Chapter 1: Embracing Change

Having spent 13 years in Michigan, I often reflect on my move from Pennsylvania. Many inquire about the challenges I faced adjusting to the climate. The truth is, I tend to avoid the outdoors, so the transition was not difficult for me at all.

When I think of what I miss most about Pittsburgh, it’s not just my daughters and their families (one of whom has since moved away), but also the hills, the Primanti’s sandwiches, the lively Strip District, and the breathtaking view of the city as you drive down I-279.

Interestingly, Michigan and Pennsylvania share many similarities, especially when it comes to sports. Detroit boasts the Red Wings, while Pittsburgh is home to the Steelers. Yet, it’s hard to ignore the significant difference in accolades – six Super Bowl victories for Pittsburgh!

Chapter 1.1: The Water Factor

Michigan is abundant with water – not quite like the Three Rivers of Pittsburgh, but still plentiful. My father-in-law once shared an interesting fact: in Michigan, you’re never more than 20 miles from a body of water.

Both states also share a common "floral" symbol – the construction cone. It appears as frequently as dandelions, proving nearly impossible to eliminate. Just when you think you’ve tackled them, they pop up in even more inconvenient places.

In fact, there’s a new construction project in Michigan that’s set to take 14 years to complete, covering a mere 17 miles.

Chapter 1.2: The Impact of Construction

Yes, it sounds absurd, and I sometimes feel I can move faster than that! But amid this frustration, I frequently find myself surrounded by construction equipment.

One of my daughter’s first words was "backhoe," as we often passed a construction site on our walks. She was fascinated by those enormous machines, and it was amusing when she claimed ownership of “her backhoe.”

We read numerous books featuring construction themes, including one of my favorites, Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel by Virginia Lee Burton. My grandsons share a similar fascination with construction vehicles, engines, and all things that dig and move dirt.

Chapter 2: The Balance of Building and Tearing Down

They love digging holes, creating sandcastles, and navigating imagined roads through tunnels and hairpin turns. This leads me to wonder: when do we stop striving to build? At what point do we prefer to tear down instead?

While I may not operate a bulldozer, I can certainly dismantle someone’s spirit with harsh words or bulldoze through discussions fueled by indignation. I can construct barriers between myself and the world faster than concrete can set.

I've crushed hope, shredded dreams, and buried self-esteem beneath overwhelming fear. Yet, I recognize that I am still evolving; I remain under construction.

After all these years, perhaps 14 years to overhaul 17 miles doesn’t seem too unreasonable. But I expect significant progress from both Michigan and myself much sooner than that.

In the first video, Portland Oregon 2023 New Construction Guide, viewers can explore the latest developments and insights into construction trends in Portland.

The second video, Joel Osteen - Under Construction, discusses themes of personal growth and the continuous journey of self-improvement.

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