Life What am I thinking...? - Page 2

MikeMaslowski · 05:27 PM

Update- 04 Jan 09

Well, had a rough last couple of months with the ole lady. Was browsing on her computer and noticed she was looking for apartments....nowhere near where we've been planning on going. The writing was always on the wall but this is the closer. We haven't spoken in 3 days, but I'm sure when we do it will be the goodbye talk. I will still be coming to KC and look forward to tailgaiting with yall!

I think OP is going to be the place I settle due to the proximity of my school. Twenty-six year old college kid, should be fun!

=========================

I get out of the good ole Army in 2 years and have convinced my wife that we need to move to KC. 1. Who moves to a city due to their love of a football team? 2. What are the decent neigborhoods/surrounding towns?

3. Is it a nice place to live or should I say **** it and go back to South Dakota?

Look forward to all of your insights....

*****Edit*****

Ok, I've made the decision to move to the Kansas City, Kansas area. My wife will arrive there in June '10 and I will be there in November '10. I will be attending Cleveland Chiropractic College and my wife will be working on Ft. Leavenworth for the base Morale Welfare and Recreation department. I need to purchase a place happily in the middle of the two by taking I70(unless you guys know a quicker way). The cities that I see on the map that fit that description are, Lansing, Bonner Springs, Fairmont, Wallula and Basehor with a few others. Are those ok areas? Are there better places around that with traffic reduces travel times? Im trying to keep my wifes travel time down to a max of 30 minutes and mine to 45. (Oh yeah, we have two children 9 and 7 so the schools are important as well.

And yes, I am moving to Kansas City to be close to the Chiefs. I do not know anyone who lives there and have only been there a few times. Fortunately, I can also make a bunch of other things fall into place. The new GI Bill is going to allow me to go to school and pay for my house. Anyway, the wife wants me to bbq some ribs now so who am I to argue.

I appreciate any advice and look forward to becoming a local

>>>>>edit<<<<<

guess im just gonna live in the overland park area...

what is the best 1 bedroom apartment area?????

thanks...

**Rain Man** · 12-26-2008, 09:43 PM

I'm biased, but I'm not sure why someone would pick Missouri if they can go anywhere. Denver is the finest city in the world, in my opinion.

MikeMaslowski · 12-26-2008, 09:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by luv

Olathe seems like a good place. Overland Park is nice, but kind of pricy from what I hear. In MO, you'd have Lee's Summit, Grandview, or someplace towards the north.

thanks...

MikeMaslowski · 12-26-2008, 09:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rain Man

I'm biased, but I'm not sure why someone would pick Missouri if they can go anywhere. Denver is the finest city in the world, in my opinion.

I honestly considered Denver...heard a bunch about the crime tho...

and I'm not sure if I could stand the donkey fans.

**Rain Man** · 12-26-2008, 10:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeMaslowski

I honestly considered Denver...heard a bunch about the crime tho...

and I'm not sure if I could stand the donkey fans.

I wouldn't think that the crime here is notably greater than in Kansas City. In fact, I'd bet it's lower. The Broncos are annoying, but I think of them as a way to get the Chiefs to come to town once a year. And being in an AFC West city makes it more likely that you'll get the Chiefs on TV, unless of course they've got an idiot coach and lose a couple of dozen games a year or something.

I've never lived in KC, but I would heartily recommend Denver to anyone who's looking to make a start.

blueballs · 12-26-2008, 10:50 PM

2 years is a long time
I know the last 3 have felt like forever

MikeMaslowski · 12-27-2008, 06:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rain Man

I wouldn't think that the crime here is notably greater than in Kansas City. In fact, I'd bet it's lower. The Broncos are annoying, but I think of them as a way to get the Chiefs to come to town once a year. And being in an AFC West city makes it more likely that you'll get the Chiefs on TV, unless of course they've got an idiot coach and lose a couple of dozen games a year or something.

I've never lived in KC, but I would heartily recommend Denver to anyone who's looking to make a start.

I will google Denver just because of this post... thanks!

KCJohnny · 12-27-2008, 06:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeMaslowski

This sarcastic know-it-all attitude cements my opinion...

I'm sure you have your reasons for staying, but I have my reasons for leaving.

Could you please clarify whether you are a paratrooper or not?
I was not being sarcastic. Its tough outside the military right now. the types of bonuses and benefits being offered to our servicemembers now are the best in history.

Sincerely (no sarcasm),
Good luck, buddy.

el borracho · 12-27-2008, 07:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rain Man

I'm biased, but I'm not sure why someone would pick Missouri if they can go anywhere. Denver is the finest city in the world, in my opinion.

Denver is great but it is not the "finest city in the world." It is not even the best city in America.

San Diego > Denver

tmax63 · 12-27-2008, 08:29 AM

I got out in 97 after 12 yrs (E-7). Everyone, military and civilian told me what a big mistake I was making. The day I woke up free from military commitment (March 13, 1997) I felt like a huge weight had been lifted from my shoulders. I did go back and work as a GS employee for the Army and now have 24 yrs towards retirement. Only you know what the best choice/option is for you. Don't stay and be miserable just because others tell you to, do what is right for you and it will all come out in the wash, so to speak.

Coyote · 12-27-2008, 10:10 AM

Several points:
1) Thank you for your service. You have and are doing what most Americans don't have the stomach for. Never forget who you are regardless of what you decide.
2) Assuming this is the end of your first enlistment approaching, a lot can change in 2 years. It seems today you have decided to leave the Army. The new GI bill starting in Aug in 2009 is a great counter to re-enlisting that you earned. It makes the decisions concerning any re-enlistment bonuses/ incentives you may be offerred tougher. I have a suspicion those bonuses are going to start being reduced-they are in the USMC. Makes the decision tougher, particularly with the transferrability for continued service clause of the new GI bill for your family.
3) K.C. area. You hit most of the fan favorite locations. Schools drive many decisions for parents. I returned here after 30+ years (promise to my wife) and came back to visit for many of those in between deployments but was a west coast Marine most of the time. Screw Denver. Choose a career/school/geography with equal weight for you and your family.
4) Tough call but it's yours alone. KC Johnny has great points and I've commanded many marines and a few soldiers that I've seen again after they left once. It's an individidual decision. You likely have an IRR committment past your active obligation. Look at it carefully and remember you have reserve options as well. Most hard core guys I've served with either stayed or walked and did not half-step in the reserves. I have known many however that really appreciated the flexibility of the reserves. I am very familiar with USMC IRR involuntary re-calls, don't know much about the ARMY's. I recently commanded several marines deployed OCUNUS that were involled back to active duty. All were not pleased but were doing their duty as they voluntarily signed the contract to do. Ironically about 1/2 of those guys wanted to re-enlist back into the active component. That was tougher to do while deployed then it should have been due to law/policy and we worked through that. About 1/2 just wanted to complete their tour and get back to school, HVAC business, life, etc. All did their duty and are appreciated regrdless of their personal decision. Good luck with yours and Thank you

**DaFace** · 12-27-2008, 10:22 AM

For what it's worth, I looked pretty heavily into KC after college mostly because of the Chiefs, so don't let #1 get ya down. In the end, though, I went to Denver to be close to the wife's family and because Rain Man decided to give me a job. Overall, I do like Denver, which has been a big surprise for the small-town Kansas kid that I am. It takes a little bit to get used to the fact that the majority of the people you know are Donkey fans, but other than that, they're not half bad.

crazycoffey · 12-27-2008, 10:27 AM

Take all the opinions with a grain of salt, of course you got to do your own thing and I wish you luck in whatever path you choose.

Echo the thanks for serving, Brother....

Did five active and three reserves before I got out. Out for 6 years, got an education with that G.I. Bill. Civilian life is very different. Wasn't so hard while I was a cop, very paramilitary. But being in an office felt like prision. Corporate Security is full of politics. If you stay the course, get the education. Do it in something you love to study, don't make it a "practical" choice. I got a BS in Business, very practical and doesn't make enough of a difference in what the degree is in, for most cases anyway. Should have studied Art, could still get the job I have, and I could have enjoyed all those long hours of working and going to school, or at least as much as possible...

I decided to go back in the Reserves. Been one year now, and am staying for a Retirement for sure this time. May even go Active again, after I get a few things working for me. Warrant Officer career and retirement will be a bit more profitable/challenging/rewarding than enlisted.

as I said before, grain of salt, and best wishes.

Deberg_1990 · 12-27-2008, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KCJohnny

STAY ARMY.

The economy is really tough, you have great experience and loads of benefits, and technology will allow you to track the Chiefs in real time almost anywhere the Army sends you.

Seriously dude. I signed up for four years and I'm in my 16th now. Its a great career once you pin on those stripes and become a leader.

KCJ

Your right, the Military does offer some great benefits...

But military life or becoming a "Lifer" is not for everyone. Its not as cut and dried as you make it sound.

Alot of guys need to get out for the betterment of the military and themselves.

Plus, military life is hard on a family , with all the deployments going on right now.

**Kyle DeLexus** · 12-27-2008, 10:47 AM

I moved to KC from a small town in Kansas and thought I was just moving up here as a temp. thing and would move on to bigger and better things. I moved with my family when I was 18 and 3 months from 21 now and love the place and hope i'll be here for life. It's a great place that is big enough to have plenty to do yet it's not like cities where you go around and can't even make eye contact with people. Traffic is not bad at all, overall I like to think of it as a city that reminds me of small town life.

**BigMeatballDave** · 12-27-2008, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by luv

Are you wanting the Kansas side or the Missouri side?

He's probably not 'snooty' enough for the Kansas side...

12-26-2008, 09:03 PM
MikeMaslowski There's always next year. Join Date: Nov 2008 Casino cash: $10009290	What am I thinking...? Update- 04 Jan 09 Well, had a rough last couple of months with the ole lady. Was browsing on her computer and noticed she was looking for apartments....nowhere near where we've been planning on going. The writing was always on the wall but this is the closer. We haven't spoken in 3 days, but I'm sure when we do it will be the goodbye talk. I will still be coming to KC and look forward to tailgaiting with yall! I think OP is going to be the place I settle due to the proximity of my school. Twenty-six year old college kid, should be fun! ========================= I get out of the good ole Army in 2 years and have convinced my wife that we need to move to KC. 1. Who moves to a city due to their love of a football team? 2. What are the decent neigborhoods/surrounding towns? 3. Is it a nice place to live or should I say ** it and go back to South Dakota? Look forward to all of your insights.... *Edit*** Ok, I've made the decision to move to the Kansas City, Kansas area. My wife will arrive there in June '10 and I will be there in November '10. I will be attending Cleveland Chiropractic College and my wife will be working on Ft. Leavenworth for the base Morale Welfare and Recreation department. I need to purchase a place happily in the middle of the two by taking I70(unless you guys know a quicker way). The cities that I see on the map that fit that description are, Lansing, Bonner Springs, Fairmont, Wallula and Basehor with a few others. Are those ok areas? Are there better places around that with traffic reduces travel times? Im trying to keep my wifes travel time down to a max of 30 minutes and mine to 45. (Oh yeah, we have two children 9 and 7 so the schools are important as well. And yes, I am moving to Kansas City to be close to the Chiefs. I do not know anyone who lives there and have only been there a few times. Fortunately, I can also make a bunch of other things fall into place. The new GI Bill is going to allow me to go to school and pay for my house. Anyway, the wife wants me to bbq some ribs now so who am I to argue. I appreciate any advice and look forward to becoming a local >>>>>edit<<<<< guess im just gonna live in the overland park area... what is the best 1 bedroom apartment area????? thanks... Last edited by MikeMaslowski; 01-03-2010 at 05:27 PM.. Reason: add info
Posts: 2,219

12-26-2008, 09:43 PM	#16
Rain Man Seize life. Be an ermine. Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: My house Casino cash: $-692449 VARSITY	I'm biased, but I'm not sure why someone would pick Missouri if they can go anywhere. Denver is the finest city in the world, in my opinion. __________________ Active fan of the greatest team in NFL history.
Posts: 145,520

12-26-2008, 10:50 PM	#20
blueballs Banned Join Date: Feb 2006 Casino cash: $10004900	2 years is a long time I know the last 3 have felt like forever
Posts: 14,233

12-27-2008, 08:29 AM	#24
tmax63 Veteran Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Colorado Casino cash: $453600	I got out in 97 after 12 yrs (E-7). Everyone, military and civilian told me what a big mistake I was making. The day I woke up free from military commitment (March 13, 1997) I felt like a huge weight had been lifted from my shoulders. I did go back and work as a GS employee for the Army and now have 24 yrs towards retirement. Only you know what the best choice/option is for you. Don't stay and be miserable just because others tell you to, do what is right for you and it will all come out in the wash, so to speak. __________________ An armed member of society is a citizen, an unarmed member is a subject.
Posts: 3,994

12-27-2008, 10:10 AM	#25
Coyote Veteran Join Date: Mar 2001 Casino cash: $9975647	Several points: 1) Thank you for your service. You have and are doing what most Americans don't have the stomach for. Never forget who you are regardless of what you decide. 2) Assuming this is the end of your first enlistment approaching, a lot can change in 2 years. It seems today you have decided to leave the Army. The new GI bill starting in Aug in 2009 is a great counter to re-enlisting that you earned. It makes the decisions concerning any re-enlistment bonuses/ incentives you may be offerred tougher. I have a suspicion those bonuses are going to start being reduced-they are in the USMC. Makes the decision tougher, particularly with the transferrability for continued service clause of the new GI bill for your family. 3) K.C. area. You hit most of the fan favorite locations. Schools drive many decisions for parents. I returned here after 30+ years (promise to my wife) and came back to visit for many of those in between deployments but was a west coast Marine most of the time. Screw Denver. Choose a career/school/geography with equal weight for you and your family. 4) Tough call but it's yours alone. KC Johnny has great points and I've commanded many marines and a few soldiers that I've seen again after they left once. It's an individidual decision. You likely have an IRR committment past your active obligation. Look at it carefully and remember you have reserve options as well. Most hard core guys I've served with either stayed or walked and did not half-step in the reserves. I have known many however that really appreciated the flexibility of the reserves. I am very familiar with USMC IRR involuntary re-calls, don't know much about the ARMY's. I recently commanded several marines deployed OCUNUS that were involled back to active duty. All were not pleased but were doing their duty as they voluntarily signed the contract to do. Ironically about 1/2 of those guys wanted to re-enlist back into the active component. That was tougher to do while deployed then it should have been due to law/policy and we worked through that. About 1/2 just wanted to complete their tour and get back to school, HVAC business, life, etc. All did their duty and are appreciated regrdless of their personal decision. Good luck with yours and Thank you
Posts: 1,508

12-27-2008, 10:22 AM	#26
DaFace Kind of a mod Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Donkey Land Casino cash: $-1893101	For what it's worth, I looked pretty heavily into KC after college mostly because of the Chiefs, so don't let #1 get ya down. In the end, though, I went to Denver to be close to the wife's family and because Rain Man decided to give me a job. Overall, I do like Denver, which has been a big surprise for the small-town Kansas kid that I am. It takes a little bit to get used to the fact that the majority of the people you know are Donkey fans, but other than that, they're not half bad.
Posts: 53,154

12-27-2008, 10:27 AM	#27
crazycoffey .......... Join Date: Dec 2006 Casino cash: $4147901	Take all the opinions with a grain of salt, of course you got to do your own thing and I wish you luck in whatever path you choose. Echo the thanks for serving, Brother.... Did five active and three reserves before I got out. Out for 6 years, got an education with that G.I. Bill. Civilian life is very different. Wasn't so hard while I was a cop, very paramilitary. But being in an office felt like prision. Corporate Security is full of politics. If you stay the course, get the education. Do it in something you love to study, don't make it a "practical" choice. I got a BS in Business, very practical and doesn't make enough of a difference in what the degree is in, for most cases anyway. Should have studied Art, could still get the job I have, and I could have enjoyed all those long hours of working and going to school, or at least as much as possible... I decided to go back in the Reserves. Been one year now, and am staying for a Retirement for sure this time. May even go Active again, after I get a few things working for me. Warrant Officer career and retirement will be a bit more profitable/challenging/rewarding than enlisted. as I said before, grain of salt, and best wishes.
Posts: 28,393

12-27-2008, 10:47 AM	#29
Kyle DeLexus Opie and Anthony XM 105 Join Date: Nov 2008 Casino cash: $10002400	I moved to KC from a small town in Kansas and thought I was just moving up here as a temp. thing and would move on to bigger and better things. I moved with my family when I was 18 and 3 months from 21 now and love the place and hope i'll be here for life. It's a great place that is big enough to have plenty to do yet it's not like cities where you go around and can't even make eye contact with people. Traffic is not bad at all, overall I like to think of it as a city that reminds me of small town life.
Posts: 7,910