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!”

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!”

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”

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!”

Finding a College Connection at Johnstown Toastmasters!

My recap of Tuesday night’s Johnstown Toastmasters meeting is coming but before that, my “cold open”. It took me a while, but I’m on my way with the Gilmore  Girls rewatch. I started it last Sunday, the 25th anniversary of the Gilmore Girls pilot. Currently, I am working my way through season one.  This afternoon,Continue reading “Finding a College Connection at Johnstown Toastmasters!”

It’s Anybody’s Game in the NFL in 2025!

So far, the 2025 NFL season is proving that it’s anybody’s game and that parity reigns supreme. I followed the game very closely last year and even enjoyed the Thursday night games (some of the divisional rivalries). The difference in 2025 is that there’s no juggernaut so far. The last two teams to go undefeatedContinue reading “It’s Anybody’s Game in the NFL in 2025!”

The First Three Days!

This morning, I logged onto Google Slides and gave myself an honest evaluation of the first three days of my Fall vacation. Some of the events and activities that I took part in made it a great three days. Friday, I watched the newest episode of the Great British Baking Show. With a busy weekendContinue reading “The First Three Days!”

Celebrating Family and Food: A Sunday Reunion Story

Today was our Gaffron Family Reunion at Laurel Hill. For the fifth year in a row, we had it at the indoor pavilion overlooking the beach. We had a decent turnout. While we missed some people who couldn’t make it, we were happy to see my uncle make it to the picnic. One of myContinue reading “Celebrating Family and Food: A Sunday Reunion Story”

Telling Myself I Can at Greensburg Toastmasters!

Wednesday kicked off a new month (aka Pumpkin Fall) and being the first Wednesday meant it was a Toastmasters night in Greensburg. Overall, it was a good night. We had one speaker as our Ice Breaker speaker wasn’t able to make it. Our President taught us to turn our I Can’t into our I CanContinue reading “Telling Myself I Can at Greensburg Toastmasters!”