Southernized?
I spent 12 years in Mississippi my photos albums tell me. I SHOULD have become a damn good Southern belle in that time—sweet buttercream accent, impressive make-up collection, able to bake and fry anything for a last minute pot-luck. But, unfortunately my accent, a patient tells me, “is more like the Northeast somewhere,” my makeup could fit into a snack-size baggie, and I don’t even own a deep-fryer.
When I first arrived in Arkansas and told my co-workers I grew up in Mississippi, one of them let out a giant sigh of relief and said, “Thank Gawd yer not a Yankee!!” But, after it became obvious that I’m more North than South he amended, “Well, we’re gonna have to Southernize you!”
Despite daily, rigorous study in the areas of speech, religion, and gastronomy, I’m afraid that what wasn’t accomplished in 12 years also wasn’t accomplished in 2 months. BUT, what a restless high schooler’s eyes couldn’t be grateful for, I can now appreciate as some of the more unique points of the south:
Cuisine: In the OT Gym, the Food Network plays daily. While patients pedal, lift, bat and loaf, Paula Dean (who matches her outfit to her kitchen to the theme of her meal) whisks and sprinkles and tenderizes. Fittingly, last weekend for my going-away party, my coworkers threw a huge Southern Feast: fried porkchops, fried chicken, fried okra, country-fried steak, corn, baked beans, red beans and rice, CheezWhiz crab bites, apple cobbler, and cherry pie. Actually, come to think of it, we’ve been celebrating my “going away” with two weeks of eating, culminating (so I think) with chocolate gravy and biscuits for breakfast tomorrow.
Wildlife: This may refer to the snakes, armadillos, deer, or the turtle on my doorstep. Of course there’s also The Razorback Hawgs that have people “sooueeeing” with pride. Guess it could also be my glimpse of The Electric Cowboy nightclub that plays songs like, “My Baby Thinks My Tractor’s Sexy.” Truly though, it’s most fitting to describe my co-workers during a game of pool, Guesstures, or a late-night footrace in the street. Either way, my image of the South as being a bit “too well-behaved” is humorously crushed.
Language: I stifled a giggle when I heard myself slip “reckon” into a serious discussion with a patient. I’m fixin’ to get myself into a pickle when I cain’t stop talkin’ like this and the Kiwis look at me cock-eyed. But ma’yonnaise a heap of fun things to say down here.
Weather: Everyone is amazed that I could stand Alaskan winters for so long. But, for the last month it’s been so hot outside that the seatbelt buckle burned my hands, “Max AC” didn’t take effect for 15 minutes, and I actually considered driving my car across the street once. Isn’t that the same thing….but inverse? Well, now the incredible heat has been washed away by rain. In fact, it’s even raining INSIDE my apartment (a puzzle since I live on the bottom floor). I think that’s my sign that it’s time to board my raft like an ark (with two of each bug life?) and make my way out of Ft. Smith. I certainly will never forget though these two months, the people, or, of course, the food.
Tags: Arkansas, food, Ft. Smith, language, US of A, weather, wildlife
bimpy_ak
Sweet Cindy, I love following your blog. I just had a OT student who expressed interest in traveling, and I immediately thought of you and your wonderful footloose adventures. Clair should be contacting you soon. I hope that you have beauty and a breathless moment today! MaryQH in Sandpoint ID.
Hi Mary– Glad you get some giggles. Definitely life has been an adventure lately! You are welcome to give Clair my email if you like: otkidability@yahoo.com.
Cheers!
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