I'm thinking of moving to North Carolina - Should I?

mamajack wrote;" i am not going to comment ever again "

mamajack, why not? Is there a problem? I looked back, and don't see anything?

wow, mama! anytime! welcome home

not sure if anyone's heard the story of how mamajack single-handedly rescued an entire schoolbus full of kindergarteners from the flooding Mississippi...what a gal!

my mama? And she isn't going to post? lollololol That, folks, cannot possibly happen. I'm recruiting her smoking-chimney self to come here to give me a hand with the trip.

missing, thank you for the hints about the restaurant and where to gas up. Fuel dropped to $3.10 today here in Hoopa, from $3.39, but it remains at $3.39 14 miles down the road to the next town and station.

I want to be out. I'm ok with driving up to 20 minutes to work and wish to work in a rural school. Susan51, I'll dmail you soon.

Did I mention that I could bring plants? lol
I have a cape fuschia or two that are too big to ship and I bet, if I had time, I could bareroot them and pack them along. :-) Take advantage of the "free shipping."

maybe she'll fill in the details, I don't want to steal her thunder. an amazing person, though

4paws, and Missingrosie...I gassed up today around Mebane, gas was down to 2.78/gal! Would be the perfect stop off to gas up, 4paws! It is ALWAYS cheaper there. (Look for a sign called "Sheets" fuel.)

Welcome to NC, 4paws, have fun looking around!

Shoe

Thank you, Shoe!
:-)
(wow, $2.78!)

Efland, Mebane, Morganton..cheap gas spots

Happy Birthday again Shoe! hope you're having the day you deserve

My son works for Sheet in Danville, So if you go befor 2pm and there is this really nice looking young man.. yup thats our Mike.. Some of them there call him Mikey
Paws just be careful... be safe... I feel like crap and I am off to bed...
Susan

4paws, Dmail me before you leave, I'll have your gas itinerary laid out for you in this area!

tropicanna, I'm finally relaxing and enjoying my BDay on DG. Thanks for your greetings!

Shoe

Hi! I know Hoopa! Went to Humboldt State and lived in Garberville for some time in the 70's. I still have family there. I have lived in the Rockies (West Yellowstone) and in Alaska for the past 25 years. My boys grew up in Alaska and both ended up relocating to Georgia, so I followed them out here to the Asheville area to be close. The cold here in the winter is not so penetrating as the cold on the wet West Coast. The snow is minimal so far. The humid heat is taking some adjusting and I am still learning how to garden here. Compared to where I have lived for the past 25 years, this is paradise. And, the sunshine is wonderful!!!
But, I must tell you about the people. They are the kindest most generous and gentle people I have ever been around. I am amazed every day.
The mountains are not spectacular, compared to the West side of the US, but they are beautiful. I find them comparable with the coastal mountains of N. California. Lots of hardwoods (yea!) and wonderful flowers. The forests are more open. It is a beautiful place of 4 seasons, but nothing too drastic. Someone mentioned August, and I found it hot and humid last year, but it truely was only for a short time (3 weeks?).
It is more populated than where you are now (although I haven't been to Hoopa for many years), but I can always find a deserted trail or forest service road to go for a quiet walk. Plus, the Parkway and the Smokeys as just a short drive away.
I love it here. I do miss the big mountains, but there are so many pluses, and of course, my kids are close by.
Hope that helps!

catmad, i only worded it that way for paws. she's never met me but she does know me. lol

paws..i did try to just watch. failed.
i think we oughta get the whole gang over here. group hug sorta thing.
now can ya'll see miss perfect pretty paws (how's that for alliteration? lol) and me? she told me i could bring my dog along until i told her that my dog was a hunter and a predator of small animals... like HER dogs. so we both decided that my dog should stay home.

kara, you are absolutely, totally without a doubt the funniest dang human i have ever had the pleasure of knowing. and it wasn't a schoolbus full. it's clear that the legend grows.

North Carolina is by far the most beautiful state I have ever visited. The people are friendly. Stick to small -med towns Laura if you can. I have found all larger cities even southern ones lose some of the graciousness. Since teaching doesn't pay that well for a one income household ,maybe you could continue your education and teach on a University level. The town I live in pays nice salaries at the college level and terrific hours too. Cindy

River, thank you for the suggestion - I will continue my education, but to enhance the job I finally have. Adults kinda freak me out (uhmmm...I don't always work and play well with others, but I try and have good intentions)

Mama, I'm glad you failed at just watching. If that sweet alliteration was to describe this paws-person, it's way off. I am the most perpetually uncoordinated, too excited, discombobulated person ever, and in many ways, I guess I can be scary to some people (tall, serious, no bs, more or less ugly, not pretty), but I think I'm actually timid and shy (I just do what I have to, even if I don't want to - usually-I can fake almost anything for a little while). I joke now that I'm finally aging into my "studdababba" (old lady, phonetically written) look, which I've been sporting since I was little. I remember being teased and called "grandma" even in elementary school, and in HS my nickname was "Marmal," short for "Mama Laura." (Does that give you another insight, Little Sister?)

Shoe, I didn't know it was your birthday, but I'm happy you are having a good one. Birthdays are important to recognize - it's special to the special person. I appreciate your offer and will dmail you from Hillsborough, once I get a lay of the land. The car will come with a full tank. Usually the hardest gas to find is that on the way to return the car at the airport. Some airports have them quite convenient, some not at all.

CuriousNancy, this is good to know - about the people and your experiences that compare the area. I got my BA from HSU in 1991 (a 17 year nationwide adventure that left me knowing how much I didn't know!), and a teaching credential from Mesa State in Grand Junction, CO in 1999. Children are good reasons to move, but for me, there is no family interested in my proximity to them. I have dear friends in NY who would like me closer, since this place is near impossible to get to in any reasonable time. My flight from Arcata leaves at 5:45 am and after two stops, arrives in Greensboro at 7 pm. Before that, I have to get to Arcata, so it's likely going to be the Motel 6 for the night, since who knows what the roads over the mountains and along the river will be like at that early hour. Rock/mud slides are always a concern in the winter and snow over the passes, combined with dense fog....which could also delay the first flight, as the airport is the foggiest in the country and was a training sight for WWII pilots for that reason.

I will definately be staying away from cities, Riverland (nice to see you here, by the way). I like sky and free dirt as opposed to concrete. Cities are fun to visit, but only that. Since I am in the habit of staying well stocked, I can easily keep out of the grocery stores for a month at a time, though Trader Joe's is a huge temptation. The last time I lived close enough (100 miles) to go regularly, I had to discipline myself and not go. I was spending too much money.

Susan, feel better! What's Sheets? I'll be up that way on Sunday, February 3, I think.

River you say: >>> I have found all larger cities even southern ones lose some of the graciousness<<<

As a New Yorker, I am going to exercise a little privilege and take comfort in hoping that you all won't think I am being critical in any way --...but part of the reason the bigger towns (like Cary located close to Raleigh) have perhaps lost some of that unique southern graciousness is because the towns are full of northerners! Small southern towns are growing into big cities and home grown southerners in those cities are fast becoming a minority. All I hear when I go to get bagels (real bagels...soaked bagel...made properly northerners bringing their bagel making secrets ;0) ) are northern accents ---everyone sounds like me!!! It takes a few years of living here ...and slowing down..... and chilling out....and laying back...and rose smelling time to absorb and reflect and give back that much admired southern gracious style!

paws:
in Greensboro... there is a small coffee shop. HOMEMADE cake/cookies and famous for the cheesecake. A huge wall aquarium that is wonderful to look at. I think the cheesecake is even frozen on a stick. Anyway, the icecream there is GREAT. And, they give too way too much so you and your pal can order one and split. Cheesecakes by Alex is the name of the shop and it is on Elm Street. By the way - in your spare time - if you find you have it.. there are lots of nice walking streets in Greensboro with little shops.



This message was edited Jan 26, 2008 12:21 PM

River you say: >>> I have found all larger cities even southern ones lose some of the graciousness<<<

As a New Yorker, I am going to exercise a little privilege and take comfort in hoping that you all won't think I am being critical in any way --...but part of the reason the bigger towns (like Cary located close to Raleigh) have perhaps lost some of that unique southern graciousness is because the towns are full of northerners! Small southern towns are growing into big cities and home grown southerners in those cities are fast becoming a minority. All I hear when I go to get bagels (real bagels...soaked bagel...made properly northerners bringing their bagel making secrets ;0) ) are northern accents ---everyone sounds like me!!! It takes a few years of living here ...and slowing down..... and chilling out....and laying back...and rose smelling time to absorb and reflect and give back that much admired southern gracious style!

paws:
in Greensboro... there is a small coffee shop. HOMEMADE cake/cookies and famous for the cheesecake. A huge wall aquarium that is wonderful to look at. I think the cheesecake is even frozen on a stick. Anyway, the icecream there is GREAT. And, they give too way too much so you and your pal can order one and split. Cheesecakes by Alex is the name of the shop and it is on Elm Street. By the way - in your spare time - if you find you have it.. there are lots of nice walking streets in Greensboro with little shops.

This message was edited Jan 26, 2008 12:23 PM

River you say: >>> I have found all larger cities even southern ones lose some of the graciousness

River you say: >>> I have found all larger cities even southern ones lose some of the graciousness<<<

As a New Yorker, I am going to exercise a little privilege and take comfort in hoping that you all won't think I am being critical in any way --...but part of the reason the bigger towns (like Cary located close to Raleigh) have perhaps lost some of that unique southern graciousness is because the towns are full of northerners! Small southern towns are growing into big cities and home grown southerners in those cities are fast becoming a minority. All I hear when I go to get bagels (real bagels...soaked bagel...made properly northerners bringing their bagel making secrets ;0) ) are northern accents ---everyone sounds like me!!! It takes a few years of living here ...and slowing down..... and chilling out....and laying back...and rose smelling time to absorb and reflect and give back that much admired southern gracious style!

paws:
in Greensboro... there is a small coffee shop. HOMEMADE cake/cookies and famous for the cheesecake. A huge wall aquarium that is wonderful to look at. I think the cheesecake is even frozen on a stick. Anyway, the icecream there is GREAT. And, they give too way too much so you and your pal can order one and split. Cheesecakes by Alex is the name of the shop and it is on Elm Street. By the way - in your spare time - if you find you have it.. there are lots of nice walking streets in Greensboro with little shops.

I have had a time with this post. I could only get the first line posted. I have edited it at least 6 times with nothing sticking. I hope this one goes.

PS Paws: Here's hoping you get to spend more years 'fitting' into your looks than you have in not fitting! It's so much better than having to wonder each time you look in the mirrow "now where the heck have I gotten to and who the heck is this old person staring at me!!?"

This message was edited Jan 26, 2008 12:47 PM

lol
what was that?

River you say: >>> I have found all larger cities even southern ones lose some of the graciousness

rosie, i am intrigued now.
rosie, i am intrigued now.
rosie, i am intrigued now.
rosie, i am intrigued now.

lol.

and paws you made me laugh. i would do one of those little smiley things but it's easier for me to just say you made me laugh. lol. and laura, i saw a picture of you. you are definitely not ugly. i can't comment on the size of your butt though.

and look it's cindy here. i didn't invite her paws. she just found this thread on her own as well. now how 'bout that?

I am glad you are intrigued mama... I feel like I have stepped into GroundHog Day!! ..... and can't get out. I can't get the post to post - can't get past that first line.

I fully expect this post to me a repeat of the last 5! lol

lol
:-) Yep, how about that, because it's in Carolina, but River's been a behind the scenes friend for a long while now, too, even if she is mostly quiet. I am so lucky to have an incredible support system going on here for the past 14 months - it's how I can even be at the point of going to NC next week.

:-)
(see mama, I DO get a lot of help!)

missing dmailed to say her posts are not letting her past that one line - I'm thinking it's the arrows.

wow it worked this time!!!

wow...
was it the arrows? >>>>>>was it the arrows?
or what?
copying your first line here
River you say: >>> I have found all larger cities even southern ones lose some of the graciousness and along those lines I completely agree, though some cities are more gracious than others.


I am testing

strange, missing.

well rosie i am disappointed. i was beginning to like that phrase. and i still am just dying to know what you have to say about cindy's comment. lol.

Ah foiled by the arrows.....

I will try to that post now so that you all can learn about the wonderful ice cream and cheesecake in Greensboro and so that River won't think I have lost my mind! Paws - this will be a repeat for you.

River you say: I have found all larger cities even southern ones lose some of the graciousness

As a New Yorker, I am going to exercise a little privilege and take comfort in hoping that you all won't think I am being critical in any way --...but part of the reason the bigger towns (like Cary located close to Raleigh) have perhaps lost some of that unique southern graciousness is because the towns are full of northerners! Small southern towns are growing into big cities and home grown southerners in those cities are fast becoming a minority. All I hear when I go to get bagels (real bagels...soaked bagels...bagels made properly by northerners bringing their bagel-making secrets ;0) ) are northern accents ---everyone sounds like me!!! It takes a few years of living here ...and slowing down..... and chilling out....and laying back...and smelling the roses kind of time to absorb and reflect and give back that much admired southern gracious style!

Paws:
in Greensboro... there is a small coffee shop. HOMEMADE cake/cookies and famous for the cheesecake. A huge wall-size aquarium that is wonderful to look at. I think the cheesecake is even frozen on a stick. Anyway, the ice cream there is GREAT. And, they give too way too much so you and your pal can order one and split. Cheesecakes by Alex is the name of the shop and it is on Elm Street. By the way - in your spare time - if you find you have it.. there are lots of nice walking streets in Greensboro with little shops.

PS Paws: Here's hoping you get to spend more years 'fitting' into your looks than you have spent in not fitting! It's so much better than having to wonder each time you look in the mirror "now where the heck have I gotten to and who the heck is this old person frowning at me!!?"

mama..hope this helps you understand
mama..hope this helps you understand
mama..hope... (snort!)



This message was edited Jan 26, 2008 1:47 PM

California = Earthquakes, no problem. Massive fires, mudslides, no problem. Illegal immigration, high crime, race riots, no problem. Insane housing costs, no problem. Water shortage, no problem. Ahhh! - Run! It's a cigarette, someone lit a CIGARETTE!

lol

rosie, we have noticed that too. lol.

now paws and rosie that's just me with my tongue in my cheek again. seriously, though, i have to admit that i am saddened a little to see regional differences disappearing down here. but that's another thread.

mama, that sounds like a great thread for you to start...lol

cheers, Ozark, Riverland, welcome to Carolina

Ozark, I am from New York State by birth and the first 21 years of my life and feel the sharp edge of the sarcasm in your comment. I hated the rank smell of smoke, fresh and stale, then, and hate it now, and even hated it during the five year period when I was a smoker. Dig this - I even light one up occasionally now, but NEVER would I assume someone else sharing my space wants to have the same environment as me. There are certain brands that give me an instant, I mean instant headache, Marboro light being one (many lights and menthol, perhaps extra chemicals in them?). Why should I have to hurt because of someone else's short term pleasure or addiction when I'm in a public place that I cannot avoid being in? I'm not expected to put up with a drunk person invading my space. Rudeness is rudeness no matter the form. Earthquakes, slides, mud are all part of nature and one cannot control nature, or sometimes living where they happen - any nature, from drought to hurricanes and tornados. Cigs are human created (like the cars and unnatural things that help kill us and everything else, too.)

Oh yeah, in NY I was one of those who rallied against dirty cars, for recycling bottles and cans, fought for clean air (yep, non-smoking areas), cleaning up the rivers and all. I am no different here, except I'm on an Indian reservation and am not a citizen that can rattle the reps like I can in the (rest of the) USA.That doesn' t mean I keep my mouth shut when someone is burning trash, or dive in hair first into dog rescue and not being exactly Ms. Congeniality to irresponsible people. All one planet. Period. All one people. I can proudly say there is a park in Albany, NY that is for pedestrians only now, thanks to my diligence in starting the work to get it that way (originally a carriage road park)...so it doesn't matter where I go-guess what? IT's all part of MY PLANET EARTH! (arm waving and all...lol). Earth Native. Need a bumper sticker.

I've also lived in Colorado, Arizona, Wisconsin and a few months in VA, SC, and MD. It really doesn't matter; we're all in this together no matter what we call our states or towns or our neighbors. Not recognizing that and drawing lines in the sand, etc. is not helpful for anyone.

There are good, kind, helpful people everywhere. I have stories about them, even in NYC where no one is supposed to look twice at you. The most helpful place I've ever been was Janesville, WI. (ALso where the worst tailgaters were, followed by NJ...lol)

Missing, I'll look for that coffeeshop if I spend any time in Greensboro. I don't plan to hang around any city much. I want to see the outlying areas, find the rural schools and where I might live. I'm likely to just drop in at schools I see and introduce myself and ask to observe a little in the elementary classes. If I'm welcomed, that will tell me a lot.

:-)

How long is your trip?
I do admire you for teaching youngsters in this day of disrespect. I believe I would rather endure intimidating or disagreeable adults than smart mouthed kids. I am so amazed when I am around children that talk back to there parents and the parent does nothing to correct them. I know there are a lot of good children out there but it seems the ill mannered ones garner my attention. I just want to say something when a parent tells a child to do something and the child replies" No, I don't want to."
These parents think they are allowing the children to express themselves but what they are doing is raising little people that no one likes. Sorry wrong soapbox for this thread. We need more teachers like you that still do it for the love of education. What do we expect though when you consider the salaries we expect them to live on. The salaries are a never ending battle in the South. It is always every politicians campaign stomp but after they get elected they find a tremendous battle to get small raises for the teachers. Just wanted you to know this upfront. Private schools usually pay even less but the teacher does have more control.

I'm appauled at that, too, River, but that's how adults are with each other, too. I'm guilty of it.

It's an ok soapbox - it's "my" thread...lol
If I find the right place, I can live on the salary. I can't do it here, that's for sure or in many places at this stage in my life.

Not being employed in education (although I do teach adult classes at least once/week) I may not be 100% on this one, but it seems that teacher salaries and all around benefits and attention those things are improving here in NC. We sure do need good teachers and I have found that the few teachers I know personally or interract with on a professional level seem to believe that they are very much respected by their students and valued by the administrators. I don't hear much complaining, etc. This is contrary to what I read however - both here and nationally.

Regarding the cigarettes: for every 4 smoked in a nonsmoker's presence = one actually 'smoked' cigarette for the nonsmoker. I do not believe that most smokers are aware of this. The smokers that I tell this to, respond to that in a positive way with regard to being more accepting about restrictions on where they can smoke. Also, sometimes I think that the habit IS like an earthquake with the 'nature' of the chemicals hitting the brain quicker than injected heroine and being more addicting. Anyway, that is not what this thread is about it is about getting Laura HERE where we need for her to be because we could sure use education-dedicated adults in front of our kids. Wherever your tush lands Laura will be the better for it. I will be thinking of you in NC when I am freezing my own tush in Pa. and NY!

I hope you have heated seats in your car, missingrosie, for your tush's happiness on your trip.

I didn't know that information about smoke; a bit more dramatic; and I experience that rush to the brain when I occasionally smoke, but when I do, it's fresh rolled or non-filter Camel (hey, if you're gonna do, do...lol)

River, I'm only going to be there for a week. It'll be fast.

now paws i understand everything you are saying about the smoking. about this planet belonging to all of us. i believe nonsmokers are in the right to segregate us smokers. but lots of nonsmokers are rude in the way that they talk to smokers or about smokers too. i don't know one person that smokes who is happy that they smoke. i have been in outside smoking sections and have nonsmokers walk through and make some comment. now what's up with that? i even have a friend that is always taking my kids to new and exciting places. he sits around complaining about smokers ....TO ME!! i just smile about that. now you go easy on me, ya hear. lol.

cindy, have i told you lately what a nice person you are? a true belle. i was such a disappointment to the ladies in my family. lol.

Aw I am blushing a real hussy underneath though.

lololol
It's just the way to be these days, rude!
I don't grumble if I'm in a smoking section. I do when someone lights up right outside the door of a non-smoking place. That is rude. I hold my breath. lol

(river, that's a picture...blushing a hussy...hmmm)

Mama
I never thought of it in quite that way, but you are right --I don't know any smokers that are happy about it either.

Paws - Unfortunately, my tush won't be heated .... but it sure as hell will be padded to the max!