Countdown to Conference!

The Countdown to Conference is on, now just a week away and even less when we pass Easter. My schedule is up for next week, and the light at the end of the tunnel will be when I check into my room at the Crowne Plaza Hotel next Friday. The success of next weekend will depend on my mood. Even as I was in person last year for the first time since COVID, I wasn’t feeling like I wanted to be there. Part of it was adjusting my sleep schedule which is always tricky, but the bigger culprit was an empty list of notifications on social media which left me feeling discouraged and dejected. It set the tone for Spring and part of Summer for me. As last year’s Spring Conference ended, I saw the date for 2025’s conference and wasn’t sure if I was going to come back for this one. As time has gone on, my discouragement has turned into encouragement and I’m ready to take it all in next weekend. 

Earlier this week, my friend posted a headshot she had done at her work. She’s come a long way in her time there. She hasn’t updated her social media in a while and disconnected her Facebook a while back. Looking at her recent post, that first sentence hit me.

While some of us go months without checking or updating our Facebooks and Instagrams, I’m checking mine every day…. multiple times. While there’s nothing wrong with that, I do cry for attention a lot. When I don’t immediately see comments or likes (especially on my outfits), I get discouraged and eventually depressed. Part of me is still upset over the Republican backlash on the LGBTQ community over the Bud Light controversy. I nearly quit being me a few years ago because of all the nasty 💩 being said.

While I struggled through Spring and part of the Summer in 2024, what really became a turning point for me was my involvement in my local Toastmasters clubs. I stepped up and starting giving more speeches. In August, I started to finish the path that I began in the Summer of 2020 during COVID. By September, I had it all done and began the next path a few weeks later by giving my ice breaker. When you give it a third time, what do you even talk about? Some of my speeches over these few levels included the history of Eat’n Park (I was currently reading the book on the company’s 75th anniversary at the time) as well as what I talk about in my blog. I also talked about Cutie’s and looked back at when we began quarantining during the early stages of COVID in March 2020, and that not everything was cancelled. 

January was the only month in which I didn’t speak but aside from that, it’s been nice to have some consistency in my Toastmasters journey. I’ve now completed two levels in Presentation Mastery and now I’m looking ahead to Level 3, which I hope to have completed by the end of the 2024-25 Toastmasters year. I’m even thinking ahead to what my next path will be when I get there. I have planned for back to back weeks of giving speeches in May and June, leading up to Summer TLI and vacation. With the success that Laurel Highlands and Western Maryland are experiencing this year, how can I make Greensburg great again? My home club is good but it needs help and more members.  

Thursday was my day off and what better place to spend the best day of the week than Cutie’s, where I got the Bunny Peep Latte. The marshmallow fluff was giving me a foodgasm and the bunny peep didn’t stand a chance. The weather on Thursday and Friday, like Cuties’s special coffee menu, has been in bloom. The battle between colder and warmer weather is shifting the other way now as we head into late April. Unfortunately, the spring like weather can also fire off some strong thunderstorms, of which a few can be severe. A wet April in 2024 led to a dry, hot summer. What does the future hold for the Summer of 2025? Hopefully the coming month won’t see any tornadoes 🌪️.

Here are some selfies from yesterday’s trip to Cutie’s as well as from Sunday. The shirt and vest despite the being the same color are not the same pieces of clothing.

Racing to the Top!

We are closing in on Presidents’ Distinguished at Laurel Highlands, our history making Toastmasters club which chartered in 2021. We just need one new member and two educational awards and we should qualify for top honors. I’m on standby in case my Level 2 is needed to help them achieve their goal. If not, I’ll be giving it to the Greensburg club. I’ve scheduled myself to speak twice in May and June, so that should give me Level 3 before Summer TLI on June 21. Exciting times ahead as Laurel Highlands and Western Maryland battle for gets to nine goals first.

Sunday, I watched the live stream for the morning service at Allegheny Center Alliance Church. I split it up as I went to treat myself to coffee at Cutie’s. That was a beautiful day weather wise with wall to wall sunshine. Overall, I enjoyed the Palm Sunday sermon and will be back online for the Communion service on Thursday night. While I can’t be in church most weekends due to work and even though this live stream is convenient, nothing beats going to church in person.

My plans changed on Wednesday it was announced when our meeting would be going virtual. It was a last minute change and for the second meeting in a row, I was a cohost. I think I finally have this Zoom thing down now. I was also conducting the meeting as backup President. Not my first rodeo there. At our next meeting, we will conduct officer elections for the 2025-26 Toastmasters year. I am in charge of that this year. Our guest Wednesday night was TJ Rose. He is from the Johnstown club and he is also our Division Director. He gave a speech at Greensburg tonight and it was really good. We had two good speakers and a great evaluation team led by me as General Evaluator. The husband and wife team the Teagues evaluated our two speakers. Hard to believe the conference is a week and a half away and that our next meeting will be in May.

Just as TJ visited our club Wednesday night, I’ll be returning the favor next Tuesday and attending Johnstown Toastmasters online. The club meets on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday at 6:30pm. An in person visit is in my plans for October.

The Countdown to Conference is on as the big event is a week away starting tomorrow. It’ll be a busy week with Easter and Toastmasters meetings, including our District Council meeting Wednesday night. I have seven days in a row of work scheduled, but the light at the end of the tunnel is our Spring Conference next weekend. Hopefully this time, I will enjoy myself and not have my phone on me all the time, except to take pictures. Checking notifications all the time is old, but it’s addicting. There’s a lot planned, including a great Friday night event, workshops, and of course the Tall Tales and International Speech contests. We’ll wrap it all with the banquet and the DTM gauntlet.

Three Years Duolingo Strong!

Happy Duolingo Anniversary to me! Today is Palm Sunday and it’s also three years of Duolingo learning for me! Learning a foreign language is a great skill to have, especially if you’re in a line of work where you need to communicate bilingually or you travel overseas. I began my Duo journey by learning Spanish and have since branched out into different languages including French, Italian and German. Those four languages along with Math (yes you can do Math on Duolingo but it’s more elementary or light intermediate) make up most of my learning on the app since fully committing to it in 2022. Also on Duolingo are some family members and Toastmasters friends of mine.

12 years to the day today marked a major turning point in my life. I’ll get to that in a minute but, I was in Slippery Rock attending a memorial service for a friend of mine. He was a longtime member of Slippery Rock United Methodist Church and one of the people instrumental in helping me find a church home as I was beginning my studies at Slippery Rock. He passed a few weeks prior from cancer (it was in March of 2013). We all took that morning to remember Gary and what a special person he was as well as the impact he had on our lives. After the memorial service, a luncheon was held downstairs in the Fellowship Hall. It was nice to catch up with some of the former students who also attended church there, as well as the staff and other church members. If I remember correctly, they say that Methodists love to eat.

Duolingo is a Pittsburgh based corporation with their main headquarters in East Liberty, not far from Bakery Square. Every time I went to Children’s Hospital to visit Benny, I drove past the Duolingo offices. You can tell it’s them by the green owl. Next to Duolingo is a Mexican restaurant called Duo’s Taqueria. The menu is in Spanish, so be sure to brush up on your language skills.

After the luncheon at the church, I got in my car and walked over to the university. I walked around the campus not once but twice. I needed time to take everything in. I mentioned this was a turning point and it was on this brisk Spring day that I finally appreciated my time at Slippery Rock and accepted it as well. After so many years of feeling regret for not feeling like I did enough there, Inwas finally at peace. For a long time, I wanted to go back, even studying something completely different from what my original field was. I didn’t care about time, money, or debt, but just didn’t want to be stuck with what I felt at the time was a mediocre experience.

I wasn’t ready to graduate back in 2005. None of us are ever truly ready. That’s why we need to enjoy our time on campus and not take it for granted.

Thankfully, that mindset is long gone and I’m grateful for my time at both Johnstown schools (HGA and the Community College) and The Rock. I’ll be going up to Slippery Rock this Fall to attend homecoming. This time, I won’t have a chip on my shoulder and I won’t feel like recreating the past, but it’ll mark 20 years since I graduated college.

Today, I had a Cutie’s date and it couldn’t have gone any more perfect. Wall to wall sunshine, a tasty drink, and my new Emily Gilmore book to keep me company. Seriously, today would have been a great Ligonier day or the perfect opportunity to use my camera while in town. The seating at Cutie’s inside and outside was filled so I got my drink and took it up to the promenade next to the courthouse.

I have my drinks lined up through April. Today’s drink was the Cadbury Egg Latte and Thursday’s will be the Fluffy Bunny Peep Latte. Also on the Cutie radar is the Bananas Foster Latte, Blueberry Cheesecake Cold Brew, and Banana Bread Chai. The Oreo Dirt Frappe? I’m trying that in May!

Tonight begins my Gilmore Girls rewatch.

Better Late Than Never!

This week the Allegheny Mountains Toastmasters Club held a Speech-a-Thon at Hoss’s Corporate Headquarters in Duncansville. I gave some thought about attending the event this morning and I was glad I did, even if it was better late than never. I’m sitting in my chair reading my book, having a quiet morning, remembering to take it easy as I lay down in the afternoon since I worked that night. I told Dr. Liz (the club’s VPPR who coordinated the event) that I was thinking about attending. I logged on at 9:45 (the Speech-a-Thon began at 9am) and it was perfect timing as they were in the middle of a break.

It’s been one of my busiest Toastmasters weeks in a long time, as I gave a speech at Laurel Highlands Toastmasters and attended Western Maryland Toastmasters as a guest. I wasn’t sure if I was up for attending this morning but I gave it some thought and I was glad I did. Better late than never, even though I did miss hearing Dr. Liz’s speech at the beginning. Two speakers gave their first speech, the ice breaker. They were Jamie and Eric, who spoke on being an entymologist and stepping out of your comfort zone, respectively.

When I arrived at 9:45, I was welcomed by the members. Some of them I already met at the Area 21 Speech contest in February in Johnstown.

Switching to podcasts, I’m beginning to branch out with a educational podcast and a new mental health podcast which is a little more short and sweet for me. I enjoy my ’90s rewatch pods as well. One is hosted by a former First Lady and another by a Toastmaster in my District. First, the Toastmaster’s podcast.

I came across “The L Podcast” one afternoon when I was going to Cutie’s and the date it aired had just followed the presidential inauguration. It was hosted by Dr. Liz, the person whom I met at the area contest in February and, who also hosted this morning’s Speech-a-Thon. The podcast I listened was an uplifting podcast in a trying time (depending on who you voted for). The host assured us that everything was going to be all right and that we can still follow media outlets as long as we don’t overdo it. I listened to her newest episode this morning and it was very insightful as well.

Former first lady Michelle Obama and her brother Craig Robinson also host a podcast, called IMO . The acronym is short for In My Opinion. I played the introduction and first episode yesterday morning. I liked what I heard in the first podcast so I’ll give it a few more listens. There are interviews with other celebrities and filmmakers and of course, the former president gets a mention as well. I’ve read both of Michelle’s books (Becoming and The Light We Carry) and have coffee table books of her time as First Lady as well as Obama’s presidency. The former I bought with her first book in November of 2018, and the latter I got as a Christmas present that same year. IMO is a new podcast, having debuted in March.

Maybe one of these days, I’ll finally get around to reading (and finishing) the book on Obama’s first term as President!

Whale of a Cod Time!

This afternoon, I had some stuff to take care of that I won’t mention in this blog. First things first though. I stopped at Eat’n Park because I was hungry for the Whale of a Cod. Overall I had a great dining experience. The sandwich was good and the service was great. Eat’n Park is very relaxed and laid back and when I eat out with Kevin, I like to pick comfort food and a quiet place to eat so we can hear each other talk. Overall I give the experience a 4.5/5. Wednesday night I’ll go to Kings or Oliver’s Pourhouse for a pre-Toast fish dinner. My review is also on Yelp.

After 3 1/2 years away from church and more time away from God, I feel like I’m finally ready to go back. While in house attendance is something I can’t guarantee I’ll be able to do, there’s always live streaming. I’ve been pretty happy the few times that I’ve attended Allegheny Center Alliance Church and I plan to listen to the Palm Sunday sermon this weekend. When I finally get a free Sunday, I would like to visit this one church in town called 4TheCity Church. One of my Toastmasters friends mentioned it to me and I actually learned about it in a local podcast when it was just getting started. I began to make headway last year by attending the Bible studies at Cuties every other Monday during the Summer. Also, I attended church at Community in Harrison City a couple of Saturdays. When you know you’re ready, the time will come.

I’m taking advantage of my Majesty coupons this month and using them to get back into Christian and inspirational reading. Two weeks ago, I bought a couple of books and today, I picked a couple more. That should keep me occupied for the next couple of months. With Annabelle possibly leaning towards a Hamilton theme for her birthday, I might revisit that book. I also have Kelly Bishop’s memoir which I’m looking forward to reading next week.

As for tv show rewatches, I’m looking forward to getting back into Gilmore Girls and The Office.

These next two weeks are brutal but there’s a light at the end of the tunnel and it’s the Spring Conference. Easter’s coming up next week and later that week I leave. My online visit to Johnstown is next Tuesday and the night after is a DEC meeting. Thursday night is dinner with Mr. Clougherty at Primanti’s. It’ll be a challenge that week trying to find time to pack. I’m planning ahead of time and will leave late in the day on Friday after I wake up.

Last year I took I-70 to US 19, which is a challenge with all the dangerous truck traffic. I traveled that road for years working at WIS when going to Wheeling. This year I have the option of either taking the Parkway, or driving through West Mifflin. However I get to my destination is going to present its own set of challenges. The Parkway (I-376) and the Liberty Tubes at rush hour are always crazy. With the road going past the old Century III Mall closed for good, that’s going to really tie up traffic on Lebanon Church Road (PA 885) and PA 51. Broughton Road is also a crawl as it’s residential. Patience will be a virtue getting to the hotel next Friday.

Going Beyond Gold at Western Maryland Toastmasters!

Thursday night I attended the Western Maryland Toastmasters meeting online. This was my second time attending as my first time was in July, just after the club had chartered at the end of May. While I was attending virtually, the club meets in person at Mr. Toad’s Pottery in Lavale, MD. Lavale and Cumberland are only a 50 minute drive from Somerset and easily accessible from US 40 and I-68. Not too far from where the club meets is the Rocky Gap Casino, where the club had its red carpet celebration last September.

This meeting was the first time I heard two ice breaker speeches and the speakers were husband and wife. There were three speakers at the meeting and they all gave great presentations. I left some nice comments in the chat for all three speakers. The secretary/treasurer closed off the speaking portion of the meeting by taking us on a journey. In the second ice breaker, I learned a lot about our speaker, as he worked different jobs and what life was like growing up in Keyser, WV. Football seems to be as big there as it is in Texas.

At the beginning of the meeting, I gave a little introduction to tell the club who I was. Mentioned by our club president was the Spirit of Toastmasters award that I won in 2020 for my goodwill to the district. The club mentor for Western Maryland (Nate Stephens) also won the award that year. Both Nate and I were part of a Spirit of Toastmasters panel discussion at the Winter TLI in December of 2020.

The Imeses served as Toastmaster (Sharon, club President) and General Evaluator (Gary, Vice President Education). Autumn (Vice President Public Relations) was the Table Topics Master and Timer. I assisted her as Timer during the Table Topics section of the meeting. I’m looking forward to meeting her at the Spring Conference in a few weeks and attending Sharon’s workshop that weekend at the conference. The key to a great conference is staying focused and not looking at social media all the time. However, I want to get my own pictures from the weekend too. Whether or not I meet up with my fabulous sister (Rae), the weekend will be great. She’s busy at her new job and has a lot going on at the moment.

Laurel Highlands Toastmasters and Western Maryland Toastmasters are both competing to make it to President’s Distinguished. For Laurel Highlands, this will be their highest achievement yet. At the present time, they are Select Distinguished. For Western Maryland, to get it as a first year club would be a big achievement. This is the first club in the area since the 1990’s when a corporate club in the area disbanded. Western Maryland Toastmasters is the first community club in the area. Our club president knows we can become President’s Distinguished at both clubs. She will be our Program Quality Director in the new Toastmasters year beginning July 1. I enjoyed being a guest at the meeting and getting to do Table Topics, being one of three participants. I won’t be at the Laurel Highlands meeting on April 22. But I am looking forward to gracing Johnstown with my presence online in what will be a big Toastmasters week for our District, culminating in the Spring Conference that weekend.

Going for the Gold at Laurel Highlands Toastmasters!

Tuesday Night may have felt cold outside but inside it was warm at our Laurel Highlands Toastmasters meeting. Recently, I sent my completed Dynamic Leadership (finally!) after starting it almost five years ago. Blame it on DTM burnout, discouragement during COVID, and taking a while to get used to attending virtual meetings. That was the case from Spring 2020 to Summer 2021. Giving Laurel Highlands my Level 5 helps them get closer to their goal of being a President’s Distinguished club. At this meeting, I was one of three speakers and for me, the last one for level 2 in Presentation Mastery.

In my speech, I talked about one of those people in my life who served as a mentor to me. I couldn’t resist talking about Mr. Clougherty, as he changed my life for the better and helped me to become more social. He became coach for the high school swimming and diving team during my sophomore year and asked me if I wanted to become a manager. It would be a great opportunity for me and it would help me build relationships and grow as a person. I took some time to think about it and after some pushing and prodding, I was on board.

All of our speakers gave great presentations. Ryan talked about some of the remarkable things in his life, and Gary used the word LEADERSHIP to form other words. All speeches fell with the five to seven minute time limit. Sharon had our new members (Cosmas and Helene) give a one to two minute impromptu speech about themselves and why they joined Toastmasters. Cosmas is new to our club but belonged to Toastmasters in South Korea. He had a great story to share.

We had a great turnout on Tuesday night with over 12 people in attendance (two of our members were online). Both of our new members were from Morgantown and work for WVU. I like that our club is reaching out to West Virginia University now and that it continues. Speaking of Fayette County, I’d like to see us reach out to Nemacolin Woodlands as well. While we’re experiencing success at Laurel Highlands, I think Greensburg is due for the same as well. Maybe the Cutie’s speech needs to be given at my home club. They are within a five minute walk from the courthouse. Also, I should give the “Everything is Cancelled, or is it?” talk at Laurel Highlands. It would get some laughs and I use some of the talents of our members and put them in the speech.

The meeting ended with sandwiches catered to us from a local business in Connellsville. It was a sandwich tray, and we also had some sweets, and soda to drink. We are definitely going for the gold at Laurel Highlands Toastmasters, as per the theme from last night’s meeting. I’m going to complete my Level 2 and send that to the club, so that can build towards them getting President’s Distinguished.

Our amazing president brought a microphone to the meeting and hoped we would use it while speaking at the lectern. Due to the amount of feedback it was getting, we had to use it while it was off. While I spoke, I used the microphone. That has since inspired me to want to buy of my own to use while preparing a speech or even reading one of my personal blog posts out loud.

Our next meeting is April 22. I will not be in attendance because I am attending the Johnstown Toastmasters meeting via Zoom. Their club and South Hills Toastmasters meet on the same night as Laurel Highlands. Visiting other clubs (in person or virtual) is one of the things I like to do as a Toastmaster and it helped me win a Spirit of Toastmasters award in 2020.

Where You Lead I Will Follow, That’s What She Said

Later this week begins the rewatch for two iconic shows that got most people through the pandemic and the events of 2020. Gilmore Girls got me through part of that crazy time as I started it before COVID-19 even made the news. Knowing what that a pandemic was coming and we’d be staying safe at home, I’d have started it in the Spring when we were in full lockdown mode and watched it through the Fall. Because, Gilmore Girls and Fall go hand in hand.

I started watching the Office in early 2022, finding it on Peacock. I must have missed the memo to catch it on Netflix during the pandemic. Like that little whimsical show set in a fictional Connecticut town, the Office also had its cast of characters and an A-Z list of quotes and things synonymous with the show. Unlike Gilmore Girls, I did not start the Office during COVID and I did not watch it the whole way through. There are seasons that most fans don’t like (season 6 for Gilmore Girls; the last two for the Office when Steve Carell departed the show) but that won’t stop me.

Along with the Office, I have two books that really talk about the show, written by the actors who were on it. Office BFF’s is written by the same women who host the popular Office rewatch podcast, Office Ladies.

Michael Scott is the World’s Best Boss while Lorelai Gilmore is the World’s Best Innkeeper. The Office put Scranton on the map while Gilmore Girls has me wanting to appreciate small towns and call them my Little Stars Hollow (I’m talking about you, Ligonier). Scranton to Stars Hollow (er, Connecticut) also makes for a good road trip. Just three hours between the two with New York City in the center.

Should I skip season six of Gilmore Girls this time or just go with it? Maybe I make some fan fiction to replace that season like I did when I wrote about what would happen if I made some other changes while at Slippery Rock. What’s my reaction to the last couple years of The Office going to be? Is Will Ferrell or James Spader the world’s worst boss?

When the weather warms up, I’ll be spending an afternoon (or a few hours) in Ligonier. Maybe I’ll have my Emily Gilmore book with me as I watch the cars go by in the Diamond. One of these days coming up, I’ll be sitting in Cuties, enjoying some Spring coffee and watching Gilmore Girls on Netflix.

Today, I went to Cutie’s as I was excited to try their new In Bloom Spring menu that debuted yesterday. Unfortunately, the Spring Market that was planned for yesterday didn’t go because of the rain. Bible Study begins in a few weeks though and I am excited for that. Like last year, it will be every other week. By now, the baristas know me pretty well, and the one who waited on me suggested the Cadbury Egg Latte. That may be on my coffee radar later this week (with a side of Gilmore Girls season one). Today I got the Cutie Cannoli Latte (and it gave me serious Marie Barone vibes like the lasagna I had this week). Coming up next month, the Fluffy Bunny Peep, and next month, the Oreo Dirt Frappe and Blueberry Cheesecake Cold Brew.

Greensburg’s already thinking ahead to Summer with the upcoming Night Market and Vintage Market. It’s amazing to see how much these markets have grown since they began and how they benefit the city. The Night Market has many more dates now than when I first went, and the Vintage Market does good business as well. I’ll try to make it to a few in 2025.

Time to close off the blog with a public service announcement and that is that Social Media is not real life. What you see on the socials always comes with a side of what you don’t see off screen. Comparison is the thief of joy. Only ever compete with who you were yesterday. Even though my blog is just a personal blog and not a business , I feel the same way too. It doesn’t help when I feel my life isn’t as interesting as most influencers I follow on Instagram either. But we’re all human and while we may be cute in the front, we’re definitely chaos in the back. I used a post from my favorite coffee shop as inspiration.

Mental Health Deja Vu?

This April started out the same as the last one. Wet and the rivers look as if they’re going to flood again. This weekend once again brings the chance for heavy rain and thunderstorms and that will be followed by snow chances early in the week, though it won’t be much. Temperatures are looking like lottery numbers, at least this weekend and early next week. Alas, such is Spring in Western Pennsylvania. You just have to dress appropriate for whatever day you’re going out. I’ll be going to the gym a few times this week as well as Connellsville.

While this weather is deja vu, this is what you come to expect in April in Southwestern PA. Spring is just doing its thing, and that means rain and a little wet snow. Eventually, warmer air will win out for good and we’ll be spending more time outside.

While I’m beginning this blog by talking about the weather, today’s post is more about mental health. I hope this Spring isn’t deja vu as the weather has been. What I mean by that is the last few years around the time, my emotions have played with me.

In 2022, I was adjusting to my new job at Giant Eagle but at the same time I was feeling ghosted by my biggest supporters in my fashion journey. Eventually I found a co-worker who encouraged me to live my truth in my fashion journey. I suppose that it’s partially my fault as I shouldn’t rely on others for approval. I dealt with adversity for a good part of 2022 before things turned around later in the year. My family and I became very familiar with Children’s Hospital during the summer of that year as my aunt made that place her second home due to my cousin’s health issues.

2023 saw a lot more of the same as 2022. We spent half the year going to and from Children’s to visit Benny. This year was a wave of emotions for all of us as we didn’t know when he would be coming home. It was a Spring that brought devastating wildfires to Canada. The plumes of smoke made their way down to our area making for milky white skies instead of sunshine most days early in the Summer. The lack of sunshine also took its toll on my mental health.

Nothing could be as bad as the attacks on the LGBTQ 🏳️‍🌈 community over the Bud Light Ad featuring transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney. The right wing talking heads were all up in arms over Bud Light and who Dylan was identifying as. I almost wanted to give up my journey because of what everyone on TV was saying, but eventually I went back to being me. I talked to Mr. Clougherty and he told me I had nothing to worry about. At Summer TLI, I did my thing, rocked my cheetah scarf and Coach purse and was encouraged by my Toastmasters friends not to change for anyone. At least Benny got to experience some time at home that summer before it was back to Children’s in October.

I feel the way I do in the Spring before my mood improves in the Summer and Fall months. While ‘22 and ‘23 presented their challenges, I feel that 2024 was the biggest hurdle for me to clear.

2024 still took us to Children’s, though this time Benny had the surgery that would reveal the light at the end of the tunnel. For me, last year brought with it excitement as I planned to attend the first in person District conference in five years. The Spring brought continued disappointment for me as I continued to feel the need to explain myself. In 2022, I felt ghosted. In 2023, I felt attacked. Last year, it was feeling ignored and unloved. It kept me from enjoying the Spring Conference and even Summer TLI. These feelings of despair lingered into the summer. But like the summer before, I got out of that valley of darkness and had a great autumn season, despite the outcome of the presidential election.

Late in the summer of 2024, I grew in my Toastmasters journey and started to do better at keeping track. I started speaking more at the meetings, scheduling speeches every three weeks between my two clubs. I began to love myself more. Easier said than done even in 2025. Last Spring and Summer felt like the Philadelphia Eagles’ slump in the late 2023 season and foreshadowed their early 2024 season before they got on a roll and won the Super Bowl. This Spring, I’m going to enjoy life at the Spring Conference, nor will I check my phone as often. I’m going to feel confident in my own skin, and continue to embrace my style.

This week I have some Cutie’s trips planned as I am looking forward to their In Bloom Spring menu. I’ll also be visiting Western Maryland Toastmasters, and I’m going to go back to church just in time for Palm Sunday. The wind is at my back and I’m going to enjoy every second of my wonderful life, as well as enjoy rewatching The Office and Gilmore Girls.

Fueling my Toastmasters Spirit in April!

On Sunday, we celebrated Mom’s birthday at home. The spread consisted of chicken, coleslaw, potato salad, and potato wedges (picnic food). For dessert, we had Texas sheet cake with ice cream. We had a small family gathering with my Somerset relatives. Mom was blessed with nice springtime gifts, including gift cards to Panera Bread and Arona Road Greenhouse, and a solar light that she can put outside. Once the warmer breezes prevail over the colder winds, Mom and Dad will be out there planting their flowers and cutting the grass.

Big things are happening in Toastmasters this month with the Spring Conference scheduled for the last weekend of April. Laurel Highlands is growing and gaining new (and one returning) members. Laurel Highlands and Western Maryland recently achieved Distinguished status and we are pushing for Presidents’ Distinguished at Laurel Highlands. This month I will be making online visits to other clubs including Western Maryland as well as Johnstown. The latter will be the Tuesday before the conference and part of a busy week that includes the DEC meeting. Next Thursday I will be attending the history making Western Maryland club.

In 2025, I’ll be celebrating some anniversaries and milestones as well as talking about some memories not so pleasant. This summer marks 25 years since I graduated high school (June) and began college (August). I started at the Hiram G. Andrews Center before moving on to Slippery Rock a few years later. This December marks 20 years since I graduated from college. I’ll be celebrating that milestone this Fall at Homecoming. I managed to luck out this year because Homecoming falls on the week that I am on vacation. Five years ago, we were quarantining and staying home due to spread of the global COVID-19 pandemic. What are some hobbies you took up while staying safe?

This week, I’ve felt a little less stressed and devoted time to other interests without feeling overwhelmed. I’ve made a little more time playing Switch and I’ve been enjoying some Super Mario 64 this week (I have a cartridge with Super Mario 3D games on it including Super Mario 64 and Super Mario Galaxy). I’m trying to make less and less time for social media. Not so much less time on the socials, but less time trying to get attention on Facebook and Instagram. Anytime I don’t get likes I get depressed and that’s what plagued me for a good part of the Spring and Summer last year. Attention is one hell of a drug and it is addicting. It makes me feel like my journey isn’t worth it, but shouldn’t it matter that if I like it, that’s all that matters then? Easier said than done. When summer comes, I’d like to take some more time to swim or be outside. Maybe tomorrow, I’d like to get my camera and snap a few pics around town. I’d like to have some more pics on my frame that are my own and not someone else’s photos. I’d also like to take some more time to try on and post some outfit pics.

Finally, we held our Greensburg Toastmasters meeting this evening. We met online as our Zoom Master and Club President was unable to attend. She gave us a great Table Topic that I used for the session (I doubled up as Toastmaster and Topicsmaster). The topic was to ‘tell us about one of your best times in Toastmasters’.

Most of us referred back to 2019 to answer that question, the last normal year we lived before the pandemic changed our lives forever in 2020. I talked about my visit to the Cranberry High Noon club in December of 2019 and how they made me feel very welcome that day. I had just started my blog a month prior and received my Distinguished Toastmaster award in October.

Our speaker gave his second ice breaker speech for his new path. We welcomed a returning member back into the club and a had a visit from our Area Director. Her visit was successful and we made her feel welcome. At the end of the meeting, I talked about the upcoming conference at the end of the month and what all is included. I also highlighted club officer training and officer nominations for the 2025-26 Toastmasters year. Our next meeting is in two weeks on April 16.