How it happened, I don't know, but my closest friends are a bit older than myself. Most coaster trips I go on are with Buzzer "cernelli," who drives -- fast and far. I guess I lucked out in that way.
As for grades, my parents are understanding. I never get below B's, and that doesn't bother them. They support my idea that spending all my time with my face buried in a book getting straight A's isn't as fulfilling (for me, anyway) as getting A's and B's while going out with friends, going to amusement parks, and having a social life.
For those of you out there who are flat broke (as I often am), I recently came upon a source for some quick money: eBay. Right now, I'm auctioning a big old load of WWF action figures and an equally big load of WWF magazines. I have no interest in wrestling anymore, so the time was right to put 'em up. As of this writing, the two auctions will be bringing in upwards of $250 total. Paramount's Kings Island and Holiday World, here I come!
Of course, by the end of the year, I'll be entering that wonderful world of employment... ;)
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Matt Lynch
Co-Webmaster, Kennywood Boulevard
http://kennywood.coasterbuzz.com