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All of ya'll -
This is for those who are settled on the islands - it's an innocent question born of ignorance! Do you believe it is easier to "settle in" if you aren't used to having things like malls and theaters in your back yard? We are from a small west central Arkansas town; my husband will be arriving mid July and I will follow as soon as possible. We are homebodies, don't have to have fancy dining, don't go to bars (we're in a dry county), don't go to the movies, have no malls in our little town. I suppose we could load up and travel an hour and a half one way to get to all of this in Arkansas, but we choose to just make do with what is available. It's just us - no kids - schools aren't a concern.
Many of the posts I have read where folks get discombobulated early on are from people who come from larger metropolitan areas who want the conveniences of home...well, if you don't have them (per se), would you think your adjustment curve would be shorter? I know it varies from person to person - still, we rarely venture out of our comfort zone of about a 6 mile radius from what we now call home. I don't care what brand of cereal or toothpaste we use...the biggest entertainment in our lives right now would be working in the yard. We moved from the Little Rock/North Little Rock area (pop. 225K) because the pace was getting to us; we're now in a small town of about 25K and have found this is too hectic! We are prepared for the adjustment curve, I think (although one never knows!)...just wanting some islander opinions.
By the way, what a great resource this board has been! Thank you all for taking time to post....I've gone back 49 pages and read every word, I think!
Posted : May 24, 2005 12:50 pm
My opinion? People from small towns and from the South seem to do well. Of course, we have several friends from New England (small towns) and they are doing fine too.
Posted : May 24, 2005 1:09 pm
Dear Becky,
I think you'll find it pretty easy to settle in. I don't know which island you're going to and can only speak with any degree of authority about St. Thomas where I've lived for over 20 years. All the little "neighbourhoods" here are quite distinct in their own ways and rather like little villages. Seems to me that coming in here with the background you come from will see you easily fitting into the "little village" environment. You'll slowly get to know your neighbours in the same way that you do when moving to any new place - working in the yard here is a challenge but a fun one and is a good way to get chatting with those around you.
Obviously you won't be missing all the appurtenances of the consumer society which are limited here, and your basic "make do with what we've got" outlook will go a long way in making your transition so much easier. I have a feeling you'll do just fine and hope this helps a little.
Keep asking questions and, by the way, accolades to you on your foresight in reading all the posts. Wish more people would do that instead of posting the same old tired questions over and over again!
Good luck!
Posted : May 24, 2005 1:39 pm
Topic starter
STT Res and Linda -
Thank you both for your kind words...although I very stupidly posted up about some stuff early on and didn't know what I was talking about - everyone was SO nice in telling me to cool my jets! I appreciate the gentle reminder that I am taking baby steps now toward being a permanent resident of STX.
A suggestion for Islander? Maybe a permanent sticky at the top of the page reminding we newbies to use the Search feature? It's there on the rules, I know...still, I think many of us are overwhelmed when we first consider this move and want to jump right in there and have instant answers....we forget to read the rules and forget our manners sometimes! I have only managed to ask one question that had not been addressed previously in some thread thus far!
To all who read this - utilize the search...you will save yourself a lot of grief and find more answers and viewpoints than you ever dreamed possible already at your fingertips!
Go Hogs!
Becky R
Posted : May 24, 2005 2:24 pm
