Things I Will Miss about Greenville

Recently, Julie and I talked to our property management and told them that we would be moving by the first week of July. Where we are going is still not decided (I haven't received any job offers) but we're leaving Greenville regardless. I won't lie when I say that Greenville hasn't been a particularly easy place for Julie and I to live. Neither of us had lived in a smaller town before (not including my mission where it didn't matter how few people lived around me) and it was a rough transition to do so. On top of that, we moved into a home far away from the center of this smaller town and have been pretty isolated as a consequence. But, as the time draws nearer to us moving, I think it is important to reflect on what we have liked about Greenville and some of the things we will miss. So, in no particular order, here are some of the things I will miss: 

B's Barbecue: Nothing quite says "Southern" as well as this joint does. Dilapidated building, greasy meat and parasites acquired only add to this diner's charm. 

Somehow this place scored high on the sanitation inspection...Pretty sure a little money changed hands to make that happen.

Winslow's Tavern: There is a reason almost everyone in the South is heavy (including me) so it should not be a surprise that much of what I will miss here involves food. Winslow's has good food but the atmosphere really makes it cool. It is a very old building (used back in the day for boarding horses) that has been renovated and turned it to an uber cool hangout place. Julie and I enjoyed many meals here in one of the few remaining hangouts in old downtown Greenville.

ECU Sports: It would be a lie to say that I ever became an ardent Pirates fan while I was here. I did not really care all that much whether ECU won or lost the games I went to. However, I will not ever forget all the bonding that Eloise and I got to do (for free!) at the baseball and football games. While I was in school, these were often the only times I got to spend alone with my daughter. Plus, the football team running out of the tunnel with purple smoke around them with Jimi Hendrix's "Purple Haze" blaring was pretty cool. That, and the jacked guy who dressed up as a pirate and put a sword in the ground.

If I don't get employed soon, this is up there for my dream jobs.

The Greenway: Throughout the city, there are trails that are part of what they call the "Greenway." These trails run along the Tar River--aptly named since it's one of the nastiest, dirtiest rivers I have ever seen. While the Tar River looks like poop (literally) the trails that ran along it were beautiful. They were also shady which made them a favorite of mine during these hot summer months. 

Obsession with Pirates: All around town, there are pirate statues. I've got to say that pirates make for a very good mascot and nickname. I particularly like that they are purple and gold (supposedly; their logo looks very yellow to me) pirates. I don't know of any other college in the US who are the Pirates and if they are, they are definitely not rocking purple and gold.

Cubbie's: Another restaurant. The Cubbie's Cheeseburger with bacon is probably my favorite burger of all time. That is saying something. Plus, it is the place where I grew my fondness for hush puppies. Again, there is a reason everyone here is overweight and has diabetes. 

Why is the bear wearing a bow tie? Anyway, Mom got a shrimp sandwich at this place that she highly recommends.

The People: Julie and I really could not have asked for better people to be associated with in my program. So many of them touched our lives in a very positive way. I felt like I had 12 surrogate mothers for Eloise and I met two of my best male friends while here, whom I had many a Blitz nights with to escape all the estrogen in the atmosphere. My co-workers at the hospital were very supportive, as well. My classmates and co-workers gave me a lot of strength, laughter and courage to handle the sometimes overwhelming occupation of being a family therapist.

Our ward was great, too. They immediately made us feel welcomed by helping us move into our home in August--anyone who has been to North Carolina knows that is no small task. They have been great to our family and we're going to miss many of the families who offered their friendship to us. Greenville, it's been real, it's been fun, even if it hasn't always been real fun.