Made the Move to the US

[TBoneTX 45,309]

Houston is not a fairly old city ... places in the UK which are far older are better planned

We have bigger and more numerous mosquitoes, si man!

and yes, we have an HOA, and I've even been to a couple of meetings, but in what way does stopping someone turning their house into an eyesore remotely equal a sense of community? put bluntly, these associations seem to exist, in the most part, to safe-guard the value of people's properties...

All true, si man -- and, even more pointedly, "the HOAs exist to ensure their own survival by assessing their residents usurous annual dues, si man." Edited November 19, 2008 by TBoneTX

[DeadPoolX 9]

I don't think London or Sydney are smaller than Houston

more tightly knit... perhaps

Houston is not a fairly old city, by any stretch of the imagination! it's young on both American and world scales... maybe the VERY central part is a bit older, but most of it developed in the last century, or even the last half-century; this was ample time to be thinking ahead a bit more... places in the UK which are far older are better planned, on pretty much all the points I named above

and regardless of that, it's what's happening NOW I'm concerned about... the new Katy freeway, something like TEN (!!) lanes across, was built with the capability of supporting light rail... but there are no plans to install one

why? it's mad; you could radically reduce the numbers of cars on that very road, with certainly no greater inconvenience than the building of the bloody thing in the first place, and start to off-set some of the costs immediately upon completion, with paying commuters, but no... there's no excuse for short-sightedness like that; EVERYWHERE needs to be thinking laterally about using alternative fuels and supplying alternative transport, and there's an opportunity right there on the doorstep, and nothing being done! it's mad

and yes, we have an HOA, and I've even been to a couple of meetings, but in what way does stopping someone turning their house into an eyesore remotely equal a sense of community? put bluntly, these associations seem to exist, in the most part, to safe-guard the value of people's properties (though they do, I grant, do a little bit of community stuff on the side, but it's precious little), not to actually bring neighbours together

even the way these neighbourhoods are set up is disturbing; little enclaves, with one or two entrances off the more major roads, consisting ONLY of houses; if you want to sit down with a friend over coffee or a beer (somewhere other than your own kitchen of course), or even buy a pint of milk, guess what? you've got to get in the car... TRUE communities, in my mind, have the houses, but also a couple of shops, maybe a cafe or pub or both; possibly even a church or a school or whatever... driving home to your nice non-eyesore house, and then getting back in the car to go out from behind your subdivision's walls to do ANYTHING, is not community to my mind

and that's not to say that neighbours can't be great anyway; ours are excellent, and were helpful during Ike, and are friendly all the time... but it's not community in the sense that it could be, and you only really get the chance to meet the people within a radius of a few houses

Houston and London are approximately the same size, geographically speaking. London does have a higher population, however. I'm not sure about Sydney because the figures are written differently from Houston and London. Inside the United States, however, Houston is considered massive (and getting larger all the time).

Houston is an old city outside of the East Coast. It was created in the 1830s, which might not be much when placed against European cities but that's hardly a fair comparison; even the oldest cities in the U.S. aren't as old as the European ones. That's like attempting to compare gasoline prices between Houston and most of Europe.

The cities in the UK are better planned only if your definition concerns more public transportation and the ability to easily walk somewhere. Neither of those are considered very important to Houstonians and much of the United States in general. The UK is also much older, so places were built with walking in mind.

I do agree about the massive inconvenience of the Katy Freeway construction and a light rail. However, that was never intended since most Houstonians heavily dislike public transportation and are very attached to their cars. Most Americans, regardless of where they are, tend to have a "love affair" with their vehicles.

How community-oriented a homeowner's association is depends on the neighborhood and the association itself. The one in my parents' area is very active in creating community events and gatherings. Like most things in life, your experience (while hardly invalid) may vary greatly from someone else.

I do admit that in recent years, the idea of "getting to know your neighbors" has fallen by the wayside. People in the U.S. used to be more community-oriented, but now most keep to themselves. I have to imagine that advances in technology play some role in that. Computers, the Internet, gaming consoles, tons of TV channels and so on all induce people to stay at home or at least, be somewhat anti-social. Before these became readily available, people used to go outside and actually make a point of getting to know others.

As a side-note, when I moved to Vancouver, (in Canada, not the city in Washington state), I had a very difficult time dealing with the obstinate pedestrians walking around. I wouldn't mind it so much if these pedestrians actually followed the rules and didn't walk out in front of traffic whenever they felt like it. Even more frustrating is when it's the car's turn to drive and pedestrians just walk out ignoring the signs, they get visibly angry at the cars for actually moving when it's their turn to go. I've even seen pedestrians start yelling at drivers when they (the pedestrians) were at fault and some just stand in the middle of the road, forcing drivers to stand still.

[StillThePrettiest 3]

It was created in the 1830s, which might not be much when placed against European cities but that's hardly a fair comparison; even the oldest cities in the U.S. aren't as old as the European ones.

I think it's a fair comparison when the point is that 'age' as an excuse is worthless, when far older places elsewhere have done better, thus proving that technology/ideas/whatever existed, but just weren't paid heed to

That's like attempting to compare gasoline prices between Houston and most of Europe.

why isn't that valid? might stop a few Americans short, with their bleating about how expensive it is

(there's been much less of that lately, I'll grant, but I know it's only a temporary hiatus )

The cities in the UK are better planned only if your definition concerns more public transportation and the ability to easily walk somewhere.

yes, that's precisely what my definition was, in making the above point; I thought I made that clear

Neither of those are considered very important to Houstonians and much of the United States in general.

yes, I know; also part of my point and I thought obvious, as I've stated it over and over

I do agree about the massive inconvenience of the Katy Freeway construction and a light rail. However, that was never intended

really? they have the wherewithal to construct it with the ABILITY to take a light rail, but no plans to actually DO it... I think that constitutes an intention, some time in the future; my argument is that 'some time in the future' is too vague, and too far away; this is needed NOW

since most Houstonians heavily dislike public transportation and are very attached to their cars. Most Americans, regardless of where they are, tend to have a "love affair" with their vehicles.

why do you say this like it is news, or an argument in itself? this is what I've been saying

I've also been saying that it's short-sighted, and leading to problems NOW, let alone what's going to happen in a few years... in 1939, most Europeans 'disliked' war, and, regardless of where they were, tended to have a 'love affair' with peace; however when they HAD to live with something they didn't like, they got on with it; they changed their lifestyles, dug up their rose gardens, evacuated from towns... yes, a more extreme example, but the simple point is people can adapt to deal with things they don't like, when they have to

in terms of oil consumption, we can 'like' whatever we want, and be 'attached' to whatever we want; when there's no more oil (or it's prohibitively expensive), no amount of 'love affair' or 'dislike' of an alternative is going to make it available, or cheaper; people need to get with the program

and if Joe Six-Pack (henc ) can't see that for himself, isn't it at least one of the roles of elected officials to do so? but not here, no; they just open more roads, and encourage people to drive yet further, with heads in the sand about what is an INEVITABILITY, ie, the non-renewability of the fuel it's all based on

How community-oriented a homeowner's association is depends on the neighborhood and the association itself.

granted; they're all going to vary

The one in my parents' area is very active in creating community events and gatherings. Like most things in life, your experience (while hardly invalid) may vary greatly from someone else.

that last sentence sounds immensely patronising, like quite a few other things you've said... I'm 36, have lived in three countries, and visited 13 more; I have held 8 different jobs and speak two languages; I think I am aware that perhaps my experience might possibly vary from someone else's

however I shall just note it, and move on; perhaps you don't mean to come across as smug as you do sometimes

[DeadPoolX 9]

Somehow, I hardly think I'm patronizing or smug when some people apparently believe their view is the only correct one. Opinions are just that -- an opinion. No opinion is inherently right or wrong.

Edited November 19, 2008 by DeadPoolX

[StillThePrettiest 3]

you know, I anticipated a reply like that, but I'm sad to have been right

I enjoy a debate; I don't think for a second that my view is the only correct one, but I have given reasons and evidence for everything I have said, and to me that's what one does when one is debating

and educating me on the meaning of 'opinion' is hardly showing you not to be patronising or smug, but I guess I should have expected that as well

[DeadPoolX 9]

you know, I anticipated a reply like that, but I'm sad to have been right

I enjoy a debate; I don't think for a second that my view is the only correct one, but I have given reasons and evidence for everything I have said, and to me that's what one does when one is debating

and educating me on the meaning of 'opinion' is hardly showing you not to be patronising or smug, but I guess I should have expected that as well

Just as I should have expected you to be insulting. I'm sorry to say I was right.

[StillThePrettiest 3]

yes, because one of my hallmarks around here is 'insulting', to the point that it's only to be expected

and objecting to being treated like a six year old, in moderate terms and with no name-calling, is heinous... ok then, whatever dude

[StillThePrettiest 3]

ThePrettiest...I'm hoping to be a volunteer computer mentor, teaching elders computer basics (ie e-mail, Word and the internet). The location is within walking distance so I hope they find me acceptable. If not, I'll keep loking.

sorry to have derailed your thread earlier, braveheart; I'll let it get back on track now

I'm SURE they'll snap you up, at the volunteer place! I can't imagine them saying no to free help from a keen person

the walking distance will be an added bonus

make sure you keep us informed of how you get on

[ED*Riza 0]

I am interested to do volunteering in GA too but since i just learned to drive alone I turned down one offer that will take me to 4 lanes.. Anyway, keep us posted with your interview with the coordinator.

[braveheart1 0]

EdRiza,ThePrettist and EVERYONE! I went for my 'interview' re volunteer work and they said yes on the spot!

ps: Let there always be peace amongst us...a lot of people (ie me) depend on your friendship and advice whilst being very new to these foreign shores...

pps: They wouldn't let me have an ID card together unless I had a SSN - I am ###%&%. Last week they said all I needed was my official marriage licence and passport. Hmmmmm.....I wonder what the SSN officials will say tomorrow. Perhaps they'll say I'll need an ID card.

[StillThePrettiest 3]

hooray for you! I'm so glad

I'm sure you'll really enjoy it, your clients will be SO glad you're there, and you'll have a lot more focus to your day

don't worry too much about the other stuff... it will sort itself out eventually

[braveheart1 0]

Thanks for the encouragement, thePrettiest..... It's such a hard road...adjustment and belonging...

[catrocks 0]

Yay!!! That's awesome that you found a volunteer job so quickly. Best of luck, it's a wonderful thing to give your time to help people.

As for everything else, yes the people at the SSA will probably say you need an ID card. They're fun like that. They like to make it difficult, and they like to be pissy while they do it.

[Jon&Lindsey 0]

Congrats on getting the volunteer job! I think that'll really help you feel at home and more like a 'real person'. I hope the SSN/ID issue works out - I have no idea how it works, as I had to wait until I had my EAD to get one (not a K1 person). Let us know how you get on!

[braveheart1 0]

Jon&Lindsney, I couldn't obtain an SSN today as it appears immigration misspelt my first name 'in their computer files'. Anyway, the Social. copied my docs and need to establish my identity via immigration That will take a month. When I recieve that, DNV will allow me to obtain an ID, then I can open a bank account. I was half expecting the Social. to request an ID... I won't start AOS paperwork until January.