I was not born with Pizza Hut in my mouth.

Every slice I ever got, every chance to enter under that architectural gem of a hut roof, was hard won (by someone).

Before I could read, the McDonalds french fries in the Halloween Bucket Happy Meal came from Dad and Mom's job, and child support, but that worked in both directions, so maybe a net 0?

As soon as I could read, I would read the classified ads in the newspaper - the Post Star.

I would look for ways to get something free or a great deal.

There was a rich guy that sometimes answered requests for money for worthy causes...I think I wrote him a letter once, but not sure what I didn't have that I felt was missing.

I was never hungry, just hungry for different or for more.

Somewhere along the line our school participated in a national reading program called Book It sponsored by Pizza Hut. 

For every book you read, you would get "a personal pan pizza".

There was a ceremony in the cafetorium.

There were medals, I think I might have won or at least been in the top readers.

I didn't cheat. I read all the books.

I wanted those pizzas so badly.

On my way to the ceremony, I remember thinking...how will we get all these pizzas into the car?

Was I disappointed when I got coupons?

I was.

But they were even better than a carload of pizza I learned because I could have pizza for a very long time.

And I did.

I still read a lot.

I don't eat Pizza Hut any more...

But I am glad that being hungry made me smarter and happier and not just hungrier.

Silver linings and all.