Thread:Mainframebabe/@comment-32739993-20180208031212/@comment-29954643-20180208062417

Oh, we were seen as different but I never felt that that was a bad thing. In fact, we had our own thoughts about up-staters and I soon learned that each person was their own person and could/should not be lumped into any strict set of traits. I never cared if anyone felt differently than I did because I can't change what anyone else chooses to believe. That is up to others to decide for themselves. I was my own person from the moment I was born.

Understand that though I was born in NYC and was there until I was 4yrs old with my older brother, who was less than 11 months older than I was. My dad wanted us out of the 'city' and moved us to Easter L.I. This was more like being in a red-state, while NYC was much more liberal and ethnic. But, we are talking the greater NYC area, so it was not like being in the heartland. Gosh it was great fun and plenty of land and kids on bikes who weren't going to be killed in the traffic. But 4  years later, the babies started coming. I quickly learned what a male dominated family looked like. The 'girls' (me and mom) were supposed to handle all housewifely duties and there were 4 more boys in short order. I was knee deep in diaper poop (cloth, remember, no such thing as pampers) and cleaning, always cleaning, and the dishes never ended and babysitting after school every day so mom Also, taking out the garbage each day (sure lots of refuse but with 5, not much more than once per week each). Huh? I asked if I could trade to be a boy. LOL

My baby sister, the yongest came finally 3 years after all the rest of them but was just a baby after all. So, no, I loved living there, but I vowed that I would not run away or anything like that but when I did go to college at 18, I didn't return to live at home and supported myself through college and chose to do ROTC which took me where it took me, but always with a plan in mind. Ultimately, I was stationed here in the Los Angeles area, and I finished my AF commitment and settled (for the most part) because of the weather and my love of outdoor sports. So my story is a bit different, but that doesn't change the fact that my heart will always be that of a proud NYer. 💖💘💖 - El