PGH CHEAP: Spending Little to Stay Cool

My. It's been hot, huh? As has been the case in most places across the U.S., Pittsburgh has been riding a heat wave. I'm writing this on Sunday, and our high is only expected to be 89 degrees. As Eric said while we walked back toward our apartment building this morning, "I never thought I'd be excited about temps in the high 80s."

I try not to complain about the heat. But Saturday it was brutal. I spent as much time as I could tolerate in my apartment reading and writing, but eventually I needed to seek out ways to beat the heat. So I made a list of inexpensive ways to cool off around town and set off by bike to the Carnegie Museum.

If this heat keeps up throughout July and August, I think I'll be using my Museum membership more and more for quick spells in air conditioning. I only had an hour to kill before I was expected at the pool, so I decided to check out the coolest exhibits I could think of.

First I spent a good chunk of time walking around in the cool darkness of the Hillman Hall of Minerals and Gems.

Glow in the dark rocks!

As might be expected, the orange gems and minerals were my favorite.

Gemstone dino!

The second stop on my visit was the most obvious choice of all:

Yes. To beat the heat, I spent some time pretending I was in the Arctic. Genius, I know.

On a day when it feels like it's over 100 degrees outside, it was easy to feel incredible jealousy of this scene.

Just in case on one of my wintertime Canada journeys I need to know how to build a shelter out of snow, I watched this video about building snowhouses.

Jealous of how cool these dogs must be feeling in the snow.

After the museum I pedaled over to the Highland Park pool for a few hours of swimming and sunning. Entry also free; Pittsburgh pool passes are a beautiful thing. I passed out on my couch for a couple hours before meeting up with Ross to walk down to 36th and Butler for a pop-up beer garden, Tapped. We had a whiskey drink from Wigle Whiskey and an IPA from Full Pint. Cost $10. I had a hot dog from the Franktuary. Cost $3. It was all the money I'd spent all day, and I felt good about staying cool while keeping costs low. 

These pop-up beer gardens will be going on throughout the summer, and I will be making an effort to go to many of them. Such a nice (and relatively cheap) way to spend a hot summer night.

30 Before 30: Whitewater Rafting on the Fourth of July

The older I'm getting, the more outdoorsy I'm becoming. Five years ago, I would have never in my wildest dreams thought I'd be capable of spending an entire week biking and camping - alone at that. But now, I love being outside and pushing myself outside of my comfort zone. I'm getting less afraid of things like snakes and spiders (but still would really rather not deal with those at all) and learning how to be patient, calm, and appreciative of the natural world. That sounds only slightly crazy. Blame the heat that seems will never break.

My friend Brian offered Corey, Carrie and me an amazing opportunity for the Fourth of July: whitewater rafting at Ohiopyle on a raft led by his brother and would only cost us $15 each.

It was the perfect way to spend the mid-week holiday. It was hot, but not oppressive. The water was cold, but not frigid. We took our time going down the river and tossed about in the rapids. For three miles we went through The Doldrums and drank beverages and jumped into the water and floated downstream. We brought the raft ashore at Jump Rock and, well, jumped off a rock. It was so beautiful out there that I wondered how crazy it woud be if I dropped everything for the rest of the summer and spent the remainder of it right there on the river.

Sadly, there are no pictures from the actual rafting portion of the trip. But here are a few shots from the day.

This is a picture I took while on my bike trip to Cumberland in 2011. Those are some of the rapids we went over.

Keeping ourselves entertained while Brian's brother sorted out our raft and such.

Just some bears, reading a book.

Laz-Z-Boy swing.

Rafting was an incredible way to spend the Fourth of July. It was also officially the first one of my 30 Before 30 items that I can cross off the list. 

From Lasers to Lights: Roger Waters performs The Wall

A long while back (so long while back that I actually forgot about it and almost scheduled to go camping instead) my dad asked my brother and me if we would like to go see Roger Waters perform The Wall. To be honest, I agreed to go because I didn't want to say no to my dad. I've never really listened to Pink Floyd and am pretty sure that before the show I'd never heard 90% of the songs on The Wall.

My dad and I were chowing down at Wingharts before the show (because that is just our thing now) and I was telling him about how fun Lasertainment was the night previous. He then informed me that I would probably enjoy The Wall because it is supposed to involve a pretty dramatic light show.

Well, yes. Indeed it did. Though not directly related to Pittsburgh exactly, here are some photos (mostly because being out of town so much at the end of June has left me a little lagging behind blog-wise):

PGH CHEAP: Oh Yeah! We're Going to a Laser(tainment) Show!

Ladies and gentlemen, Fountains of Wayne:

Oh yeah, I went to a laser show. Part of Pittsburgh's 2012 Regatta (you gotta regatta!) was a nightly laser show at Point State Park. Of course, it was free and that fits into my budget for PGH CHEAP this July. I could think of no better way to spend an evening last Monday night, so I biked down the Eliza Furnace Trail toward the city at sunset and took in Lasertainment's highly enjoyable production. I have to admit, right before it started, I wondered if I wasn't about to be very disappointed in my choice of activity for the night. But I was pleasantly surprised, and even a little impressed by the show. 

The small screen was my first cause for concern that this laser show might not be awesome.

Waited for the sun to go down by reading and writing and sitting in the grass.

I cannot recall what song they used this dancing chicken for, but oh my gosh, the laser dancing chicken made my night.

This second video is really where it's at. Lasers and fireballs.

Cost of Lasertainment: FREE.

An Update of Sorts! Books, Pedaling, and Resolutions

The month of June was amazing, but it also kicked my butt. I started and ended the month in Washington, D.C. (once getting there by bike, and once getting there by bus - can you guess which was more enjoyable?) and spent one weekend in Boston at a wedding. It's been a while since I've hopped around so much in a short period of time, and I'm looking forward to both feet being firmly placed in Pittsburgh for a while (until Labor Day, at least).

Having been so busy in June, my plan for July is to take it a little easier and spend some time catching up with things. Like how I've neglected to enlightened you all about what I've been reading or how I've been doing with my resolutions. I haven't abandoned any of those projects! Which is great. I've just been too lazy (and too hot - OMG, it's hot!) to get around to it. Now, with a homemade iced coffee in hand (still trying not to spend so much money this month) and new mixes from friends as my soundtrack, here is a recap on things and stuff.

Resolution #1: Read more!
First, here's a list of what I've already read in 2012.
1. 21: The Story of Roberto Clemente 
2. Building a Better Robot
3. About Three Bricks Shy
4. Brothers and Keepers

Now, here's what I've been reading.

PGH Book #5: Me, and Earl, and the Dying Girl - Jesse Andrews

My friend Corey lent me this right after he read it. He thought it would be right up my alley, and because Jesse Andrews is from Pittsburgh and the story takes place in Pittsburgh, that it would fit the requirements of a PGH Book for 2012. He was right. On all accounts. This was one of the funniest, most touching, and possibly sharpest books I've ever read. One of those rare books that you do not want to finish because you want to story to keep going forever. It's a quick read and would be wonderful to enjoy by the pool this summer.

PGH Book #6: The Paris of Appalachia - Brian O'Neill

Brian O'Neill came to speak in one of my writing courses at Pitt. I don't remember much from his talk, except for how I thought he didn't look anything like the little photo that accompanies his columns in the Post Gazette. But after reading this, I will always remember him for his unique and very wise perspective on Pittsburgh. The essays in this book are spot-on Pittsburgh. Even the ones that detail some of the city's downfalls (I'll be the first to admit that Pittsburgh is not perfect, but for me it's pretty damn close) capture the city's resilient spirit. 

I've slowed my pace on the reading, which I expected would happen. (That's why I front-loaded my list with quick reads...) But I'm about to finish my seventh book over the weekend (a book that has done nothing to quell the overwhelming wanderlust that's itching at the back of my head) and am halfway through an eighth (which is a behemoth of a book, so much so that the library refused to let me renew it for a fourth time, so I had to take a break). 

As for the other resolutions: Some progress is being made, some progress is not being made. Now that we're halfway through the year, it's time to kick into a higher gear, especially with volunteering. I can't even remember how much I've actually volunteered so far this year, but let's put that figure around two hours. Out of fifty. But! I've just registered with Corey and Carrie to volunteer with GrowPGH on July 21 at their urban farm in Braddock. 

I'm sure I've been better at trying new things. Of course, I haven't kept a list or anything, but I'm getting better at being less afraid to try a new thing - be it a food, an activity, or habit. One major one that sticks out in my mind is whitewater rafting, which I was able to do for an amazing reasonable price ($4) because my friend Brian's brother Ben is a rafting guide at Ohiopyle. Coincidentally, whitewater rafting was on the 30 Before 30 list, so I've officially crossed an item of the (still unfinished) list.

And finally, my baby, Pedal for Pennies. As of today I have biked 2,012 miles. 2012! So far in 2012! I really can't believe I'm already under the 1,000-mile mark for miles left to log. It feels like I was just celebrating hitting 1,000 miles yesterday. I'm not only on target to hit 3,000 miles, but I should crush that and wind up around 3,500 (crossing fingers for another mild winter...). To date from pledges and donations, Pedal for Pennies has raised $1,400 for Gilda's Club of Western Pennsylvania. Wanna get in the game and make a pledge? Click this link: http://pedalforpennies.blogspot.com/

Thanks for reading! Stay cool, and enjoy the Pittsburgh summer. 

PGH CHEAP: July 2012

Guys. I have been spending way too much money. June 2012 was an excellent month, but it also ended up being an expensive one. So in an effort to reclaim some financial restraint, I'm planning a month of living PGH CHEAP. Sometimes I joke about being "Pittsburgh Rich," which basically means I make enough to live comfortably. I'm not rich, by an means, but if you make a moderate salary in Pittsburgh, you can live a nice little life with two black cats in an apartment that you love.

But for the next month, I'm living on the cheap. I've been brainstorming ways to have fun and here's what I've come up with so far. Consider it a preview of how I'll be spending my time without spending money.

• Fireworks Nights
• Pool (already got my pool pass!)
• Movies in the Park
• Carnegie Museums (already a member)
• Picnics
• Bike Rides
• Gallery Crawls
• Bach Beethoven and Brunch
• Hiking in the Parks
• Bakery Square Events
• Phipps Outdoor Garden
• Frick Art Museum
• Strolls through the Cemetery
• REGATTA

Any suggestions?!

Happy Anniversary, Pittsburgh.

I'm a borderline hoarder. I'm nowhere near close to being featured on the bizarre reality television show, but I do have a hard time throwing things away. As a writer, this often means I find old writings tucked away in journals and on my hard drive. I've more than likely forgotten about them, so it's always delightful(/terrifying) to read and remember. Fortunately I came across a wholly delightful thing I wrote right after moving back, two years ago today. In celebration of two years back home, here is what I had to say about being back in early July 2010. I had thoughts of doing a Pittsburgh blog even then, but I wasn't ready yet to really put anything in motion. I'm glad I've finally found a good use for it.

Count Yellow Highway Lines

The move is…OVER. After an exhausting day of loading up a truck, the longest drive from Boston to Pittsburgh ever, and three solid days of nothing but furious unpacking and organizing and arranging - it's done. I'm situated and set-up. I tied up the loose-ends I had in Boston. I'm back in Bloomfield and am starting to realize that this is…for real. This is my life now: walking out my door onto Gross Street and being able to see the Cathedral of Learning jutting out of the treetops as I walk toward Liberty Ave. It's still a little weird, but I'm sure that will subside in time. Still can't believe that my time in Boston is actually over. I never thought I'd miss it, but there are people there who made my world go 'round and I'll miss them terribly.

Three days after moving back, I spent the Fourth of July on the roof of the Children's Hospital parking garage. We watched the fireworks downtown from afar, but sparklers were handed out and the way I felt standing on that roof is indescribable.

But. Again: this is my life now.

My goal was to have my place completely unpacked and set-up before I went back to Boston for a couple days to take care of a few things (like quitting my job and tossing everything from the old place into the garbage), so I spent my first 72 hours in Pittsburgh mostly inside the walls of this new apartment figuring out where to put all this stuff I've accumulated. I was able to do it all, which ended up being a relief when I got back here last night and realized I didn't have to do a thing to feel at home.

One of my favorite songs is "Left and Leaving" by The Weakerthans. I listened to it as I drove out of Pittsburgh seven years ago. I kept listening to it throughout my time in Boston; it was a siren song calling me back home. The lyrics always feeling a little too close for comfort.

This morning I woke up early and took my bike out for the first time in weeks. It felt great to ride it again after having been so busy packing and being in transit and busy unpacking. I wanted to ride through the Allegheny Cemetery, but when I got there, the gate was still closed (around 7:30 a.m. - thought it was 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.?). So I went to Plan B: Let's see if I can relearn some streets!

When I biked across the bridge that leads from the Carnegie Museum to Phipps and Flagstaff Hill, I caught a glimpse of perfect puffs of smoke from the Cloud Factory and I think that's when it finally hit me that I'm home.

I'm home!

Biking through South Oakland, I went past the Castle and Zack's old apartment. Two places where the younger Allison started many nights of misadventures and ended many nights of misadventures. In five years, I hope I can go back to Boston and feel as happy riding a bike past Great Scott or down Egremont Road. For now, I'm ready to make a new crop of memories here in Pittsburgh.

Happy Anniversary, Pittsburgh. I'm still so excited to be here.