Addressing Adults: Done differently in the South

It is almost Halloween and still it is hot, so therefore I sweat.  We did have a reprieve the other week, but it didn't last.  I long for the day that I can turn off the air conditioner.  Enough about the weather.

Another noted difference between the south and the Great White North is how children are taught to address adults.  Where I come from in Illinois, children are taught to call neighbors, friends of parents, and parents of friends "Mr. & Mrs. Last Name".  Down here in Texas, or at least around Houston children are taught to call adults "Miss & Mr. First Name".  While at a play date with my Mom's group recently we were discussing this, as a bunch of us are Northerners.  Most of us, including me, like being called "Miss Bluebonnet".  I know I married my husband over 10 years ago and I did for awhile consider not becoming "Mrs. Yankee", but I felt it was important for my kids and I to have the same last name.  (I know this is just a thing of mine and I really respect women who keep their maiden names, I sometimes wish I would have kept mine, "Mrs. Yankee" be damned!)

I still bristle though when I am called by my mother-in-laws name.  I hear "Mrs. Yankee" and I just think it sounds weird, even a decade after it began.  I would rather be called "Miss Bluebonnet" by friend's kids and my kids' friends.  Maybe it is the connotation that "Miss" means I am still young and fun and "Mrs." connotes someone who is old and responsible.  I don't know, but I am much more comfortable with "Miss Bluebonnet".  Maybe I am trying to hold on to being young and fun, because I am, but I think this is one Texas thing we will keep if we ever move.  What do you think?  Do you like being called by your first name or last?  I am curious.

Enjoy the weather!

Bluebonnet Yankee

Well, there are three months until Christmas and it still feels like the middle of summer to me.  Fall has always been my favorite time of year.  I have already put up all my fall/pumpkin decorations around the house in hopes that if will feel like fall to me.  I don't think I will ever get used to the Texas heat.  Last fall I think I was too busy to notice or be annoyed by it, but this year I am so done.  I feel as if I have been sweating constantly since April and I probably have.  I realize that I am and will always be a Midwestern girl.

I have been able to turn off the air conditioning at night and that is a relief, but I still have it on during the day and still am hot just walking my son to school and it is only 2 blocks away!  Will I ever wear a jacket again? I do find it funny that in the morning it is in the 60's and most people are wearing jackets and long pants.  I am sure the teachers at my son's school must think I'm a bad parent since he is still wearing shorts even in the morning.  I am just waiting for a phone call one of these days about the my son's state of dress.  I will let you know if that happens.

Right now I am just dreaming of flannel pajamas and hot cocoa.  Maybe if I turn down the air conditioning enough I can try that tonight.

See Y'all later!

Bluebonnet Yankee