Wow...

So, it has been more than a year since I set virtual foot in here. I'm not really sure what it was that inspired me to try this again, but this time, I'm really feeling it more.

It is both amazing and somewhat of a shame that I didn't keep this blog going over the past year. Seeing as how both the name of the blog and my username indicate that I would focus on the City of Pittsburgh and my life in it, it would appear I missed a big year.

Fastest re-cap of the year: The Pittsburgh Steelers, led by Boy Wonder I, win the Super Bowl, finally giving fans what they have been waiting for since 1981. The City hosted MLB's All-Star game, which is Pittsburgh baseball fans only chance to see stars. This event was tempered with some bad news--the announcement of Mayor Bob O'Connor's illness. The man who championed so hard to bring the game here was hospitalized during the entire week of events. In fact, O'Connor never left the hospital, dying about two months later of cancer. This lead to the introduction of Boy Wonder II, Luke Ravenstahl.

Yeah, I'd say those are the big three for the past year. Where was I during all of this? Well, I started the year in the same place that I started this blog originally. But before you knew it, I relocated. Twice. Yes, still in the City. But I picked a new neighborhood--Lawrenceville.

I gave up my car. And cable. I went through a break-up and am still single. Finally finished my undergrad.

And I watched the above events through my eyes and not what the media feeds said.

When the Steelers won the Super Bowl, I was still on Liberty. I watched the game alone, but when it was over I joined the crowds outside celebrating. I screamed and danced and cheered with my buddy Gino and his parents. Then I returned to my safe, warm apartment and watched the craziness outside, while taking drunken calls from yinzers in every time zone.

The one from my brother meant the most to me. He was about 3 months from being born the last time the Steelers won the big one. Football is his life's work. A very emotional call indeed.

The All-Star game was much less fun. I didn't go and it occurred way too close to where I was temping. Having the ATF inspect my bag lunch everyday for a week got old fast. As did the Clemente family continuing at parade speed long past the parade route and delaying my after-work bus. I just wanted out of those crowds.

The death of Bob O'Connor might have been the one that struck me the most. It occurred right about the same time my great-uncle, Ron, passed away. Also of cancer, also following a long hospitalization (same hospital, in fact). Made it hit home a little harder.

Wonder Boy II might be my favorite. OK, so he is young and he's the mayor. Why do I love it? Because in my mind, he'll always be that drunken college student, my baby brother's buddy from his days at W & J. It is impossible to erase those images from my mind.

OK, now that is the condensed version of the last year of my life. Now, I can continue on with the rest of it.