The Kids Don't Stand A Chance

So, it's been awhile. Sorry about that, my loyal reader. Or readers. Either way, my apologies. Onto business.

Quite a bit has changed, and many ways stayed the same, since I last wrote. The most notable sameness being that Abby and I are still in South Carolina. Despite applying for many jobs across the globe, that's just the way this cookie crumbled. Given the extra, unexpected year to be spent in Myrtle Beach, I have slightly re-focused future plans and goals. I originally came down here to spend more time with Abby and then, once the school year ended, move on to bigger and better things. Having now been here for ten months, I realize more than ever I need to get out.

Unfortunately, Abby is stuck until June. I can not remain here with the work I'm doing and the pay I'm getting for that long. I need to start upping the income and taking care of these loans. I also feel the need to be challenged. I can only take so much of the mindless droning that is my current job. Therefore, when Abby mentioned in passing I could become an air traffic controller, reasoning that if her cousin could do it, anyone could, I went for it.

I applied in August and was selected to take the AT-SAT, a pre-training screening and evaluation, in October. On the eighth, Abby and I drove to Atlanta, where I was to take the test. The following morning, I finished the test about three hours early, and left wondering if I rushed it too much and ending up blowing my chance at this job.

Those thoughts soon faded as we made our way into town. Our first stop was Chipotle for some delectable, baby-sized burritos. We did some shopping in the Atlantic Station district, and then made our way to that evening's grand finale: IKEA. Our venture into the product of European genius was beneficial, as we purchased two new sets of dishes. How delightfully grown-up of us!

The next morning, we set out for the tourist destinations ATL has to offer. We began by seeing the Dr. King center and house. It was moving to see King's impact on a tumultuous time, as well as his final resting place in the center of a reflecting pool. I feel the need to call attention to the fact that our tour guide specifically mentioned that the King family drank Kool-Aid growing up, bringing to an end the storied argument between Kristin and myself over the ghetto-ness of Kool-Aid. I win, Kristin, it's not ghetto because Dr. King said so. Score one for the good guys.

Following that piece of history, we bobbed and weaved through the streets of Atlanta to the CNN center. Despite one obnoxious Southerner, we enjoyed the behind the scenes tour of their studios. A quick walk by the Centennial Olympic park led us to the World of Coca-Cola, where we sampled sodas from around the world and walked out with some free Coke. Not too shabby. We dined at the Fox Sports Cafe and enjoyed the marvel that is the skillet cookie, capping our weekend in Atlanta.

Upon our return to Myrtle Beach, my thoughts moved back to the concern over my test score. A 70 is required to pass, and an 85 to be considered highly qualified. These thoughts were soon alleviated when I found out I scored a 93.9. Now, I wait. By all accounts, I could be waiting for two weeks or eight months before I hear back from the FAA. I'm really hoping for the former. Once I am contacted, I will go through some medical and psychological tests (insert joke here) before training for four months in Oklahoma City. Therefore, save for any surprises, my next destination is OKC.

In other news, I've become more of a fatty. All it took was one trip home. The weekend that followed the trip to Atlanta saw me take a solo journey up to PA and NJ. Foods consumed included a cheesesteak, a chicken BLT wrap from Little John's, chicken wings, a significant amount of mozzarella sticks, a hot, open-face turkey sandwich, chicken, corn, stuffing, potatoes, mounds of Tastykake's and Entenmann's chocolate donuts, and most importantly, Riv's pizza. That, my dear reader(s), is how one can gain 10 pounds in four days.

Aside from stuffing my face, I was able to enjoy quality time with the family, as well as Philly sporting events with local announcers calling the action. I also was lucky enough to take my Dad's new Nissan Cube for a spin. It's a pretty snazzy vehicle. I fit in a quick visit to the Franklin Institute with Buddy and Roberta before making an appearance in Lancaster County to hang with the Weiss clan, watch Hanna's field hockey game, and enjoy delicious pizza.

In slightly more recent news, my hours have been significantly cut, and again I'll try to find a second job. Abby is sick this weekend, hopefully that passes soon. We're in the midst of a mini-golf tournament in which I have yet to muster up one victory. Finally, if anyone besides Abby actually does read this, please come visit. We would really love to have you down.