I've been contemplating moving out of the City of Buffalo to the suburbs of Orchard Park, which is where I work.
Pros:
- If I buy the right house, I can basically walk to work. I can basically cut at least $150 off my gasoline bill. Gas is killing me right now.
- The above would also be good for the environment.
- If I bike/drive, my commute is 5/2 minutes respectively. So I get home earlier and I have an extra hour to spend with my family.
- Ari would probably get a nice backyard to play in.
- Good school system
Cons:
- I love Kenmore. One of my less grandiose dreams is to live in a cute house in Kenmore.
- I like the city of Buffalo. I don't want to be thought of as "one of those wusses who moves to the suburbs".
- If the Suburban Collapse happens because of increased gas prices, the suburbs will be a bad place to live. Especially if I end up working in the city someday. The city will (possibly) have much better public transportation in the face of this event.
- A house in OP would probably be more expensive than one in Kenmore, and definitely more expensive than one in the city.
- OP is boring. The city has lots of stuff to do.
- A place with greater population density would have more kids for Ari to play with. I don't like the idea of moving to a neighborhood where there may not be many kids for my son to play with. I want him to have the social life I never had as a child.
Carolinian's Journal
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06/02/2008 23:27 #44526
To move or not to moveCategory: suburbs
05/07/2008 01:07 #44258
Name ReduxCategory: baby
As of last sunday, Mr. Wiggles has been officially named Ari Nachshon.
Ari is Hebrew for Lion. We named him this because it was a name we could agree upon. Nachshon is from (WIKIPEDIA - Nachshon), a biblical figure who I've always admired since my childhood Rabbi gave a sermon about him doing great things even though he had a lowly name that meant "snake".
Ari is loud. And very, very demanding.
dcoffee - 07/18/08 15:41
Congratulations! Looks like a cutie. Despite being demanding I hope he's cuddly sometimes. I like the name too, it was hard enough choosing a name for our new kitties, I'm not looking forward to naming children.
Congratulations! Looks like a cutie. Despite being demanding I hope he's cuddly sometimes. I like the name too, it was hard enough choosing a name for our new kitties, I'm not looking forward to naming children.
museumchick - 05/11/08 23:50
That's a perfect name. I always thought Ari would be a good name for a boy!
That's a perfect name. I always thought Ari would be a good name for a boy!
tinypliny - 05/07/08 23:30
He looks awesome. His name sounds awesome as well.(and I mean it! I am just having a word-variety crisis because of (e:jon) viral video). It somehow sounds very much Indian and not Indian at the same time. :)
He looks awesome. His name sounds awesome as well.(and I mean it! I am just having a word-variety crisis because of (e:jon) viral video). It somehow sounds very much Indian and not Indian at the same time. :)
metalpeter - 05/07/08 18:42
I was going to make a Joke about if you named him after the Character on Entourage and what is kinda funny is then I read he is loud and Demanding just like the character. On a serious note for a second sometimes people really are like there names or vice versa. I was some place and they had these writings on paper it would say a persons name and then under neath maybe about a page of writing describing the person and a lot of them where right on about people I knew. Of course with things like that you notice the stuff that is spot on and forget the stuff that isn't like them. nice picture by the way.
I was going to make a Joke about if you named him after the Character on Entourage and what is kinda funny is then I read he is loud and Demanding just like the character. On a serious note for a second sometimes people really are like there names or vice versa. I was some place and they had these writings on paper it would say a persons name and then under neath maybe about a page of writing describing the person and a lot of them where right on about people I knew. Of course with things like that you notice the stuff that is spot on and forget the stuff that isn't like them. nice picture by the way.
jenks - 05/07/08 14:39
oh, thanks for posting this- I'd been meaning to ask!
Looks like he has a swollen eye- hope it's ok!!
oh, thanks for posting this- I'd been meaning to ask!
Looks like he has a swollen eye- hope it's ok!!
libertad - 05/07/08 14:04
I have some friends that just named their daughter Aria Madea. I guess I could assume that means lioness?
I have some friends that just named their daughter Aria Madea. I guess I could assume that means lioness?
mrmike - 05/07/08 08:52
Trust me, this is the easy part. And welcome to the world, Ari
Trust me, this is the easy part. And welcome to the world, Ari
drew - 05/07/08 08:33
Cool name. I liked reading about Nachshon (and feel bad that I didn't already know his story.)
Cool name. I liked reading about Nachshon (and feel bad that I didn't already know his story.)
05/01/2008 12:51 #44209
Same Ol Same OlCategory: politics
In response to (e:jason,44190) and (e:dcoffee,44207)
Politics has largely been about stuff tangential to real issues since its inception. We've actually progressed quite a bit considering that voters a century and half ago voted for candidates on the quality of their jawlines and candidates would routinely hold drinking parties to ply voters with booze (which is why alcohol sales on election days are banned in some places). And that's why we require a strong education system, because critical thinking is required to ignore the BS and objectively evaluate candidates' pre-political-compromise-plans for dealing with real issues.
Politics has largely been about stuff tangential to real issues since its inception. We've actually progressed quite a bit considering that voters a century and half ago voted for candidates on the quality of their jawlines and candidates would routinely hold drinking parties to ply voters with booze (which is why alcohol sales on election days are banned in some places). And that's why we require a strong education system, because critical thinking is required to ignore the BS and objectively evaluate candidates' pre-political-compromise-plans for dealing with real issues.
04/24/2008 21:38 #44133
Baby's first weekCategory: baby
Okay, so my first week of fatherhood is past me now.
We took the little guy home on the 17th. It became a little stressful when he had some difficulty feeding, but eventually stuff worked out. Right after he was born, he got jaundice, which he still has but which we're working to lower. Apparently, newborn jaundice is common, but it's a little upsetting seeing your son have yellow eyes.
(e:inscrutable)'s family came up and helped us with stuff, like laundry and keeping sane.
Lesson's I've learned:
- You really have to watch them every second
- While you want to be gentle with them, they're hardier than they look.
- The "you'll have to change them every several hours" warning is bullshit. You can change them and they'll go in the new diaper thirty seconds later, and another clean one thirty seconds after that.
- Never be more than five feet away from a pacifier if you lack the ability to lactate.
- Not being able to lactate doesn't mean they won't try to get milk from you anways.
- Having a new child is like meeting somebody new whose personality you're trying to figure out.
We took the little guy home on the 17th. It became a little stressful when he had some difficulty feeding, but eventually stuff worked out. Right after he was born, he got jaundice, which he still has but which we're working to lower. Apparently, newborn jaundice is common, but it's a little upsetting seeing your son have yellow eyes.
(e:inscrutable)'s family came up and helped us with stuff, like laundry and keeping sane.
Lesson's I've learned:
- You really have to watch them every second
- While you want to be gentle with them, they're hardier than they look.
- The "you'll have to change them every several hours" warning is bullshit. You can change them and they'll go in the new diaper thirty seconds later, and another clean one thirty seconds after that.
- Never be more than five feet away from a pacifier if you lack the ability to lactate.
- Not being able to lactate doesn't mean they won't try to get milk from you anways.
- Having a new child is like meeting somebody new whose personality you're trying to figure out.
tinypliny - 04/25/08 20:09
I think I had neonatal jaundice as well. I was a preemie to boot, by about a month. Apparently, I looked like and weighed as much as a grown rat. My mom's memories of me seem to be very fond, even though I looked like a rodent. :) I am sure you will get through this slightly challenging phase and love it all!
Cheers!
TP
I think I had neonatal jaundice as well. I was a preemie to boot, by about a month. Apparently, I looked like and weighed as much as a grown rat. My mom's memories of me seem to be very fond, even though I looked like a rodent. :) I am sure you will get through this slightly challenging phase and love it all!
Cheers!
TP
libertad - 04/25/08 15:21
You look very happy being a new father. Congrats!
You look very happy being a new father. Congrats!
paul - 04/25/08 11:03
Congratulations - here's to an even easier second week - although I have no real advice as I don't have kids. I think I had jaundice as a baby too. or maybe mike did, I am pretty sure I remember my mom talking about it.
Congratulations - here's to an even easier second week - although I have no real advice as I don't have kids. I think I had jaundice as a baby too. or maybe mike did, I am pretty sure I remember my mom talking about it.
fellyconnelly - 04/25/08 10:50
aww well congrats on making it through your first week of daddyhood!
aww well congrats on making it through your first week of daddyhood!
04/15/2008 23:28 #44024
Newest PeepCategory: baby
Born at 10:55AM, weighing in at 8lbs 8.8oz, it's Mr. Wiggles!
tinypliny - 04/25/08 20:02
Wow. How did I miss this wonderful post!! Congratulations on the tiny new and such a splendid little heir!!
Wow. How did I miss this wonderful post!! Congratulations on the tiny new and such a splendid little heir!!
leetee - 04/17/08 08:54
Congratulations!!
Congratulations!!
jenks - 04/16/08 19:28
aww, congrats. he's precious. and I love the little pooh hat.
aww, congrats. he's precious. and I love the little pooh hat.
museumchick - 04/16/08 17:42
Congratulations!!!! Your son is adorable, I'm really happy for you!
Congratulations!!!! Your son is adorable, I'm really happy for you!
metalpeter - 04/16/08 17:16
First of all congratulations and since a few other people said it Happy Birthday.
Now for a little sillynes or maybe it isn't really silly. You said there is a new (e:peeps) and that his nickname is Mr. Wiggles . 1. Does the nick name have any thing to do with the singers/kids show the wiggles? 2. Will Mr. Wiggles also be his (e:strip) user name and if not what will it be? 3. When can we expect to read his first post (maybe in baby language about how he doesn't want a bottle he wants a big boy cup but he can't hold up his head yet so that isn't really an option for me yet). 4. Didn't you two have a cat that posted ? 4a. If that is correct will that cat start posting again and what is the cats view on the new (e:peep)?
In all seriousness congratulations and I wish all of you the best of health and wish you and the family well, I'm sure you will be a good dad. If I smoked I'd some a Cigar for ya so I'll smoke one in my mind.
First of all congratulations and since a few other people said it Happy Birthday.
Now for a little sillynes or maybe it isn't really silly. You said there is a new (e:peeps) and that his nickname is Mr. Wiggles . 1. Does the nick name have any thing to do with the singers/kids show the wiggles? 2. Will Mr. Wiggles also be his (e:strip) user name and if not what will it be? 3. When can we expect to read his first post (maybe in baby language about how he doesn't want a bottle he wants a big boy cup but he can't hold up his head yet so that isn't really an option for me yet). 4. Didn't you two have a cat that posted ? 4a. If that is correct will that cat start posting again and what is the cats view on the new (e:peep)?
In all seriousness congratulations and I wish all of you the best of health and wish you and the family well, I'm sure you will be a good dad. If I smoked I'd some a Cigar for ya so I'll smoke one in my mind.
carolinian - 04/16/08 12:52
He's a tax baby and we can't even claim him as a deduction this year. What a ripoff!
He's a tax baby and we can't even claim him as a deduction this year. What a ripoff!
lizabeth - 04/16/08 12:37
ZOMG, bebeh!!!!!
Congratulations, y'all!!! :D SO cute!!!
Aw man, poor kid's birthday is tax day, tho'.
ZOMG, bebeh!!!!!
Congratulations, y'all!!! :D SO cute!!!
Aw man, poor kid's birthday is tax day, tho'.
carolinian - 04/16/08 12:36
Mr. Wiggles is his nickname.
According to tradition, I'm not supposed to announce names until after eight days and the ceremony, to confuse either the Evil Eye or the Angel of Death or something else otherworldy and nasty.
His initials will be A.N.V.
The A can be found in Numbers 24:9
The N can be found in Numbers 1:7
Mr. Wiggles is his nickname.
According to tradition, I'm not supposed to announce names until after eight days and the ceremony, to confuse either the Evil Eye or the Angel of Death or something else otherworldy and nasty.
His initials will be A.N.V.
The A can be found in Numbers 24:9
The N can be found in Numbers 1:7
jason - 04/16/08 12:10
Hi Mr. Wiggles! And congratulations, Dad!
Hi Mr. Wiggles! And congratulations, Dad!
terry - 04/16/08 09:31
Congratulations!
Congratulations!
megan - 04/16/08 09:24
aaw he's beautiful! congrats!
aaw he's beautiful! congrats!
jbeatty - 04/16/08 08:39
congratulations!
congratulations!
drew - 04/16/08 06:59
congrats!
congrats!
imk2 - 04/16/08 05:11
oh wow! this is awesome...congrats.
oh wow! this is awesome...congrats.
zobar - 04/16/08 00:20
Mr Wiggles.
I don't think that's a name that I would have picked, but if that's what feels right, then that's what you gotta go with. Congrats.
- Z
Mr Wiggles.
I don't think that's a name that I would have picked, but if that's what feels right, then that's what you gotta go with. Congrats.
- Z
paul - 04/15/08 23:38
Congratulations! What's his name?
Congratulations! What's his name?
mrmike - 04/15/08 23:33
Congrats!
Congrats!
OP is expensive. and despite having the oldest Quaker meeting in WNY, OP has never held a place in my heart. I'm a city guy (you wuss :) but I can see the charm of Tonawanda, Kenmore, East Aurora, Lockport. We are looking for houses in South Buffalo. It's kind of like a working class suburb that has history, Olmsted parks and Parkways, low crime, undervalued real estate, friendly neighbors that don't ask you for change, lots of kids, and a good community feeling. Maybe you can tell I was raised there, but I moved around a lot when I was growing up, Hamburg, West Seneca, Lackawanna, 4 different streets in SB, it was good enough to make me want to come back. I did have a ton of friends growing up in SB too, even though I wasn't 'popular'. I can't get into north Buffalo for some reason, though I'm very jealous of Hertel ave. I'd like to live somewhere between Seneca St and McKinley Pkwy close to Caz Park, but I'm keeping an open mind.
Best of Luck
You also might want to consider the tax burden of the place you end up living. When we first moved here and were looking at houses, we were shocked to find out what the taxes would be on a house in Kenmore. What are the taxes like out in Orchard Park?
That said, i always say follow your dreams. If Kenmore is your dream (doesn't sound grandiose to me), then go for it. Who cares what anyone else thinks... celebrate being "one of those wusses who moves to the 'burbs"!! :O)