This town needs an enema

Before moving to C-ville, I had been here twice: for my interview and for some software training prior to starting my position. I had not explored the area until after arriving and on the surface it appeared to be adequate.

Well, I'm here to tell you, unless you have an ass-load of money (which I don't) or want cheap tat (which I don't), the shopping situation in C-ville leaves a lot to be desired. Nothing is cheap, nothing. I'm sure that's something ringing true around the country and indeed the world right now, but the cost of living here is higher than in the Gate City. Granted, my current stipend is twice what I was receiving in grad school, so there is a bit more in the purse. But one would like to hold on to as much of it as possible while still having some bit of pleasure in making one's home comfortable and cozy, and enjoying a good wine or food item from time to time.

And I do. I do. But what started as a good morning went pear-shaped, and just left me feeling all like 'meh'. I woke up early, way early. Not because of extraneous noise or because I went to bed early. I guess I just slept well, and it's Murphy's Law. Of course on a day when I don't have to go to the office, I wake up early.

Anyway, I wanted to go out and do a bit of shopping for the home today, gathering materials for some autumnal decor and craft projects. I stopped by Whole Foods for some new shampoo that might help with the hair situation. I knew better than to go to Target, once one of my favorite stores. The one here sucks out loud. I then made my way to World Market because I had gotten some bacon in my email inbox about autumnal decor. I thought it might be a good starting point. What they had was okay, but not exactly what I wanted. And the price was all wrong. I did find an enjoyable dishtowel with a classic pumpkin print, a la a botanical encyclopedia. And I also got the cutest golden Buddha Christmas ornament. Yep, they had their Christmas ornaments out already.

But my big morning destination was saved for last: the craft store. I thought, I'll get some things from floral, and fashion some garland and such. I also wanted to get some yarn to knit a throw for the guest bed. So, I'm walking around the crap store, I mean craft store thinking, "this is it?" No suitable yarn. No suitable floral. Nothing. Well, that's not true. If I wanted some cheap-ass, tacky scarecrow or any of the "spooky" Halloween items, I'd be all set. But as my style is more classic, Pottery Barn/Crate and Barrel, I came up with nothing. So, I went to the grocery store and picked up what I could remember from my list, which I had forgotten, and then went home.

Now I see why everyone goes to Richmond for shopping, which is an hour or so away. So guess where I'm going next weekend? Richmond. Not just for shopping. I was already going for a guided imagery session, to which I'm really looking forward. On the way back, I'll just stop at the Pottery Barn at Short Pump and see what the new holiday stuff in the new catalog really looks and feels like.

Now for yarn, there is a yarn store downtown that I'm sure would better have what I want. I'm also sure that I will balk at the price. Curses.

Thus, this weekend is also not going according to plan. Ida, my therapist, will not be happy with my progress on my "proposal." I'm not happy either.