Milestone

Today is a day to celebrate, just as it will be in a few days and on Saturday at Club Officer Training.

I’ve been putting content on this blog since November 2019. I didn’t know what was going to happen a few months later, no one did. That didn’t diminish my hopes and dreams. Instead of growing the platform too quickly as I did, I look back on 2020 and realize that I could have used my platform to reach out to a world that was hurting. It would have quite a start for this new blogger.

Too big to fail was a phrase we heard too much of back in the Great Recession. At one time, chains built too many stores too quick, and then realized they oversaturated themselves. This blog was just that early in 2020 before COVID brought it back down to earth. It also brought me down as I was just off the high of late 2019 (but I believe that fall from grace was coming). However, I was damned if I did, damned if I didn’t when I came back to WIS early that year after testing the waters of a new workplace. I finally left my old job late in 2021 because I knew I was ready and turning 40, I needed a change.

When you look at how much I’m writing this year and compare it to a couple of years ago, you ask yourself what the difference is. I didn’t have the technology would be the obvious answer but my cousins came through and gifted me with an awesome laptop. It was also a matter of how I was feeling. Did I regret some decisions I made the year before? Was my journey worth it since I felt I was hearing crickets? I’ve gone through my good days and bad days. I’m influenced by the opinions of others, be it family, friend, or famous person, but eventually what’s said doesn’t always stick. However, the recovery takes longer and, for me, is still going on. The people who think they’re helping you may inflict more damage upon you than the bully would themselves.

I’ve been on my “fashion journey” since 2021 (it’s more that than an LGBTQ journey). For far too long, I’ve relied on the opinions of others for approval and when I don’t hear it or read about it, I get discouraged. While the approval helps, I’m also not giving myself credit or loving myself enough. Even as I’ve blogged more this year, there are days I’m still sad because I feel I’m not good enough. I look to Facebook and Instagram for attention and when I don’t get it, I feel broken and discouraged. That hindered my enjoyment of the Spring Conference this past May.

But despite everything that has gone on in the world (and in my head), I’m still here and excited for what’s to come in the days ahead. Here’s to 600 blog posts and many more!

A Big Week Ahead

This week is going to be nuts. Let’s talk about why it’s going to be crazy.

It’s going to be hot. We have an excessive heat watch in effect until Friday. Plenty of time will be spent in the pool and staying hydrated and cool.

Starting today and up through the end of the week, temperatures will be in the mid 90s. When you factor in the humidity, the heat index will reach dangerous levels. Limit outdoor activities, stay cool and hydrated. Don’t be a statistic this week. I will be taking advantage of the free time I have by swimming or walking in a cool place (maybe do a couple of laps around the mall).

It’s a Toastmasters week. Wednesday is my last Greensburg meeting of the year At the end of the meeting, I’ll be handing off the gavel to our new President for the 2024-25 Toastmasters year. Saturday is club officer training, or TLI at Westmoreland County Community College.

Our Toastmasters year wraps up on June 30 and that means it’s crunch time for all clubs to meet the requirements for the Distinguished Club Program. Just one more member can make the difference between qualifying for the DCP and making President’s Distinguished.

I’ll be busy next year serving officer roles in both of my clubs and trying to lead both of them to success. I’ll be the Vice President Education in Greensburg, and at Laurel Highlands, I’ll serve as both the Vice President Membership and Public Relations.

I plan to visit Cranberry High Noon next Monday during my week long vacation from Giant Eagle, before heading up to Slippery Rock. I visited Johnstown online in April and will plan an in person visit (August/September) as well as do an online visit for the new Western Maryland club (July). My Spirit of Toastmasters is really making a comeback.

It’s my birthday week. Thursday night, I will celebrate my birthday at the Olive Garden. I’m looking forward to a great dinner and I plan to get a restaurant review out as well. I made sure to remind Mr. Clougherty that it’s my birthday so I can get some cake. I’ll be talking about some of my favorite dining experiences at the Olive Garden over the years in my next blog. We used to celebrate my Great Grandmother’s birthday there too.

Last year, in the haze of the Canadian Wildfire smoke and having recently decided to continue my fashion journey, we ate dinner at Burgatory. It’s an early birthdy dinner since Kevin is on vacation next week. Other stops this year in the Dinner Series include EDO Hibachi will be in July, as well as Kings which will likely be sometime in the fall.

It’s a milestone week. I say that for the blog as well as for Duolingo. I’ll be publishing my 600th post this week and Saturday will be my 800th day on Duolingo. I’ll have to celebrate with my Duolingo buddy sometime in the future. I’ll make sure that 600th post is something heartfelt.

It’s a week for amazing fashion. I’ll be slaying some nice outfits this week and into the weekend as I beat the heat and keep cool. I have something nice picked out for Thursday night when I go out for my birthday dinner, as well as for Saturday when I go to Summer TLI. Let’s hope that I have the confidence to rock them and not cave because I might worry that something might be said.

Time to slay this week and look forward to vacation next week!

Working 7 to get 10!

The countdown to my vacation has officially begun! I’ll work these next seven days up to Friday morning and then I’m off for the next ten days. It’s nice to now have two weeks off now, not to mention those weeks are paid. I went without that for almost 15 years even though I enjoyed what I was doing as well as travel and the friends that I made at my old job. While I’m working straight up to my week off, this isn’t the first time that it’s happened.

I went through stretches multiple times at WIS where I worked more than seven days in a row. Twice in 2016 (almost three times) did I work more than 11 days straight. Let’s go back to 2018 when I set a record for consecutive days worked without a day off at 13. This was in June and it was right before my vacation and my birthday. Not only was it a nearly two week stretch, I was also traveling to stores every day. Nothing new to me when I was used to it, but being at Giant Eagle for two and a half years now I realize how much time I had spent on the road.

Being on vacation since I started at Giant Eagle just feels a lot better than it used to. Maybe because it’s paid time off and having good benefits. My most memorable vacation back when I worked at WIS was Disney, hands down. That’s a vacation that you put on your bucket list. I’ve taken many Cape May trips, some better than others. Now that I’m done chasing my past and focusing on the present, things are a lot better for me.

In other news, I’ll be hitting some big milestones very soon. On this platform, I’ll be publishing my 600th blog post very soon. Look for it early next week and no, I didn’t hype this as much as my 500th in November. However, it’s still a big deal as I didn’t think I’d get there until well into Summer.

Saturday marks my 800th day on Duolingo (unless I miss a day between now and next Saturday which is highly doubtful). I discovered the app in 2018 and stuck with it for a short time before walking away, and getting a sad face from the mascot itself, Duo. Seriously does this bird identify as he/she/they? I came back in the Spring of 2022 and have literally missed a handful of days since, but have been able to maintain my long streak. I’m sticking to just French this month in Duolingo (with a little Math thrown in). Don’t know yet what the rest of summer will hold for me on the platform.

The end of this month will mark my 43rd trip around the sun. I unofficially will be calling it my Polamalu birthday.

Finally, Thursday night begins the Ligonier Night Market which runs monthly on the third Thursday through the Summer. I won’t be there this Thursday but I plan to make one or two at some point since that day is usually free for me. There’s a few restaurants I’d love to eat at which I can review for this platform.

With that, the countdown to vacation is officially at six days.

Getting Groomed for TLI!

The weather is heating up next week for the start of summer and that means it’s time to cool off with a dip in the pool. Morning lows in the 70s means the water will be warmer than it has been. For me, this incoming stretch of hot and humid weather also means it’s time for a haircut.

I’m getting a haircut not only because we are getting into summer but, because I’m also getting groomed for TLI next weekend (when my vacation starts). I want to look good for this event and no better way to do it than by getting a haircut and a massage. What better place to get it done than by going to Sport Clips?

I get my hair done just five minutes from home at the Sport Clips in the Sam’s Club Plaza. Sometimes I wait, sometimes I get taken immediately. All depends on the time of day. I always get the same cut and the “MVP” treatment which includes a haircut, hot towel, shampoo, and they always top it off with a nice massage. I leave there always pleased and come back again in three months. By the next time, I’ll be ready for a new cut just in time for Fall and pumpkin season.

Next week, I’ll be in vacation mode as I get ready for my week off which follows (the week of June 23-29). Before that, I’ll be celebrating my birthday at the Olive Garden with Mr. Clougherty (he’ll be away on our usual fourth Thursday so we’re doing dinner next week). Next Saturday as I mentioned earlier is our Summer Club Officer Training, or TLI. I’ll want to look nice for both occasions so I have a few outfits picked out.

When I ate at the Olive Garden for my 40th a few years ago with Sara, my fashion sense was just getting started. I wore a blazer but with a polo shirt. I have some a little nicer to wear under that blazer or cardigan now. With temperatures likely flirting with the 90 degree mark on Thursday, I might wear shorts and sandals. I also ate at the Olive Garden the year before I turned 40 with my cousins and Aunt Sue, but that was during COVID and with a limited disposable menu.

Last year’s Summer TLI was when I “went back”. I almost got rid of all my clothes and started over completely. I felt I was getting zero support in my journey and the negative press about TikTok transgender star Dylan Mulvaney really got to me. It was so bad I wanted to quit entirely. But that morning of Summer TLI, I got one of my Coach purses, put on one of my cute scarves, and set off to WCCC. I had a great day and I made a pact with myself not to change for anyone. Dana applauded my fashion sense and was impressed with how I’ve gone against status quo. So was Cassie who carried a nice bag herself from Michael Kors. I might be in the market for Kors myself as I’ve had my eye on a three-in-one bag in pink for a while now. Though, I’m always flexible.

I’ll see what I can put together for next Saturday. I’m thinking a red top and pair of jeans with my fake birkenstocks. Like the ensemble? Thanks, it’s Old Navy.

I have a few things planned for vacation so far. Club officer training and a graduation party on the first weekend. A few day trips during the week including a drive up to Slippery Rock and shopping at Tanger (and maybe somewhere in Pittsburgh). I’ll swim if the hot weather continues into vacation week and, work on my fitness routine. I want to try out a mobile coffee spot called Latte Lane. Of course, there’s also the Greensburg Night Market. I’ll cap off my vacation by celebrating my birthday on June 30 and get ready for the Fourth of July. I’ll also be finishing Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince.

Taking On Some Big Roles in 2024

The year like no other that is 2024 continues to work its magic.

During the last few months of the Toastmasters year, we hold our officer elections for those interested in serving a role in our club next year. We took care of business in Greensburg at the beginning of May and just finalized our officer list. Last night, we elected new officers at Laurel Highlands Toastmasters.

Even as my schedule has changed in recent years, as I’ve changed jobs, I still want to be involved in Toastmasters. I enjoy going to meetings and visiting other clubs when I can. Since getting my DTM, I haven’t been consistent in my path and I am sporadic in giving speeches. Blame it on COVID and blame it on me giving more time to my blog. 2024 is a year like no other and I’m still dedicated to this organization.

At Greensburg, I’ll be the Vice President of Education in the new Toastmaster year beginning July 1. At Laurel Highlands, I’ll serve a dual role as Membership and Public Relations VP. Both clubs should keep me on my toes in 2024-2025. In addition to that, I’m also churning out content on my blog and this year will be a record year for content as I hit a milestone very soon.

As for last night’s meeting, we had a last minute change and decided to meet online. For the club that chartered hybrid in June of 2021, it’s rare to do a fully virtual meeting. However, the change worked out well and we had a great meeting. We heard Nick, our club president, give a professional speech on the lessons he learned from running. I enjoyed this speech and related to it because my cousin is also a runner. Ryan’s Table Topics centered around summer. Thankfully, warmer weather is coming and that helped justify those Table Topic questions. We ended the meeting with officer nominations and filled up our slate for the new Toastmasters year.

Finally, the new Western Maryland Toastmasters club had their test meeting a few weeks ago. A week later they chartered. Western Maryland Toastmasters meets on the second and fourth Thursday at 6:00 pm at the Allegany County Library in LaVale. This is the first Toastmasters club in Western Maryland in 30 years. Our District Historian Dana knows of all the past and present Toastmasters chapters in District 13 and I’m sure he’s mentioned Western MD in his travels (no pun intended). I’ll make an online visit myself at some point in the near future.

A Time Without Social Media and Mobile Phones 📱

Over the last two decades, it’s become apparent that social media has taken over the world. Facebook, YouTube, and MySpace started in 2003 (the year I started at Slippery Rock!). A few years later, enter Twitter (now X) which began after I finished college. As we begin a new decade, we are introduced to Instagram. The way we look for people and information is much different now than it was when I was growing up.

My first time on the internet was in early 1997 when we launched America Online on our Packard Bell. We had the coolest way to log in and that was through a Wishbone CD-ROM game. Eventually we moved on from that but what a great story to tell. You didn’t have social media sites on AOL, but you did have chat rooms and messenger if you wanted to talk to your friends without the use of a phone. If you had dial-up, good luck trying to make a call if you needed to or getting your kids to log off.

A lot of my time at HGA and Slippery Rock was spent on AOL Instant Messenger and the other various messenger sites on MSN and Yahoo. I was limited in high school but made up for it in college when I got my own computer. That’s either a good or bad thing. I didn’t find Facebook until late in my academic career when the social network was limited to college students only. Oh how it has evolved.

Mobile phones have changed with the times too. My first real cel phone was a Nokia phone from T-Mobile. I got it from a representative at the student union at Slippery Rock one afternoon in the winter of 2004. My phone has changed looks over the years. The keyboard one I had in 2010 was really cool. I got my first iPhone in 2013.

We’re always excited when we get our first phone or when we upgrade. But when the novelty wears off, it wears off.

With how much social media and mobile phones have evolved, we have information at the click of a finger. But is too much of a good thing really a good thing?

Now I’m not knocking social media, influencers, or the like. If you make your living on YouTube or “Insta”, then all the power to you. I want to know all your secrets for having a successful business and how you handle the algorithm when either it goes your way or it doesn’t. While it’s a fun hobby, like too much TV it can be harmful to our physical and mental health. Therefore, I’m looking for alternatives when it gets too crazy.

There are many ways to curtail your social media use and maintain your mental health when it gets out of hand. Here are a few of them.

I like to read books that help take me to a different place other than the present. Getting lost in one of the classics is always fun. In the past, I’ve read history-related books like Hamilton (before I knew it had become a popular musical). My dad had a book from an acclaimed local historian about The 1889 Johnstown Flood. I’ve found those books that help me understand great authors like Shakespeare. As I get ready to finish Harry Potter this summer, I’ll move on to something just as cool.

This requires the use of your phone or computer, but check out some educational or fun podcasts. I’m listening to rewatch podcasts and eventually want to find a food or local podcast so I’m balancing my listening. I’ve thought about starting my own podcast, eventually.

Go outside and enjoy life when the weather is nice. One of my hobbies used to be photography and I wouldn’t mind getting back into it again. When it gets hot next week, I’ll definitely make time to swim. The possibilities are endless.

Finally, go to a museum. I mentioned the book on Johnstown Flood. Take an afternoon and spend it at the Johnstown Flood museum. Now you also visit the Heritage and Discovery Center in the West End of town. It’s a great way to learn of the history of this melting pot and that’s it more than just a city that had more than one catastrophic flood. If you’re feeling lucky, check out the Flood memorial in South Fork.

Finally, a Fitness Blog!

Yesterday was a red letter day in the weather department, so I took advantage of the sunshine and got a walk in. I wanted to go to Hempfield Park but with an event going on (and they had attendents there so it had to be big), I had to improvise. Greensburg Salem High School wasn’t far away, so I went over to the neighboring elementary school and walked on the track down there. That worked out perfect for the time I had allotted.

I want to devote more time to my fitness journey, or at least I’m trying to. I think I came up with a good plan. On nights I work, I’ll give 30-45 minutes to whatever exercise I want to do (swimming, walking, cardio). 15 minutes if I’m at Planet Fitness doing strength training and the same for yoga or Pilates.

On nights when I work and, I can parlay this into the next morning as well, I can extend my time. Maybe an a hour and a half at the gym or outside and more time in the pool if I’m at home (if it finally warms up). One of my goals, and it’s not a hard one to achieve, is to walk both lakes at Twin Lakes. That equals almost five miles (4.8 to be exact). The week I take vacation, I may meet up with Rachel at her Planet Fitness in Johnstown since I have a card that allows me access to any Planet Fitness. I’ve done this before. This way we can work out together and one can spot the other if lifting is involved. I haven’t lifted in years so that might be interesting.

Last night we had a bonfire 🔥 in our backyard. With these cool nights, it was a perfect time for one. We had it up by the garden where we usually park our cars. On the menu was s’mores. One of these nights, I want to do mountain pies on the fire, either with fruit filling ( 🍒) or pizza toppings.

We used to have lots of fun at my Gram’s house when we all gathered together for a bonfire. We’d roast marshmallows or hot dogs and sit around the fire and laugh and just enjoy ourselves. Eventually the fire pit moved up in the woods behind my Grandma’s house. We called this path the Blueberry 🫐 Trail. It came down by Aunt Nan’s house. We had a lot of fun walking this trail and one time around Halloween we even made it spooky. A friend of the family thought it would be nice to scare us. My eight year old self didn’t know how to react to this but now I know it was all in good fun.

Not so fun was our camping out in the front yard one time. Some people can rough it in the great outdoors. I can’t (at least back then; maybe now I’d do better). I didn’t sleep well on the ground and that may have been the last time I’ve tried sleeping outdoors. Give me a hotel room with a big bed and a jacuzzi any day.

My cousin and her little family love the outdoors and camping. I love reading of her adventures on her blog. My aunt used to camp all the time as well, spending many summer and even Fall weekends at Shawnee.

What do you prefer, a house by the beach or a cabin in the woods?

Looking Ahead to Summer!

It’s been a good year so far as I’ve written more than I thought I would. After a slow start to 2024, I’ve taken off this Spring with the content I’ve posted. It’s like I’ve really done a lot with nothing at all to work with. Looking ahead, I think I’ll smash last year’s content as well as 2020’s content. This year may have also established some parameters as to how much time I want to devote to content.

June will be a busy month for content as we get ready for Summer. Vacation is coming soon for me (in two weeks to be exact) and I plan to cover a lot of bases there. It’s like December when I challenged myself to double my content and included some top ten events of 2023 plus some Christmas related content. I know I’ve said this before but my plans for my vacation week include: taking a trip to Slippery Rock (I’ll get a restaurant review in there), going to Tanger, and if the weather trends warmer I’ll spend a lot of time in the pool. I may even make plans to go to Johnstown one day and meet up with a friend from the local Toastmasters club.

So June will be busy but what does the rest of summer have in store?

I plan on dialing back the content for July and August so that I can enjoy the rest of summer. If the weather is going to be hot, I’d like to spend a majority of that time in the pool as well as working out. Hot and humid weather means more gym time (in addition to pool time) and it’s air conditioned as well inside. There will still be time for blogs and I’m going to do some restaurant reviews during the Summer as well as attend the Ligonier Night Market (third Thursday of every month beginning June 20). September will start out slow but content will pick back up in the second half as Summer draws to a close and I attempt to do that Fall coffee tour that I didn’t do last year.

Even though the comfortable mid-70s we’ve seen as of late have me yearning for Pumpkin Spice season, I’m ready to celebrate the start of summer and just wait for Fall until it gets here. My new favorite coffee shop in town has some cool drink options to keep me hydrated in this warmer weather.

Finally, I think I have a fitness routine nailed down. On my work nights, I’ll commit 30-45 minutes to walking or going to the gym. On my nights off or my mornings off, I’ll put in around an hour and a half if I’m indoors and two hours I’m outdoors. That’s two times around both lakes at Twin Lakes and almost five miles. It all depends on how the weather is. No fun walking around in the heat and humidity. If I’m home, I’ll spend some time in the pool.

But not this Tuesday or next Wednesday, that’s when I have my Toastmasters meetings.

A Domino Effect

Yesterday, there was so much I wanted to do but one little thing happened that set off a domino effect. Thus, throwing off the rest of my day. So what can I do to ensure this sort of thing doesn’t happen again. But, it probably will again anyway.

Since I have Toastmasters tomorrow night, I’ll be sure to put my electronics in the other room so they can charge. I usually plug in my watch and phone around 7pm on nights when I work. Just one of my many routines. That means I won’t be distracted by social media when I should be settling down or sleeping. But the truth is, I’m always distracted because I want attention.

In the Bible, it says in the Gospel of Matthew not to worry. That includes what you eat and what you wear. Concern over these things, as well as speculation over what might be said about my style are just a few of the things that can hamper my sleep pattern. Don’t forget wasting time on Instagram and Facebook since their algorithms are total garbage, always suggesting things for me that I might like even though I don’t. Regardless, I get sucked in anyway. Let me not worry about my routine, either. I wanted to swim yesterday because it was warm, and possibly go for a walk after dinner. Neither of those things happened and I was beside myself.

All it takes is for one little thing to create a domino effect to throw off the entire operation. Well, not tonight because it’s a Toastmasters night in Greensburg.

I think I’ll scratch my original eating plans for tonight. Initially, I was going to go to Tastyland but I might change things up due to the weather. I was thinking Chinese but we’re having that for dinner which means I’ll have some to take to work tonight. Something we all need to have in place is a backup place just in case things don’t work out. Knowing what I know now, I’d have gone to Tastyland Friday or Saturday when I was home by myself. Plus, I could have parlayed that into a walk at Hempfield Park.

If you expected a restaurant review tonight, you probably won’t get one. But I do plan to get out this summer and eat at a few places, giving my feedback.

Brought to you By the Letter P

Today’s blog is being brought to you by the letter P, and the words pride month and podcast.

Pride month has begun and, I am feeling a lot better about things now than I did at this time last year. Even if May felt lackluster to me, I am feeling confident heading into June. Vacation is coming in a few weeks, club officer training is on the horizon (it’s the weekend my vacation starts). I’m excited to keep writing (though I’m dying to share more fashion, fitness, and food content) and get to 600 posts as well as get into my podcasts. I’ll highlight some. more podcasts as I get into this blog.

My niece got me a pen for Pride Month with colors that represent the LGBTQ. She and my mother knew I would like it and I’m happy to see that they get it. To know what it means to me shows that they understand and my mom isn’t 100% against it.

Tonight on the Pod Meets World podcast, the golden trio of Will, Rider, and Danielle interviewed iconic musician Lisa Loeb. Her #1 hit “Stay” turns 30 years old this summer. It was a great interview and brought up in the conversation was Lilith Fair, which a compilation of female artists who performed in concert during the late 1990s. At one time, I wanted to go to one of the concerts (I think in ’97 or ’98). I’ll be sticking with this podcast and I want to thank Brian Baumgartner for having Danielle Fishel on his podcast as that’s how I found out about it.

Over the weekend, one of my friend who is involved with Toastmasters (she is with BNY Mellon) told me about a Pride Month podcast and she asked me permission if she could tell my story. I did so and was grateful to give her the opportunity. At last year’s Summer TLI, Cassie and I met and I told her about my journey. At the time, I was ready to give up because of all the nasty shit being said about Dylan Mulvaney. My journey isn’t like Dylan’s, but I still felt like I was being attacked. Her and Dana (whom I known for years in Toastmasters) spoke some kind words to me and made me feel good about my journey. Just as I was ready to quit, they told me to be true to myself and not change for anybody. Cassie and I complimented each others’ bags as well and Dana admired me for challenging the status quo. The good words are there, I just need to be patient in waiting to hear them. It’s easy to give up, but we need to fight and not let the haters win.

It took a while but I’ve finally become a fan of Pentatonix. I think my cousins will be proud. For the past few nights at work, I’ve been playing their music and it’s gotten me through the night. I don’t know what I was missing and, some of the songs they cover are better coming from them than the original artists. I didn’t think anybody could do “Take On Me” better than A-Ha but Pentatonix pulled it off.

I’ve had success with listening to podcasts in the past, having heard a few from actors on The Office. The Office Deep Dive (later Off the Beat) and Office Ladies are both great if you’re into the show and listening to the hosts analyze the episodes. I follow Pod Meets World on Instagram and for a long time didn’t listen to the podcasts, until a week ago. Now I can’t get enough and I want more.

There are a few other rewatch podcasts I’m interested in that are tied to 90s shows, plus I want to look for one that covers Pittsburgh and another that covers food. I think I’ll make time the next few weekends to preview these podcasts. Most likely, I’ll find the PMW episodes where they interview the hosts and learn more about them and their podcast.

My plans were dashed to go swimming today because of the rain and later I could have went for a walk but I was too tired. But alas, tomorrow is another day plus it’s a Toastmasters night.