Within a few miles of my house today I experienced a microcosm of the USA

[Brenda]

I drove to a Dollar General nearby at 9:00 AM and almost got killed by a loudass punk in his daddy-bought new mustang ignoring a stop sign.

This is like my third time ever of going to a DG, I was looking for some ultra fine sharpies. The place looked like a tornado happened inside. I didn't find my sharpies but bought something similar. Dude in front of me in line kept turning around and um, grunting at me.

He was rocking back and forth. Okay, must be on meth/crack/whateverthefuck. Stand back. He paid and left. I paid and left. Oh, look, he's standing right outside the door grunting at me. I moved quickly into my car and left.

I'm about 1/2 a mile from my house now. I see police with lights on and a tow truck. At a 3-way stop in a pretty quiet residential area there's a small red car upside down. On its roof and the airbags clearly blown up. I didn't see an ambulance or anyone injured.

I just wanted my fucking ultra fine pens and ended up being freaked out that I'm dead and living in Hell.

[SWBTATTReg]

1. Quite an adventure just going to the DG...perhaps go to another DG located nearby instead of that one particular

one, since it seems to reek of bad vibes...

[Brenda]

2. I went to the other DG near me about a month ago.

Very small and cramped and no ultra fine sharpies. The one I went to this morning is only a year or so old but looked like something in bombed out Ukraine. The support posts inside were raw concrete and the tile was missing around them.

My area used to be considered middle class. Not rich, not poor.

Things have gone to hay-ell.

[Turbineguy]

3. A lot of people in Seattle drive

as if there's not much point in getting home alive.

[GenThePerservering]

9. I worked as a bike courier in Seattle

80s and 90s. Still ride around up in the Kenmore area.

The secret is 4 shots of espresso before you start out. Not the shitty burnt Starbucks nonsense, the real thing. It helps jumps dimensions.

[vanamonde]

4. I had to move away from Sparks NV because of this kind of thing

I tried for 3 years to like it there because my daughter and family live there, but it seemed that every time I returned home from an errand (especially when on foot or bike) I was either frustrated, scared, or downright angry.

I found a small town about 90 miles away, Susanville CA, where I am much happier. Less expensive, much quieter and relaxed, most folks are friendly. The town has some rough edges but overall the move is a positive experience.

Eighteen months after I moved here Inc magazine published this:
https://moneyinc.com/the-30-most-peaceful-places-to-live-in-california/
Susanville topped the list.

I hope you can find some peace.

[erronis]

6. Good for you! Now you've attracted a whole lot of us to join you.

[vanamonde]

7. Lassen county is deep red

But people don't seem terribly political - a few Trump flags here and there. Not like some places I've seen.
So yeah, we could use some DUers here in the neighborhood!

[erronis]

5. I run errands for lots of folks that can only afford DG and Walmart.

I've learned a lot in the last few years about how people try to survive and I'll never look down my nose at any.

We have a lot of people with mental health issues here. Perhaps because it once has a large state hospital here, or more, I think, because the population is understanding.

My only negative interaction, so far, has been a guy who obviously hated anybody who was a trumper (meaning everybody else.)

I try to smile and be helpful but I also get out of the way when that's the most expedient path.

[cab67]

8. DG's vary widely.

The DG close to our house is clean and organized. If they have what you need, you can find it quickly. But I've been to others that looked like the aftermath of a tornado.