What's on your mind?

[sampa]

A lot depends on where in the Carolinas we're talking about. I've lived in Central NC for years and haven't heard much of a twang around here. Out in the country, however, it varies from nothing noticeable to mountain accents so thick that they don't even sound like English. When I was little, I had a friend from South Carolina who had both a twang and a drawl. Apparently, it rubbed off on me as my Mom would point out that I had a Southern accent for a while after playing with him. I don't recall where in SC he was from.

That's the thing with accents, though. They're malleable and don't necessarily follow strict rules. In the town where I grew up in Northern New Jersey, for instance, they don't have a "Joisey" accent. Just the same generic US accent that's heard across the country. What most people think of as the NJ accent, we called the New York accent. Especially Long Island, which Long Islanders might pronounce as 'Lawnguyland'. Then again, not everybody from there talks the same way.

I've lived up and down the East Coast, and people usually tell me that I sound like I'm native to the area. The two exceptions were Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Something about the phrasing and the way they pronounce the letter R. Oddly, this wasn't an issue in Maine. People often assumed that I was a local when I lived there, as I spoke like "the people on TV" which has been pretty common wherever I've lived.


Edit: The stereotypical NJ/NY accent probably started with Italian immigrants. There's certainly a NJ-Italian culture, and I quite like thier accent, but there are also a lot of people with British, Irish, and German ancestors. People from all over Europe came through Ellis Island or are descendants of the early settlers. Nowadays, immigrants who move to that part of the country are often from India or East Asia. There's a wide variety.

I just watched several video interviews featuring people from my hometown, to see if I could hear an accent. There's a noticeable difference between the older people, who come from all over, and the kids who grew up there. The kids from my old high school sound like they could be from California, which is where people usually guess I'm from if they know I'm not from around here.

Even if we don't use video for a virtual meetup, and keep it audio only, it might be fun to hear each others' accents.

Thank you for that clarification! I appreciate the time that you took to explain your experiences. I did not know that you were from New Jersey.

The family that I liked the most were actually from Israel. Both the mother and father had served in the is really military and the family had six kids. Things may have changed now but back in the late 90s when I was stuck in New Jersey going to the airport I noticed goldlink chains and rolexes every three cars or so.

I have a friend that I am very close to from college that lives in South Carolina and we keep in touch. She picked up running because of me. But I always appreciate it how kind she was. Also the roommate that I had that was from South Carolina. I have military friends in North Carolina. I did my basic training in South Carolina and I thought the night sky was spectacular. I don't know if it's different from here but for some reason in my memory it was the best night view.

 

[sampa]

Thankful for coworkers/boss that have been sympathetic to the toll the snowplowing took on me. I'll do remote on Friday, but won't return to work till Tuesday.

 

[SarahsKnight]

Thankful for coworkers/boss that have been sympathetic to the toll the snowplowing took on me. I'll do remote on Friday, but won't return to work till Tuesday.

Sounds like you've earned at least this much of a break from work, Miss Sampa, going by how last weekend fared for you.

 

[Niels]

This video about the various New York accents also explains a little about New Jersey accents. It highlights some of the differences and the ethnic element I mentioned earlier. A lot of people in NJ either moved from or commute to NY for work, which is where some of the confusion comes from.

There are also a lot of people who sound like the reporter.

Thank you for that clarification! I appreciate the time that you took to explain your experiences. I did not know that you were from New Jersey.

The family that I liked the most were actually from Israel. Both the mother and father had served in the is really military and the family had six kids. Things may have changed now but back in the late 90s when I was stuck in New Jersey going to the airport I noticed goldlink chains and rolexes every three cars or so.

I have a friend that I am very close to from college that lives in South Carolina and we keep in touch. She picked up running because of me. But I always appreciate it how kind she was. Also the roommate that I had that was from South Carolina. I have military friends in North Carolina. I did my basic training in South Carolina and I thought the night sky was spectacular. I don't know if it's different from here but for some reason in my memory it was the best night view.

Many New Yorkers and New Jersians like to talk about their accents. It's a popular subject. The North East has been a melting pot for centuries, but with distinct communities that tend to stick together. It gives that part of the country lots of character and a unique cohesion. This is why I think the Boston and New York accents are still going strong while others gradually fade away.

There does seem to be less light pollution in the Carolinas. As somebody who enjoys stargazing from time to time, it's one of the things I like about living here. A work friend even moved with his family to Western NC because the skies are even clearer there. He's a serious amateur astronomer, and picked an ideal location.

 

[SarahsKnight]

Will now be spending the next hour or so preparing a meal from HelloFresh while listening to this V-Day music playlist I just happened across on YouTube in the background (already listened to the Christmas one, so V-Day is pretty much the next holiday of note when it comes to the ensuing YT recommendations, I suppose ). A good way to spend the highlight of the day, I like to think. ^-^

 

[sampa]

Many New Yorkers and New Jersians like to talk about their accents. It's a popular subject. The North East has been a melting pot for centuries, but with distinct communities that tend to stick together. It

Thanks for your clarifications. It's been so long since I was there but just seeing this video warms my heart. There's something earthy and real and solid with the character there. I find Tokyo a lot more sterile but I find a lot more character between New York and Chicago. One thing I remember when I was a jet ski instructor is one guy boasting being from the Bronx, "Yo! I'm Alex from the Bronx" he would say. Another guy that was Puerto Rican descent that I did some training in the Air Force with, he would write I love New York all the time on the chalkboard. He was from Brooklyn.

The stories that I heard when I was a jet ski instructor on counselor in upper New York from the kids from New York blew me away since I had grown up in the Midwest. The stories they talked about running away from the cops or different things that I would hear them talking about was nothing I was ever exposed to having grown up out in the country. Also the mix of Western European counselors and embracing hedonistic activities in the name of I'm just on a holiday... My Christian perspective of things was definitely awakened about more out there. Fortunately the campers accepted and looked up to the values I held and not cursing or participating in certain types of activities. It was hard to go against the grain, esp at 25 yrs old

 

[MehGuy]

Only several hours left of my vacation (not counting sleep). I have to work a full two days until the weekend. I'm certainly the most persecuted thing on the planet, lol.

 

[GodDoesListen55]

It is hard not to blame yourself and feel guilty for things that you have said and done, knowing that what has happened did not have to happen. So, you just have to live and learn to survive and thrive.

 

[RileyG]

Goodnight all

 

[MehGuy]

First day back at work. At least the crippling depression is almost over. Plus tomorrow is already Friday.

 

[DragonFox91]

Listening to a secular lecture on early Christianity.

“The Romans only occasionally persecuted early Christians.”

Anyone see the flaw in that?

 

[sampa]

It's been good not to run from appointment to appointment, commitments with baking ,social , work and just focus on the house cleaning & task that have been neglected because of obligations and health changes.

It's been my desire for so long for this. That's probably why my body just shut down. I think I will be at peace when I get to the point that I can start prayer journaling again and gradually start back into workouts and nutrition goals.Now is for rest and calm.

Hoping to finish out 2022 well. And farewell written on CF for the year. I've enjoyed the little I've gotten to know here and have grown from counsel of wise friends during a difficult period of my life.

 

[Saucy]

I have a job interview on January 6th! Please pray everything goes well as I really need this job!

 

[Saucy]

There are times I feel fine being single, knowing I'm waiting until I get healthy before getting into a relationship. I always just think no one is interested in me now. But lately, I've been listening to music and watching movies that make me realize I am lonely. Considering joining a dating site or something. Might meet someone interesting and surprise myself.

 

[sampa]

Finally started putting albums through Spotify together for different years and time periods of my life of music. I've been wanting to do this forever, at least have some way of organizing it since I want to compile and put film together with music. Maybe I will be taking more time off of social media next year so that I can spend some reflective time and getting myself back into prayer journaling and reflection on What the Lord has done.

It helps that my phone has an option for liking a song that is playing on the radio. I used to have to search and I would scribble down on a scratch piece of paper while driving the song and whatever connection idea I have attached to it. If the Lord wills I hope someday to put my video together and make some sort of short films of my life. And as long as it brings glory to the Lord and not myself.

 

[GodDoesListen55]

Out with the old and in with the new.

 

[.Mikha'el.]

I have a job interview on January 6th! Please pray everything goes well as I really need this job!

What would you be doing?

 

[pen_and_poetry]

Out with the old and in with the new.

I love new year's so I agree

as for what's on my mind--shopping online is challenging. I have to order two sizes and then return the one that doesn't fit lol. I try to leave a review on the item that includes measurements of the garment. I'm trying to build my wardrobe to be more feminine* again after dressing in basics for soooo long and, well, basics are the norm now

* by feminine, I mean fitted, pretty necklines, and draped and kind of "glam". Not Christian subculture modesty feminine--no disrespect but that's not my jam, that's all.

I'm glad the holiday season is coming to a close. Thanksgiving was hard as I've no family connections. By Christmas I was numb to it all, and somber old world European Christmas music kept me company. New year's always sets the right tone, in my book.

 

[sampa]

again after dressing in basics for soooo long and, well, basics are the norm now

I did for so many years for financial reasons. Overtime especially 2020, I started to experiment through cosignment with different fits and styles. In 2020 since I was starting online dating, I knew I needed better outfits and styles to sell myself just like you wouldn't resume and how you write it. But dressing up isn't new as it was something I got the involved with in my later teens, nice dresses.

* by feminine, I mean fitted, pretty necklines, and draped and kind of "glam". Not Christian subculture modesty feminine--no disrespect but that's not my jam, that's all.

I totally understand.

Each year I've worked on something different. In 2020 I worked on accessories.

This year and next I've been focusing on shoe updates. When I was looking for running shoes I probably had to order about $2,000 worth of shoes in a one month period and return most of them to find one that fit that right. I have flat feet with pronation. I'm size 11 so it's challenging. My feet have also changed and I think that the cut of some styles that I've worn before have changed also. It's taking me 2 months to get Merrell shoes sorted out. I will work on sandals and dress pumps this year. Much of my dressy stuff I bought 15 years ago has worn out by now.

I also in a two-month period had to work on updating my wardrobe because nothing was fitting. Between some setbacks with my training and it changes that happen at this age, I've come to accept that I just need to have the size that I'm at right now. Also the way that things fit it's only certain materials that I can have. I did it all through good will and cosignment because I can't afford all brand new clothes. I'm amazed I found what I did and the new type of workout clothes I needed too.

Best of luck, it can be a lot of fun!!!!!

 

[Junkyarder]

I'm learning to love spiritual deserts. The Lord has gifted me many spiritual consolations and encounters with the Holy Spirit.

I needed these to really start pursuing Christ, those events caused me to pick up my Cross with eagerness.

Now that I am starting to get used to the warmth of the holy spirit, or perhaps life is getting busier so that I am less able to make time. I'm forcing myself to make time. It's uncomfortable to do so, but these little discomforts are so transformative.

I also find with every step forward Pride forces me two steps back. "Look how holy I am for maintaining a regular prayer practice." or "I am weeping these tears for Jesus, how much more blessed am I than others."

Pride shadows my every step in the faith, the deserts are wonderful and I love them because they stomp out the pride, they allow me to fail and surrender to Jesus, and place my trust in him.

That's what's on my mind.