How
We Met by Michelle Hanrahan
I met Peter Kaminski for the first time,
face to face, on July fourth. After chatting back and forth for a month, we
were finally scheduled to meet at the annual Pittsburgh Three River’s Regatta.
With the hustle and bustle of the Regatta
attendee’s, I felt it was most practical to meet under the bridge that led to
the Point. I vividly remember him handsomely walking up as I leaned on the side
of the bridge. After a swift hello, we continued on to visit the various
activities that the Regatta has to offer such as the speed boat racing, sand
art, live music and best of all, the Fourth of July fireworks!
Little did I know at the time, this event
was RIGHT up Pete’s alley (this is where I have the opportunity to brag about
him, even though he would never stand for it!); he is a U.S. Merchant Marine
Academy graduate with a background of competitive, collegiate swimming and
currently works along the Monongahela River as an engineer for a towboat and
barge company, as well as works as an Officer in the Navy Reserve. With
Pete’s knowledge of the rivers, I was able to drill him with questions about
the boats that were racing, the engines aboard the vessels, the barges that
were positioned to set off the fireworks and other questions in regards to the
maritime industry. Although Pittsburgh is Pete’s hometown, and I am from a
suburb of Philadelphia, Pete was competitively swimming for much of his younger
years. I enlightened him to the Pittsburgh knowledge I had picked up from my
college years, and he taught me maritime engineering.
Although I had a couple of
friends “conveniently” enjoying the Regatta in case I needed a get-me-out-of-
here-card, it was an evening of seamless conversation. It was uncanny how
many similarities we both possessed in general interests, religious views, and
more! We both loved music; Pete as a violinist, myself as a pianist and
vocalist. We both loved Long Island and New York City; Pete’s college Alma mater,
the hometown of my parents and extended relatives. Ultimately, we both loved
learning about each other. Between Pete’s background and my favorite holiday of
the year being July Fourth, the Regatta made for an outstanding first date.
Exploration
The next few dates included
hitting a wide variety of neighborhoods around Pittsburgh; dinner in Station
Square, a view from Mount Washington, summer Cinema in the Park at Highland
Park, a Lawrenceville bar, touring my Alma mater (Hail to Pitt!), a
movie in the South Hills, a Triathlon on the North Shore, and so many more.
What I remember the most from all of those dates is that Pete was the utmost
gentleman.
Upon exclusively dating, we have had the
chance to explore the hidden treasures that Pittsburgh has to offer. It has
been a whirlwind of events: Pitt football games, Penn Brewery’s Oktoberfest,
South Hills swim meets, a drive-in movie theater, watching his dad officiate
high school football in Moon, test driving cars in Monroeville, volunteering at
the Cystic Fibrosis annual Passion for Wine event, surprise date nights, Mrs.
Kaminski’s wonderful home-cooking, enjoying in the nightlife that is South
Side, eating at Church Brew Works, and attending a Beatles Tribute by the PSO.
Today
As a young couple, we have worked to find
many things to do that fit both our schedules and budgets. We both work
full-time but also keep busy with other activities. Pete is the head coach of
his former swim club team of 8 to 12-year-old's in the South Hills, and I
attend cake decorating & sign language classes, as well as volunteer
throughout the city. With a young-adult budget, we have taken full advantage of
all that Pittsburgh has to offer! Many of those opportunities include the
free festivals throughout the summer, strolling the Strip District, and
attending as many Cultural Trust shows that our wallets and time will allow!
For the Navy Reserve, Pete will be leaving Pittsburgh for a month to work along
the east coast to fulfill his Annual Training requirement. Until then, we
will try to cram in as many activities and events around Pittsburgh as possible
and continue to do so upon his return!
Never
have I met a more genuine, respectful, kind-hearted man. And although we have
not been dating for multiple years, when you find someone that meshes with your
life SO smoothly, you just know it is right.
Michelle and Pete at the PPG Wintergarden
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