I do love Austin, and it will be hard to leave. It's been a good place for me for the past few years. Everyone here seems to be from somewhere else, which makes it a very easy environment to make inroads socially. People are fiercely protective of their city's character and natural areas, and I appreciate that engagement. These are the two things I am most concerned about if I move to Philly--it seems like it can be pretty provincial and lacking in civic pride. I apologize if I've gotten the wrong impression here. And the crime is kind of frightening too. I am also pretty comfortable here in Austin--I have a decent job that pays the bills and have made some good friends.

However, I'm a wanderer by nature and three years in one place is a long time for me to be somewhere. Before I moved to TX I was a lifelong Northeasterner, and I miss the seasons and the cities. The intense heat and lack of snow and foliage and street life is pretty damaging to my soul. I also want to experience big city life without a car for once-- walking, using public transportation and going about my life as a part of something huge, surrounded by other people rather than the frame of my car. It would be a great learning experience for me. I can see myself spending days exploring the neighborhoods, with all the old alleyways and amazing architecture. Plus, I love photography and Philly is a really inspiring city for that. And I will be a 3 hour drive away from my aging parents, if I need to be there for anything that might happen.

Now if I could only save up a little money, get off my lazy, comfortable ass and give my life the shake-up it needs. I'm shooting for next summer, but if a good job opportunity comes up before then, I'm taking it.