The Perks
Most of the annoyances about small town living are also the perks. I’ve certainly done my fair share of complaining about growing up in Small Town, but today I was reminded of how beneficial it can be.This morning, like every morning, I wanted a cup of coffee. My parents hate the stuff, making instant my only option while I’m here at home. Instant was not going to cut it today, soI went to a diner downtown to get my jolt. Despite the fact that I haven’t been there in months (since the semester started, I think), the owner glanced at me, smiled, and asked if I wanted it for there or to go.
Before work this afternoon, I went to visit a family friend who runs an auto parts store. He’s about my dad’s age, considers my mom a sister, and calls me his “little angel.” More than once he’s taken care of the tires on my car (and called my dad for money later), and he always tells me to call if I need anything—and he means it. I’m fairly certain that this includes destroying any man that does me wrong.
At work, half a dozen people asked me about school, two people recognized my voice on the phone, and someone asked me to make his drink—a limeade—because no one else makes them just right like I do. After work, I decided to go rent a movie. The clerk greeted me by name and gave me an under-the-table discount on my new release.
If you give me enough time, I’m confident that I’ll write about all those small town annoyances I mentioned. I had a laundry list of them in high school, let me tell you. Today, however, I’m just going to accept it for what it is and enjoy it. Tomorrow morning when I get my cup of coffee, or when someone at work asks me for the umpteenth time since I’ve been home how school is going, I’ll just be grateful for the fact that I’m memorable and that people actually care. That is the perk of being from a small town.
Labels: everyday musings, Small Town
posted by nicalyse @ 10:27 PM
3 Comments:
See, those are all the things that make me want to live in a small town, but I'm sure (as you said) there are annoyances too. I always thought that it would be nice to have everyone know who you are and vice versa, but I can see how that wouldnt be too great after a while. I guess everything has its ups and downs. Such is life, right? But it sounds like you had a good time anyway. :)
Nic, I was the opposite, I loved growing up in a small town when I was in High School. It was nice walking through the hallways and knowing everybody. However now I wish I could vanish. I avoid walking around town because it leads to the endless questions of why I am still here. It's that small town dynamic of having to know what everyone is doing. I agree though small towns have ups and downs, it just depends on the day.
Tiff, I can certainly see both sides. The small town thing tended to get me in trouble in high school, hence the hatred.
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