I'm currently on study abroad until next April, though I'm going to be back in the states for three weeks for winter break. I have family in Las Vegas, which explains (5), though I live out in the northeast. If I want to jump on a card, I think soon would be prudent so that if I'm approved, it will be waiting for me when I come back next weekend. I've been leaning towards applying for another AMEX, as the Blue Sky hasn't gotten much use despite a healthy credit limit since I got my CSP. Additionally, I can pay tuition charges using an American Express card. I'm looking for something that rewards for everyday, non-bonused spend. I interned in New York City last summer, and will be there again next May; looking back at my spending habits, there was only about ~$300 or so of grocery spend per month, as the majority was for eating out or miscellaneous non-bonused spend.
The past year of travel that I've done has mostly been with the Star Alliance, and so I'll have Silver status going into next year. Even with that, I'm not too concerned with maintaining that. In spite of the upcoming award devaluations from AA, I've been looking into trying to take advantage of those miles transferred over from my US Airways account earlier this year.
Not interested in MS at the moment. I've been looking at the SPG, even though I missed the 30k offer back in September. Let me know your thoughts.