Beginning Season Two of my Gilmore Girls Rewatch!

Winter officially made its arrival this week. Some of us got a dusting of snow, if any. I didn’t even really notice any flurries Sunday night or Monday. If you were near Lake Erie or in the mountains of West Virginia, then you had more snow than we did. In places like Conneaut, Ohio, andContinue reading “Beginning Season Two of my Gilmore Girls Rewatch!”

It’s November, but the Holidays are Coming!

The calendar says November, but retailers are already looking ahead to Christmas. Westmoreland Mall held their Light-Up Night festivities on Friday evening as Santa made his way to Center Court. It won’t be long until Downtown Pittsburgh has their celebration (either this week or next Friday). ‘Tis the season. It’s been a little hard toContinue reading “It’s November, but the Holidays are Coming!”

Managing a Difficult Audience at Greensburg Toastmasters!

I did my part on Tuesday and voted in the election. This wasn’t a big election like last year, yet it was still important. On the ballot was the option to vote on retention for three Supreme Court justices in the Commonwealth. I voted “YES” to Donohue, Dougherty, and Wecht. Also, I voted for candidatesContinue reading “Managing a Difficult Audience at Greensburg Toastmasters!”

Out with the Pumpkins, in with the Holidays!

After a busy month of October that was rife with time off and other activities, the last week of the month saw a return to normalcy. It was ordinary, but I welcomed the tranquility. Working on a Friday and Saturday felt weird as I was spoiled during my last few weeks off. But, I’m readyContinue reading “Out with the Pumpkins, in with the Holidays!”

A Look Ahead to November!

Pumpkin Fall is about to give way to Cranberries, Turkey, and delicious pies. On Saturday, we turn the calendar over to November. Is it too early to start the Christmas Music season? October provided me with some great adventures in Laurel Highlands, Slippery Rock, and the other side of Pittsburgh. How does one follow thatContinue reading “A Look Ahead to November!”

Leaders are Readers at Laurel Highlands Toastmasters!

I returned to Laurel Highlands Toastmasters Tuesday night after missing the last meeting. Two weeks ago I visited the Johnstown club which meets the same night. We met online, which worked for me as it bought me some time to get ready. Last week was unlike any other, with the Fall Symposium on Saturday. IContinue reading “Leaders are Readers at Laurel Highlands Toastmasters!”

Managing a Difficult Audience at Greensburg Toastmasters!

Last August, I began what I call my “Magnificent Speaking Streak”. This lasted almost a year with the exception of January. I went through a period of discouragement because I wasn’t getting attention on social media. Getting up and speaking at my meetings helped me to feel better about myself and improved my mood.  ItContinue reading “Managing a Difficult Audience at Greensburg Toastmasters!”

Cleared for Takeoff at the District 13 Fall Symposium!

Saturday morning was the District 13 Fall Symposium. It was the first time Fall contests took place since the final conference eight years ago. For the District, today was also a bittersweet day. It’s one of the last events for the District before they merge with Northeastern Ohio (District 10) to form the new DistrictContinue reading “Cleared for Takeoff at the District 13 Fall Symposium!”

Reflections on a Meaningful Fall Vacation

Saturday marked the final day of my Fall vacation. I’ve had a great week off as I’ve been pretty active for most of it. I attended Toastmasters speech contests at Westmoreland County Community College. We had our family reunion on Sunday at Laurel Hill in the same pavilion we’ve had the last five years. IContinue reading “Reflections on a Meaningful Fall Vacation”