Does anyone hate where they live more than I do? Take the challenge...

[JoeyBryant]

Thanks everyone for the replies. I had to get a GOOD buzz on before reading this...I woke this morning and couldn't believe I even wrote it. but I guess many of us have some reservations about where we live. It's important to note we are all Americans living in America. And in my many travels, I have found that state to state differences are relatively small. In fact, if you look at maps from the 1800s era, you'll see eastern Colorado was an annexation of Texas...which explains why the mindset of the people are so alike. Whites on top, Mexicans in the middle, Blacks as 2nd class, marginalized citizens. Like we're there, but sort of invisible. These days, people put so much emphasis on state borders and cites, but you really have to go from 1 region to the next, 1 coast to the other, to notice changes. That can mean going 900-1,500 miles.

 

I found Phoenix quite manageable compared to ATL

 

At this point, PHX would be the easiest more convenient choice for me to go. I already know someone there, I've been twice and it's not as far as moving back to Florida or going to New England. Meaning, I can put things away in storage and come back for it, rather than sell everything and never come back. But I have my doubts about it too. On my last visit, I wasn't too thrilled about some of the things I came across while there. It has characteristics of a deep south state...in the west. And it's unfortunent because it's hands down the most beautiful state I've been too. If it had an ocean, it'd be called New California. But, as desperate as I am to get out of Colorado, I might be able to look past some of it.

 

California California California California California the State of California. Unfortunately I don’t see much of a future for California.

 

I liked California as it reminded me of that fast past lifestyle of South Florida. However, I agree...California seems to have many issues of it's own, I'm not sure if it'd be a good idea to jump into right away.

 

If I were you, I wouldn't move from Denver until I came to find some things to enjoy about Denver first.

I've never been to Denver, and I don't know the particulars of your hatred (again, a strong word). But you're the first person I've heard who has come down that hard on the place. The displaced Denverites and Coloradans I know talk about the area like it's heaven.

 

The thing is, I'm not a Denverite or Coloradan. I'm from Florida. I've traveled every state in the West. People from Colorado who grew up and lived here rarely ever lived in other states. Again, it's not a very transient place. The people who are from other places are middle aged 40s+ men who have moved here for....you guess it...good skiing/outdoors. I have friends that have never gone past Kansas and Nebraska. They want to move, but can't get it together to leave.

 

I have found things I liked about it, but they are easily out-weighed. I tried being positive, it didn't help because all this time I had no idea there were 30+things that were causing me to not like it. I just sat down and 30 things I don't like about it effortlessly came out.

 

One can say whatever they want about me, but if you look at that list...how many of those things could be a result of me, or were they already like that before I came here? It's a reason why this state is square....They don't think outside the box.

[bigvalboy]

Thanks everyone for the replies. I had to get a GOOD buzz on before reading this...but I guess many of us have some reservations about where we live. It's important to note we are all Americans living in America. And in my many travels, I have found that state to state differences are relatively small. In fact, if you look at maps from the 1800s era, you'll see eastern Colorado was an annexation of Texas...which explains why the mindset of the people are so alike. Whites on top, Mexicans in the middle, Blacks as 2nd class, marginalized citizens. Florida's pahandle extended well into Louisiana. These days, people put so much emphasis on state borders and cites, but you really have to go from 1 region to the next, 1 coast to the other, to notice changes. That can mean going 900-1,500 miles.

 

 

 

At this point, PHX would be the easiest more convenient choice for me to go. I already know someone there, I've been twice and it's not as far as moving back to Florida or going to New England. Meaning, I can put things away in storage and come back for it, rather than sell everything and never come back. But I have my doubts about it too. On my last visit, I wasn't too thrilled about some of the things I came across while there. It has characteristics of a southern state...in the west. And it's unfortunent because it's hands down the most beautiful state I've been too. If it had an ocean, it'd be called New California. But, as desperate as I am to get out of Colorado, I might be able to look past some of it.

 

 

 

I liked California as it reminded me of that fast past lifestyle of South Florida. However, I agree...California seems to have too much of it's own issues for me, so I can't see myself moving there. I'm not going to rip into it right now as this is about Denver, but I wouldn't move there unless I had a job lined up AFTER I got my BA. And their gas prices are WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY too high. I have to drive with premium fuel. $4 a gallon is too much, but I guess if I lived in SF proper where everything is a mile of less away it'd be cheaper than living in Denver where everything is 500 miles away.

 

I also have to mention that Colorado has alot of transplants from California as well. I decline to comment on that at this time. I'll just say I had better experiences with New York transplants in Florida.

 

 

Not sure why I find a need to defend Cali when I don't even live there, but I have great friends and family who are still in Cali, and many of your comments and insinuations about the state and the wonderful people who live there are just simply incorrect...

[operalover21]

I absolutely LOVE where I live. Both places. Wouldn't want to live anywhere else, well, okay, a villa in Tuscany would be nice but I suspect that would bore me after a while.

[wayout]

I've lived all over the world and in each place I found something that I loved about it that made the less than stellar aspects tolerable. No place is perfect by any means, in my opinion, but for me I tend to create my own reality so that I am comfortable and happy wherever I am. Of all the places I have lived, and some have been truly amazing, I am living my retirement years (8 months of the year) in the same city I was born and raised in.

[bigvalboy]

I've lived all over the world and in each place I found something that I loved about it that made the less than stellar aspects tolerable. No place is perfect by any means, in my opinion, but for me I tend to create my own reality so that I am comfortable and happy wherever I am. Of all the places I have lived, and some have been truly amazing, I am living my retirement years (8 months of the year) in the same city I was born and raised in.

 

Good points....and exactly true.

[+ Chris Eisenhower]

I've lived all over the world and in each place I found something that I loved about it that made the less than stellar aspects tolerable. No place is perfect by any means, in my opinion, but for me I tend to create my own reality so that I am comfortable and happy wherever I am. Of all the places I have lived, and some have been truly amazing, I am living my retirement years (8 months of the year) in the same city I was born and raised in.

 

Places are never perfect, but they are usually awesome. And that includes NYC, London, DC, and God-knows... Paris, with that evil French bitch who belittled me at a McDonald's over a bottle of water. But taking communion at Notre Dame and watching the stupid tourist get bounced out of the building for trying to video it while the procession was coming down the aisle?

 

Awesome.

[Diverdan]

I have lived in five different states/and ten different cities. Each had their good points and bad points. I have also traveled extensively throughout the world, and again some places were fantastic, and others were not so good. However, I have enjoyed every place I lived and every place I visited, largely because I was open to experiencing new things and making the best of each situation. If you are not happy one place, just move if you can. If you can't move then find ways to make the best of it, otherwise you will become severly depressed and continually unhappy. Some of the happiest people I have met in my travels have been in some of the poorest, most desolate places on earth. I doubt that anyone on this Forum has had to live like that. So, instead of complaining about your lot, your location, your job, your friends, etc. do something about it. I am not being critical about anyone or any post here, just an observation from someone with a few gray hairs and someone who has gotten excellent advise about life from some great individuals along this journey.

[+ azdr0710]

don't forget that when you move you have to take yourself with you

[Frequentflier]

I absolutely LOVE where I live. Both places. Wouldn't want to live anywhere else, well, okay, a villa in Tuscany would be nice but I suspect that would bore me after a while.

 

What are the two cities you live in? As for the villa in Tuscany, sounds like a great idea, what are you waiting for? Go get your villa unless you're planning to get it in your next life? In my opinion, regret is too painful and so one wouldn't want to look back on their death bed and say "I wish I'd done that". By the way - confession time - I'm better at giving that advice than following it.

 

You never see an armored car following a hearse. Spend/borrow and enjoy! This next one's "probably" just a joke "he who dies with the most debt and bounces his last check wins".

[Frequentflier]

Paris, with that evil French bitch who belittled me at a McDonald's over a bottle of water.

 

I REALLY like Paris. When I have "enough" money (not sure the definition of that) I'm going to visit there more often (not alone of course).

 

As for the "French bitch" I suspect she didn't like the fact you were hotter than she is.

[Frequentflier]

John Galt is one of the characters in the novel "Atlas Shrugged" from Ayn Rand (1957). A often-repeated question in the novel is "Who is John Galt?". This question makes him the center of the quest to unveil the answer. He turns out to be a philosopher, creator, and inventor who signifies the glory and power of the human mind.

 

LOL, I know you were all dying to know this, so I thought I'd prevent everybody from being sleepless all night long.

 

Anton.

 

Hello Anton! I was kidding. I have read Atlas Shrugged twice and is a great book I enjoyed both times. In the US, it was reported that failed (thank God) Vice President candidate Paul Ryan is a devout follower of Ayn Rand philosophies (hence my reference to John Galt being his uncle). Don't know if you're still wading through snow in DC but hope you have a great weekend.

[Frequentflier]

Of course, you're being facetious. If not, please do a google check!

 

{I just watched a rerun of one of his special shows on PBS which he performed in Japan some

years back. I liked his music but never purchased any of his cds. When I heard him sing the

other evening, I became slightly saddened in my knowing how he died!!

 

John Denver is the fictional (wink) character in the movie Dumb and Dumber that is said to be "full of sh*t" about the Rocky Mountains being high when the two characters are actually heading East (by error) and seeing (likely) Nebraska which is flat as heck.

[Frequentflier]

Out of 43 cities with more than 400,000 people, Denver is # 6 for bicycle commuting. That must be interesting in the winter.

[Frequentflier]

I found Phoenix quite manageable compared to ATL

 

Call me when John McCain, Jan Brewer and Joe Arpaio have been replaced by intelligent people. How can you say you love America and hate Americans?

[Frequentflier]

Love how we can get a billion dollars for a fucking new stadium for the football team ("old" one is what, 7 years old?) yet we can't hire some industrial engineers to figure out our traffic problem.

 

We could but while there are way too many good reasons to solve traffic issues with good mass transit solutions "its just too hard" (imagine extreme whining) to address the costs & benefits. And we've gotten so good at kicking problems down the road. So...we're not going to work that problem. But we can whip up a quick study that says a brand new stadium for millionaires and billionaires (players and owners) will generate more sales tax than the old, will improve the quality of life (yeah right) or will keep the teams from moving...yikes...I'll stop

[operalover21]

What are the two cities you live in? As for the villa in Tuscany, sounds like a great idea, what are you waiting for? Go get your villa unless you're planning to get it in your next life? In my opinion, regret is too painful and so one wouldn't want to look back on their death bed and say "I wish I'd done that". By the way - confession time - I'm better at giving that advice than following it.

 

You never see an armored car following a hearse. Spend/borrow and enjoy! This next one's "probably" just a joke "he who dies with the most debt and bounces his last check wins".

 

New York and Montauk.

 

I could go for a third place but it would be a stretch and I'd not get there -- especially if it's in Tuscany -- as often as I'd like. I'll do it eventually, perhaps when I finally give up Montauk.

[operalover21]

Call me when John McCain, Jan Brewer and Joe Arpaio have been replaced by intelligent people. How can you say you love America and hate Americans?

 

That's an odd group of people to put together. I ask your question of my far left wing friends all the time. They seem to hate everyone who doesn't live on the Upper West Side, Berkeley, or Cambridge.

[Aarian]

Joey remember,

 

No matter where you go, you always take your personality with you.

 

(Others have said it in their words, I just said it in mine. And please note, you can see this remark in a very positive way or in a very negative way. I hope you see it the way it was intended.)

 

Aarian

[+ Chris Eisenhower]

I REALLY like Paris. When I have "enough" money (not sure the definition of that) I'm going to visit there more often (not alone of course).

 

As for the "French bitch" I suspect she didn't like the fact you were hotter than she is.

 

She was mean to me, and I already hate ordering in another language. And as a service person I always took the time to learn ingredients in other languages so people could customize their food.

[JoeyBryant]

However, I have enjoyed every place I lived and every place I visited, largely because I was open to experiencing new things and making the best of each situation. If you are not happy one place, just move if you can. If you can't move then find ways to make the best of it, otherwise you will become severly depressed and continually unhappy. Some of the happiest people I have met in my travels have been in some of the poorest, most desolate places on earth. I doubt that anyone on this Forum has had to live like that. So, instead of complaining about your lot, your location, your job, your friends, etc. do something about it. I am not being critical about anyone or any post here, just an observation from someone with a few gray hairs and someone who has gotten excellent advise about life from some great individuals along this journey.

 

That's great, and is key. what are some of the places you've lived in?

 

I can say I have also found ways to enjoy every place I've lived in as well. I've found ways to enjoy here as well. For a good while, I was really enjoying Denver and put off on moving from here last year because I thought I had met some decent friends, had a regular social network going, business seeemed steady enough and was really beginning to explore more than I was on my own.

 

At this point the main things that are leading me to not want to stay any longer is the lack of business: it has been consistently dead here since this past summer. The distance between travel is just too large. It's not that I'm not doing good on my travels, it's the cost involved in doing it. And then you have all these suburbs and neighborhoods in the state that are just 'there'.

 

And now it's snowing today and I hope people aren't going to call me and book something and then cancel 10 minutes later because "the roads are bad". Well why even bother to begin with? And I know it's BS because I bet right now today, people are heading to and from the mountains in this weather to ski.

 

Not sure why I find a need to defend Cali when I don't even live there, but I have great friends and family who are still in Cali, and many of your comments and insinuations about the state and the wonderful people who live there are just simply incorrect...

 

Well I left the comments out in the thread...but I wouldn't necessarily say they were 'incorrect'. I have met alot of Californians here in Denver and a handful in Texas. Now granted, many of them who claimed to be from 'San Francisco' were from 'Fremont' and people from LA from 'San Bernardino'.

[Jaker27]

That's an odd group of people to put together. I ask your question of my far left wing friends all the time. They seem to hate everyone who doesn't live on the Upper West Side, Berkeley, or Cambridge.

I know. It's like a list of who's the crazier one. Btw..interesting friends ya got.

[Jaker27]

Well I left the comments out in the thread...but I wouldn't necessarily say they were 'incorrect'. I have met alot of Californians here in Denver and a handful in Texas. Now granted, many of them who claimed to be from 'San Francisco' were from 'Fremont' and people from LA from 'San Bernardino'.

Allot of people don't know where Fremont or San Bernardino is so it's probably just easier to round up to the nearest big name.

[JT Brooklyn]

Move On...

[JoeyBryant]

Joey remember,

 

No matter where you go, you always take your personality with you.

 

(Others have said it in their words, I just said it in mine. And please note, you can see this remark in a very positive way or in a very negative way. I hope you see it the way it was intended.)

 

Aarian

 

Yeah that's true...but I invite you and everybdy else, of the things I mentioned in my blog, how many could be directly related to my personality versus things that were already 'as is' before I moved here?

 

One of the things I stopped liking about the people here is that they never failed to let me know that I was 'Black' and therefore 'different'. As if it was some disadvatage of being here. I got so sick of people I knew always using phrases to make me feel as though many guys aren't into my type.

 

I may be taking a leap by saying this, but before I moved here...I really didn't pay much attention to the fact that I was Black. I would mingle with people and never think twice about whether that person would be 'into me' like that. 2 years later, I find myself so self-conscious about it, that I don't even bother anymore. Add to the fact that people here actually manifest the concept in their own actions. They never make the first move, They don't call back when they say they will, they do stuff without ever offering an invite, you bring a cute White guy friend around...they are stepping over you just to get to him.

 

If my personality is to do with anything, it's due to being a box...a square-state box.

[bigvalboy]

That's great, and is key. what are some of the places you've lived in?

 

I can say I have also found ways to enjoy every place I've lived in as well. I've found ways to enjoy here as well. For a good while, I was really enjoying Denver and put off on moving from here last year because I thought I had met some decent friends, had a regular social network going, business seeemed steady enough and was really beginning to explore more than I was on my own.

 

At this point the main things that are leading me to not want to stay any longer is the lack of business: it has been consistently dead here since this past summer. The distance between travel is just too large. It's not that I'm not doing good on my travels, it's the cost involved in doing it. And then you have all these suburbs and neighborhoods in the state that are just 'there'.

 

And now it's snowing today and I hope people aren't going to call me and book something and then cancel 10 minutes later because "the roads are bad". Well why even bother to begin with? And I know it's BS because I bet right now today, people are heading to and from the mountains in this weather to ski.

 

 

 

Well I left the comments out in the thread...but I wouldn't necessarily say they were 'incorrect'. I have met alot of Californians here in Denver and a handful in Texas. Now granted, many of them who claimed to be from 'San Francisco' were from 'Fremont' and people from LA from 'San Bernardino'.

 

 

Well there you go, my point exactly. You can't judge an entire state by an handful of people you have met. If you think that people are putting the "black thing" all up in your face in Colorado, but somehow it is better in Florida? What? Obama might have carried Florida, but make no mistake about it, it is pretty 'red' around here, well except for Broward County. This is the South. People are people where ever you go. There are good and decent people all over the world, in every city, town, and village, but there will always be people that want to try and bring you down, no matter where you go. Again I think that it is the "glass half empty" syndrome...but then again, I put those demons to bed along time ago. I wish you the best, if you think moving is going to change things, then I would just pack up and go. As my friend always says, "If you don't like the story, turn the page"