A Day of Firsts
It was a Monday, you know how most Mondays go. Normally, it is the most dreaded day of the week. But this particular Monday was one that I had anticipated coming ever since I received the invite from my friend Linda, to be her plus one at a media event. I hate driving at night so after chatting with her, I decided to book a hotel in the heart of Downtown Durham. I looked to see if the hotel we stayed at for Maddie’s Bachelorette Party but I realized it was really far away from where I needed to be. But that didn’t stop me from having a day of firsts.
The Hotel
I chose the Durham Marriott because of the location, benefits, and more.
Membership–
As a member of their rewards club, I get a discounted rate and can earn points.
Valet Parking
I love hotels that offer this, especially in big cities. Why? Because I don’t have to hassle with finding a parking space and it is in a secured lot. Sure it may cost a little extra but it is so worth it not having the stress of finding parking.
So finding this hotel was amazing. I had a room that overlooked the square and I was able to see the 21 C Hotel from my window. Plus I sat by the window working on some blog posts before I had to meet up with Linda
Day of Firsts
First Overnight Stay by Myself
Sure I have stayed in hotels before but I always had my husband or one of my girls or a friend with me. But this time, I was all by myself. Look at me, I am putting on those big girl panties one leg at a time. The old me would have let this opportunity go by because of how much anxiety it would have caused me but not the new me.
Although I didn’t sleep as I do at home, I was able to wake up early to see how beautiful the Durham Skyline is at sunrise. I sat by my window with a freshly brewed cup of tea and my laptop. I was inspired to write as the sun rose in the sky. What a beautiful way to start the day.
First Time Ordering Room Service
I know I felt like I was in a movie when I hit the room service button on the phone to order breakfast. I will admit that the thought did cross my mind when I signed for the food so this is what movie stars feel like. Lol 🙂 This brings me to my next first.
First Time Foot Model
Sure I have always modeled things for the blog, but I have never been a model for anyone else before. You might remember a few years ago, I posted on Instagram how much I hated my feet. If you don’t remember you can check it out here.
So you can imagine my surprise when I volunteered to help Linda out by modeling shoes for her. Y’all I am a legitimate foot model. 🙂 I will admit that thought went through my head when I was modeling on the sidewalks of Downtown Durham, just how far I have come.
A year ago, I would have passed on these opportunities because in my mind they were just too hard. I would literally talk myself out of going to events because the drive was too long, convincing myself that the anxiety I felt was normal.
But I vowed a few years ago when I made that maiden voyage to Fayetteville that I was never going to let fear or anxiety control me again. I would be lying if I said it doesn’t control me anymore because sometimes it does get the best of me. But I am trying my best not to let it hang over me like before.Â
And as I packed up and checked out of the Durham Marriott, I left feeling stronger and more confident than when I arrived.
I couldn’t help but reflect on my drive home, which by the way I drove I 40, both ways, on who I have become. And quite honestly I am liking that person a lot. So tell me what have been some of your firsts this year?
