Category Archives: Uncategorized

Out with the Pumpkins, in with the Holidays!

After a busy month of October that was rife with time off and other activities, the last week of the month saw a return to normalcy. It was ordinary, but I welcomed the tranquility. Working on a Friday and Saturday felt weird as I was spoiled during my last few weeks off. But, I’m readyContinue reading “Out with the Pumpkins, in with the Holidays!”

A Look Ahead to November!

Pumpkin Fall is about to give way to Cranberries, Turkey, and delicious pies. On Saturday, we turn the calendar over to November. Is it too early to start the Christmas Music season? October provided me with some great adventures in Laurel Highlands, Slippery Rock, and the other side of Pittsburgh. How does one follow thatContinue reading “A Look Ahead to November!”

Leaders are Readers at Laurel Highlands Toastmasters!

I returned to Laurel Highlands Toastmasters Tuesday night after missing the last meeting. Two weeks ago I visited the Johnstown club which meets the same night. We met online, which worked for me as it bought me some time to get ready. Last week was unlike any other, with the Fall Symposium on Saturday. IContinue reading “Leaders are Readers at Laurel Highlands Toastmasters!”

Managing a Difficult Audience at Greensburg Toastmasters!

Last August, I began what I call my “Magnificent Speaking Streak”. This lasted almost a year with the exception of January. I went through a period of discouragement because I wasn’t getting attention on social media. Getting up and speaking at my meetings helped me to feel better about myself and improved my mood.  ItContinue reading “Managing a Difficult Audience at Greensburg Toastmasters!”

Cleared for Takeoff at the District 13 Fall Symposium!

Saturday morning was the District 13 Fall Symposium. It was the first time Fall contests took place since the final conference eight years ago. For the District, today was also a bittersweet day. It’s one of the last events for the District before they merge with Northeastern Ohio (District 10) to form the new DistrictContinue reading “Cleared for Takeoff at the District 13 Fall Symposium!”

Reflections on a Meaningful Fall Vacation

Saturday marked the final day of my Fall vacation. I’ve had a great week off as I’ve been pretty active for most of it. I attended Toastmasters speech contests at Westmoreland County Community College. We had our family reunion on Sunday at Laurel Hill in the same pavilion we’ve had the last five years. IContinue reading “Reflections on a Meaningful Fall Vacation”

The Penultimate Day of Vacation!

Friday felt like a day of rest after a busy afternoon on Thursday. I needed it since I was resting up for my trip to Slippery Rock the next morning. I watched a couple of Gilmore Girls episodes from season 1. The snow in Stars Hollow looks so pretty. In the afternoon, I took offContinue reading “The Penultimate Day of Vacation!”

Wrapping Up The Dinner Series at Primanti’s!

After spending the later half of the afternoon in the Laurel Highlands, I was off to Greensburg to meet Mr. Clougherty for our last dinner meeting of the year. We met at Primanti’s as originally planned. Kevin is busy coaching middle school and had a meet at McKeesport. We met for dinner at 6. Thus,Continue reading “Wrapping Up The Dinner Series at Primanti’s!”

Visiting the Neighborhood and My Little Stars Hollow!

My original plans for Thursday as I was still on my week off were to go into Pittsburgh and visit one of the museums. I was thinking about going to the Andy Warhol Museum. But between the cost of admission and parking downtown, I was looking for a more cost-friendly option. The Pittsburgh Zoo andContinue reading “Visiting the Neighborhood and My Little Stars Hollow!”