Sometimes, New Jersey

While gallivanting around facebook recently, I came across a "people you might know" page that listed tons of classmates from my high school days. I was pleasantly surprised to see that a good deal of people have started their careers, many of which are jobs in different locations all over the country. But on the flip side, there was a significant percentage of lazy people who don't seem to do anything with their lives; they just settle for two years of community college with no ambition to challenge themselves to a real career or to move elsewhere if necessary. Their loss?

I was thinking today about how local opinion on New Jersey is so divided. Some clearly love it and could never imagine living elsewhere. Others like to complain about New Jersey and their urge to leave it, but then don't actually do anything about it. I've also noticed that basically every person I've met who has moved away from New Jersey has admitted to missing it from time to time. Love it or hate it, it's always a part of you. My personal stance is that New Jersey is where I grew up and, hence, will always be close to my heart, but there's a whole world out there that's just begging to be explored. I have a feeling I'll always take any travel opportunities that come my way. I mean, why settle? Dare yourself to apply for jobs elsewhere. Expose yourself to new places and new ways of seeing things. Travel for travel's sake.

And that's exactly what I did. With the help of Chris and Michelle, I officially moved into my new apartment in the Mt. Vernon area of Baltimore on saturday. I couldn't be more excited about the place. A new home in a new city calls for a new haiku:

Baltimore City

I'll check out all of the bars

And maybe get shot?