So I have made the decision to move to Charlotte NC. I am excited and nervous all at the same time. I didn't have a lot of time to think about it...although probably about a month after I had been there I knew that it felt more like home that I have in a long time. I haven't figured out why, maybe it is because it is a great mesh of the things I liked about Florida and the things I like about Chicago. I know I will miss the people here, but for my life to continue its move forward I think this is the best decision. I will be able to finally live on my own, something I haven't been able to do in almost 7 years. I have come back from the brink of destruction, I have gone from living out of my car, to being in severe debt, to not being able to afford to live, to being semi-independent, and now I am ready to go to full independence. It has been a long road with lots of twists and turns. I can actually say though what I have been through has better prepared me for this, and it is with confidence I think I can make it, and it is with no regrets that I look back on these last 10 years, and know that it has made me the person I am today...even if I wouldn't have wished a lot of that time on anyone.

So with all that being said as much as I can do a move on my own, a girl can always use a little help for the little things, dishes, and I will open up comments for any tips on moving or ideas of what I will need.

In most previous recessions, college students were the least affected by turbulent job markets. This recession is different in that the stock market crash and credit freeze have made many private lenders reduce or eliminate financing for college loans. So, while a college student may not yet be in the job market, they typically need the degree to get them started on the career of their choice. With the credit climate as it is, it has become harder to locate sources of private lending funds.

In addition, many parents are losing their jobs as their investment portfolio funds are being slashed by the merciless stock market dives. Some own homes they find they cannot sell in a tight housing market, or because lenders are being pickier with whom they lend to, and the equity in their homes have dropped to eliminate the possibility of borrowing against it. All this adds up to parents who can't afford to pay the tuition offered by many colleges without some form of outside assistance.

The good news is that there is still financial aide available through the Federal government for students who can show a need for it. In addition, parents can use the PLUS loan program to sign for loan for the student, even when the student themselves don't qualify for private loans. And, many students are simply choosing to downsize their college choices and/or reducing their credit hours to be able to finance the college education through their own resources.

So I have had to disable my comments on my site, because some jerks were spamming my comments. I will turn them on again after a few days, when hopefully they get the idea. I am still enjoying my time here in Charlotte, and I am excited to be going back to Chicago for two weeks. I think while I am there I am going to take some time to see things that I have not taken the time to enjoy. I have not walked up and down Michigan ave, or gone to see some of the museums and great art and history that Chicago has. I also want to travel around IL and see things that I haven't done. I feel like I have been in a bubble the entire time that I have been there, just going to work and back. So we will see what happens when I get back...and what things I can plan to do, and the visits I make.

So today is a beautiful day in Charlotte NC. The weather outside is beautiful, and work today is a good day. I am learning a lot of things being here, and meeting some great people.

I am not able to easily upload pictures to my site but if you check me out at facebook you can see some great pictures of our trips to Myrtle Beach, and rocking out to Rock Band.