Why Can't I Still Get Snow Days?

While the threat of heavy snow sends panicked Ozarks residents to clear out supermarket shelves, I tend to think back on memories of big snow storms when I was growing up in Pennsylvania.

My dad was a teacher in our school district, so if there was a snow day, my dad, brother and I would all have the day off together. And since my grandparents lived a little way out in the country, Dad would have us get all bundled up and take us over to sled down the big hills and Gram & Pap's house.

Now, Gram & Pap may have had amazing hills at their place, but they also had giant evergreen trees. On one particular snow day, my brother and I were having the time of our lives. I'd sled down and as I was climbing back up the hill, Danny would sled down and so on.

This went on for quite a while, but as I approached the top of the hill for my next turn on the sled, I turned to watch Danny as he went flying down the hill. He picked up speed as he neared the bottom of the course, but at the last second the sled favored one side and took him over a bluff - straight into the heart of an evergreen tree.

As I watched my brother disappear into the branches of the enormous tree, my first reaction - like any good sister - was to break down into hysterical laughter. You'd think I'd be concerned for my little brother's safety, right? Well, once he finally emerged from the depths of the tree, I knew everything was going to be alright. Unfortunately Danny's flight of the evergreen put a damper on the day and signaled the end of our sledding adventure. Oh well...plenty more snow days where that came from!

Why I Love My Hometown

Over the holidays I had the chance to get reacquainted with my hometown of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I hadn't been home for an extended stay in close to a year and a half, so I was prepared to make every one of my nine days count. Along the way, though, I was reminded of so many reasons why I love my hometown. Please note that seeing my family and friends is always a major reason I love going home, but this list is intended to highlight the best of the 'Burgh.

8. Nothing says 'home' like emerging from the Fort Pitt tunnels to see this.
7. Primanti Bros. Sandwiches served on Italian bread with the cole slaw and french fries piled right on top of the meat.
6. Sidney 'Sid the Kid' Crosby. Just because he's nice to look at.
5. The hills. Oh how I miss the hills! Yes, they're a pain when slippy, but the landscape is just gorgeous, especially with a fresh blanket of snow.
4. Italian hoagies!
3. Pittsburghese. A language unique to the city, it's distinct words, phrases and inflections are one thing I absolutely love about going home. I guess you could say it's comforting to hear a lot of yinz, n'at, dahntahn, and 30 mile an arr thrown into conversation.
2. Sports. Pittsburgh has been home to some of the greatest names in professional sports, including Roberto Clemente, Mario Lemieux, and Bill Mazeroski. To date, Pittsburgh is proud of it's six-time Super Bowl Champions, three-time Stanley Cup Champions, and five-time World Series Champions.
1. You can talk about how the Stillers are doing and everyone knows exactly who you're talking about.