State of the Union

Last night President Obama delivered his first State of the Union address (1). With the constant, 24-hour "news" cycle we have in our country, most of us are quite aware of the state of our union. That being said, President Obama laid out a bunch of ideas to try and fix things while maintaining a firm tone with his opposition, and at times with his constituents. On that note, it was refreshing to hear a Democrat with a back bone. As far is the issues go, there are quite a few that I hope come to pass.

The first issue is one I was hoping would be mentioned, and it actually received much more attention than I expected. I'm referring to the rising cost of a college education, which the President spoke about here:

To make college more affordable, this bill will finally end the unwarranted taxpayer-subsidies that go to banks for student loans. Instead, let’s take that money and give families a $10,000 tax credit for four years of college and increase Pell Grants. And let’s tell another one million students that when they graduate, they will be required to pay only ten percent of their income on student loans, and all of their debt will be forgiven after twenty years – and forgiven after ten years if they choose a career in public service. Because in the United States of America, no one should go broke because they chose to go to college. And it’s time for colleges and universities to get serious about cutting their own costs – because they too have a responsibility to help solve this problem.

I am of the opinion that this would help students and their families out tremendously. I do not claim to be a financial expert, so I will refer only to my situation, as that is what I am familiar with. As it stands now, I owe $78,162. I began college in January 2003. I received my first (and only) Pell Grant for the Fall semester of 2008, for a total of $2291. The other eight semesters during which I was a full-time student, I received nothing. Even if Pell Grants were increased to the point where I received $500 per semester, that would still knock $4000 off of my debt. With the $10,000 tax credit, I'm not entirely sure how that would work. I paid for college, not my family. Would I see that tax credit or would they? Because I am not sure, we'll say I would've gotten half of that number, taking another $5000 off of my final debt. President Obama also mentioned that schools should cut back on spending, in examples I can relate to, perhaps Rowan shouldn't have entered a legal/bidding war with Walmart over who got to annex farmland. Maybe Temple shouldn't be spending a million dollars per year to use Lincoln Financial Field for their under-attended football games (2). With these cutbacks, let us assume I would have saved another $1000 over the course of my college career. All in all, that's $10,000 saved making my debt $68,162.

Now let's examine the other part of this selection. The President says debt would be forgiven in 20 years, 10 years if the graduate enters public service. My current repayment plan has my debt forgiven in 25 years. Taking that five years off at the end would save me $16,020. Should I become a teacher, as I have considered on and off since high school, the loan forgiveness after ten years would save me $46,800. With these ideas enacted, my debt would end up somewhere between $21,362 and $52,142, a savings of between $56,800 and $26,020. This is without factoring in that my payments would only amount to ten percent of my income, meaning I would have only paid $1300 in overall payments last year. Instead, with our current situation, I paid that much in interest alone last year. This money saved could be money in the hands of young professionals who could stimulate the economy by buying new cars, getting their first house, or contributing to their local bar scene. Even small business wins with this one! All kidding aside, with these steps enacted, the future of our country could start their lives off with a sense of hope and financial security instead of somebody like me, who has under $30 between his wallet and two bank accounts, has moved back in with his parents, and is jobless. It's like Dolly's past and future husbands both said, "Money, pardon the expression, is like manure. It's not worth a thing unless it's spread around encouraging young things to grow (3)."

I spent more time than anticipated on that subject, so I'm going to have to cut it short and resume my job hunt. Perhaps I'll go into more detail later, but until thin I have this to say: Health care must be reformed. Not because I have a sense of entitlement, not because anyone owes us anything, but because the current system is an abysmal failure and it is simply inhumane to have the means to treat the ill and injured only to turn them away for financial reasons. What does it say about our system as it stands now when Abby and I each have our own health insurance, but avoid going to the doctor as much as possible due to expense? What does it say about our system that my monthly payment is roughly $80, I pay $30 or $40 for each visit, yet I still have nearly $900 in unpaid medical bills for about one hour of that doctor's time over the course of three visits? Something needs to be done.

I have seen some feedback to this speech, and from the right, it is very defensive. Republicans feel as though they were attacked. Well, I happen to disagree. I find that President Obama was at times firm with both sides of the aisle, and managed to find some time for light-hearted joking with both sides as well. I think it is a dangerous double standard for the right wing to try and play the victim here. For years I was called a traitor, unpatriotic, and numerous four lettered things for sharing my liberal opinions. I didn't cry about it, I just continued to defend my position. So, Republicans, don't get upset because the President isn't as nice as you want him to be. Stop campaigning, and do your damn job. As for the Democrats, get off of your asses and get some work done! I want our elected officials to be aggressive in attacking our nation's problems, not courting businesses to line their pockets in hopes of winning the next election.

Finally, because I really do need to stop, transparency. In my opinion, the reason our government is prone to convoluted gridlock and confusion is the manner in which bills, orders, etc. are presented. I propose that any bill, order, etc. be limited to 20 pages. It should consist of an outline, a preamble that establishes the clear goal of the bill, an outline of the steps to take and money to be spent, a ledger detailing where this money will come from, and a brief essay describing how it will help the citizens of our nation. The document would be posted in full on a website, making it accessible for anyone to read. The bill could be debated so long as minutes from the debate and any changes, additions, or subtractions included are listed on the website. This would take away the all to common instance of bills not being read by the people we elected to vote on them.

That's all for now, it's time to practice what I preach, and get back to work. I have a one-inch stack of paperwork to get through in order to start substitute teaching, and I'm sure there are a handful of jobs left I haven't yet applied to. Have a snazzy day!

1. State of the Union Address
   
2. Philly News Archives
3. Hello, Dolly!
   

Ay Diablo

Well, it has been an interesting handful of weeks. I'm back in New Jersey, living with my parents, and somewhat desperately searching for jobs. I was expecting to go back to work at the museum, but that did not quite pan out as I had expected. In the past year, I have put out nearly 100 applications/resumes, and I've had three interviews out of all of them. Yikes.

In one of my previous updates, I wrote about saving money here in order to have a bit of savings stowed away for the next place Abby and I end up. A few things have set that back a bit. One is the realization of how much I truly owe. Thanks mainly to my poor financial habits while attending Temple, I am officially $78,162 in the hole. If I were to make a payment of $1000 every month from here on out, I'll be done paying for it when I'm 40. With that information now in front of me, I have to reevaluate some goals and plans. Another issue is the job hunt. I've only been called for one interview since coming back up here and that worries me. There was also the little hiccup with identity theft, but that's been about 80% taken care of. On top of that, my phone broke, so the limited contact I had with Abby dwindled even more. It has been difficult to try and stay positive in light of these events of the past two weeks, but I am trying.

On the plus side, I'm starting the process to become a substitute teacher. Granted, the process will cost me roughly $250, but my parents said that they'd assist with that. This is good on a number of levels. First and foremost, it's a job and a paycheck. Sub jobs around here range from $75-100 per day. Secondly, I see it as a test. If I like it, I can pursue teaching as a possible career. There are a few programs around here in which I could obtain a Master's degree in education should I so desire. Finally, it will give me somewhat of a better idea of what Abby puts up with on a daily basis.

In the meantime, I've been spending a lot of time on this chair staring into space. There's only so many jobs out there, and I've applied to most of them. I haven't really had the money to go see any friends since I've been back in the area. I went to one lunch meeting with a few Temple grads in hopes of getting a documentary project off the ground, but I feel that the meeting just pushed it farther down into said ground. It's frustrating being here with nothing to do, and even more so to know that Abby has a new crowd to hang out with that I just missed out on. I'm really hoping to get together with friends soon because I think I could use a good conversation over a couple of drinks.

In other news, I recently posted a to-do list for the year on Facebook, which I think I'll elaborate on a bit.

1. Make (at least) one film/movie. (Documentary is currently being planned.)
-I want to shoot a documentary on the district musical. While things initially looked to be going well, interest in the project has been somewhat dismal since. I still have hope for it.
2. Visit Canada. I have no excuse for not having gone yet.
-CJ mentioned having a relative near Toronto. As soon as I can justify spending the money, I want to drive up.
3. Get back into a work out routine. Break's over.
-I have been seriously slacking. I need motivation.
4. Hang out with a Disney person. Been too long.
-I've spent a lot of money I didn't have on this in the past, which led to a significant portion of the aforementioned debt. In fact, I figure about $3000 of that debt was spent visiting CP friends and Abby. I don't regret it, but that doesn't mean that it was a smart move on my part.
5. Check out this Piazza I've heard so much about. Where was this when I lived in that area?
-Why do I feel like cool things happen once I leave? I'm looking forward to checking this out, especially after seeing Timmy's Clam Bake.
6. Save money. Priority wise, this is numero uno.
-I've actually done incredibly well stretching the little money I have, but I did have help. We'll see how this goes after I get hired somewhere.
7. Stick with my photo project. (I lasted 345/365 days last time.)
-Just over three weeks in and still going strong. I need to get a bit more creative with it, but so far, so good.
8. Run in a race. Perhaps a 5K?
-Before moving up here, I wanted to run in the 5K in MB. I'm sure I can find one here to run. I want to do this in Spring.
9. Try not to go insane when LOST ends. This is a legitimate worry.
-I just re-watched last season's finale. Out of the eleven items on this list, this is the one I have the least confidence in. I simply cannot fathom how they will end this story.
10. Get Abby out of the South and get a new place.
-I was worried that I would begin to get comfortable there and just accept it for what it was. I hope Abby doesn't get to that point, because I think she would thrive in an environment more conducive to her personality and style.
11. Try as many new things as possible.
-Well, I can't think of anything I've done in the first 26 days of this year that would count for this.

Well, this has been a downer and if anyone actually read it, I apologize. I really hope I get to chat with friends this week, get some things off of my chest, and some beer in my mouth. I would like to end on a happy note and say that the Wittwer family is currently in the process of getting a dog. It's about time!!

Buffin'

Before I delve too far into this topic, allow me to first describe what "buffin" is. Growing up, I always enjoyed spending time with my Grandpop. Grandpop was a self-described trolley-buff, and spent much of his free time collecting any type of transit memorabilia he could get his hands on. Included in this hobby was riding the mass transit systems of cities he visited while photographing and documenting the vehicles he saw and rode. This affinity for trains, trolleys, and buses came from experiences as a child riding the 47 trolley from his school in North Philadelphia to visit his grandmother in South Philadelphia. Over time, Grandpop began to refer to these photo excursions as buffin, a term I was not aware he made up until my twenties. As I grew up I was one of the few who never tired of going on these day trips with Grandpop, and I have come to enjoy a few such trips on my own in the past couple of years.

My focus today is to document an ideal buffin' trip throughout the main part of Philadelphia. The trip I have planned was originally intended to start from my old apartment in South Philadelphia. This trip will be low in cost, and cover as many modes of transportation as possible. The only major modes left out are the 101 and 102 Suburban trolley lines, the Norristown line, and the PATCO line to New Jersey, all of which take the rider outside of Philly's limits. This trip will remain within the city.

Before embarking on a buffin' trip, a local transit map such as this SEPTA one is key to have handy. This is especially key for cities that are rail-heavy, such as New York City or Washington, DC. In the case of this particular trip, this map only covers a portion of the routes that will be used. Nevertheless, the map is always a helpful tool, and if you happen to be as into this type of thing as I am, check out the book Transit Maps of the World. In it you will find every metro map the world has to offer. It's a handy guide to not only getting around the cities, but how to read the maps and other interesting facts.

As previously stated, this is a relatively cheap trip. A one way fare for SEPTA is $2, with transfers costing an additional $.60. An ideal way to pay for this trip is to have a pocketful of quarters, dimes, and SEPTA tokens. A ten-pack of tokens will cost you $14.50, which gives you more than enough to get around and lowers your price per fare by $.55.

The trip begins with the Broad Street Subway. The Tasker-Morris station was a short walk from my apartment, making it a good starting point. At the station, go to the window with one token and sixty cents to get your transfer. Then catch the next train heading North.

At the City Hall station, which is the fourth stop following Tasker-Morris, you will transfer to the Market-Frankford line, or the El. Follow the blue signs to get to the El's Eastbound platform (towards Frankford Transportation Center). This is a free transfer, so you won't need to use your transfer or another token so long as you remain in the station.

Your journey on the El will keep you underground for awhile, before coming up between the 2nd Street and Spring Garden Street stops. From then on, you're on the elevated tracks going through the trendy neighborhoods of Fishtown and Northern Liberties before turning and heading through the Lower Northeast. In the interest of keeping things simple, I'm going to trim a bit from this portion of your excursion and have you disembark at the Girard Avenue stop, which will be the second above-ground stop.

From this station, head downstairs and look for the trolley stop in the middle of Girard (See photo). Give the trolley operator your transfer and you are good to go. In 2005, SEPTA brought trolleys back to this route, which had previously been serviced by buses. As a nod to their history, they restored some old PCC cars like the one seen on the left to service this route. For trolley buffs, this is a fun route to ride for a trip down memory lane. For everyone else, a stop across the street from the Philadelphia Zoo doesn't hurt.

Unfortunately, this trip doesn't include a zoo visit. Instead, in the interest in using as many vehicles as possible, you'll get off of the trolley at 19th Street where you will wait for the route 33 bus, with another token and sixty cents in hand. The main reasoning behind taking the 33 over other buses in the area is its design. The 33 is a heavily used route, and therefore has a special extended bus that many refer to as a "slinky bus" in reference the the accordion-like connection between the front and rear of the vehicle.

The 33 will take you past the Free Library, Franklin Institute, and Moore College of Art before bringing you back into Center City along Market Street. As you cross the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, take a look to your right to get a look at the Art Museum. Shortly after passing the Franklin Institute, you'll get off of the bus at Market Street. From here you will see City Hall to your left and Amtrak's 30th Street Station to your right. Begin walking towards 30th Street until you reach 22nd Street. Here you will see a stop for the Subway-Surface trolley line. Head downstairs and turn in your transfer for a quick ride to City Hall. Once at City Hall, follow the orange signs for the Broad Street Subway Southbound for a free transfer back to the subway that will take you back to our starting point at Tasker-Morris.

Throughout the trip, you will have several opportunities to snap photos on train and trolley platforms or while waiting for your bus to arrive. You also always have the option to get off whichever route you are on to do a little sightseeing, although it will add to the cost of your trip. An especially good place to do this is along Market Street. Should you get off of the El at 5th Street and walk down to get back on at 2nd Street, not only will you have a whole host of buses to photograph, but your walk will highlight some of the best parts of historic Philadelphia (Old City) including the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall.

As you may have guessed, this trip could take quite a bit of time, and I would advise starting around 10am, after the morning rush. This should leave you plenty of time to finish your trip before the evening rush. I hope to post more blogs of this nature both in Philly and other cities, and I hope you enjoy your trip!

Mad World

Again it would seem significant changes are on the horizon, and as par for the course thus far, they are unexpected. I had mentioned in the last post that I would have to move out before June, but I was expecting something along the lines of March or April, not three weeks from now. Earlier this week I gave my notice at the Aquarium, as I can no longer afford to stay. My paycheck for these past two weeks was $382. I received a loan bill of $536 today. Clearly this just will not work out financially. It has been an extremely bitter pill to swallow. (Jagged little pill, perhaps?)

I feel that the past handful of years has been somewhat tumultuous, and that in the past one or two I have been repeatedly in situations requiring me to swallow a hefty amount of pride. I often quipped that college was "ruining my life," never really believing it but just saying it in jest. Now, however, I am beginning to wonder if that truly is the case. Maybe it's the timing of graduation in relation to the economic crisis, maybe it was my choice of career, maybe it was the use of loans for food, rent, and travel instead of just tuition. Whichever it may be, here I am at 25 preparing to move back in with my parents for the first time in four years.

On one hand, I am quite happy to leave this job. It's too early to say whether or not it has been the worst I've had, but it has to be close. I started in February, taking and selling tourist photographs. At first I was excited, as this was a job that CJ and I had always talked about doing at Disney World. On our first day, our manager and the guy in charge of the aquarium talked up the tight-knit staff, and I was looking forward to building some friendships and meeting new people. To this day there are people I have worked with for ten months who still barely acknowledge me after a simple greeting. Shortly after starting, the downfalls of a sales job began nagging at me. The exceptional rudeness of guests was stunning. Although it is disconcerting, I can understand that some people will flat out ignore us, I'm used to it now. I still don't get how people can treat someone like crap, curse them out, etc. just for doing their jobs. Believe me, if you see people trying to sell you something, I'm sure 99% of them would rather be doing something more worthwhile with their lives.

Unfortunately, as we as a staff began to become accustomed to this type of treatment, the staff itself began to turn a little ugly. Several employees began jockeying for a nonexistent number two position within the department. A few employees at different times would claim that they were on the verge of being promoted and would use this to try and run things. So you could imagine their reaction when I actually was promoted. The things I would tell friends from home, family, or Abby about the behavior of my coworkers were unbelievable. It was like running a day care. On the plus side, I hoped to use my promotion to iron out all of the problems we were having, and things were promising.

One month had passed since being promoted and I still hadn't received any indication of what this promotion entailed, so I decided to take matters into my own hands. With the permission of my superiors, I wrote a detailed handbook of rules and guidelines for the department. I developed a three-day training program for new employees to adequately prepare them to become a successful member of our staff. I assisted with payroll and various administrative duties in addition to continuing to work on the floor with the rest of our staff. I began to sit in on interviews and became involved in decisions about who would be a successful hire. On the other hand, I also began to aid in weeding out some of the individuals who were a detriment to the success of our business. There were times in which an employees job was in danger and I would do what I could to save it. I was told and it was announced to our staff that I would basically serve as the "bad cop," or sort of disciplinarian, for our immediate supervisor. I would have the ability to handle write ups, terminations, and things of that nature. I believe that it is safe to say that in that time, our attendance problems disappeared, elongated breaks ended, and the staff as a whole performed better.

Soon after, I also began making the weekly schedules for the department. By this time, the major problem within the department became apparent. Gossip had become a significant issue to a degree that I have never before seen whether in a work, school, or social environment. Nearly every employee would have a complaint or disparaging remark for another, often me. Nearly every comment would make its way back to me, as those doing the complaining would frequently rat each other out. It was embarrassing and unprofessional, and I couldn't do a thing about it. All of the talk of me being a part of management and laying down the law was little more than just talk. I had no support from any other supervisor, and it showed. With no one showing any interest in enacting any sort of concrete policies or procedures, the structure that had built up fizzled out within three months. Since then, my so-called promotion has meant nothing more than wearing a different shirt than the staff and making one extra dollar an hour. It got to the point where in the past month someone who's job I helped keep said straight to my face that there was no point in my being a manager since I didn't do anything. It was frustrating to know that all of my work had gone unnoticed.

That was a bit more long-winded than anticipated, but I think it illustrates my frustrations that carried over from my last year at college. Along with that add on the constant battles with banks, loan companies, and collection agencies, and I'm at the end of my rope. I still can not understand how I can make roughly $10,000 a year and Sallie Mae can tell me I'm not eligible to defer or postpone payments that add up to about half of that amount. For example, today's situation. I have $300 in my bank account, and they are charging me $536. What do they expect me to do?

So now, I am moving back in with my parents. I absolutely hate the fact that I have to leave Abby here. I know she doesn't like Myrtle Beach, and I feel like crap that I'm going to cut and run. It's been tearing at me for the past couple of months, but I feel like I am out of options. I hate that I have to return home with my tail between my legs after failing one year out of college. Although I knew I'd have it rough financially after graduation, I never expected this. I can only hope that things start to turn around for me once I'm back in the North, and I can start building up a significant savings, and eventually Abby and I can find a nice place together somewhere we both like.

In more pleasant news, I decorated the apartment for Christmas today. The company Christmas party is this Thursday at the House of Blues, and that should be fun. I would really, really love to enjoy my last three weeks here as much as possible, and have a good time with the handful of friends I've made. On that note, sorry for the Debbie Downer post (meow, meow, meow) and I should have a more upbeat update come Christmas. Peace.

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.

I Wish I Had Been More Ambitious

Seeing as I have little else to do at the moment, I figure I'll toss a quick update on here. I am currently in South Jersey at the Wittwer house, spending quality time with the family and the North. I am hoping to get at least one interview while I am up here so that when I do leave South Carolina I have an income to look forward to. I can not imagine spending more than another month or so at the Aquarium working with some of the people I do. I feel bad for my boss and a couple of competent employees in my department, but other than that I can not wait to make my escape.
When Abby was here the other night, we were trying to explain the Wittwer side of the family to her, which was a silly idea on our part. There is no explaining the Wittwer side. However, this attempt led to my Mom breaking out the genealogical research she has been doing. It's fascinating. I've actually learned a lot of things I never knew about my family, specifically my Dad's side. I hope we can continue to trace the lineage beyond what we have now, which is the mid-1800's on both sides.
The reason I'm up here this week is for Michelle's graduation from high school. I can not believe how old my siblings are. It's surreal to see Chelle come home with a cap and gown or to have Ken drive me around. Chelle will be starting at Cedar Crest College in the fall, and I am very excited that she gets to live on campus and get the whole college experience that I missed out on. At the same time, I am urging Ken to consider applying to a variety of places. I feel like I was not ambitious enough in my college application process. I applied to Temple, West Chester, Elizabethtown, and Neumann and ended up going to Rowan and eventually Temple. I feel like I should have applied to schools in NYC or DC, gone somewhere regardless of how many people I knew there or its proximity to me. Knowing now how much debt I went into while trying to stay close to home and affordable, I think I could've spent a similar amount of money and actually gotten my money's worth. Therefore, I have been nudging Ken in that direction, because with his talent, grades, and work ethic, he can go places.
The reason Abby is up here is that she has an interview in Pittsburgh and the Crouch family is in PA. Unfortunately, I do not think I'll be able to see the Crouches as Abby is visiting them on the same day as Chelle's graduation. I will be able to join Abby in Pittsburgh for her interview next week. Hopefully we'll be able to get together at some point before Sunday (Chelle's party) so I can see the Weiss family and Abby can spend a little more time with my family.
I would really like to get together with some friends this week as well. I got to hang out with Deb this past weekend, which was cool. I have to get in touch with others and see what we can arrange. I am without a vehicle, which is putting a little hiccup in making plans. I was able to borrow Mom's car yesterday, and went to AP to visit some teachers. We were able to catch Mr. Rayer on his last ever day of teaching, Mr. Lauginiger, Mr. Morretta, and Mrs. Farr. Coincidentally, Mr. Farr was also at AP to drop something off for Mrs. Farr, and that had to have been the first time we saw him since our post-Europe BBQ at their place. I was quite pleased to see everyone we did. I still have a strong urge to get a degree in education, and if I were to do so, I would model my style after the aforementioned teachers and Mr. Poynton. Now, more than ever, I realize that I grew up in a low-income school district, but I also had some of the best, most dedicated teachers a student could ask for. Having heard a lot of horror stories from Abby and other friends in education over the past year or two, I don't feel like I made the right choice in changing majors. Instead, I feel a sense of obligation to take what I learned from my teachers at AP, and apply it to my own classroom. I feel that I should continue trying to get a higher-paying and more respectful job for now, but in the near future I should look into getting my Master's in Education.
I think that will do for this entry. I'd like to spend as much time with my family as I can while I am up here, because I don't know when my next opportunity will be. In the meantime, have a snazzy day and be good to each other.

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It's official. I can not, in any way, stand the South. It is just not for me. Perhaps it is wrong to generalize, maybe there are parts of the South I'd enjoy living in. If there are, Myrtle beach certainly is not one of those parts. For one thing, this notion of "Southern Hospitality" is the biggest crock I've ever heard. I've gathered that there are those in the South who see us "Yankees" as a bunch of good-for-nothing liberals who use their welfare money to go to gay clubs and abortion clinics for kicks. Southerners have commented on how mean or rude Phildelphians are. I'm sick of it. Southern hospitality is a joke. All it is is that, as Kathryn noted, Southerners are good at making eye contact and initial greetings. After that, there's much to be desired. I have worked in tourism for the past seven years both in Philly and Orlando, and never have I encountered such unpleasant and rude people.

Aside from the general demeanor of the locals, I'm tired of working in tourism. I think I've swallowed a lot of pride recently with school, job hunting, etc. To have to go into work in a cheap uniform everyday and pander to the guests is getting old. This is the same type of job I had throughout high school and college. I want a career now.

So where to next? Ideally, New York. I wanted a break from city life, and I got it. After a month, I'm ready for a city again. As I've said before, I'm a fan of the Bay Ridge neighborhood in Brooklyn where Abby's friend Kara lives. It's a nice area and convenient to everything by the subway. However, getting a job that would pay NY rent and my loan bills is unlikely. I'm still going to look though.

If that doesn't work out, there is a good chance of Abby and I ending up in the Pittsburgh area. There's a school district there that has shown interest in her and would have to be a shit-shoveling factory to be anything but a step up from where she is now. I don't know what I'd do for a job there, but I have looked into opportunities to learn all of the things I wasn't taught at Temple in order to make me a more marketable candidate in the field.

Even with these ideas in place, there is also a good chance I won't be able to afford any of it. I'm expecting about $900 a month of loan payments once June rolls around. I can't think of any job I could get that would pay for that in addition to rent, utilities, and move-in costs. So maybe come summer I'll be swallowing even more pride and moving back in with my parents.

Regardless of where I am in a few months, the bottom line is this. People need to come visit while we still live less than a mile from the beach! We'd love to have a few familiar faces around and it would be fun to hang out here or in Charleston. So come on down.