Eh?

It has almost been a week since we arrived in our 'summer home' here in central Wisconsin.


In the interest of journaling, I am going to share some of my thoughts & observations so far.


I. Wal Mart is the ultimate study in cultural anthropology.

Wherever you go, if you can find a Wal Mart, you can make several observations about the people and interests in the area.

Here are a few things I noticed that were different from what I am familiar with at Wal Mart in Western Kentucky:

A. Huge Asian food section (this is due to the large Hmong population here)
B. Extensive canning section (people here prepare for long winters + Amish population)
C. Wine & liquor section (don't see this in Western Kentucky: wines & liquors have to be sold at liquor store)
D. Impressive fabric selection (Amish population)
E. Christian themed items (Catholic & Lutheran majority)
F. Reusable shopping bags (I know they are everywhere now, but I've never seen them used so much--lots of Eco-conscious people)


I am now convinced that just about anywhere you go, you could make similar observations about the social culture in any given area...by just visiting the local Wal Mart!


II. "Life is so constructed that an event does not, cannot, will not, match the expectation."
~ Charlotte Bronte


So, let's talk about expectations.

I read somewhere that the city here had 100,000 people.

That # comes with alot of expectations. Expectations that include places, things, ideas, people, events, culture, life, busy-ness, etc.



I have recently learned that the city has (as of the 2000 census) 38, 426 people.



The 100,000 was referring to the COUNTY.
Which just happens to be the largest county in the entire state of Wisconsin.


Though I am slightly disappointed (I was looking forward to a 'bigger city'), I still *feel* the same excitement that I have been building up in my head. It's just leftover excitement, and I can't get rid of it...so, I am glad.

I am glad that I thought it was something to look forward to--so I could. And really, this place with approximately 40,000 people does have all of those things I was expecting: places, things, ideas, people, events, culture, life, and it's own style of busy-ness. What more could I ask for?


Besides, it's still bigger than the city we moved from (which, according to the 2000 census has 14, 950 residents) and bigger still than the city Trevor grew up in...but that's for another post.

What I am trying to say is, I had these grand ideas in my head for our summer spot (including our apt). A week into it, I have realized that--while the expectations were false--the excitement was totally worth it, and I'm still excited.



III. Blending with the locals is as easy as 1, 2, 3 & A, B, C...

1. Add "eh?" to the end of your questions

2. Add "eh" to the end of any sentence

3. Start a question with "So..." and end it with "...then."
Ex: 'So, you want to go outside then?' (the 'eh' doesn't work in this case)

A. What I have always called a 'water fountain' is actually a 'bubbler'.

B. Lengthen your vowels and sharpen your consonants.

C. Eat cheese.

**Side note: I have found an awesome way to explain to others how to pronounce my name. There is a county here named "Waushara County". Shara is pronounced just like me: perfect! So I've dropped my "just like Share-A-Piece-of-Pie" explanation that worked so well in Sweet Home South and have picked up a "just like Waushara County" description. It has worked great so far!



IV. "You've got a great view of a beautiful pond." ~ Apartment Manager

Ummm...it's a drainage ditch.


A large one. Pond-ish. But, not a pond.


It houses 2 million frogs who serenade us every evening, and is a breeding ground for the largest mosquitoes I have ever seen. Ever. Ever. Ever. (Someone told us tonight that they get 'way worse' and that the mosquito is the "state bird".)

The joke's on us.

The 'great view' of the 'beautiful pond' may prompt us to bathe in DEET.


V. The Hmong people have me totally intrigued.

I am dying to try some Hmong food (a family at church owns a restaurant here), and I have only heard a short conversation, but the language is decidedly exotic and beautiful!

The Hmong language has only recently been written down (1950's), which is fascinating to me--and they have been migrating to this area of the country ever since the 1970's (after the Vietnam war). New groups are coming to live here all the time, and they have dramatic life stories.

We are interested to learn more about their culture and traditions as we get to know more people in this area.





Even with the mosquitoes, strong accents, and previous expectations--this place is fabulous. There are so many opportunities here for us to learn, grow, and experience. I am excited to enjoy them with my little family...the memories we make now will be treasured pages in our book of life.

The End.