Well Dave , based on my years of experience , I'd say its time to FIND a NEW BABE!!
Forget St Louis. Heck if she really loved you , she would go to school locally. You just tell her your fishing is far more important than her education. She don't need no education , she'll be barefoot and pregnant for the next ten years anyway. What good is an education going to do her? !!
Oh yeah , I almost forgot....put the extra guide on the rod! I'd also be real careful cutting that much off the tip of a 1208. For $40 more you could get the AllStar/Breakaway 1208 and just use it as is. If I were you , I'd spring for the extra $40 if at all possible.