Things I Like About Alabama
28 01 2007
Many of you may have heard me complain occasionally about living in Orlando. It’s hot, there aren’t any seasons, etc. Well, there are some things that I think are undeniable about Alabama that actually are benefits.
1. Bar-B-Q - Though it’s not my favorite food, Bar-B-Q in Alabama is just better than anything Orlando can give. Dreamland, Gibson’s, Demetri’s all are in a different league than Sonny’s or Bubbalous.
2. Seasons - Some people will argue with me about this, but Alabama actually does have four seasons. In Orlando, there are two: Hot and Mild. In Butler, PA (The center of the known universe) there are four: Winter, Almost Winter, Still Winter and Construction.
3. Cousins - This isn’t about kissing cousins. What I actually mean, is that everyone treats you like a cousin. I went to a store today and had a conversation with the cashier about her life and mine and how God has it all figured out and we don’t. It was like we were longlost cousins. This is very common in Alabama in very good and sometimes bad ways.
4.Mountains - This seems simple, but I like mountains. Not only are they beautiful to look at, they are very practical. It was very hard to navigate in Florida without any significant change in topography. Directions in Orlando sound more like, “go to the lake and make a right then turn left at the next palm tree.” In Birmingham, it goes more like this, “go across the mountain, turn left at the old oak tree and then right at Bubba’s.”
5. Diversity - This isn’t just a social, racial idea. It applies to all sorts of things. You can actually drive through a neighborhood without seeing two houses that look alike, much less right next to each other. It seems that there is more freedom of expression in many areas.
6. Hot Beverages - Some of my best beverages happen to be served hot. If you are hot natured like me and happen to live in a milder climate, then you can actually drink them without breaking into a sweat. This is true for certain foods as well. For some reason, I just can’t eat certain rich foods if I am hot. Chili is a good example, but there are many others too.
These are some of my reasons I love Alabama. Stand by for the things I don’t like so much in a future post.
I must say, all the youth ministry happenings in your life sounds just like mine & my hubby’s! Yep, got the can too, all because the group wasn’t growing. (after 5 1/2 years at a church)!! Just wanted to let y’all know that your not alone. I appreciate your blog on planting “seeds”, we have to plant seeds just like Paul and Appollos did and let God do the watering. Don’t give up on watering and plowing. God is still on the throne! Y’all can email if you would like, since we are in the same boat anyway!!! And it is not the Titanic!!!
Phil. 3:12-14
Sigh…I miss seasons. That was my favorite part of living in Portland. Watching the leaves change is one of the most beautiful things. I’m glad you’re enjoying being back in ‘bama.