For the first time in almost a year, I welcomed a relocating buyer, and we drove around in my car. For real! I have been meeting clients at houses or having them follow me all during COVID. Yesterday, (all masked up, but in person!!) we talked about real estate, North Carolina hiking, biking, fishing, and beach towns. We almost skipped the politics!
About three hours in, I realized that I was being pretty grouchy. Although I had tried to muster up my best attitude for a city tour, clearly, I did not. As rain fell during the tour, my attitude took a hit too, as I reflected on just how different everything is this year.
Right now, we should be planning our Spring 5ks, watching our kids play basketball at CP3 or WCCC, planning for River Run Film Festival, and cheering on the Deacs at the Joel! Instead, we drop our kids at the door (if there hasn’t been an exposure), look for our favorite DEACCLONES on TV, and run our favorite races “virtually” apart.
I will admit y’all, I’m frustrated. I want to tailgate, roast oysters, raise money, drink some bad Yellow Tail wine at the Joel, try a new restaurant downtown, and run a 5k (or not). Most of all, I just want to see my friends. This city shines, almost all year round, but the Spring weekends are always packed with events for all ages.
I’m still mad at Punxsutawney Phil. I want to play 18 holes, or maybe just 9. I want to stop having to remember my mask. I want to talk to other parents in the carpool line! I want to meet HK’s 2nd-grade teacher. I don’t want to hear the words “zoom” or “pivot” again ever.
I need to remind myself to be thankful. Thankful to be working, that my children are in school, and thankful for the many parks and outdoor areas that we can enjoy — socially distanced of course.
I am thankful for my crockpot, thankful for the new recipes that are vetted and shared constantly. I am most thankful for the bonus time that Brady, HK, and I have been able to spend with Grannie Susie and Pops Harvey while the travel business recovers. We are all thankful for the locally-owned restaurants who have kept us sane, especially our friends at the Grecian Corner who have the best “chicken on a stick” in town.
The vaccines are coming… and I know that our city will come back too. If you are new to Winston-Salem in the last 12 months, you are in for a great surprise!
So, pass the Yellow Tail and please wait for me at the finish line! I was already slow, but when I stop to talk to all of my friends, it will add at least ten minutes to my 5k time. That’s my story, and I am sticking to it.
Stay home, wash your hands, cheer for the DEACS.
Tori