Missing Connecticut

I knew I would have days like this; days when I missed my life in Connecticut. When I would feel lost with no place to go because I am miles from anywhere.

I am happy to be back, make no mistake. However when you need to get out of the house and socialize or people watch, rural Oregon doesn’t cut it.

If I were in CT, I would pack up my laptop and iPod, head to the local Starbucks or Barnes & Noble/Starbucks and soak up the atmosphere. Or maybe go to Panera Bread for a delicious soup, sandwich and free Wi-Fi to do some people watching and writing. Sometimes I would head to one of the many theaters nearby and get lost in a movie.

It’s not so much that I can’t do any of those things any more, they’re just not as convenient and the people watching just isn’t the same.

I set out this afternoon for Heppner to hit the library for some quiet focus and writing. Silly girl, the library closed at 2 p.m. and I arrived at 2:30 p.m. Ah, small towns. Quick change of plans, drive to the Hermiston Library that is open till 5 p.m. (I went online to double check the time). I drove the 40 miles, all the while wondering if it was worth it and if I would still be inspired to write when I arrived. I located the library and it looked a little deserted….I pulled up to the back door and read a sign “Closed for Veterans Day Saturday-Monday.” Um…seriously?!? I have never understood why libraries are closed on holidays because it seems like the ideal time for a parent to bring in their kid or for people to come and find a book. But to also be closed the Saturday before the holiday? Oy.

Luckily on the drive over I had envisioned this scenario and had a back up plan. Starbucks.

So here I sit. At Starbucks. Where nearly no one hangs out. In CT the Starbucks is the place to be. People have meetings, spend hours working, socialize. But nooooo, not here. It’s a freaking ghost town.

Yes, today I miss Connecticut, my condo, my life and most of all, my friends.