July 26, 2015 – Crosslake, Minnesota

“I’m a model, currently living in L.A…”

…Says the most drop dead gorgeous girl I’ve talked to this summer. Far fetched, but I’d believe it. I tell her that I work here, and point to my mom and step-dad as I inform her that they are here for a visit. Her friends are talking to my parents as they wait for a drink, and I’m thinking, “Uh oh.”

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It’s been a good weekend so far. I’ve shown my parents around a bit, but mostly we’ve just spent time soaking up the sun on the dock. Well deserved. It’s nice to see them get away from the cities, even for just a couple days. Minneapolis can really take its toll on people.

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This girl is in her mid-twenties, here with a bachelorette party. Before she walks away from the bar to regroup with her friends, she tells me that she would definitely be interested if she lived in the area. Jesus, what is going on in this place?

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My mom is using an inflatable tube to float on the lake at the end of the dock. Too bad we can’t take one of the boats out. She always wanted a life of luxury, similar to my father. He had told me on more than one occasion about his dream home – a cabin in the middle of the woods somewhere. I’m not sure about my mother’s, but I imagine it would be something like this.

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I take a drink and tell my mom about what just happened. We’ve always had a pretty open line of communication about the opposite sex. We decide that I can come right back after I take them home. I approach Miss L.A. on the way out and put her number into my phone. I may be at the height of my confidence.

I drop my parents off and head to meet the group at the next bar. Upon walking in, I see her amidst a large crowd. Time for a drink. I order one and see some friends on the other side of the bar. I decide to talk to them instead of immediately approaching Miss L.A. During our conversation, however, I glance over and see her talking to her friends. Then it dawns on me. She is here for them. Wouldn’t I want my friends there for me on such an occasion? I decide to wrap up my conversation and sneak out of the bar unnoticed. Clearly this new lifestyle is forcing me to be more cautious and mindful in my decision making. Sigh… taking the high road sucks.

“My best life advice: Take the high road. No matter how much stress, or strain, or consternation you are facing, take the high road. You will never regret it.” – Tim Gunn