Park It There

I've been living in the country for about a year and a half. This is the first time I've ever lived in the country. It's a permanent situation or me, and it has its charms.

But the other day, I was killing some time in town and I went to the park. And I realized how much I miss parks and public spaces. It was a Minnesota spring day, when everyone's face turns toward the sun. When kids run almost faster than they can. When couples hold hands and put aside their petty arguments. When people with guitars and drums sit outside and play. And some guy with a big kite thing was doing some activity I can only describe as grass-skiing behind the kite.

And I realized how much I miss public spaces. You just don't get that energy in your yard. I love my yard, but it will never be the same.

Want. Need.

June 1, I will be home. Doing nothing.

Meanwhile, the cast of Glee will be on their live tour just two hours from my home. But to see them, I need $100.

I work full-time. I have some savings. I probably have $100. But if I spent it on concert tickets (really, just one ticket), I may not be able to buy gas. Or dinner in a restaurant for me and the hubby. Or a data plan. Or super cute sparkly flip-flops. Another bag of whole wheat flour.

So, being responsible means not spending $100 on a concert ticket. And while I know that's the best choice and I'm doing the right thing, that doesn't mean it doesn't suck a little. Being an adult is sometimes no fun.

Scene It

It's cold. And windy. And otherwise sucks outsite. So plans are now accommodating inside time. But fortunately, Coyote Ugly is on TV. And if there's one thing I need, it's to see this movie for the upteenth time. And while I do that, I intend to make naan bread and soup, clean the kitchen and finish the laundry. That's the great thing about movies I have already seen - I can enjoy them without actually watching them, since I know exactly what will happen at any time. Same thing with familiar TV reruns (Friends is the show I know best and the one I'll never flip past, but there are others that will do in a pinch).

So, if you ever want to entertain me, here's how you do it:
Coyote Ugly
Dirty Dancing (I've seeen this movie more than any other)
Pretty Woman (really, most anything Julia Roberts)
10 Things I Hate About You (I will always miss Heath)
Center Stage

This is only a partial list. But if presented with any of these flicks, I can promise the channel won't change.

iPhone

I recently upgraded to an iPhone ... from a flip phone, so it was a big upgrade. And I was told it would change my life.

And it hasn't. It's a phone, people. It's nifty and it does cool stuff, but it's a phone. Your life will never be changed by a phone. Or a computer. Or a car. Or whatever. It's easier to text, but that's hardly the most important thing I do with my life.

Perspective.

Mercenary

I remember learning of mercenaries in junior high - people who work for money, damn the consequences and job.

And, perhaps at the same time, or perhaps later or sooner, I learned about working a job you love - the job you would do even if they didn't pay you.

And, at this moment, my job is neither. I don't make enough to qualify as a money job. I don't love it enough to qualify as a passion job - if they quit paying me, I would quit showing up.

So ... what to do? I do make enough money to live (although, frankly, I would like more frills), and I like it OK. But do I find a job that pays better? Or a job that I truly love? And what job would that be?

Just Plain Folk

Today, I Facebook stalked an acquaintance from my hometown who has always been a bit of a snob. Now (it's probably been 10 years since we've exchanged a dozen words) he has crossed the line into douchy elitist. Not a huge shock (mostly fodder for amusing reading).

And today I made hummus without tahini (I prefer it that way, even though I don't think it technically qualifies as hummus anymore). I am listening to the Aladdin soundtrack. I spent yesterday cleaning bug corpses out of light fixtures. I am currently wearing sweatpants. My nightstand currently holds an old work by Anita Shreve. My husband farts. Venison hotdish is on the menu.

It's official - liberal though I am, no self-respecting elitist would have me. Which, I suppose, is the point.

Dark. And Cold.

And I persist in living in Minnesota. It's not even 5:30 and it's totally dark. Here in St. Cloud we are on the border of the accumulating snow to the west and the wintery mix to the east. Should make for fun driving/walking/opening the door/existing over the next few days.

But I do have rather a long Netflix queue. And some popcorn kernels. It's nice to have an excuse to stay home. Not that I need an excuse, but this way no one will expect anything more.

I recently got a new winter coat. It's not wool or down, and it covers to about md-tush. But being born and bred in this area, I feel totally prepared for whatever the weather can throw at me. I saw two deer drinking from the semi-frozen "pond" in the backyard today. If they can live through this, so can I. Bring it on, winter!