Vintage

Lessons of 2005

Don’t judge a state by just one of its regions

I spent a lot of my life hating Pennsylvania because of my disgust at the central part of the state. Pennsylvania’s diversity and good qualities only became apparent after I had left. Realizing that Philadelphia was more than likely the ideal fit for my urban and cultural tastes, I planned and executed a successful move to the city. And now, after four months of Philadelphia living, I am absolutely elated that I made that choice. It has been said, quite accurately, that Pennsylvania is “Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and a whole lotta Alabama in between.” Well, if you’re not living in the “Alabama region,” Pennsylvania is amazing and awesome. Its urban centers are not to be missed, while its rural center is not to be seen.

You can never be real, so eliminate the fakers

This year, after months–years?–of justifying how “real” I was to my friends who insisted that all were fake and all were lamentable, I decided to end those friendships. It was a hard decision and it haunts me to this day–in some cases, a decade of friendship for a couple years of this “real” antagonizing. But in the end, I learned that you shouldn’t have to justify how “real” you are to anyone. A true friend doesn’t constantly question one’s character and integrity. And remember, the Friends theme wasn’t J.Lo’s “I’m Real.” Even Monica and Chandler were “fake” sometimes.

When everything is wrong, we move along

You have to know when and where your life is not working and eliminate the parts that bring you down. Eliminating life’s excess baggage is essential to life’s continued success. I eliminated all kinds of things–from friends and family to locations and (certain) liquors. Last year, I moved to Charlotte and had the best year of my life from August -April of this year, after eliminating small town woes. And this year, I moved to Philadelphia and had the time of my life after eliminating academic woes. The All-American Rejects said it best: “When everything is wrong, we move along.” And so we should. Life is lived once, live it happy.

The walk sign doesn’t mean walk, it means defend your ass

After getting hit by a Ford Expedition in the middle of the crosswalk WHILE the “walk” sign was lit, the rumors and myths about Philly/Jersey drivers seemed to be, well, fact. Streets in Philadelphia are certainly quite a contrast to sleepy Charlotte streets. Whereas Charlotte drivers actually stopped at red traffic lights and refrained from turning at “No turn on red” signs, Philadelphians make a habit of giving the finger to the sign. And, subsequently, giving me the adrenaline rus of a lifetime.

I-95 is so east coast

Check it: I have friends in Boston, New York, Baltimore, Washington, Stafford, Raliegh, and Miami. One road goes to all of ‘em.

Finally, I am somebody

‘Cause someone loves my life.