regular

while lunching with a dear friend today, it came up again: the notion that i am a regular. it's something i've come to accept, something i giggle away with every familiar encounter. if i am honest with myself, then i must acknowledge that being true to my character means being a regular. and what's wrong with that? i know what i like and i know what i want, so why not enjoy? sure, i crave adventure and surprise, relinquishing my control to embrace the unexpected. but i certainly cannot deny my routine. my favorites. my comfort.

i am safe as a regular. i am part of a family, coming home for reassurance. and as much as i love discovery, i am quite content with the habitual.

so if you ever question the extent of your regularity, here's a scale using some of my examples. if you can relate to most of these, then well done! you're on your way to the ranking of "extremely regular, on the verge of becoming an employee"...

you know if you're a regular if...


  --the fishmonger, baker, and cashiers at whole foods ask how work is going
  --the barista at peet's pours hot water into a cup before you order your tea
  --the employees at urth call you by your name and tell you to say hi to your mom for them
  --the girls at susie cakes ask: "center-cut brownie today?"
  --the server at coral tree shows you pictures of his new baby on his phone
  --the runners on the trail wave to you as if you were a good ol' chum
  --the manager has attempted to keep your favorite table by the fireplace open...especially if emma is with you

you may believe this is ridiculous. crazy. insignificant, even. but i believe this is home.