On Georgia

Yesterday I briefly emailed with my Aunt in California about the strange Georgia nuances that we've experienced since moving here. As I told her, it is sort of like time travel - Georgia is about 20 years behind the rest of the United States. I find it kind of cute and quirky and am enjoying watching Georgia grow up. I wanted to get these down before I forget them so I can look back if we ever move.

1. On Traffic Laws: After being narrowly defeated in 2009, Georgia has just passed a law requiring that drivers of pickup trucks wear seatbelts. Congratulations Georgia! Welcome to the 21st Century! Up until this point, rural lawmakers successfully argued that seatbelts are a 'nuisance' on rural roads and farms (nevermind Atlanta) where there is not a lot of traffic - many are still opposed. Stupid government - always trying to save money and lives!

2. On Loud Noise: This Spring I was sitting at a traffic light at a busy intersection under an off ramp. Next to me in a rundown convertible was a teenage boy and his girlfriend, clearly on the way to the beach. To demonstrate his virility, he had the bass on his stereo up as far as it could go, and was happilly blasting R&B impressively to his lady friend. Not ten seconds after we came to a stop, a man to the right of me steps out of his vehicle with a pistol strapped to his belt and approaches the young man's driver side. Since I had my window down I heard their conversation 'young man, that music is offensive and you are making people around you uncomfortable, you need to turn the music down'. The young man turned his radio down. I am pretty sure the complainer was a police officer in an unmarked vehicle, but he could also have been one of the thousands of concealed weapon holders/ NRA members we have here. Either way the kid probably soiled himself - and he turned down his radio.

3. On Religion: It is completely appropriate to pray as a group before City Council Meetings, Economic Outlook Meetings, and most other public functions. It is also appropriate to talk to your employees about religion, and to convince them to go to your church or 'men's group'. It is also a common occurrence to have visiting Baptists. The first time they came to our door, I spent 5-10 minutes listening to them talk about Christianity, not wanting to be rude (there are far worse things going on in the world than folks going to doors talking about religion). Dave popped his head out of the door not knowing who they were. When I introduced them and explained that they were there to talk to us about religion, he stated 'Did you tell them we don't have one?' then chuckled and popped his head back inside, leaving me to finish the long awkward conversation. Thanks Dave.

4. On the Environment: The City of Savannah proudly announced it's curbside recycling program in 2009..that's right...2009. The County does not have a program, so if you live outside City limits like we do, you cart your recycleables to the dump every couple weeks. Lovely.

In other states, using non-potable water for irrigation, installing rain cisterns, and water conservation techniques are commonplace, here it is novel and requires much convincing on my part. When you mention these things to most of my clients they think I am trying to pull something over on them. I can't tell you how often I walk past yards being watered in the middle of the day, with overspray extending into the middle of the road.

5. On Women: The majority of the people that I work with view me as an equal and are incredibly respectful - but occasionally I run across the men that don't want to talk to me - just my boss, call me 'darling' or 'honey', and treat me like I should be at home ironing and cleaning up spit-up rather than in the workplace. I have also been in meetings where the men have scratched themselves repeatedly while making snide sexist comments in my presence. I equate these individuals less evolved than the rest of us - somewhere between a monkey and fungus, so their comments aren't insulting - more sad.

6. On Health: Runners and Bicycles are a hindrance. Rather than move over when you approach a bicyclist, feel free to blow by, increasing your speed so that you give them that extra wind suction effect. Don't bother watching for runners, they should look out for you! After all, you're bigger! This is one of the more frustrating viewpoints. The Georgia Department of Transportation rarely makes allowances for bike lanes on major roads, nor does the City or County. I think this one is changing, but slow - going. If you do get tired of running or biking on your three foot shoulder, never fear, fast food restaurants are provided at every intersection for your convenience.

Don't get me wrong, I love where we live and hopefully we can make it even better by helping to get things on the right track - unless we get hit by a bus on a bicycle.