Beaver Y2K

Yeah, I know it's Independence Day 2010.

You should know by now, that when I post something that initially doesn't make any sense, I have a point to make. A point which may or may not make sense to you, even thought it does to me.

That's the beauty of having a blog.

So, we move to this small town, right?

We learn during the first week that restaurants close early. Some as early as 4:00 pm. We welcome the owner of a locally owned appliance store into our home to help us get set up with all new gadgets. I venture into a town meeting that reminds me of a scene from The Gilmore Girls - only the discussion is more heated and the banter not as witty. That was last summer.

Did I think much of it? Well, the restaurant deal - yes. Annoying. The appliance guy having a sit down with us in our kitchen? Loved it. Town meeting? Kept my trap shut.

And yet, not once have you heard out of my mouth that Beaver is behind the times. That statement didn't come from me. It came from those of you who live here.

I just want to be sure I don't get dissed over any statements made in this blog about Beaver being 10 years behind, 'cause I didn't start that conversation.

Is Beaver 10 year behind? Maybe. In what way? I don't know. I guess, if it is, I don't mind. I don't need a strip mall on every corner. Beaver doesn't need to be Cranberry or Robinson. It's Beaver. I've been there done that with "Cranberry" and "Robinson".

Is Beaver 10 years behind in fashion? I have no idea. I stick with what I know and don't really shop much these days anyway. There does seem to be a large demographic wearing hip-hoppy wannabe looking getups - no, that wouldn't fly on the north shore of Chicago. But still, is that some sort of sign that Beaver is 10 years behind?

Music. Here again. Personal preference - not necessarily evidence of whether something is behind the times. I dig listening to the Pickle like everyone else while lounging at one of the four pools I frequent. I keep a list of friends who have them. Pools. Not pickles.

Restaurants? Main Street now boasts Japanese, Italian, and a soon to be tapas place (PLEASE OPEN SOON). If I need something else, I'd just go down to Pitt anyway.

Ok, so I'm not sure what "10 years behind" means. Yes, the pace is slower. Yes, I do happen to believe that I have experienced more cultural diversity than those who have lived here all their lives seeing as I grew up outside of D.C. and recently lived on a block where my neighbors were originally from Ghana, Jamaica, the Philippines, and Guyana. On Friday nights I would see the orthodox Jews (Hasidim even) walking to temple. But does that mean Beaver is 10 years behind? No, it just means that my world view might look a bit different based upon my former neighborhood.

Beaver people. Why exactly would you communicate that life is 10 years behind in our neck of the woods?

Just curious. And remember. I didn't say it. So don't give me a hard time. You can give me a hard time for still choosing not to get gas at BP even though I realize it's not really hurting BP. It's a just a personal choice. I'm still not stepping foot in Walmart - so I continue to be on board with shopping at small businesses. On this one, though, I just feel uncomfortable. Sorry. Tell me I'm being silly. I hear you. Just can't do it, though.

But, back to my original question. Why do you feel Beaver is stuck in the year 2000?

And, if we're 10 years behind, shouldn't I look younger?