People

     When my sister-in-law called for my husband the other day I found I couldn't shut myself up while on the phone with her. I felt bad rethinking it knowing she got much more than she bargained for when I answered the phone. I realized I'm doing what I always wanted to do- staying home with my kids and writing. Although when Jake starts kindergarten next year I'll be home with other peoples' kids, but still. I also realized how much I got used to and liked being around other people. I'm a homebody no doubt. Nothing beats staying home hanging with the kids doing whatever I want in a day. Last week while everyone was home on vacation I didn't go out much. Didn't need to. Didn't want to. But that phone call made me realize I needed to talk to some other people.
    All this technology is great for keeping up to date with everyone you've ever known. But facebooking will never replace actually getting out, sitting down, and talking with people face to literal face. Last night I had to do just that. I haven't really connected with anyone here, where we live, since we moved seven years ago. Maybe getting a job around here sooner or later will help with that. I've never been one to put myself out there so I went back to what I knew, my old job, my library. As my husband pointed out I still call it this. I know it like the back of my hand and have been going since I was a kid so yeah, it is still mine. Maybe once the one here in our district has finished it's renovations I can make this new one here mine and replace the old one. Though it not being within walking distance for me like my old one already gives it a strike against it.  
    I left the house shortly before six and came home around nine. I wasn't sure how long I'd be gone but figured if enough people were there to sit and talk with it could be awhile. I did want to make sure I was home for Emily and Jake to go to bed around nine. I'm pretty sure I talked almost all of that time. Or at least listened and had real conversations with real people the entire time. It wasn't just with people I used to work with it was with patrons and people I knew from the library and from growing up in that area. It was great I felt so happy.
     When I first walked in I saw Paul the pilot with his briefcase, a regular patron I could tell you a great story about but will save it for another time. We chatted for a bit and then I found my favorite librarian in charge and had her bring me back to the breakroom. I'm not technically supposed to be in to be able to sit and talk with everyone on their respective breaks but knew it'd be ok with her. I also brought cookies and my recently finished scrapbook of our big trip. Much more comfy and easy back there with those. I spent a good hour or so back there chatting and catching up with Karen, Madelyn, Lorrraine, Craig, Jaime, Donna, and Patty. It felt good having quiet Gary rolling his eyes again stuck on his break in there with me the loud one who wouldn't shut up.
     I had reasoned out going, and ditching my family for a bit in my mind by having to return a bunch of stuff that was due soon and of course getting some new things I'd wanted. I looked around a bit, feeling right at home and easily finding what I wanted. I'd have gotten more stuff I'm sure if not for stopping to talk with other patrons I knew and coworkers I hadn't seen on break. Seeing Dennis and his son Michael, whom I used to babysit for, was an extra treat. When he saw me he said he had just asked at the front desk about me because he hadn't seen me in awhile. That felt really good, to know I'd been missed. And whenever I see Karen she tells me how she wishes I hadn't left and had worked it out. Another nice ego boost.
     I had wanted to go in and visit like that for awhile. I knew the timing had to be right to be able to do it like I did. It also had to be right for me. Where I could enjoy seeing everyone and not be sad about not being there anymore. I am sad I don't get to see these people on a regular basis anymore. Although this way I may enjoy them much more. I am sad sometimes when money is tight because I'm not working, but we make do. I am very happy to have all the time I do now at home with my kids and for myself and my writing. Nothing really beats that. I do need to feel connected to other people and last night was great for that. Connecting online will never be as good as the real thing!