The Skea Way

My blog is meant to be an insider guide to all things Jersey Shore. However, this post is going to be about appreciating where you live and where you find yourself in the here and now. I invite you to welcome this opportunity to celebrate your community. But first, let’s acknowledge our reality.

If we haven’t been directly affected by the international COVID-19 pandemic, it is likely that we know someone else who has been. This is a tough time for a number of reasons. We’re worried. Businesses- large and small- are suffering. Bank accounts and stocks are fluctuating. Parents are balancing kids, school, and working from home. The global community has an ever-present anxiety about avoiding the virus, overcoming the virus, or coping with losing loved ones to the virus, and this is trickling down to our own personal communities. The news and social media are inundating us with statistics and emerging dos and don’ts. The uncertainty is unsettling.

There are also some trivial, yet legitimate questions/concerns. Amazon Prime is taking more than two days for deliveries. Will toilet paper become currency for Lysol wipes and chicken? The lines for “happy hour” are blurred: when does it begin? Does it even matter? What day is it? We have cabin fever.

So let’s put a positive spin on all of this. How can we welcome this as an opportunity to celebrate our community in a state of social distancing?

• Go for a walk. Yes, the dog is probably sick of walking around the neighborhood, but you’re the boss! Trees and flowers are in bloom. Take some pictures and appreciate the Spring. Maybe there is a trail or a route you’ve wanted to explore for a while but haven’t. Now could be the time. Make memories in a new, local spot. *Jersey Shore readers can explore the Manasquan Reservoir or Hartshorne Woods Park.

• Take a drive. If you live near the water, like I do, get in the car and ride along the ocean. Drive through the mountains, along the countryside, through your formerly- bustling downtown, or to a local historical site. Snap some more photos and put them on Facebook for friends to appreciate from afar.

• Exercise. Yes, many gyms are offering classes online or through platforms, like Zoom. But fitness comes in many forms, which can be done outside, appreciating your neighborhood, town, or state. Ride your bike with your family . Skateboard on the driveway. Run on a different route. Swim (for those of you in warmer climates). Chase your kids around the backyard. Rekindle your basketball, soccer, or baseball skills- that could be good for a laugh! LOL Think outside the box. *Locals, consider updating your workout wardrobe at Barefoot Athleisure– they’re doing porch drop-offs!

• Order take out from restaurants that are providing delivery or pick up options. Post a picture of your meal on social media and give the restaurant a shout out! They need you now, more than ever. This also saves you a treacherous trip to the grocery store. *Some local faves: Spring Lake Tap House, Cardinal, Speakeatery, La Mondina, Federico’s– to name a few.

• Clean and organize your space. Show your home some love! Gather clothes, household items, books, toys, etc that you can prepare to donate to a local charity or non-profit. (This is also great for those of you planning to sell your home in the coming months.) *Jersey Shore charities to consider: Coastal Habitat for Humanity, Interfaith Neighbors, or the VNA Thrift Shop.

• Team up with friends, family, or neighbors to thank those on the front lines of the Corona virus pandemic. Send flowers from a local florist *(Wallflowers, Sparrow’s Nest, Flowers by Colleen). Drop off some meals from your favorite eatery *(Mossutto’s Market, Tom Bailey’s Market). Give gift cards to local coffee shops, bars, or retail stores that they can use now or when all businesses reopen *(Rook, Driftwood, Bare Wires, Waterlily, , Squan Tavern, Brickwall, Porta).

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Welcome the opportunity to show love for where you live by bettering yourself and stimulating your local economy now and in the future. So much can be done by staying home. Be well, be healthy, & be safe. Celebrate your community THE SKEA WAY!

In light of the state of our world, I still welcome your calls, emails, social media engagement, and any questions you may have about the current market. My clients- past, present, and future- are my professional priority. I will always welcome the opportunity to be Your Trusted Real Estate Advisor at the Jersey Shore.

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