Month Two Update

My drive to work (Cue Elizabethtown soundtrack)

So I’ve been in SC now for about two months so I guess it is time for a reflection.

Before this, I thought that the degree of Southern-ness was directly proportion to one’s longitude; however, SC dispels this. SC is not less Southern because it is more north than AL. By my interactions, it is almost just as Southern. If I didn’t know any better, I could be in AL or TN right now. 

In fact, I drive thirty minutes to and from work on some incredibly country roads. In addition to the breath-taking views of foliage and farm houses, I see a vast amount of wildlife. More than I would like—because some of it is crosses the path in front of my vehicle. It is almost as though I’ve been admitted into a petting zoo: cows, horses, goats, dogs, cats, squirrels, raccoons, groundhogs, chickens, hawks, crows, wild turkeys, and yes, even deer. I have not hit anything yet (thank goodness) but am being more careful in the spots the animals frequent. Especially since I learned that SC is a high risk state for hitting a deer with the likelihood being 1 in 140. (AL is medium risk at 1 in 163). http://www.statefarm.com/aboutus/_pressreleases/2011/october/3/us-deer-collisions-fall.asp

I have finally been able to find my way downtown without my GPS. I consider this a big accomplishment. But a goal remains: I have yet to see a Palmetto tree. For a state that prides itself on a particular tree, you think it would be more prolific. Everything from banks, caterers, restaurants, organizations, etc all have Palmetto in the name. I guess I could just find a palm tree, I’ve heard they are similar…

So goal for the next two months: find a Palmetto in the Palmetto State.