A sense of belonging

I guess my whole problem here is that I don't feel like I belong. It's more than being new to the area. Sometimes it feels like being alien to the whole culture. Co-workers, the ones over 40, complain about the city, saying it's clique-ish, and difficult to meet and make friends here. I start to agree, then hear them blaming it on the society class here. Society? That's definitely a foreign concept to me.

I figure I'm in the best position to make this city mine. While Tim sees the inside of a theatre twelve hours a day, I'm getting to know the neighborhoods, businesses, jails, courthouses . . . Since it's my weak spot for the job, I'm making it my mission to know the city inside out in a matter of months.

So today, a gorgeous Saturday that was almost too hot for jeans, I drove around, shopping and taking new streets to new places. I discovered a post office in the middle of town that's the "Green Lantern" station. (I usually go to the Shakespeare station across the street from the theatre.) I found a tiny grocery store/butcher shop in my quest for corned beef for our St. Patrick's Day feast (none to be had in this town). After stopping at the indie movie theatre to see what was playing tonight, I headed out of that neighborhood on a different street, and found a whole other block of cute stores. Following that street further, I drove around the back side of a small private college--gorgeous with its old buildings and flowering trees.

I ended up on a street whose name I recognized, but I had no idea what direction I was going. But eventually I emerged onto a main street that I regularly drive. I went to Marshalls for a beautiful new (cheap!) purse and swishy skirt, and I thought about the routines that I have settled into since living here. I am used to shopping on Saturdays, and relaxing on Sundays. I thought about how much I love spending time on the porch with the kitties when the weather is warm. I got excited for the summer--baseball games every Monday night, swimming, peaches, sandals and skirts. And I wondered if maybe this is belonging?

Belonging to this moment, this time in life.