May 18, 2022

A part of my world returned to normal – whatever that is. I reconnected with a group that I have not seen in quite some time. The Greater Westside Board of Trade had a Business After Hours and we all mingled and mixed. We share smiles, business cards, and connections were made. 

It felt good.

It was fantastic to see and chat with so many people from the Before Times. I missed the group of business associates and friends I’d spent so much time with pre-covid. It was in those moments when our very nature as social animals was satiated.

Still, it did feel a little strange.

In a good way. 

This was my second event since they opened up after covid and it was refreshing to see everyone smile. To mingle and shake hands was a much-needed return to a normal we never realized we would miss so much.

The event took place at Volcanic Hills Winery. It was a nice venue that allowed enough space for 70 plus members of the GWBOT to visit and exchange information. So much has changed for me in the last two years it was exciting to share with everyone the stories of my life. 

I was also very happy to listen to the stories of other people’s lives. 

I met a few new people too, including a man who is running for council this fall in the upcoming election. I also met a pair of you ladies from Coldwell Banker, one who was from Brazil and the other from Italy. 

Connections. Our world thrives on connection, something that has been missing in the last two years.

Two years. 

We all shared our hopes and our fears. Could this happen again? Not knowing what the future holds we all embrace the present.

And being present.

Two hours passed in a flash and many of us didn’t want it to end. So we decided to meet up at Pins and Pints to continue with the renewed connections we’d made. Ten of us gathered around the table and shared stories and jokes.

And a shot of tequila.

I skipped the tequila as tempting as it was. I knew I had to drive and our little friend tequila is not the best companion for being behind the wheel.

It was another leap towards a return to how life was before our viral foe invaded our lives. 

And then came the call. I am responsible to open the locks for boats to access the lagoons in downtown Kelowna. I forgot that on Thursdays it was my turn to be the lock operator. At least Pin’s and Pints is close to downtown. 

I bade everyone goodbye and arranged a ride for my wife to get home. I got ready to set off and go to open the lock for the late-night boaters who wanted in. I accepted my duty and headed downtown. I left with mixed feelings of relief and regret. I regretted having to go but felt relief that I could go and that the world was back to the way it once was. Back to doing our duty and connecting. 

The boat lock operation went anything but normal… but that is another story all together.