Linda says: Shop 'til you drop

One of the biggest differences for me since arriving in Columbus has been the size of the community. I had become used to the many conveniences of a large town, especially the wide variety of shopping that was readily available. My initial perception of Columbus was that it was lacking in that area â€- turns out I wasn’t quite right about that.

In Arizona, shopping became a hobby. It was something to do if there was nothing else going on, if it was too hot to do anything outside, or if I felt bored. Shopping filled time that was not filled with anything else.

After nine months in Columbus, I have become fairly used to the absence of my old favorite shopping destinations, many of which don’t even exist in Omaha.

Good things have come out of my “shopping deprivation.”

I am becoming familiar with the independently owned stores and antique shops here in Columbus, and I enjoy them. These one-of-a-kind shops offer unique items that you can’t find in a chain store and that millions of other people won’t have!

Shopping isn’t a hobby for me anymore; I am finding new hobbies to replace it with -- like rug hooking.

That could all change once the new Menards opens, but I’ll try not to slip back into my old shopping habits.

Here, I shop with a purpose and a plan, especially if I travel out of town. I have to be more organized, because I know I can’t just “stop in” if I forget something.

I’m learning that it is okay to have time that isn’t filled – with anything. Just time to sit and listen.

So, what I thought I needed while shopping in Arizona, I have found I’m doing fine without. I do visit my favorite stores when I go back, but I have learned that “stuff” doesn’t ever fulfill you or your life.

It just fills your house, closet, garage, etc. with clutter!