I have been plugging along in Charleston for months now. At first, I hated it. Then, I made some friends and found my rhythm, but at no point, have I ever really thrived here. I have been using these months to strengthen myself mentally, physically, and emotionally. There were times that I felt unbearably trapped. I felt as though I was just marking time. I have learned to embrace it, knowing that when the time was right, my term in Purgatory would end. Happily, I believe that the time is soon. This decision to move back home was based on getting a fresh start away from my ex. Unfortunately, for all of the culture and vibrancy of the city, there are some entrenched and systemic problems that are insidious in their influence. For example, the wages here for many are completely stagnant. There is great wealth here, but the average worker is in debt and works for far less than their counterparts in other areas. You would think that would be ok, based on the cost of living, excep
