Fall officially made its arrival yesterday morning at 8:43, as I was sound asleep. While the first day of autumn turned out sunny and warm (shades of 2019), change is on the way this week. Much needed rain is making its arrival as will be severe weather. Here’s my first day of Fall.

I got home from work and slept as I usually do, waking up around 1:30 and catching part of the Steeler game. Nice win by the Black and Gold in their home opener. As I usually do on Sundays, I spend an hour or so going to Cutie’s and having coffee. Loving that Fall menu! Yesterday, I ordered a Banana Bread Chai and it was good. I saw two people sharing a Gilmore Girls flight (I want one so bad!). Future drink choice for me will include something Maple (Maple Cinnamon Roll and Maple Cutie sound perfect) as well as the Cherry 🍒 Pie Chai. The latter is part of the flight that I mentioned. While I was at Cutie’s, I did some reading while enjoying my coffee. Later, I looked over my photo book on our former President Barack Obama.

This weekend, my sister and niece were pet-sitting. They watched the little boxer puppy, Chance. We got to see him a few times this weekend. My folks aren’t pet people but they don’t mind other people’s pets. My niece loves dogs and enjoyed every minute that she had with Chance this weekend. She’ll be disappointed to part ways with him.

Last night, on the final evening of Summer, I went to church for the first time in a year and a half. I felt inclined to go because I was ready to and want to get in a regular routine. I’ll probably attend on Saturday night since I usually sleep in the morning on Sunday. I would have loved to attend the outdoor service at the festival this past weekend. I talked with my president after our meeting and shared my story (why I left the church after almost 20 years of attendance). I decided on Community Methodist in Harrison City. I’d been there before so I was no stranger to the church. The other option was Harrold Zion which also has a Saturday night service.

The serpvice was held in the cafe. Usually coffee is available but due to the weekend festival, the cafe was closed. I’ll go next week as well, not to enjoy coffee but also to get back into the Holy Spirit and show this wasn’t a one week thing. It did felt good to be there Saturday night but it’s still going to take some time.

I’ve been attending the Bible studies at Cutie’s and enjoying myself there. I even applied some of the message to my speech last week at my meeting. I have stuff to do to get ready for tomorrow, like maybe putting a speech together to give at the Johnstown meeting. Still, I’m hoping to get out there tonight. I’ll also be meeting Mr. Clougherty this week and showing him the Eat’n Park book.

Coincidentally, we will be having dinner at Eat’n Park.

I’m looking forward to this busy week and this upcoming season with everything going on. Next week, look for my preview of October as cooler weather hopefully makes its arrival and we start to see the leaves change. The tour continues and I have some fun things planned.

I’m now in my second year now at SRU, and my fifth year in college overall. It’s time to start making plans for what I want to do with my life after I graduate. This isn’t a blog about what could’ve happened but a look back at one of the things I did while I was in the twilight years of my academic career.

The summer before I worked my first job at the Park Classic Diner as a Dishwasher, just minutes from my house. With little work experience under my belt, I was going to have to start somewhere, degree or no degree. This is why I can relate to McJuggernuggets in a way. Just as Jesse moped around and didn’t want to work at the farm, his uncle told him it could be a stepping stone to something bigger. Watching one of the videos a few times, it reminds me of what I was like around his age (23/24 in 2016). I was in my early 20s in 2004 so I had a lot to learn too, despite having years of education under me.

I registered for the WESTPacs job fair (held at the Monroeville Expo Mart) that November. I went down with a classmate the morning of the event. He was a senior and in the same boat I was. Our time in college was beginning to draw to a close. I tried driving for part of the trip (from Slippery Rock down to I-79). That came to an end rather quickly (humorous speech material). I hadn’t been behind the wheel since getting my driver’s license at HGA three years before, so I was a little rusty. Needless to say, it was a disaster but no accidents happened. I had a lot of growing up to do between this day and when I would graduate.

The job fair was a much different beast than the college transfer fair that I attended a few years prior, obviously. As this has been 20 years since, I forget whom all I spoke to in my field. But I remember Eat’n Park being there. I picked up some literature about the company and learned more about them. No matter how you slice it though, I was at the bottom of the barrel.

College was my safe space and in my late teens and early 20s, I’d have rather been alone in my dorm room than around loved ones (another story for another time). In a way I felt like Sheldon too (without the knowledge, though).

I’ve been taking the time to read my Eat’n Park book that I bought last month and I’m about halfway through it. Currently, I’m learning about the other ventures that Eat’n Park was involved with. Parkhurst Dining and Cura Hospitality were familiar to me during my later college years and Six Penn Kitchen just as I was finishing school. Hello Bistro and the Porch at Schenley (and later, Porch at Siena) were formed later. Six Penn Kitchen opened in the heart of Pittsburgh’s Cultural District in 2005 and thrived. It closed in early 2018. Six Penn never struck me as a place I’d want to work at after I graduated. I thought I would be guaranteed a good job in my field because of my degree, but alas, that never worked out. I do wish I’d have had a chance to eat there while it was downtown during its decade-plus run.

I spent a lot of time on the Eat’n Park Careers page in my last year of college to see if I could land a good job after graduation. That’s how the names Parkhurst and Cura rang a bell as I was reading the chapter this week. I’m also familiar with campus dining services because I worked in that industry during my time at Slippery Rock. I worked for AVI Foodsystems and only did so for a year, only working a few days a week. If I could go back and change things, I would have worked more during college and focused on that instead of counting down the days until I’d go back to school. I kind of regretted that when I began the post-college life.

I can’t change the past but, it would have really helped to make Eat’n Park (or any other place) a part time or summer job during the twilight of my high school years.

Maybe I’d have had a better attitude after college instead of feeling entitled.

Sorry for the absence from the blog. It is nice to have some time away but I was ready to put up content once. It’s been a long couple of weeks between preparing a big speech and being busy and short-staffed at work. But it’s great to be back and I’m ready to kick this into high gear for Fall.

Here’s a quick recap of events so far this week. I visited Aroma Joe’s on Monday morning to try their coffee as part of my Pumpkin Spice/Fall Treats tour. Deja vu again tomorrow as I go again, this time in the drive-thru to try an iced pumpkin or a maple drink. Cutie’s Coffee trip coming this Monday (the 23rd) since it’s Bible Study.

My latest clothing order came Saturday, with some tops, a pair of jeans, and a couple of sweaters. I’ve been busy so haven’t yet tried them on but I will soon. I want to put together some outfits for next week including a Giant Eagle/Target run and a stop on the tour. Hopefully the weather begins to cool down soon so I can wear my sweaters. Also coming next week is dinner with Mr. Clougherty at Eat’n Park, where I’ll show off the book, and a visit to the Johnstown Toastmasters club.

Last night, I completed my Toastmasters path that I began in the summer of 2020. I did a very good job chronicling my five year journey since getting my Distinguished Toastmaster award in the Fall of 2019. I also didn’t limit the speech to just Toastmasters, but also my life in general. I highlighted the pandemic as well as the changes I made in my personal life. A few things that could have improved the speech would be to explain the three letter acronyms that are synonymous with our Toastmasters clubs. With a new member joining us, he will want to learn what these are and what they mean to Greensburg Toastmasters. We’re giving him a good start by centering Table Topics around the Moments of Truth. Also, instead of talking about the health scare or besides it, bring some of my favorite blog posts into the mix.

In the speech, I highlighted the different seasons of life that I dealt with as I started my path. Also, those I dealt with in my life due to COVID and career change. 2020 felt like a dirt season as I was planting seeds and getting rid of the fading crops of the 2010’s. That season transitioned into a pruning season in 2021 as I began to let go of old habits and attitudes, as well as toxic environments. The next couple of years were a combination of dry and harvest seasons (like Winter and Spring battling it out in March and April). Even in 2024, I had to do a little pruning by not having to rely on others’ opinions for happiness. But I think the harvest season has won out over the dry season.

Finally, I spoke with my club president about one of the things that I highlighted in my speech. I’ve been without a church home since 2021, and I explained to her how it all went down. She suggested a couple of churches I could look into, and these do have Saturday night services which works better for me. Going to Cutie’s for their Bible Study every two weeks has helped too.

After three years, I’m ready to go back.

Despite a chaotic week at work last week, things weren’t that bad. It was an emotional week because of 9/11 (obviously) but also it was the week that Gramma Gaffron died in 2006. That was a bad year as I lost loved ones and tried to adjust to post-academic life. The latter took me a long time to let go of, surprisingly.

It was made less chaotic as I attended a potluck dinner with my Toastmasters club. We caught up with a few of our members who had been taking a break and celebrated our couple who is moving east. Overall, a great night with a great spread.

This last week has been chaotic, to say the least. Between being short at work (we were down three people) and working up to the end of the night; and, preparing my reflection speech, I’ve been out of it. However, I did post some content including my most previous blog on 9/11.

Prepare for more content starting now and going up to Christmas 🎄.

Friday marked 18 years since Gramma Gaffron passed away. I’ll always remember our last summer together when she stayed at our house and I helped keep her company and take care of her. I wanted to do a blog post but couldn’t get anything good together with the week being the way it was. In honor of her, we’ve been watching Jeopardy! every night again. It was always a favorite of hers and we watched it with her when we’d visit. I’ll always remember her laugh, how much she loved her family, and how she always let us think for ourselves. I wish she could have seen me driving (I didn’t start until just after she died). Also, watching Barack Obama run for President and becoming the first African American commander in chief would have made her happy. Third, I’d definitely talk up Toastmasters with her.

Last night, a few of us from the Greensburg Toastmasters got together for a potluck dinner. The occasion was to celebrate two of our members who moving east. They’ll still be a part of the club but will be exclusively 100% virtual, like Greg (another member who is also remote for our meetings). We’ll miss having the Teagues in person as they always make our meetings fun and really helped with getting the technical stuff all taken care of. Fortunately, we have an awesome replacement in Mary Ellen, our club president, who is doing a wonderful job running the laptop during our meetings. Our Table Topics will center around the Moments of Truth #4: Program Planning and Meeting Organization. As for the spread, it was very good and we ate well. The sliders (pot roast and chicken marsala) were very tasty, as well as the potato salad and even the veggie tray and cookies. It was a great night to have an outdoor meal too as the nice September weather continues. However, much needed rain is in the forecast this week too.

The coffee tour continued on Friday as I went to Steep Mountain and had a Pumpkin Pie Matcha latte. It was good and I was happy to go out, even if only for an hour or two. I read a little bit of the next chapter in my Barack Obama book. I’ll get back to that and Kamala’s book this week as well. As for my drink, it was very good and had that pumpkin pie taste to it. I’ve been drinking pumpkin spice tea on occasion and it has a cinnamon flavor to it.

Coming up this week on my Pumpkin Spice and Fall Treats tour, I’ll be checking out a local drive thru coffee stop and buying more treats at Giant Eagle. Also, I’ll be visiting Target to look at their Fall goodies. I wonder if Christmas is up yet at some of these stores?

Last year on my week’s vacation from Giant Eagle, one of the trips I took was to the Fligbt 93 National Memorial. My mom and I both went up that morning (it was a week after the actual 9/11) and were in awe of everything. It’s very humbling when you take it all in. We listened to the chimes and read about everything leading up to the the hours and minutes when the first plane hit the tower. If you haven’t seen it yet, you should definitely check it out.

I’ve twice been to Shanksville where the plane crashed and have been near Quecreek where the mine rescue occurred.

My 9/11 story takes place not far from where Fligbt 93 had crashed. I was a college student attending classes at the local community college. I was in Math class that morning and when class ended is when I got word of what happened. The college was attached to the Hiram G. Andrews Center (where I resided). I went back to my dorm and watched news coverage in the lounge. Soon after, everyone was called to the cafeteria and learn about the events unfolding. It was a very sad day and a very humbling week.

Sporting events and life took a back seat that day and for the rest of the week. When the NFL season resumed a week later, everyone came together including those in New York and Washington. Many lives were lost that day and this otherwise random Tuesday in 2001 still goes down as one of the worst days in our country’s history.

Not many people are still alive who remembered where they were when Pearl Harbor was bombed. Some might recall what they were doing when the astronauts 👨‍🚀 landed on the moon 🌕. We all know where we were when the World Trade Center and Pentagon were hit and when the plane crashed in Somerset County.

That day changed our lives forever and that week put things into perspective for all of us.

Recently, I wrapped up the last Harry Potter book, thus ending the series. I started last summer and it was only fair to start from the beginning. What I mean by that is I tried reading the books before. It was 2018 and I was looking for something to keep me occupied. I took advantage of my Kindle unlimited membership and read the first three books. I quit just before I was about to begin Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.

Inspired by one of my managers (who also likes Harry Potter as well as Game of Thrones) and many family members, I was ready to give HP another try. I was glad I did.

Here’s a list of some of my favorites when it came to all things Hogwarts.

Favorite book: Prisoner of Azkaban.

Favorite movie: Same.

Favorite headmaster: McGonagall

Favorite Dark Arts teacher: Lupin

Where I’d want to live: The Burrow.

Where I wish the Sorting Hat would place me: Ravenclaw or Gryffindor

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone is a Christmas movie in my opinion because of the holiday scenes taking place at Hogwarts.

Favorite parents: The Weasleys. I think Mrs. Weasley is everyone’s mother and she’s not afraid to fight when they’re in danger. She’s a mama bear and she reminds me of someone I know.

Favorite Weasley: It’s a three way tie between Ron and the twins. Yes I just praised Molly to the heavens for being the mother of all mothers. But let’s think of the children as well. Fred and George were friendly and always provided the comic relief. Ron was always the middle ground in the trio, not quite as brave as Harry and not quite as smart as Hermione.

Favorite non-trio character: It’s a tie. Neville’s character grew on me throughout the book. Luna had a personality all her own. She looks like someone I used to work with. These days Neville is teaching young wizards the in and outs of Herbology, I’m sure.

Scariest creature: Aragog. I don’t blame Ron for being scared shitless in the Forbidden Forest. However, Ron and Harry did what they had to in order to clear Hagrid’s name. Harmless to Hagrid but his children almost made Ron and Harry lunch. Where’s Hermione when you need her?

Favorite creature: It’s a tie between Hedwig 🦉 and Buckbeak 🐦 . It’s heartfelt watching the scene where Hagrid buys Harry his owl. I also when Harry takes Buckbeak for a ride. Personally I’d be afraid and fall off this mythical creature.

Favorite quote: “There’s no Hogwarts without you, Hagrid.” At the end of the Chamber of Secrets, after Hagrid reunited with the trio when he was released from Azkaban. It’s here that Harry gives Hagrid the credit he really deserves.

Favorite adult: Hagrid. Took Harry under his wing and always welcomed him into his hut 🛖. Very hospitable and didn’t take crap from anyone. Again, there’s no Hogwarts without you, Hagrid.

Finally, here’s a six pack of facts on Harry Potter:

1. I was introduced to Harry Potter in 2001 when my aunt, sister, and I saw the movie Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone at the former Destinta Cinemas in North Versailles.
2. We owned the first three movies on VHS and DVD. Where are those now?
3. Reading runs in my family and that includes Harry Potter. My gramma owned the first five books though I might be wrong on that. I remember seeing Goblet of Fire in her living room back in the early 2000’s. My cousins have read all of the books as well and now that I’ve joined that fraternity, we have plenty to share.
4. My niece’s birthday party had a Harry Potter theme and she and all of her friends dressed like the character. All of the party favors and cupcakes were dressed up like Hogwarts. One of the coolest presents she got for her birthday were the Harry Potter funko pops from her aunt.
5. There will be a Wizarding World bake-off show premiering on Max this Fall. The hosts are non other than twins James and Oliver Phelps. The two twins played Fred and George Weasley in the Harry Potter movies. It will have some big name guest stars appearing as well.
6. There is a Wizarding World section at Universal Orlando that opened in 2004. I didn’t see this when I was at Disney back in 2015. However, I’d love to come here in the future. Maybe I can put this on my bucket list.

Well, it’s official. We’ve begun the process of closing the pool. Despite the forecast calling for warmer temperatures next week, likely summer’s last stand, the writing was on the wall. Morning temperatures in the 40s and 50s mean the water is cold and won’t be warming up that quick. I spent more time in the pool this summer but it’s all about making time. Problem was, I’ve been divided between swimming and other activities.

I know that there’s still officially two weeks left of summer. Autumn officially makes its arrival on September 22 at 8:43AM. When I look back on this Summer, was it a bust? I don’t think it was. It started out cool and then became hot and dry. I figured it would have gone that way after the wet April we had. I took my vacation (around my birthday). I attended TLI and went to the picnic at the farm. We had fun visiting with my cousins and we swam. Overall, not a bad summer, though there’s a few things I wish I would have done better.

The past few summers, I got depressed over my journey because I felt like I wasn’t getting approval. In 2022, I was away from those who supported me as I was at a new place of employment. Plus, I was dependent on approval and wanted to give up when I didn’t get it. This year felt the same when I let negative feelings overshadow the beginning of my vacation, as well as early in the Spring thus hindering my first in-person conference in five years. After a visit to Dollar Tree and a conversation with a cashier last month, I realized I’m not doing this journey for the attention. I’m doing it to make myself happy and to be an inspiration to people who want to be different.

The Pumpkin Spice and Fall treats tour continues next week as I try new drinks at other cafes in the Greensburg area and other places. I’m biased, but Greensburg has some of the best coffee shops and restaurants in the area. Dates are to be determined but I do plan on visiting Oakmont Bakery sometime this month. I’ll also check out a coffee shop/chocolatier up in the Allegheny Valley while I’m in the area. I’ll make it to Groove next week. Maybe I’ll do Latte Lane in October (sounds like a good drive on a morning off). Visiting these mobile coffee shops, I might have to find a trail to walk on to make my trip worthwhile.

I had to rest on Labor Day since I had to work that evening. My aunt had a picnic at her house and it would have been a great opportunity to show off my Eat’n Park book to some of my family members. My cousin works for Eat’n Park in marketing and showing them the book would have meant a lot to them. My first job was at Park Classic Diner, where I worked for two summers while on break at Slippery Rock University. I wish I wasn’t so eager to get back to school and just enjoy my work. That’s my only regret. Maybe I would have stayed in the restaurant/hospitality business after college. But then again, I might not have met the people I did or started the things that made me who I am today.

Finally, as I have finished the Harry Potter books, I’m reading about the history of an iconic brand that calls Pittsburgh home. Also, I’m rereading a book about our possible future President, and just hoping that the third time is the charm reading about our former President. Do I still plan on sticking with the fantasy genre as I did when I started Harry Potter? That’s still a possibility but it won’t be until after Christmas until that happens. My mind changes all the time, so we’ll see.

Regardless, a developing situation.