This was a great weekend. I talked to some girls at White Rabbit. We had a well-attended Area contest in Johnstown despite the cold and snow. Finally, I made some new acquaintances at church. I leveled up socially this weekend.

You could say this whole leveling up started on Thursday night with me attending the Area 13 contest. I’ve already said my piece on this event so I won’t say anymore.

This blog will cover the three events I just mentioned. As you know this past weekend I attended the Area contest in Johnstown. Before that, I had a coffee date at White Rabbit or so I thought. I guess my friends forgot. Do I cancel my visit to my favorite downtown Greensburg cafe? Actually it was business as usual. I ordered my matcha 🍵 latte and biscuit with honey butter. The barista brought my biscuit to my table.

Was I disappointed that my coffee date was a bust? A little bit but it wouldn’t be the one thing that ruins my day. I enjoyed my biscuit and sipped my matcha 🍵 latte. Then I went over to the window and started chatting with some girls who were enjoying their coffee. The little baby 👶 who was with them smiled at me. We broke the ice and enjoyed each other’s company. I learned that one of the girls graduated from Hempfield and the other was from Florida. We talked hockey and I learned that she was a Lightning fan.

Time flies when you’re having fun. Soon, it was about 10:30 and time for me to get on the road to Johnstown. I asked for the girls’ names and gave them my name. They were happy to meet me and that I recommended the matcha latte to them.

I was off to Johnstown next for the Area contest. I braved the snow flurries and occasional squalls on US 22 to make it to my destination. I arrived an hour before the contest so I could be briefed by my chief judge. I got some pictures of the building where we had our contest. I saw some familiar faces and some new ones. The most noticeable ones were the ladies from Elk County who were speaking in the contest. Later on I introduced myself to them and took a few nice pictures of the group. I was commended for my outfit on Saturday. I had on jeans with a cardigan and fuchsia top. The real admiration was for my scarf 🧣 and boots which matched. One of the contestants asked me if I had a friend who was a fashion designer.

I did a great job socializing with everyone at the contest. I opened up and was vulnerable when I made contact with the girls at White Rabbit. and the new faces (and old faces) whom I saw at the contest.

Sunday morning when I got to Cornerstone I ate my breakfast and headed into the sanctuary to enjoy the Sunday morning service. I sat with some people I never met before. We raised our hands in worship and sang along with the worship band. Pastor Donn preached on giving and promoted the upcoming Dave Ramsey program called Financial Peace University. That begins next Tuesday at Cornerstone Ministries.

I talked to Pastor Mark (Pastoria) after the service and got to introduce myself to the people I sat with. Loic, Ryah, and Mecal were pleased to introduce themselves to me as well. I complemented the women on how nice they dressed as well as their colorful hair. I chatted with Brianna at the Welcome Desk. I set a time to meet with Pastor Mark at Chick Fil-A. It’ll be in April. Yesterday was the day I began to build my Cornerstone family. I already have some close friends in the Front Line Ministry team on Saturday nights.

Time to close off the blog with my advice to you. Live your best life. Be your best you. ROCK out because you are worth it. Don’t forget to laugh because laughter is the best medicine. A sweet friendship refreshes the soul (Proverbs 27:9). I think I formed some good ones this past weekend. Shanda and Manda; Ryah, Loic, and Mecal, I’m glad we got to meet. Hope to see you all soon.

Bye everyone. ❤️ you 😘 🤗

February has come to an end and we are less than three weeks away from the official start of Spring. Contest season is in full swing with four contests going on Saturday. I was in attendance for two over the last week. But before I review those two contests, let’s do a rewind of last week.

I started off the week by encouraging everyone to smile. It does so much more for you and makes the day better. I also used Vitamin C’s song Smile 😊 in the blog.

I encouraged people to level up spiritually as well. I already leveled up in the style department last fall, plus I started blogging regularly. My plan for those to level up spiritually included devoting more time to prayer and studying a book of the Bible. I suggested Proverbs since there’s 31 days in the month. I also previewed the Division contests later this month as well as my upcoming church tour this Spring.

Anyway, time to talk about what really made this week special, and that was attending the Area contests. Talk about getting out of your comfort zone. I made the drive to Cranberry Township Thursday night. I braved the snow and cold to attend a great Area contest at the Cranberry Municipal Building. Since my wonderful friend Sarah Souri was competing in the evaluation, I knew I had to rock a leather jacket for her since she loved my stylish attire. I wore the red leather jacket.

Just like at the High Noon meeting back in December, I felt at home. We had awesome refreshments. Monte Cellos provided the pizza. The brownies and cupcakes were very good too, and there was plenty to drink. Our contest chair and chief judge were on the ball. The speech contest was short and sweet. Our model speaker did a great job with her speech on vaping. The evaluators all gave great feedback. Nervous as she was, Sarah’s evaluation was good enough to get her the win. Cranberry High Noon would representing Area 13 in the Division B Contest March 21. You know I’ll be there. Bob, Judy, and Kim, you missed a great Area contest.

On Saturday, I attended the Area 21 contest in Johnstown. It was one of their most well-attended contests since I joined Toastmasters. Elk County cleaned up big time with six attending. That’s not the best thing though. How about six contestants in the speech contest? How about four in the evaluation contest? In the past I’ve been lucky to see one or two in each contest.

Our contestants did an awesome job. The speeches ranged from making you laugh 😂 to reaching for the Kleenex 😭. Michelle Teague gave a hilarious test speech for our evaluators. A 5k and a beer 🍻 run on my 21st birthday? Just give me an ice cream cake instead.

Dave Jones took the speech contest 🥇 , with our Elk County participants Shanda Kelsch and Manda Shaw taking second place 🥈 and third place 🥉. Dave also took first place in the evaluation contest🥇 with his amazing feedback. Lisa Sukenik took second place 🥈, and Tim Panzigrau took third place 🥉. Dave, Lisa, and Shanda will move on to the Division C contest March 28. It’ll be at the same place we held the Area 21 contest. Same time as well. That’s the John P. Murtha Building on the Pitt-Johnstown campus.

This week wasn’t big because of the Toastmasters contests. I not only escaped my comfort zone by attending contests outside Westmoreland County. I also initiated conversations with people I didn’t know before this weekend. What was supposed to be a coffee date 🍵 at White Rabbit with my favorite people didn’t happen. But that didn’t ruin my day even though it could have. I befriended two girls and a little six month old. We talked for a while until I had to leave for Johnstown at 10:30. We admired each other’s boots 👢 and shared some stories. What could have been a disaster with my friends not showing turned out great.

This morning at church, I sat with a couple and their friend or relation whom I never met before and enjoying worshipping with them. Pastor Donn gave a wonderful message on the subject of giving. He also promoted the upcoming Dave Ramsey program Financial Peace University which starts March 10.

After the service, I introduced myself to the couple and their friend. I also made plans with Mark Pastoria, one of our pastors, to meet at Chick Fil-A at a future date. I’m proud of me for stepping out of that comfort zone too.

Time to close off the blog and I have to say I’m proud of myself. I’m dedicated in my Toastmasters journey. Despite having my DTM, I still want to help out the district. I’m coming out of my shell when I go out. I socialized with a couple of girls at White Rabbit, talked to people at the contest, and initiated conversation at church. Today was the day I started to build my Cornerstone family.

As we start a new month and a new workweek, remember to live your best life and be your best you. ROCK out because you are worth it. Put together a nice outfit and rock it even if no one notices. Don’t forget to laugh because laughter is the best medicine.

Bye everyone. ❤️ you 💋 🤗

Just two days ago, I attended a great speech contest at the Cranberry Municipal Building. Would today’s Area 21 contest at Pitt-Johnstown be just as good or even better?

It was way better. In the past, we were lucky to get two contestants in each competition. International Speech had six contestants. Evaluation had four.

I arrived at UPJ early as I had told Jim I was going to do. Dave Jones arrived at quarter before Noon just as Brett and I had done. Three division directors, past and present, in attendance. Jim and Michelle were already there setting up. As always, Michelle praised my stylish attire. I changed into my beige cardigan. I was rocking my infinity scarf 🧣 and boots 👢 well today.

Our team consisted of Jim Teague as Contest Chair, Brett Aristegui as Chief Judge, Cory Straub and Phil Sukenik as Timers, and Jim Tate as Ballot Counter. The contest was held at the John P. Murtha Center on UPJ’s campus.

Judges for the contest were Otis Simpson, Tony Utnik, Terry Hinton, Michelle Teague, and myself.

After Jim and Brett did their briefings, it was time for the contest to begin. First up was Tim Panzigrau from the Indiana club with his speech on World Travel and roughing it in the great outdoors. Second up was Dave Jones from Johnstown and his speech took place in the bathroom where he conversed with a five year old kid. That speech really had me laughing. Fran Lansberry from Allegheny Mountains was up next, speaking on suicide and the dangers of cel phone usage. It got us all thinking and put things into perspective. Lisa Ashlock from Johnstown talked about verbal abuse. She encouraged us to get out of that bad relationship if it became too toxic and we were being treated wrong.

The Elk County Chapter rounded out the speaking order. Manda Shaw and Shanda Kelsch gave great speeches. Manda, at the beginning, took us back 20 years ago to just before Y2K. She also talked about her health issues. Manda taught us to start believing in ourselves.

Shanda taught us that there were three things in life: Death, taxes, and change. She also spoke to us that we should play our hand well. We need to believe in ourself, forgive ourself, and love ourself, and to not be afraid to dream.

It was then on to the Evaluation contest. Michelle Teague served as the Model Speaker and her speech would be reviewed by four contestants. She talked about running her 5k and doing a “beer run” drinking beer while running the marathon. Her advice to us on our next birthday, sleep in instead of running that marathon.

Our contestants all gave great feedback. It was our first two who really shone in the event. This contest would come down to Dave Jones and Lisa Sukenik. I was amazed with how it flowed for both of them. Only time would tell if they’d finish at the top.

Jim then interviewed all the contestants and heard a lot of useful information about them. Stuff I never heard before.

It was now time to announce the winners of the area 21 contest. First was evaluation. In third place 🥉 was Tim Panzigrau. In second place 🥈 was Lisa Sukenik. In first place 🥇, drumroll, Dave Jones. On to speech now. No one went over time in either contest. In third place 🥉 was Manda Shaw from Elk County. Taking second place 🥈 was Shanda Kelsch, also from Elk County. Topping off the speech contest 🥇 was, drumroll, Dave Jones. Jones swept both contests and will compete March 28 at the Division C contest. Lisa and Shanda will be competing as well. The contest will be held at the same place as it was today.

It’s going to be a great one next month. But the two speakers from Elk County really impressed me today.

I was commended by Brett for my dedication the last two weeks as a model speaker and judge in the contest. I plan to keep it going. Fran loved my wardrobe today. She told me that the scarf and boots went good together, and she asked me if I had a friend who was a fashion designer. I was happy with that comment.

I felt our speakers looked like a million dollars, especially Shanda with her red dress and heels 👠. I can’t wait to see what she has picked out for Division. It’ll look great on her when she gives her winning speech.

I accompanied the Elk County Toastmasters up to Applebee’s for dinner. Morgan Rhinehart, their club coach, joined us as well. We had a great time.

I started my trip with coffee at White Rabbit. I ordered a matcha 🍵 latte I talked to some girls who were sitting up front with a six month old child in tow. Little Silas smiled at me the whole time. I also found out that one of the girls went to Hempfield so we shared stories.

Time to close off the blog. Remember to live your best life. Be your best you. ROCK out because you are worth it. Put together a great outfit and rock it even if no one notices. It’s the little things in life that matter.

February is over and Spring will be here in a few weeks. Make March lovely 😊.

Another area contest next week and then it really heats up in a few weeks with the division contests taking place.

Bye everyone. ❤️ you 😘 🤗.

It was a great night in Cranberry Township. The Area 13 International Speech and Evaluation contest took place at the Cranberry Municipal Building.

Our contest chair, Stephanie Scott, and chief judge, Elizabeth Carter, organized a great contest that included great food and drink. I braved the snow and cold to support great friends in the contest.

I got there at 6:15 and by 6:30 everyone had arrived. Sarah and her husband Ron, a North Hills Toastmaster, walked in. I wowed her with my red leather jacket. She was nervous about the upcoming evaluation contest but I assured her that she would do great. We then got our refreshments and socialized.

I met some more familiar faces like our current District Director Denise Etter and past International Director Russell Drake. This contest had a lot of past district leaders attending. Stephanie briefed the contestants and Elizabeth did the same with the judges. We then started the contest around 7:15.

Mike Pechalk went first and gave an excellent speech. He went far in last year’s contest and won it all a few years ago at the Fall Contest. He represented ProMasters. Maragatham Maharajan went second and also gave a great speech. After a short but sweet International Speech contest it was break time. Time for the Evaluation contests to prepare. Sarah would go second between the two Michaels (Pechalk and Nelson).

Susan from the Westinghouse chapter was the contest Sergeant at Arms and escorted the other contestants outside. Jill Perry was the model speaker. She was from the Beaver chapter, same club as Katina Hunter (one of the district’s best speakers and a regular finalist year after year). Jill’s speech was about vaping. Jill just achieved her Distinguished Toastmaster award last year along with Katina.

While the contestants were working on their evaluations, contest chair Stephanie Scott interviewed the model speaker. After five minutes, it was time to call the contestants back in the room.

Mike Pechalk gave his evaluation first and he was very spot on. I expected that out of him, as he is a well-polished speaker. Next up was Sarah Souri. She was nervous but she fought those butterflies 🦋 and gave excellent feedback of Jill’s speech. Michael Nelson was the last contestant and his review was good and flavorful. He thought there should be a strawberry scented flavor those who love vaping.

With the contest now over, Stephanie interviewed all contestants while Liz and her team went over the ballots to pick the contest winners. Here’s some pictures of the contestants.

It’s now time to announce the winners. In the speech contest, in second place 🥈 was Maragatham Maharajan. In first place 🥇, drumroll please, was Mike Pechalk. Maragatham will take part in the speech contest on March 21 as Mike will be out of town.

In the evaluation contest, in third place 🥉 was Michael Nelson from the Cranberry Area chapter. Taking second place 🥈 was Mike Pechalk from ProMasters. In first place 🥇—drumroll please— was Sarah Souri from the Cranberry High Noon chapter.

The contest was over and what a contest it was. We got some great pictures of the members and a nice one of the cute couple. Here they are.

Time to close off the blog. What a great contest this was. I just love this club and how they make me feel at home when I visit. I am the star 💫 of District 13 and it shows. I look forward to watching my Cranberry High Noon fam compete on March 21 as well as Walter J and Katina. I’ve got that DTM swag and it shows.

As the weekend is here, let me give you some advice as you go out and about. Live your best life. Be your best you. ROCK out because you are worth it.

Put together a great outfit and show it off even if no one notices. Don’t forget to smile and make it infectious. When you get the choice to sit it out or dance, I hope you dance 💃.

Make this weekend lovely. We’re only three weeks away from Spring.

Bye everyone. ❤️ you 💋 🤗.

Yesterday in her Motivation Monday video, Vanessa talked about leveling up over the next 30 days. What better thing to do with a new month starting in a few days.

She said we should go outside our comfort zone and try something different. While rock climbing 🧗‍♂️ is new to me, I’m not quite ready to ascend those cliffs.

Over the last six months, I think I have leveled up well. However there is still room for improvement in my life. I reopened my blog page in November and since then, have kept it going. I just posted my 100th blog Saturday night.

Back in September, I decided to level up in the style department. It was a trip we were on. When we met up in one of the rooms before dinner, one of the girls who came in the room was rocking a cute, pink dress.

While it seems like no big deal to anyone else, it was to me. Seeing someone look like that outside of our job was an epiphany to me. From that day, I wanted to make sure I looked good wherever I went (even if it was for coffee at White Rabbit). I bought some leather jackets and another pair of boots 👢 as well as some scarves 🧣.

Now let’s talk about how I want to level up in March, and that’s doing it spiritually.

I’ve been going to church since I started college in 2000. Go figure that I started getting interested in Jesus when I started school. Most kids get away from their faith in their college years. But where has my prayer life been? Why am I not taking more time to study the scripture? Those are two ways I plan to “level up” in my faith in the next 30 days.

It’s time to take a step of faith and get better with praying to God in the next month. The movie War Room is a great vehicle for learning how to pray. Where can I find a spot for a good “war room”? 🤔 🧐 🤨. Ok no overthinking, Stylish DTM.

With 31 days in March, why not take everyday and read the book of Proverbs? One chapter a day and take note what I learned, and apply it. I tried to start this in January but I got tripped up.

There’s never a better time to right the ship 🚢 than right now. I started to read a couple devotional pieces every morning from books that I bought. One is by Dr. David Jeremiah and the other by Bob Goff. I’m also reading their books. I’m feeding myself a more steady diet of Contemporary Christian and Worship music (not that I haven’t already).

I now appreciate my Style, Appearance and Music Genres more now after having taken them for granted for so long.

My plans for March include Club Contests, both in the area and division. Who knows? I might even still advance to the Division Contest for Evaluation on March 28.

I plan to start my church tour on March 29. I already plan on visiting Greensburg Alliance again. I had a nice visit there back in December and still have a good relationship with the people there. I also have Allegheny Center Alliance Church on my agenda as well Community Alliance Church in Butler. The tour will last through the Spring. I will also be worshiping at Greater Johnstown Christian Fellowship, likely around Memorial Day Weekend.

I’ll be registering for Spring Conference before the end of this week, so I can get the VIP treatment. I’m attending Area 21’s contest on Saturday and serving as the Chief Judge. I’ll be briefing the Judges, Timers, and Ballot Counters. Jim Teague is Contest Chair and his wife Michelle is the Model Speaker. The contest will be held at Pitt-Johnstown at 1pm this Saturday.

Time to close off this blog. Spring is just three weeks away. What are some ways that we can look forward to warmer weather? Think of the tulips 🌷 that will be blooming in your garden. The boys of summer ⚾️ will be making their way from Florida 🌴 or Arizona 🌵 to their respective cities to start their seasons. Think of the nice clothes you can take out of your closets as you start to put away your winter attire. I’m looking forward to yet another Spring Conference. This one is special as I run the DTM gauntlet and get my DTM medal.

Here’s my advice to you as get over the hump and look forward to the weekend.

Live your best life. Be your best you. ROCK out because you are worth it. Don’t forget to smile and let yours be infectious. Put a nice outfit together and rock it even when no one’s paying attention.

Happy Wednesday. Weekend’s almost here.

Bye everyone. ❤️ you 😘 🤗.