As a resident of the South, as in Southern California, for the first 23 years of my life, and then spending two years in the Seattle-area at college, I was a bit apprehensive about my move to Shelby County.

A change of location, speech pattern and pace had me understandably eager, anxious and excited all at the same time. After only a week here, I already think it might have been one of the smartest decisions I&8217;ve ever made.

And while I think the paper represents a great career-building opportunity, I can already tell the locals are going to teach me several valuable lessons as well.

The first and perhaps most important lesson: &8220;There are no strangers here.&8221;

Chelsea&8217;s Dixie Youth baseball league president Pat Foshee showed a grateful, lost reporter what &8220;southern hospitality&8221; is, as he showed me around Chelsea fields, introducing me to others and making sure I was well-fed.

My first day, one of my co-workers said something to me while I was telling her about Los Angeles that seemed like common sense, but gave me profound insight into the area at the same time. &8220;Everyone&8217;s pretty nice to each other around here. I think it takes more effort to be mean to everyone.&8221;

True, but definitely not the same attitude you might have toward your fellow man if you spent most of your time in the last two cities you lived in trying not to get run over by a bustling crowd at all hours.

I&8217;m beginning to think the Southerner&8217;s relaxed pace is about a mentality that enjoys life one day at a time instead of living for the rush from point A to point B.

As I look forward to at least another six months of sweet tea, the amazing barbecue and other Southern treats completely unique to this region of the country, I can&8217;t help but think how lucky I am to have landed in Shelby County