[veganwriter]

I'm through with California. I'm thinking of moving somewhere in the Midwest or South. Lot's of people keep talking about Oklahoma. My questions are:

1.) I'm going to be an over the road truck driver. What are some names of small towns / rural areas for a black man who used to be a "professional" to move to. I'd love to find a place OUTSIDE of a small town ... that is perhaps within 45 minutes drive to either a college / university or mid-to-large city. Any comments?

I know (or should I say, "I've heard") that one of the first questions a person from Tulsa (and perhaps other parts of Oklahoma??) will ask you is: "What church do you attend?" I'm cool with that. I love God. (The last two years of my life has been a spiritual wrecking ball that has re-awakened my thirst for God in ways that I never knew existed.) And at 53, I don't have a lot of "wild oats" or behavior problems left in me.

2.) So, this radical, mid-life change means that almost everything past ... is over with. Including my last relationship. The women here are ... naturally urban. If they are open to moving South/Midwest ... it's to a city ... or worst, they'll come along ... but they want to get up late ... or they are "afraid of 'bugs' ". 'Yall got any good church going, slender, NICE, country women down there who open to meeting a hard working middle-age man... and who like the idea of BUILDING something together? (LOL)

3.) Oh, and just how bad are the Tornadoes?

[StillwaterTownie]

1. Where else but the Langston area?
2. Surely lot of good country women around Langston.
3. The tornadoes are bad in some town every year in Oklahoma. They're not all that common. My town has only been directly hit by a tornado 2 times in the last century.

[happytown]

Veganwriter- I am very new to the forum. Because of this reason, I became interested in seeing past posts and cant help but to realize some unusual patterns in your previous posts. I have read that you like to refer to yourself as a country boy at heart, looking to get out of cali and is sick of living there. After a year of posting, I wonder why you havent left yet or at least found or considered some sort of place to possibly live? Im sorry Tennesee wasn't able to help. I hope that Oklahoma can help you gather info, so you can continue along with your city data travels, instead of being disappointed by the responses that seem consistent to your behavior(which you refer to as a problem that has been resolved).
You were a social worker for a long time right? I cant help myself but to ask, at your age, why you would want to be a 'road' truck driver because of your demand to have peace from all the noise? This is a valid question because people on this forum could possibly help lead you to a destination that compliments your sudden career change. Because of this, a location near interstates would be a very important part of your future agenda. I also understand an independent truck driver is obligated to spending an awful amount of time away from home. You seem entranced with the idea of spending alot of time playing with creative and calming ways to enhance your retirement at home in the country. The driving and the retirement at home doesnt seem to match very well together. I have to admit that I do take offense to the expression(Y'all) along with your radical Tulsa comment and the quip regarding them twisters. Tornadoes frequent Oklahoma along with Kansas and Texas and many other states.

If someone were to ask me- How are the hurricanes in Florida? Then I would reply with- What do you think?

Check out langston- you might be able to find them slender woman you soo desire. I'm sorry if I sounded a bit rude. I hope others can help you along with your journey. Thats my 2 cents.

[veganwriter]

Your reply is both flattering and ... more than a bit ... annoying. I think because there is a level of presumption in it?

First ... "at my age" ... has little relevance to the reality of my life. I look and feel at least 10 years younger than my age and I assure you, I'm no where near ready for retirement. (What's up with all the "retirement" comments in your message? That may be you ...but it's certainly not hard working me.)

Second, I ...like many people ... including many ex-dot.com workers (another of my past "careers" that crumbled right in front of me) become truck drivers for the joy, freedom, and the economic flexibility it offers. I've never been afraid of work ... in fact I crave it. People who want to FARM aren't typically classified with people in search of a life in a rocking chair. I've got muscle and I love to use my body.

I'll have to look at what I wrote because I'm not seeking a rocking chair in a quiet corner of the woods … I'm seeking a healthier, saner, more creative, more self-engineered life. It seems your perspective on life is pretty narrow.

Third … the past year … or more … has been one of investigation and exploration. They say for most people, if you’ve done something for 10,15, 20 years … you’re done with it and it’s time to do something different. So I went searching for what that "different" was and where it will be. Last Friday I finally got my Class A Commercial Driver’s License. And I got it at a FREE Truck Driving School. (That’s almost unheard of here in America.) "I'm working already and soon I’ll switch from California driving to driving interstate so I can look at some of these states and towns for myself.

Fourth? I’m a native California. For us … natives of my generation … it's not "Cali" … that’s what some hip-hoppers from New Jersey call it. (Ouch ... no offense to people from New Jersey ... it's just that SOME ... MIGHT ... look at the place differently than we do/did ... which is normal.) Like the saying goes, “everything changes” … and like I said …

You went on to write:

"I have to admit that I do take offense to the expression(Y'all) along with your radical Tulsa comment and the quip regarding them twisters. Tornadoes frequent Oklahoma along with Kansas and Texas and many other states..."

Hmmm… I'll have to take one at a time. I'm shocked that you "took offense" at MY language. I'm a black American. I hold several degrees and I've lived several roles as "a professional" ... but "Y'ALL" will slip from my lips from time-to-time. My mother was from Mississippi, and my father was from Louisiana. I grew up in an unique sub division that was built for Black veterans returning from WWII. ALL our parents were from the South. It’s been said that our “village” was a small southern town transplanted to California. Saying " Y'all " is as real for me as grits and eggs. Where do you get off "taking offense" at MY life?? Perhaps you need to get one for yourself. (As in … “get a life” … )

I have NO idea WHAT or WHY the phrase, “radical Tulsa” “offended” you … because I’ve never been to Tulsa. In the above statement, the use of the word "radical" was in a sentence about (again) MY LIFE. I didn't even mention Tulsa, but I’ve read a fair amount about the place … and most of what I've read has referred to Tulsa's culture as being a bit more conservative than urban California's. BUT, it was some Oklahomans have also said that while they vote conservative nationally, they vote more democratic or liberal locally. I'm attracted to Tulsa, I THINK I'd have to change some things inside myself to fit there. Doesn't mean Tulsa is bad or that I'm bad ... it's just different. The same applies to New York or Tuli, Greenland. K-Zillions of folks acutally LIKE difference. Have you ever studied any science???

May I suggest that instead of using mine OR OTHERS post to “Be Against” so that you can present your … ideas … that you take a more … self-assured … more actualized stance and just talk about YOUR views instead of reading a bit about someone else, and pissing them off because YOU’RE pissed off. You don’t like who I am … Then DISCOVER WHO YOU ARE.

I can only hope that you RETIRE from (I gotta laugh at both of us here) hey ... let me stop. Good luck “Happytown”(LOL) … and I hope Y’ALL find love and … whatever … um … turns your clock in a more positive direction … soon. (smile)

Oh yeah ... I didn't miss the sarcasm in your message when you referred to my taste in women. I hope the fact that while I like and love women of all body types as people, friends and family ... I ... like MILLIONS ... tend to be attracted to women who are either slender or physically fit.

it goes back to being fat when I was a child ... and all the sweat that went into overcoming the pain of it. Body image, like sexual attraction is very, very complex. I can only hope that I'll be able to sleep, knowing that some where in the world, a ... person called, "Happytown" is pissed at me because.... (LOL)

'Night dear.

[Yac]

Guys, talk about the topic, not each other. Use PMs.
Yac.

[Okiebound]

What's wrong with the term Ya'll ? Duncan seems to have some nice farm areas. Does'nt bother me at all . Life's to short to worry about unimportant things in life

[Jammie]

Vegan, have you considered checking into some of the Tulsa metro area towns? Jenks is a really cute town and it's so much on the outskirts of Tulsa that it's nearly like just being in a small town.

Also, when we got to Tulsa very early on a Sun. morning, we weren't able to make it to church on time so we didn't go. (We wanted to go to Boston Ave.) We were dressed very casually and went out to eat while all the people who were dressed up for church were out having brunch. We spoke to several people and no one asked us why we hadn't gone to church of even IF we go to church. I don't doubt that it happens on occassion, but I wouldn't worry about it and it doesn't appear that it's one of your big concerns anyway.

It sounds like you've spent your entire life in Ca. so I see why moving is a big adventure for you and it's good that you're planning it out carefully. Good luck to you and I hope you find the soulmate you're looking for, too.

[doubt98]

Look from Oklahoma city north to Stillwater, or Stillwater to Tulsa. Also, anywhere outside of Norman. Stillwater and Norman are both college towns. Norman is the more liberal of the two (if that is possible here). Any of these areas would give you the country you are looking for with only a small drive 30 miles or so to get to a metro area.
About half way between Tulsa and Oklahoma City is Miller trucking. Arrow Trucking is in Tulsa. Prime trucking is based in Springfield, Mo. about 3 hours from Tulsa. Hunt brothers is about 2 hours away in Arkansas. If you can't get a job driving a truck there's no hope for you.

Good luck.

[StillwaterTownie]

The truth is that Stillwater is more liberal than Norman. It's because it's elected politicians are somewhat more liberal. Also Stillwater has more activists on the liberal side than Norman. For instance, every Wednesday at the courthouse in Stillwater protesters gather who are against the Iraq war. If they do this in Norman somewhere every week, I haven't heard of it. Stillwater is home to the Drug Policy Forum of Oklahoma. Most members believe in legalizing illegal drugs, like marijuana. June 13, in a meeting open to the public, they will have a guest speaker from the left, OK Rep. Andrew Rice. Also Stillwater has an organization called Concerned Americans of Stillwater which has a leftward slant on many political issues. So if you're a liberal acitivist, you'll likely find your place better in Stillwater, not Norman.

[_redbird_]

Originally Posted by veganwriter

I'm through with California. My questions are:

1.) I'm going to be an over the road truck driver.
I know (or should I say, "I've heard") that one of the first questions a person from Tulsa (and perhaps other parts of Oklahoma??) will ask you is: "What church do you attend?"

3.) Oh, and just how bad are the Tornadoes?

I deleted portions of your text to save space.

My comments are GO FOR IT. Leave California in your rearview mirror. I was born and raised in the suburbs of Los Angeles, although my tribal roots are in OK. This is home as far as I am concerned.

My comment on race issues are, for the most part, Oklahoma is not nearly as racist as it was 40 yrs ago. There are lots of places where you will feel right at home. People who work for a living are always respected here. Race is not an issue. Of course, if you prefer to be around people of color, there are a lot of areas to choose from. I work near Boley, which is a black town. If you live on the edge of town, you can park your big rig right on your driveway. We have lots of space out here.

I have been here for almost 11 years and have never had anyone ask me what church I go to. I guess they figure I don't go to church?!!? I think that is what happens when you are in a small town and someone is trying to get a bead on you. We don't live in town and I would never dream of asking anyone that question. Mainly because I don't care where other people go to church. But I have to say, Oklahoma IS Baptist ground zero. The questions we Indians ask each other is, what tribe are you?

Tornados are far and few in between. Mainly a spring time phenomenom on the western half of the state, and the local weather channels jump all over themselves covering them, so don't worry about it. You can always run for the "scaredy hole", which is what some folks call the cellar.

Either way, you will be happier when you escape the west coast. Good luck on your endeavors.