Now I know not everyone in North Carolina is a peach, but overall I think Southern living is a bit more laid back than life in the North. I had to chuckle when my 6 year old son said very seriously, "Mommy why is everyone so nice here"? At first I thought it was because we were at places where people had to be nice, but then I realized that it wasn't just one or two people we had met-it was most people. I was in three major cities in NC and I can't recall one horn honked because of an angry driver (not to say it doesn't happen) but it didn't happen once to me on my hike across the state. I think in the south they use their horns more as a way of greeting people instead of a rude gesture. I found that people love to talk (surely it was a place I fit in).  If I actually lived here I would have to limit the amount of people I talk to because I could see myself getting caught up in hours of conversation instead of getting my errands done. I also noticed that the homes were designed to "entertain", kitchens built with fireplaces, outdoor porches (which let's face it you can't get much use of an outdoor porch up here). Of course house hunting, the first thing I gravitated torwards was the kitchen. Most houses we saw had several kitchens spread out. I saw houses with a major kitchen, a butler's kitchen, a kitchen downstairs and a small kitchen in the master bedroom....I LOVE TO COOK, but how many kitchens do you need! I would have to do some serious entertaining to justify this many kitchens. I kept wondering what makes the South different than the North. Why does the South have a stereotype for being "friendly"? Maybe people in the South are happy because of the nice weather or maybe being in the "Bible Belt" gives you a different look on life. Whatever it is, it seems to be ingrained in their culture.  As my husband and I were touring the lovely state of NC pondering a potential move I noticed a long line of traffic (my first thought was there must have been an accident) and then I heard our real estate agent mention that it was a line of church traffic. As I watched the line of cars pass us I couldn't help to notice that many people keep the "traditional" Sunday church attire. Little girls dressed and men in suits. It was just like the movies. By now,the group was getting a bit hungry so we headed to find a quick spot for lunch. My husband and I being bombarded with a chik-filet on every block suggested we give it a try. Our agent replied, " Oh Yes, these are great little places and I would love to bring you except they are not open on Sunday's". Wow..Can you believe an actual business more concerned with having family time than making money. Let's face it, it is not like the owner would be the one working. It was refreshing to see businesses thinking of something other than profits. Now the North has its pluses and plenty of nice people, but I truly believe that in all the hustle and bustle and fast paced lives we live, we sometimes forget to stop and talk to our neighbor or get together with our friends. We put off these things because we are just too busy or can't find the time. So no matter where you live-make this year a year of slowing down and take the time to ENJOY life in whatever situation or mood you find  yourself in.

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