Manic Monday: Trip

When we first moved here, we knew that we would need to make some adjustments. It's a much smaller town than we are used to, and, admittedly, I have yet to make some of those adjustments (okay, most of them). I have been resistant, both consciously and subconsciously, which might take a little away from the small town feeling, but I tend to be defensive about it.

One thing I won't give up, is my trips to the "city." It's not huge; the population (of the combined metro area of the nearby cities, really) is about 255,000. But it's an improvement to me over the 10,000 in our little town. Initially, I thought I could just make really good lists and minimize by trips to the stores. Save money, save gas, save time...it sounds good. But in reality, I like my trips. I like the drive over. I like the time there. I like my friends, I like the stores, I like the parks, I like the sense of normalcy.

When I realize that I feel I have to "visit" normal, I feel guilty about not just being happy with the small town time while we are here. I want to take the kids to lessons in the city, rather than here, because they are better. I don't want to just accept this other view of 'normal.' In theory, I easily accept that I don't have to love everything all the time, but actually feeling okay about it takes more effort.

Come to think of it, a trip to the store is definitely warranted today. I need some new mascara, and I'm pretty sure Aidan wants to play at a new park today.


For a little less of my guilt trip version on the word "Trip" today, check out Mo's Manic Monday.