Life growing up in Biloxi, Mississippi was typical of smalltown U.S.A. Unlike other southern cities, Biloxi had the influence of Keesler Airforce Base as well as being a popular tourist destination. As a tourguide, I became enlightened by outsiders regarding the rest of the world. These accounts from tourists made me realize that there was much more to experience in a lifetime. These exchanges of info seemed almost competitive at times. I'd show the local history and points of interest, and then the talk would often compare with the tourists hometown. I heard the same things said repeatedly- "You all have lots of beautiful old homes and buildings here!" and "Your beaches are so wide and long!" and "The seafood is good and cheap here!". On the downside- "This humidity is terrible!" and "Are the bugs always this bad?" and "You don't really swim in that water do you?"(Refering to the Gulf). Well I did have other places to swim, and felt our architecture was second to none. However, as an out- door kind of person at work and at play, I had to admit how difficult and miserable the conditions made me feel, especially around summertime. Air condition- ing is required when dressed up to go out or to work. Outdoor activity of five minutes or more can result in complete wetness while attracting agressive biting bugs (The soggy-slappy syndrome). Some locals accept these conditions as normal for work and leisure out- door activities. Most other's activities are indoors where the artificial environment of air conditioning is the norm. After years of comparing notes with tourists, I re- searched and traveled the country to see for myself. I choose to live in Southern California for many reasons. Financial success can be achieved with time, through increasing knowledge and persistant efforts! Also, the Pacific currents radiate cool air temperat- ures along the coast, rarely above 78 degrees, so I've never needed air conditioning, plus hiking is great, the bugs are wimpy and the rich girls pick up the tab! The California dream can be a reality! I'll confirm those bragging tourists from California regarding the weather, SoCal does have it the best in the country! The air is dry with annual rainfall (It only seems to rain during the winter) not usually more than 20", compared to year-round rain average of 60" back in Biloxi. The downside is my distance to my family and friends in the Biloxi area whom I love to visit and be with as much as possible. It is my determination to work this out with a highly positive attitude and the spirit to succeed!
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