Posted on 10/11/2011 10:13:07 AM PDT by kosciusko51
You’re fortunate! Great city. More intelligent people in one place than most other places in the world. I’m not talking pseudo-intellectual, like Harvard. People who know how to make things and do things.
I have a very good friend who lives there. I live in Washington State, and envy you.
We are replete with morons and statists here. This election cycle there is an epic battle on whether the state should continue to sell liquor out of state liquor stores, or whether it should all be privatized.
This is a real squeaker, which should tell you all you need know about this idiotic mess of a state. If they can’t do the easy things here, I can’t imagine the pain that’s going to ensue in a year or so.
Not sure if you’ve ever relocated before, my first experience was about a year ago (and about 1,400 miles).
I’ll assume you and your wife are all-in. If not, have a long conversation to make absolutely certain you are. If you’re not, don’t do it. Here’s what I’d offer:
1. If you’re being offered a relocation package see if it covers your realtor fee to sell your house, covers your moving expenses including 2 cars, temporary housing, temporary storage, and a short term rental car. Get at least 1 multi-day visit to the area (paid for by the company) to sort out where you’re going to live. Ask for these things.
2. Assume your moving company will fail to meet your timeline. Long distance moves, especially at certian times of the year, will not go as expected. Plan ahead by moving a couple weeks worth of clothese with you. If you have kids, bring toys.
3. Would not suggest buying a house immediately. Sure, it sucks to move twice. It sucks more if you buy a house only to find that it isn’t the right neighborhood for you. Once you move you’ll develop better perceptions on the right place to live. Do recommend renting a house if you’re used to a lot of space and/or don’t want to pay for storage of all your crap. Oh yeah, use a Realtor to help find a rental - they will get you in to see properties faster and may guide you on neighborhoods, etc.
4. If your wife doesn’t work (stays home with the kids) understand that it could be tough on her. She will not have the benefit of going to work each day, meeting new people, adult conversation, etc. If she’s not an outgoing person, help her get involved in things. Even a part time job is a good idea.
6. Become a part of the community - find a church, help out at school, join cub scouts, introduce yourself to neighbors, etc.
7. Set expectations with the family - moving is tough, going to a new school can mean having to make a lot of new friends, etc. It absolutely does get better and if you do it right can be one hell of an adventure.
Good luck!
Now, to some, I don't know what you think of PA, but I grew up in rural PA. We were taught how to shoot, hunt, and fish as kids. Also, many of the schools here are closed the first day of deer season, due to the number of hunters.
So, other than the Alabama to English language barrier, I don't think it will be that much culture shock.
Check your freepmail. I am in a meeting until 1:30 CST.
The wife and I are going to take an trip down there to see if it is the right move. We have moved in the past, so we know some of the ins and outs, but your advice is appreciated, since it has been awhile since our last move.
THe weather is great (well, other than the occasional tornado or ice storm), the people are nice, friendly and helpful, the city is clean and the state is CONSERVATIVE! What else is there to know. :-)
Just learn these 6 things up front:
1. Alabama or Auburn: Study up now, you will be REQUIRED to declare as soon as you step foot in the state!
2. Learn to say Sweet or Unsweet when ordering tea, and never expect it to be hot.
3. Be prepared to give your soda order when someone asks you what kind of Coke you would like.
4. Learn to say you a ‘Fixin to’ when stating you are going to do something.
5. Offer to ‘CARRY’ people with you if you are going to a store or restaurant.
6. If someone says “bless ur heart” to you, immediately try and figure out how you offended them or pissed them off.
Thanks. I think I know the answer to the first, since Joe Namath grew up in Western PA. I’m not sure what you mean by #5. I’ve heard about #6 before.
The only thing you don’t already love about Alabama, and just don’t know it, is grits. But as with any other food, the addition of enough melted butter and sorghum molasses makes ‘em nice ‘n tasty.
No translation necessary. It’s an extremely cosmopolitan place. In fact, you are going to find a substantial community of Germans there. It’s no coincidence that Werner Von Braun and his team settled here while they were working with one of the armed forces on their rocket project. Huntsville is also known as ‘The Rocket City’.
Redstone Arsenal is close by, for example. The only culture shock will be adjusting a bit to the weather, and to the difference in hunting season calendars.
One interesting cultural aspect is that one’s family is known a bit by the church they go to. There are more churches there than you can shake a stick at. Church is still a very important fiber in the fabric of society down there.
Last I was down there, they still had an Orchestra (chamber and philharmonic), theater group, and other cultural diversions you’d normally find in much bigger cities. Schools were excellent at the time as well. It’s been about five years for me.
#5 is another of those Alabama to English things. Imagine a conversation:
“Hey I’m Fixin to run to Walmart, ya’ll need anything?”
“I need some stuff, can you Carry me up there with you?”
“Sure, hop in the truck!”
Ah, thanks. That helps!
Great pulled pork, marinated slaw (vinegar-based cole slaw, as God intended), and assorted microbrews to wash it down. A little bit o'heaven.
Last year I competed in the Hog Roast benchrest shoot at Fairchance Gun Club...it's near Smithfield. That's as out in the sticks as anywhere in Alabama.
When you get into the area, freepmail me and I'll get you some contact info on ranges and other shooters in the area.
You are going to love Alabama!
Then you're going to HATE Alabama because they LOVE shooting, hunting and fishing!!
/sarc
Can't guarantee that schools will close the first day of deer season, but I'm sure that they will make up for it somehow!!
Good luck!!
Then you're going to HATE Alabama because they LOVE shooting, hunting and fishing!!
/sarc
Can't guarantee that schools will close the first day of deer season, but I'm sure that they will make up for it somehow!!
Good luck!!
LSU this week. At Bama next week. South Carolina the next.
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