08-19-2006, 05:30 PM
Of all the great posts, I think I enjoyed Kapohocat's the most, because it reminds me of of a true story. Shortly, before our move here, we were introduced to a gentleman by a friend of ours. Of course, the main point of the intro was the fact we were moving to Hawaii. So this gentlemen frowns and immediately says somewhat pompously, "Hawaii, that's so far away, I could NEVER live there, too far away." My dear sweet wife never missed a beat, smiled and replied," and we thank God for people like you". 
Anyway, to add my own ramblings... As a kid growing up, my construction worker Dad would move the family to where the job was - other than his expectation of getting paid (I recall him boosting in later life, how when we kids were growing up, he never missed a payday), I don't recall a lot of research in choosing a new place, never heard an evaluation of the schools (all public), and we kids were never asked if we wanted to move or not, and once moved, stayed until the next move.
As an adult, I eventually chose a career in the Army. You didn't spend 20 years in the same place, didn't always get to pick where or when you moved. And except for that move to Georgia, our son only went to the finest public schools. LOL
Fortunately, one of those "not my choice" moves was to Hawaii for 4 years. So our recent move to BI was my homecoming. Just took too long to get back.
Healthcare - So how come if it's so bad, Hawaii has one of the highest life expectancies? With the exception of one experience, we are very pleased with the care here, and trust me, we are experiencing far more of it than planned, but that's another story.
Cost of living: Choices - basically, I have just so many dollars to live on, but how I spend them is my choice. I wear a lot of T's, shorts, and recently had to replace the slippahs I bought in 1989. Actually, living here costs me less than Atlanta.
Family - I know this can be a touchy subject for some people and every family is different. Surprisingly, many people aren't even aware of their own situation, but let's face it, if a family visit means you always visit them and not vice versa when you live on the mainland, don't expect it to change in Hawaii. I've got 3 sisters, still live in Maine dontcha know, and since I sold my house in Maine (1977), they've never been in any other house I've owned or lived in although I definitely been to theirs, ay-uh. So far, we see our son about as often as when we lived in Atlanta, but we do talk on the phone, have email and now they got a picture phone. We are looking forward to seeing them here at Christmas. I do tell him, he doesn't have to move here, but his only inheritance is on this island
Prejudice - aka racism. I am so thankful Hawaii has NOT gotten all PC about it and can still relish their divesity - especially with humor. Could you imagine the Boloheads on mainland radio? Of all the places I've lived in the world, my wife and I agree we never experienced it (true prejudice) like in Atlanta.
Education - Someday, some people are going to realize that their precious son/daughter is just not going to be the world's next greatest (fill the blank) due to their max SAT. And once they are over it, perhaps they can take pride in the fact, that son/daughter is a fine cook, truck driver, carpenter, store clerk, dentist, vet, or anyone of the thousands of important people we rely on every day in our lives. Our son drives a UPS truck. Can't say that was ever part of our expectations, but I suspect there are a bunch of people happy to see him everyday.
OK, way too long. Bottomline, not everyone was meant to live here forever. No problem with that, just like you don't have to live anywhere else forever either.
Move here with an open mind and open heart - perhaps when you leave, you'll make the next place mo bettah
David
Ninole Resident
Edited by - David M on 08/20/2006 20:30:26
Anyway, to add my own ramblings... As a kid growing up, my construction worker Dad would move the family to where the job was - other than his expectation of getting paid (I recall him boosting in later life, how when we kids were growing up, he never missed a payday), I don't recall a lot of research in choosing a new place, never heard an evaluation of the schools (all public), and we kids were never asked if we wanted to move or not, and once moved, stayed until the next move.
As an adult, I eventually chose a career in the Army. You didn't spend 20 years in the same place, didn't always get to pick where or when you moved. And except for that move to Georgia, our son only went to the finest public schools. LOL
Fortunately, one of those "not my choice" moves was to Hawaii for 4 years. So our recent move to BI was my homecoming. Just took too long to get back.
Healthcare - So how come if it's so bad, Hawaii has one of the highest life expectancies? With the exception of one experience, we are very pleased with the care here, and trust me, we are experiencing far more of it than planned, but that's another story.
Cost of living: Choices - basically, I have just so many dollars to live on, but how I spend them is my choice. I wear a lot of T's, shorts, and recently had to replace the slippahs I bought in 1989. Actually, living here costs me less than Atlanta.
Family - I know this can be a touchy subject for some people and every family is different. Surprisingly, many people aren't even aware of their own situation, but let's face it, if a family visit means you always visit them and not vice versa when you live on the mainland, don't expect it to change in Hawaii. I've got 3 sisters, still live in Maine dontcha know, and since I sold my house in Maine (1977), they've never been in any other house I've owned or lived in although I definitely been to theirs, ay-uh. So far, we see our son about as often as when we lived in Atlanta, but we do talk on the phone, have email and now they got a picture phone. We are looking forward to seeing them here at Christmas. I do tell him, he doesn't have to move here, but his only inheritance is on this island
Prejudice - aka racism. I am so thankful Hawaii has NOT gotten all PC about it and can still relish their divesity - especially with humor. Could you imagine the Boloheads on mainland radio? Of all the places I've lived in the world, my wife and I agree we never experienced it (true prejudice) like in Atlanta.
Education - Someday, some people are going to realize that their precious son/daughter is just not going to be the world's next greatest (fill the blank) due to their max SAT. And once they are over it, perhaps they can take pride in the fact, that son/daughter is a fine cook, truck driver, carpenter, store clerk, dentist, vet, or anyone of the thousands of important people we rely on every day in our lives. Our son drives a UPS truck. Can't say that was ever part of our expectations, but I suspect there are a bunch of people happy to see him everyday.
OK, way too long. Bottomline, not everyone was meant to live here forever. No problem with that, just like you don't have to live anywhere else forever either.
Move here with an open mind and open heart - perhaps when you leave, you'll make the next place mo bettah
David
Ninole Resident
Edited by - David M on 08/20/2006 20:30:26
Ninole Resident