COS transplant-My impression

[knrstz]

I think the OP's description is very fair. I've lived in Oklahoma, Kansas, Alabama and SWFLA and visited most of the states in the US. Really, life is pretty much the same wherever you live. I just figure when you look at moving to an area, try to pick a few things that are important and understand you won't have everything. If you move to Colorado Springs for beautiful scenery, outdoor activities, and a medium sized city, you'll be happy. If you want diversity, west coast liberal attitude and no chain stores, this isn't the place for you.

[froggin4colorado]

Funny PHET!

Also, does anyone remember the spill that the news did a few years ago about the "homeless begger" up on a street corner in Monument- he pulled in something like $4k a day doing it. Not so homeless and needy.
When we were there, my DH went through paramedic school and one of the requirements was to ride the ambulance for x amount time and then spend countless hours in the ER. He met probably 99% of the homeless (how to be sure 100%??). Most are living off of welfare and the VA and have set up camp along Fountain and Manitou Creek, close to the welfare and VA office, for obvious reasons. Anyhow, they actually didn't do a lot of begging and really disliked the public in general. They knew how to play the "game" and get inside when it was cold or when they needed a fix- drugs from ER (pain meds), something petty for a warm cell or detox. Most are mentally ill in some way or form.

So, when we saw one begging, we would ask where do you live? knowing the places they live and hang out. We typically got ignored or passed by. Or Jake would say, "hey Earl, how you doing? Here is a $5. Food not booze okay! God says HI and he doesn't want to see you too soon so get out of heaven's waiting room!" With a chuckle of course.

We love relationships! It changes lives...