Happy Birthday Gram!

While May 10 is the official date that Benny is coming home from the hospital, it’s also Gram’s birthday. We still celebrate it 18 years after her passing. Has it really been that long since she died?

I remember that year very well as I spent my Summer taking care of Gram, not working and uncertain what I really wanted to do with my life. I watched TV with her, talked to her, and got what she needed.

It was an emotionally draining summer for all of us. I was depressed because my college years were over and I wouldn’t take just any job. When my parents and I fought over my future, Gram was a calming voice in all of the chaos.

A lot has changed for me, for my family, and in our country since Gram passed away in 2006. In today’s blog, I’m cracking open a six-pack, talking about what I’ve done since her passing. Also, I hit on some of the big events in our world that she missed.

  1. For me, I finally learned to drive. I was practicing right around the time she was sick. and got the hang of it just weeks after she had passed. Pretty soon I became independent and didn’t need to rely on someone to take me where I needed to go.
  2. Barack Obama’s run for President in 2008. Gram always liked this senator from Chicago and hoped he would run as well as change history. I could have used her in 2008 when I was ostracized for wanting to vote for him. On Election Day that year, the country welcomed its first African-American President. Twelve years later, history would be made again when Senator Kamala Harris would become our first female Vice President.
  3. The Great Recession. Right now, I’m reading Barack Obama’s memoir and learning about his first term in office. I know she would have loved that book as well as the ones Michelle Obama wrote. When I have time, I read it and I’m learning about how he got America through the great recession.
  4. I joined Toastmasters in 2011 and continue to stick with it to this day. I got my Distinguished Toastmaster award in 2019. I think upon learning this, she would have been very proud of me.
  5. Gram had an opportunity to be a great-grandmother to my oldest cousin Becca’s three sons. Six more were born throughout the 2010’s. Mom and I think Gram would have loved Annabelle as well as Lucas, Haley, Joshua, Patrick, and Henry.
  6. I went to Disney World in the fall of 2015. My cousin planned this trip for a long time and finally saw her dream become a reality. I made the most of that week down there and got to visit all four of the parks in Disney World. Next time, I want to go to Universal and check out Harry Potter’s Wizarding World.

There’s many more but I think she’d have loved hearing about and learning of all these events. I’m curious about her reaction to the pandemic and what it would have been.

I don’t think Gram would have liked #45 at all when he took office in November 2016. In fact, that’s all I’m going to say about that one. I started to blog in late 2019, and finally stopped looking back at the college years before that. Gram would have been blessed to see how many of her grandchildren love to write. Hey, I started reading Harry Potter in 2023. My cousins have read the books and now I’m doing the same. I just started the sixth book this week.

How would she have felt about my “journey”? I think it would have pleased her to see me so happy and being my true authentic self.

Since Mother’s Day fell around her birthday, it was always tradition for us to have a picnic around that time. We had it either at Shawnee or Laurel Hill. A few times we had it at my uncle’s house in Berlin. Gram always enjoyed herself and being around her family. The picture I used up top was from Benny’s first birthday party in March of 2006, just before she got sick and had to go to the hospital. The one I’m going to use at the bottom to close out the blog was from my cousin Katie’s graduation party in the summer of 1997. It’s a nice one of her and her children.

Christmas is Coming!

The NFL schedule is set to be released next Wednesday night. It has become a widely publicized event over the years. For fans of their respective teams, this is like Christmas to them with the NFL Draft being their Thanksgiving.

The Super Bowl champion traditionally opens at home, which has been the case since 2004. There have been a couple of years where that has not occurred. 2013 when the Super Bowl champion Baltimore Ravens opened in Denver. 2019 when Green Bay and Chicago played on Thursday night in honor of the NFL’s 100th anniversary. In 2012, the Super Bowl champion New York Giants opened their season against the Dallas Cowboys on a Wednesday night.

I’ve followed the NFL since 1992, so I started watching around the time Bill Cowher became head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers. I discovered a show on ESPN called NFL Primetime which highlighted all of the games that were played that Sunday. I also picked up some pretty good taglines from that show as well, an example being “He Could Go All The Way!”. Don’t forget the nicknames either. Chris Berman and Tom Jackson were a team.

YouTube has really helped me to remember the NFL the way it used to be, before it became money hungry and what it is now. One way is to show the classic games from decades past. For the long time 49ers fan who rooted for Joe Montana, it brings them back to the glory days. For those who loved hearing the legendary team of Pat Summerall and John Madden, it makes them remember what great announcing was like.

I miss the days when Thursday night football and Saturday afternoon football were limited to a few weeks a year. Late in the year, we’d get a treat seeing Pittsburgh and Indianapolis battle for a wild card spot late on a Saturday. It gave you something to do after a day of Christmas shopping.

A few things the NFL got right were definitely realignment in 2002 as well as making the last week of the season all divisional games (2010). Also, making Sunday night football the premiere game of the week in 2006 has been nice and it brought football back to NBC. ESPN’s game has always been hit or miss no matter if it’s Sunday or Monday. Plus the announcers aren’t as great as Al Michaels and Madden/Collinsworth.

Face it, the NFL we knew and loved in our youth isn’t the same product it once was. Do I still get excited for the schedule release every year? Absolutely. Are the overseas games a bit much? Yes but it is an opportunity for people living in London or Munich to see their favorite team play. Last year, I got to watch a game be played in Pixar format on Disney+. That was the coolest thing ever. This September will see the first game played in Brazil. So, in a way the NFL going global is kind of a good thing. It just means one less home game for the fans.

Let’s appreciate the NFL while we have it. We were lucky to have a season in 2020 due to COVID. With the reports of former players suffering from CTE (too many hits to the head), does that too eventually put the game itself in jeopardy?

As for this upcoming season, I hope the schedule is favorable for the Steelers and the upgrades they made at quarterback help the team.

Lots to Look Ahead to in May

Last week I did my monthly look ahead to May. While it mostly remained incomplete, only getting up to around Mother’s Day, that means I wasn’t sure what the rest of this month would entail yet. A week into May, and I have a better outlook for this month.

Looking back to last week’s meeting, I was quite impressed. Maybe it was the weather that put everyone in a good mood. We had a small turnout and I think we were fortunate to get the room we did. Usually around election and primary season, the Courthouse is off limits for us. Our main meeting room has machines taking up most of the space, as well. Despite only seven members there (and none online), our meeting was very informative. Our division director rocked her speech on leadership and our contestant at the District level tuned his up one last time before Saturday.

At the end of the meeting, our past President lined up officers for the new Toastmasters year. We got all but one role set, and that would be the Secretary. With the exception of the President, the other roles can stay the same for the new Toastmaster year. Our Vice President of Membership and Treasurer will have the same members filling it again in 2024-2025.

How much more can I say about this weekend’s Spring Conference that I haven’t already? I included a small photo dump in my socials. Credit to Christina Keener for taking those pics and posting them on her Facebook as I shared them to my page and even to my digital frame at home. My only regret is not getting a picture with Christy (the Communication and Leadership Awardee). Like her, I too am challenging the status quo, in my own way. If you know, you know. Both her and Dawn did great this weekend. I really loved how Christy stopped at every one of the tables in the ballroom and asked us, “What keeps us coming back to Toastmasters?”

My first conference in-person since 2019… was it worth attending? I think so.

Looking ahead… I don’t always post a sports blog and it’s pretty rare. But when I do it’s something that’s a big deal. Next week is the official release of the 2024 NFL Schedule. For me and Rocco, that’s like our Christmas. The NFL Draft is like our Thanksgiving. I’ve followed sports and the NFL since 1992. The league has changed so much so I was a kid and in my upcoming blog I ask myself if the game is still worth watching.

Friday would have been Gramma Gaffron’s birthday. I’m not going to say the age but I will share some great memories of her. I’ll bring a six pack of things to this post that have happened since her passing in 2006. Coincidentally, Benny is coming home from Children’s Hospital on Gram’s birthday

Later this month…May is Mental Health Awareness Month. I’m doing well today (though that’s debatable). In an upcoming blog, I’ll be looking back to the last two Mays when I almost quit my journey (due to regrets from the previous year and no support in 2022; also, because of negativity aimed at TikTok star Dylan Mulvaney last year). I nearly gave it up because of others’ opinions but both times I came back.

Some adjustments in my dinner plans with Mr. Clougherty means opportunities to attend Greensburg Night Market in May and June. This is a good chance to get out in the community, get the word out about Toastmasters and, meet up with some of my small business friends.

While Greensburg Night Market is going strong, Ligonier Night Market will be kicking off as well. Next Saturday the Ligonier Country Market begins for the summer and runs through September. As I said, plenty of opportunities to support the community and local businesses.

Our next dinner is scheduled for May 30 at Oliver’s Pourhouse and then my birthday dinner will be June 20 at the Olive Garden.

Toasting With Style—Breakfast

On Sunday morning, we had breakfast which was included with registration. Our keynote speaker joined us and talked about how we can get more members into Toastmasters. Those in attendance at the breakfast added their input.

We got great feedback from our most seasoned members. Also talked about at the breakfast was the dues increase. For some clubs including one in my district, $60 is a lot for people living in the area. Does it pay to leave the lights on or to attend meetings twice a month? For those who have a LinkedIn, put your Toastmasters in your experience where it can really made visible for someone viewing your account.

The dues increase may have happened but you still get great value for the money you pay for a year’s membership in Toastmasters. Christy Uffelman asked us what our Why was for joining Toastmasters and What keeps us coming back. What keeps me coming back is new friendships that I can make that I wouldn’t have if I left after getting my DTM. Community involvement is also important and is something I definitely need to work on. Maybe on my coffee date this week , I can strike up a conversation about Toastmasters and invite someone to our next meeting on May 15.

Now for my review of this weekend’s conference.

I got to the hotel just after 5 and checked into my room. I took some time to relax and then it was off to the business meeting. I like that they had the meeting on Friday night instead of during the day on Saturday. The best part of Friday was getting to play DJ Trivia. I had a sense of dread when I remembered the right answer to the DO or DIE question but by then it was too late. We lost. But we had fun regardless and it was the best Friday night I had spent in quite a while. With this past weekend being the Kentucky Derby, the theme for the conference was appropriate, “Racing Towards Success”.

Saturday was the big day as we heard excellent messages from our keynote speakers. I made my rounds talking to everyone. I ate well. The parade of banners was smaller than I remember but the last conference I attended was PRE-COVID in April of 2019. I took a lot from what Dawn said yesterday morning and later, Christy’s speech really hit me, as I too am someone who is going against the status quo (for different reasons). I had to dry some tears from my eyes as her message had me crying. Dana saw it and knows what I go through. I thanked her and we waxed fashion sense at the end before we parted ways. Patti’s workshop was amazing and I have a lot to teach myself about humor. The contests as always featured District 13’s best. Jim Teague didn’t place in the top three but he did a great job regardless. For Don Michel, congratulations and bring home the World Championship trophy. For the first time at a conference, I got to take part in the DTM gauntlet. In July 2021, I did it at the DTM gala at WCCC just after all the craziness of COVID happened. We welcomed two new Distinguished Toastmasters to the fold as well last night.

Taking a page from my parents, I packed up early this morning. Also taking a page from my aunt, I left close to check out time. I was thankful to meet up with everyone for a free breakfast that came with registration. I am also grateful for this group of amazing speakers and leaders who keep coming back and finding new friends to join their respective clubs.

I made my way home after breakfast and decided that the shopping trip will happen the week that I’m on vacation. This already adds to a fun-filled week off. For my District 13 Toastmasters family, I’ll see them at my next meeting or at Summer TLI or see them when I see them.

Before I close off the blog, I’m already planning my first Cranberry High Noon visit of the year for June 24 and another visit to be determined for June 25 or 26 (South Hills or Pittsburgh or both). The first will be in person (because I might drive up to Slippery Rock afterward and maybe eat dinner up there too) and the second will be virtual. I’m thinking August or September for my in-person Johnstown visit.

Toasting With Style: A Full Day

Day two of the 2024 District 13 Spring Conference took place today. We had breakfast in the junior ballroom and listened to an excellent keynote speech from our presenter for the week, Distinguished Toastmaster and International Director Dawn Frail. She was a district director for District 60 in Toronto. She splits her time been Ontario and Nova Scotia.

Dawn’s speech was about “Making the Most of your M.A.P.” M is for Mastery; A is for Autonomy; P is for Purpose. She gave us great definitions and explanations. I love that she made reference to Harry Potter when she talked about JK Rowlng. I’ll be starting the sixth book late next week.

Our humorous speech contest came right after Dawn spoke and the contestants and contest officials were all briefed. It didn’t disappoint. We were laughing hard from all the speakers who provided us with humor in the contest. In the afternoon, we all attended a workshop on humor as well. It centered around the Entertaining Speaker manual and Jest Speaking member Patti Thor was the perfect Toastmaster to lead the discussion. A couple of things were added to the MUPPET acronym. The workshop introduced me to a new word called “SMUPPETS”. The speeches from the International Contest brought all sorts of emotion. I need to work on my humor though as I don’t think I’m very funny. That handout Patti gave us should help. So far, the weekend has been full of opportunity and I was ready to get away from home for a while. Last night’s trivia and today’s activities made the 2024 Conference worthwhile.

While Dawn did a great job with her presentations today, our other speaker Christy really hit home on some major points too. She asked us what our Toastmasters Why was, and what keeps us coming back. I learned that nothing grows in comfort zones, and I also learned about courage. When she talked about having courage in accepting that her son is transgender, I was right there with her. LGBTQ issues are important to me and I’m going through that too, being “Stylish”. I even told her that before she left and she was very happy to help in any way she could.

The dinner capped off a great conference weekend and we welcomed two new DTM’s into the fraternity with our own Michelle Teague as well as Division B Director Cassie Lebovitz. I threw in some money for the raffle but didn’t win anything. I also put in two tickets for prizes at Giant Eagle so maybe I’ll get lucky there instead. I spent a lot of time socializing after the banquet and looking ahead to future events. We have summer TLI coming up at the end of June when I start my vacation and in Greensburg, our officers are almost all set for next year.

Toasting With Style: Friday Fun Night

The first night of my first conference in person since 2019 is in the books. I arrived at my hotel just after 5 and took some time to relax after getting checked in. The night began with our business meeting where we elected new officers at the District and Division levels. Afterwards, the Friday Fun Night festivities began.

Our Friday Fun Night activities consisted of good food and trivia with a DJ. He actually came from Slippery Rock. He had us break into teams. My group of three called ourselves “The Hat Tricks”. Mike probably wouldn’t have allowed us to be called the “Slimy Pebbles” since he is a proud Penn State graduate. We played four rounds of trivia. As the rounds went on and the questions got harder, the points increased. The last question was a Do or Die question. Get it right, get double your points. Get it wrong, and lose all your points. It was like betting everything in Final Jeopardy!

We got the question wrong, as did one of the other teams. But we had fun regardless. The question was “What was the first movie that Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan starred in together.” We answered Sleepless in Seattle. It was actually Joe Versus the Volcano. We finished with nothing, but we had a great time, regardless. I would definitely recommend this guy again!

Most nights being at home, I’m not too social, even if go to the gym or to my Toastmasters meetings. It was great for me to get out tonight and it will be this weekend too!

Now let’s talk about that food. We had a cheese plate, soda and bread, as well as a fruit and veggie tray. But the hit of the night was the pretzel bar. I had three plates of pretzels, including the bread sticks. The sauce was a hit too. I almost felt like I was being treated to food from the Melting Pot. I just needed something to dip my mini pretzels in. That, folks, was my dinner tonight. However, I do plan on hitting up the hotel restaurant at some point, most likely for breakfast Sunday morning as we wrap up the event. Maybe even Saturday so I can get a drink (a mint julep, perhaps, for the Kentucky Derby).

I was fashionably late and feeling bad at the beginning of the night, but being around a nice community like my fellow District 13 Toastmasters made all the difference.

First night was a win.

The Dinner Series Returns!

It was postponed from a week earlier, but Mr. Clougherty and I returned for the 12th season of our annual Dinner Series. We met at Primanti’s in Greensburg and, I celebrated Mr. Clougherty’s (Kevin) birthday.

It was our first time together since October of last year when we had our last meal before swimming season kicked into high gear. We’ve had some memorable experiences over the years. When he lived in Plum, it wasn’t too far for him to come out to Murrysville. Therefore, it was convenient for us to meet up at Burgatory. There was last year when we had Primanti’s at Market Square before our baseball game. Many times we’ve had a relaxing meal at either Kings or Eat’n Park.

Some of our topics we discuss include the high school and what’s going on with the district and construction. We also talk about the team and how they’re doing. Hard to believe how long he’s coached. Sometimes, I throw him a real world problem. In the past, I’ve also come to him when feeling conflicted over my political views.

As for our meal last night, it was a nice kickoff to our new season. We took some to decide on what to order but when we got it, our food was excellent. On a scale of 1 to 5 with five being the highest, I’d give ours a 5. Service was quick and we were well taken care of. The greeter took me to my table (rare instance where Kevin gets there before me). Our server was patient as we decided on what we wanted and very friendly. Great team working there Thursday night. Service gets a 5. The atmosphere was very relaxed. It’s a great place to watch the big game and chill. As for where I was seated, I would like a little more lighting. Maybe we can do outdoor dining at one of the places we go this Summer. Gotta shake things up a bit and give atmosphere a 4.

We planned our upcoming spots for May and June. Scheduling the next dinner for May 30 opens up the opportunity for me to attend Greensburg Night Market on May 23. For my birthday, we’ll meet up a little early and schedule it for June 20. Next month will be at Oliver’s Pourhouse and June will be at the Olive Garden.

A Look Back At April

The month of April has drawn to a close and it was a record month. Pittsburgh set a record for precipitation with over eight inches of rain. A lot of that came in the first half of the month. The second half of April has not been quite as active. It looks May is starting off summer like with temperatures in the 80s. We saw a high of 87 on Monday. Therefore, May is beginning the same way April ended.

I made two Toastmasters club visits online at the beginning of April when I attended Indiana and Johnstown’s meeting. These visits were in the plans for a long time and I finally got down to making them. I’d been to both clubs before (13 years in Toastmasters, people! I’ve made my rounds). This was my first visit to both clubs in their new locations. Indiana meets at Indiana Regional Medical Center and Johnstown meets at the Arbutus Church of the Brethren. I was warmly welcomed at both clubs and learned that Johnstown had their 70th anniversary celebration coming up. They held that meeting at Hoss’s in Richland Township on Theatre Drive on April 23.

Last Spring, I dealt with feelings of discouragement. Three reasons and two were beyond my control. One was Benny’s prolonged hospital stay at Children’s due to his condition. He was there for almost four months. Two was the Canadian wildfires that brought plumes of smoke down into our region. Cities like Chicago and New York had skies that looked very apocalyptic at one point. Third was the Bud Light controversy and the attacks on a certain transgender TikTok star that followed. One person in particular was very savage in her opinions on Dylan Mulvaney in a podcast. One other person referred to her as a pedophile. This had an effect on me in my journey and almost caused me to quit completely. I went back though and it was at Summer TLI when I wore a leopard print scarf and my Coach purse. A couple of my Toastmaster friends gave me rave reviews on my style and I knew I had done right. While the Bud Light controversy was beyond my control, how I reacted could be controlled.

This Spring, I still have my doubts but I’ve gotten so much better in my journey. I ordered new ‘fits from Old Navy and everything fit. I like everything a little short and don’t mind rocking a crop top. I slay whatever I wear. When I visited Johnstown earlier in the month, their club president Sandi really adored my polka dot top (after I took off my jacket and thus, stopped hiding my true self).

Whatever downtime I had when the weather was nice and not rainy was spent outside. I found out that Hempfield Park is a great place to get your mile walk in if you don’t want to make the drive to Twin Lakes. On those days when it didn’t rain, I filled my exercise goals by walking on the treadmill at Planet Fitness and taking to time work on my muscles as well. Maybe I can figure out Yoga or Pilates in May.

Did you get a chance to view the eclipse on April 8? I was asleep for the morning and early afternoon but I came out just as the sky began to get dark. I put on my special glasses and witnessed a phenomenon that won’t likely come again in my lifetime, at least around my area.

The NFL Draft occurred this weekend and it looked like the Steelers did very well, drafting some much needed help on the offensive line. Six quarterbacks went in the first round, including the first three picks. It felt like 1983, 1999, and 2004 all rolled into one. 1983 saw quarterbacks go in the first round, three who’d end up in Canton. 1999 saw three quarterbacks go first, second, and third. 2004 was all around my most favorite draft of all time because the Steelers got their GOAT at quarterback.

Finally, I finished Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix at the eleventh hour. On the last day of April, I read the final chapter and bid adieu to one of the most trying books in the series. I’ll be watching the movie this weekend and then I will begin Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince next week.

And with that, the month of April comes to an end. Good night!

Conference Week Is Here!

Clothes? Check.

Laptop? Check.

Toiletries? Check.

Friday marks the return of an annual event that I haven’t been to since before the pandemic hit. I’m talking about the annual District 13 Spring Conference. I’ve missed tradition three out of the last four years due to work and COVID. I attended in 2021 but it was an online event. That was run very well by a dedicated team of Toastmasters from Cranberry. So it’s safe to say that I’ve earned the conference this coming weekend.

The last in person conference I attended was memorable as it had a great speech contest and the now famous DTM Huddle. That conference was held in Moon Township at the Airport Marriott. It was a great weekend and I took a lot from that event. One of the better conferences that I was at in my then eight years of Toastmasters.

Have things changed since then? Absolutely. This will be the first hybrid conference I’ve been to. I just hope that my interest in the organization isn’t really waning and this conference weekend is worth it. I still enjoy our twice a year club officer trainings at Westmoreland County Community College and learn a lot from the speakers and the club officer sessions. Last year’s Fall Symposium was one I was lucky to attend because of my schedule but I made it work. Winter TLI in December was my first in person since 2019, just before COVID hit. Thank you to my D13 Toastmasters family for not giving up on me, as it felt so easy for me to do in those trying times.

I would like to share a six pack of conferences with you. Three I enjoyed attending and three I wish I would have skipped.

1.) 2019 Spring Conference–The last great District Conference before the world went to hell. I loved everything about this weekend, including the speech contests where I got to cheer on one of our own in Greensburg. This is the conference where I coined the phrase DTM Huddle when I saw four Cranberry High Noon Toastmasters celebrate their big achievement.

2.) 2017 Fall Conference–This was a bittersweet weekend as an era would be drawing to a close. After so many years, the Fall Conference would be discontinued after the 2017-18 Toastmasters year so Districts could focus on growing clubs. Next year would begin a new tradition with the Fall Symposium.

3.) 2013 Fall Conference–This was the conference where the CEO came to speak. I was on another level at this event, flourishing in my Sergeant at Arms duties and, accepting the award for Select Distinguished District in 2012-2013. This Fall conference was held at the luxurious Nemacolin Woodlands in the Laurel Highlands.

4.) 2017 Spring Conference–This was an early conference held at the Penn Stater in State College. We had great keynote speakers but it wasn’t my best weekend. I did an area director visit in Elk County that Thursday night so I went straight to State College from there. Keep in mind the year as this is before the pandemic and before we had the option to attend online.

5.) 2018 Spring Conference–I didn’t attend District 13’s Spring Conference in Monroeville that May but I would have likely benefited more as I was healthier. I attended District 10’s Conference two weeks before in Akron. Great conference, but a bad idea as I was super sick. The event was already paid for so I didn’t want to waste money. I enjoyed meeting new people but it would have been better if I didn’t have such a bad cold. This was the start of two years in a row where I was sick at the beginning of May.

6.) 2012 Fall Conference–This was less about the conference and more about how I was feeling. I wasn’t physically sick, but emotionally sick. Add in an upcoming Presidential election, some negative opinions from people about other things beyond my control, and I was a wreck.

Remember now, these were pre-DTM, pre-blog, and pre-bag. I wasn’t slaying like I’m slaying now.

Where will the 2024 Spring Conference fall? I’ll be highlighting it all weekend and you will need to stay tuned.

A Look Ahead to May

Wednesday begins a new month, and with it comes lots of exciting things to look forward to. We’re now into the days where the sun sets later than 8PM and the sun rises at or before 6AM. At home, we’ll be getting the pool prepped for summer and ready to open by Memorial Day Weekend.

So without further ado, here’s what to expect for next month.

The Dinner series returns Thursday night and it’s Mr. Clougherty’s birthday. He doesn’t have a preference on where to meet, so we’ll go to Primanti’s for dinner. I’m going to celebrate him as well since he has a milestone birthday coming up. So get ready with me as I rock some cheetah print and prepare to enjoy a tasty Pittsburgh sandwich.

The weather will be summerlike for most of the week, unlike the start of May last year when we had snow flurries and temperatures more indicative of March. This upcoming weekend is the Spring Conference and, as I’ve indicated before, my first in person conference since 2019. So, if you’re keeping score, before COVID and before I got my Distinguished Toastmaster award. I hope the passion is still there and this weekend is all I hope it will be. I just discovered my DTM medallion in the drawer this afternoon and I’ll make sure that goes with me this weekend as I run the gauntlet.

Plans after Spring Conference are a little more clearer now than they were when I registered. I think I may stop in the South Hills and hit up a few places before going home. I’m even thinking a Market District run may be in the cards. I was thinking about brunch but I heard nothing from anyone interested in joining.

I’m finally wrapping up Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix early this week. I’ll be ordering the next book, Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince, right after I complete the final chapter in the fifth book. Next Sunday night, I will watch Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix on Peacock or Max. A great way to end my biggest weekend in five years. I may even make myself a butterbeer float.

Mother’s Day is in two weeks, and we have high hopes that Benny will be home soon from Children’s Hospital. My Toastmasters tour will continue as I make plans to visit Bakery Square and Allegheny Mountains in May. More on that to come soon. I hope our officers’ list is set soon in Greensburg. I say that because we’re a little behind the 8-Ball compared to last year, when we had our officers list decided by the end of March. Maybe I need to drive home that point Wednesday night because we need to get it done.

Since I have a busy schedule this week, tomorrow morning will be my coffee day. I’m thinking of that new cafe on Pennsylvania Ave. next to Wight Elephant. The name of if is Nico Cafe + Bakery. It recently opened and is located in the spot where Invisible Man Brewing was. They have since relocated to near the Palace Theatre.

May is not completely set in stone yet but whatever happens, let’s wish for the best. As I go into next month, the wind is at my back and the sky’s the limit. Time to put together the best summer and fall of my life.