Going Back to San Andreas

Well I started playing Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas again. I don't really know why. I think it was the trailer for the new GTA:IV that's floating around on the web and the fact that I never finished it.

I'm still doing in missions in the Las Vegas area (Las Venturas?). I still have a girlfriend I haven't paid any attention to. I still don't remember the point of the game.

I might have to read up on Wikipedia about it. The game is so long and goes through so many side characters that the point of the missions is lost in the flood. Am I supposed to just want more money and buy more houses and cars? I really feel like the game should bug you just a little more about what your point of existing is supposed to be.

Add this game to the fact that my 24: The Game save file got corrupted and I'm more than willing to jump back into a game that's two years old.

Anyone want to remind me of the point of the game? Whatever happened to Carl's drug infested home 'hood?