2,972

2,972. That's the population of my hometown.

I memorized the number when I was in about the 9th grade, because when I said "small town," some people just didn't fully understand. I'm sure I've ranted about my town on here before, but it's time to do it again. I don't hate England. But there comes a point to where a person's "home" is no longer where they feel the most at home. 1

I returned to England, Arkansas last week to find that a large handful of my high school classmates were now happily married to other of my high school classmates. I am not surprised by this, because it happens to everyone, and I knew it was coming soon. What's surprising is that they found love among the 2,972. I'm slightly jealous. 2

I have also realized that England no longer holds anything for me. My parents and grandfather. And Charlotte's Eats and Sweets (which technically isn't even in England)3. That's about it. My friends have all gone on and made new lives just like I have. They have no need to return to England either. I no longer have any close association with anyone at the high school, so there's really no point in returning for football games and graduations.

I'm not trying to evoke blasphamy on my town. It's just that, well, it's no longer my town. I've been here a week, and a week too long. I surely can't wait to return to Russellville on Sunday...it contains a Wal-mart. Oh, and my life.


1 A good sign of this is when you prefer your rock-solid camp mattress to the large bed you've slept in the majority of your life.
2 Nah...
3 Charlotte's Eats and Sweets, God's gift to Arkansas. If you haven't eaten there, please do, and order a Keo Klassic, so that your life will be made complete.