If you decided to leave the state,where would you go? (New Orleans: home, movie theaters)
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I'm glad for those of you who are happy here - I wish you well and think that's great. Since I truly don't want to be "Debbie Downer" (wa WAAAA!) and cast a shadow in the room, could someone please direct me to the following discussion/thread?
"Post Katrina influx has destroyed our quality of life!! Everywhere you go there is a fight, a scuffle, a standoff, a screaming match in aisle 5! Parking lots are the worst, as in 'GET OUT MAH WAY, B-FO I PUT A CAP IN YO ***!!"
I'm sorry. I'm just crushed. We struggled for 2 horrible years, cramped into a tiny apartment with two children in absolute misery while building our "dream" home in our "dream" location (Ponchatoula, which is 5 minutes from Hammond, and 30 minutes from the Mandeville/Covington area) only to have Katrina come through ONE MONTH before construction was finally complete and POOF!! Almost everyone still working on the house just up and disappeared. (I'm not even going to go there)
But the real issue, is that I can't take the nastiness of the people around me anymore, I can't take it, there is no quality to life here for me, and I need to find someone who is feeling (or has felt) the same, so that MAYBE I can (through their advice or comfort) find a way to hang onto my sanity until the GLORIOUS DAY 5 years from now when I can get out of this place. (I have my fingers crossed for gorgeous eastern Tennessee, but that will depend on our job situation...)
Thanks for listening.
Jamison
Hey you! I also feel the same way! I do love Baton Rouge, but it has changed a bit! Most of the rude people seem to have left, they must have come your way unfortunately. They seem to think we owe them for their 9th ward homes getting destroyed. Theya re still in FEMA trailers here in BR and were supposed to be out 5 months ago. I still believe in good neighbors and all that, but there are 'bad' people everywhere. We went to TN a few times and found out that people there shoot each other the bird, honk, get impatient just like everyone else, there are just less of them that do that in Tennessee. Just don 't go to south Florida, unless you like mean people, traffic worse than here and are able to speak fluent Spanish-good luck to you!! Don't worry or got let down, things always get better-trust me!
Doogie: Yes, I've been heavily researching beautiful Tennessee! Would LOVE to be anywhere east of Nashville, and have been especially interested in the idea of Cookeville/Crossville. Maryville is great, too. (practically the whole of TN seems great to me, LOL) Good luck in your search for a beautiful new home!
It's kinda depressing to realize I've got another 5 (or so) years to live here and suffer. And I DO feel bad saying that. After all, I've been here most of my life and all of my family/friends are here - plus, I don't want to be rude/insensitive to those who really love southern LA. It's sad. It WAS our dream. We spent five years saving, suffering, scratching, and clawing to be here. (our poor children, what they had to go through) Then Katrina came. We've stuck it out for two miserable years, never before entertaining the idea of leaving. But when you can't go to Wal-Mart OR the movie theater in broad daylight (a very nice one, btw) without knowing you run a real risk of ending up in the hospital or jail, it kinda makes you feel like crap - you know?? I spent one year ignoring the nastiness before I became admittedly bitter, and began to viciously fight back. (this place is turning me into a monster) And please don't anyone get me started about the Army Corps. PLEASE.
Caa: You CRACKED ME UP when you said all the rude people must have moved my way - ROTFLOL!!! Thanks for your response, it DID make me feel better. And I love how you get right to the point. You may be amused to know that I initially thought your post said (paraphrase), "In TN they shoot each other" and I thought "D***!!!". Btw, I will say that I do love the shopping in Baton Rouge. It's something to look forward to.
And no way am I going to FL. There was a time when it was so fabulous to be there. (my grandmother relocated there, so did close friends of ours who work at Disney) But I have an uncle living in Boca Raton, and he is trying to move.
To Jamison & the others in and around Baton Rouge. I'm a LA transplant that moved here from Memphis in 1979. Come this December I'll have lived here 28 years (not quite half my life), and made the conscious decision to stay here in 1992 after I experienced the fifth corporate merger that put me out of work. Those mergers happened at about 5 year intervals that moved me from DC to Boston then Memphis and finally Baton Rouge; just short of 50 then, I wasn't about to do it again. I was an Army Brat as a kid, so moving every few years didn't bother me much. In fact when I was young and adventurous, I kinda liked exploring new places and meeting new friends.
All of those mergers, though, put a hurt on my retirement finances, so, now at age 62 I'm faced with the prospect of being marooned here in a B.R. that's changed so much for the worse.
But for those of you who think that the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence, think about these few advantages that we Louisianians enjoy:
1. Among the lowest real estate taxes in the country, In fact, when I did the research a few months ago, I was surprised to find only two states had lower rates than we enjoy — and in the case of Hawaii, those lower rates mean nothing since property values there are astronomical, making the actual tax paid equally bad.
2. The weather. OK, I grant you that it gets hotter than hades here in July and August, but for more than half a year we're not freezing our *****es off like the folks up north are. In fact, when my wife and I go to Baltimore for Xmas, we remark to each other on the drive back home that we'd have to have rocks in our head to voluntarily get into a snow bound traffic jam up there.
3. The food. Well I haven't been to Commander's Palace in more than 20 years, but with the availability of so much great seafood from roadside sellers and an interest in gourmet cooking, I don't need to leave my house to have some amazing delicacies that just wouldn't be possible in places like Denver or Minneapolis. And what about those great Ponchatuola strawberries? I'll bet you a cup of Community Coffee that you won't find these anywhere outside the state's borders.
I suppose that in my case, it's called making the best of the hand that's been dealt you. Like everyone else in south Louisiana, I pay too much of homeowner's and car insurance, and I loathe the rising crime statistics, but I'll certainly get by (until I win the lottery).
Doogie: Yes, I've been heavily researching beautiful Tennessee! Would LOVE to be anywhere east of Nashville, and have been especially interested in the idea of Cookeville/Crossville. Maryville is great, too. (practically the whole of TN seems great to me, LOL) Good luck in your search for a beautiful new home!
It's kinda depressing to realize I've got another 5 (or so) years to live here and suffer. And I DO feel bad saying that. After all, I've been here most of my life and all of my family/friends are here - plus, I don't want to be rude/insensitive to those who really love southern LA. It's sad. It WAS our dream. We spent five years saving, suffering, scratching, and clawing to be here. (our poor children, what they had to go through) Then Katrina came. We've stuck it out for two miserable years, never before entertaining the idea of leaving. But when you can't go to Wal-Mart OR the movie theater in broad daylight (a very nice one, btw) without knowing you run a real risk of ending up in the hospital or jail, it kinda makes you feel like crap - you know?? I spent one year ignoring the nastiness before I became admittedly bitter, and began to viciously fight back. (this place is turning me into a monster) And please don't anyone get me started about the Army Corps. PLEASE.
Caa: You CRACKED ME UP when you said all the rude people must have moved my way - ROTFLOL!!! Thanks for your response, it DID make me feel better. And I love how you get right to the point. You may be amused to know that I initially thought your post said (paraphrase), "In TN they shoot each other" and I thought "D***!!!". Btw, I will say that I do love the shopping in Baton Rouge. It's something to look forward to.
And no way am I going to FL. There was a time when it was so fabulous to be there. (my grandmother relocated there, so did close friends of ours who work at Disney) But I have an uncle living in Boca Raton, and he is trying to move.
:-)
Jamison
Jamison. I did not mean that all the rude people moved your way to be mean I just meant that I feel that people in BR are nicer than they were about a year after Katrina-I didnot mean to get you upset! There are nasty people everywhere! Anyway, you should not let negative and rude people turn you into the same, then they win! Misery loves company! I have made it a point to let others out in traffic and lately I have been getting a nice wave and smile from nearly all the people-except a certain few. I do feel safe here. A crime(random) can happen ina the nicest of towns, you just have to always be on the lookout. heck, I used to live in cape Coral Florida and people never locked their doors years ago, now there is a murder almost every day there. It is a sad thing that in this day and age, people really have to watch. AS for the last post about Louisiana- I agree 100 percent-I like it here, but I am like my father, always searching for new places to live. Not because I hate it, but because I like adventure!
Thanks for your responses to this board - they are big help to me. I feel better after reading them. They give me solace and also, at times, they also make me laugh! (a rare thing lately, so much appreciated)
Rosinante, you are so right. And thanks for the gentle tone of your post. I was initially reluctant to reveal the true depth of my feelings because.... well, it's not easy to admit these things to yourself, that maybe your "dream" place is not going to cut it, and that maybe your "dream" home will have to be sold as a result. (a place you've thought about and planned for years, a place you have put your heart and soul into) It has taken me two years to admit to myself how I really feel. I was reluctant to say it with feeling because perhaps other locals would be as unwilling as I had been (to admit these things) and consequently come out swinging. (and not listening to me, and not helping) In the end, I was so depressed and miserable it all came tumbling out anyway. There ARE great things about southern LA, yes. Your thoughtful list made me think of a few things:
1) Wouldn't happen to know what the real estate taxes are for TENNESSEE, wouldja?? (ha ha ha, wink! But seriously. What are they?)
2) I agree about the snow, I don't want that much either!! But I sure would love a dusting at Christmas time, SIGH!!! (and no Christmas shopping in my shorts, either!!)
3) Amen brother to THE FOOD. It is amazing and, unlike everyone I know, I don't even like seafood! (because if you like seafood, you will DIE for the food here) I know it's not a seafood place, but I love Ruth's Chris, YUM. And yes, yes, yes, our Ponchatoula strawberries are DEE-licious. (thank you for reminding me)
I have to tell you, though. I AM SO BEYOND TIRED OF RUNNING FROM HURRICANES.
Hi again Caa: No-no-no, please don't misunderstand! When I say you "cracked me up" it wasn't that I was upset at all, it was that you made me laugh my butt off!~ (ha ha, and I need those laughs) But I see what you mean about MY misunderstanding and thinking you meant all the rude people came HERE. (I still think they DID, LOL)
You're absolutely right, I know you are, about not letting nasty people turn me into someone I'm not. You'd never know by looking at me that I almost clocked this woman in Wal-Green's yesterday, because I'm truly a very nice person, honest!!! (sadly, I was mentally cycling through my usual debate: How bad do I wanna pop her in the nose VERSUS how much do I care about going to jail and getting my name in the paper?? My daughter-child was with me. I sucked it up)
I agree, too, that adventure is great! Gosh, I used to get in the car and GO, baby!!! (once, we went out for a drive and ended up in TN - I'm sure the irony is not lost on you there! Another time it was WV, another time San Antonio) It's just that I've noticed a strange, shocking, and totally (for my inborn placid, harmonious personality) unexpected thing happening the last couple of years:
The older I get, the less s*** I'm willing to take off people.
This has to do with the public outbursts/reactions I find I'm frequently having AND it also has to do with being able - or even willing - to cope with intolerable situations, situations that I EASILLY (eagerly) would have remained in when I was in my teens, twenties, or even thirties. (am 39 now, but will be 40 in two weeks)
So. It seems that the "s***" part may also translate into a living situation you will/can no longer entertain. (as you may have stayed in when younger, more idealistic, and with more stamina than I have now!) However, I WILL hang onto all the great things everyone has said and will say, and I AM grateful for all encouragement and help. 5 years is a long time to be miserable, so I have to find a way to be happy until then.
Well we came to Tennessee from Louisiana. Not a bad drive. We drive it often and go home to visit. We're right outside of Memphis. There is everything and every option here. We have a military base in Millington Tn. Let me know if you have any more questions.
TEXAS! We moved to the NORTH austin/Round rock area and it was the BEST moved we have ever made! The education system is second to NONE, and by far the best area we found as far a job market!
Thanks for your responses to this board - they are big help to me. I feel better after reading them. They give me solace and also, at times, they also make me laugh! (a rare thing lately, so much appreciated)
Rosinante, you are so right. And thanks for the gentle tone of your post. I was initially reluctant to reveal the true depth of my feelings because.... well, it's not easy to admit these things to yourself, that maybe your "dream" place is not going to cut it, and that maybe your "dream" home will have to be sold as a result. (a place you've thought about and planned for years, a place you have put your heart and soul into) It has taken me two years to admit to myself how I really feel. I was reluctant to say it with feeling because perhaps other locals would be as unwilling as I had been (to admit these things) and consequently come out swinging. (and not listening to me, and not helping) In the end, I was so depressed and miserable it all came tumbling out anyway. There ARE great things about southern LA, yes. Your thoughtful list made me think of a few things:
1) Wouldn't happen to know what the real estate taxes are for TENNESSEE, wouldja?? (ha ha ha, wink! But seriously. What are they?)
2) I agree about the snow, I don't want that much either!! But I sure would love a dusting at Christmas time, SIGH!!! (and no Christmas shopping in my shorts, either!!)
3) Amen brother to THE FOOD. It is amazing and, unlike everyone I know, I don't even like seafood! (because if you like seafood, you will DIE for the food here) I know it's not a seafood place, but I love Ruth's Chris, YUM. And yes, yes, yes, our Ponchatoula strawberries are DEE-licious. (thank you for reminding me)
I have to tell you, though. I AM SO BEYOND TIRED OF RUNNING FROM HURRICANES.
Hi again Caa: No-no-no, please don't misunderstand! When I say you "cracked me up" it wasn't that I was upset at all, it was that you made me laugh my butt off!~ (ha ha, and I need those laughs) But I see what you mean about MY misunderstanding and thinking you meant all the rude people came HERE. (I still think they DID, LOL)
You're absolutely right, I know you are, about not letting nasty people turn me into someone I'm not. You'd never know by looking at me that I almost clocked this woman in Wal-Green's yesterday, because I'm truly a very nice person, honest!!! (sadly, I was mentally cycling through my usual debate: How bad do I wanna pop her in the nose VERSUS how much do I care about going to jail and getting my name in the paper?? My daughter-child was with me. I sucked it up)
I agree, too, that adventure is great! Gosh, I used to get in the car and GO, baby!!! (once, we went out for a drive and ended up in TN - I'm sure the irony is not lost on you there! Another time it was WV, another time San Antonio) It's just that I've noticed a strange, shocking, and totally (for my inborn placid, harmonious personality) unexpected thing happening the last couple of years:
The older I get, the less s*** I'm willing to take off people.
This has to do with the public outbursts/reactions I find I'm frequently having AND it also has to do with being able - or even willing - to cope with intolerable situations, situations that I EASILLY (eagerly) would have remained in when I was in my teens, twenties, or even thirties. (am 39 now, but will be 40 in two weeks)
So. It seems that the "s***" part may also translate into a living situation you will/can no longer entertain. (as you may have stayed in when younger, more idealistic, and with more stamina than I have now!) However, I WILL hang onto all the great things everyone has said and will say, and I AM grateful for all encouragement and help. 5 years is a long time to be miserable, so I have to find a way to be happy until then.
:-)
Jamison
Hi Jamison! Good to hear from you again. I will say that this area does see some cooler temperatures in the winter(althugh I was used to South Florida winters and they rarely get to 65 in the winter). I enjoy the change of seasons we have here(I know most think there is none, but it is all relative to where you are from). Anyway, I dont take crap from people anymore either and I will be 42 in a week. I hope you feel happier-remember you are only here for a short time, please make the best of it-you never know what the future will bring-good or bad. Best to you!
Have been very frustrated, as my internet has been out for a week - I love to read this board, so that has been intolerable!!
DaniDodd: Yes, exactly!! I feel there are so many pluses to moving to TN, far too many to list here. I will say that for YEARS I have been impressed by the kindness and courtesy of TN residents. Every time we visit, we always return home with numerous stories of how well we were treated. After living down here in the "trenches", you don't know how wonderful it feels to be treated like a HUMAN again. Don't have too much exposure to western TN, our trips have been mostly through the eastern area.
CajunCutie: We really do like Houston a lot. Although it's a 5 - 6 hour drive from here, it has been great to even have an option post Katrina.
Hutto2007: Have heard wonderful, fantastic things about Austin!
Hi again Caa: You're so right, it really IS relative!! And our birthdays are only a few days apart, HAPPY BIRTHDAY to us!!
:-)
Jamison
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