Winter in the South

Once again, I have not blogged in several weeks - okay - MONTHS, but I'm going to try my best to change that. I was scrolling through my MySpace blog recently, and realized I used to update that sucker at least twice a week. Since I am a person with little to no long-term memory, it is crucial that I try to blog that often. Otherwise, I am unable to remember anything from my past, and that is sad indeed.

I've officially been an Alabama resident for about 4 months now. I'm not going to lie and say I enjoy the simple, slow living of the South. While I am happy to be away from the crowded, cold North, I'm not especially fond of the rural, hot South. Although, that heat I'm going to hate has not even arrived yet. Instead, we actually had a northern-like winter, complete with several inches of snow last month, and cold temps. I had to laugh as I watched the locals react to the few inches of snow we got, and everything in Alabama shut down (roads, businesses, etc). All I could think is, y'all can handle a HURRICANE, but not a few inches of snow!? Anywho, we've had some 70 degree days sprinkled in here and there, but for the most part, it's been a long winter. I am ready for spring temps, but not the oppressive heat that will rear it's ugly head mid-summer.

I also still have yet to find a job down here. The admin jobs are far and few between here, and no, I do NOT want to work retail or restaurants. I did apply for some admin jobs with Manpower, so I'm really hoping they will call back and put me on file. Money is very tight, and I want to be able to enjoy the few things I CAN do down here (go to Target on the weekend, for one).

This past weekend, we went to a "Couples Retreat" of our own, called Strong Bonds. The program is one that is organized by Jason's chaplain, and the Army pays for the hotel and food. We headed down to Panama City Beach (otherwise known as the Redneck Riviera) for a few days of sun and relaxation. The temps were cool, but our hotel was located directly on the beach. PCB is Spring Break Central during the month of March, and we arrived JUST as the pandemonium was about to begin. There were only a handful of students that arrived while we were there, but they still made enough noise to cause us to change rooms. We also learned some random, but interesting facts of what occurs during the 3-4 week hysteria. It's almost like the hotel is inhabited by children during that time, and they must plan accordingly. The staff removes all breakable items in the rooms, and brings out their "Spring Break" quality sheets, comforters, etc. The buffets are "dumbed down" as one staff member told us, with food served on paper plates and cups (children MUST place in garbage once finished). They are issued colored wristbands according to their age (for drinking purposes), and should they lose that precious wristband, they must pay $250 to replace (this effectively deters them from ripping off the band and giving to their underage friend). All entrance and exit doors are locked in the hotel, except for the main door. Upon entering, they must be "checked-in", and unfortunately, are not allowed to bring home any new "friends" they made at the bar.

A few more random tidbits:

Wal-mart sells more bananas during this 3-week period than all other Wal-marts in the U.S. combined. Apparently, bananas help with hangovers (huh?), and the potassium helps curb their hunger so they can continue drinking.

The city of PCB receives approximately $70 million revenue during the month of March.

15,000 dollars worth of recyclable cans were collected off the beaches last year (beaches close at 5, and the children are corralled onto the hotel grounds).

Needless to say, you could not pay me to spend a weekend down there during that time. I know I'm not THAT much older than these kids, but I just feel like I am. Don't get me wrong, I definitely like to party and have a good time, but not the extent that today's youth does.

Overall, we had a nice weekend, and even didn't mind the classes we had to sit through. Never hurts to strengthen and enhance the marriage bonds...I think we all could benefit from these classes.