Looking for a Headstart (Iowa City, Coralville: fit in, chapel, loans)

[nicolejc]

So, because of a job I am being moved to Iowa. Where the hell is that again?! Having lived in Mi. for half of my life I have never given the middle section of the states much consideration. Let's see, Iowa: corn, butter cows, farmers.... it's time to do some research.
Specifically I am heading to Iowa City. I've seen some nice pics, love the library, down town seems to have some great energy, a river for kayaking and what did i see?.... Trees!!! Honestly, I thought that Iowa was going to resemble a barren ocean floor with its waves blowing in the tassels of corn.

Visuals aside, hows the weather? I have reliable sources telling me that its hot at 80+ deg. Let me tell you something; living here in Raleigh NC where that 80+ is considered cool down... I think things are looking up. But then I have heard mention of -40 winters! I'm sorry, WHAT! Did you people have to develop new temp gauges for your winter weather?!
I own a great fishermans sweater (from my time in IN) and a cute green outer-shell that I would pull out twice a winter here. [note to self; buy winter jacket] I did notice the lack of winter pics., perhaps there's a reason.

Ok, so now that i am having to go shopping for a new winter PARKA- perhaps we should touch on my savy fashion sense. See if I fit in and all.
I own 2 pairs of jeans, 3 sun dresses, a mess of colored T's, 10 pairs of shorts, 1 pairs of berkys, 2 sets of keens, an old pair of Tevas and puce colored heels that I use to display my collection of dust bunnies. 27 sarongs and a business suite that I may have "grown out of" when I embrased the versitiliy of sarongs. If anybody is able to construct a viable winter wardrobe out of that.... I need some help.

Speaking of needing help where does one go when needing things such as great, funky places to live, excellent places to eat, fantastic hideouts and hangouts. Perhaps a job or two to afford all this? Seriously, are you all employed because I cant seem to find a job out there. Who's who to work for, whats considered a great income and all that jazz? I have been told I can sell a heater to the devil so I guess I am going to look into sales. Anyone looking to hire an outgoing individule whos looking for a employment? Yeah, thats resume quality right there!

One last thing. As I am barely allowed to move my garden I am at a loss to be able to move my friends. Something about family, career, home loans blah blah blah....
Now I have the boyfriend thing covered - dont get excited! Infact its because of him that I am moving to the state of winter wunderlust. What I want to know is how receptive is the community-diverse as it is- to quirky outsiders? You see the boyfriend has been there for a month now and he has done nothing to elevate our status in the city from much above
"Quiet new guy". Evidently he is spending far too much time at the new job trying to impress the new employer and not working on getting a social life! I am not spending my winters cooped up in an igloo with the love of my life for 4 months! I want other people to comisserate with!
Honestly, we all need to work on this together readers. If by chance you happen across a nice guy in a local bar down town, consuming yet another Guniess, watching ANY sports program ask him if he's a wetland scientist.
If he replies to the affrimative then do us all a great favor and introduce yourself because I am going to need some friends up there.

So, anyone still reading this?
any comments

[El Rhino]

Originally Posted by nicolejc

What I want to know is how receptive is the community-diverse as it is- to quirky outsiders? You see the boyfriend has been there for a month now and he has done nothing to elevate our status

Iowa City would probably be pretty good in this department - there's always people coming and going due to the university. Getting "quirky outsiders" will be nothing new.

Good luck.

[jmgg]

You sound just quirky enough to fit in supurbly in Iowa City. Quirky always works at Hawkeyeville.

This is a work hard, play hard community. Go for it.

[ia2ncgirl]

Being originally from Iowa City and now living in Raleigh, I can point out a few differences for you. First, there is no Carolina BBQ, in fact, when Iowan's say they had BBQ, it's the glaze they put on the chicken or beef You'll find most people in Iowa very laid back. I notice this now every time I go back to visit family. People really dont 'dress up'..think shorts or capris and a t-shirt and that is what you'll see in IA. I mean, even at Crabtree if your shopping you'll see people dressed nicely with heels on - you really dont see that too much. If your into shopping - you may feel a little deprives, there is CoralRidge mall in Iowa City (technically Coralville) but it's your basic vanilla brand stores. To put general personality in perspective though, Iowa City has a similar vibe as Chapel Hill- very open, libral and "quirky". Size-wise, it's about the same - Chapel Hill may be a little bigger, but Iowa City has Coralville - which now they run together. There are some things to do locally, but IMO Raleigh has more -plus there is the beach and mountains...however, Chicago is about 4 hours in one direction, and Kansas City, MO is about 4 in the other direction. You'll also notice traffic will be a breeze in Iowa - everywhere. There is nothing in that area that even remotely compares to driving on I-40 at 5pm - so that is a plus! Finally, you'll see that housing is better in Iowa. I've 'heard' the East side of Iowa City has gone down hill a little with the influx of people from Chicago moving in...however, I still cant imagine it even remotely comparing to a lot of neighborhoods in Durham!
Hope this helps. Please feel free to ask any more questions.