Sunday, July 11, 2010

Hello Hello Hello from the South!!!

I am sorry it has taken me so long to post anything.  We did not have computer internet hookup access till recently and frankly, I have been so so busy!

Update:  we have moved and being a southern gal has its perks.  So many that I have jotted them down in on a loose piece of paper that I have somehow not lost!  Go figure! :) LOL!

1.  More men have held a door open for me in one week than 10 years up North.

2.  There are plenty of choices of great Christian music at the local neighborhood library. AND there is a fantastic Christian radio station that has nothing bad in it.  No bad commericals so you'd have to turn down or turn off the radio etc... It is fantastic and even my hubby is hooked on it too!

3.  Homeschooling is just another way of schooling and way of life down here.  I did not have to explain nor defend my decision to homeschool to the librarian that asked where our kids went to school as I signed them up for the summer reading program.  In fact, it was the other way around!  She praised me for it!  Get that?  True!  I was so taken back, that I just stood there nodding my head and smiling as she went on and on about the perks of homeschooling!

4.  I am commonly referred to as "Ma'am"; not so much the "Yes, ma'am" and "No, Ma'am" but just "Ma'am"...and I like it...a lot! :)

5.  The first other Mother that I met was at the local neighborhood pool that we joined...(Right up the road~!) ALSO has 6 KIDS TOO!!!  She does not homeschool as we do, but 6 kids!!! 2 of her boys are getting along w/my 2 older boys so it looks like a good match.  In fact, we even mentioned getting together possibly sometime.  She is very sweet and easy to talk to. 

6.  I have noticed in 9 out of 10 stores that I have been going to all week, that the workers, overall,  pride themselves in their jobs.  I mean, the cashier, the meat stocker, the grocery isle stocker, the brown bag packers, etc...  Each gave the impression that they are doing the best they can do with the job they have.  That really inspires me.  They are not in a rush but have great eye contact and actually can hold a conversation.  So much for my no eye-contact and stick to myself, don't talk to anyone type of northern attitude.  (...Well, most northerners I must say.  I hope I am not offending anyone but it's just what I have encountered and noticed in over 28 yrs up north.)

7.  MANY have the gift of hospitality, to the fullest.  As soon as you walk through the door of any store, you are immediately greeted with a smile and a happy greeting of good morning, good day or whatever.  In fact, yesterday I went food shopping.  Before I started, I bought a coffee and of course the cashier/coffee maker was so kind and nice and happy.  He looked over to the previous older man that ordered before me and said "You have a great day, now!" and the older man looked at him and said "I sure will.  I have not had a bad day in my life."  And he was serious.  Dead serious.  I smiled at him but did not forget what he said.   I hope I do not, ever.  It sure means a lot.

I best go now. 
Just posting to say hello and let you know that we are all well and so far, so good.  God has a plan and we are trying our best to fulfill it, wherever it may be.

God bless,
Mary

3 comments:

Rebecca Frech said...

I'm so glad you are enjoying the South. It's a different way of life, but a good one.

Dawn said...

Welcome to the South! We arrived 2 years ago and don't ever want to leave. Unfortunately, the Navy will probably want us to leave..arghhh!
After being in Baltimore for 7 years, Ga was so refreshing!

Anonymous said...

Hey Mary, I loved reading these recent posts in the hopes of catching up with you. I don't have your phone number(cell) I deleted on my contact list thinking that I had it on my contact list on my computer and I didn't. Been thinking of you and praying for you guys. YOur kids are sooo cute.."when are we going home?" that's a killer. Stay in touch.
L
Jeanne