Thursday Thirteen #5

Thirteen Things about South Carolina Mom
13 Reasons to live in SC. . .

1. Mild winters- it only snows about 1 time per year (unless, of course, you live in the mountains, although I don’t know how much snow even falls there). The average temperature hovers around 50 degrees Fahrenheit. On a cold day, it may drop into the low 40s. On a really cold day, it may be in the 30s, but those are few and far between.


2. Hot summers- summer is my favorite time of year. I love to swim, as do my kids, so we spend a lot of time in our pool. We also like to travel to the beach (we went 3 times last summer!)


3. Friendly people- most everyone waves as you drive down the street. Also, gathering in the warm summer evenings on the front porch is common and a great way to meet new people.


4. Sweet tea- I know you can get this in any Southern state, but I live in SC and that’s why it’s on my list!


5. Peaches and Strawberries- these are the main fruits grown in the part of the state where I reside. I love fresh fruit, especially strawberries, so we go picking every year as a family tradition. I make my own strawberry jelly, and freeze strawberries for shortcake and other delectable desserts.


6. The mountains and beaches are both only a short distance from any part of the state. I have spent time at both places, and I love that it doesn’t take a long time to get to either.


7. History- I love history, especially war history, and SC has tons of that! Battles from both the Revolutionary and Civil Wars were fought in the State, and I love to go to the battlefields and monuments. Also, Charleston is a historical city that hopefully we will be visiting this summer. I can’t wait until my kids get a little older so they can appreciate the veterans who have sacrificed their lives and families for our freedom (not just from days gone by, but those currently serving, as well).


8. Slower pace of living- Southerners, especially those in SC, understand the value in taking the time to form relationships with people rather than merely saying a brief “Hello.” I find that most strangers tend to find a way to connect with others out of sheer compassion. These encounters typically occur at the grocery store or Wal-Mart when my kids are screaming and I am at my wit’s end. Countless people have attempted to hold a conversation with me as my almost 3 year old is kicking and screaming because he wants out of the “buggy” as it’s called here. Or, better yet, as my 5 year old is busy performing janitorial work for the store because he feels it’s his duty as a costumer to pick up used tissues, chewing gum, and who knows what else. Yes, people here really go out of their way to make conversation with strangers, especially women with children.


9. Less traffic- I have lived and traveled in a variety of places both in the U.S. and abroad. Trust me, traffic is light here compared to other cities such as San Francisco, New York City, Washington, D.C., Paris, Tokyo, etc. South Carolinians get flustered because they’re in a “traffic jam” for 10 minutes heading to Charlotte while drivers merge from 4 lanes down to 3. I guess it’s all what you’re used to!


10. Rural areas- although I live in a relatively populated area, I don’t have to drive far to find the beautiful countryside farms that I absolutely love! Sadly, urban sprawl is infesting us here as it is everywhere else on this planet.


11. Bar-B-Que- this is definitely a Southern thing, and I love it! My favorite is pulled pork. Southerners pride themselves on their bar-b-que grilling abilities, and I’m almost certain there is at least one restaurant in every town in S.C.


12. Family roots run deep- families have been here for generation after generation. In the part of town where I live, I am amazed at how one family has influenced the community. They instituted the volunteer fire department, run an automotive repair shop, teach at the local schools and university, attend the same church since birth, etc. I have such high respect for this family, especially because one of its members was a former professor of mine and her daughter will be a future teacher of my children.


13. S.C. is pretty much the center of the Eastern seaboard. We are located about halfway between Florida and the New England states (depending upon which state, of course) and have a lot to offer tourists. Come check us out!



Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others' comments. It’s easy, and fun! Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!
View More Thursday Thirteen Participants