Moving Time

     Well, the Navy says it's about that time, although it doesn't feel like it.  The moving company sent out a man today to assess our "situation," and I think he was none to happy about our chaotic garage or my crazy amount of craft supplies.  Hey, Buddy, how 'bout I snoop through your drawers and closets, and see what weird stuff you have hidden?
     It's starting to set in that I will be saying goodbye to all the close friends I have made here in Virginia.  I will miss them dearly.  I will also miss the Southernisms that I have come to love.  This little Yankee was starting to feel right at home here.  I've compiled a list of some of my favorite things that I will miss when we make the move to Rhode Island.

1. Politeness.  It is a stereotype that everyone in the South walks around saying "Ma'am," and holding the door open for you.  It is also true.  Nowhere else I have lived have I seen such a genuine politeness from most people.  Southerners will go out of their way to help you, cook you a meal, host a baby shower, and in general, pitch in on anything that needs pitched in on. (Am I allowed to use that many prepositions in a sentence?)  I will miss the camaraderie that I have with people here.

2. The weather.  First I grew up in the snow belt of Ohio where winter could be unbearable.  I remember walking across Ohio State's campus thinking I might possibly freeze to death before I reached my class. I would have worn a ski mask every day if that had been socially acceptable.  Then I moved to the Seattle area where it rained ALL. DAY. LONG. In short, Virginia's warm weather has spoiled me.

3. BBQ.  I have come to love it.  I always thought barbecue was grilling a chicken breast with some sauce you bought on the ketchup aisle.  Boy was I wrong!  Real Southern barbecue can't be beat.

4. Acting Ugly.  I love many Southernisms, but my favorite is the phrase, "acting ugly." In the North, we would say, "That guy is a jerk!" (Or worse! ;) )  In the South, you make your best disgusted face, and say that someone is acting ugly.  You also teach your children not to be ugly to one another.  I love it.

5. Bless His/Her Heart.  Another one of my favorite phrases is "Bless his heart."  I had heard this phrase before, but the meaning here is different.  Usually, one uses this phrase as a means to disguise gossip.  Example: "Have you heard that Billy is addicted to methamphetamines? Bless his little heart!"  Another way to use it is as a criticism. Example: "Sharon left her children in the hot car while she got her nails done, but she doesn't know any better, bless her heart."

6. Chattiness.  I can't even go to Walmart without someone chatting me up like we were old buddies.  People here strike up random conversations at any opportunity.  Unlike other places I've been where people mind their own business, and sometimes even avoid eye contact, Virginia is a chatty little place, and I like that.

     On a serious note, I am really going to miss my friends and the awesome church (Liberty Baptist) we've been attending.  You've all made it great, and I hope we will stay in touch.  Pray that this move will be a smooth one!