So, we're diggin' the new digs. (Pictures... eventually.) But what I've been diggin' as much is that everything is in walking distance. I love it.
We walked to the grocery store our first night (because there was literally water, Rice Chex and frozen strawberry jam in the entire kitchen) with our cloth bags (how responsible... saved gas and trees) and there was something kind of liberating about it all.
If I may interrupt myself right there... one thing that was not so rosy? Smith's on 4th. Who designed this place?! I can not, can not manage to find things in a reasonable order or fashion. I found the chips aisle, check... but not my honey whole wheat pretzels. Huh? Then I found the pasta aisle, check... but not whole wheat penne. Oh, the other pasta aisle? Naturally. It only makes sense that we have a few. Found the tortillas, not the spinach herb tortillas I sought after. Until I found them with the other tortillas. Not to be confused with the third tortilla location. And the coconut milk is not by asian cuisine, canned milk or coconuts (last ditch effort). It's by the Bacardi. Is anyone following this paragraph?! This is how I feel every time I enter the store. If they keep this up, I may just revert back to my Rose Park Smith's days. I don't care if there is a reserved spot for the police and a rotating bar to prevent the oh-so-common thievery. At least I could find the batteries.
Back to the intent of the post. The walking. We've hit the store (clearly. I won't derail again, I swear.) the RedBox, the farmer's market, the arts festival and work all with just our feet and a destination.
Another perk of on-footness: running to and from the gym. I love slippin' in the earbuds, selecting a little Sondre Lerche and soaking in the city sights (oh my goodness and SMELLS... could we bake any more bread in this city?) as I run over for a little one-on-one time with Gym. (I hope my DC roomies are reading this...)
The other evening, however, I realized how much of a role the tunes and the pace affected my self-awareness. Usually it's not a big deal to run past a restaurant - even if folks are seated outside. I think I just get in a zone or something. But a few evenings ago, it was a little warmer outside, I was wearing the hot pants and I just did not have the gusto. So I walked instead. And as I passed a restaurant I've passed time and again, I was suddenly SO aware of the fact I was strolling past diners in my capris and tennies. The stretch of sidewalk felt about eleven times longer than it ever had before. "Uh, hello. Enjoy your burrito, ma'am. I'll get my sweaty self out of here soon..."
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8 comments:
ah yes, isn't it lovely? i love that we can just walk next door to the maverick or across the street for any number of restaurant selections, and that the closest store is smith's marketplace. though admittedly, it is SO confusing. i spent about an hour trying to find arugula once. not pretty.
Hello Riley's! Don't ask me how I found you on here (this whole blogging thing is a crazy web of associations!), but I'm so glad I did. It looks like you two are doing wonderful. I'm glad we can keep in touch through blogs. Take care!
Well, I have to say that I WAS impressed with the walking ::slash:: cloth bag get-up, you were writing about. Not to mention that not only do you go TO the gym, but you RUN there. But seriously...the best part about this post is how HEALTHY you eat. Whole wheat pretzels? spinach herb tortillas? Girl...somebody needs to introduce you to the CANDY/SNACk aisle! :-).
Oh you're DC girls chatted just last night about how much we missed you (and your inspiring dedication to Gym). So excited you have your own little place! Go Rileys!!!
Oh, Erica - I clearly posted the groceries I wasn't embarrassed to divulge to the blogosphere. That AND I have never been lost on the way to the ice cream freezer, so it just hasn't been an issue.
I'm so impressed! I'm going green too. And saving gas-- riding my bike to work! And might I add that it is a very relaxing time. Good to hear from you two, it sounds like you're having a rockin' summer!
Good for you guys. I was a notorious drive-two-blocks person in the States and I am praying I don't fall back into my old habits when we go back. You give me hope that it is possible to live in the great U.S. of A. AND walk places.
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