It’s been a few days, but I’m back to writing and ready to embark on this journey. The countdown to a thousand blogs starts today. Since I’ve been off the grid for a few days, what is new with me?
Last Friday I visited the Dick’s House of Sport at Westmoreland Mall. I was in the neighborhood and decided to check it out. Other than being a sporting good store with accessories and clothing, the amenities I checked out were out of this world. The rock climbing wall is worth a look and a pass is worth the money if that’s your cup of tea. I finished my visit checking out the golf simulator. The added amenities are a nice touch to the store and the new anchor should help bring more traffic into Westmoreland Mall. The Dick’s wing (formerly Sears) saw its most activity since Sears closed its doors in early 2019.
Other things that stood about the House of Sport were the chair shaped like a baseball glove, and the photos that represent Pittsburgh well. The Clemente Bridge leading into PNC Park and the view of Heinz Field (yes, I said that). I’m excited to see how they do, and may check out the Going Going Gone when it opens in the Fall.
Two years ago on this exact night, I began a special run that I’d like to call my magnificent speaking streak. It started at the August 7 meeting as I was getting ready to finish the “path” that I began during COVID. I took some time off, citing burnout after achieving my Distinguished Toastmaster award and feeling discouraged in the early days of the pandemic. Things improved slightly as I transitioned into my current job and accepted the nomination of club President at Greensburg.
I found myself mired in another emotional slump in the Spring of 2024 and that lasted into the first half of summer. Around this time two years ago, those negative feelings wore off and opened the door for a great rest of 2024. Even the results of the Presidential election couldn’t keep me down.
Could ‘Magnificent Speaking Streak’ 2.0 begin at the next Greensburg Toastmasters meeting on August 19? I’m banking on it as I finish up the last couple of speeches in Presentation Mastery. That should help matters on the road to Distinguished and higher in my clubs.
I’ve been behind during this first week of August, but I’m slowly starting to catch up. I’ve had my mind on appointments and both of them ram back to back. I won’t go into detail but I am making some changes to improve my health. This week had me contemplating things. Tuesday night was Bible Study at Cutie’s (instead of the usual Monday). With a night off, I got a thirty minute outdoor walk in following the study. In my travels in downtown Greensburg, I spotted someone getting their senior pictures taken. Due to my appointment Wednesday and feeling the need to rest up for work, I made the decision to call off my Toastmasters meeting that night. No worries as my club President emailed me the agenda for our next meeting on August 19. Delegation is key.
This week was the annual trip to Erie for Mom and family. They’ve gone up for the last few years, staying for a few days. Stops along the way included the Grove City outlets and the spillway in Linesville (near Pymatuning State Park). This spillway is interesting as the ducks walk on the fish. It’s always a sight to see. There have been plenty of days at the beach and at Presque Isle State Park, as well as a day at Waldameer for cousins A and H. We’ve ventured up to Erie for getaways since the late ‘90s. This is the last hurrah for summer as A will be starting school in a couple of weeks.
For me, I’m going to start planning for our Cape May trip in October. From 2009 to 2018 (save for a couple of years), I’ve made this trip. Half of them were with my aunt and the other half with my parents. This will be my first time going to Cape May since the COVID-19 pandemic (my last time in Cape May was in July 2018). Except for one year when we went in Spring, all my trips to the Jersey Shore were in Summer. This will be my first Fall visit. I’d like to see how decorated this beach town is at Christmas.
The Cape May adventure will be a nice way to celebrate writing my 1,000th blog post.
Stylish 🍒 