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.

Why I'm Extra Thankful This Holiday Season

It seems like only yesterday, but two years ago my husband and I were preparing to begin a new phase of our lives. Nick was getting ready to go back to school to become a nurse. We had revisited the discussion about going to school countless times, but he had finally decided to change careers.

I won't lie - we were as scared about this journey as we were excited. Would we be able to afford our monthly expenses on reduced income? How would we find time to spend together with his class and study group schedules?

But we soon realized something that we knew all along - God was going to take care of us. The month before Nick started classes, I got a new job with a raise. Soon after classes started, Nick was awarded a scholarship that covered all of his tuition. In addition to that, Nick's employer agreed to let him continue to work, but with reduced hours. Family and friends stepped up in ways we can't even begin to properly thank them or repay them for. Nick even developed friendships with classmates that we can't even imagine not having in our lives now.

While it wasn't always a walk in the park, I wouldn't trade these past two years for anything. And in a couple of weeks I can't wait to watch as he graduates from nursing school. I'm so proud of him and can't wait to see where this next phase in our lives together will lead us.

Guilt Trip at the Gym

Earlier this year Nick and I signed up for a gym membership and I have to say I really enjoy going. Even on my most sluggish days, I still feel a great sense of accomplishment just for going.

But one thing I've noticed lately is the guilt trip I get when I'm working out. Is it from trainers or other gym members? Not even close. It's from the elliptical machine I'm using! You see, when you press the button to increase the intensity of your workout, it makes a quiet, dainty little beeping sound. But when you decrease the intensity - BEEP!!!! A noise loud enough to let people two miles away know that you've decided to tone done your workout.

I'm being shamed into more intense exercising by a machine. What's worse? Um...it definitely works. Don't judge me.

Prepare thyself...

One of the great things about spring and summer is that outdoor festivals and activities go into full swing. And Waxahachie, Texas, is no exception. In town on a recent business trip, my friend Eliza and I discovered two things: 1) cell phones only work in the center of the conference center parking lot and, 2) the amazingly popular Scarborough Renaissance Fair. Now, I normally wouldn't give a renaissance fair a second look. They're not my cup of tea. But with a sign like this it just couldn't be ignored:
That's right, my friends - Prepare Thyself For Merriment!

Super Bowl Recap

Word on the street is that there are some people anxiously awaiting a recap of our very exciting Super Bowl party. Well, this post is for you.
Some would say I got a little bit carried away with the menu. We had enough food to feed about 20 people...but there were only eight of us. I didn't care - when the Steelers are in the Super Bowl, of course it's time to go all out!
Our menu included Italian sausage sandwiches, sweet & spicy meatballs, queso dip, veggies & dip, pepperoni loaf, and the all-important Oreos.
After we filled our plates, it was time to get down to business. Here we are as James Harrison made a 100-yard return just before halftime. Pardon my scary red demonic eyes.
My friend Mary doesn't really care about football, but that night we definitely converted her into a Steeler fan.
With only a few minutes left in the game, when the Cardinals scored and things definitely weren't looking good for us, Nick donned his rally cap.
Finally, with 35 seconds remaining, Santonio Holmes made a miraculous catch that pushed the Steelers ahead. Everyone in our living room erupted with cheers.
The rally cap worked! Here's Danny showing his appreciation for the hat.
By the end of the night, Oliver had had enough. Becoming six-time Super Bowl Champions really takes it out of a dog.

We are the champions!

The Steelers did it! They won their sixth Super Bowl title, making NFL history as the first team to do so. It was a stressful night in our living room - lots of weeping and gnashing of teeth, followed by cheers and shouting.
We're still celebrating at our house, so I'll post pictures of the food & fun tomorrow night.
Until then... here we go Steelers, here we go!!!!