Regional Differences

[Pea-n-Me]

The notion of this intrigues me.

It's one of the things I love about the CB - so many from different places with different viewpoints and practices, etc. I've learned a lot here.

Name some things you've been surprised to read about parts of the country different from your own. (Other countries feel free to join in.)

 

[PrincessKsMom]

Weddings where people bring actual presents for the bride and groom and where the reception consists of cake and punch.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

From this week alone:

Surprised to hear there are some areas that do not have access to supermarkets.

I wasn't aware some states allow corporal punishment in schools.

 

[Pakey]

Children attending weddings.

Asking guests to pitch in for the cost of parties, limos, etc.

 

[mjkacmom]

Punch, $5 an hour babysitters.

 

[wishesuponastar]

Weddings where people bring actual presents for the bride and groom and where the reception consists of cake and punch.

I would love to live in that area of the country. We are going to DH cousin wedding and he says we have to give $200 (Northeast)

 

[Disney Ella]

The idea that your wedding gift (cash) must equal the cost of your dinner at the reception.

Also words and expressions. I once read a post from a woman who was talking about carrying her 8-year-old son to school and I thought, "Why would you carry an 8-year-old to school?" But then I remembered it was the DIS and I thought, "The boy must have a hidden disability. That's it." Finally, I figured out that "carry" was just the southern way of saying "drive."

 

[mjkacmom]

I would love to live in that area of the country. We are going to DH cousin wedding and he says we have to give $200 (Northeast)

Where in the NE? I would love to feel comfortable giving just $200 for DH and I.

 

[wishesuponastar]

The wedding is in Connecticut. You give more??

 

[design_mom]

Finally, I figured out that "carry" was just the southern way of saying "drive."

I have had a few of those moments, too. Most recently there was a thread talking about a birthday party where pizza would be served. Someone said that they "just had a few pies delivered." And I wondered why we were suddenly talking about dessert... and why dessert was pie instead of cake at a birthday party (although i'd be fine with that myself. I prefer pie.) Then I realized that pie = pizza pie. But nobody calls pizzas "pies" around here.

ETA -- That some areas have a specific amount for a wedding gift and/or that in some places an actual gift (rather than cash) is considered passe.

 

[hambirg]

The idea that your wedding gift (cash) must equal the cost of your dinner at the reception.

Also words and expressions. I once read a post from a woman who was talking about carrying her 8-year-old son to school and I thought, "Why would you carry an 8-year-old to school?" But then I remembered it was the DIS and I thought, "The boy must have a hidden disability. That's it." Finally, I figured out that "carry" was just the southern way of saying "drive."

Yeah, that one! The typical wedding gift around here is in the $50 range.

 

[mjkacmom]

The wedding is in Connecticut. You give more??

How far from the ciyt? I gave $100 per person 20 years ago, right out of college. Now, $300 - $500 (for both of us), depending upon the relationship.

 

[hambirg]

How far from the ciyt? I gave $100 per person 20 years ago, right out of college. Now, $300 - $500 (for both of us), depending upon the relationship.

If I ever get married again, can I invite you?

 

[SmallWorld71]

-That people buy BB guns and the like for their children.

-That there are some really bad schools out there and that not everyone that homeschools is a crazy person with a personal agenda and they really do have their child's best interest at heart, not their own.

 

[mjkacmom]

If I ever get married again, can I invite you?

Sure, but just so you know, I'm expecting a awesome cocktail hour with raw bar and passed hors d'oeuvres, a sit down dinner with many courses, open bar and viennese table, plus lots of dancing!

 

[njmom47]

I have had a few of those moments, too. Most recently there was a thread talking about a birthday party where pizza would be served. Someone said that they "just had a few pies delivered." And I wondered why we were suddenly talking about dessert... and why dessert was pie instead of cake at a birthday party (although i'd be fine with that myself. I prefer pie.) Then I realized that pie = pizza pie. But nobody calls pizzas "pies" around here.

.

I would've understood that...bein' an Italian girl from New Jersey and all...
As a pp stated, that people don't have access to grocery stores!
I have access to at least 8 stores (either that are grocery stores or sell groceries in some way, shape or form) in a 10 minute drive from my house!
Soda=pop=coke=etc is another one that gets me.

 

[joviroxx]

The fact that in some climates, people don't need to shower every day. Being in Florida, it came as a real surprise LOL!

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Speaking of weddings, not sure when or where the "candy bar" trend started.

Hope I don't offend anyone, cause I thought they looked lovely, but I showed DH the pics and he said, "I'd rather have a sandwich".

 

[kymmyk13]

The whole wedding thing is funny for me. I was born in NJ, and moved to Orlando when I was 8 and then moved to Alabama when I was 22. My wedding was like a NJ wedding and my husbands friends and family (from Alabama) were shocked by the open bar and DJ.
Where we live in Alabama if you buy a gift for the shower or tea you do not bring one to the wedding, strangest thing I have every heard. DD20 does not want to get married here .

 

[TanyaS]

Fireflies (lightening bugs) - I grew up catching them, but now live in an area with none.

Various liquor laws when traveling - Some places have dry counties, other sell in grocery stores. I walked into a bar area in Washington state with my DD (age 5) to swipe some napkins off the bar because she had a cut that was bleeding and the bartender freaked out that she couldn't be in the bar area (we were waiting for our table at the adjoining restaurant section). In my area, having kids in bars in no problem legal wise. Many local bar and grills are pretty packed with families early in the evenings.