Today’s blog post is about going with the flow, but before I get into it, here’s a definition on what it means.

To go with the flow means you let things happen or let other people tell you what to do, rather than trying to control what happens yourself. In my current job and at my previous job, we work as a team (that’s debatable sometimes). Doing our own thing may not be what’s best for the crew, so it’s imperative to have a leader in place. You may not agree with what’s being said but if you show up, shut up, do the work, and go home at the end of the day (or night), there will be less drama.

You go with the flow.

Three examples of going with the flow from my personal experience include not only the work flow, but also how a Toastmasters meeting runs.

I work five minutes from home at Giant Eagle. I was hired there in November 2021 as I was ready to make a change of years of traveling to other stores to do inventory. O ur work flow has us starting in grocery, sometimes breaking it down, before finishing other departments (UNFI, dairy, frozen, and HBC; with the exception of dairy, three of these come every other night).

After much consideration, we changed our work flow last week. After starting in paper for so long, we now start in the heavier aisles with condiments (Aisle 1) and canned vegetables and pasta sauce and everything else (Aisle 2), ending with the easier bulk items like laundry detergent (aisle 13) and baby (aisle 14)

For 13 years, I was employed by WIS International. I traveled to other stores to do their inventory and, as is the case with my night crew at Giant Eagle, worked as a team. Here, I’m going to talk about how different the work flow was from store to store.

At Target, we had four different work flows at the beginning. We had a crew starting in Grocery, one in Electronics, a bunch starting in softlines, and a stockroom crew. A normal crew size for Target was around 40-50 people. Eventually, as we finished our departments, we all met up together and got the rest of the store done.

Lowe’s inventories were run over the course of two days. Day one we got two-thirds of the store done, saving the other for day two. The inventory manager had a list of what departments needed done and the audits for those departments. Day one we always got the perimeter done and the back line of the store, including plumbing (the worst part of the store to count by far). Day two we always did hardware, tools, and either seasonal or paint. It always varied. One thing was for certain and that was, you always came home covered in dust.

My final example of going with the flow takes place at a Toastmasters meeting. We have an agenda for the meeting with roles including speakers. Also, time management is a vital part of every Toastmasters meeting or event. If you are running a meeting and it goes over, then you run the risk of losing a prospective member if you have guests at your meeting. Keep the meeting running smoothly and if you have to, schedule only one or two speeches or shorten table topics to a few participants. Trim down your presentation if you need to so the program can get done on time.

Back in the Fall of 2007, my mom and I were out shopping at Westmoreland Mall. This was back when they had bookstores still in the mall. We stopped at Borders (formerly Waldenbooks). This was back when I was just out of college and trying to figure out what to do with my life. I was between furthering my knowledge of the restaurant business, studying Culinary Arts, and just going back to school for another unrelated post- baccalaureate degree. My mom saw how interested I was in cooking and encouraged me to buy a cookbook that looked like it piqued my interest. “Anyone Can Cook” from Better Homnges & Gardens was the name of it. It also would have made a perfect Christmas present for me, but I digress.

Sadly, we never really went further with it. This would have been a nice way for my mother and I to collaborate on something together. I owned that cookbook and Anyone Can Bake as well. Despite not using them much, I still haven’t lost interest in this craft, even in 2023. Being employed by a grocery store chain means you become a food enthusiast at some point. I know I get a craving for pasta when I’m stocking the pasta sauce in Aisle 2 at my Giant Eagle. Market District is a food enthusiast’s paradise and I love going there when I have the opportunity.

Recently, I used my Amazon gift card I got for my birthday (plus what was left over from Christmas) on the newest edition of the Betty Crocker Cookbook, which came out in October of 2022. It’s delicate so I’m handling it with care. The 13th edition is completely revised with 375 new recipes. I have a 12th edition which is spiral-bound. This cookbook is for both the novice and experienced cooks. One thing I do like about it is that it tgives you: a rundown of the basics, what utensils and ingredients you need, plus how to store everything and for how long.

It also keeps up with trends, and one of the biggest right now is charcuterie. I was first introduced to this popular trend during 2020 when I took to following small businesses and giving them my support during the pandemic. At our Fall picnic the following year at Laurel Hill, we had a charcuterie board as part of the spread. I loved it so much that I had to get a picture of it and send it to my friends.

Another popular trend right now is eating vegetarian or vegan, as well as eating foods that are plant-based. It is a healthier trend and I’ve experienced this as I’ve ate with friends. Back in November 2021 just before I started at Giant Eagle, I was invited to a Friendsgiving celebration with my “sister” and her friends. They had a vegetarian spread as Sara was trying out this new way of eating. It turned out very good and we did it again a few months later when we had tacos with cauliflower instead of meat.

There are some heirloom recipes I’d love to try (eggs benedict and chicken noodle soup) as well as some hip, newer ones as well. This book teaches you about different types of pasta and meat as well as how to make international foods.

My mom has collected cookbooks over the years, including those written by Ina Garten and Ree Drummond and I’m dating myself but the Frugal Gourmet. I have a few from Trisha Yearwood and I am a fan of her show on Food Network (Trisha’s Southern Kitchen). Garth Brooks has written the Foreword part of the book. I am a fan of both of their music.

Once Fall gets here and we get closer to the holidays, I’ll be checking for great seasonal dishes and learning how to make them. Lots of memories were made as we put Christmas cookies together.

Time to fire up the oven!

It took me six months to use my Amazon Gift Cards from Christmas but a week to use the one I got for my birthday. Go figure! Anyway, when I was finally ready to spend the ones from Christmas, I used part of them on a book by Miranda Lambert. The book is part cookbook, part storybook and is called “Y’all Eat Yet? Welcome to the Pretty B*tchin’ Kitchen!”

I started the book last week and finished the first two chapters. I like to savor the book and not finish it in a day or a week. With my interests shifting to home decor, design, and my listening preferences going country, this was a perfect use of my Amazon gift card funds. In the first chapter, I’ve learned about Miranda’s girl gang including those who have become family. I also read about her relationship with her grandma (she calls her her “nonny”) and some of her nonny’s favorite foods, recipes included. Did I mention that this is part cookbook, part storybook?

Like my Gram, Miranda’s Nonny also loved Christmas and I’m sure had her own traditions as well. Endless Gaffron Christmases were always a thing in Gramma Hilde’s house. Reading about how close Miranda was with her Nonny and her family has taught me to be more appreciative of my own relationship with family.

Living at home, I’ve become somewhat complacent and started taking things for granted. When I do get to see my cousins and relatives, I am appreciative of their compliments and their support when it comes to my fashion sense and my journey. I just wish I could get that same feeling at home but since I don’t I feel the need to hide my true self. I do this out of fear of what they might say. Sadly, this has felt like my whole life.

Getting back to Miranda’s book though, I’m starting to learn to be more appreciative of all the little things my family does. This just from reading it from her point of view. It’s starting to bring a change of attitude for me and it’s paying dividends. My anxiety has gone down from where it used to be and, anyway you slice it, that’s big. Sometimes you need to take time to stop and smell the roses.

I look forward to learning more about Miranda’s girl gang in the coming weeks. I’m really excited to read the chapter on the holidays and she and her family celebrate.

For 13 years I traveled for my job as an inventory associate for WIS International. I worked out of the Pittsburgh Office (3609) so most of our trips were in Pennsylvania with a few occasional trips to West Virginia, Ohio, and Maryland. I got to see many places, and some very scenic. The countryside in Pennsylvania always had some picturesque views, especially when the fall foliage was nearing its peak.

I’ve since moved on from WIS and work five minutes from home now for Giant Eagle. Instead of traveling for business, I’m now doing it for pleasure. The road trips I like to go on are stranger to the beautiful autumn colors, decor, nostalgia I see along the way. Today I share a few of those experiences with you in my blog. These trips will take place in the Laurel Highlands and along the ridges. Nothing from Pittsburgh or going on the PA Turnpike or other interstates.

I was inspired by a fellow Toastmaster to write this blog post. She gives amazing speeches on places in the world and educates us on all things Geography and Weather-related. We knew each other from WIS but now I’m starting to know her better through Greensburg Toastmasters.

Three scenic rides I’ll talk about:

October 2022 (driving through Stahlstown on 711 after the Fall picnic at Laurel Hill).

We had our Fall picnic at Laurel Hill in October of 2022 and we couldn’t have been blessed with a more beautiful fall day. Getting there was just as fun as my ride home would be. After getting off PA 31 and going towards Laurel Hill, you are greeted with splendorous fall colors of yellow and orange.

Coming home later that afternoon, instead of taking PA 31 home through Mount Pleasant, I turned right on PA 711 and drove through Stahlstown going towards Ligonier. More fall colors greeted me and I felt tempted to stop in Ligonier and sit in the Diamond, but I ready to go home. I hope for a repeat experience this coming Fall. Note: I always take PA 31 when traveling to Somerset because I’m not a fan of traveling the Pennsylvania Turnpike between New Stanton and Somerset

Various times (driving down 403 to US 22 from Johnstown; PA 56 to US 22; PA 271 to PA 711 towards Ligonier).

This drive dates all the way back to 2000 for me as we always passed through Ligonier en route to Westmont and the Hiram G. Andrews Center. PA 711 to PA 271 is nice most of the year but in winter it can be tricky. On our way back to HGA in my first semester, we even saw a little snow on Columbus Day. Our alternate route back to school was US 219 to PA 403, whether it was snowy or were coming from Somerset or Berlin.

In later years as I’ve made road trips to Johnstown I’ve traveled US 22 past Blairsville and gotten off at either PA 56 or PA 403. You see some beautiful countryside in the little towns of Armagh and Cramer. There’s also a place to stop along PA 56 just before coming into Johnstown and it’s really nice (Conemaugh Gap). The scenic overlook is the deepest gap east of the Mississippi. Eventually, you’ll make your way into Cambria City and the heart of downtown Johnstown.

December 2022 (driving down PA 31 from Mount Pleasant to Somerset; US 30 to PA 985/601)

Never a fan of the PA Turnpike between New Stanton and Somerset, I’ve always favored these longer roundabout ways. PA 31 takes you through the heart of Mount Pleasant and eventually up the mountain. You pass through Donegal and on your way to Somerset is the entrance to Seven Springs, turn right at Sarnelli’s Market and you’ll be in Champion. Kooser and Laurel Hill State Park are in your sights. Nice places to swim and have a picnic in the warm summer months. Both parks are of some importance to my family.

If you’re feeling adventurous, take US 30 and drive out past Ligonier and Laughlintown. Eventually you will find your way up the mountain and on top is Jennerstown. Stop for a bite to eat at the Coal Miner’s Cafe or Green Gables Restaurant. Just make sure you drive the speed limit because there is a cop in town and you will get a ticket if you aren’t mindful of it. The Quecreek Mine rescue site is along PA 985.

After a full day of travel, I am back home now. What a beautiful Fall day and I even stopped and picked up a few things in my travels. Time to sit down and relax with my cup of Starbucks coffee and enjoy a little Sunday afternoon football.

Today I celebrated my birthday and had lunch…. In style.

Originally we were going to eat lunch at the Olive Garden but Mom asked me if I wanted to trade up for a better dining experience. So I agreed and we went to EDO Hibachi Bar and Restaurant. The Japanese restaurant is located behind Westmoreland Mall in what’s known as the Westmoreland Crossings. At one time, Buffalo Wild Wings was in the spot before they moved up to the Sam’s Club plaza in the mid 2010’s.

We arrived at 11:30 for lunch and thus, we had no trouble getting seated. Centered around our table was a huge hibachi grill where they cook your food. After waiting for about 15-20 minutes, our chef introduced himself and got to work.

I felt like I was truly entertained watching him prepare our lunch. We all got hibachi (Mom and Annabelle got the steak; I got the shrimp). Never in my life have I been so close to flames 🔥 than I was today. Not even at a magic show. It was the best experience of my life so far.

Watching the butter melt, as well as the little volcano he made from the sliced onions was just amazing. He tossed our steak and shrimp on the grill and offered a little fried rice, to which we agreed. Our lunch was served and we knew we weren’t going to finish it all in one meal. Plenty to go around for dinner and for a late night lunch break at work.

Did I mention this hibachi contained onions and mushrooms? Did I mention that I enjoyed it?

Today wasn’t just a great dining experience, it was also a day of change for me. Lately I’ve dropped a lot of the things that have been holding me back and one was being tense. I’ve relaxed a lot and it’s paying dividends for me.

Today was trying new experiences. I’m passing both those tests. Not with A’s but enough to show that I’m trying to better myself.

The food was amazing, the experience had me on the edge of my seat, and the service was excellent. I found my spot for my monthly dinner with Mr. Clougherty for August. Be warned: If you don’t like vegetables then this may not be the place for you.

I will be back for dinner with Mr. Clougherty, and I’ll try to talk Katie and Matt into doing this as well.

Grade: A+

Recently, I’ve gone on a country music kick. Pardon the pun, but isn’t my first rodeo. I’ve been listening off and on to country since I was 12 years old when my mother introduced me to Garth Brooks while we were in the car (our old 1988 Dodge minivan). It was his self-titled debut album from 1989. Where am I going with this? My summer reading this year will be re-reading a book about Garth Brooks from several years ago. I also purchased a book by Miranda Lambert with my Amazon gift card from Christmas.

Miranda Lambert’s “Y’all Eat Yet?” is not just a cookbook even though it boasts of some of Miranda’s and her family’s favorite recipes. It is also a book about her life growing up in East Texas, family, and who has your back. I own a couple of Trisha Yearwood’s cookbooks and I am a huge fan of her music and her cooking show on Food Network. If I had to pick my favorite country artists, Garth and Trisha would be #1 and #2, respectively. I’m excited to see what Miranda’s book has to offer. The girl has a lot going for her and she was raised well. Omelets with mimosas sounds like an amazing way to start the day. I love my ’90s and 2000s country, but I needed a modern artist to follow. Miranda is that artist.

I used my latest Amazon gift card to buy an updated Betty Crocker cookbook. To the critics who tell me that I’m silly to buy something they think I’ll never use, WATCH ME. Plus, I wanted a hardcover since spiral-bound books aren’t the greatest to keep intact. But then if it falls apart, it was used quite a lot. Nah, I just wanted an updated copy. I have books on pre-order that’ll come in the Fall, including Bobby Berk’s design book and Reba McEntire’s new book. Don’t disappoint me, Amazon.

I also used my Old Navy gift card to purchase some new Fall outfits with more coming soon as I like to make use of my Super Cash they send me. Gotta Love Old Navy! Included are two cute Halloween tops. Cute as anything pink and cherry. These really caught my eye. I also got a cable knit sweater which will come in handy when cooler weather arrives in the Fall. I’m going to have so many outfits I can coordinate now. For sure I’m going to be slaying it. Perfect for the Fall picnic or a September/October trip to Ligonier.

There’s too many pics to post on here so you’ll see them later.

For me though, this is a huge victory after I almost ended my nonconforming adventures once again. Those words I received two years ago at the start of my journey cut me like a knife and I almost thought I would be forced into conversion therapy. I was this close to dropping everything off at Goodwill but it’s damn near impossible to uproot an entire wardrobe like that. When I put together my outfit for TLI and rocked it, I knew I made the right decision. Division A Director Dana was impressed and he praised me for what I was doing (breaking down boundaries and being true to myself). Brogan and Donald would be proud of me for staying with my journey too. My store leader Dana is also proud of me for this and getting full-time. Glad we’re on good terms at Giant Eagle.

Closing words from my old co-worker,

“The world is a better place because of who you are.”

True words of wisdom in this display. I think I’ll let this picture tell the story.

Last night was our first Greensburg Toastmasters meeting of the new year. It was also my first meeting as President of the club. It’s not my first rodeo (12 years strong as a Toastmaster) and this is third time leading my home club. Overall, the first meeting of the new Toastmaster year was a smashing success.

On the agenda were three speakers giving three diverse topics. I gave a Storytelling speech that was about my first semester at the Hiram G. Andrews Center. Greg gave a practice speech for a toast he’s going to give at his sister’s wedding. Jim spoke on youth leadership for his project that inches him closer to the title of Distinguished Toastmaster. Table Topics saw us answer all types of questions. Mine was “What’s Your Greatest Skill?”. Our evaluators all gave great feedback to their respective speakers and I picked up some great takeaways for my next speech. I plan to retool my speech at Laurel Highlands and make it about Slippery Rock or Transfer Day when I discovered my next place of higher education.

Our club is the new home club of the Division C Director. Greensburg welcomed a new member before the June 30 deadline. That one member was all we needed to qualify for the Distinguished Club program. We finished as a Select Distinguished Club in 2022-23. Madame District Director Vornbrock also told us that Area 24 (our area) achieved Distinguished honors. In addition to Greensburg achieving Select Distinguished honors, Achievers and BPMI achieved President’s Distinguished honors. A big thank you to Jim and Michelle Teague for the leadership in the club these past four years. Both took turns serving as President. Jim in 2019-2020 and 2021-2022; Michelle in 2020-2021 and 2022-2023.

Very soon, our club will be welcoming three new Distinguished Toastmasters, or DTMs for short. Jim and Michelle are about to finish up their requirements and Mary Ellen is very close. She ran an amazing summer TLI/Club Officer Training event a few weeks ago. I’m looking forward to seeing what she has planned for the division in 2023-2024.

For me, I’m going to focus on the Moments of Truth, the Club Success Plan, and the Distinguished Club Program. If I stay the course and when we grow our club’s membership, I’ll meet my goals. Thus, I will solidify my case that Greensburg Toastmasters is indeed… a club of champions.

So far this Fourth of July/birthday weekend hasn’t been too bad. In spite of the annual picnic being cancelled due to rain, we still had a good time on Sunday. Last night we put together a bonfire outside and made our very own mountain pies. They were very good. It brought me back to the days when we’d have bonfires at my Gram’s house during the Summer. I had both a pizza and apple flavored mountain pie. I had my country music on in the background and felt relaxed. I ended the night with a smore and then I crashed around 10pm. On my days off, I get up earlier than I used to in order to make it easier to go to bed on my nights off. Instead of 3am, I try to fall asleep sometime after midnight.

The results are mixed, but that’s my story and I’m sticking to it.

I’m so happy I was able to enjoy myself last night. Most nights when I’m off it’s easy for me to retreat upstairs and just fall asleep. I’ve been taking more time to stay downstairs until everyone goes to bed. It’s hard to be on different sleep schedules sometimes but we manage. I’m getting better at keeping myself occupied, either by reading, playing Switch, or watching one of my shows.

I’ve experienced some small victories lately in my mental health journey. However, the biggest one came Friday night at work. Just like that I’m able to turn off my past failures like that. The payoff is that the eight hours go by without me having an anxiety attack. I’m confident that this upcoming week and month will go smoothly, despite losing key people to vacation. It’ll be tough, but we’ll get by.

Part of my problem is I worry about doing a bad job at work and I’m constantly reminded of the way things were at my old job. Early on, I was good at pissing people off. Not on purpose, but it just always happened no matter what. Eventually things got better and I started to really enjoy the job before COVID hit and that’s when it went downhill. I wasn’t the problem, but the frustration of others’ with their lives that led to that animosity.

Yesterday, I changed the topic of my speech and I think it sounds a lot better than what I originally had planned. This topic will better fit the Art of Storytelling theme for my Level 3 in my path. The title is “Cast of Characters” and without going into further detail, touches on my experience at the Hiram G. Andrews Center. I break down my cast of characters into four groups and give a little scenario involving each. I will re-purpose this next Tuesday at Laurel Highlands and give the same speech, but it will touch on my time at Slippery Rock University.

I’m looking forward to a great Toastmasters year and leading the Greensburg club to success. I’m also excited for the second half of Summer and our trip to PNC Park on August 7. Atlanta’s got the best record in the league right now, so it’ll tough for the Bucs but we’ll see a good team on the field regardless. I don’t want to wish summer away but vacation will be here before I know it and so will my fall reading projects.

Look for some Summer and Fall Fashion pics from me soon.

Just like that, welcome to the second half of 2023.

It felt like we were just celebrating the New Year and now it’s almost the Fourth of July. I really don’t know what this month has planned for me other than, I’m beginning my term as President of Greensburg Toastmasters. First meeting of the new Toastmaster year is this Wednesday, July 5. I have plans for a successful year for our club.

The last couple of nights have seen a breakthrough for me. I struggle most nights at work with anxiety and that toys with my emotions. Friday and Saturday saw me be free of that and it really made a difference in my performance. Last Saturday at TLI I dressed nontraditionally and carried one of my Coach purses. Not a big deal if you think about it but being my unique self really impacted how I presented myself. As 2023 goes on, I will continue to come out of my shell more and more.

Last year at the farm saw me have one of my breakthrough moments of the year. I talked to my family about my journey and they all gave me their support. My cousin listened to what I had to say and we both cried together as she gave me some very kind words of affirmation. A few things she told me were that I was beautiful, that I was an inspiration, and to never stop being me. Her husband gave both of us tissues to dry our tears (that was a very kind gesture from him).

I had to go to work that night, so I missed the fireworks 💥 but it was still nice to visit with everyone. The picnic at the farm was my #1 event of 2022, along with Annabelle’s 10th birthday and the fall picnic on Columbus Day weekend.

As always, I’m looking forward to Toastmastering in July with Greensburg and Laurel Highlands. I just got some gift cards from Amazon and Old Navy. I’ll make some nice purchases with my Amazon (I still have some left over from when I used mine for Christmas). I’ll be looking for a mix of summer and fall outfits with my Old Navy gift card. What outfit of the day will we see from James’s Closet? (I smell a new segment).

I’m looking forward to finally spending time in the pool after having not gone in yet this year. Also, I’ll be looking forward to dinner at Rizzo’s with Mr. Clougherty at the end of the month. Of course, I can’t wait until August 7 as the Pirates play the Braves at PNC Park. It’ll be my first game in almost a decade.

What fun things do you have planned for the summer?

When you’re in college and the school year is about to come to an end, you now have options. One is to work the whole summer to make money and pay for school (tuition, books, room and board); have an internship lined up that will help you get real world experience; or, take summer classes and get those electives out of the way. Of course, you’ll need to balance a part time job with those summer classes or that internship.

For me, I chose option number three.

In the summer of 2001, while living at HGA, I decided to enroll in summer courses at the local community college. It was a win-win for me at the time because I would still see my friends at HGA and, knock off a few credits so it would be easier for me to graduate. Most college classes are fifteen weeks during a normal semester. During the summer, they’re condensed into five weeks. Therefore, I had a lot to learn in a short amount of time.

My classes ended up going well that summer and I got to meet students from other universities, like Ohio State and Penn State. These people were in the same boat I was, saving money and time by taking these classes during the Summer, instead of paying more at their school for the same class during the Fall or Spring semesters. It helps to do your first two years at community college or a branch campus (Penn State New Ken or Pitt Greensburg, for example) before transferring to the main campus, if that’s what your plan is.

That was the only summer that I was on campus. Every other semester, I went home and either worked or did nothing. My first real job, actual job, and summer job was working at the old Park Classic Diner. In those days, I couldn’t wait to go back to school once August rolled around. I look back on my college days and always thought of school (whether it was HGA or Slippery Rock University) as my safe space and my comfort zone. Hence, why it was so hard to be away from it, especially after I graduated in 2005.

Knowing what I know now, I’d have appreciated working at Park Classic Diner a whole lot more. I would have Maybe it would have become a stepping stone to something better down the road. In those days, I would have taken any work experience I could get.