Snow day!

Since my last post was so long...this one will be short.

I think my favorite part of yesterday's snow storm wasn't the fact that all the colleges around me were cancelled or that I got a lot of work done or that I made this amazing shrimp pasta salad...

It was that here in the country, people wear snowpants around when it has actually been (and still is) snowing. I headed out early in the morning to shovel and get a coffee and contemplated wearing my snowpants since I have them at my apartment, but didn't. I thought I would look silly, but instead, I was the only one walking around not wearing them. And I love that about the country. Sure, people in the city had snowpants, but you never saw them. Instead, I was the oddball not wearing mine. I was sure to put them on later when I ventured out again. I'm definitely getting used to (and loving) this country lifestyle.

"I'm guessing you commute a lot"

I'm a sales rep. That's my job. I'm the image of the 1950s man with a suit and a briefcase who moves from door to door, knocking and hoping that he'll be invited in to display his fabulous products. Except I am not a man and this is not 1950. With the sales rep territory (ha! get it? I said "territory" -- a little rep humor...sorry.), comes loneliness. Since moving to the countryside 4 months ago, I have yet to make a friend. ME! The queen of extroverts, who used to walk up to people and say, "Hi, I'm Miss Extrovert, want to be friends?" And they always said yes. Until now, when I'm suddenly shy.

One thing that is nice about the country? The librarians. They're my friends.

My oasis the day I moved into town was the brand new, fully stocked, public library. The librarians are sweet and helpful (the polar opposite of those in the city) and they recognize me. They even chat a little with me. For example, tonight I was checking out 389403 audio books for my trip this week, plus a music cd and 3 books. The librarian looked at me with a smile and said, "I'm guessing you commute a lot." I smiled back and said, "how'd you guess?" But then I wanted to shout, "YES! I AM CONSTANTLY COMMUTING AND HAVE YET TO MAKE A FRIEND! BE MY FRIEND!" And then when he would be startled after my outburst, I'd apologize by saying that I know he's married and 55 and it probably wouldn't work out between us. Then I'd have to awkwardly shuffle/run away and not return. So instead, our conversation ended there. Yet, it's just being around all of those people who also love reading and use it to escape from their own lives, that makes me feel like I'm at home. I wouldn't trade any city library for my country one.

We're off on an adventure!

If you looked at me from afar -- I think I would resemble a Country Mouse.

I've traded in my heeled boots for Clark's brand sneakers. I've lost my sophisticated H&M coat to the more practical 'puffy vest' or a more rugged North Face shell. No more need for a shoulder bag, the messenger bag slung over my shoulder holds my stuff while supporting my neck and shoulders. And finally, I've traded in my city driver's license and little city car for the big 4wd SUV, complete with LL Bean boot magnet (just so I can find my car among its numerous twins out there). I've even gotten beeped at twice this past week alone for not slamming the gas pedal to the floor the second the traffic light turned green. Sheesh!

Most days I do feel more comfy in my low-key outfits, jetting off on foot to grab coffee from the local java spot (heaven forbid I actually go to the Starbucks). But then there are the days when I wish looking more glam was part of the initiation to this more countrified state. I suppose when my bethrothed and I are wandering around in matching ski parkas, it will look cute. And eventually I'll be more adept at mixing and matching my city mouse and country mouse outfits. But for now, I secretly love and appreciate that I can dress like I'm ready for some big adventure -- hiking, skiing, or apparently just going to the grocery store.