ready to post my 900th blog entry. Even if we get snow and Phil predicts six more weeks of winter (*sigh!*)

My cousin and I had a great time on Thursday at Abigail’s, enjoying Ligonier and talking about TV and Gilmore Girls. My fashionable sister will be meeting me at Cutie’s later in February. It’ll be her first experience at one of Greensburg’s best coffee shops. We’ll also take the opportunity to catch up as well. I’ll wear something leopard-print for our coffee date.

• Despite staying home this week due to the snowstorm and extreme cold, I’m still planning to stick to my workout commitment in 2026. In fact, I’m planning to go next Tuesday as well as next Friday… weather permitting. 
• Later in February, I’m also planning a Going Going Gone trip to pick up some new activewear. Maybe I’ll get Josh Shapiro’s book while I’m out. I’ll likely go to Monroeville, but maybe I’ll go on a road trip to Bridgeville or the North Hills instead. 
• Not sure if I’ll be able to attend area or division speech contests yet. The universe really  worked in my favor. We shall see. Area 23’s International Speech and Evaluation Contest is scheduled for the end of February in Morgantown. 
• Next week will hopefully erase the depressing January vibe I dealt with. We won’t see a thaw but it won’t be bitterly cold like this week has been. 
• It’s my sister’s birthday on Saturday but before that, I’m hoping Wednesday’s appointment goes well. 
• So what’s coming up this Spring? After the way this month has gone, I think we have permission to think about longer days and more time outside.
• Mid-May brings us the final District 13 Spring Conference before the merging of Districts 10 and 13 into District 219. I’m getting ready to make plans for that weekend. 
• Also, this Spring, I’ll be visiting the Beaver Toastmasters club. It’s been in the works for a long time. I could have moved my Johnstown Toastmasters visit up to September had I known I was off. This could have opened up a visit to the club while I was on vacation in October.