A friend that I work with is considering heading of to Chatanooga, Tenn, for school. I guess if you're eager to get out of New Jersey, it's as good a place as any. It'll be a bummer to see her go, but so it goes.
I remember 5 years ago, almost moving to Knoxville, Tn., after I graduated from school. It had everything I wanted: family close by, decent record stores, and some of the most beautiful scenery in the country. However, it was nearly impossible to find work, and my one contact at the newspaper there didn't pan out.
And then I came up to New Jersey, where I got my first job, at a dumb Web site that no one saw. Next was a stint at an internet advertising company. I should have really thought a little harder about that one. Ouch.
I'm not even going to mention Dow Jones.
And then, a few years at Borders. I've met many fun people, and slowly realized that it's a transitory place. I've also realized that once you say "goodbye," it's pretty likely that you say goodbye, as the chance of seeing them again is kinda slim. As Brian Wilson sang, "Won't last forever. That's kinda sad." But that's life, and if I do get a chance to see those folks again, it's that much more of a pleasant surprise.
However, all that being said, I wish I would have taken the opportunity to get to know Smokey-Mountain-bound girl better, as I think she rocks. Well, she's still around for a while.
Thinking about Knoxville, I think I would have loved it there. Who knows how different my life may have turned out. I could be married with kids, for all I know. I may be fitter. It may have been easier to make friends.
All I'm certain of is that I wouldn't have the memories I have now, which would be a real drag.