Digging myself out and small town entertainment

I've been scarce these days and I know it. Sometimes us women are ridiculous in the amount we expect ourselves to carry and I'm afraid I'm all about the ridiculous right now.
Recently my top secret job doubled in responsibility and people, so I've hired an assistant. In theory this should lighten the load.
Between work, kids, gym, house, and disfunctional staff I've not written a word in weeks.
I've learned one thing during this crazy time.
When one becomes overwhelmed even the activities you enjoy become a chore if you tell yourself you have to do them.
On the flip side if you don't make yourself do it then you won't. I haven't.

In other news our local Safeway has been remodeled. The grand opening was yesterday and the whole town came out for it.
Possibly people from neighboring towns as well.
I had no idea it would be such a big deal. We couldn't find a spot to park in the paring lot, or the surrounding block. People I am not exaggerating.
This is the first time in my life that I've witnessed a full lot at a grocery store.
Worse yet I was there. Yes I was excited to see the new Safeway. Actually I was excited about having a starbucks in town and wanted to check that out. It's housed in the new Safeway. I didn't get close. The line ups and the crowds were too thick around the starbucks.
Everyone, it seems, was there for a different reason. Some came for the spectacular deals, like a pound of butter for 1.99. Some came to check out the news digs. I saw a few older ladies with chairs pulled up to the flower counter learning to arrange flowers and more lined up at the starbucks for their first coffee of the afternoon. I ran into one friend who was there for a meal.
"Let me buy you dinner," he says like it's a grand gesture. All the while he leading me around the store offering free samples like they are part of a ten course gourmet meal.
I kept looking at his empty basket and asking "really, is this all you came in to town for?" As he indulged in yet another focaccia sandwich with turkey and wassabi mayo.
My friend noted that people at the Safeway grand reopening were much more polite in the free sample line ups than they are at the samples in costco. I believe this may not have been the first time he's treated a lady to a free sample buffet.
A date she(as I am sure to) will remember for all time.
It was a lovely grand reopening on a rainy day in small town British Columbia.
It was a lovely opportunity to forget about what must be done and do what felt interesting.