My intent is to read THIS much and write THIS much this summer. Thinking, as of 12:48 p.m. Monday, is that I’ll write regularly on this e-man blog and then more selectively on Facebook. Or should it be the other way around? Well, there’s a bigger audience on Facebook so that makes it an elevated platform for me so that makes it something where I want to be more selective. So, what, my loyal 1 1/2 blog readers aren’t an elevated audience? Well, that depends on if you’re wearing flats or pumps. However, I do value you utterly and completely and thank you for reading and, hey, maybe even responding every now and then (hint hint).
Today I was having a nice slice of Arizmendi pizza (sorry Arizmendi fantatics in exile) and I picked up the greasy newspaper by the window and read this great article on the “reverse Okie” effect. It was in the Contra Costa Times or maybe something called Inside Bay Area, or maybe just Bay Area News Group, but when I googled it just now I only found it in the Charleston Gazette. The fact I found most striking was that in the last four years 275,000 Californias have moved to Okalahoma and Texas, double the numbers which came from those two states during ye olde Dust Bowl (the lesser known holiday football game where each team piles onto an old jalopy and tries to make it to the other side…). My vast Sacramento readership will also appreciate the quote from Brandon Jones of Del Paso Heights, who said praised the job opportunities, growth and vibe in Oklahoma City, saying “Oklahoma City is like Sacramento back when the Kingers were in the playoffs.”
My only question would how many of those 275,000 moved to Austin? That may be skewing the migratory impression a bit. Still, Oklahoma City. Who knew? Add it to your short list, there, 20 somethings.
OK, now go listen to “Do-Re-Mi” (I recommend the Nanci Griffith version) and “Oklahoma Hills” by Woody Guthrie and ponder.
Hey! That’s interesting. My dad is originally from Tulsa (I was born there) and two of my dad’s siblings moved to CA in the 60s and 70s and they are always talking about moving back. I just sent this post to them. (For the record, I think Tulsa is nicer than Oklahoma City.)