Prayer: The World's Greatest Wireless Connection

            The best part of going to school in Pittsburgh, but living a short drive from home, is that I can still go home to get my daily dose of country. Fall just doesn’t have the same effect in the city as it does in the sticks. Thankfully, fall break at Pitt allowed me to enjoy five glorious days in my hometown filled with pumpkin painting, high school football, apple cider, and colorful leaves (basically everything you’d expect fall to be).

            Before I left to head back to Pittsburgh, I had to pay a visit to two of my favorite people in town.          

Most people in the Tri-County area are familiar with Hepler’s Country Store. We’ve all stopped in once or twice (some of us may try to avoid visiting if we can help it so we don’t spend our entire life savings), but a trip to Hepler’s is never just for the shopping spree. It never fails to amaze me how Hepler’s is just this little backwoods store that seems to be filled with magic and wonderful people. (Believe me, Carhartts are magic and the people truly are wonderful).

For those of you who aren’t lucky enough to have ever been to Hepler’s, let me introduce you to two incredible people. Angel and Nona have become two of my biggest supporters and advocates for this blog. It’s reassuring to know that there are amazing ladies in the community I live in who believe in me and what I write, and are always supportive of what I have to say. They’re both genuinely nice people, incredibly thoughtful, and friendly. More than that, as adults, they’re insightful. That’s why it’s always so nice to chat with them about life so I can get an adult perspective on what I’m thinking.

Therefore, when I drop by Hepler’s, it’s never just a quick trip to pick something up. And the other day was no different.

Since these two lovely ladies are huge blog followers, they asked me right away why I’ve been slacking (they said it a lot nicer, but I really have been having writer’s block!). So the three of us tossed ideas around for what I could possibly write about next. As I browsed the store I mulled over a few of them, but none of the ideas themselves were really jumping out.

Instead, all I could think about is a simple phrase that Angel had said to me.

I talk about life a lot with Angel. She tells me about her kids (if I’m half the mother she is someday, I’ll be content because it’s obvious how much her kiddos love her), and I talk about school. This conversation was different though. We talked a lot about the future. Where school was taking me, and how I was going to get into my dream career, you know the usual stuff people ask a 21-year-old junior in college. I gave Angel a lot of “I don’t knows” because I don’t? I have a dream job but I’m not sure how to get there? And she said the most incredible and simple thing to me; she told me to pray.

From the outside, I don’t seem to be a religious person by any means. I’m not an over-bearing, shove it down your throat, make sure you go to mass every Sunday, and don’t break any of the commandments Catholic. I wear a cross around my neck and have a rosary hanging on my rearview mirror. Sure, I try to go to church every Sunday. I endured 13 years of Catholic education, but my mom still has to remind me of holy days of obligation to make sure I go to church. I have differing viewpoints from what the church teaches too. Where the church has a relatively strong standpoint on same-sex marriage, I don’t believe it’s an issue for the church to decide. I’m a firm advocate for the death penalty, as well as a pro-choice supporter. And let me tell you, I’m more than well aware that my guardian angel has a full-time job keeping up with me, but that doesn’t stop me from believing in God and living my faith in my own way.

            You don’t have to go to a church to pray.

            Prayer is everywhere. I try to remember to say a little prayer every night before I fall asleep, and I never forget every morning to thank God for giving me another day on this earth.

The quote, “Airports have seen more sincere kisses than wedding chapels, and hospitals have heard more prayers than the walls of churches,” makes my point.

God is a continual presence, not just found in a physical structure. So send an extra little prayer up to the big guy to let Him know you’re thinking about Him all the time and not just when you desperately need or want something.

            But with the unfathomable number of tragedies, such as shootings that happen much too often anymore, something is wrong. In my opinion, radical people who want to stir up trouble are the root cause of these catastrophic events, and it’s because religion is escaping this country.

            I’m not saying that it should be added to the constitution that everyone must attend a religious service, but I’m saying that people need to be reminded that God and religion are what this country is rooted in.

            God should remain in the pledge of allegiance. For almost 100 years, America has been, “One nation, under God,” and that should never change. Taking God out of the USA will make our problems worse. The only way we will ever have a moral society is by teaching kids that there is a higher power rather than letting them grow up and causing mayhem.

            Without God at the root of our country, it’ll continue to decline. More senseless shootings and violence will occur, drug use will continue, divorce rates and broken families will increase, and we will continue to crumble until we no longer can hold on.

            Two hundred years ago this country was built on faith. So maybe each of us just needs to pray a little more? Maybe something as simple as that will make this a better world to live in?

            One can only hope – and pray.

            To my Hepler’s ladies, thank you for finally getting me to write again.

            And Angel, thank you for your advice. It’s the best I could’ve possibly received.

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”

-       Romans 12:12

             

             

Thank God For Hometowns

            When I was trying to think of something to blog about because I’ve been slacking lately, a friend at school suggested writing a type of travel guide to where I grew up. I think I offended her a little when I laughed in her face. I didn’t mean to, but a travel guide isn’t needed for my sleepy little town.

            Nonetheless, I thought it would be fun, even if it was a little short.

Welcome to the Brockway borough's dam
(best water ever, and no I'm not bias
just because my boyfriend works there)

            So welcome to my little town of Brockway, Pennsylvania! Home to about 2200 people and not close to anything! When I tell people where I’m from, I usually say a small town in western PA then launch into what it’s closest to since they’ve usually never heard of Brockway. I’m two hours north of Pittsburgh, an hour west of Penn State, and two hours south of Erie.

            I’m from western PA, much different from what people outside of the state think. I’m a fan of Pittsburgh sports, live nowhere near Philly, and prefer Sheetz to Wawa. It’s also called pop, not soda.

            When people jokingly talk about the stereotypical small town they might as well be describing my one-stoplight hometown.

I can name all 45 people I graduated with and could probably still recognize their handwriting. Seeing someone ride through town on a tractor isn’t a big deal and you wave as you pass them (usually it’s my uncle). Sneaking out of the house was easy when I was young, the hard part was avoiding seeing someone who would tell my parents I was out.

One of the biggest shocks when I moved to college was we didn’t receive the Monday after Thanksgiving off of school. I’ve never had to go to school on that day because even if the schools in my area were open, no one would go because they’re all out in the woods on the opening day of buck season.

            I’ve lived in the same house in the same town for 20 years and I can still only list a handful of streets and where they are located. I give directions by landmarks and who lives where and my friends know what I mean.

The only traffic jam you will ever experience in Brockway is trying to get out of the football field parking lot on a Friday night, or attempting to drive around town on the 4^th of July.

The 4^th of July in Brockway is a big deal. It is the most anticipated day of the year and people joke that it’s when Brockway’s population goes from 2200 to 22,000. Family, friends, and strangers pour in from all over to attend the festivities on the fourth. Because of how I grew up celebrating the Fourth in Brockway and because I absolutely love America, it is hands down my favorite holiday. Now before I get carried away dreaming of the Fourth and reminiscing of past celebrations, without further ado, a travel guide to Brockway, PA.

Paula was one of the most fun
bosses I ever worked for

The Rocky Grill has changed so much since my childhood. I can still remember going there with my family and stealing sips of my dad’s grasshopper when I thought he wasn’t looking. And every year a few weeks before Christmas we would rent out the back room as an entire family and have my grandpa and uncle’s birthday party. We’d karaoke together as a family and enjoy each other’s company. The best thing about the Grill is that I can go there for a quick lunch during the summer while I’m working. Or I can stop in before a football game to grab a burger and wings, but it was also the number one spot to eat prom dinner and take pictures on the steps.  Today the Grill is under new management and I had the privilege of working there for a year before I left for school. I had such a wonderful time and met so many amazing people with incredible stories. I was sad when I heard it was sold again, but it stands as a landmark in our town as it’s been passed from owner to owner.

Nothing beats a buffalo chicken
calazone from Paesano's

If I’m talking food, I had to group some of my other favorite places into the mix. Paesano’s is the best place around if you’re looking for a hoagie (especially Italian ones with extra peppers!). The BP Inn is a favorite hangout of my brother and his friends so I don’t frequent it nearly as often so as to not embarrass him, but it’s still a great place to get pizza and wings. Scottish Heights has some of the most creative dishes I’ve ever eaten, and it’s a fun atmosphere because there is always live entertainment even if you’re not one for golfing.

Brockway may be small, but a few years ago we were blessed with two amazing educational opportunities. The first was the Brockway Center for Arts and Technology. At BCAT, anyone has the chance to train for real jobs in the area such as a pharmacy technician or medical assistant. Or else they can get involved with the art aspect of the program through ceramics.  The other was Butler County Community College. Both are giving people of all ages a chance to enrich their learning experience right from town.

            The Fire hall. Some of the best memories from my childhood came from the carnival they hosted for a week during the summer. I also always get my money’s worth at its all you can eat pancake breakfast the Sunday after thanksgiving.

Always repin' the red and black

            Although I’m not an alum of dear old Brockway high, it still holds a special place in my heart. My friends who graduated the same year as me from Brockway like to call me their honorary classmate and I’m already invited to the BHS class of 2013 reunion. There are so many wonderful teachers I know who work here, and I cannot wait to send my kids to BHS someday.

Johnny and I at Joey's
Confirmation mass

It felt wrong to write a blog about Brockway and not include St. Tobias. Most people in my town identify themselves as Italian and Catholic, and that really is the truth. If you don’t get to Christmas Eve mass at least 30 minutes early, there is no way you’re going to get a seat. I was baptized, received my first communion, and confirmed here, and I’m sure my children will be too.

My beloved frozen hot chocolate (no
whipped cream and extra chocolate)

            Sheetz is wonderful. Sheetz is life. Your life is truly not complete until you’ve gone to one. I calculated once that I have been at a Sheetz at one point or another during all 24 hours of the day. There is nothing better than a frozen hot chocolate to curb your sweet tooth, mac and cheese bites for a quick snack, or a 3:00 AM walking taco to cure the munchies. (I swear I am not a representative for Sheetz, but as much as I market its products I really could be!) What non-PA people don’t quite understand is how a gas station can also double as people’s favorite fast-food stop. I remember when Sheetz only sold made to order hoagies. Now it takes me 10 minutes or more to order because the menu has anything you can possibly imagine.  

I aspire to be half as
amazing as Angel someday

            My favorite store and staffed by some of the sweetest people I’ve ever met is Hepler’s Country Store. If I walk in I have to have one specific item in mind and vow I will not buy anything else or I would walk out with half the store and completely broke. The owner, Angel, is also one of the most genuine, friendliest, sweetest, and down to earth women I have ever met. I love going in just to chat with her about life. She makes shopping fun (and that’s saying a lot because there is absolutely nothing I hate more than shopping). I don’t think I could have survived two years at Syracuse University if it wasn’t for her making sure I had the warmest boots and down-coat known to man.

            Speaking of Hepler’s, another place in Brockway that I have not had the opportunity to grace my business with yet, but it’s coming soon, is Hepler’s Beer Distributor. To those of you who don’t know, PA still doesn’t allow beer to be sold in convenience or grocery stores (hopefully soon!). That doesn’t mean I haven’t been to Hepler’s quite a few times with my dad to stock the beer fridge. In 175 days, they’ll see me often when I come to be a regular customer.

Glass Plant 19

            Believe it or not, Brockway use to be a booming town. The Brockway Glass Company was founded in 1907 and put the town on the map. At one time it was the second largest glass manufacturer in the world, and we were known as Glass Town USA. Brockway Glass eventually merged with Owens-Illinois, but the two glass plants in town are still running. My parents still talk about the long hours they worked at the plant during the summer, and many people I know still work there today. Even though the headquarters is no longer in Brockway, it is still a major employer in the area.

            Some other major employers are Guardian Elder Care and Phoenix Sintered Metals. When I was young, during the summer my dad use to bring me to work at Guardian every now and then. Even when I go out there today and see the people who have been working there for years they always tell me stories of all the “work” I use to do. Since I’ve grown up (at least a little) and gotten a big girl job, I’ve moved on to spend my summers at Phoenix. Last year, and even over Christmas break I had a blast working at the powdered metal factory. It is one of the neatest processes to see powder be made into little parts that are crucial components to things such as guns, engines, ATVs, snow mobiles, and the list seems endless. 

Now I'm lucky enough to share my
time at the park with my baby brother

Yes, I stupidly biked 36 miles
   with absolutely no training

A place that I spent countless hours of my childhood was the park and baseball fields. I played softball for quite a few years and I still go down to the fields to watch my younger brother play. When I was in junior high, the park was the cool hangout to be with your friends after school. As I walk by there today, I see kids still doing the same thing we use to, wondering what life will be like when they’re older and living with such a carefree attitude. Right next to the park and ball fields is rails to trails. It was once the Buffalo-Pittsburgh railroad, and has since been made into the perfect path for running, biking, and walking. Last summer my best friend and I even biked the entire way to the next town over (36 miles total!). A creek runs alongside part of the trail too and it’s great for fishing and canoeing. If you go down far enough there is an old swinging bridge and rope swing too.

Reminiscing on my senior year
as the football ball girl

Walter has been working at
the football field for 23 years
(he also swears this is his last
but has been saying that for
awhile now!)

            Kenny Chesney’s song “The Boys of Fall” might as well been written about Brockway. The football field is a symbol of our town and holds a special place in my heart because it has been dedicated in memory of my grandpa. I can still remember my seventh birthday, my cousins and I were out on the field on a windy night as we revealed the tarp covering the scoreboard after the moment of silence in his name. I know my grandpa is smiling down on the football field every fall Friday night. When he helped build the original one, he named it the “Field of Dreams.” He’d be so proud of how beautiful and well maintained it’s always kept thanks to the legendary Walter.

            Some people hate being restricted to such a little town because they have big city dreams. I can respect that. Even people in my family have moved away, hoping to pursue something bigger in life. I can’t imagine that though? Even being a few hours away at school, I miss the peace and quiet and the familiarity that Brockway offers. I cannot wait to be done with school, move back home and raise a family in my little town. It’s my hometown and I would not be anywhere near the person I am today if it wasn’t for growing up in Brockway.  

Lyrics to Life

            Everyone loves music. I may be making a very broad generalization there, but I’m sure everyone has his or her own form of some sort of music, sound, or beat he or she enjoys listening to.

            When I’m in the car, personally, it’s rare that my dial strays from the country station. And if it does, it’s probably switching to a country CD just because I don’t like what’s on one of the five country stations I switch between. I have my moments though where I listen to other things, I think everyone does that and truly does like a little bit of everything.

            They say that lyrics describe a person’s life. The lyrics to your favorite song are probably something you can relate to.

            For the times I like to relax and maybe fall asleep I love lullaby music or soothing Spanish guitar music.

            When I’m angry. No scratch that. When I’m downright pissed I blast Ke$ha. She’s my girl. Her crazy music and no bullshit attitude I love and admire.

            Sometimes I throw it back to ‘70s and ‘80s music. I have my parents to thank for that one.

            If I’m going out or getting ready to go somewhere I like to listen to EDM/techno/house/dubstep whatever else you want to call it that’s fast-paced and upbeat to get myself ready to have fun.

            Occasionally I like to relive my childhood with some late ‘90s jams.

            And starting November 1^st clear through Christmas I only listen to Christmas carols, that is all.

            It took me forever to write this blog because I wanted to compile a list of my top 10 favorite songs and why I love them and relate to them. These are the songs that when they come on my iPhone I have to hit replay.

            Here goes:

10. Hurricane – Dustin Lynch

A country song about a girl, very cliché, I know.

This song reminds me of myself though. I have a problem with settling down, and when I do meet a guy I have a tendency to leave distraction in my path like a hurricane. Fitting that it even talks about the girl having red hair and being a wild child.

“Cause it’s a hell of a ride, if you can just survive the pain, that’s the thing about a hurricane.”

A hurricane is something amazing to witness yet scary as hell, same as falling in love. And at the end when the hurricane has blown through the only thing people can do is pick up the pieces and what’s left and move on, exactly what Dustin Lynch says is the only way to deal with this girl.

The song also talks about the girl running from her past, again something I do, and in the song she even warns the guy the trouble she is, which is what I always say I am.

9. Sweet Caroline – Neil Diamond

There is something about this song that never fails to make me smile. A song most people like to belt out, commonly while holding a beer or having their arms around their friends while swaying in time to the music.

“Good times never seemed so good (Go Pitt, Go Pitt, Go Pitt).”

This song means something to me because it’s always played during the Pitt football games and I will forever be a Panther at heart.

It’s just a feel good song that makes me happy and makes me want to grab my friends and dance like idiots.

Above all though it’s a beautiful love song about a man being madly in love with his girl. What can I say? I’m a sucker for love songs.

8. Born This Way – Lady Gaga

This is a girl’s anthem and feel good song for women.

“I’m beautiful in my way cause God makes no mistakes, I’m on the right track, baby I was born this way.”

It’s about embracing your inner beauty and being proud of who you are. Don’t ever be afraid to be yourself because if people can’t accept you for who you are they don’t deserve to be in your life.

Whenever I’m feeling down or having a bad day I like to listen to this song because it’s empowering and a good reminder that being true to you is what matters. You never have to prove anything to anyone, only yourself. You have to love yourself first too before you can love anyone else.

7. Landslide – Fleetwood Mac

This song reminds me of growing up and the pain and excitement that come with it. It’s especially relevant to my life because I left for college and I’m trying to figure out where my life after college is going to take me.

“But time makes you bolder, even children get older, and I’m getting older too.”

It’s scary to face the world by yourself because your parents aren’t always going to be there to help you, but that’s also half the fun of it.

6. Automatic- Miranda Lambert

I wish I could have grown up in a different era. Granted, I’m so thankful for the technology we have today and all the strides we continue to make, but I also miss the good ‘ol days. I remember payphones, and I still dry my laundry on the clothesline on a nice day. I love making sun tea, and I remember when my grandpa used a pocket watch.

“It all just seemed so good the way we had it, back before everything became automatic.”

Some people will never realize the beauty of simplicity and the old-fashioned way because they’re stuck on what they think the beauty is in technology.

5. Jack & Diane – John Cougar Mellencamp

Oops, sorry for another love song. This is probably my favorite song to turn up the entire way and roll the windows down.

To me this is pretty self-explanatory. It’s two kids, living the American dream and who fall in love.

“Hold on to sixteen as long as you can, changes come around real soon make us women and men.”

Kids are always in such a rush to grow up, I know I was. But when you’re a kid you don’t realize how amazing it is to be carefree. Cherish that and make it last as long as you can. You’re going to grow up eventually and not be able to enjoy the freedom you once had.

4. Hey Pretty Girl – Kip Moore

The first time I heard this song I about wanted to cry. (And that’s really strange coming from me because I’m basically heartless). It still warms my heart and makes me daydream when I hear it because this is the type of man I want to find in my life. I want a man who’s going to love me this much and try to win me over.

It also makes me happy because it’s not a song about a hookup or one night stand, it’s about making a relationship work the right way. Dancing, being together, taking her home to meet his mom, building a life together, etc.

“Life’s a long and winding ride, better have the right one by your side.”

I’m still looking for that right one, but I hope when I find him I can compare our relationship to this song because I could see this being the first song we dance to at our wedding. If a guy ever sang this to me too I’d probably melt, just saying.

3. Don’t Stop Believing – Journey

You are lying if you have never blasted this song and sang along at the top of your lungs.

I am a small town girl, living in my own lonely world. And to me this song is about going on a journey and trying to find yourself. It’s optimistic and the title itself even tells you to not give up hope, to keep pushing, because with determination you will get where you want to and accomplish your goal. 

“Some will win, some will lose.”

Unfortunately you can’t win every single time and you need to learn how to accept defeat once in awhile.

This song is also about familiarity and the fact that everyone has common ground. Shadows, are in reference to the people’s past that haunts them. It also is about everyone feeling sad or lonely sometimes and realizing that other people share those feelings too and they truly aren’t ever alone in their pain.

Finally, it makes me think of love. It’s about a boy and girl from two separate worlds figuring out they really aren’t that different, and battling the odds to be together and fall in love.

2. Small Town U.S.A. – Justin Moore

A perfect description of my hometown. I live in the cliché small town that everyone seems to hate, but no one seems to leave. And if they do leave, it’s usually not too long before they come back. Everybody knows everybody’s business, and gossip is inescapable. You can’t even get away with anything because somehow word will eventually get back to your parents, and secrets aren’t possible to keep.      

We may not be the richest people in the world, but where I come from it’s hard work that’s going to get you much farther in life.

“I wouldn’t trade one single day, I’m proud to say I love this place.”

As much as I complain about lacking in culture and having to drive two hours to shop, I love western Pennsylvania and the backwoods. If I don’t raise my children in Brockway I’ll raise them in a town similar to it because I want them to enjoy the same childhood I did.

1. Here For A Good Time – George Strait

Well I might as well start off by saying George Strait is my love. I love this man and all of his music so of course one of his songs was going to be on the Top 10 playlist of my life. The only problem was trying to pick one, but once I really got thinking about some of my favorite songs by him this one stuck out.

Right from the beginning he says he isn’t going to take life for granted. Even when life sucks, this song reminds me that I should be blessed that I’m still living and I have the opportunities that I do.

“Every day I wake up knowing it could be my last.”

Because you never know when your time is going to come, give it your all every day. He even says to take a chance because you never know what tomorrow will bring.

            I’m guilty of listening to the radio and saying “I love this song” or “this is my jam” to half of the songs that play. But when it comes down to it, these are the ten songs that best represent me.