His opinion.

Christmas week in Gainesville and in Pittsburgh

I told someone yesterday that I was going to Florida for the holidays, to which he responded "my parents live down there now - *scrunched nose* I hate Florida at Christmas"

I can understand where he's coming from; the snow-y white rooftops of Pittsburgh do scream "winter wonderland" but let's be honest, while the cold is fun, I will not miss putting on 4 layers every morning.

I smiled and nodded as I quickly thought about his remark, admitting to myself that I actually will miss Pittsburgh over the break. But, a high of 77 on Christmas is okay with me, as I have so many wonderful memories of running up and down Marshall ct. on Christmas morning in shorts and tennis shoes, breaking in new bikes and scooters and rollerblades with Krisan and our cousins. Enjoying Christmas day, of course, isn't about the weather - it's about people. And, though this man is certainly entitled to his opinion, I beg to differ.

"I love Florida at Christmas" I said.

hoodies.

What our boys got for being so good this year... Christmas tree hoodies to help them stay warm in the snow.

They are very, very proud of their new sweaters.

Edgerton.

I found out recently that Annie Dillard, one of my all-time favorite authors, grew up on a street only three blocks from the house where Brad and I now live. Annie Dillard is one of three authors along with Fitzgerald and Steinbeck whose language I was introduced to in graduate school and even after the hours of dissection and de-mystifying I continue to love more and more with every read and re-read.

After moving, I finally started reading An American Childhood, the beautiful memoir about her full and carefree childhood in a privileged Pittsburgh family, and in one of the first chapters she names the street where she watched the seasons pass, where she grew into herself, and where she read furiously.

Edgerton Avenue.

I had no idea - out of all the streets in this city, she grew up on one of "our streets" - one of the ones we've walked the dogs down every week since August, having no idea what history it holds!

She writes, "Walking was my project before reading. The text I read was the town; the book I made up was a map...I pushed at my map's edges. Alone at night I added newly memorized streets and blocks to old streets and blocks...On darkening evenings I came home exultant, secretive, often from some exotic leafy curb a mile beyond what I had known at lunch, where I had peered up at the street sign, hugging the cold pole, and fixed the intersection in my mind. What joy, what relief, eased me as I pushed open the heavy front door!- joy and relief because, from the very trackless waste, I had located home, family, and the dinner table once again."

What great fun to read about our streets in the 1950s-60s through the words of one with such imagination and brilliance. Each description she makes - of the catholic schoolchildren walking to the school on our street, of the padlocked garages and stone houses I have photographed over and over, of the fresh snow on frozen streets, of the gravel pathways in Frick Park - they all feel like home to me now.

I'm really glad that Dr. Ryan didn't assign An American Childhood while I was in school, for I would have had no idea how to appreciate it. Then I wouldn't have known how to picture her large city home on Edgerton Avenue with its lonely side-yard swing; now I know exactly what she's talking about.

A Pittsburgh Christmas

This is what our city is looking like during the most wonderful time of the year (obviously whoever wrote that song didn't live north of the mason-dixon line OR have a FALL time of the year). But, we are still loving it! Sometimes I still have to pinch myself when I look out the window and see white white white.

Winter Wonderland

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
With every Christmas card I write
May your days be merry and bright
And may all your Christmases be white.

Running

the streets this week...


Since it's gotten colder her, a few people have asked if we've still been attempting to run. Well, Brad is a champion. He runs three times a week like clockwork - ice, snow, rain, sleet, it doesn't matter! But, I have been slower to put my shoes on and get out the door. However, every time I DO get out the door, I realize that it's totally, totally worth it. The process in my mind usually goes a little something like this...

"I need to run - I've been inside all day.
Let's check the weather.
24 degrees. Dang.
Maybe I don't need to run after all.
(...remembers last night's hot chocolate)
No, I need to run.
Okay, I can do this (...puts on ski socks, 2 pairs of pants, shoes, underarmour top, another underarmour top, hat, gloves, and iPod, and leaves the house...)
Move, woman, move! You need to get warmer!
My cheeks are cold.
My eyeballs are cold.
If I pull my hat down over my face, can I see through the fabric?
Nope! Can't do that.
As soon as I can, I'm buying a ski mask.
But then I might frighten the neighbors.
I'll just tell them I moved here from Florida. They'll understand.
okay... it's been 5 minutes. I'm feeling okay, getting warmer...
Oh wow, just look around. The snow is so beautiful.
Aaah! I can't look up or I'll slip on that beautiful snow!
Do northerners have special gripp-y running shoes for winter?
It's amazing how a few miles of distance can make a place so different.
Auburn was so different from Florida.
Florida is so different from here.
But I guess we are more than a few miles away.
How many miles are we from Auburn or Florida?
I have no idea.
I really need to learn a little more about geography.
How long have I been going?
8 minutes.
I'll go down by the park.
I wonder if many people are out.
Oh, some dog people are out!
Wow, I'm completely warm now - I can unzip my top a little.
Woaaah no I can't. Too cold. Zip it back.
These homes are so beautiful.
I wonder what the people are doing inside.
Do they have fireplaces? Are they sitting around the dinner table?
I wonder what the kids here do to stay busy during the winter.
If I grew up here, I'd have gone sledding and built snowmen.
Look at those Christmas decorations! So pretty!
"sleighbells ring, are you listening, in the lane snow is glistening... la la la... in the meadown we can build a snowman... la la la... running in a winter wonderland... la la la... later on we'll conspire as we dream by the fire..."
What exactly does it mean to conspire by the fire?
Songs say such silly things.
Check the time. 16 minutes.
It's getting dark.
I need to head home.
If I turn here, I'll face the mountain around the corner.
If I turn around and go the other way, it's flatter.
I'll turn around and go the other way.
This is amazing - I'm actually hot. I feel like I could take off a layer.
I need to remember this feeling next time.
It's just getting out the door that's hard.
The rest is great.
I love this. I absolutely love this.

romping.

This afternoon, instead of sitting inside and looking at the falling snow, we decided to take advantage of it and to go play in the park. We had a blast, and so did the dogs. In the first picture, I'm pretty sure only one of eight doggy paws is actually touching the ground!

Home again

the skies over Pittsburgh...

Last night I returned home from a nice visit to Florida. I spent lots of great time with Grandma Pat and saw my cousin Celeste's little boy Grant! It really was a nice week.

Today, I ran errands around the city and was quickly propelled back into the cold weather with snow falling all day and the low tonight being 16 degrees! Quite a switch from Eustis... but, it's always nice to come home, and now it's time for a little Christmas decorating! Fun!

Have you decorated for Christmas yet?

the natives.

Taken from seat 10A.

I just arrived in lovely 67-degree Florida.

Folks were looking at me funny in my closed-toed shoes (who's ever heard of such a thing?) and turtleneck sweater, but I don't care. I am just happy to be home for a little while with my sweet grandmother and family.

(FYI, I did pack some flip-flops so I can fit in with the natives. What's that you ask... tank tops? With these pale arms? That's taking things too far...)

Thanks.

I know it could be thought of as cliche, but I don't care; I can't help but make a list of things I am very thankful for today, right now.

Things have continued to be difficult for sweet Grandma Pat and for our family, but one of the many things I have learned from my tough grandmother through all of this is to be thankful. She just continues to give thanks for the many blessings and people in her life...

So here we go. Some are serious; some are not. But, these are just the things that come to mind in this moment.


Family.

The body of Christ here in Pittsburgh.

Thanksgiving in a new place.

My mother-in-law's Cherry Cobbler recipe (which will be taken to Thanksgiving in a new place).

Old friends.

Thermal tights and Smartwool socks.

Tuco and Turk (and Sport, though she has a new family in Tavares that affectionately calls her "Spook").

Snow.

A phone conversation today with my cousin who I miss.

Art, in all its many forms.

Runs in the park.

Airtran Airways, providing cheap, direct flights from Pitt to Orlando every 30 minutes (or just about that often...)

205 N. Dallas Ave #2

Having someone to spend my life with who compliments me and helps me grow up.

Casey Anderson, who takes such very good care of my sister.

Generous, kind employers.

Afternoons off.

Creekside in Gainesville, where Brad and I learned so much about people and about hospitality and about the Lord - lessons I remember most every day as we are forming new community here.

Winter fruit.

New Perspectives.

Wool sweaters.

Time off to go home to family and flip flops!




What is one thing you are thankful for today? Large, small, I'd love to hear!

Light it up.

This weekend was light up Pittsburgh. Brad and I had a date night and a very cold snuggle on one of the bridges as we waited for the fireworks. As always, on this night we were proud of this city and all it signifies and were excited about the holidays and the changes to come.

What a great place, Pittsburgh. We're so happy to be part of it all.

war eagle

my car, 3pm, stinking cold.

And I thought Auburn was cold in November.

Comfort Food

Reading Terminal Market produce, Philadelphia

Recently, Brad and I have been neglecting one of our favorite hobbies: cooking! Ever since we both got so busy with work, coming home after normal-dinner-time most days, we have resorted to throwing something in the oven quickly and sitting down to chat over whatever requires the least energy to make!

This has been an okay so far; however, it's now getting colder outside, and the idea of coming in from the cold to sit down to a cold chicken salad sandwich isn't as appetizing! I want to be warm and full!

So my question is this: what's your favorite winter-y comfort food? If you have a second, leave a comment with the recipe, a link to the recipe, or just the name of the warm winter-y goodness! It doesn't have to be anything special, just something you love to throw together on a cold afternoon. I can't wait to have some new things to try...

I'll start it off. Here's an amazing recipe we made last night; it's delicious, easy (though it does take some time), and made enough for 4 meals!

What's your favorite?

underprepared

our street this morning, as seen AFTER putting on boots and underarmour

At 6am this morning it was 19 degrees outside as I rolled out of bed, brushed my teeth in the dark, wrapped the biggest wooliest scarf I could find around my neck, threw on a hoodie and warm slippers, and crunched my way through the snow to the car to meet a friend at yoga a few minutes away.

As cranked up the car, shivering as I waited for a thin layer of ice to melt, I laughed to myself about how ridiculous this is - me living in the cold. I am wearing slippers and a Target hoodie, for goodness sake! Where are my snow boots and underarmour?! Clearly I didn't prepare well for this.

But, I sweated my way through an hour of 90-degree heaven, had a second to chat with my friend Steph afterwards, and then came home to hot tea, breakfast, two very excited boys, and a hug from Brad on his way out.

We are determined that the cold will not keep us inside, and so far it hasn't. But, we will have to learn how to keep our toes and ears warm! I learned one thing this morning - slippers, PJs, and cheap cotton isn't the way to to it!

Do you have any suggestions about the "right" way to do it?! What are some things you do to stay warm?

change

Fall is definitely turning into winter here, and we are loving it so far. Again Tuco and Turk's personalities show, as Tuco prefers to sit inside by the heater while Turk prefers to run around in the back yard eating snow. So funny. Is fall turning into winter where you are?

great day.

Here are my boys, watching the snow fall. We are are snuggled away in our warm little apartment, eating leftover Pad Thai and warming up hot chocolate. What a great day.

What are you doing today?

my little dog.

"My little dog - a heartbeat at my feet" - Edith Wharton

the fam.

I mentioned in my previous post that my family came to Pittsburgh... well, here we are, the Thompson/Anderson/Chappell crew, all six (well really eight...).

We really had an absolutely wonderful weekend. It was so nice to have everyone together. Some highlights were...

Mom started putting on gloves and long underwear IN OUR HOUSE on Thursday afternoon, and I was very concerned that she might not survive the weekend. But, on Friday it warmed up to a sunny 70, and the rest of the weekend was wonderful!

Everyone came to Pitt after I finished teaching on Friday, and we ate at the famous Primanti Bros and then took pictures in the cathedral (picture #2). That beautiful classroom is the German room, I believe?

We had lots of down time, which was wonderful. We made chili, we talked, we watched football, we made key lime pie, we went shopping, we ate brownies (why am I seeing a theme of food here...) Anyway, it was great.

To work off all the above-mentioned food, we went on a long walk in Frick Park (picture #1). The dogs were happy, and we were happy for them to run some energy off.

Saturday night, we went to see The Great Gatsby downtown. It was wonderful, and we felt oh-so-cultured after.

Sunday everyone headed home, and then it got cold again here. I think the Lord knew what my mama needed to enjoy her weekend in the nawth...

Big Sweater

I refuse to post about politics today. After being harassed at the bus stop and then almost gagging over all the crazy posts on my reader, I don't want to add another desperate political plea to your day. So instead, I'll leave you with a bit of meaningless fun! On this election day, here's an example of why I love working with people from other (more blunt) cultures. International students really do say the darndest things...


Student: Hi Meeeela! Ooooh! *very concerned* Are you okay? Are you sick?

Me: *confused* No, I feel fine. Do I look sick?

Student: *patting my shoulder* You are wearing such a big sweater!

Me: *laughing* Oh, no, I'm not sick. I just get cold very easily, so I wear very warm clothes.

Student: Oh, you look very warm! Very pretty! *good cover!*


I love my job. How else would I realize that teachers wearing flip flops is not appropriate in _______ country and that I should wear removable layers early in the morning so I don't appear to be sick later in the day. haha...

Look what we woke up to...

... big white flakes! I've been grinning all day.

wha?

What's this I see on Tuesday's forecast? Floridian that I am, I'm not sure how to interpret this... Argh! It's only October!

pathetic.

On these recent cold mornings, Brad and I have been waking up, taking showers, brushing our teeth, and wandering back into the bedroom to find something like this in our place. They can't wait for the alarm to go off so they can hop up and take our warm spots.

Pathetic they are.

GP

This weekend we all got together in Eustis to be with our sweet Grandma Pat (affectionately known as GP). I love Krisan's post here, and I don't think I could say anything more.

But, to GP, our technologically-advanced grandma who actually reads our blogs and sends us emails, we truly are so proud of you. You are a very brave, strong woman, and we are in this fight with you in spirit. I love you, and I'm so glad we all could be together this weekend.

happy boys

A day off + fall colors + a walk to the dog park = happy boys (and girl).

here it comes...

Here it comes... fall, in all it's glory.

Is it fall yet where you are?

Two months.

As of yesterday, it's officially been two months since we moved from Gainesville to Pittsburgh. It's been two months since we packed up everything familiar, put it in a big orange van, drove it 15 hours north, and unpacked it in a strange and new place. It's been two months since we first told the dogs "you'll be staying here now, boys!"

I was just thinking about this as I cleaned up the house this afternoon, amazed at how fast two months has flown by and thankful that we all survived!

When I look back on our move, I realize that there are three things that have gotten us through. These three things have made all the difference for us here, and what's amazing is, we can trace the steps back and see that these good things were not our doing - if you've heard our stories, you know how the Lord truly provided these things for us in amazing ways.


- Our house. We continue to be amazed at how perfect our little second-floor apartment is for us and our dogs. In the long list of 293485 craigs-list apartment listings, sitting behind my computer long-distance, and looking at a map of a totally unfamiliar city, we found this great house where we and our dogs are so happy and content, and where we can afford to save money while still trying to sell our house. And, not only is the place itself great, but it's close to everything - work, friends, and the dog park. What a blessing.

- Our church and friends. How can I explain this place? I never would have imagined that in a new city we would so quickly find a group of people who we could so easily identify with and form relationships with. On our first day visiting, we met people who have in a very short time become very dear friends. I am truly thankful for City Reformed, and I hope we can serve in this church for a very long time.

- Our jobs. Brad and I spend long hours at our jobs, and I am so thankful that both of our jobs are so fitting for us. We indeed come home exhausted every day, but we come home full, happy, and thankful for such great work environments and such wonderful employers.


So anyway, two months down, how many to go? Who knows! But, I do feel confident that we will be happy no matter how long... Well actually, to be honest, I still do have one major concern: WINTER. I'll check back with you in February and let you know how many more months I'd like to stay! :)

our cozy kitchen

For graduation this summer, Krisan and Casey got me a gift card to one of my favorites. And, I have been looking and looking for the perfect thing to get for our new place.

I first got a bright red coat rack (since we will now wear coats), but it fell apart. So, I took it back and got something even better - canvases to spruce up our little kitchen!!

I used to think the size of this kitchen was going to be a killer to get used to, but now I've decided less room = less mess = less food to eat = less weight gained. So, I am starting to love this little cozy kitchen, especially with great photography to hang on the walls!

Thanks Krisan and Casey!

canine patience

This was intended to be a lesson in canine patience and self-control.

As you can see, this particular lesson yielded a) lots of drool and b) a crunched cheeze-it.

(and lots of laughs)

Pitt

Hey everyone! How are things in your parts of the world? All is well tonight in Pittsburgh; it's 65 degrees out, the windows are open, the Steelers are winning, the dogs are sleeping, and we are full and happy.

I finally went and took some pictures on the campus of the University of Pittsburgh, and I wanted to post some here. The one above is the building where I teach, the Cathedral of Learning. Despite it's ridiculous name, the building is breathtaking, and best of all, there is a starbucks and a chick-fil-a in the basement. What more could a girl want?

What are yall up to this Monday night?

The tongue.

Have you been following the Desiring God conference that's been going on with John Piper, Sinclair Ferguson, Mark Driscoll, Daniel Taylor, etc.? The videos are online here, and I think they will absolutely bless you if you take the time to watch a few. The first talk by Sinclair Ferguson about the tongue is potentially life changing.

Anyway, these videos were a blessing to me tonight, as the past month or so, I have been thinking about the role of my tongue (my speech, my conversation) during these very politically-charged months. My personal opinion about political issues varies - on some issues I more agree with the conservative agenda, and on some issues I more agree with the liberal agenda. Therefore, I am really wrestling with the "weight" of each issue in the upcoming election, and I have been grappling with the Christian response to 1) to the issues and 2) to people during these election months.

Many people I love dearly are very emotionally and intellectually tied to different sides on this thing. Many people whose values and position I greatly respect and admire are planning to vote for Obama and for McCain for very valid reasons that I can understand and agree with somewhat but not totally.

And with these people I desire to engage intellectually and lovingly while also not taking issues lightly that I think should not be taken lightly. So, I often struggle with the question of whether to dodge conversation about the issues at hand, issues so deeply emotional to some people that they are connected to their view of the world and and of God and of human nature. Or, whether to work to engage and to move more in the direction of being staunchly pro-someone with the possibility of alienating people and seeming flippant about issues that I actually care deeply about.

Have any of you had this problem as well? If so, my point in mentioning all of this is that the desiring god videos were a blessing tonight, as Dr. Piper talked about in one of the panel discussions the topic of the tongue in controversial situations - should we engage in controversial topics and situations or run away from them? And he gives five guidelines that I was able to personally apply to my own life and to this particular situation:

1) First, pray for guidance on when to speak up and when to shut up.
2) Think about the seriousness of the issue - will it hurt people or dishonor God?
3) Don't become controversial about things you don't know enough about! Think, am I suited for this particular debate, or should I let it go?
4) Is this issue BURNING in me. Do I deeply care about this issue?
5) Is it closely affecting someone in my life?

Granted, Piper was talking about issues in the church, but this message very much helps me think about praying for wisdom and discerning my behavior when discussing hot topics. It very much helps me think about the possible helpful or devastating role of the tongue in conversation about issues that are very important to people.

So anyway, I am praying for wisdom in this area, and I am very thankful (once again) for the wisdom of these great men. If you have a chance, go watch these videos. Even if it has nothing to do with politics for you, I promise it will be a blessing and will really help you think about the way you use your tongue!

a face

I made a friend on the bus this afternoon. Or I should say he made a friend of me. I probably would never have spoken, but as I sit in a fog of 'to dos' and 'going theres' I shouldn't forget that every person has a story. Every person has something to teach me. And I certainly learned something great today.

"An eye can threaten like a loaded and leveled gun, or it can insult like hissing or kicking; or, in its altered mood, by beams of kindness, it can make the heart dance for joy.... One of the most wonderful things in nature is a glance of the eye; it transcends speech; it is the bodily symbol of identity."
~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Linkles

So I was listening to a recorded exercise completed by one of my students today, and I left chuckling at how a simple pronunciation error can sound so funny.

When describing a famous person from his country, one guy said "he has linkles and dark eyes." I thought I misunderstood, so I looked at the student's own written transcription of his speech. Sure enough, he wrote "he has linkles and dark eyes"

Hmmm.... what is linkles, linkles, linkles... shingles? lingers? blinkers?

WRINKLES!! Of course!! So funny.

I totally understand these types of problems, though, because when I was studying in France, someone asked me how I felt, and it was just after some meal so I patted my tummy and said (what I thought meant) "I am full". Turns out I was telling him "I am pregnant." Everyone said "ooooooh!!"

International students do say the darndest things! (including me!)

Light!

Have you ever taken pictures of buildings or landscapes and wondered why they look dull and lifeless? I know I have! Well, this week I was reading a photography magazine that explained what I've been missing:

"the most important lesson I have learned is that I should not photograph buildings or landscapes. I should photograph light!" - Yannis Larios

The morning after reading this, I was working with Annie on Carnegie Mellon's campus, and I noticed she was following the early morning light, only taking pictures of buildings or subjects illuminated somehow by that wonderful orang-y glow. So cool!

So, this weekend I tried doing that very thing. I waited until the sun began to set, and I went down the street to Homewood Cemetery. The magazine tip really worked, and I got a few pictures that I like. Since I found this tip so helpful, I thought I'd pass it along. Wait until the two "happy hours" as Annie puts it, an hour after sunup or an hour before sunset to photograph your favorite buildings and landscapes.

The goings ons.

How is everyone doing?! I do apologize for the lack of posts lately. Life has been busy for our family lately. I sometimes find myself complaining about our crazy schedules, but I need to remember, busy is good! Only three weeks ago I was complaining of boredom! The grass is always greener isn't it?

Anyway, I don't have anything really interesting to tell you about except just the day-to-day updates from our world. So, in no particular order, here they are:

- It has been getting cooler here, and Brad and I are about to have a very serious discussion about how to handle the temperature in our house. This past week it got down into the 40s at night, and I woke up freeeeezing every morning because my sweet hubby likes to sleep with the windows open NO MATTER WHAT the temperature is forecasted to be. Every morning I shiver my way to a hot shower, cursing the day I agreed to move to this place. By noon, however, when the sun is shining and the air is crisp, I always change my mind and decide to stick around at least through fall.

- Anyway, on to more important things: Brad is still really enjoying his job. He has been staying long days in order to keep up with all the projects going on, but the work is fulfilling and stimulating. Also, the people have been great - his boss, the people working on his team, etc. We are both just so thankful.

- My jobs are still going well, too. Working with Annie is great. I am constantly learning so much, and in fact, she asked if I wanted to practice taking pictures at a few weddings this fall! I was so excited when she asked me; I am sure she thought I was a grinning dummy saying "yes please yes please!"

- I am also enjoying teaching at Pitt. I am still determined to write a post of "international students say the darndest things" - I add entries to my mental list every day! I also want to take pictures of the building where I work and upload them. It's called the cathedral of learning (cheesy? yes.) and it's so incredibly beautiful. I feel inspired every time I walk in the door. I only wish the inspiration would last through the day... :)

- In other exciting news, the Cathedral has a CHICK-FIL-A in the bottom floor! Who knew?! I have only found one other chick-fil-a in pittsburgh, and it's outside the city. So, I am so excited. I came up to our office after lunch and announced, "there's a chick-fil-a downstairs!!!!" Everyone was like, "yeah, so?" Clearly they don't get it.

- Finally, my sweet friend Naoko just got engaged! She has been dating her fiance Ito-tan for so long, and they are finally going to get married on March 15th in Tokyo, Japan. I am so excited for her, and I am desperately trying to figure out how to get there... I couldn't bear to miss it. Maybe I can start selling all my pairs of flip-flops on ebay. It turns out I don't need them here so much...

Well folks, that's all for now. Stay tuned for more information about our plot to kill the barking dog, 90 degree yoga, and the wonders of frick park. There's never a dull moment!

The Golden Bone

I am very, very thankful for the above picture. For 6 months, I have had a beach trip planned with my mom, and as of last week, I thought Ike was going to mess everything up. I was trying to be a big girl, but watching storm after storm head straight for Florida was a little scary, and a little depressing.

But, Ike has moved off and has weakened, and so tomorrow morning I am headed to the sunshine state for some scrapbooking, seafood, motherly bonding, sleep, and warm weather. I am so excited I almost can't stand it.

Brad is also leaving tonight to fly to Baltimore with the Tetra Tech managers for a weekend of planning and socializing. I am so excited for him to get to know everyone better, and I pray that the weekend will be productive.

Finally, the funniest part is that Tuco and Turk are going to have their first stay at the Golden Bone. The Golden Bone, oh my goodness. It's been recommended by our neighbor and friends as the best boarding facility around, but I still can't get over the hilarious name - I just picture our two idiots sitting all proper in rooms with posh doggy-beds and golden bones adorning the walls. HA.

I hope everyone else has a nice weekend, and I'll be back with beach-y pictures and updates after the weekend.

The Steel City

After my first day of work yesterday, I have a new blog post series that I'd like to begin. It will be called "International students say the darndest things!"

But, I will leave that for another day. Today, there is another little series of posts that I want to start. Amanda actually had the idea, as she suggested that I start a series of posts on Pittsburgh - the history, the present, fun facts, etc. And, I think it's a great idea! After living here for about a month, I've realized that Pittsburgh is very misunderstood city. When most people hear "pittsburgh" they think of industry and steel mills (and I did, too, when Brad suggested that we might be moving there!), but it's actually a very up-and-coming city with vibrant neighborhoods, beautiful cobblestone streets, tons of cool spots, and I especially love the eclectic mix of people!

So, here we go.

Pittsburgh is often referred to as either the Steel City or the City of Bridges. I'll talk about both of these today...

The city is called the Steel City because of the Steel industry that used to exist here. Pittsburgh once had more than 1000 factories and steel mills and was one of the industrial centers of the Northeastern US. When the Steel Mills existed in the city, the smog in the area was terrible. In fact, the second picture above was taken in 1948 at 12:00 noon! Following WW2, however, the city started cleaning up the smog and pollution, and in the 1980s, the Steel Mill industry failed mainly because of foreign competition.

Today, no steel mills exist in Pittsburgh; in fact, many of the old industrial areas in the city have now been made into new, urban areas with shopping and restaurants. But, the old smoke stacks can still be seen around the city, which is a cool reminder of the history of the steel city.

Pittsburgh is also called the city of bridges because 446 bridges exist within the city limits. The city center is situated where the Monongahala and Allegheny rivers meet to form the Ohio River, and because of this and also because the city is so hilly, the bridges are numerous and are breathtaking! I always hear people say that the only city in the world with more bridges is Venice (I'm not sure if that's actually true...).

So anyway, that's your cliffnotes version of why Pittsburgh is called the "Steel City" and the "City of Bridges." Next time we'll talk about (and see pictures of) what the smog has done to the buildings here and the latest efforts to renovate the miles and miles of waterfront around the city.

His Quiet Power

My mom sent me this word of wisdom from Elisabeth Elliot this morning, and it was so wonderful I wanted to share it here.

"Today is moving day. There will be plenty of reason for fretting and stewing, impatience, and turbulence. I am one who seems to feel that unless I do things or unless they are done my way, they will not be done right, and the day will disintegrate. But I have been watching the sea--very turbulent this morning because of a tropical storm hundreds of miles away--and I remember Him whose word was enough to calm it.

Speak that word to me today, dear Lord: peace. Let your calm spirit, through the many potentially rough minutes of this day, in every task, say to my soul, Be still. Even this day's chaos, with all its clutter and exertion, will be ordered by your quiet power if my heart is subject to your word of peace. Thank You, Lord."
- Elisabeth Elliot