Humidity- the Ultimate Culture Shock
June 10, 2010 6:14 PM
As the "new kid in town" the most common comment I've gotten while out and about in the tri-county area is "welcome."
Well, it's actually a "welcome home" for me. Yep, I called Clover home for the first 12 years of my life, then spent the next years in Abbeville County and went to college in Columbia at the University of South Carolina.
So really, the only time I've lived outside this beautiful state was during what I call "an extended vacation" into- Wild and Wonderful West Virginia- also known as my first job.
For a year and a half I lived in Beckley, WV, reporting the news that mattered most to coal miners- our target audience.
And while 18 months doesn't seem all that long, it was long enough for me to forget one important thing.
Humidity.
Now, don't get me wrong, West Virginia had its fare share of moisture- unfortunately, that fell mostly in the form of snow- something I'd rarely seen.
So naturally I spent all winter longing for warmth and when the chance to move back to SC presented itself- I couldn't burn my snow boots fast enough.
However, what I didn't anticipate was the major dilemma I would face trying to get ready for work on those first March days- I had nothing to wear.
In fact I found myself feeling a little like Goldilocks, the only difference- everything I put on was too hot.
This was the ultimate culture shock.
If you don't believe me, just take into account that a week earlier I'd moved out of West Virginia in a blizzard- literally- and moved into my new home sweating for the first time in months.
All I had were scarves, mittens, coats and boots.
Stockings, leggings, hats and ear muffs.
I suddenly had to find my skirts, short sleeve shirts and sandals.
And with the way I pack- this was not an easy task.
But I figured it out- and now I couldn't be happier- enjoying things I haven't been able to do in months- like swim.
So now one question remains.
Will I start missing my cold weather wardrobe?
I'm sure I will!
Most likely on one of those summer days South Carolina is famous for- when its 100 degrees and the humidity is 100 percent.
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