I always come out of a new experience learning SOMETHING positive. Today was no exception.
Over the years, I “assumed” maybe someday I would like to move away from my the town I was born and raised in. I think I have changed my mind (something I am notorious for). How does it feel to see NO familiar faces??? maybe not as good as I once thought , or maybe I am just getting older, or maybe I was missing my daughter too much?? regardless. I came to a couple conclusions.
I did a sampling of laundry soap today in Ankeny. It was very nice, Kudos to Matt for being such an organized and efficient manager. What a nice (and BIG) store!!!!
And most of all, THANKS to the few “familiar faces” or even “familiar names” (diana) that came to see me. You were to me, like the ONE face in the image with the red hat on. In a sea of people, you sometimes forget how nice it is to see a FAMILIAR FACE!!! When I spotted those FEW that I did know, it made my day to know they came to see ME!!!! On a daily basis in my hometown, you can not go ANYWHERE without seeing familiar faces. Maybe I know them personally, know someone THEY know, or know where the work, who they are married to etc etc etc……..you get the idea. I certainly, too often take for granted how that feels. It feels good. It feels even better after today. :)
Do I vacation in strange towns?? yes (although not this year) {boo} but when I do, I have my family or friends WITH me. I have even gone out of town to conferences, but there is SOME familiar face there. For those who travel on business, isn’t 9 times out of 10, someone you recognize??? if not. You know the feeling I am talking about. I guess this is another reason, there is no place like home!!!
So tomorrow when you might be returning to work, imagine doing that in an UNfamiliar place, knowing NO ONE all day long. Strange huh??? take a minute to realize how many faces you just assume you will be looking at each day, and how you have come to know and recognize them so well. It feels really good afterall, huh???. Another simple pleasure we very often overlook. As much as it seems in small town, TOO many people know TOO much about you??? might be a “good thing” afterall.
……..and the icing on the cake for today????? knowing I was coming “home” to my daughter who returned home safe and sound!!!! A very “familiar” face, I am SO happy to see. 
All is well once again.
Thanks for listening.
