I think I need to get out more

I have a friend coming here today from New York for a weekend visit.

She has never been to Rhode Island. It's my chance to play tour guide, show off my surroundings.

And I am at a loss.

I mean, when I want to do something fun and different, I go somewhere. Someplace, well... different.

So now that my place is someplace different for someone else, I feel like a total disappointment to my little state.

Have you ever noticed that sometimes you don't participate in the activities that are close to you simply because they are so readily available?

I had a friend in college who lived on the Cape, but had never been to Martha's Vineyard. Meanwhile, I went there with my family every summer.

Then again, I had never been to Block Island until two years ago, even though it is much closer and easier for me to get to than the islands off the Cape.

And then there's a super swanky restaurant that everyone raves about right down the street from my house. Steve and I have been meaning to try it since we moved to our city - three years ago. But Steve's sister, who lives an hour away, has made three trips there in that same span of time.

So now my friend will be arriving soon, and I feel dreadfully ill-equipped to show her around my native state.

I think it's time to hit Borders down the street (now there's a place I know front to back) for some guide books.

- Jane

P.S. I think you fellow New England Mamas, of all people, will enjoy our pick today on Pinks & Blues. Especially if you think R's ah fah losahs.