We come from the frigid North. From the weather to the people, we are accustomed to the cold. We come from a place where no one holds doors open for strangers and tailgating is when the person in the car behind you is right on your bumper. No one has ever heard of mudboggin’, Jacks (Jack Rogers), or Bojangles (bless our hearts). Coming to the South has opened up our eyes to so many things in life that we have been missing out on. For instance, monograms, big trucks, camo, and football, hallelujah. From the widespread of casseroles, biscuits and gravy, grits, and cornbread at every family meal to the cowboy boots, big sunglasses, and Lily Pulitzer dresses everyone owns, there has been so much in life that we in the North have never been exposed to.
I am so blessed to have had the chance to live in the South and discover a few of my favorite things:
1. Pearls.
2. Country music. Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan and George Strait. Enough said.
3. Southern BBQ. Pulled pork, collard greens, and coleslaw now hold a special place in my heart.
4. College football. I've learned that football is one step below Jesus, and Jesus is pretty high up there.
4. Bonfires. Up North, bonfires are an opportunity to actually feel your fingers while you hangout outside. However in the South, bonfires and parties are synonymous. They are a chance to dress up and have a good time with friends.
5. People have the best manners. Adults are addressed as ma'am and sir, EVERYONE says bless you when someone sneezes, and holding the door open for the person behind you is a must.
6. Southern belles. The goal of most girls in the South is to marry in a barn or church. They dream about their weddings since they are little girls and their Pinterests are full of wedding dresses and rings.
7. Horse races and NASCAR are kind of a big deal.
8. Sand bars, flounder giggin', and Sundays are a chance to socialize with friends and family.
9. Snow in the North means shovelling and driving slower than usual. Snow in the South means snow days, staying in, and stocking up on bread, milk, and other essentials.
10. Redneckery in general. I love the fact that hunting is for girls too and crawdad hunting is a memorable past time for all youngsters.
Living in the South has given me a new perspective on what matters in life. People here value other people. They take every chance they can get to socialize and invest in others' lives and that is something the South has taught me that I will never forget. People here talk slowly and go at their own pace. They enjoy life and deal with things one day at a time. Southerners may drive us Northerners a tad crazy, but we could all step back and learn a thing or two about slowing down and taking time to appreciate the world around us.
