Small Town Charm

...In the big city?? You don't normally expect to get the small town charm feel when you live somewhere like I do. But nonetheless, there are a few things that I've started noticing that mimics a childhood of living in a very small town where you pretty much knew everybody (right on down the line from cousins, to in-laws, best friends, parents, etc.)

For instance, I've been going to the Y steadily for almost a year now. One of the staff members has taken time to learn my name, remember random facts (like how I work late on Thursday nights, so that's why she only sees me one morning a week). I appreciate that.


I frequent the Starbucks that is located near my job. Only because I have gift cards. Once my birthday or Christmas gift card stash runs out, I stop going. But I'm usually able to spread the free-to-me coffee goodness over the course of several months, by going once every week or two. But not one, but THREE of the ladies who work in the mornings has taken time to learn my name. I walk in, and they'll ask what I want today, and then will turn to the person making the drinks and say "Shea will have this today (insert coffee preference of the day here)." Again, I appreciate this nice gesture.

Notice how my name is even written on the cup. It's a nice gesture.

I guess sometimes I'm surprised to see things like this happen here, when there are so many people, so much traffic, and well, just so much of everything. It's refreshing. Especially after growing up in a place where it was so drastically different.

The good thing though, about small town charm, is that it never fades, even when you move away. Recently, my friend who now lives in the small town beside my former small town was looking for a dentist. I recommended the dentist I had used growing up, and told her to use my dad's name when she called. Not only did they know him, but they told her that they missed me, and to tell me hi. How sweet. It's been many years since I lived there and used that dentist, but they still remember me and are interested enough to pass along their greetings.

Now that's the kind of small town charm that never grows old.