Solo Adventures the First

Yesterday, I had my first solo weekend adventure. One of Pennsylvania Representatives was hosting a town hall meeting on the proposed Health Care Bill. Even while I had read up on the bill online, I thought I could do to learn more. So after knitting, I took the bus downtown, making the transfer I needed to head into the Oakland neighborhood. (If you're good at landmarks - I am - this is the neighborhood both University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University are.)

Bonus points. This is the same neighborhood Conflict Kitchen is located.I learned yesterday morning the location is closing end of May, and having wanted to try it, this seemed a good opportunity to do so. They are hoping to change their menu once more before closing, but with yesterday's menu, I tried the root tea and the white corn cookies. The tea was too sweet for me, but the cookies were a delightful shortbread taste.

The town hall meeting was enlightening. The Representative had three four guests, one Insurance Regulator, one person who worked at AARP, and two small business owners who had success under the ACA. The first hour was spent listening to the Representative detail the new Healthcare bill, and each of his guests. And while the meeting was schedule for 2-4pm, with the hour between 2-3pm being the Informational hour, we stayed until the location kicked us out, as members of the audience asked questions. Which was after 5pm.

This year, in many ways, is the year I deal head on with items which normally would induce a panic attack. One is public speaking/asking questions in public. I asked a question. I was one of the last people in line, and a lot of people had left already, but I asked a question, and you know, the ground did not swallow me whole, nor did anything fall from the sky burying me. And while I didn't quite get the answer I wanted, over all, I came away with a greater understanding of the new Healthcare Bill.

(Vote is this week, by the way.)

Then it was a matter of taking the bus home. Getting downtown via bus is easy, if just long.

Next weekend: I convinced a friend from Boston to visit for the Knitting and Crochet festival! Though, she will be renting a car.