Franchise world...

Well, I finally decided today that I am bored with living in suburbia! Who would have ever guessed? I love the suburbs. I only feel comfortable in the suburbs. When I travel for work, I hate staying in big cities. I have always lived in the suburbs.

The problem is that suburbs really lack originality. Every store that I frequent is a franchise. Every restaurant I frequent is a franchise (with a few exceptions of locally run restaurants - that have more than one location). The BIGGEST news in my town for months has been the opening of a new grocery store - a franchise of the EXACT same store in the next town over. Even when I travel, I can find all of the exact same stores in any mall that I go to. I use to love this - comfort, reliability, dependence. But I'm feeling it's time to branch out.

This came up today as I was talking to a best friend, with the exact same life as mine (except she's a church-going Christian like everyone else). I told her that hubs and I are going to a concert - small venue, solo artist. I, for once, felt unique. We talked about the "big" franchise shows - Dave Matthews, Jimmy Buffett... I told her I was excited to see this show because it'll be different.

This really made me think about how bland my life is. And, that I really need to spice up my life. Not just for me, but for the whole family. We should not all be subjected to the same old thing all of the time. We need to experience art, culture, music. And I'm not talking pop radio - real music!

So a new goal - once a month, go into the city. See something new. Take O to a classical music concert or a play. Holiday times are near - a great time to see a live production. And, maybe I'll even try to convince hubs to try a new restaurant tonight! Baby steps, baby steps...