I have had a nice summer break (I work for a school district). This summer was about overcoming some fears. 

The running joke I have with my husband is that I asked for years to move near Charlotte, North Carolina, but I am scared to drive to and in Charlotte. We settled into a city about 40 minutes from there, and for the last four years, I’ve avoided driving to Charlotte by myself. 

I sweat driving to Charlotte. The cars zoom past me, no one switches lanes with signals or caution, and I cannot parallel park. 

This year that changed. While I’m still uncomfortable driving to certain parts of Charlotte (and parallel parking), I went to new locations. 

First things first, I drove to Archive CLT. When I was a freelancer with CharlotteFive, I wrote about Archive. It’s a Black owned coffee shop on Beatties Ford Rd. Here is the article from back then; you might have to subscribe to read. 

That place is a dream for people like me because of the tangibles and non-tangibles of yesteryear. 

Some of the items on the menu are named after topics from Black pop culture, cassette tapes are there, old Charlotte news articles are there, and so on. It’s a step back into the past. 

I purchased my “Man, Go Head,” a mango drink, whipped out my computer, and typed a chapter for my newest book. 

I probably looked like a writer in an early 2000s rom-com. 

You all would not believe the congratulatory talk I gave myself while there. I did it! 

Secondly, I started going to a new nail salon this summer. I started going to Digits & Spikes, a Black owned nail salon in the Ballantyne area of Charlotte. This area is full of eateries and creative activities. If I had a higher salary, I would love to move there. 

The women in that establishment are professional, fun, and accommodating. 

I’ve met the owner a few times, and she is a ball of creativity and professionalism. Perhaps I should interview her one day. 

The drive there is getting easier for me. I see I need to be a little more assertive while driving. 

Thirdly, Charlotte-Douglas International Airport. I’ve driven to this place often this summer. Once again, people are ruthless as they drive here. I know I need to stop being a scaredy-cat, but I get anxious. 

Thank goodness for the cellphone lot. I sit there and breathe before picking up friends. 

Finally, where will I drive to next? I’m not sure. I’m thinking a juice bar, Belk Theater, or somewhere in NODA (the parking scares me).