good urban sprawl

when we first moved to our house, the closest grocery store was 10 minutes away. last fall, a new store opened up, along with a walgreens, about 3 minutes driving distance from our house. it's almost close enough to walk to if you care to play frogger across a busy road... and if you are just picking up small, non-refrigerated goods.

anyway, another new grocery store opened up this week. walking to this one, as well as the sub shop, mexican restaurant and whatever other tenants open up in the plaza, is more feasible. it's still not wise if we're buying refrigerated goods, but it's no further than the distance my parents walked to stores in the suburbs of NYC.

opponents of urban sprawl blame it on the rise of crime in the inner city. proponents blame the crime on the urban sprawl. unfortunately, most of us do not have the faith or foolishness (depending on your point of view) to fight the good fight 2 blocks from the projects. i respect and admire my friends who have chosen to try to bring light into such dark places. my hubby, after spending nights patroling inner city streets, thinks they may be insane. ok, enough sociological commentary...

anyway, i'm just glad i don't have to waste as much time or gas money to get groceries. and starbucks is under construction, so in a couple of months, i could feasibly push the stroller the mile there, get my frappucino caramel macciato, then walk home to burn some of the 600 calories i just splurged on. (oh wait, in a couple of months i'll want hot drink if i walk that far.) and if the rumors of chilis, target, kohl's and/or o'charleys setting up shop nearby become reality, we'll be even more thankful for urban sprawl. except for the increased traffic that would be sure to follow. but i'd also need a curves to move into one of the vacant storefronts due to the restaurants tempting me not to cook.