Small Town Reminders

Alright so we all know that no matter where you call home in the world life gets crazy, unpredictable, and unbelievably stressful. It can happen in the small town you still call home or hours away in a different town. The difference is those who live in their hometown they want to leave. Those of us who live miles away, we just want to be home. Since I know the feeling of both, let me just remind you how great that small town truly is, especially Central PA. In no order, here is what you will miss if you leave... 

• Middlesworth Chips: This needs no explanation. We all know they are the best chips around. I have shared a FEW with my coworkers and students and they all agree. Other places may have a decent chip but sometimes they don't have one worthy of even munching on. I get Middlesworth sent every chance I get. 
• Stupid Commercials: One of my favorite things about watching all my shows online is the fact there are no commercials. Rejoice! However, my heart aches when I call home and hear the owner of the car dealership down the road announcing his big sales pitch. Seeing familiar faces on TV.
• Church Dinners: There are not too many places where you can go to a church dinner or fund raiser and get a bottomless amount of spaghetti for $5. Plus, all that homemade goodness. Now come on! 
• Sunday Shopping: I miss enjoying my Sunday afternoons shopping for groceries or those sandals I've been eyeing up. I really miss my Saturdays where I could do whatever I wanted because my chores could wait for Sunday. 
• The Daily Item: Sure it's just a newspaper. I can read CNN online- I can even read the Daily Item online but there is something different about waking up and getting the paper from the milk box. There is something about reading the Sports section and seeing your sister's friend picture. Every now and then seeing your family. 
• Troegs: Troegs and other American crafted beers. 
• Being lazy: Sure you can be lazy wherever you are but there is a special kind of lazy you can only achieve in Central PA with little judgement. After living in Berlin and walking everywhere, I realized how lazy I am to drive my car to the post office or to the gas station to pick up milk. Seriously! One is a few minute walk from my house!!!! Also, the fact that is totally unacceptable to wear PJs outside... One time I have seen this in the last year and the girl was running to her house from the store next door. 
• Hershey and candy: Sure you can find good and even much better chocolate around the world but Hershey will always hold a special place in your heart. Plus all the fabulous holiday candies... Peeps, Chocolate Oranges, seasonal Oreos, and Reese's Chocolate Eggs. Don't even get me started on Reese's Cups which I don't have or Double Stuffed Oreos. 
• PA Dishes: In Berlin, I have had Korean, Indian, Malaysian, German, and American food but nothing like Central PA. When my sisters call and said, "We had ham pot pie tonight." My heart sinks.
• Radio Talk show Host: Every morning at my house the radio would be on and we would be listening to 94KX or 98Big Country. I miss the back and forth and humor the talk show hosts provided to my routine. 
• Everybody Knows You: This seems like a curse at times but it's so nice to say hello to someone you know at the grocery store or when you are getting your hair done.
• Walmart and Target: First of all, 24 hours!!!! My shopping must be done Monday-Saturday before 8pm. Second, a store that has everything in one place when you are in a rush. I miss this! I miss going to Walmart for all my school supplies knowing that they will have it. Sometimes it takes me all day to find 5 items. 
• Americanized Meals: So yes I have very authentic meals here but sometimes you just crave Americanized pizz or Chinese food. 
• Shade Mountain and Others: Not only do I miss crafted beer, I miss delicious sweet wine. I haven't found anything I like more than Shade. 
• Family Cooking: No explanation. We all have our favorite whatever that only whoever can make. Examples: Steaks and Burgers by Dad (usually when it's below zero.), Chocolate Cake with Peanut Butter Icing by Grammy Cookie, Blueberry Muffins by Aunt Ellen, Ham Pot Pie by Grammy Deppen, Salads by Aunt Linn (This woman knows what should be paired together! Yum!!!), Banana and Strawberry Cheesecake by Bobbie... the list can go on!!! 

So maybe this is more of my list of what I miss from Central PA. I think you may realize there are a few things that you will greatly miss if you left.

For those of you away from home, here is my playlist of hometown songs that get me through. 

Next Greece Trip. 

xx