Culture Shock 18

No one talks much about what the weather is in Mississippi.

The conversation is more about the direction it is coming from. With that information, you know what it's gonna feel like and there isn't much more to say about it.

You might hear talk about the UNUSUAL snow or past conditions such as hurricane Katrina. Small talk just doesn't consist of weather talk much out here.

Note : My husband made the observation that weather isn't small talk here in Mississippi. It's a big deal!

Culture Shock 17

Camouflage is a big sell in Mississippi. I couldn't resist writing a second post about it since this part is also a shock.

California: where is it ok to put on your camo? School. Hunting. Maybe the store if it's your last t-shirt clean.

Mississippi: where is it ok to wear camo? School. Hunting. Store. Church... yes, church.  If you can wear it to church, you can wear it anywhere!

{As I'm sewing up some camo sunhats for my boys, I'll make sure NOT to make myself one!}

Hat For Her

LOVE THIS PATTERN! From Oliver +S, it is easy to follow.

It was simple and turned out great!

I made this for my friends sweet 9 year old. I hope she likes it! I want to make one for me!

And another one for my niece! I really like how these turned out!

Culture Shock 16

I'm speaking in generalities so bear with me!
My husband has had a bit of bad luck with bosses. I mean to say that he has had quite a few bosses that didn't care about anything but work.  For example, he almost got fired for not coming into work when he was sick or not wanting to work the 8th Saturday in a row because he wanted to spent time with his new bride. He has been hired to manage and then had his abilities questioned because he wasn't obsequious enough.
These experiences, I realize, are just people and can happen anywhere, but for us, they happened in California.
Since moving to Mississippi, we have had a very different experience.
FAMILY COMES FIRST! Your boss understands if you leave work early every Tuesday and Thursday during soccer season. He might even push you out the door to get you to your kids game on time. HE EVEN misses half a week at least during baseball season.
Your boss treats you like family and expects you to take care of yours.
How different and refreshing from the fast paced world of California. We are blessed!

Culture Shock 15

In south Mississippi, most EVERYONE asks what church you go to.

Happy to say I have an answer!

In California, depending on your age range, the most common questions are:

•What grade are you in?
•What is your major?
•Where did you graduate from?
•Where do you work?

Culture Shock 14

This last year left me with my first experience of Deer Hunting Season.

Hmm. Not sure how to relate this to anything in California.  Oh wait! My husband working 12 hour days with a total of 4 hours a day commuting. He made good money but we weren't much of a family. In fact, I felt like a single mom for 2 years.

Welcome to hunting season!

No one in MS understands why you are complaining that your husband is out hunting again. It's expected that you be a single parent during this time of the year.

My husband did "get one" 2 days before hunting season ended. I'm still working on the lingo here!

Culture Shock 13

One night when my son was 4, I asked him if he wanted me to close his bedroom window. It was a bit stuffy in the house, but the traffic along highway 4 in Brentwood is constant, even at 11:30 at night. It was also only a few feet from our dwelling place.

My son sat up in bed and I could only imagine the look of "Yeah right, Mom," on his face in the dim room illuminated by the hall light. My now 8 year old has loved the noises cars make since he was 4 months old. No, silly me! He would never want the noise of hundreds of cars passing by to be muffled.

I, on the other hand, am a light sleeper. The noise from HIS bedroom window was making me crazy. I finally ended up with a fan going in my room.

The shock? Every morning here in Mississippi reminds me of waking up at camp with the redwoods looming overhead and the birds chirping good morning.

Wow! I get to wake up like that every morning. Not just for a week long summer Bible camp at RCP. I feel like I am on a retreat though! Quiet time. Nature time. Friend time. Amazing worship at FBC in Summit.

Did I mention quiet time!? I don't miss those cars at all!

{Note: as I was proof reading, my neighbors were revving the engine to some loud muscle machine. Geesh! It's still only once in awhile, though!}

Culture Shock 12

Homeschool. Home School. Unschool.
Many ways to spell one idea. Many ways to implement this one idea. Maybe it's a million ideas put into one. Or one idea split into a million directions. Anyway...

Say "homeschool" in California and again in Mississippi. There are two distinctly different reactions.

People tend to question your sanity if you suggest homeschooling in California. They question your credentials, your moral judgement, your intentions, your motivations. Many people believe that public school is the place for all children. Many people, by choice or by circumstance, put their kids into the public school system.

I make no judgements. It is a personal choice or a choice dictated by culture or, again,  circumstances. Or maybe all of those things put together.

When I mention to fellow Mississipians, (am I one of them already?) that we are homeschooling, most of the time I hear, "Good for you!" "Are you connected with a group?" "Do you know so-and-so?"

I don't want to spark a debate. I was just overwhelmed by such opposite reactions to a personal decision. I don't mind my loved-ones asking me questions and helping me clarify my thoughts. Homeschooling is something I have ALWAYS wanted to do. I had this opportunity and I took it. As a family, we hope we can continue but time and situations will be telling.

Thanks for reading.