Posted by Paul Cook on Wednesday, December 17, 2003 at 12:32PM :
In Reply to: Overrun with Californians posted by Ole Man Idaho on Wednesday, December 17, 2003 at 0:39AM :
Having spent 20 years in the US Army assigned to many different parts of the USA and some other places, I got to sample living in different areas. Plus, my friends in the military lived in most of the other places and I was able to draw from their experience as well.
When I retired, my personal resume was such that I could find employment in almost any area where I chose to live.
Because I was "once-retired" and receiving a pension, I was able to put quality-of-life ahead career considerations.
I looked at my sons' remaining high school years. The younger one had chosen the college he wanted to attend. The local schools were okay and there was a significant in-state tuition advantage. My wife had her own well-paid career that she enjoyed. I looked at cost-of-living versus potential income. After all, it is your "disposable income" that determines your quality-of-life.
I looked at being able to continue my active off-road motorcycling for both recreation and competetion. Back in 1982, that was important.
Most of all, I considered sunshine and fresh air. I wanted to walk outside and not be oppressed by adverse weather - which is also depressing.
Now that I have the POWER WAGON sickness, I find the disease more tolerable when I don't have to find the truck in four feet of snow before I can work on it. And I can take a day and go play with one of the trucks on my younger son's 700+ acre ranch without worrying that the next day's weather will keep my in the house.
I feel fortunate to have found a place where I like everything about it. I'm not here to avoid anything. Thankfully, I chose to live here because I like it here. I support everyone who seeks and finally finds the place that's right for them.