My love of the south

I seem to label myself a bit (but don't we all). Someone at my office was laughing about my love of being southern because she said it reminded her of the manic loyalty that the Greeks have to their heritage. She even gave me a sheet of paper made by her Greek students entitled: 41 Reasons Why We Like Being Greek. So in this spirit, I am making Reasons Why I Like Being Southern. Please feel free to add:

1.) Because we call any type of carbonated beverage Coke. "What kind of Coke do you want?" "oh, I'll have Sprite thanks!"
2.) Because you NEVER visit anyone emptyhanded (stolen directly from the Greek list, but it still applies)
3.) Because we can simultaneously shorten any word or lengthen it by several sylables.
4.) We have our own version of history.
5.) Because a southern woman can complement with grace and cut you to your knees without you knowing the difference.
6.) Because we still show reference and respect to EVERYONE with a ma'am and a sir.
7.) Because we know the proper way to eat grits: with butter, salt and little pepper.
8.) Because we make seersucker look good.
9.) God is not a four letter word.
10.) Because everyone knows someone who knows you through your neighbor's sister's husband's nephew, who sat next to you in your 2nd grade class. Remember?
11.) Family is as prevelant as Kudzoo
12.) And Kudzoo seems beautiful until someone tells you that it kills

(to be continued)