Seven things I’ve learned since moving to Mt. Lebanon
I spent more than 30 years in Michigan with a brief residency in Philadelphia, when I discovered, whoops, I picked the right state but the wrong city.
I closed on my Mt. Lebanon home in January of this year. Here’s what I’ve learned so far:
1) No amount of HGTV can prepare you for a DIY home. Built in 1974, my home is an awkward teenager compared to the stately homes in the Historic District. I’ve spent the last past several months waiting for blue sinks to come back into style, but I can feel a major reno coming on.
2) There’s a cultural expectation to care about sports. I spent three decades not watching the Detroit Lions, so this baffles me. Thankfully, my college anthropology classes, though serving no official prerequisite purpose, gave me the tools to blend in through the analysis and reproduction of typical fan behavior. I still can’t explain what a Terrible Towel is or why someone would want one, but I’ve managed to develop an effective three-pronged game strategy of yelling, snacking and drinking. Go Steelers!
3) The Caramel Chocolate Popcorn from Pittsburgh Popcorn Company is a food group. And the medium is a serving size. Fight me.
4) The South Hills are aptly named and their existence balances my recent popcorn habit. The smug superiority I have over my Midwestern visitors as they catch their breath is hard won.
5) No one is worth crossing a bridge for. I tried BumbleBFF to meet friends after receiving my vaccination, and my 10-mile search radius has proven too far a trek for awkward coffee meetups. I will only be accepting offers of friendship within half a mile of my home, work or Giant Eagle.
6) Two dogs just isn’t enough. I calculated that if my former Philadelphia residence comfortably fit two dogs in 1,100 square feet, my four-bedroom Mt. Lebanon property can easily support a third. That’s basic math.
7) The people here are warm, helpful and incredibly kind. Whether it is a coworker helping me sound out “Monongahela,” a neighbor offering his gardening advice or a crossing guard leading me across Washington Road as I balance my coffee and umbrella, you know how to make a girl feel welcome. It’s only been six months, but I already feel a part of yinz.
Patricia Gaudio
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Welcome to Mt.Lebanon, Emily! I got a good chuckle out of your article!😁😆 The Hills thing made me laugh because a flat yard here is prime property!I feel equally uncomfortable when I am someplace where the road goes on forever and I understand how people could assume the earth is flat…And of course you didn’t root for the Lions! But the Steelers are in a whole other class! 😲 But the best part is your confirmation that the people here are the best part! ❤
Vicky
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And you are spot on re: Caramel Chocolate Popcorn!
Victoria
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I have a dog just like Kokomo!! Do you you knkw what kind of dog he/she is?
Emily Radamis
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They’re both rescues, but we believe Kokomo is a Yorkie-poo, she was saved from a puppy mill at age 4. Malcolm is a Boston Terrier/Italian Greyhound mix.
Wendy Petrakos
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I am new to Mount Lebanon altho I resided next door in Dormont for 11 years. I love the people and the church bells. The public transit is so convenient for me. I am hooked on Sesame Inn, Alladin’s Eatery and Pamela’s Kitchen, not forgetting Eat n Park on Banksville and West Liberty. Spivak Vision is excellent. Check out Mount Lebsnon Trading Post on Potomac Avenue in Dormont. A super consignment shop. I hope you settle in and feel at home!
Linda K Woodworth
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Wendy,
My parents ate at the Banksville Eat n Park for years, starting many decades ago.