This Is How We Do It- Michigan Style

It's summer time and I am back in Michigan. After my semester ended I decided that I was going to come back here and live the life of the average Michigander...
First things first, I had to arrive in style. I showed up in Ann Arbor via public transportation. Because I had no car, a train was the cheapest way to travel. Saving money is very important since I am unemployed. 14% unemployment rate, I guess that means it's the cool thing to do. I am classifying myself as one of those people who knew this was coming and took a buy out. I had a little money saved coming into this whole adventure, and because of that, I have been able to travel some. Once again taking advantage of public transportation, I took a nice day trip to Chicago as well as a weekend getaway down south.
Back in March after my dad had been without a job for 5 months he started his own business. VSP Foreclosure Cleanouts. Perfect. He goes into foreclosed houses and does the necessary repairs on them. He got his contractors license and took advantage of the situation we are all in. Well, I have been able to do a little work for him, and this means I get to see all of these houses. I can't begin to tell you how tempting it is to move back here after I graduate next year and buy a house for under 5k. I keep having to remind myself that I won't be able to find a job to pay for food.
After I hear stories about work from my friends I am occasionally relieved that I didn't look for a summer job. A friend of mine who waits tables at Olive Garden told me that a man handed her his money and said, "Sorry, economy is bad." He left her an 8% tip. If the economy is that bad, don't eat out!
Needless to say, I am not trying to provide for a family while unemployed, but I really do feel terrible for those that are. Spending most of my time out of state kinda makes me feel like I am wearing blinders. You don't really understand how bad it is until you're here.