No. Seriously. That's a question. Anybody?! I need a class like How to Make Friends (But Not Necessarily Influence People) 101.
~ I'm now going to say something that you might not hear a lot - Thank gooodness for my in-laws! I got really lucky with his entire fam. My husband's sister & her family live here in KC & that's a huge part of why we're here. They've showed us around town & introduced us to people. Invited us over & taken us out. I can't imagine how much harder this would have been without them. So we are NOT truly friendless & alone. But I'm thinking they're definitely going to get sick of us soon & we'll need to have a backup plan.~
All that to say, we've gone a few places and tried a few things around town! With varying success...
The Dog Park
A little ways away from the house is a big ole park that has a huge off the leash area. The dogs got good grades when they were boarded recently. They had playtime with other dogs & we were full of pride at their good behavior. So we thought, let's go to a large, fenced-in area & turn 'em loose!
It started out so well. I was stressed because that's just not naturally my comfort zone. A willy-nilly free-for-all is not my thing. But the hubs was great. Chill & all over keeping an eye on them. They had a great time & were sooooo good!
For a while.
You felt this coming, right?
After a bit, Buster had a meltdown like a 2 year-old without a nap. No big, scary drama but he barked at some people & we figured it was time to go. Sugarbear was great though! Well. For the most part. She turned into a 2 year-old with a sugar IV drip. (At one point she jumped off some rocks & basically landed on her face.) Even in her happy, cracked out state she wasn't brave enough to go swimming & I bet she wistfully dreams of it at night. She sure seemed like she wanted to get in.
0%. People were probably glad to see us take our hellions home.
Feeling part of the community:
Dogs aside, it would've been better if Spring/pollen had allowed me to enjoy the great outdoors.
The City Market Farmers Market
This was right up my alley. Shocker.
Tons of food! Lots of people! Very international! I loved it!
We're not in the big produce time of year yet so much of the fruit & veggies was imported. But you can tell the good stuff will soon be on its way. There were a couple large produce stands as well as some smaller ones which made for a nice variety. A ton of different food areas to get a bite to eat. And a general set-up that looked like it has the potential to handle a high volume of both food & folks.
The first time we went, I had just gone to the grocery store (*head slap*) so we didn't really need anything for the week. But we did need some lunch. And had plenty of choices - Indian, Mexican, Vietnamese, Italian... Did I miss anything? Prolly... Oh, the Lebanese lady & her kid selling baba ganoush & a variety of hummus! (I did get some ganoush.)
For lunch, we went to the Indian Tikka place where the line was out the door & ordered wraps. By the time our food arrived we were all, "this better be good!" & stuff.
And good it was. So. GOOD. We went back a week later & got the same things all over again. That time I also came ready to shop produce & left with several bags of well-priced, fresh food. We are definitely going to be City Market regulars this Summer! Also, look at this abundance of spices:
Success meeting people:0%. But Indian Tikka workers have potential to be our besties.
Feeling part of the community:
Totally!
Royals Baseball
We've been to 2 games this season & they were SO much fun. Professional sports are not a cheap outing but a guh-reat time! And baseball, I mean, it's America's pastime! (According to some people. Who aren't Memphis Grizzlies fans. GO GRIZZZ.)
Both trips had great weather & a varying degree of mustard spillage.
Success meeting people:2%. The people on either side of us were lovely.
Feeling part of the community:
Once again- totally! I don't think you get more KC than going to a Royals game.
Although I haven't been to a Chiefs game yet...
The Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts
This is a cheat because my sister-in-law invited me to go see the author DAVID SEDARIS with her friends. So I wasn't out trying to make it on my own. (Shoutout, Mary Tyler Moore.) But I'm counting it just the same since new places & people were involved. And I love David Sedaris! Yes, please!
We went to dinner & the show and what a great night. I got to hang out with my SIL's friends who were such fun. Also, Mr. Sedaris does NOT disappoint. Eloquent & hilarious.
The Kauffman Center is a beautiful building & it was a packed house.
Success meeting people:100%? (I'm now questioning my usage of percentages here.)
I had met most of my SIL's friends that evening but met a few new ones who were a delight.
Feeling part of the community:
You're never closer to people than in the nosebleeds.
Hopefully, more to come. I hear a good way to meet people is to talk to your neighbors. Now that the weather is warmer, fingers crossed!
Yes I would like to get more information on Friends 101..greatly needed.
ReplyDeleteIt was easy when we were small, right, Cuz!? One more reason adulthood is sooooo fun ;)
DeleteDavid Sedaris! Since that night's percentages were at 100%, may I assume you met D. S. himself? ;)
ReplyDeleteI wish! The line was sooooo long. But it was a great night just the same ;)
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