newbuzz...Now that I commute to work (40 miles each way), I really miss my local community. As a longtime resident of my small hometown, I never realized how much I am identified with its culture. Not only have I lived in Cannon Falls and raised my children here, but all of my jobs over the last twenty years have been within city limits as well. For twenty years I have been able to walk or ride bike to work and home again for lunch. When I took my car, the maximum drive time was eight minutes (and that was if I hit the stoplight on a red). I was able to run errands on my coffee breaks and let my dogs out at noon. I knew that these were conveniences. But I have learned recently that these are the experiences that have made up my world view as follows: I know people, people know me, everyone is friendly, there is always enough time, things change slowly, people are the same, and I know what to expect. As I begin to adjust to my new schedule and my new digs, I cannot help but feel alone and isolated. I miss the comforts of home. By venturing outside of my comfort zone, I will expand my view while bringing my own to share with others. The mixing of cultures that occurs in the workplace is facilitated by etiquette and subtle mores that make it easy for everyone to benefit from differences.