What in the world are we facing? What are we doing? How long is this going to last? Do I send my children back now? Do they remain virtually schooled? Do I actually homeschool them myself? Like...I was TERRIBLE in math and I couldn't care less about the square root of anything. Do I move my loved ones in with me? Do I keep my "non-emergency" medical appointments? What jobs pay $120k a quarter working from home? Where do I sign up? Where's my dern mask? Not that one...the cute one? Oh crap! I forgot to wash that one. Ouch! Now I'm breaking out...I have mask rash! Ugh! When will this end? You mean it's spring again and this isn't over yet? I thought this would be over by now. Wait -- where'd these extra pounds come from? What's the attire? I have to wear a bra, I suppose? Can I go cry now? Is crying allowed?
The times we are facing have us all seeking normalcy where there seems to be none. As a result, we impulse buy everything from bulk disinfectants to virtual workout subscriptions as we prepare for the "reopening of outside." We find humor and delight in online music competitions and zoom reunions, and sadly, we have become accustomed to drone deliveries and the thrill of the daily (and multiple) mail deliveries. Hell, I've pulled out my congas, 2 of my 4 sons are self taught in guitar and drums and the littlest 2 are super confident in the harmonica and triangle. Before you know it, we will be playing live sets on the front lawn. It's just the way things are.
My oldest son who lives down the street is more worried about me than ever. Geez, Dude -- I'm a grown up...I'm forty-something. LET ME LIVE!! But he won't. He meets all of our real estate clients in person (heavily-suited, of course) while I am required to write winning offers in the confines of the house -- yep. My son sent me to my rooms. HA! My oldest daughter at the age of 21 last year, threw caution to the wind, found love, said "eff you" to Covid, bought a house, got married, is growing a baby and will soon graduate college. I now realize the benefits of youth as the 6 year old wears me completely out and I honestly pray her safety as she dives from couch to couch, makes her own creative lunches, (combinations of dairy and seafood) eats them, and excels amongst her Outschool peers because, as the youngest of 6, she has the advantage of peer teaching and she already knows it all. And my best friend, my very best friend -- my good ol' Hubby -- we are like newlyweds. I swear if our child bearing years were still a thing and my eggs didn't have cobwebs, we'd have even more children because, after witnessing the brutality of Covid, you can help but become even more close with each passing day.
The moral of the story is this: Celebrate responsibly. Spend wisely -- you can buy the bling, but pace yourself. Weigh the pros and cons -- toilet paper, phone cases, or a little of both. Let folks know that they matter to you. Send notes...brief ones are fine..th gift of bling is better. Just take the time to let people know that they matter to you. Understand that normalcy is relative. Things have changed and the way we live will change as well.
It's funny; I rely more heavily on my second career, my "business baby" to bring me joy than I do my real estate. One allows me to do what I love while the other allows me to love what I do. One takes my pressure up while the other brings my pressure down. We all need an outlet. We all need to realize that life is unscripted and we all need to hold fast to God's unchanging hand. Because life has changed, so shall we -- for the better and that's not bad. Be well, My Friends! Hugs and blingly high-fives from me to you.
April (DC, MD & VA Realtor and Investor; Owner of/Master Strasser @ThatsIcingOntheCase)