BIL and MIL came over for the weekend to celebrate Peanut's birthday a little bit early (it's actually not until the 16th but Cheesehead has to work next weekend). While BIL was here I mentioned the fact that I not only made my own syrup, but I was going to make my own soap and I just started a compost pile during conversation. He tried lecturing me that saving foodscraps was not all that there is to building a compost pile. He used to work at a landfill and thought he would teach me just how hard it would be to build a compost pile. When I showed him just how much I know about what goes into a compost pile, he told me that I was a hillbilly. I started to giggle when he said that.
Now I don't know about you, but wouldn't you think that a hillbilly should live in the hills? Sure I live in a remote area, but as far as I can see there's nothing even close to mountains within 40 miles of my home. That got me thinking about what really defines a hillbilly. Being a curious sort of person I decided to look it up. These are some of the things I found while searching if you'd like to read more.
.wikipedia defines a hill billy
urban dictionary
Since I don't own a gun, I refuse to drink most any alcoholic beverages what-so-ever, I wear shoes, I'm not musically inclined, I have a computer (plus tv, internet, and a phone), and I've never lived in the areas sited in the information I found. I can't really say that I could qualify. I also hate wearing hats, ESPECIALLY the big floppy ones, my head is oddly shaped and those hats call attention to that fact.
BIL is closer to being a hillbilly than I am. He owns a bunch of guns and enjoys shooting squirrels and drinks like a fish. Aside from the southern US living in the hills part, I'd say most of the rest of people's general stereotypes about hillbillys would fit him much better than they do me. Does it make me an elitist snob? Of course I would never say anything like that to anyone's face. I also don't laugh at "hillbillys" or use the word to put others down, though I do think the term should be used properly.
Actually it sounds like a wonderful way of life. People who live by their own rules, enjoy nature, and like the simple things in life. They sound like my kind of people.
Cheesehead and I went for a walk today. It was gorgeous, the sun was shining, the sky was a wonderful blue color, and the thermometer read about 20 degrees. I guess spring really is on it's way. Yay! Okay, you southern people probably think I'm crazy for saying that, but just ask us northern folks. 20 degrees is a heatwave when it's been below zero. If it stays this nice I may be out organizing the garage tomorrow since I can't get into the garden just yet because of all of the snow cover.
Thank you for stopping by. Please leave me a message. I'd love to hear your thoughts!
Cindy
4 comments:
Sounds like he was trying to insult you, but ended up showing his ignorance. I once heard a saying that it is better to be silent and considered a fool than to speak and remove all doubt! Ooops, his bad!
I would say you are definitely not a hillbilly Cinj. But if it made you laugh, then it was all worth it.
That is funny. When we lived in Germany, we knew an American guy that was married to a German. She had never been to the USA before and his job transferred him to KY. She actually asked us if her neighbors would have teeth and wear shoes! We all laughed until tears flowed. She was not joking but was serious. All she had ever heard about KY were hillbilly jokes. My parents live near the KY border so I had them go to the KY welcome center and get some info on the state of KY and mail it to me for her. They moved to KY and loved the few years they spent there.
Your BIL was definately showing off his "underwhelming qualities" in that conversation! I mean, compost is as much or as little work as you care to make it-depending on how fast you want finished product. No turning or fuss required, and besides-wasn't his job all about "hiding trash"? :) As for "hillbilly"-I'd take that as a compliment! When all the folks with no knowledge of self-sufficiency are starving, the hillbillies will be fat and sassy!
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