Today’s blog stems from a motivational talk I heard on video yesterday about comparing yourself to others. I wanted to share my story because I’ve long been guilty of doing this myself and I believe we all have.

For me that started in 2006 following graduation. I entered post academia not knowing where I’d end up in life. While others would find work in their field, I was going in with no real world experience. I settled for a job at Kings. For the longest time, I began comparing myself to others. It became a long running thing for me.

We need to tell ourselves that we aren’t in a race. Our journeys are different than others around us.

There’s no comparison between the sun and the moon. They shine when it’s their time. I got down on myself while others shone. It just wasn’t my time back then.

Let’s talk about that person who took me to task over my mirror selfies. She was stuck in the comparison trap as well. She was jealous because I was enjoying myself(ie). She felt she could control me and so she went on my page to attack me personally. I blocked her and my cousin reported her to Facebook for harassment.

We wouldn’t have done that had she left me alone. I did my part, deleted the comment, and apologized. What happened was that I made a joke about a Trump calendar and she took offense to it. Lesson learned: Watch what you say to people who can be easily triggered.

I don’t do the mirror selfies to compare myself to others or because I am insecure. One reason which I didn’t share yesterday is that I like to look good. Pretty soon I will look into having a photographer work with me and we can get some legit photos at a spot to be determined.

Anyway, enough of that fiasco. You’re here to do you and be you. Don’t dwell on what that other person has. Just because the grass is greener on the other side doesn’t mean things are always going to be peachy. That couple who has such a great relationship might just be keeping up appearances. The guy who has his Rolls Royce and expensive watch may be nice on the outside but a total jerk on the inside. The girl wearing the exquisite dress might be smiling on the outside but crying on the inside. You get the picture.

Love the relationship you have even if it doesn’t get the attention others think it should. Cherish your Honda Civic even if it doesn’t have a TV in it. Love your outfit even if doesn’t get the likes on Instagram.

Time for a shoutout to my favorite green and white Alma mater. Nothing compares to this great school and nothing compares to this view. I always enjoyed walking through the quad on my way to class or the ARC.

Live your best life. Be your best you. ROCK out. Because you are worth it. Bye everyone. ❤️ you.

Why? Why do I have this blog? Why do I like taking mirror selfies? (until I decide to invest in a photographer) Why did I join Toastmasters and why do I stick around? Some of the questions I ask myself. I have an answer to why I do the things that I do.

I like telling stories and I have a lot to share. You’ll read about it in the blog.

I took a more stylish approach with my clothes and I like taking pictures because I look good in what I buy. I’m really rocking the leather jacket in a lot of my pics. The mirror selfies highlight my apparel more but I want to have some nicer photos done.

Toastmasters has helped to improve my communication and leadership skills. It’s also helped me to become more social. I’m used to traveling for work, so visiting different clubs is nothing new to me.

But what if you have those haters who don’t like what you have to say? Or, they tell you your mirror selfies are childish (true story)? How about when someone doesn’t agree with your choice of TV show because it’s too girly?

I’ve had all three of those three things happen to me. Not everyone is going to like you or share your interests. You need to be brave and bold and brim with confidence, rising above the naysayers.

Be unapologetically and fearlessly you! Live your best life! Be your best you! What you say in your blog may be helping that person who’s having a very bad day. Your mirror selfies may make that person feel more beautiful or help make them a better person. Who cares if that one person doesn’t share your interests? As long as you enjoy it, that’s all that counts.

Do what you love not for the critics, but do it for you. Do it because you desire to. Those who love you and support you will follow your dream and give you rave reviews. I’ve heard from many of Toastmasters friends how great my blog is. I’ve also gotten praise for my wardrobe (a chosen few who love seeing me rock my leather jacket).

I’m doing what I’m doing because I want to, because I desire to. Would I have updated my wardrobe the way I did if not for one person showing me how I can do better? What I do makes me, me. I am stylish and I am worth it and I am proud.

A few shoutouts before I close off the blog. First one goes to Faerie Grace who gave me the inspiration for today’s blog. She’s an awesome person and a fabulous motivational speaker who knows a thing or two about balloon art 🎈.

Second one goes to Speaking With A Twist. Faerie gives life changing keynotes, inspirational and motivational speeches and some awesome balloon art to enhance the speech and add impact and remembrance.

The third and final one is of course my Alma mater which I love so much. The most beautiful campus in the nation (and I say that with regards to Penn State, IUP, and Clarion among others). Here’s a picture to accentuate the grandeur of Slippery Rock University on a cold winter’s day.

Have a great night. Bye everyone. ❤️ you.

Before I start today’s blog, I want to extend condolences to the family of Kobe Bryant, including his 13 y/o daughter Gianna. They along with several others perished in a helicopter 🚁 crash outside of Los Angeles.

Kobe Bryant is known as one of the greatest NBA 🏀 players of all time. Born and raised outside Philadelphia. Bryant was drafted out of high school by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1996 NBA draft. He had a 20 year career with the Lakers and won five NBA titles (three of those came playing with Shaquille O’Neal; all five coming under coach Phil Jackson).

Kobe Bryant’s accidental death marks a sad day for sports. It teaches us to love our children and our families. We need to put differences aside that don’t even matter as we are not guaranteed tomorrow. We will know where we were when this happened (just like when the Challenger Space Shuttle exploded, just like when the plane hit the World Trade Center).

I’ve learned to appreciate stuff after I’ve taken some time away from it. Back in 2017, I had all my manuals completed in Toastmasters and stood just two projects away from my Distinguished Toastmaster award. But I wasn’t feeling the spirit anymore. I didn’t leave physically, but emotionally for a year.

I “came back” in February of 2019 with a better sense of where I stood. I knew I wanted to finish my last two requirements for the DTM. I attended all four division contests and the conference. I completed my Advanced Communicator Gold requirement by leading a seminar at Achievers. I led McKeesport to distinguished and that got me my Advanced Leader Silver and eventually my DTM.

I took a break from my annual homecoming tradition last year to attend the 2019 Fall Symposium. I told myself that I was done with HoCo and that it was played out for me. With the blogging becoming a regular thing, I’m more in love with my Alma mater than ever. I also have plans to attend Slippery Rock’s 2020 Homecoming in October.

I’m also giving shoutouts on the blog to SRU so it’s only fair that I’m there. Those pictures I see on Instagram have me thinking ahead to warmer weather, sunshine, green grass, and flowers blooming. I also use the pictures in my blog. I give credit to the user who took the photos

I got feedback on my blog post from last Monday. This is what will be going in the newsletter. I was my told that my words were succinct, encouraging, and relevant. I was also told that I’m changing lives. That made me feel really good and I can’t wait to read the finished product.

I’m going to close this off with another beautiful Slippery Rock picture on a chilly January day. Just another photo that will get you in the mood for Spring.

Stay warm. Bye everyone. ❤️ you.

We’ve come to the end of a great week. We got the views and boy did we get a lot. This channel is really starting to take off.

After work on Monday, I took the time to drive down I-79 to Southpointe. I wanted to check out the location of my hotel. Disclaimer: This is conference #15 for me and the second time I’ve attended a conference at the Hilton Garden Inn. The first time was in May 2013. I’m looking forward to running the DTM gauntlet and doing my DTM dance on April 18th

I gave a nice shoutout to some of our flourishing clubs. Earlybirds, Moon, and Cranberry High Noon all got praise from me.

Tuesday, I gave a brief Thank You to my fans and supporters on the blog. I was still reeling from the hate I was given over my mirror selfies. Everyone is on my side with the Stylish Traveling DTM. I control my happiness, not a random stranger who had no business being on my personal page. I loved this outfit that I put together. I wore it last Saturday night and this morning.

Wednesday was just a small preview of what’s to come in February. That includes contest season and more Stylish Outfit Pictures. I also got an email from my District Director per Monday’s blog. She and the District Public Relations Manager wanted to use my article for the upcoming newsletter. I was proud to contribute.

Thursday was a quick day at work and then it was off to start the blog. I actually began work on it when we took break at 8:30. I made plans to promote my Alma mater in the blog. I talked about my time there and how the campus has changed since I graduated. Even though it’s been 15 years, it still feels like yesterday. I’ll post a pic of the best campus in the nation everyday. It’s my way of giving Slippery Rock a nice shoutout.

Friday, I handed out some shoutouts to my “squad”. Chase drove the van to our store and paid me the drive time. Emily because she’s such a hard worker and go-getter who gets things done. Maura and Ashley just because they’re awesome. I had to leave around 9 to go somewhere else but all around it was still a great day. I was still a little disappointed though because I didn’t get to tell the girls, Chase, and Emily ❤️ you. It makes my day to tell them that.

Thursday was a great day for views. I think it had to do with my announcement that I was promoting Slippery Rock University in the blog.

It was a lazy, unsettled weekend with rain and snow and not much going on. But things can only get better from here. Contest season is fast approaching and the days are getting longer. Actually on Saturday I did get to model my new red leather jacket. I took it easy with the fashion this week but I snapped a couple of nice pics. More stylish outfit pictures coming to the blog mid-February.

Time to close the blog with my Slippery Rock shoutout. No new pics today to think of but this one will get you thinking Spring. What a beautiful campus. Credit goes to the same guy who had the nice winter pics of the Rock.

Have a great start to your week. Spring will be here before you know it. Bye everyone. ❤️ you. 😘 🤗 😚 💗

Very soon, Slippery Rock residents and students will be able to enjoy a good caramel macchiato or iced French vanilla latte.

Dunkin’ is opening their store in Slippery Rock tomorrow morning at 10 on 304 S Main Street (former home of Sheetz which moved down to the corner of PA routes 173 and 258 back in 2014).

More food options have arose since the Holy Cow opened up on W Park Road (former home of Dairy Queen 🍦 and more recently, Taco Bell on Grove City Road next to Rite Aid.

Other chains and independent restaurants in town are praising the arrival of Dunkin’ in Slippery Rock because it’s another option for the growing student population at Slippery Rock University. The Camelot and North Country Brewing (the latter being one of my favorites when I come to town) think it’ll be good for the community. Dunkin’ will be a nice addition to the growing college town.

Campus television station WSRU-TV also covered this story and will be live at 10 am for the grand opening.

Exciting news about my article from Monday which was a shout-out to some great clubs in District 13.

Going off the email I got from our District Director Denise this morning, her and the other members of the trio (Patti and Bob, PQD & CGD respectively) decided not pull apart my blog to create the piece for the upcoming District 13 Newsletter. Instead I sent the Trio two short paragraphs about the impact of visiting and supporting clubs in District 13.

After I post that they would a byline and a link to my blog (specifically the January 20th blog). There they can check out the personal stories I post. I’m glad the District will get to know me more and maybe we can pass this on to other neighboring districts as well (10, 38, 18, 40, etc.). But here is what I posted this morning in my email to the trio.

I’ve been a Toastmaster for nine years and achieved my Distinguished Toastmaster award in 2019. Why do I think it’s important to visit clubs in the District? Because it gives you a sense on how other chapters perform. You can pick up some great ideas and take best practices back to your home club. You also make some great friends along the way.

Why do I support clubs in the District? Because healthy clubs make it better for the members, for the community, and for our District. If you ever have an opportunity, visit a struggling club and offer up some words of encouragement. What you say might bring that club from six or seven and the verge of extinction to 20 or 21 and President’s Distinguished honors.

In other news, I got my red leather jacket from Amazon today. My stylish shopping spree continues as I buy some nice things before contest season heats up next month. I took a couple of nice pictures today as I rocked the red leather jacket.

Before I publish this, it’s shout-out time as I promote my Alma mater in the blog. This was taken by the same guy who posted the picture of Old Main on Tuesday. All credit goes to gtalk_photos for these awesome shots of the best school in the nation (I’m biased).

The first week of classes is done at SRU. For the students, I hope you have a great semester. This view is the north end of the university. I used to make that brisk walk many times on that part of campus. Slippery Rock proud forever!

Enjoy your Saturday. Bye everyone. ❤️ you.

Starting this blog off with a couple of awesome shoutouts.

The first one is to my Alma mater. How sweet is this view of Old Main? This is from the first day of classes this past Tuesday. Still a little snow on the ground from the weekend but it makes for a nice view. I used to make this walk to classes, the University Union, or the ARC every day.

You’ll see shoutouts to Slippery Rock every day as I promote the university on the blog. Contemplating a return to the old homecoming tradition this fall (I’m going). Maybe the year away helped me realize how much I really love doing it.

I also want to give a shoutout to Chase and Emily. Chase gave me the drive time this morning, even though he drove the van to Brentwood. Had I not left at 9, I think we’d have had a fun van ride home. Emily deserves a shoutout too because she’s a hard worker at every job I work with her on, especially at Lowe’s. The girls (Maura and Ashley) also get a shoutout just for being awesome. I love my squad.

I don’t have much on my mind for a good blog today without having to do research. I want to do one on libraries but I’ll keep that in mind for a later date. I have my cousin in mind on this one.

I’ve been taking a break from reading because I’m having a hard time concentrating on one book. However, I’ve been enjoying Lauren Graham’s “Talking as Fast as I Can”. I’m trying to read this book as fast as I can 😝.

I think I’m starting to break out of my reading funk. I’m also reading an easy guide to understanding Shakespeare. I fancy myself as a Shakespeare enthusiast. I enjoy the classics and autobiographies. I also have some Christian ✝️ books as well as a few textbooks. As a Gilmore Girls enthusiast, it’s best to read like Rory.

Here’s some of my favorite reads

I’m going to close this blog off. It’s going to be a quiet weekend with no real sports events to speak of. No Toastmasters until next week when Greensburg gets together. But contest season will be here soon as well as registration. Here’s a mirror selfie to wish you all a great Friday night.

Bye everyone ❤️ you. 💕 😘 🤗 😚

Looks like I’m showing no signs of stopping.

After getting attacked Friday night for my content (all the leather jacket pics), I’m on fire 🔥 with the blog. Some words of advice I picked up today: Be Fearlessly and Unapologetically YOU!

Look at me ROCK out! 😊 👍❤️

Yesterday I got my seasonal Slippery Rock magazine in the mail. Along with it came a 2020 calendar. Now I did say I swore off Slippery Rock and homecoming after last fall when I attended the Fall Symposium in October. But did I really mean that?

With the Stylish Traveling DTM really taking off, I’m rescinding that plan. Slippery Rock University will always be a part of me. Maybe I owed it to myself to take a break and check out the big Fall Event that I missed the year before.

I’m going to promote the Rock in my blog and once again make some trips up there. Many memories of that place from the mid 2000s timeframe. The free publicity will be good for them and who knows, they may want to share my stuff too.

This blog ROCKS.

While I know no one up there anymore, the school will always live on in me. Walking the campus always brings back memories. The residence halls have changed since I graduated in 2005, moving to the south end of campus. The new student union (The Bob as I passionately refer to it) is just awesome. Where that stands were the old residence halls of Harner, Bard, and Dodds.

Even though it’s been 15 years, it still feels like yesterday that I was just there.

I follow Slippery Rock on Instagram and on Facebook so anything Rock-related will be up on the blog. That includes graduation 🎓 and other big events.

My favorite buildings on campus are still Swope and of course, that beautiful ARC (Aebersold Recreation Center).

Congratulations to the Slippery Rock football teams for advancing far into their playoff run.

In Toastmasters news, I had a short phone conversation with District 13 Director Denise Etter about my article from Monday (Fashionable Reports and other Stylish Shoutouts).

She said it was fantastic and that I had a lot of good to say. It looks like another good year for District 13. Some well deserved shoutouts for Earlybirds and Cranberry High Noon. I’ll be making an Earlybirds visit this Spring.

We’re going to put my article in the newsletter but it needs to be whittled down to two paragraphs. Once Denise and Patti (Thor) look over it, I’ll have a better idea of how to word it in the District newsletter. I’m excited to see how it turns out.

I’m so glad that my blog is getting rave reviews and that’s it’s helping people and my Toastmasters District as well. This has been good for me and I show no signs of slowing down.

For a Rock Solid Education, check out Slippery Rock University. Learn more at sru.edu.

To improve your speaking and leadership skills, join Toastmasters.

Have a great Thursday. Weekend’s almost here. ❤️ you.

It’s been a great start to 2020 for the blog and for me. 

I’ve got 25 posts up on the Stylish Traveling DTM so far. The last few blogs have gotten great views and are setting records. I got some new clothes (part of my annual New Year’s wardrobe update) and rocked them in my mirror selfies. I do plan to improve my photo opportunities in the coming months.

In TV, I’ve been enjoying Gilmore Girls (to the chagrin of some people, my dad one of them). I’ve even found some people to share my newfound love of the show with. I have my Lorelai and Rory T-shirt and plan on buying a GG sweatshirt. The Lauren Graham book is great and the calendar hangs on the door in my bedroom.

I could spring for the GG Squad Goals shirt but it’s a girls T-shirt so I don’t know how that’d go over. I have my own 3609 WIS Squad Goals in mind.

So anyway, onto what I want to accomplish for February. The early part of the month I’ll catch up on good Nintendo Switch time as well as watch some movies on Disney+. I’m thinking Toy Story 4 or Pirates of the Caribbean. I want to play Luigi’s Mansion 3 as well as the old standbys (Mario Kart 8, SMB U Deluxe).

I’ll get back to TV around the 9th when I start season 3 of the Gilmore Girls. I’ll also continue with B99 and HIMYM.

Toastmasters contests will begin for me on the 22nd with Area 22’s in State College. Area 21 will hold theirs on Leap Day at Pitt-Johnstown.

From mid February to mid April, most of my weekends will be reserved for Toastmasters functions.

I plan to put money toward the conference and hotel as well.

The last leg of my wardrobe update will occur as well. Look for a stylish outfit blog around mid February. Maybe I found my plans for Valentines Day. Here’s what I’m getting in addition to the GG sweatshirt.

Another leather jacket blog is coming as well as a blazer blog. You’ll see all the pics and colored V-neck tops once again.

Exciting things to come next month. Spring and longer days will be here soon.

It’s almost the weekend. Just keep plugging away.

Have a great night. ❤️ you.

To all of you who read my blogs and enjoy the content I put in them, thank you for liking what I post.

To those of you who liked my pictures on last week’s style blogs, thank you for your support.

To all of you who had my back last weekend when I was verbally attacked on Facebook, I’m grateful for you coming to my rescue.

To everyone who checked out my latest blogs, there’s more where that came from.

I’m pleased 😀 to be able to do this for all of you. The blogs have become like a good luck charm for me since I started doing them regularly back in November.

I updated my wardrobe and I looked forward to taking pictures. I’m pleasantly surprised at how well the Leather Jacket Blog did Friday night.

I want to get someone to take pictures so you can see the full me rocking my outfits. I also want to find a great setting to do a photo shoot at like Twin Lakes; or, downtown Ligonier in the diamond at the gazebo.

When I got home from work on Friday, it was time to do the photo shoot that would be my Leather Jacket blog. I was rather proud of my mirror selfies.

Unfortunately I made a comment in passing on a Pro-Trump page over a free Trump calendar and wouldn’t use it as toilet paper 🧻. This set off someone with obviously nothing to do but tear me down. She bashed my blog and me. But I’m not quitting this blog by a long shot. I eventually blocked her and we had her reported to Facebook since she had no business going on my page. I’m so thankful for the support I’ve gotten on my blog and know who my real friends and family are.

My latest blogs have gotten the views. I think adjectives that stand out in the title get people coming to my blog. I’m going to keep that practice going.

Thank you all for taking an interest in the Stylish Traveling DTM. ❤️ you.