Same! I am ashamed to say that while I went full bore into scouting until about 2000, the last 3 years or so I did the minimum required and finished my last required merit badge like a week before my 18th birthday. But being much older now, I realize that scouts taught me things that I never would have learned anywhere else. I am so thankful I had that experience.
Asheville is the major deep blue and insane place in western NC. Go in any direction from there and things get better rapidly. I am partial to northwestern NC. Mainly for the reason that people just let each other be.
Brother, we all may be with you soon. Vaccinated or not, we seem to be headed towards tough times. I have told my wife to be prepared that if the edict comes, our standard of living will take a hit and I am hoping she is prepared for it. Bought property in a remote area where I can live in peace and that is where I plan to go. She gave in so that she could see her family over Christmas, so I am all alone now. I still have my job but I think that is just a matter of time (likely for all of us, vaccinated or not). And I suspect she will leave if I don't choose to Ben over to keep it. At this point I am done caring. You are just getting a head start and will be better prepared when the rest of us join you.
Giving notice doesn't mean this should be acceptable. I don't know how anyone can think this is ok.