As the snow begins to fall and festive lights start twinkling everywhere you turn, the Big Apple offers an unmistakably alluring intrigue to holiday lovers. I recently traded in my country mouse lifestyle for a whirlwind 4 days in New York City. My city mouse-self walked, and walked, and walked some more to take in the sights and sounds of the approaching Christmas season. As I tromped my way through the crowds, overhearing accents from here, there and everywhere, I paused to take in the excitement on the faces of the other tourists. We were each from our own corner of the Earth, and yet there was a distinct similarity in our gratitude for the nostalgic comforts that the holiday lights, foods and traditions of the city were offering us. There’s something beautiful about a short visit to a bustling metropolis. I didn’t have to spend my time over those magical four days on real life. The few times I was able to low-key blend in and listen to and people-watch some locals, my real estate-centric brain thoroughly enjoyed hearing conversations about city-specific details of daily life. One lady with a t iny dog sticking out of her designer handbag chatted with a friend over coffee about the burnout rate of dog walkers and her frustration with the cost of doggy daycare. A man waiting in line for a kale smoothie talked on the phone to a delivery company about the competitive reservation system for his building’s freight elevator as he attempted to coordinate the arrival of his new couch before his Macy’s Day Parade company arrived. I overheard more than one person venting about the petty tyranny of their co-op board. And oh, the traffic and parking disasters. Nearly every conversation included at least a snippet of frustration with the congestion, delays, and road construction. Life is not without stress or complication here in Preston County. We all have our hands full with our own life details, as we coordinate and plan and organize. Our priorities this week have much to do with winter preparations. Did I remember to winterize the outdoor faucet? Oh no, I haven’t ordered my new snow tires yet. There is much to do, in all seasons of life. Perhaps that is exactly why us tourists feel such joy at a chance to enjoy the city in all its holiday splendor without any real life to deal with – until we arrive back home, that is. As I settled into my seat on the Acela, zipping back at 160 mph speeds to my country mouse life, I closed my eyes and gave thanks for the hustle and bustle of fun that was enjoyed, and for the gift of my own life awaiting me back in Kingwood. Sometimes, it takes an overheard conversation in a crowded coffee shop to remind you of just how lucky you are to call your life yours – complications and all. Jessica Lipscomb is a Preston County native, and she is the Broker of Houses & More Real Estate. She can be reached at jessica@housesandmorerealestate.com.
Alexa, Sell My House
