People, Places: Raison d’être

From Steelers Country to Red Sox Nation

Visits home are bitter sweet. “Home is where your heart is,” yet mine is torn as I walk to Gate 28 at the Pittsburgh International Airport with tears streaming down my cheeks. Boston has been my home for the past eight years, but I grew up in Pittsburgh. Actually, the “Rocks” for insiders. I don’t return often these days. In fact, with the exception of three visits this year, Christmas is usually the only visit. This past weekend was my High School reunion, so memories of life in Pittsburgh were particularly acute.

I arrived on Friday night excited for the weekend ahead.  I always try to meet up with a few friends while I’m in town, and I like to check out my old stomping grounds.  On Saturday morning, I began the day with a walk through my neighborhood. It was a beautiful fall day, and the route was very familiar. I’ve walked it countless times before. With each step, I carefully scrutinized everything around me noticing what changed, what was the same. Simultaneously, I recalled happy memories and random details from childhood through high school.  As I passed a park, I remembered where I fell off my bike when I tried to ride up a steep ramp. We didn’t wear helmets back then. I survived that and also the time when I was sitting on the handle bar of my sister’s banana seat bike.  I think another friend was sharing the seat with her when we wrecked on a gravel road. Survived that too with scrapes and bruises of course. As I walked past houses, I remembered who lived where back in the day. Most of the houses in my neighborhood have porches, so it was easy to know everyone.  I also thought about all of the door to door fundraising I had to do for school and girl scouts. I remember exactly who bought anything I sold..cookies, hoagies, wrapping paper you name it. The woman who ran a home-based day care bought everything, every time. Whatever happened to her?

Growing up, houses and lawns were well cared for.  Now I see weeds, overgrown grass and houses that need the TLC they once had. This isn’t because it’s Fall. The neighborhood has changed for the worse, and it’s a shame. Many of the families I once knew have moved. Some, elderly, have died. My home town is very close to the airport and downtown Pittsburgh. In Boston the houses would be unaffordable in this location. Here, they practically give houses away.

As I walked past my old high school, I thought about how much fun Friday night football games were. Speaking of which, my high school was on the local news while I was in town. Apparently, half of the kids on the football team have poor grades.  What’s going on? That wasn’t the case when I was there.  

Interestingly, as I was walking by my former high school, someone called my name from a car passing by.  “Who could possibly recognize me with my hair straightened (it’s usually curly) and dark sunglasses,” I thought.  I haven’t seen “E” in 20 years, so I have no idea how he recognized me, but he did. How strange is that? I couldn’t remember his name, so I had to ask. We exchanged a few pleasantries, and then we were both on our way again.

After my morning walk, I headed “dahntahn” to the Strip for the best outdoor market experience. Formerly an

industrial area, this neighborhood now boasts bars, restaurants including the famous Primanti sandwich, loft housing and a variety of stores.  It’s the best place for produce, bread, cookies and “Stiller” memorabilia (Steelers for the GP).  Speaking of cookies, they are a very important part of weddings in Pittsburgh. I thought everyone had a cookie table until I attended weddings in New England.  Please, people. Consider having a cookie table at your wedding. It’s a great tradition.

Anyway, I met a long time friend for lunch at Roland’s. We sat outside on the deck with a great view of all the weekend festivities. We caught up on life, family, work, mutual friends etc.  After lunch, I met another friend at Kaya for Mojito’s.  We discussed a broad range of topics including economic development and, of course, the art of dating.

This series of brief encounters has become typical of my visits home. The time I used to spend with friends on a regular basis has been reduced to a few hours a year.  I’m grateful for that time, but I wish there was time for more.

From there, I dash home to get ready for the big reunion which was held a short distance from my mother’s house. I arrived promptly.  A friend of mine arrives shortly after. She commented that she expected I’d be there on time when she and her husband arrived. Was I always so prompt? I guess I was.  The first person I saw was a guy that I’ve known since second grade, but I haven’t seen since we graduated. We went to a small Catholic grade school together. He was always a nice guy, quiet. I would not have recognized him if  I didn’t recently see his picture on Facebook. Overall, it was easier to recognize everyone than I anticipated. It was nice to catch up.

On Sunday morning, I hung out with my mother, and then I went to visit a good friend and her 3 year old daughter who has grown dramatically since I saw her last Christmas.  From there, I head to lunch in Shadyside with a friend from college and her 3 year old daughter.  I get along great with 3 year olds now that I know so many of them. 🙂

On the way home I pass through Oakland home of the University of Pittsburgh.  Oh, the memories I have of life in this part of town. I smile as I pass my old dorm and the student union.  Almost all of my classes were in the Cathedral. I thought about my favorite professor Ted Windt who passed away a few years ago. I noted that I  should have attended his retirement party. He and another professor inspired my degree in Rhetoric.  The campus looks great!  I did note that Dunkin Donuts is now located where CJ’s Pub used to be. Instead of quarter drafts, students buy donuts and coffee there. Interesting. Many Thursday nights were spent at CJ’s.

I spent the rest of the day with my family. I reflect all of this and more as I sit at the gate waiting for my flight to depart.

Once I’m up on the air, my mood shifts. I am going home to Boston. I can’t wait to sleep in my own bed, and I crave a glimpse of the ocean. I start to think about work, plans I have with friends this week and spending next weekend in Boston for the first time since July!  I am happy and smiling as I see Boston’s skyline from 6,ooo feet.

I luv ya black and gold. Yinz guys are great, but there is room in my heart for Beantown too. 

I am home again.

October 11, 2010 Posted by aburnis | Uncategorized | boston, friends, Pittsburgh, Smallman Street, Strip District | 3 Comments